Sports are more than just two teams or a group of individuals competing against one another. Sports are more than the score at the final buzzer. Sports are more than just a show to turn on in passing while flipping channels. Sports are a way of life, a way to define oneself, a way to learn valuable life lessons that can only be found on the hardwood and gridiron, and an escape from the monotony of everyday life.
Just about every kid dreamed of being a sports star at some point in their life. Whether it was draining a buzzer beating 3-pointer to win the championship or hitting a walk-off grand-slam in the bottom of the 9th, every child wanted to be a super star. The fact of the matter is that very few will ever get to experience that pure jubilation of nailing the game-winner and the rest must be content to watch it happen.
I was no exception. I grew up playing sports from the moment I could swing a bat or shoot a ball. I was 3 years old when my dad first handed me a rolled up newspaper to hit a wiffle ball. A year later I was on my first peewee tee-ball team alongside my cousin. Not long after that I picked up basketball, which was soon followed by soccer.
My parents are both Physical Education teachers, one of my grandfathers was also P.E. teacher. Like my grandfather, my dad was a coach and player throughout his life and their passion for all things sports was instilled in me from a young age and I have loved every minute of it. My dad introduced me to his two sports: basketball and baseball. My mother gave me her love for soccer. My dad coached my basketball and baseball teams through my 8th grade season, at which point I then transferred to a new school district where I played my last season for any organized team in basketball and baseball. Since then I've been content to play both sports in pick-up games where ever I can find the time. Just having graduated from the University of Washington, I spend most of my day job hunting and playing pick-up basketball for 3 or 4 hours a day down at the IMA. I played organized soccer in a rec league until I turned 19 as well as indoor soccer alongside my mom for well over a year straight. Every weekend my mom and I would head to the Bremerton Indoor Center where we would take play alongside several other parent/child combos.
Sports have given me so many tools that I have used in both the academic and "professional" setting. Skills like team management, time management, teamwork, communication, and persistence are the first few that jump to mind. There comes a killer instinct from playing sports, a drive to excel in all scenarios, that is hard to achieve without some sort of sporting background.
I was never an amazing athlete. Not a slouch, but I was hardly ever the star. It was never my true dream to pursue a career as a sports athlete. My cards lay in academia and that's what I have successfully achieved. I just graduated with a 3.4 GPA and a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Every year myself and my friends would sign up for a variety of intramural sports that included Flag Football, Co-Ed and Men's Basketball, Men's Softball, and Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee. Like myself, my friends have grown up with sports playing a big role in their lives. Just because I couldn't compete at the highest level didn't mean I had to halt my "career" as an athlete. I still strive to be the best I can be, to play the hardest I can every game, and to leave everything on the court.
Despite my relatively short endeavor in organized play, I still live vicariously through my Alma-mater's various sports teams, namely the Men's Basketball team. I don't regret this for a moment, even when we suffer a tough or humiliating loss. There are times I wonder if it would be easier not to care so much about a group of guys I don't even know. Sometimes I wonder if all the emotional strain, the countless hours, and words typed out before me is worth anything at all. That's when I remember how amazing it feels to cheer a team on through insurmountable odds to a crazy win. I don't think any sports fan can deny just how ridiculous a huge win can feel; it always makes my day/week/month/year/life that much better.
I can remember nearly every detail leading up to I.T.'s game winning, buzzer beater against Arizona in overtime for the Pac-10 championship. I can remember feeling on top of the world when we got up early. I can remember feeling depressed as we went down 4 with under 40 seconds to go. I also remember feeling pure ecstasy as I.T., Terrence Ross, and C.J. Wilcox all nailed consecutive 3-pointers to tie the game in regulation. The tension during the final seconds was indescribable. It was myself and about 10 other friends in my little "apartment style" dorm living room surrounding a 40 inch T.V., sitting/kneeling/pacing as Thomas dribbled up the court. As he sized up Jones, everyone went tense. One of my friends said "Nope..." as I.T. let loose his shot. It seemed as though the game went into slo-mo and as the ball fell through the net and the backboard lit up. Then...chaos erupted in my apartment. Everyone began to jump and yell, hugging everyone in sight, falling off their chairs, and collapsing to the floor. It was so loud we were heard in another building across the road from us and I'm sure the people above us could make out every word we said without a problem. I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything. I still get goosebumps to this day when I think of that moment.
