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| Can Rudd help the offense this season? |
The basketball season begins Saturday night as the Bulls host Vermont. The Bulls are coming off of one of their worst seasons, winning just 10 games last season and averaging just 61 points per game. The team battled in every game, displaying athleticism and tenacity on defense, but those factors couldn't help score baskets. This season, however, has renewed optimism with two new players on the roster, Victor Rudd and Blake Nash. Both are expected to ignite the offense and help notch more wins.
Rudd, the 6-7 forward transfer from Arizona State, sat out all of last season, but has everyone talking. Rudd helps fill a void left behind by Dominique Jones, an athletic wing player that can score from the outside and finish at the rim. Rudd showed off some of his hops in the exhibition win over UT and also showed his outside range, hitting two 3-pointers. In the off season, Rudd worked hard, putting on about 10 pounds of weight, preparing his body for the long season ahead. Heath and everyone around the program are very excited to see Rudd on the court this season and so should fans. The Bulls lacked a consistent scorer last season, someone that could take over a game and lead the scoring attack, hopes are that Rudd can do this. Now, he hasn't played in a year and only played in 15 games while at ASU, so there is reason to be doubtful of his immediate impact, but he will score this season, something USF needs on the court. (There is even talk that he could have more jumping ability than Poland, something to watch for this season)
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| Will Nash win the starting job at point guard this season? |
The other player that is drawing a lot of attention is JUCO sophomore guard Blake Nash. Nash was named JUCO All American in his freshman season, but now faces the challenge of the Big East and running the offense for Heath. The Bulls dismissed senior point guard Anthony Crater over the summer, leaving the team without an experienced guard in the backcourt to lead the offense. This is where Nash steps in. Whether he starts the season at point guard (could see Dority start the season there), Nash will have to not only lead the offense, executing the passes, and not turning the ball over, but has to help score. Crater could run the offense last season (define what "run" means) but couldn't shoot the ball to save his life (the two baskets against Villanova in the Big East tournament don't make up for the horrible season he had). Nash has the ability to score 20 points a night, hitting from outside and creating his own shots, giving Heath a new weapon he hasn't had in years. If Nash can run the offense, he will make a huge impact from the backcourt.
The other players like Gilchrist, Noriega, etc. are going to have to show up this season, but the new dimensions that Rudd and Nash can bring this season should have the fans excited.
I don't get excited for USF athletics anymore. That way there isn't as much of a letdown that is inevitable.
ReplyDeleteHave to keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteI agree with anonmous 1. I have been doing this for so many years. For about 20 years now, long before football, I have been hearing the same optimism from the coaches each year about the players they are bringing in and why the team will be successful. I emotionally invest in basketball and get excited, only to be let down. It's been easier to just not get that emotionally into it and just wait and see what happens. That way the let down is not so bad and draining. I am now getting the same experience with U.S.F. football. I miss the days of the four horsemen. Heck, I would even welcome back the days of BB and Altron.
ReplyDeleteI will always be a fan of U.S.F. athletics. I just can't get that excited and into it only to be continually let down
I'm glad the days of BB and Altron are behind us. The squads that played for Greenie during that time just plain gave up on their coach. At least Heath's squads play with a little more defensive tenacity. Heath really needs to unload his offensive guys and stop playing such conservative half court offense. If he can do that, I think we'll have a solid year. In order for Heath to unload that offense either Dority or Nash are going to have to show that they can handle the rock with consistency. As always, I keep my expectations low. This team is likely another season away from making some real noise; we have some quality players coming in next season.
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