facebook
11/6/2024 6:33:59 PM
Breaking News

Liberty High’s Julian Strawther maximizes growth at Gonzaga


Liberty High’s Julian Strawther maximizes growth at Gonzaga

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) dribbles the ball to the basket under pressure from San Francisco Dons guard Khalil Shabazz (0) in the first half of a West Coast Conference males's basketball semifinal video game at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Monday, March 6, 2023. (Erik Verduzco/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) warms up before the start of a West Coast Conference men's basketball semifinal video game against the San Francisco Dons at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Monday, March 6, 2023. (Erik Verduzco/ Las Vegas Review-Journal)Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Julian Strawther (0) is introduced before the start of a West Coast Conference guys's basketball semifinal video game against the San Francisco Dons at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Monday, March 6, 2023.
It snowed Monday early morning in Spokane, Washington, making Julian Strawther's annual West Coast Conference tournament trip house to Las Vegas a lot more prompt than typical.

He evaded the aspects. Returned to his aspect.

Maybe for the final time as a college basketball player.

" All my family and friends get to see me. Specifically now that I've got a bigger role on the group," said Strawther, a Liberty High graduate. "I'm extremely excited to have everyone. It simply seems like everyone that I understand in the city (attempted to) make it out to the video game.".

Consider it a curtain call for the soon-to-be 21-year-old small forward, who delighted in the atmosphere inside Orleans Arena once again Monday in the WCC semifinals against San Francisco - - this time as one of the stars of the

program. He considered entering the NBA draft a year ago however opted to return to Spokane to prove he could soak up more obligations.

He did just that, earning first-team All-WCC honors as Gonzaga's second-leading scorer.

" The only thing missing is just to get a championship game," said Strawther, whose Bulldogs are projected by ESPN to be a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament's West Regional - - the conclusion of which is at T-Mobile Arena.

A larger concern.

Strawther played well enough as a sophomore last season to think about a leap to the NBA while protecting his final two years of eligibility. He took part in the predraft procedure and utilized the feedback he acquired from NBA decision-makers to become a better player and prospect this season.

They wanted to see him do more, he said.

Last season, he averaged 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds, showing a reliable shooter by transforming 36.5 percent of the 4.6 3-pointers he attempted per game. However he was playing next to eventual No. 2 general draft pick Chet Holmgren, Andrew Nembhard, a fellow novice starting for the Indiana Pacers and Drew Timme, the WCC's freshly minted two-time Player of the Year.

What would he do, scouts and executives questioned, while bearing more of the offending burden?


Gonzaga coach Mark Few and his assistants were encouraging of Strawther while he learnt the draft waters, however explained to him upon his withdrawal "there's no more hiding in the shadows any longer.".

" They weren't asking me to be that guy," said Strawther, who, like the prototypical NBA wing, stands 6 feet, 7 inches. "They were telling me that I need to. … … That fired me up, and I was ready to opt for the dive.".

That would indicate using more possessions as a main ball handler while enhancing his 3-point precision off the catch and off the dribble while preserving a standard on the other end of the floor.

He was excellent in nonconference play versus the rugged schedule Gonzaga generally plays, balancing 12.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and converting 41.3 percent of his triples. Even better in the WCC, balancing 17.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while making 50 percent of his field goals and 44.2 percent of his 3-pointers versus defenses altered a bit more in his instructions.

Burying Brigham Young with a game-winning 28-footer and hanging 40 points on Portland.

" My phone was off the hook after that game." said Strawther, who had his reasonable share of 40-balls while betting Liberty.

Residing in the moment.

He came, he sat, he began, he starred, beginning his freshman season nearly three years earlier as a reserve on the best group in Gonzaga history - - and likely leaving as a highlighted forward on another NCAA Tournament-bound group.

Fulfilling the vision he had when he committed to Gonzaga, then as a junior for the Patriots.

Loving basketball as much now as he did then.

" I think I'm doing an excellent job of enjoying it," Strawther stated. "The group, we've all been through so (lots of) ups and downs. … … I feel like we're all being able to take in every moment. Just ready for the next.".

And prepared for the next level.

Contact Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Source Credit

Elwood Hill
author

Elwood Hill

Elwood Hill is an award-winning journalist with more than 18 years' of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, John has worked on a variety of different stories and assignments including national politics, local sports, and international business news. Elwood graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism and immediately began working for Breaking Now News as lead journalist.

you may also like