Tech Sports Blog

[The following post was originally published at HokieHaven.com on February 23, 2007.]

Less than 7 weeks after earning his Masters, Deron Washington presented his dissertation to Boston College & the Hokie Nation and received his Ph.D. in Dunkology. Moments after that dunk, a dunk that I consider to be the best dunk I’ve ever seen in person, my buddy Kevin turned to me and said, “If I were a NBA team, I’d want him on my team just for that, even if he only averages 1 point a game.” In today’s NBA, where the league focuses on one-on-one match-ups and entertaining fans, you have to think that Deron has a chance of taking his game to the next level. He’ll probably have to bulk up a little more, and he definitely needs more consistency from his jump shots, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he has the athletic ability needed to make it as a professional basketball player.

What I really like about Deron Washington is the fact that after his dunks he doesn’t show off to crowd or come off as arrogant. Usually he follows his dunks with a smile and then hustles back down the court to play defense. I believe he has matured significantly since last year, and that the team will be in good hands with him as a senior next season.

Speaking of seniors, this season is really shaping up to be very special for Coleman Collins, Zabian Dowdell, Jamon Gordon, Chris Tucker, and Markus Sailes. With wins over UNC and Duke, and blowout wins over Virginia and Boston College at the Cassell, this season has already given them memories they will cherish their entire lives. With 3 regular season games left, 2 of which are at home, I hope the support for this team continues to grow. On Saturday versus Miami and on March 4th versus Clemson, I want to see Cassell Coliseum rocking like it was for North Carolina, UVA, and Boston College. These seniors deserve a standing ovation whenever the step on or off the court.

With a first-round bye in the ACC tournament and a NCAA tournament bid virtually locked up, so much more than a memorable regular season is attainable. When this team plays at its highest level, they can beat anyone. Here’s hoping for a nice little run in the big dance, because I can’t think of a better way to end their college careers than a trip to the Sweet 16. You may think that I am asking for too much, but I know this team has the ability to play at the level necessary for a few wins in the NCAA tournament.

However, regardless of the postseason, this basketball season will go down as my favorite since I’ve been a Hokie (1997). It’s been a helluva ride so far.

Categories: HokieHaven, VT Basketball
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