Salut
I really wanted to write this post a week from today, following a tourney win and the NCAA hoops title coming to Montlake, but alas poor Brutus, the failure is not in the stars, but in ourselves…or something like that…anyway here’s the post that I’ve been prepping for ever since the Gonzaga win in December…consider this the proper eulogy to an overachieving season, w/ help from Billboard’s 100 hits of 1984…why?...why not…
The I'M SO EXCITED-Pointer Sisters/LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY-Denise Williams, two soundtrack favorites for the award going to 5’11”Freshman Point Guard Justin Dentmon…numbers: 8.3p/ 3.8a/ 3.5r/1.6st/81%ft while playing an average of 27min a night and key stat of 1.41 a-t ratio…the amazing thing is, all those numbers will be the lowest in his Husky career. Like the 4th Pointer Sister, I’m revved up for the next couple of seasons to see what the kid from Illinois can do once he gets past the freshman tendency to make quick shots and force the ball…he played at a high level for a good team all year long at arguably the toughest position on the court, this position only gets better, plus the ability to hit big free throws late in games next year will be key. My only fear is that the Aaron Brooks syndrom will effect Dentmon's game, and the assists will go down as will the FG%, but the shots attempted will go through the roof.
The CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE-Quiet Riot award for the guy your just glad is on your team and you want on the court for a full 40 minutes a night, Vern Lundquist’s favorite from Snohomish, WA: 6’7” PF Jon Brockman numbers: 8.4p/.7a/6.5r/1.1stl/24.1min/51%fg…really, what’s not to love about the game? He’s got the chip…he’s got the heart…he’s a North End guy…started picking it up in tourney time, by hitting that 10-15 footer that will be crucial for him next year to draw anybody out. His relentless pursuit of offensive put-backs is a key for any team, and I don’t think it’s far-fetched to image a double-double average from him next year. However, he needs to learn how to stay in games and make his fouls count; too many times this year was he a non-factor late, including UConn because of wasting fouls in the first half. Also needs to continue to work on his jumper to become an honest College threat from anywhere inside the three line and get 66% from the line up to 75% range to be able to effect the game late…this position only gets better. Maybe don the Rip Hamilton face-mask all season?
The CRUEL SUMMER, Bananara award to 6’4” 205 G Harvey Perry, who never got out of boot camp with the Dawgs, but apparently rehabbed well and could've played, but Romar saved a year for him. Could be big factor for the Dawgs in his last three years.
The BORDERLINE, Madonna/SELF CONTROL, Laura Branigan award goes to 6’4” G Joel Smith…who was one of the few disappointments this year dropping his bench contribution by a almost a point to 3.7/2.1r/1.2a/1.1a/13min, but the hardest stat to swallow is that he dropped 11% in 3pt shooting, something you need coming in from the bench. Also, he took 14 fewer 3pt this year, hopefully not a trend that will continue. I’d also like to see some more steals and D pressure from Smith, a lot of the time this year, a streaky 2 matched up against him went off (Chamberlin Aguchi?). This is the wild card of the team, could come in and average 25min a night and 10-15pts or could average 10min and 2pts…interesting to see his development and whether or not he cracks the starting five next year, plus, please bring back the Afro.
The SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME-Rockwell award goes to the 6’4” 190 G walk-on from Mercer Island Brandon Burmeister, who will be called on next year to back-up Dentmon and control the ball more than his 7.7min a night this year, as a Senior he’s going to have to manage the game and not push the Dawgs into bad plays. I enjoyed his game this year and think with work in the off-season could be a quality 10-15min a night guy off the bench next year, also needs to improve his perimeter shooting and defending.
The HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN-The Eurythmics award goes to 6’2” 170 G from Stanwood, the Pistol Pete of BOA Ryan Appleby…I’m not going to lie, if for the next two years he can play 20minutes a game, shoot 45-50% from halfcourt, not make stupid passes and play just a hair above a sieve defense…than I’m happy…and the honest reality is that’s what’s going to happen…don’t see a lot in his game that's different than Bankhead with Gonzaga a couple years back. I like the quick release…like the range…you need guys like this on your bench. Plus, slowly turning into the cult favorite follow Potter's graduation.
