X-factor

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The Man They Call “Chuck” – A Brief Chat with Husky Forward, Tyreese Breshers

August 17, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 3 comments

tyreese chuck copyTyreese Breshers has the potential to really help the Huskies this season by adding some of the grit and rebounding that the frontcourt will be missing in the wake of Jon Brockman’s graduation. After redshirting last season with a shin injury, we all hope he can be more of an X-Factor this season than an X-Ray Factor.

If Breshers can be that big presence and give us 15 minutes (or more) of toughness per game, I believe our frontcourt can go from being the team’s weakness to, at least, an area of less exposure.

I caught up with Tyreese for a quick chat this afternoon and he was kind of enough to answer a few questions. Here’s some of our discussion:

MontlakeMadness: How’s the health? Are you back into playing shape?

Tyreese Breshers: My health is good, but at this point I’m not quite back in playing shape. But, I am on the road to getting back into shape.

MM: Glad to hear you’re heading in the right direction. A lot of fans are hoping you’ll be able to contribute to filling the hole left by Jon Brockman. How would you compare your game to his, style-wise?

TB: I can say, physically, I am just as strong as him and I’m good around the basket… And, like him, I like to rebound.

MM: Fantastic. Is the whole team working out together yet? Or are guys still away doing their own things for the summer?

TB: Yeah, we all have been working out together a couple months now.

MM: Nice. Anyone who’s been particularly impressive as far as improvement from last season to now?

TB: Honestly, I can see an improvement in everybody, and I’m not just saying that ’cause it sounds good.

MM: From a fan’s perspective, that’s great to hear. How do you guys handle the idea of competing for minutes on such a deep team alongside the idea of keeping team morale and unity high? Do the coaches encourage competition, or try to keep questions like ‘who’s going to start?’ out of the discussion?

TB: I think that team being so deep is only going to bring out the best in everybody, because we all know that the best players will play.

MM: Other than the Huskies, which team in the Pac-10 is the toughest?

TB: Well we aren’t going to take anybody lightly, but I would say Cal because they beat us twice and they are returning their top 3 guys.

MM: I agree with you. On paper, you guys look so much stronger, but they brought their best last season when they played UW. Tyreese, thanks for your time, man. Before you go, can you tell the fans something they don’t yet know about Tyreese Breshers?

TB: The team calls me “Chuck,” for Charles Barkley.

MM: That’s a very intriguing notion, Tyreese. Thanks so much for your time. I look forward to catching up as the season gets closer.

TB: Anytime.

Thanks for coming!

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Your Slam Dunk Champion: 6-foot. . . something, Clarence Trent

July 31, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 3 comments

trent lucy copyI’ve made the executive decision to cancel the second round of the Montlake Madness UW Husky Hoops Freshman Slam Dunk Contest. This first-ever contest at MM was a huge success, so thanks to everyone who voted!

Receiving about three-quarters of the votes, Clarence Trent obliterated his teammates in the competition with his “Jumpman CT” throwdown (about 47 seconds into this video). There’s also not much more impressive dunk work of second-place finisher Abdul Gaddy to be found online, which makes sense considering he’s a 6’3″, pass-first point guard. Should you be concerned, though, check out this five-minute testament to Gaddy’s undeniable skills.

And here’s more Trent dunk footage to drool over. It’ll be interesting to see if he can impose his high-flying style on opponents as a freshman — something more likely at UW, with our fast-paced style, than on other teams.

One question we might not be able to answer until Coach Romar’s rotation takes shape next season is how Trent will be used position-wise. The Huskies list him at 6’5″, while other sites have him at 6’6″,  6’7″, and even 6’8″ (you’ll need to find Trent here on the roster of their 2007-08 team). He’s clearly a forward, and played the four-spot in high school, but if he’s closer to 6’5″, you have to assume that in a majority of circumstances, we’ll want two guys playing alongside him who are taller.

My best guess, based on everything I’ve seen and read, is that Trent will be used similarly to Quincy Pondexter, as far as position, playing the three or four, depending on whether we go with a big lineup or a small one. That is, of course, if Trent is lucky enough to break into the rotation much at all as a freshman. Just ask Scott Suggs about that.

I’ve got a hunch, though, that given his ability to grab rebounds on the offensive end, and score inside, Trent will earn at least some minutes with the Dawgs this year. I don’t think he’ll see enough time to be the team’s X-factor, but Trent is my pick to be its ZZZ-factor, the sleeper who plays his way into the regular rotation.

What do you think, Husky fans? Vote down below, and please drop a comment — especially if you’ve ever watched him play live. I’d love to hear your opinion of Trent’s game.

And, hey, thanks for coming!

Will Clarence Trent break into the regular rotation for the Huskies this season?

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