The Broncos have won eight in a row and stand atop the WCC standings at 12-1, ahead of Gonzaga and St. Mary's. We haven't been able to say that since 1997. Feels good.
This run included signature wins over USF, St. Mary's and running the table on the remaining six; four of which were on the road. Previous season's troubles with away games at LMU and Pacific were avoided with our defense and offense responding to close out those games.
It has been fun to watch this cobbled together, young roster of recruits from high school, and the portal come together and playing their best basketball of the season. We have three freshman and two sophomores that play significant minutes alongside our two juniors and two seniors. It's hard for opponents to figure out how to play and beat this team. We can do a bit of everything. We can shoot you out, rebound you out, full court press you out, and steal you out of any game. We have 11 guys that can just keep on coming with high energy. In this inaugural season of the NCAA settlement, NIL has made Men's Basketball a pay for play sport, with the transfer portal the talent marketplace. It's amazing for us to have this opportunity.
The growth and emergence of our younger players include leading scorer Christian Hammond, Bukky Oboye, KJ Cochran, Sash Gavalyugov, and, last month, the meteoric rise of Allen Graves, who just earned his fourth freshman of he week award, has us playing at a high level. Elijah Mahi, Brenton Knapper, and Jake Ensminger have provided important stability and on court leadership. We have 4 players ranked in the top 10 in overall performance in the WCC - a first. Creds to the Coaching staff who have tailored our game plans to take maximum advantage of our rosters unique skill sets.
We have five games remaining while the Zags and SMC have six. We have three at home - Seattle, Gonzaga, Oregon State and two away at USF and SMC. None of the top three teams have an easy run to end their schedules, and, in fact, all play each other with Gonzaga playing at St. Mary's in the final game of their season.
That's why I say the ball is in our court. Continue on with the same strategy of going 1-0 five more times. We are 12-0 on our home court and need to "hold" court in the two away games. Be swarming, physical, opportunistic, and energetic. With Graves on a roll, it gives our offense a real inside - outside punch where opponents must protect the rim opening up better 3 point shot options for our best shooters. On defense, Graves and Oboye present a shot snuff factor teams respect. If Graves doesn't swat it, he steals it, with nearly 30 steals in Conference play alone.
The WCC conference is ranked sixth best in the NCAA. Anyone can beat anyone as proven by Portland knocking off Gonzaga last Wednesday. The WCC tournament and post season bids are there to be earned. Normally, the WCC is a two bid max conference, but may possibly get three this season as the conference is now ranked 6th out of 32 in the NCAA. Nevertheless, the Broncos need to play their way into the NCAA tournament to leave no doubt they belong.
Great opportunity knocks. The ball is in our court. Can we answer? Let's let the horses run wild!
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