Selasa, 29 Maret 2011

Unsung Heroes (Sorrentines): Final Four Teams

Every team needs a Sorrentine
For every Carmelo, there is a Gerry McNamara. For every Noah/Horford/Brewer, there is a Taureen Green and Lee Humprey. And for every Singler there is a Zoubek. The guys that may not have as much talent as their teammates, and may never be professionals, but still find a way to impact the game in a profound way. I've been pondering over what to call this type of ballplayer and it has taken me half of the new Zac Brown Band CD to think of it, but it dawned on me to label these guys "The Sorrentines" of a team. Of course "Sorrentine" is a reference to the great TJ Sorrentine of Vermont who orchestrated the upset of Syracuse back in 2005 that put Gus Johnson on the map as a great commentator. Yes, I know Vermont did not make the Final Four (or even come close), but Sorrentine was the second fiddle to Taylor Coppenrath, and TJ was the sole reason they won that game which was practically a championship for Vermont so I'm chopping my hips and countin' the bucket on this reference. Besides, TJ Sorrentine deserves a legacy in some way.  To make the Final Four, it is essential to have a Sorrentine so let's check out this years group.




Kentucky Wildcats
Supers: Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones
Sorrentine: Josh Harrellson


The Sorrentine of Kentucky this year is without a doubt the big white dude that you see out there every game, Josh Harrellson. Of course it helps that he isn't covered with Calapari grease having been recruited by the previous regime, Harrellson has managed to be a force in the tournament averaging nearly 15 ppg and 9 board which is well over his average during the regular season (7.6 ppg 8.8 rpg). The guy looks like Vince Vaughn out there taking on some of the best big men in the country (Zeller, Sullinger) and doing more than hold his own. Also it helps that every CBS broadcasts shows Harrellson's father in the stands who looks like the type of guy who practices The Undertaker's "Chokeslam" for shits and giggles. Thats my kind of family right there.

Connecticut Huskies
Supers: Kemba Walker
Sorrentine: Shabazz Napier

Aside from replacing Siena's Just-in'love Smith as the best name in college basketball, Shabazz Napier has made an overwhelming impact during his freshman year. Many don't know who he is because a man named Kemba starts ahead of him at PG, but Napier has averaged 8 ppg 2 rbg and 3 apg coming off the bench. However, it was his performance against Zona this weekend that made me realize he was a Sorrentine when he played 30 minutes with 10 points including two big tre's. Add in the fact, that he fills in the stat sheet and Napier becomes a sure-fire Sorrentine. Enjoy this status as it lasts for him because he has the talent to go from "Sorrentine" to a super with Kemba likely leaving next year.

VCU Rams
Supers: Jamie Skeen, Bradford Burgess
Sorrentine: Joey Rodriguez

Could Joey Rodriguez be a relative of LA Dodger and Sandlot legend Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez? Unlikely, but he certainly has the cajones and motor to be an undisputed leader amongst his teammates. VCU's Rodriguez has been one of the most indispensable players during this run as he runs the show. He averaged 10 ppg and 5 apg in the regular season and he is doing roughly the same now, but it is his poise and composure that highlight his incredible list of intangibles. Reminds me a lot of that fat red head Tom Coverdale on Indiana when they made that run to the Final Four as an 8 seed. Plus Rodriguez responded to shit talking from the menacing Kansas Marcus Morris with a laugh and a "we'll see" attitude. Love this kid.

Butler Bulldogs
Supers: Shelvin Mack, Matt Howard
Sorrentine: Ronald Nored

Tough to identify a Sorrentine on what could literally be described as a team of Sorrentines, but Nored is the least heard of. If you don't know this kid then next time you watch Butler play, notice #5 absolutely HOUND the opponents best guard. Nored probably adds notches to his locker as the Irish Barber did with his killing stick in Gangs of New York--only Nored's notches mean guys he has locked down. Florida's Erving Walker had his bread buttered on Saturday (1-10 shooting), Jordan Taylor shot 31%, Brad Wannamaker and Ashton Gibbs were held to only 19 points, Old Dominion's ENTIRE backcourt only scored 20 points, Nolan Smith only had 13 points in last years championship game, and Jacob Pullen only put up 14 in last years Elite 8 game. Needless to say, Nored can defend.

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

LinkWithin