11 makes in 13 attempts. That sounds like someone’s free throws for an evening, right? Well not when you are talking about JJ Redick against Virginia this past Saturday (Jan. 28). It actually translates into 40 points. JJ made 8 of 10 3-pointers, 3 for 3 within the 3-point line and 10-11 at the free throw line, an amazing night for the superstar to say the least.
Saturday night marked the third time this season that Redick went for 40 points. His effort helped push Duke to 19-1 overall and 7-0 in ACC play.
This season is one to remember. No matter whom you pull for you have to be amazed at what JJ is doing this season. If you are fortunate enough to attend an ACC school, or better yet one of the Big Four schools (NC State, Duke, Wake and Carolina), then you have the pleasure of watching JJ night in and night out. If you go anywhere other than Duke then you discover yourself in agony at the sight of JJ one or two nights a year.
He may not pan out as an NBA player, but that doesn't discredit what he is doing at this level. I'm not saying that he is the best college player ever; however, he does rank right up there with the greats such as David Thompson (NC State), or Ralph Sampson (Virginia). In my life I can honestly say that I haven't seen anything like him.
I was lucky enough to see him play at Wake Forest earlier this season. It seemed like every time he put the ball up it went in the basket. He shines amidst hatred and boos that rain down on him from the opposing student sections when Duke plays away from home. He scored 32 points and by JJ standards he had an off shooting night by shooting just over 57% from the floor.
Coach K said after Duke's win against Virginia, "I've never really seen this here at Duke, where with 13 shots, you get 40 points. JJ was incredible." If Coach K hasn't seen it, then none of us have.
Dave Leitao said Saturday night, “I think what he is doing this season, I think all of us - players, coaches and media in particular should really savor. He’s having, not only a career, but particularly this season, a year for the ages. I’ve watched it, I’ve studied it on film and now I’ve seen it in person. He understands this game of basketball for what he is as a player more than anybody I’ve seen for a long time...we all need to sit back and admire it because it won’t happen for a long time after this.”
For the rest of the year, as JJ and the rest of the Blue Devils beat up on our schools, we should really take a look at what is going on in front of us. We can all be thankful that when we are telling our children about the history of the ACC we can say that we saw one of the greats play. I hope you all listen to coach Leitao's advice and sit back relax and enjoy the greatness.
Sources:
GoDuke.com
Duke University. (2006). Quotes: Duke 82, Virginia 63. Retrieved Feb. 2, 2006, from http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22726&SPID=1845&DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=228181
No comments:
Post a Comment