Sports are a way of life. I can think of very few people who do not refer to their teams as "We" or "Us." Whenever a game is completed I always talk about how "we" won and what "we" did well or terrible. never "they." Following a sports team means being a part of the team and I firmly believe that not a single coach or player would fail to acknowledge that their fan base is an integral part of their team. Without the fans there are no paychecks.
Sports are who I am, who I was, and who I will be until the day I die.
Go Dawgs!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Perris Blackwell Transfers to UW
The former USF forward has opted to transfer to the University of Washington where he will have one year of eligibility remaining. Blackwell is currently a junior and will likely have to sit out the 2012-2013 season, unless he can complete the coursework necessary to graduate from USF. Doing so would allow Blackwell to apply to the UW as a graduate student and therefore grant him immediate eligibility to play during the 2012-2013 season.
Blackwell is a 6-9 240lb forward with sizable experience. Last season Blackwell averaged over 12 points and 6 rebounds per game and has started in over two-thirds of his college appearances. While it would be certainly helpful for Blackwell to be available for next season, Husky fans should not hold their breath and would be better off expecting Blackwell to contribute in the 2013-2014 season. Either way, Blackwell should help fill some of the void in the frontcourt that has so often troubled the Huskies.
Go Dawgs!
Blackwell is a 6-9 240lb forward with sizable experience. Last season Blackwell averaged over 12 points and 6 rebounds per game and has started in over two-thirds of his college appearances. While it would be certainly helpful for Blackwell to be available for next season, Husky fans should not hold their breath and would be better off expecting Blackwell to contribute in the 2013-2014 season. Either way, Blackwell should help fill some of the void in the frontcourt that has so often troubled the Huskies.
Go Dawgs!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Mark McLaughlin Signs With UW
Mark McLaughlin, a junior college transfer from Tacoma Community College, has official signed with the Huskies today after several tumultuous years signing with 8 teams in 5 years due to various issues, including academics.
McLaughlin spent 2 seasons at Seattle U after transferring from Baylor University, one season was the mandated "redshirt" season that requires a transfer student to sit out for one season.
McLaughlin is a 6-6 shooting guard weighing in at 200lb. McLaughlin averaged nearly 28 points and 9 rebounds on top of 3 assists across 31 games last season. McLaughlin can be a prolific outside shooter with a 38% outside shooting average. My favorite stat? 84% free throw shooting on nearly 250 attempts. That is an average of 8 attempts per game, something that only Tony Wroten managed this year. Another promising stat from McLaughlin is his 1.4 steals per game.
All around, McLaughlin could be another diamond in the rough discovered by Romar. If McLaughlin can stay on track and remain a mature and contributing player, the loss of Ross and Wroten could be offset by this acquisition.
The Huskies have two scholarships remaining for next season and the Dawgs remain on the prowl for at least one big man, hopefully two.
Go Dawg!
McLaughlin spent 2 seasons at Seattle U after transferring from Baylor University, one season was the mandated "redshirt" season that requires a transfer student to sit out for one season.
McLaughlin is a 6-6 shooting guard weighing in at 200lb. McLaughlin averaged nearly 28 points and 9 rebounds on top of 3 assists across 31 games last season. McLaughlin can be a prolific outside shooter with a 38% outside shooting average. My favorite stat? 84% free throw shooting on nearly 250 attempts. That is an average of 8 attempts per game, something that only Tony Wroten managed this year. Another promising stat from McLaughlin is his 1.4 steals per game.
All around, McLaughlin could be another diamond in the rough discovered by Romar. If McLaughlin can stay on track and remain a mature and contributing player, the loss of Ross and Wroten could be offset by this acquisition.
The Huskies have two scholarships remaining for next season and the Dawgs remain on the prowl for at least one big man, hopefully two.
Go Dawg!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tony Wroten Jr. Declares for NBA Draft
And there we have it. Tony Wroten has opted to leave Washington after a single season to put his name in the NBA Draft. Unlike Terrence Ross, I do not believe Wroten is ready for the NBA. While his size and pure athleticism allow him to compete at the top, he inability to use his right hand as well as a lack of a shot outside 4 feet are quite concerning. Even Wroten's shot inside the lane is suspect and a majority of his scoring comes from his ability to dink a lay-in only to get the offensive put-back. Another hole in Wroten's game is his defense. At times, Wroten can be the best defender on the court grabbing steals left and right. Other times, Wroten over commits and lets his man take the lane or fouls resulting in free throws. Wroten has improved his turnovers throughout the season, but the fact remains that Wroten often takes too big of a risk on passes, giving the ball to the opposition. NBA players may be more capable recipients of Wroten's more wild passes, but they aren't miracle workers.
