Midterm grading for the WMU men’s basketball team

By Phill Swanson

(Robert Youngs / Western Herald) Western Michigan’s Donald Lawson goes up with the left-handed shot for two points against Eastern Illinois at the Bronco’s last home game on Feb. 21.

Western Herald

Traditional grading scales might miss something present in this years Western Michigan University men’s basketball team. To the average sports loving, Jim Rome listening fan, a 9-17 team isn’t anything special. However, that sports fan would probably drop their jaw hearing that same team is tied for first in their conference.
Despite the Broncos inconsistent play, they find themselves in control of their own destiny with four games left. So how does this team grade out?

Guards: B
The Bronco guard play led by David Kool has been the driving force behind any success the team has had. If the back court plays bad, the Broncos haven’t had a chance. The Broncos top three guards account for 1,051 of the teams 1,586 points on the year. Kool leads the way, averaging 17.1 points a game, tied for second in the league.
The group also has four of the leagues best three point shooters in Derek Drews, David Kool, Andre Ricks and Mike Redell. All are shooting above 31 percent from three-point land.
Where the guards have struggled is handling the ball. Kool has played much of the season out of position at the point. Something he’s capable of, but it doesn’t suit his skill set nearly as well as the two spot. The Brown and Gold averages just over 13 turnovers a game.

Post Players: D
Donald Lawson’s unfortunate and extended stay on the bench hurt the Broncos inside presence all season. Last year, Joe Reitz anchored the inside. This year, the Broncos have lived and died by small ball. Playing Drews at the four and Flenard Whitfield at the five has wielded some sizable mismatches for the Broncos. The mismatches have led to the Broncos outscoring teams in the paint on only three occasions this season.
Only recently have the Broncos shown some life inside. Freshman LaMarcus Lowe, with his long reach, has a penchant for highlight real blocks. His small frame though is easily pushed around. Donald Lawson’s return has brought some toughness back inside as well. Look for Lawson to play a major role in the last few weeks of the season.

Defense: B-
The Bronco defense ranks number seven in scoring defense, allowing just under 65 points per game. The problem is their scoring offense only averages 61.8 points per game. However, the Bronco defense is has been solid, especially in the front court. The Broncos are forcing just over 12 turnovers a game.
The weakness comes in the post. Inside, the Broncos have trouble matching up with sturdy big men. They get tossed around and lose position. That doesn’t mean they are not trying, it’s just a matter of size and strength. Despite Lowe’s small frame the freshman is second in the conference in blocked shots. Lowe averages 1.81 blocks a game for a total of 41 on the season.

Coaching: B
Somehow the Broncos are where they are. Head coach Steve Hawkins has talked about how he knew this year was going to be a struggle, but he probably thought it was going to be this tough. If the Broncos go anywhere this postseason, it’ll be because of Hawkins’ ability to keep his team inspired.
However, Hawkins has displayed a little late season temper. In the last two games he has been penalized with technical fouls.

Overall: C+
This year resembles an abstract piece of art. It starts out with a lot of hype and you buy into the price of admission. But, when you get it home you realize you have no idea where you hang the thing. I’m not sure where you’d put this year’s Bronco season in the annals of history. However, they have a chance to bring home some hardware.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Feb 26 2009. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com