Jan. 18, 2006
Winning college basketball teams are not just about the stars. Obviously, national championship contenders have star players. You have to be strong on the perimeter, have a 3-point shooter capable of giving you momentum, and be steady on the defensive side. It's nice to have a star capable of making the big play in crunch time. Teams like Duke, Illinois, Connecticut, Villanova and Michigan State have those qualities.
What gets you over the hump, though, is having players I refer to as "blenders." These guys step up and become major factors.
At Connecticut, the Huskies have so many stars. Explosive Rudy Gay has great moves, Josh Boone is tough inside and Marcus Williams has great vision and passing ability.
Yet another player also has been a difference-maker: Hilton Armstrong. He has been a steady force on the interior, and the Huskies need that down the stretch when the games become so meaningful come March.
Down at Duke, the combination of J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams is the best tandem in America. Yet Lee Melchionni becomes so important as he knocks down the trifecta and spreads defenses.
At Illinois, the Illini have a great inside-outside duo in James Augustine and Dee Brown. But Brian Randle can give them a lift on the offensive glass. His ability to hang around the basket is a major positive. Look at what Randle did against Michigan, with nine points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.
Texas coach Rick Barnes has a lot of talent with LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson. And he also has to be happy with the play of his other guard, Kenton Paulino, who blends in and is a significant contributor to the Longhorns' success. Paulino has made a difference by putting points on the board.
Michigan State needs steady play in the backcourt from Drew Neitzel. Having him succeed in a lineup that includes Paul Davis, Maurice Ager and Shannon Brown makes the Spartans a serious threat come March.
If you want to have a big-time season, you need the blenders to come through, as well.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