Despite these flaws, Wroten is still predicted as a mid to late first round pick. Can't really blame him for wanting to start earning the big bucks, but I can't help but question his timing. Another year in college could place him in the top 10 of the draft by adding just one additional tool to his skill set.
I wish Wroten the best and hope this does not come back to bite him. It was fun (and frustrating) watching Wroten do his work on the court.
Go Dawgs!
Despite these flaws, Wroten is still predicted as a mid to late first round pick. Can't really blame him for wanting to start earning the big bucks, but I can't help but question his timing. Another year in college could place him in the top 10 of the draft by adding just one additional tool to his skill set.
I wish Wroten the best and hope this does not come back to bite him. It was fun (and frustrating) watching Wroten do his work on the court.
Go Dawgs!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Terrence Ross Declares for NBA Draft
This is not unexpected news, nor is the timing unexpected. Ross ended the season on a tear and proved himself to be a top 20 pick in the draft. Most sites have Ross anywhere between 18 and 20 on the board, making him a solid first round pick. Ross had a stellar career at UW, though he often left fans wanting more due to somewhat sub-par first halves followed by explosive second halves. Much like I.T.'s departure I am left saddened by the fact I won't get to see Ross in a Husky uniform again, but I wish him the best of luck in the league. If Ross has any type of rookie season like I.T., I think we can all be certain he made the right choice. Now we await to hear what Tony Wroten decides.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
University of Oregon Game Review 3
Final Score: UW-90 UO-86
Oregon made it a 4 point defeat with a last second tip-in following a series of made free throws by C.J. Wilcox. The Dawgs and Ducks battled back and forth all night with 10 points being the greatest differential achieved during the match.
The night started out rough for the Huskies who saw Oregon take another early lead. Slowly, but surely the Dawgs started connecting on their shots and played a little tougher defense, allowing the Huskies to go into half down only 4 points. The second half brought more energy and the crowd, who was already the loudest I have heard all season outside of the WSU and Cal games, got louder and more excited. The players fed off this and highlights plays started accruing. Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten were aggressive all night leading to a combined 46 points from the duo, while Wilcox came off the bench to provide 17 critical points including a stellar 6 of 6 performance from the free throw line, all of which came in the final 30 seconds of the game.
The two teams provided one of the most even match-ups of the season with neither team dominating any one particular category. The Dawgs out rebounded the Ducks 37-34 with a 14-12 advantage on the offensive glass. Both teams made 7 3-pointers, though it took the Ducks an additional 6 attempts to achieve the same results. The Ducks made 3 more field goals than the Dawgs, but the Huskies attempted 13 more free throws than the Ducks and made 10 more overall. Both teams dished out 17 assists and had their steals and blocks combine for 6 each. The Ducks had 7 turnovers and the Dawgs had 8. As I said, an even game.
What makes games like this so exciting and fun to be at is not only the rivalry, but the pace at which the game is played. Teams like Utah, USC, and ASU drive me nuts due to their slow down, mind numbingly boring type of basketball. The Ducks play at a high rate, they love the transition, and can really push this Husky squad to be their best.
This Husky squad played one of their best games of the season and no surprise, a large part of this had to do with the aggressiveness of our guards. Abdul Gaddy had one of his best nights as a Dawg, tallying a double-double with 11 points, 10 assists, and an impressive 7 rebounds. Gaddy helped the Dawgs execute their half-court offense with supreme efficiency. The team as a whole used the shot clock well, but Gaddy excelled in finding the open man after driving into the lane late in the clock. Gaddy also converted 4 shots at the line during 6 attempts. What changed in Gaddy's mind during the last 2 weeks is beyond me, but this aggressiveness and desire to not only play, but to win, has been missing most of the year and, in my mind, is a big reason this team is now winning games they would have struggled through early this season.
