At the end of the day, sports teams at every level are in the business of selling hope. Hope for a national title, hope for a conference championship, hope for beating a rival or hope for watching an exciting game.While the won-loss record for this year's basketball team isn't what we'd like, there are plenty of signs of hope for the future. Not the least of which is the extraordinary progress being shown by Travis Leslie. Last year, he only averaged 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 57.5% from the free throw line. And he missed the last month of the season because of academic problems.
This year, he's averaging 14.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game while shooting 76.8% from the free throw line...and his academic house is in order. More importantly, his stats are NOT built on the backs of the early season cupcakes.
As the schedule has gotten tougher,
Travis Leslie's numbers have accelerated upwards.
Travis Leslie's numbers have accelerated upwards.
Obviously, Leslie's natural abilities are considerable, but it's his ability to play within the system and grow his game that gives me considerable hope for Coach Fox's ability to develop players. Something that was lacking for the past 6 years.
The Dawgs host #18 Vandy tonight at 8:00 pm on Fox Sports South, and I really like our chances. Get to Stegeman if you can.
BTW -- I couldn't find the data to chart ESPN Plays of the Week per month, but that chart would look even more like a hockey stick than anything above.
See Also:
-- Gameday Trick Shot - Conner Nolte (walk-on)
-- Coffee is for closers - ABH
-- Crowds matter more in basketball - Dog in Exile
PWD
4 comments:
I hope area HS kids and influencers are watching. Leslie is a great example of what Fox can do for players developmentally. He took underrated recruits like Jevale McGee and Ramon Sessions and put them in the NBA. Now if we can get a big time 2011 commit or 3 this spring.
wham, bam, thank you for getting to the hoop tonight, Travis. Yes, you didn't get to flush one, however, you got to the line and made 9/11. That's what we need.
At Auburn on Wednesday. It is time for a road win. Go Dawgs.
This will change on Monday when the new RPI comes out, but as of now here's the breakdown:
Against 1-25: 3-1
26-50: 0-3
51-75: 0-5
The overall 3-9 record isn't going to impress anyone, but I have to think that the 3-1 mark would compare favorably with any team in the country.
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