Basketball Notes

by Andrew Golding

Clock Clarification: After the University of Detroit's Brian Alexander slipped in for a layup to put UD up 53-52 with 14.8 seconds remaining, Coach Brian Ellerbe immediately protested to the officials, arguing the clock operators allowed too much time to run off the clock. As a result, the officials reset the clock to 15.4. In the ensuing moments, Baston hit a last-second layup, which left 0.1 seconds on the clock.

Afterwards, several media outlets including ESPN and the Detroit Free Press incorrectly credited Ellerbe with a game-saving move. In reality, Ellerbe's protest, while a smart coaching tactic, had nothing to do with the outcome of the game. Baston's shot was released with about 1.0 seconds on the game clock; no matter whether there were 15.4 or 14.8 seconds remaining, the shot would have counted.

Freshman report: In four particularly active first-half minutes against WMU, 6'11" center Josh Asselin recorded a steal, hit one of two free throws after being fouled on a dunk attempt, scored the first basket of his college career on a nifty spin to the hoop, and took a charge by allowing a WMU player to run into his midsection. Asselin has played well, and put together a strong effort in a season-high 20 minutes against UNLV. He scored 8 points and collected 3 rebounds, and also kept several balls alive with deflections on rebound attempts. "Josh has emerged a little bit. It reflects on his practice work ethic," said Ellerbe.

Fellow rookie Brandon Smith has displayed great jumping ability and a nice outside shot. He scored only two points versus UNLV, but they were the most spectacular two of the game as Louis Bullock delivered a perfect alley-oop pass. Smith is averaging 5.0 ppg on 57 percent shooting.

Overheard: "Forget that Jerod. That's over." Ellerbe to Ward, immediately after the senior forward was called for a charging foul in the first half of the UNLV contest. Ward finished with 13 points and 7 rebounds in 21 minutes of play.

Woodlings: Athletes In Action star David Wood was impressed with the play of Baston, Bullock, and Traylor, after competing against them in the first exhibition game of the season on November 3. "Baston will be the best pro among the three, and a great NBA player. He'll play small forward in the league, a la a Robert Horry," Wood said. "Bullock has the poise to play in the NBA, but sometimes the question with a guy like him is, sure he can do it with Michigan, but can he do it with another team? He's not a lock for the NBA, but he's got a great chance. Traylor is definitely a pro prospect, and one of the biggest guys I have ever seen. I don't think anyone in the NBA is as big as him."MR