Aziz N'Diaye had a quiet night due to foul trouble. He attempted only 2 shots and made 1. N'Diaye was a solid 3 of 4 from the line and collected 7 rebounds during his limited 20 minutes. Tony Woods was next to impossible for N'Diaye to shut down, especially once the fouls started racking up. Thankfully, Austin Sefarian-Jenkins was able to play 15 minutes of relief during which ASJ picked up 4 hard fouls of his own. The man loves to foul and I'm OK with this. ASJ is a back-up player whose fate ultimately lies on the gridiron. Any foul he picks up is one less for N'Diaye. Desmond Simmons played only 5 minutes in the first half and that was all the game time he saw.
Darnell Gant was excellent on the offensive glass tonight picking up 7 total boards and 5 on the offensive side. Gant shot reasonably well hitting 3 of his 5 attempts and finishing with 6 points on the night. After picking up 15 points in the first half, E.J. Singler was held to just 4 points in the second and fouled out, due in large part to the handcuffs put on him by Gant and the Huskies.
C.J. Wilcox saved the game with his clutch free throw shooting, but he should also be recognized for his aggressiveness in the paint and his sharp shooting performance. Wilcox was only 4 of 10 from the field, but was 3 of 6 from deep. Wilcox's shooting allowed his teammates to get open looks by spreading the floor and threatening to shoot. Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten saw many great looks inside the paint due to Wilcox sitting on the perimeter, forcing the Duck defense to stay honest and defend the outside shot.
Terrence Ross had another career night finishing with 24 points on 9 of 18 shooting. Ross' outside shot was a tad below average with only 3 makes on 8 attempts, but his inside drive was as dangerous as ever. It seemed as though any set where the clock was running out, Ross or Wroten had the ball in their hand, looking to drive inside for the basket. Ross finished 3 of 3 from the foul line and also picked up 3 rebounds. With 4 other Huskies grabbing 7 boards, Ross did not need to be as aggressive on the glass. Thus far in the tournament, Ross had averaged just under 27 points per game, 11 points above his season average. This shows just how talented Ross can be when he plays hard during both halves. If Ross stays another season, he may very well be one of the nation's leading scorers.
Tony Wroten now hold the freshman scoring record for UW, surpassing Isaiah Thomas. Wroten now holds a 9 point advantage and will certainly add more as the NIT continues. After a 5 shot game against Northwestern, it was almost a certainty that Wroten would be aggressive once more. Sure enough, Wroten attacked the Ducks early and often leading to 22 points on 6 of 15 shooting. The best part of Wroten's night? 10 of 14 at the foul line, an impressive stat for a player who has struggled throughout the season. If Wroten can come back next season and be a 75% free throw shooter, he will battle Ross for the leading scorer title. Wroten's speed and agility causes supreme difficulty for his opponents and often leads to foul calls. Being able to convert his foul shots is just one more step in becoming a true superstar.
What Needed Improvement:
First Half Defense:
It is really hard for my to criticize much from the game. I thought the Dawgs performed pretty well throughout the night. My only complaint going into half time was about a few lapses in defensive rotation that led to wide open shots by the Ducks. Overall I felt the execution by the Dawgs went well through the nights. The Ducks were often forced to take contested shots and ultimately that is the best you can ask of a team. Good shooters will make shots over their defenders.
What was Good:
Offensive Execution:
The Dawgs were unusually patient in the half-court and found success. The team moved the ball well and Gaddy led the way by finding the open shooter time and time again. The Huskies limited their turnovers, they made smart plays, and took smart shots. There were very few times I found myself asking why a particular shot was attempted. This patience is something the team has lacked all most of the year and again, a big reason why the Dawgs are now winning games that would have been chalked up as losses earlier this year.
Attitude and Aggressiveness:
This team wanted to win. They wanted to play. The first game of the NIT was tough for both fans and players, but after the win I think everybody decided to let bygones be bygones and celebrate the fact that we get to see our team play a few more games, at home none the less. The players came out with smiles on their faces, they pumped their fists, and raised the roof. Just about everyone aggressively attacked the rim and found ways to make their mark on the game. The Huskies need to carry this momentum and attitude to New York.
Final Thoughts:
I know this may be looking a bit too far ahead, but I can't help but get excited for a potentially exhilarating match-up between UW and the University of Massachusetts in the NIT finals. For those who don't know, UW and UMass play one another in the NCAA championship during the movie "The Sixth Man." This movie is about the Husky basketball team winning a national title. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's awesome and a Husky fan must. The Dawgs have been playing the type of basketball fans have been expecting to see all season and now look to win a championship, though not of the caliber they initially set eyes upon. Regardless, this team now gets another week to play and practice together, a huge asset for a team so filled with youth and inexperience. I am excited to see how this team does in New York and am hopeful that they will bring home the banner.
