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Thabeet Might Be The Best

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By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: February 14, 2009

College basketball doesn't have a Heisman Trophy, but there's always a lively debate about who should be National Player of the Year.

The most consistent season belongs to Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin, the double-double machine who leads the nation in rebounding (13.8 per game).

North Carolina senior Tyler Hansbrough, bearing down on the ACC's career scoring record, fits into the lifetime achievement category.

And don't overlook small-school star Stephen Curry of Davidson, the nation's leading scorer (29.1 points per game) who 12 times has reached or passed the 30-point mark.

But the nation's scariest player?

Not even close.

It's Connecticut's 7-foot-3, 263-pound junior center Hasheem Thabeet.

"I've said it before and I still believe he's the best inside force we've had in this league," said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, after Thabeet had eight points, 16 rebounds and seven blocked shots in UConn's 63-49 victory Wednesday night.

The Big East has featured the post presence of Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo and Emeka Okafor.

Syracuse entered the game averaging 80 points, second in the Big East. But the Orange had major difficulty inside the lane.

"Don't get caught up in stats with him Thabeet, even as good as they are, because he is one of the most amazing forces in basketball in America," UConn coach Jim Calhoun said.

Thabeet averages 13 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game. But as Calhoun said, Thabeet's greatest value is measured by the way he affects shot attempts.

Last season, UConn crashed out of the NCAA Tournament with a 70-69 first-round defeat against San Diego in Tampa. Calhoun wasn't pleased with Thabeet's performance - to put it mildly.

"You're 7-foot-3!" Calhoun said as he got in Thabeet's face after San Diego successfully went inside. "Start playing like it!"

Calhoun hasn't needed to deliver a similar message lately.

Thabeet's importance for the No. 1-ranked Huskies has never been greater. Against Syracuse, UConn guard Jerome Dyson suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee and is probably lost for the season.

That's one less ball-handler and clutch outside shooter for the Huskies to deploy. But with Thabeet in the middle, UConn has the combination of an irresistible force and immovable object. The Huskies will need it Monday night when Pittsburgh visits in a huge Big East matchup.

And it could be more evidence why Thabeet not only should be considered for Big East Player of the Year, but also National Player of the Year. He's that good.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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