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I used to love JJ Tauai. He contributed more, with less statistical evidence to show for it, than any BU player I can remember. He dove, hustled, out-rebounded bigs, ran a decent point when he had to, and just sort of willed the team to win. I saw many games that could have went either way shift to our favor because of a tough momentum changing Tauai play, such as an unlikely off. board. He was a big part of the sweet 16 run.
Here are some reminder quotes from his Junior year...
??? Although he averaged only 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in those 19 starts, Tauai??™s 2.0 assists-to-turnover ratio and lockdown defense were keys for the Braves.
??? Shot 59.4 percent (19-32) from the field in the last 20 games.
??? Followed up an eight-point, three-steal performance in the first round versus Kansas with one of the more effective scoreless 20 minutes a player can contribute in the second-round upset of Pittsburgh (three assists, one turnover and continued strong defense).
??? Despite another scoreless effort, Tauai was tabbed Bradley??™s ???Player of the Game??? by the television broadcast team of Mitch Holthus and Charlie Spoonhour in the Feb. 14 win versus Southern Illinois, thanks to his career-best eight assists and five steals.
Anyhow, whatever he had I think Jake has "it". I think it is mostly a mental toughness and a head for the game. He might not match Tauai physically, but he's got the mental part. I think players like him are sort of the invisible (statistically) glue that can hold a strong team together.
As the season goes on I think it will become more obvious, we are a much better team with him on the floor.
Ryan
Here are some reminder quotes from his Junior year...
??? Although he averaged only 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in those 19 starts, Tauai??™s 2.0 assists-to-turnover ratio and lockdown defense were keys for the Braves.
??? Shot 59.4 percent (19-32) from the field in the last 20 games.
??? Followed up an eight-point, three-steal performance in the first round versus Kansas with one of the more effective scoreless 20 minutes a player can contribute in the second-round upset of Pittsburgh (three assists, one turnover and continued strong defense).
??? Despite another scoreless effort, Tauai was tabbed Bradley??™s ???Player of the Game??? by the television broadcast team of Mitch Holthus and Charlie Spoonhour in the Feb. 14 win versus Southern Illinois, thanks to his career-best eight assists and five steals.
Anyhow, whatever he had I think Jake has "it". I think it is mostly a mental toughness and a head for the game. He might not match Tauai physically, but he's got the mental part. I think players like him are sort of the invisible (statistically) glue that can hold a strong team together.
As the season goes on I think it will become more obvious, we are a much better team with him on the floor.
Ryan
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