Go Dawgs!
Oregon made it a 4 point defeat with a last second tip-in following a series of made free throws by C.J. Wilcox. The Dawgs and Ducks battled back and forth all night with 10 points being the greatest differential achieved during the match.
The night started out rough for the Huskies who saw Oregon take another early lead. Slowly, but surely the Dawgs started connecting on their shots and played a little tougher defense, allowing the Huskies to go into half down only 4 points. The second half brought more energy and the crowd, who was already the loudest I have heard all season outside of the WSU and Cal games, got louder and more excited. The players fed off this and highlights plays started accruing. Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten were aggressive all night leading to a combined 46 points from the duo, while Wilcox came off the bench to provide 17 critical points including a stellar 6 of 6 performance from the free throw line, all of which came in the final 30 seconds of the game.
The two teams provided one of the most even match-ups of the season with neither team dominating any one particular category. The Dawgs out rebounded the Ducks 37-34 with a 14-12 advantage on the offensive glass. Both teams made 7 3-pointers, though it took the Ducks an additional 6 attempts to achieve the same results. The Ducks made 3 more field goals than the Dawgs, but the Huskies attempted 13 more free throws than the Ducks and made 10 more overall. Both teams dished out 17 assists and had their steals and blocks combine for 6 each. The Ducks had 7 turnovers and the Dawgs had 8. As I said, an even game.
What makes games like this so exciting and fun to be at is not only the rivalry, but the pace at which the game is played. Teams like Utah, USC, and ASU drive me nuts due to their slow down, mind numbingly boring type of basketball. The Ducks play at a high rate, they love the transition, and can really push this Husky squad to be their best.
This Husky squad played one of their best games of the season and no surprise, a large part of this had to do with the aggressiveness of our guards. Abdul Gaddy had one of his best nights as a Dawg, tallying a double-double with 11 points, 10 assists, and an impressive 7 rebounds. Gaddy helped the Dawgs execute their half-court offense with supreme efficiency. The team as a whole used the shot clock well, but Gaddy excelled in finding the open man after driving into the lane late in the clock. Gaddy also converted 4 shots at the line during 6 attempts. What changed in Gaddy's mind during the last 2 weeks is beyond me, but this aggressiveness and desire to not only play, but to win, has been missing most of the year and, in my mind, is a big reason this team is now winning games they would have struggled through early this season.
Aziz N'Diaye had a quiet night due to foul trouble. He attempted only 2 shots and made 1. N'Diaye was a solid 3 of 4 from the line and collected 7 rebounds during his limited 20 minutes. Tony Woods was next to impossible for N'Diaye to shut down, especially once the fouls started racking up. Thankfully, Austin Sefarian-Jenkins was able to play 15 minutes of relief during which ASJ picked up 4 hard fouls of his own. The man loves to foul and I'm OK with this. ASJ is a back-up player whose fate ultimately lies on the gridiron. Any foul he picks up is one less for N'Diaye. Desmond Simmons played only 5 minutes in the first half and that was all the game time he saw.
Darnell Gant was excellent on the offensive glass tonight picking up 7 total boards and 5 on the offensive side. Gant shot reasonably well hitting 3 of his 5 attempts and finishing with 6 points on the night. After picking up 15 points in the first half, E.J. Singler was held to just 4 points in the second and fouled out, due in large part to the handcuffs put on him by Gant and the Huskies.
C.J. Wilcox saved the game with his clutch free throw shooting, but he should also be recognized for his aggressiveness in the paint and his sharp shooting performance. Wilcox was only 4 of 10 from the field, but was 3 of 6 from deep. Wilcox's shooting allowed his teammates to get open looks by spreading the floor and threatening to shoot. Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten saw many great looks inside the paint due to Wilcox sitting on the perimeter, forcing the Duck defense to stay honest and defend the outside shot.
