Nash wants to play

By Gary Bedore     Nov 7, 2001

Kirk Hinrich struggled as a freshman two years ago, but then the Kansas University guard came into his own as a sophomore last year.

Now Bryant Nash is hoping to make strides between his freshman and sophomore seasons as well, if not the giant steps Hinrich took.

“I’m not sure I can make that dramatic an improvement,” said Nash, a 6-foot-6 forward. “I think I have gotten better, though.”

Nash, who hails from Carrollton, Texas, played in 24 of the Jayhawks’ 33 games in 2000-2001, averaged about five minutes per game and had about twice as many rebounds (29) as points (16).

A talented leaper who also boasts speed, Nash has worked to blend his athletic skills to the point where he’s at least as good a basketball player as he is an athlete. Nash especially needs to improve his shooting.

As a freshman, Nash made on 7 of 25 shots, a paltry 28 percent. Included were five misses in five three-point attempts.

Nash’s first college three-pointer was launched in Madison Square Garden about a year ago when the Jayhawks were playing in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. Nash seemed to have confused the three-point line used by the New York Knicks with the closer college arc.

“That one in New York everybody told me I was in NBA range,” he said, smiling. “I thought I was on the college line.”

Nash’s first trey attempt missed. Badly.

Quite likely, Nash’s days of shooting three-pointers are over.

“You might catch me shooting a couple of threes, but I haven’t mastered that yet,” he conceded.

Nash has been working on his shooting, especially off the dribble and after catching a pass.

So far, his best shot has been the dunk like the two-hander he crammed into a Kemper Arena goal against Kansas State in last March’s Big 12 Conference tournament.

It’s expected Nash’s playing time will increase this season because he is the only prototypical small forward on the roster.

He should spend more time of the floor for his defense alone.

But if his offense doesn’t pick up, Nash’s defense may be a luxury coach Roy Williams can’t afford.

“I’m not really sure what role he has in mind for me,” Nash said. “It depends on coach and what he asks me to do. I know coach looks for me to get some boards and not make turnovers.”

When push comes to shove, Nash wants what every basketball player wants a little less sitting and a lot more action.

“I really don’t like the bench,” he said.

PREV POST

KU unveils committee to find coach

NEXT POST

1663Nash wants to play