ROUND AND ROUND-Ratt, to 6’8” C Artem Wallace…really have nothing on this guy other than I wanted to get a Ratt song in here…remember this video? w/ Milton Berle? Also, like the Russian connection here, a little E. Bloc never hurt anyone, espcially if you're a 6'8" C.
SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT, Corey Hart to 6’9” F Hans Gasser…see above for for song relavency, but substitute Corey Hart and this guy is from the ‘Quah too…represents Indians (Lodge will not recognize the Eagles)
The LUCKY STAR, Madonna / AGAINST ALL ODDS (Take a Look at Me Now), Phil Collins award goes to none other than…6’6” F Zane Potter…Walk-on, former UW Crew member, competed at the Junior Olympic’s at 13 in Downhill Skiing, from Boring, OR, had some of the best seats at BOA and NCAA tourney for four years, also tons of free Husky Gear and oh yeah a college degree...not a bad four years of college…going to miss the Pott on the bench looking lost and out of place…you can’t get those types of players back...just ask the Mamba about MadDog...
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN, Cyndi Lauper/99 LUFTBALLONS, Nena…Train’s K-town representation…6’8” F Mike Jensen...words really escape me…I don’t know who my patsy is going to be next year for the player most likely to be a) out of position and make a stupid foul late b) make an errand pass that goes five feet over the head of the intended player, c) be 6’8” 250lbs and score all their points from 20ft and more importantly, we’ve lost 2.0’s clone, and this my Lodge friends is something that will definitely never be replicated…like the California Condor…here’s to the Vanilla Gorilla, the greatest Roommate in UW athletic history…and hoping I get to see 2.0 go up against him at Greenlake someday…and the witness the Earth finally stop on its axis...
The AUTOMATIC, The Pointer Sisters/ IF THIS IS IT, Huey Lewis and the News award…(wow two Pointer Sister songs, big year in '84)…goes to 6’6” 235 F Jamaal Williams, the 2nd most consistent scorer on the squad all year and a position that will leave a big void for Hawes/Brockman next year…one of the best touches around the basket, from a guy who knew how to move w/o putting the ball on the ground, did take plays off on D, and was generally porous the rest of the time, but his O more than made up for it, always seemed to be the guy that was able to break the other teams momentum at the right time, and had a knack for scoring big buckets late…not sure what his next move it going to be, but the guy is a proven scorer inside the paint…maybe Israeli leagues w/ Khalid El-Ameen?
JUMP-Van Halen/ BREAKIN'...THERE'S NO STOPPIN' US, Ollie and Jerry award goes to Jimbo’s favorite Dawg for the last two/three years…6’7” F from Dominguez High in Compton, CA…ladies and gentlemen Mr. Bobby Jones…the most complete player outside of Roy on the team…best defender on the team, able to hit from 20 or low-post…quick, w/ and w/o the ball…and by far most athletic on the team…great transition D and O…the ‘Pip to Roy’s MJ (even though, they were both a little ‘Pip)…also author of some of the best throw downs at BOA for the last several years (forget the 5'9" freak)...huge loss for Jimbo and the Dawgs, but someday we'll get somebody in his mold…here’s to Jones stock hopefully rising enough to get an invite to some camps…could possibly have an impact on the bench for some team in the “The League
Finally, the BREAK MY STRIDE, Matthew Wilder/THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL, Huey Lewis and the News & THE WARRIOR, Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth…(yeah he gets three songs)…award for the Pac 10 POY, 1st Team All-American 6’6” G from Garfield HS…Brandon Roy…final stat line this year 31.7min/20.2pts/5.6r/4.1a/1.8a-t/1.4stl/.8blk/.508fg%/.810ft%/.402 3pt%/…amazing, I’m going to miss watching the guy run the team and command the offense and make the key defensive stop. Not sure what my favorite moment of the year was, but probably the first weekend of Pac 10 play vs. UA (Sucks to UA C-town) , where he put the team on his back and never let them off the rest of the season. Even thought they lost the game and his agressiveness on the defensive end hurt him, he earned all his awards right then.