Terrence Ross had another career night finishing with 24 points on 9 of 18 shooting. Ross' outside shot was a tad below average with only 3 makes on 8 attempts, but his inside drive was as dangerous as ever. It seemed as though any set where the clock was running out, Ross or Wroten had the ball in their hand, looking to drive inside for the basket. Ross finished 3 of 3 from the foul line and also picked up 3 rebounds. With 4 other Huskies grabbing 7 boards, Ross did not need to be as aggressive on the glass. Thus far in the tournament, Ross had averaged just under 27 points per game, 11 points above his season average. This shows just how talented Ross can be when he plays hard during both halves. If Ross stays another season, he may very well be one of the nation's leading scorers.
Tony Wroten now hold the freshman scoring record for UW, surpassing Isaiah Thomas. Wroten now holds a 9 point advantage and will certainly add more as the NIT continues. After a 5 shot game against Northwestern, it was almost a certainty that Wroten would be aggressive once more. Sure enough, Wroten attacked the Ducks early and often leading to 22 points on 6 of 15 shooting. The best part of Wroten's night? 10 of 14 at the foul line, an impressive stat for a player who has struggled throughout the season. If Wroten can come back next season and be a 75% free throw shooter, he will battle Ross for the leading scorer title. Wroten's speed and agility causes supreme difficulty for his opponents and often leads to foul calls. Being able to convert his foul shots is just one more step in becoming a true superstar.
What Needed Improvement:
First Half Defense:
It is really hard for my to criticize much from the game. I thought the Dawgs performed pretty well throughout the night. My only complaint going into half time was about a few lapses in defensive rotation that led to wide open shots by the Ducks. Overall I felt the execution by the Dawgs went well through the nights. The Ducks were often forced to take contested shots and ultimately that is the best you can ask of a team. Good shooters will make shots over their defenders.
What was Good:
Offensive Execution:
The Dawgs were unusually patient in the half-court and found success. The team moved the ball well and Gaddy led the way by finding the open shooter time and time again. The Huskies limited their turnovers, they made smart plays, and took smart shots. There were very few times I found myself asking why a particular shot was attempted. This patience is something the team has lacked all most of the year and again, a big reason why the Dawgs are now winning games that would have been chalked up as losses earlier this year.
Attitude and Aggressiveness:
This team wanted to win. They wanted to play. The first game of the NIT was tough for both fans and players, but after the win I think everybody decided to let bygones be bygones and celebrate the fact that we get to see our team play a few more games, at home none the less. The players came out with smiles on their faces, they pumped their fists, and raised the roof. Just about everyone aggressively attacked the rim and found ways to make their mark on the game. The Huskies need to carry this momentum and attitude to New York.
Final Thoughts:
I know this may be looking a bit too far ahead, but I can't help but get excited for a potentially exhilarating match-up between UW and the University of Massachusetts in the NIT finals. For those who don't know, UW and UMass play one another in the NCAA championship during the movie "The Sixth Man." This movie is about the Husky basketball team winning a national title. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's awesome and a Husky fan must. The Dawgs have been playing the type of basketball fans have been expecting to see all season and now look to win a championship, though not of the caliber they initially set eyes upon. Regardless, this team now gets another week to play and practice together, a huge asset for a team so filled with youth and inexperience. I am excited to see how this team does in New York and am hopeful that they will bring home the banner.
Go Dawgs!
Monday, March 19, 2012
University of Oregon Game Preview 3
The Huskies get one more shot at Oregon this season in an attempt to avenge the humiliating defeat suffered in Eugene earlier this year. Oregon is coming off the highest scoring D1 game this season, beating Iowa 108-97 in a defense optional game. The Ducks have been playing some of their best basketball as of late and look to be an extremely dangerous opponent for the Dawgs as they can compete both in the half court and in transition.
Thankfully for the Huskies, Terrence Ross and C.J. Wilcox seems to be getting into shooting rhythm at last and may certainly be the deciding factor in tomorrow's match-up. Tony Wroten will be called upon to attack the middle and open up the perimeter for Ross and Wilcox.
In their game against Iowa, Oregon had 5 players with 15 points or more, 3 with 19 or more. E.J. Singler was an incredible 9 of 10 form the field, missing only a single deep shot. Singler was also a perfect 4 of 4 from the foul stripe. Singler finished with a team high 25 points and 6 rebounds as well as 4 assists and only 1 turnover in 35 minutes.
