Atchley’s Improvement Is Phenomenal
By Ricky Treon, 2:38PM, Tue. Feb. 26, 2008
In a game that was supposed to be the battle of two National Player of the Year candidates — Texas’ D.J. Augustin vs. Kansas State’s Michael Beasley – the Longhorns’ Connor Atchley stood out and summed up his entire season in one performance.
Texas slowed Beasley as much as any team can hope to (30 points, 15 rebounds). Augustin had a solid game (24 points), but nothing like the performance he had against Texas A&M a week ago.
But Atchley kept Texas in the lead and helped the Longhorns to their 74-65 win over Kansas State in Manhattan with his awesome offense, defense, and rebounding abilities.
Atchley didn’t get offered a scholarship until the last minute, but he’s worked on his shot and aggressiveness for two years and now he’s an integral part of Texas’ success.
During the past few games, what has impressed me the most about Atchley’s play are his blocking abilities and 3-point shooting. Atchley ended the game with 14 points Monday (he only attempted six field goals), while coming up with big blocks against the man-child Beasley.
Despite his improved numbers, Atchley is sticking to what got him here — hard work and humility. After the game, ESPN’s Holly Rowe gave him the perfect chance to admit he’s been playing better.
His response: “These are big games. We’re trying to make a run for a Big 12 Championship.”
He looks and sounds like a player who truly is happy to be a part of a team who is looking to make a deep postseason run.
To put a little negative light on this game, Texas looked bad from the free-throw line toward the end of the game. From Augustin to A.J. Abrams, who got into foul trouble early and had to sit for much of the first half, the Longhorns didn’t perform well from the charity stripe down the stretch.
Whether or not Texas ends up a No. 1 or stay a No. 2 seed — a 9-point conference win on the road will help their résumé — they’ll need to sink all their late free throws come March.
As far as the winner between Beasley and Augustin, I’d have to give it to Beasley. Sorry D.J., but he just finished his case for Player of the Year.
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connor atchley, d.j. augustin, michael beasley
