On the heels of a disappointing first half of conference play for the Ducks, Oregon coach Ernie Kent has decided to rethink his starting five and substitution strategy.
Sophomore forward Joevan Catron was announced enthusiastically by Kent in the preseason as the fifth piece of the starting lineup, and it’s not hard to imagine the most passionate Duck player earning that spot in practice. He rewarded Kent’s decision by performing well until he injured his foot just before the start of Pacific-10 Conference play.
Now Kent says that Catron will be coming off the bench to spell senior forward Maarty Leunen down the stretch run of conference play. At first glance this might appear to be a player losing his starting spot by being injured. In reality, it’s Kent searching for an answer to the Ducks late-game woes.
I say good move, coach. Too often coaches stick steadfastly, and at times stubbornly, to their guns when it comes to strategy. Duck fans should take heart in knowing that Kent is analyzing his own role in the string of close losses as well as his players’. Yes, it is the players that ultimately win or lose games, but it is the coach who knows best how to utilize those players to maximum effect and put the team in the best position to win.
So Catron will take a step back from his well-earned starting role to help his team win some games. A small price to pay? For many young athletes this might be a slap in the face, but in the conversations I’ve had with Catron he exudes no sense of entitlement as far as his role on the team. Instead he exudes a hunger to improve, play well, and ultimately win.
Catron is a selfless teammate despite his penchant for attacking the basket with a singular ferocity when he gets the ball. Kent said Tuesday that Catron is taking the lineup adjustment well, which stands as a testament to the kind of person he is.
And just because Catron won’t be starting, don’t think he won’t have an impact in games on the road.
To win on the road in a hostile environment takes grit, guts, and passion – three things that Catron is brimming with.
It’s going to be nice to have him on this road trip,” said Kent. “He brings a certain element of energy and toughness and passion to the floor that really helps us.”
His teammates see that too. Senior guard Malik Hairston said the Ducks are successful when they are in attack mode and Catron’s presence will help get them there, as his attack mode seemingly has no off-switch.
“That’s definitely going to be big,” said Hairston of Catron being back in the lineup for the second run through the Bay Area teams. “Joevan’s going to come in and fight and he’s going to bring energy.”
So while Catron’s role is changed, I don’t really see it as diminished. For the Ducks to have the kind of stretch run they will need to get into the NCAA tournament, Catron will be crucial.
He’s also a big reason why I like their chances to do so.
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