This is the great side of collegiate athletics, to watch a player develop with a high basketball IQ(that's for you 2.0 and Jay Bilas), personality and attitude into one of the five best in the nation. His stock is high, what he does on the next level is unknown, could be the best player out of the draft, who knows. Has the intangibles to go along with the skill, Supes at #7?...#3 is going to be missed and not sure where the team makes up for those numbers…that’s the beauty of the game however…the hits just keep coming or they don't.
So that’s it, I’m leaving the coaches out, although I would drop a MAJOR TOM (Coming Home)-Peter Schilling and a SISTER CHRISTIAN, Night Ranger for Romar and Dollar, good job of coaching and motivation after the mid-season slump, let’s see how this team reacts next year as a young, dumb and full of __ squad. Could be the down year, before another tourney run. Thanks for reading, and we’ll be back next week as we countdown the Hits!!!
The I'M SO EXCITED-Pointer Sisters/LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY-Denise Williams, two soundtrack favorites for the award going to 5’11”Freshman Point Guard Justin Dentmon…numbers: 8.3p/ 3.8a/ 3.5r/1.6st/81%ft while playing an average of 27min a night and key stat of 1.41 a-t ratio…the amazing thing is, all those numbers will be the lowest in his Husky career. Like the 4th Pointer Sister, I’m revved up for the next couple of seasons to see what the kid from Illinois can do once he gets past the freshman tendency to make quick shots and force the ball…he played at a high level for a good team all year long at arguably the toughest position on the court, this position only gets better, plus the ability to hit big free throws late in games next year will be key. My only fear is that the Aaron Brooks syndrom will effect Dentmon's game, and the assists will go down as will the FG%, but the shots attempted will go through the roof.
The CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE-Quiet Riot award for the guy your just glad is on your team and you want on the court for a full 40 minutes a night, Vern Lundquist’s favorite from Snohomish, WA: 6’7” PF Jon Brockman numbers: 8.4p/.7a/6.5r/1.1stl/24.1min/51%fg…really, what’s not to love about the game? He’s got the chip…he’s got the heart…he’s a North End guy…started picking it up in tourney time, by hitting that 10-15 footer that will be crucial for him next year to draw anybody out. His relentless pursuit of offensive put-backs is a key for any team, and I don’t think it’s far-fetched to image a double-double average from him next year. However, he needs to learn how to stay in games and make his fouls count; too many times this year was he a non-factor late, including UConn because of wasting fouls in the first half. Also needs to continue to work on his jumper to become an honest College threat from anywhere inside the three line and get 66% from the line up to 75% range to be able to effect the game late…this position only gets better. Maybe don the Rip Hamilton face-mask all season?The CRUEL SUMMER, Bananara award to 6’4” 205 G Harvey Perry, who never got out of boot camp with the Dawgs, but apparently rehabbed well and could've played, but Romar saved a year for him. Could be big factor for the Dawgs in his last three years.
The BORDERLINE, Madonna/SELF CONTROL, Laura Branigan award goes to 6’4” G Joel Smith…who was one of the few disappointments this year dropping his bench contribution by a almost a point to 3.7/2.1r/1.2a/1.1a/13min, but the hardest stat to swallow is that he dropped 11% in 3pt shooting, something you need coming in from the bench. Also, he took 14 fewer 3pt this year, hopefully not a trend that will continue. I’d also like to see some more steals and D pressure from Smith, a lot of the time this year, a streaky 2 matched up against him went off (Chamberlin Aguchi?). This is the wild card of the team, could come in and average 25min a night and 10-15pts or could average 10min and 2pts…interesting to see his development and whether or not he cracks the starting five next year, plus, please bring back the Afro.
The SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME-Rockwell award goes to the 6’4” 190 G walk-on from Mercer Island Brandon Burmeister, who will be called on next year to back-up Dentmon and control the ball more than his 7.7min a night this year, as a Senior he’s going to have to manage the game and not push the Dawgs into bad plays. I enjoyed his game this year and think with work in the off-season could be a quality 10-15min a night guy off the bench next year, also needs to improve his perimeter shooting and defending.
The HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN-The Eurythmics award goes to 6’2” 170 G from Stanwood, the Pistol Pete of BOA Ryan Appleby…I’m not going to lie, if for the next two years he can play 20minutes a game, shoot 45-50% from halfcourt, not make stupid passes and play just a hair above a sieve defense…than I’m happy…and the honest reality is that’s what’s going to happen…don’t see a lot in his game that's different than Bankhead with Gonzaga a couple years back. I like the quick release…like the range…you need guys like this on your bench. Plus, slowly turning into the cult favorite follow Potter's graduation.ROUND AND ROUND-Ratt, to 6’8” C Artem Wallace…really have nothing on this guy other than I wanted to get a Ratt song in here…remember this video? w/ Milton Berle? Also, like the Russian connection here, a little E. Bloc never hurt anyone, espcially if you're a 6'8" C.
SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT, Corey Hart to 6’9” F Hans Gasser…see above for for song relavency, but substitute Corey Hart and this guy is from the ‘Quah too…represents Indians (Lodge will not recognize the Eagles)
The LUCKY STAR, Madonna / AGAINST ALL ODDS (Take a Look at Me Now), Phil Collins award goes to none other than…6’6” F Zane Potter…Walk-on, former UW Crew member, competed at the Junior Olympic’s at 13 in Downhill Skiing, from Boring, OR, had some of the best seats at BOA and NCAA tourney for four years, also tons of free Husky Gear and oh yeah a college degree...not a bad four years of college…going to miss the Pott on the bench looking lost and out of place…you can’t get those types of players back...just ask the Mamba about MadDog...
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN, Cyndi Lauper/99 LUFTBALLONS, Nena…Train’s K-town representation…6’8” F Mike Jensen...words really escape me…I don’t know who my patsy is going to be next year for the player most likely to be a) out of position and make a stupid foul late b) make an errand pass that goes five feet over the head of the intended player, c) be 6’8” 250lbs and score all their points from 20ft and more importantly, we’ve lost 2.0’s clone, and this my Lodge friends is something that will definitely never be replicated…like the California Condor…here’s to the Vanilla Gorilla, the greatest Roommate in UW athletic history…and hoping I get to see 2.0 go up against him at Greenlake someday…and the witness the Earth finally stop on its axis...
The AUTOMATIC, The Pointer Sisters/ IF THIS IS IT, Huey Lewis and the News award…(wow two Pointer Sister songs, big year in '84)…goes to 6’6” 235 F Jamaal Williams, the 2nd most consistent scorer on the squad all year and a position that will leave a big void for Hawes/Brockman next year…one of the best touches around the basket, from a guy who knew how to move w/o putting the ball on the ground, did take plays off on D, and was generally porous the rest of the time, but his O more than made up for it, always seemed to be the guy that was able to break the other teams momentum at the right time, and had a knack for scoring big buckets late…not sure what his next move it going to be, but the guy is a proven scorer inside the paint…maybe Israeli leagues w/ Khalid El-Ameen?
Finally, the BREAK MY STRIDE, Matthew Wilder/THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL, Huey Lewis and the News & THE WARRIOR, Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth…(yeah he gets three songs)…award for the Pac 10 POY, 1st Team All-American 6’6” G from Garfield HS…Brandon Roy…final stat line this year 31.7min/20.2pts/5.6r/4.1a/1.8a-t/1.4stl/.8blk/.508fg%/.810ft%/.402 3pt%/…amazing, I’m going to miss watching the guy run the team and command the offense and make the key defensive stop. Not sure what my favorite moment of the year was, but probably the first weekend of Pac 10 play vs. UA (Sucks to UA C-town) , where he put the team on his back and never let them off the rest of the season. Even thought they lost the game and his agressiveness on the defensive end hurt him, he earned all his awards right then.This is the great side of collegiate athletics, to watch a player develop with a high basketball IQ(that's for you 2.0 and Jay Bilas), personality and attitude into one of the five best in the nation. His stock is high, what he does on the next level is unknown, could be the best player out of the draft, who knows. Has the intangibles to go along with the skill, Supes at #7?...#3 is going to be missed and not sure where the team makes up for those numbers…that’s the beauty of the game however…the hits just keep coming or they don't.
