Redhawks ready for the big time
Tuesday night in the “Battle for Seattle” the Seattle University Redhawks took on their cross-town rival Washington Huskies, in a game for the ages. For Seattle U. that is.
With the Redhawks on the cusp of joining the WAC next season, here are 5 reasons why they are on their way to being a legitimate Division 1 basketball team.
1: The Way They Pressed Washington
The Redhawks stymied the Huskies potent offense for much of the game Tuesday with their full-court press, forcing turnovers, errant passes, and unwanted time outs during much of the game.
Coach Cameron Dollar has prior knowledge of the Huskies weakness of getting out of the trap and full-court press, having been an assistant coach at Washington under coach Lorenzo Romar.
2: Familiarity With The New Conference
Seattle U took Washington to the wire, though the score won't show it
The Redhawks face a few of their new conference mates this season, with meetings against Utah State twice, Idaho, and San Jose State. So far the Redhawks lost to Utah State, and San Jose State this season, but knowledge of these teams is going to be key going into their inaugural season in the WAC.
3: Big Time Arena
With the Redhawks playing their home games at the Key Arena, they may have an edge going into next season. The Key, having been the home of the Sonics formally of the NBA, has seen the likes of many a players hero’s of the past, giving them extra motivation to excel in their rookie season in the WAC.
4: Returning Core
With eleven players returning to the squad, led by Prince Obasi and Allen Tate, the Redhawks have a team that is already familiar with each other.
Team unity will be the biggest push for the Redhawks going into next season. I know they have a poor record this season, but the way they played the Huskies Tuesday night, the core of the team knows how to work together to get the results they need to win.
5: Past Glory In Division 1
The Redhawks have had past success in Division 1 basketball, making the championship game in 1958, losing to Kentucky.
The transition to conference play from an independent will be tough, but if the Seattle U wants to get back to the glory days of the ’50′s, they will need to get to a fast start right away.
About Clinton Bell
