RE: This year's success...why?
Expounding a bit on what bostonbronco wrote, we have a sort of unique situation that's causing our success- a mix of seniors playing solid basketball, a few breakout players, and a good mix of game-ready freshman and developing role players.
We have a senior that's peaking and playing the best basketball of his career in Pokley. Hutcheson has been inconsistent throughout his career, but has been more good than bad as a senior and has seemed to really embrace the role of being the shut-down defender while picking his spots on offense. Dan Loney having any sort of a role on a successful team is a senior is something I never thought possible when I first saw him play. He's the very definition of an overachiever who gets every ounce out of his abilities by playing hard, smart, and within himself.
We've also had the good fortune of having a few players "break out." Pokley definitely falls into that category. I would put David Brown in the same boat. Obviously, Whittington is the biggest breakout on the team. I don't think anyone could have predicted he'd be this good. I admit I was a little skeptical that he could be a 30-minute a night player, simply because we hadn't seen him in that role before. I think most of us would say he's exceeded even the most optimistic of our expectations for him. Richie has thrived at times running the point- though he still has his frustrating moments.
Then, we have the impact freshman. Darius Paul has been phenomenal, and he's only going to get better. Jared Klein and Connar Tava have been a little inconsistent, but generally don't do things that hurt the team. Klein kept us in a big game against Ohio, and Tava has been a difference-maker with his physical play and passing ability.
Even the freshman who are sort of on the fringes of the rotation have been decent. Perry provides solid hustle and defense when he's in there- even if he hasn't shown a ton offensively yet. Avery makes some mistakes, but definitely has the ability to be a difference-maker in the future.
The biggest key is THEY ALL EMBRACE THEIR ROLE. Ego's play a bigger role in basketball than most sports. If a player wants more shots or a larger role and plays that way, that hurts the team on and off the court. If you're the fourth-best player on the court and demand the "go-to player" role, that has a huge impact on the team. I haven't seen that at all from this group. Nobody pouts when they don't get the ball, a la Stainbrook. You don't see many shots jacked up with a defenders draped all over the shooter when teammates are open. This team understands the system, plays within it, and takes the best shot without caring who takes it. I don't think that quality can be understated.
I don't remember a Bronco team with this type of blend before. With every good Bronco team that I have previously followed, you knew what you were getting. Saddi, Rashod and Kimbrough carried the team in 97-98. In 03-04, you knew Williams and Reed were going to do their thing while Kann banged away inside and at least one role player would step up. The 04-05 team was the Rost and Reed show. The 07-08 team was give it to Reitz and hope the guards shoot well enough to provide balance. With this team, it really can be anyone on any given night- whether it's one of the seniors making big plays with their experience, one of the breakout players having a big night, or a young player stepping in to make a difference. It's really fun to watch.
Like bostonbronco, I'm cautiously optimistic about the future. It's easy to dream about what could be with this group... but then I remember what happened with last year's senior-laden squad. Just trying to appreciate this group and hope for the best.
(This post was last modified: 01-28-2013 10:01 PM by dunkface.)
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