According to Fran Fraschilla from ESPN.com, Sam Dower is one of eight to watch for 2012. He goes on to elaborate why:
"Sam Dower, F/C, Gonzaga Bulldogs
The 6-foot-9 sophomore will certainly not surprise anyone if he becomes a star for the Zags next season, even though he has never started a game in his first two seasons in Spokane backing up Robert Sacre. The reason he won't shock anyone is because in Gonzaga's 33 games this past season, he reached double figures 11 times, showing a deft shooting touch inside and out.
The left-handed Dower's 20-point and 10-rebound performance against Xavier on New Year's Eve was an indication of the type of player Dower can become for coach Mark Few in his last two seasons. In that regard, he has more of a track record than of the other guys on this breakout list."While this certainly isn't breaking news to Zag fans, we all know what he is capable of. The fact that he is getting national attention from the Analysts is certainly a boon for his confidence and shows just how important he really is to our success next year. As Always, GO ZAGS!
12 comments:
You are correct. I don't think Sam will surprise anyone by having a break out year. Two years of backing up Sacre while improving his shot and footwork will pay off when he has the starting position. I can't wait to see him step back for a three, and position himself inside for a rebound and putback. I do think he will surprise us with improved defense, the one skill area that still needs work along with going to his right a bit more.
Just imagine, three bigs, (Sam, Kelly and hopefully Prezemek) who can all hit jumpers from various positions and depths.
Can't wait for next year!
I second that motion! Im salivating at seeing such a versatile frontcourt dominate! But don't forget Elias Harris, he is going to be the most well rounded player on the roster and the unquestioned Leader.
I agree with you about E. I hope we see more of what we saw the last part of the season. He has the ability to be dominant both offensively and defensively. He will show the leadership we expect from our seniors. Some games I thought he was quiet until I checked his lines and saw he had a double double. Our starting five will help us win the conference and tournament again I am sure.
He does have a tendency of being sneaky in the box score. One second im saying to myself, man where has Elias been all night? Then i look at the box score and im amazed to see 20 Points and 12 Boards...Where did that production come from? That is praise on his part of looking so fluid out there and so effortless that to the untrained eye we dont notice the immense impact he has on the game. Truly a gifted player with quite the future in the Pros!
One of the best natural offensive talents GU has had on the roster, just has GOT to cut down on the early fouls. Moves his feet so well on the O end, needs that to translate to the D end as well. Can't wait to seem him shine!
I am a bit nervous about Sam's D. I keep thinking about post players like Davies matching up with him. Will he be able to successfully keep Davies from backing him down? When Brandon turns and slips under Sam, or steps back for a fade-away, will Sam commit the foul? In the past he has. Hopefully he will get some practice in this summer with other bigs to start matching his Defense with his sweet offense.
Still on the road but I just checked back in at TSSF and see the Gazmo is here! I have no idea what or how to be a poster but wishing you all the best. Will get back in about 3 weeks!
MikeSequim
Well mike its as simple as having a Google account and signing in with it. You can get one at gmail.com. You can also use google+ if you have that. I believe it even lets you self identify via AOL instant messanger, livejournal or wordpress. If you need any additional assistance with logging in, feel free to shoot Gaz or myself an email and we can walk you through it (my email is joshlinke@gmail.com btw). Thanks again for joining the fun!
Thanks for being so accessible Josh and Gaz!
No Problem, we want this to be a good experience for the fans, a place where we can all come together and contribute so we are all in the know about what is going on with Gonzaga Basketball!
Hey Big Mikester!!~
Glad to hear you are well, and still on the open road, heading for home soon. Have fun be safe....Hi to grumps! Josh & I are holding it down doin the zag thang.
zag4life08...you know you can always count on me to get ahold of you, and soon. Anytime you have a question or comment fire away!
~Gaz
I agree with your point of view. I think it is a combination of two things that causes him to foul more often than he should. The first is his tendency to lean in and not get his arms straight up. This coupled with his bad habit of shuffling up underneath the players as they leave their feet. As Coach Wooden said, "be quick but don't hurry" Sam needs to be quick with his feet in getting to the spot but he cannot force the action once he has good position. He must trust his position D is sufficient and not overplay his spots.
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