Thought your point guard is supposed to
lead the charge?
The point guard is definitely the one guiding the plays in the front court, but isnāt always the team leader (though often is). Thinking back a few years, Travis Niesen (Travis Niesen - Santa Clara Broncos Forward - ESPN) was that squadās leader in his last two years and was a major reason SCU beat North Carolina (then ranked #3) early in that season. He regularly kept his teammates accountable (at least, from my view and memory).
There are plenty of non-PGs in the NBA who are their team leaders (whether officially or in deference from fellow team members).
I also thought of Nielsen when you discussed leadership and holding others accountable. He was a relentless force on the floor.
Interestingly today marks the twentieth anniversary of North Carolina game. The reason I remember is that it was also the night of the āMalice at the Palaceā when the Pacers, Pistons and assorted idiotic fans engaged in a massive brawl, detracting notice from the upset. North Carolina ended NCAA champion that season. . Santa Clara had a star crossed season, with some big wins as well as loses to Central Connecticut State and Cal Poly.
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Thatās a great UNC trivia question since SCU was the only team that beat the Tar Heels that year. I remember leaving Oracle after the game and all the radio stations were going wild about the Malice in the Palace
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I was there. Felt a bit like beating Arizona (I was also there). Travis had 28 points. I think the Tar Heels were national champs the year before but not sure. Travis is now protecting the streets of Santa Clara as an officer of the law.
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