Just pondering this morning, as I was preparing breakfast...and even now.
For every key guy on the Sweet 16 team, there is a guy on this season's team that resembles him in one way or another...ok ok - I have to stretch a little, or a LOT to find the similarities, but maybe you will see the way I see it!!! And can add to the descriptions...
M. Sommerville = T. Pickett
Both are a bit chippy and have that intense look about them. You really don't want to get in the face of either one! Both have pretty good range from inside-out and you sometimes shake your head watching them get sloppy with the ball.
P. O'Bryant = N. Wells
For the simple fact that these studs loom high at 7 feet or above! Both with unusually nice touch from the FT line too for BIG men. Maybe Nate will go pro too before his eligibility runs out???
L. (Boogie) Wright = J. Prosser
I suppose you could say that each does the dirty work - a little quick on his shot near the basket - kind of the BU garbage men
Z. Andrews = W. Egolf
No doubt from a statistical POV, the comparison is scary! Both avg. about 5 rpg, both lead team in blocked shots, and had just 1 attempted 3-point shot before their senior seasons (Zach made his b.t.w.) Both with outstanding hops, and...wouldn't you know - both are very foul prone (though I'm sure Zach got his $$$ worth for his!) Would love to see Will master the back-foot flip that Zach wowed everyone with...AFTER his BU career preferrably!
J. Crouch = O. Grier
Both in the learning process (soph. season) toward a prosperous career, having an assigned seat on the bench with each Valley game, and eager to get on the court to display their long-range bombing accuracy and making shots off screens, with the ability to handle the ball.
D. Ruffin = K. Bell
Maybe the biggest stretch of my imagination, but they both look similar in physique, have same height, and show they are not intimidated by driving into the paint. Both deceptively quick, and pretty quiet leaders.
W. Franklin = W. Lemon Jr.
Arguably the toughest competitors and the guy you want to take the last shot because of their confidence and play-making abilities. Both with memorable game-winning 3-point shots. Not that vocal, but they are when they need to be and are passionate about the game and Bradley basketball.
T. Bennett = DSE
Again, the stats are very similar, as both avg. about 3.5 rpg, same fg %, and are prime pick-pocketers (lead team in steals). Both use the glass well from mid-range jumpers and are streaky shooters (from what I recall from Bennett)
JJ Tauai = J. Eastman
Not just because their name starts with "J", but for so many other intangibles!!! Definitely the "glue" guys for their team, and will absolutely do everything on both ends of the floor to get a "W".
D. Adams = M. Knecevic
Huh??? Not much playing time and both will likely have 6 FT attempts by season's end.
I haven't done extensive research to delve into further similarities, but here you have it.
We are undeniably a mirror image of that magical Sweet 16 team - even our head coaches had a "clean" look to them and were stars at the schools they played.
Now we just have to get to 13 home wins to match those guys! And let's get the job done in St. Louis so we don't have to rely on the selection committee to determine whether we get in or not, as I don't think they'll be as kind to us as in 2006!
For every key guy on the Sweet 16 team, there is a guy on this season's team that resembles him in one way or another...ok ok - I have to stretch a little, or a LOT to find the similarities, but maybe you will see the way I see it!!! And can add to the descriptions...
M. Sommerville = T. Pickett
Both are a bit chippy and have that intense look about them. You really don't want to get in the face of either one! Both have pretty good range from inside-out and you sometimes shake your head watching them get sloppy with the ball.
P. O'Bryant = N. Wells
For the simple fact that these studs loom high at 7 feet or above! Both with unusually nice touch from the FT line too for BIG men. Maybe Nate will go pro too before his eligibility runs out???
L. (Boogie) Wright = J. Prosser
I suppose you could say that each does the dirty work - a little quick on his shot near the basket - kind of the BU garbage men
Z. Andrews = W. Egolf
No doubt from a statistical POV, the comparison is scary! Both avg. about 5 rpg, both lead team in blocked shots, and had just 1 attempted 3-point shot before their senior seasons (Zach made his b.t.w.) Both with outstanding hops, and...wouldn't you know - both are very foul prone (though I'm sure Zach got his $$$ worth for his!) Would love to see Will master the back-foot flip that Zach wowed everyone with...AFTER his BU career preferrably!
J. Crouch = O. Grier
Both in the learning process (soph. season) toward a prosperous career, having an assigned seat on the bench with each Valley game, and eager to get on the court to display their long-range bombing accuracy and making shots off screens, with the ability to handle the ball.
D. Ruffin = K. Bell
Maybe the biggest stretch of my imagination, but they both look similar in physique, have same height, and show they are not intimidated by driving into the paint. Both deceptively quick, and pretty quiet leaders.
W. Franklin = W. Lemon Jr.
Arguably the toughest competitors and the guy you want to take the last shot because of their confidence and play-making abilities. Both with memorable game-winning 3-point shots. Not that vocal, but they are when they need to be and are passionate about the game and Bradley basketball.
T. Bennett = DSE
Again, the stats are very similar, as both avg. about 3.5 rpg, same fg %, and are prime pick-pocketers (lead team in steals). Both use the glass well from mid-range jumpers and are streaky shooters (from what I recall from Bennett)
JJ Tauai = J. Eastman
Not just because their name starts with "J", but for so many other intangibles!!! Definitely the "glue" guys for their team, and will absolutely do everything on both ends of the floor to get a "W".
D. Adams = M. Knecevic
Huh??? Not much playing time and both will likely have 6 FT attempts by season's end.
I haven't done extensive research to delve into further similarities, but here you have it.
We are undeniably a mirror image of that magical Sweet 16 team - even our head coaches had a "clean" look to them and were stars at the schools they played.
Now we just have to get to 13 home wins to match those guys! And let's get the job done in St. Louis so we don't have to rely on the selection committee to determine whether we get in or not, as I don't think they'll be as kind to us as in 2006!
Comment