BY CHRIS LEWIS
Believe it or not, I’ve spent more time with the Boise State men’s basketball team than Bob Behler this season. In fact, I’ve been handling the play-by-play for five of the first six games this season. That includes the midseason tournament at Myrtle Beach. Therefore, no one outside the coaching the staff has seen the team play as much as I have seen them this season. With Thanksgiving approaching, I figured I’d give my scouting report in a form that everyone can understand. Thanksgiving dinner style.
Chandler Hutchison = Turkey – This was an easy one. Boise State’s best player is clearly the main dish. Everything revolves around him, and we saw what happened when he missed most of the game against Iowa State. That was a shame, as it was a big chance for him to show off his improved skills in front of some scouts and NBA Draft experts. But, just like a even a bad turkey is the star on Thanksgiving, a bad Hutchison game was the key player in the game against UTEP. After missing 11 of his first 12 shots, he made the last two, including the game winning “and-1”.
Alex Hobbs = Mashed Potatoes – Mashed Potatoes are the consistent, steady, you know what you’re going to get food. It’s hard to have really bad mashed potatoes (unless they’re really lumpy, then you need to try harder). The most steady player so far this season has been Hobbs. He’s the only player to score in double figure points in each game. And he can score in so many ways. Hobbs has a catch-and-shoot 3, he can pull-up, he gets to the rim, and can finish creatively.
Justinian Jessup = Mac and Cheese – Mac and cheese is crucial to making a good Thanksgiving dinner a great Thanksgiving dinner. It might not be a starter (just like Jessup) but if it hits, it’s a game-changer. That’s Jessup’s role this season. He comes in off the bench and creates offense. And, if his 3-pointer is going, it takes Boise State from a good team to a great team.
Chris Sengfelder = Cranberry Sauce – Cranberry sauce is hard to define. Is it technically fruit? What do I eat it with? Part of dessert? Or an appetizer? Side dish? You can put it a lot of places, and it will always be good. That’s Sengfelder. You can put the Fordham transfer down low, and he will show off a few nice post moves. You can put him on the perimeter and he’ll space the floor and hit threes. He’s a good screener because of his ability to pop or roll. No matter where you put him, he’s valuable. No more so than the 20 points he scored in the game Hutchison got hurt.
Lexus Williams = Collard Greens – Collard greens are my favorite vegetable. There’s the benefit of eating a food that’s green, but when it’s well prepared, the that salty spice, smoke and kick to it. That best provide the Lexus experience through a few games. He’s an experienced point guard, which is healthy for an offense. Williams knows how to handle pressure, where to get the ball, and how to space the floor. However, the last two games, his jumper started to fall, hence the extra kick to his game.
Zach Haney = Rolls – Unspectacular, but necessary best describes Haney and dinner rolls. Haney gives the team what you need from a big. He’s tough and a physical defender down low. He protects the rim by blocking shots. He sets great screens and is a threat to both pop and roll. And just like how you use rolls to soak the leftover juices, Haney does that to missed shots.
Marcus Dickinson = Gravy – Gravy might have the easiest translation to sports. It’s all good. You don’t need it, but if it’s there, the meal is unstoppable. Dickinson has been gravy for Boise State so far. To have a backup point guard provide a lift on each end is a bonus. He’s shooting above 50 percent from 3-point range, including making four against UTEP. His speed and athleticism provides a contrast to Williams. And the shooting allows them both to play effectively together. He’s been the boost needed in the tough games so far.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Chris Lewis, the play-by-play voice of Boise State women’s basketball and Olympic Sports, co-hosts Idaho Sports Talk with Bob & Chris weekdays from 1-3 p.m. on KTIK 93.1 FM The Ticket. He can be found @ChrisLewisTweet (Twitter).