So that’s it, I’m leaving the coaches out, although I would drop a MAJOR TOM (Coming Home)-Peter Schilling and a SISTER CHRISTIAN, Night Ranger for Romar and Dollar, good job of coaching and motivation after the mid-season slump, let’s see how this team reacts next year as a young, dumb and full of __ squad. Could be the down year, before another tourney run. Thanks for reading, and we’ll be back next week as we countdown the Hits!!!
posted by Jimbo at 11:10 AM
7 Comments:
Wow. 1984 flashback.
Sad thing is I heard most of those songs on the actual radio, not the Greatest hits of the 80's CD.
A lot of those are now...AM Solid Gold standards...
I really hope I can meet Jensen on the court at Greenlake this summer. He'll have a significant size advantage weighing in at 6’8” 250lbs... but my 6’3” 215lb frame could hold up. He's the dumbest player ever to wear the purple & gold. And I'll include the football players in that comment. I couldn't be happier he's played his last game in HecEd.
With Dentmon & Brockman returning + the BIG-man in Hawes coming in from Seattle Prep, the Dawgs are looking mighty fine. The best thing about it is that we never have to worry about the brain behind the ball -- Coach Romar -- leaving for greener pastures, since the Husky head coaching gig is his dreamjob. That being said, we have to pay the man when his contract and demand dictates, but I'm looking forward to to the day when they rename the court at HecEd "Lorenzo Romar Court" in honor of loyalty, character & great coaching. Yes, I'm probably getting ahead of myself... but Romar is a great one.
Damn Jimbo.....AWESOME post. Great recap of a great season. I have to say that the man I will miss most (besides Roy of course) is Bobby Jones. That guy just out hustles everyone else on the court. He was absolutely the heart and soul of the team....they fed off the energy that he brought to the table night in and night out.
No hard feelings for UofA....I love 'em....but I have never rooted against the Huskies in favor of the Wildcats.....there must be something in the water in View Ridge, because I can't do anything but root for the Dawgs...and I am so excited about the future and amazed at the job that Romar has done and continues to do. That guy will go down as one of the Dawgfather's of UW hoops if he sticks around.....
I love the fact that Lute Olson has turned into a little whiny b*tch lately because of the invigorated competition in the Pac-9. He's been used to dominating the league and running the recruiting table....and those days are now over.
You have to give it up to Lute though...he represented the pack well while UCLA was dormant...and let's face it, UCLA getting good again benefits everyone on the West Coast, moreso than UA or Stanford...the combo of being able to despise USC Fball and UCLA bball is just how it should be....
As for Coach Romar, hard to say what's going to happen...it's going to be interesting to see how he does in replacing his staff...Bones left last year, 50/50 on Dollar this year then, and probably about 100% in the next two years...as long as he can keep quality assistants around him and become the recruiter and face of the team, we're in like Flynn...probably a couple of years away from the Coach K/Lute process of assistants by bringing back old players....
I don't think we have to worry about Romar jumping ship to another NCAA school...UW is rich enough to make him top 10% of the country...but, NBA will come calling eventually...and at that point you can hold anything against a guy giving it a go...although, I think good college coaching rarely make good NBA coaches, Larry Brown being the only exception....
Well....I for one take Romar at his word, he just seems like a stand up guy....and he was quoted in this Bob Condottaarticle as saying that he would basically, never leave the UW.
I also really like the Pac-10 players poll from SI that had Romar listed as the coach that most players would like to play for and the coach that had the most respect of his players....that says a lot.
If it comes from the gospel according to Condotta, it will not be questioned. period.
I'm surprised Ernie Kent wasn't on the top of that list, hell he got his own son to play for him.
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