When regulation ends, Shabazz Napier comes alive. On Thursday night in Hartford, UConn and Cincinnati finished 40 minutes of play deadlocked at 55 each. The teams took the court for overtime. Then Napier hit a three. Then another. Then another. As the game finally came to a close, Napier added two free throws for good measure – totaling 11 points in overtime, matching Cincinnati’s point total all by himself.
“He likes the big moments,” said head coach Kevin Ollie. “In overtime, he just thinks he can make the shots. I was going to put the game in his hands.”
It was a familiar sight. Taking five minute overtime periods and multiplying them into a 40-minute game, Napier would be averaging 46 points. Explaining the motivation behind his heroics, Napier joked “I just want to get it over with. I just want the game to end.”
On a night that saw UConn (18-7, 8-5) get outrebounded 44-28, it was Napier who led – really led – his team to victory. “I try to be the best leader for this team,” he said. “I’m lucky that my teammates have confidence in me.”
Napier’s leadership isn’t lost on his coach. “If he keeps playing like this, he deserves to be the Big East Player of the Year,” said Ollie. “Whenever we need a big shot, he’s right there.”
It was a discussion that Napier wanted no part of. “If they had a Big East Team of the Year, it should be us,” said the humble superstar. “I don’t look for individual awards.”
Napier was also disinterested in discussing the potential of him declaring for the NBA draft after the season, but admitted as this incredible season draws to a close, he is dwelling on what could have been.
“If we were able to make the Tournament, this team would make a crazy run. I’m getting sad about it. I see what this team could be.”
The team. It’s all about the team with Napier. He was eager to extol guard Ryan Boatright’s defensive effort tonight. He lauded freshman Omar Calhoun’s maturation. He praised DeAndre Daniels for filling the stat sheet in every meaningful way – while also making sure the media knew Daniels has never beaten Napier in a game of one-on-one.
Thursday’s game against Cincinnati (19-8, 7-7) is one more day off a calendar that will bring this season to an end. Three away games. Two home games. That’s it. If Shabazz Napier only has five more games life in a UConn uniform, you can be certain he’ll lead them to the end.
Notes:
- UConn is two games back of first place in the Big East. Syracuse, Georgetown and Marquette are tied for first at 10-3, with Louisville (9-4) and Notre Dame (9-5) following behind. The Huskies take on Georgetown in Storrs next week. That could be a very important game.
- Ryan Boatright’s shooting woes carried over into Thursday’s game. He finished 3-12 from the floor but coach Kevin Ollie was pleased with the way he carried himself. “Ryan grew and matured. He took Cashmere [Wright] right out of the game.”
- Omar Calhoun was playing with a banged up right wrist that was clearly hampering his shot. He attempted only three shots and looked noticeably uncomfortable. Still, he led the team in rebounding with six. He has really morphed into a high-effort, high-energy star for UConn.
- Equally impressive was DeAndre Daniels, who was benched only 90 seconds into the game by Ollie. When he returned, he was a defensive presence, blocking four shots in the first half. He finished the game with 17 points, five rebounds, and a clutch three pointer late in the game.
- UConn really only played six players tonight. Niels Giffey saw 24 minutes off the bench. The only two other non-starters to play were RJ Evans and Phil Nolan – each only collected three minutes on the court.
- The game was UConn’s final contest at the XL Center for the remainder of the season. It was a mediocre showing by the crowd, with over 5,000 empty seats.
Up Next:
- UConn will travel to DePaul on Saturday evening. Tip is at 8pm (hour bump for the time change), and will be seen on SNY.
