Notes on Sikma

I was checking out espn.com the other day and i came across this article about the most exciting freshman from outside the BCS conferences. Good to see Sikma getting some recognition for his game.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=whelliston_kyle&id=3133651

Its somewhere near the bottom of the article.

Nice! Can anyone remember a time when UP had a freshman recognized by ESPN? What a find Sikma was . . .

Nice new avatar, Dionnfan.

And no, I cannot recall any.

Well . . . given the choice between working on a paper and doing a Google image search for "Portland Pilots" basketball, it was a pretty easy decision to make. I was torn between this and a picture of Greg Klosterman from the Villanova tourney game, but I decided on the happier memory. The goal here is to eventually replace "Lions" with "Bulldogs."

Sikma needs a chant. Let's make this happen.

Ah! I need to see this picture of Greg Klosterman! Google image search here I come...

As for Sikma... our boy is currently LEADING the WCC in rebounding right now with 10.2 boards a game, the only player averaging only double-digits.

He is also third in FG% (60%), ninth in assists (3pg), sixth in steals (1.75), and sixth in blocks (1.25pg). According to my unofficial tally, he's the only player to be in the top ten in all five categories. Actually, he's the only one that's in the top ten in four of those categories as well. Clearly, he's got an awesome all-around game. Now about getting him more shots...

You can see all the stats here:

http://wccsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2007-2008/confldrs.html

Sikma was fun to watch during the PSU/UP game. He had like 9 boards at the half.

I see a lot of double/double in his future.

Even more impressive to me was his 3 pointer in the 1st half, great looking stroke. If he can develop a consistent 3 pt shot he may have some great opportunities beyond the bluff.