The oohs and aahs are overflowing for Brandon Triche today after he went nuts last night for a career-high 27 points in the win over Oakland.
But why? Triche was well-touted out of high school, Jim Boeheim has consistently hyped him up, and the guard was essentially named a starter before he even stepped on the court this season.
A perfect 6-for-6 from three land doesn’t hurt.
Nobody had seen him shoot in high school, mostly because he preferred to drive and dunk over anyone in his path. When you’re a 6’4″ point guard, that’s the way it is.
But The Fizz never doubted his ability, especially when I talked with him for a Fizzcast in May. Two specific things Triche said rang out before he graduated.
“I’m gonna get thrown into the fire. Scoop’s still gonna be there. But it leaves me more playing time. If Jonny stayed it would give me someone to look up to at the point guard position.”
He knew he was getting into this, and prepared to complete his game. He has always maintained that he reads every message board comment and uses it to improve. Shooting was something nobody considered from the big guy, so he made sure that was part of the arsenal.
But as this team begins Big East play with a 12-0 record, what he told me resonates louder than anything.
“It all comes down to how well I do. How the point guard does, is often how the team goes. The sky’s the limit for us. We just have to work harder as a team and play together more as a team.”
In English class, they call that forshadowing. It’s fun watching¬†The Fizzbubbles rise to the surface.
