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Tony's Team?
The 2011-12 husky men’s basketball club is still searching for its identity, but last night it is was Tony Wroten’s team. The uber-talented freshman guard poured in a career high 27 points – 4 more than he scored against Duke. Abdul Gaddy complimented Wroten’s effort with 17 points on 6 of 10 shooting.
UCSB was not a cupcake-go-through-the-motions opponent. They’ve been to the Big Dance two years straight. Without Aziz in the middle, they outrebounded UW. Early on, their 7 footer, dominated in the paint. UCSB shot a high percentage from the field in the first half (55.6%), led by 3, and looked to be the better team.
For UW, against Duke, a smaller lineup was more effective – with UCSB, a bigger one was needed. Shawn Kemp, Jr., did a decent job off the bench, but he does not possess the formidable presence of an Aziz N’Diaye. Until Aziz heals from his injury, Romar’s options are limited. We miss ya, big guy!
This is a team that is struggling to find the right gear. They have been “too frenetic” on offense at times (e.g. the first half against Saint Louis) or “too patient” (e.g. the first half tonight). At the beginning of the second half last night, they actually seemed to have found “that zone,” but it didn’t last long. There is just something holding them back from finding it and staying there. I think part of the reason is Wroten, who is trying to discover his identity as well.
Tony is a player who right now does not have an outside shot that the opposition respects. He can blow by anybody and finish strong. His passing can be brilliant at times, but then have too much spit and mustard on other occasions. At this point in time, he’s not the one to have the ball in his hands in the closing seconds of a tight game because he can’t hit his free throws. So, is he a PG, or a SG without a consistent outside shot, or what?
Last night, Gaddy started alongside Tony. Who was the PG? Who played the SG? Maybe it was just me, but their rolls seemed interchangeable. I’m still wondering if that was a good thing. For me, if this were football, last night the quarterback position was a shared responsibility -- an every-other possession type of thing. Again, is this good?
While Wroten could be dominant at times, it did come at a price for his teammates. He took 21 shots. Other key players – namely, C.J. Wilcox and Terrence Ross – were not as much in the flow of the game, and it showed on the stat sheet.
To be honest, I’m not very comfortable with what I witnessed. I love the talent of Wroten, but he is such a work in progress. His game is still geared too much toward the spectacular. Watching him play gives one a mixture of oohs and aahs along with some choice expletives. He is an incredible athlete – no doubt about it. However, his current decision making, and challenges at the free throw line, can be absolutely maddening for fans.
The maturation of Tony Wroten will likely be the key to this team’s success. So, hang on to your hats! This might prove to be a wild ride!
To me, this is now Tony’s Team, like it or not.
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