Devoe Joseph created offense across the board dishing out a game high 8 assists on top of his 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting. While Singler may be the most explosive threat on the Duck's roster, Joseph has been the most consistent averaging team highs in both points (16.9) and assists (3.2) this year. Joseph's seniority has given him the experience necessary to compete and succeed in all sorts of situations this year and to me is the X-factor tomorrow night.
As a team, the Ducks shot out of their minds on Sunday, hitting 59% of their shots from the field (43% outside the arc) as well as making a tremendous 88% from the free throw line. The Ducks accomplished this by moving the ball with skill and precision, connecting with 26 assists on 35 made field goals. The only category in which the Ducks "struggled" was offensive rebounding where they managed only 8 rebounds out of 32 total.
Olu Ashaolu has really stepped it up for the Ducks during the past few weeks. Despite his season scoring averaging sitting at 9 points per game, Ashaolu has show without a doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Against Iowa, Ashaolu put up 22 points on 7 of 10 shooting and made 8 of his 11 free throw attempts. Ashaolu is not necessarily a big guy at 6-7 220lb, but he is exceedingly strong and has great footwork that allows Ashaolu to push his man back or maneuver around the defender.
Where the Ducks find their greatest success is their depth of frontcourt. The Ducks feature 7 forwards and centers, all of whom are strong and capable players in their own rights. This is difficult for the Dawgs where the frontcourt is clearly our weakest section due to our lack of depth. Our bigs will have their work cut out once more trying to avoid foul trouble, while also contributing on both ends of the court. The one plus is that the Ducks' best players are on their wings, much like our own team, our advantage comes in taller, stronger, and more skilled guards.
Overall, these two teams balance out quite well. The battle tomorrow will come down to who can execute better over the entire 40 minutes and exploit their opponent's weaknesses, while capitalizing on their own strengths.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups:
Oregon:
Garrett Sim 6-2 185lb
Devoe Joseph 6-4 180lb
E.J. Singler 6-6 215lb
Jeremy Jacobs 6-8 230lb
Tony Woods 6-11 250lb
Washington:
Abdul Gaddy 6-3 185lb
Tony Wroten 6-5 205lb
Terrence Ross 6-6 195lb
Darnell Gant 6-8 230lb
Aziz N'Diaye 7-0 260lb
Keys to the Game:
Rebounding:
Cleaning the glass is always a big step in shutting down the opposition's offense. Rebounds prevent second chance opportunities and open 3's, while also limiting transition plays and fast breaks that lead to open, easy points. The Dawgs find themselves matched up against a similarly sized team in the Ducks, but overall the Dawgs have shown themselves to be much more capable on the glass than the majority of teams across the nation.
Free Throws:
Put simply, the Ducks tend to make their freebies and the Dawgs do not. Against Northwestern, the Dawgs finally showed some competency. The Ducks, on the other hand, have shown consistency throughout the season, which is a much more dangerous formula for success. The Huskies must capitalize on whatever few opportunities they may get.
Defense:
The Huskies couldn't lock down the Ducks in the last match-up, leading to a complete blow out. The Dawgs have been playing much better defense this week in the NIT and this is promising for tomorrow evening. The Huskies must play tight defense from the baseline to the half-court line as the Ducks have an array of capable 3-point shooters. Our guys need to lock it down from tip off to the final buzzer if they want to get through to the next round.
Final Thoughts:
This will be a huge match-up. A tough match-up. One that our guys will need to be prepared for. While waiting for the last game, I saw several players show up just a few hours before the game. The majority of the players arriving late were freshmen and bench players, but it was somewhat concerning that our team wasn't preparing the way I expected them to. Tomorrow I expect the players to be at the game before myself taking shots, getting warmed up, watching tape, etc. If the Dawgs truly want to scrape something out of this season, they will need to get past Oregon on their way to Madison Square Garden. Unlike the two games thus far, I suspect this will be a close one throughout with both sides throwing punches and going on little runs here and there. I see a potential buzzer beater type scenario heading our way and hopefully the Dawgs are on the right side of it.
Final Score Prediction: UW-80 UO-77
Thankfully for the Huskies, Terrence Ross and C.J. Wilcox seems to be getting into shooting rhythm at last and may certainly be the deciding factor in tomorrow's match-up. Tony Wroten will be called upon to attack the middle and open up the perimeter for Ross and Wilcox.
