Seniors will take Spectrum floor for last time Saturday Night
They’ve won more games over the last two seasons than any other team in the nation.
Now, after all the entertainment, success, trials and memories, the Utah State University seniors will lay it on the line one last time in the Spectrum Saturday night against Cal Poly.
Though the game won’t be the last of the season for Bernard Rock, Dimitri Jorssen, Shawn Daniels, Curtis Bobb and Dion Bailey (the Big West Tournament begins March 8 in Anaheim, Calif.), it will be USU’s last game at home.
The last in a handful of careers that have left their marks on Aggie basketball – careers that have helped put the Big West Conference back on the map (what’s left of the Big West anyway).
After all the entertainment and memories this pack of seniors has brought over the last few years, there is still something missing: Another Big West Championship.
With any luck, before these guys finish their college careers, there will be another championship banner on its way to the Spectrum, and a few teams will leave the NCAA tournament scratching their heads and wondering, “Utah who? I thought the good Utah team had red jerseys.”
Not anymore.
Shawn Daniels6-6 forward from Bakersfield, Calif.
Scouting Report: By the end of the season last year, Daniels had become the Aggies’ main scoring threat. This year has been much the same.
Daniels has seen double and, at times, triple teams this year in the low post. Still, he’s averaging 12.3 points per game. Much of his success has come from the development of a baby-hook shot. Daniels has shredded defenses with his hook and turnaround jumper all season long.
But it’s his defensive presence in the middle of the key that causes the most problems for opponents.
Curtis Bobb6-5 forward from Aurora, Colo.
Scouting Report: Bobb, a junior college transfer from the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, took a little while to find his place in the USU offense, but now that he has, he’s become an invaluable part.
He’s extremely athletic, with a quick first step to the basket. He has a quick and accurate 3-point shot and can drive the baseline as well as anyone on the team.
When the Aggies desperately needed someone to crash the boards early this season, Bobb accepted the responsibility. He has evolved into a leading rebounders.
Dimitri Jorssen7-0 center from Theux, Belgium.
Scouting Report: Jorssen, when healthy, is one of the best centers in the league and has reportedly caught the eye of some NBA scouts.
Like Daniels, he alters a lot of shots with his long arms. He’s blocked 24 shots this season.
Jorssen’s long arms are the secret to his success. No one is tall enough to block his hook shot.
When he posts up behind his defender and the guards lob the ball into him, that’s when he’s unstoppable. Once he catches the ball on the lob pass, he’s in perfect position for the dunk/layup. It’s too late to stop him at that point.
Bernard Rock5-10 guard from New York, N.Y.
Scouting Report: Rock is probably the quickest guard in the league and one of the quickest in the nation, too.
Few can keep up when Rock leads the break. His speed causes opponents a lot of problems both offensively and defensively.
The aspect of Rock’s game that has become, perhaps, even more valuable than his speed is his leadership.
As the season progressed, Rock emerged as one of USU’s main go-to men as the starting point guard.
Like all true leaders, when the game is on the line, Rock wants the ball. He can shoot it or dish it. He’s averaging 4.1 assists per game this season.