In their game against Iowa, Oregon had 5 players with 15 points or more, 3 with 19 or more. E.J. Singler was an incredible 9 of 10 form the field, missing only a single deep shot. Singler was also a perfect 4 of 4 from the foul stripe. Singler finished with a team high 25 points and 6 rebounds as well as 4 assists and only 1 turnover in 35 minutes.
Devoe Joseph created offense across the board dishing out a game high 8 assists on top of his 15 points on 5 of 10 shooting. While Singler may be the most explosive threat on the Duck's roster, Joseph has been the most consistent averaging team highs in both points (16.9) and assists (3.2) this year. Joseph's seniority has given him the experience necessary to compete and succeed in all sorts of situations this year and to me is the X-factor tomorrow night.
As a team, the Ducks shot out of their minds on Sunday, hitting 59% of their shots from the field (43% outside the arc) as well as making a tremendous 88% from the free throw line. The Ducks accomplished this by moving the ball with skill and precision, connecting with 26 assists on 35 made field goals. The only category in which the Ducks "struggled" was offensive rebounding where they managed only 8 rebounds out of 32 total.
Olu Ashaolu has really stepped it up for the Ducks during the past few weeks. Despite his season scoring averaging sitting at 9 points per game, Ashaolu has show without a doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Against Iowa, Ashaolu put up 22 points on 7 of 10 shooting and made 8 of his 11 free throw attempts. Ashaolu is not necessarily a big guy at 6-7 220lb, but he is exceedingly strong and has great footwork that allows Ashaolu to push his man back or maneuver around the defender.
Where the Ducks find their greatest success is their depth of frontcourt. The Ducks feature 7 forwards and centers, all of whom are strong and capable players in their own rights. This is difficult for the Dawgs where the frontcourt is clearly our weakest section due to our lack of depth. Our bigs will have their work cut out once more trying to avoid foul trouble, while also contributing on both ends of the court. The one plus is that the Ducks' best players are on their wings, much like our own team, our advantage comes in taller, stronger, and more skilled guards.
Overall, these two teams balance out quite well. The battle tomorrow will come down to who can execute better over the entire 40 minutes and exploit their opponent's weaknesses, while capitalizing on their own strengths.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups:
Oregon:
Garrett Sim 6-2 185lb
Devoe Joseph 6-4 180lb
E.J. Singler 6-6 215lb
Jeremy Jacobs 6-8 230lb
Tony Woods 6-11 250lb
Washington:
Abdul Gaddy 6-3 185lb
Tony Wroten 6-5 205lb
Terrence Ross 6-6 195lb
Darnell Gant 6-8 230lb
Aziz N'Diaye 7-0 260lb
Keys to the Game:
Rebounding:
Cleaning the glass is always a big step in shutting down the opposition's offense. Rebounds prevent second chance opportunities and open 3's, while also limiting transition plays and fast breaks that lead to open, easy points. The Dawgs find themselves matched up against a similarly sized team in the Ducks, but overall the Dawgs have shown themselves to be much more capable on the glass than the majority of teams across the nation.
Free Throws:
Put simply, the Ducks tend to make their freebies and the Dawgs do not. Against Northwestern, the Dawgs finally showed some competency. The Ducks, on the other hand, have shown consistency throughout the season, which is a much more dangerous formula for success. The Huskies must capitalize on whatever few opportunities they may get.
Defense:
The Huskies couldn't lock down the Ducks in the last match-up, leading to a complete blow out. The Dawgs have been playing much better defense this week in the NIT and this is promising for tomorrow evening. The Huskies must play tight defense from the baseline to the half-court line as the Ducks have an array of capable 3-point shooters. Our guys need to lock it down from tip off to the final buzzer if they want to get through to the next round.
Final Thoughts:
This will be a huge match-up. A tough match-up. One that our guys will need to be prepared for. While waiting for the last game, I saw several players show up just a few hours before the game. The majority of the players arriving late were freshmen and bench players, but it was somewhat concerning that our team wasn't preparing the way I expected them to. Tomorrow I expect the players to be at the game before myself taking shots, getting warmed up, watching tape, etc. If the Dawgs truly want to scrape something out of this season, they will need to get past Oregon on their way to Madison Square Garden. Unlike the two games thus far, I suspect this will be a close one throughout with both sides throwing punches and going on little runs here and there. I see a potential buzzer beater type scenario heading our way and hopefully the Dawgs are on the right side of it.
Final Score Prediction: UW-80 UO-77
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