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Show Your Sports P/UJTTBS MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2005 In the huddle Player spotlight: Benjamin Devoe Zachary Fraser Sports Writer G oing into the season, coach Dick Hunsaker was very open about his concern of the lack of size that the Wolverines had. The focus (as it should have been) was on All-American guard Ronnie Price and backcourt mate Pierre Thomas, but Hunsaker alluded to the fact that if the team was going to have any success that little-known big man Ben Devoe from Olymplia, Washington was going to have to play a big role. Well, consider the role played. After a slow start, Devoe came alive in the second half of the season, holding down the middle as the team emerged as one of the best independent programs in the country. Devoe credits Coach Hunsaker and his staff for believing in him before he believed in himself. "At the end of last year, he kept me in the gym, kept emphasizing the role that I would play," said Devoe. "A lot of it was mental for me." A 6'-10" transfer from the University of It's that time of year again. Washington, Devoe had been a good player in high The most exciting three school, averaging 14 points and 9 rebounds per weeks in sports is here; March game, and was recruited to UW for his obvious Madness is about to begin. height potential. "I played a lot of basketball in Washington, but Time to fill out your brackets. Maybe even wager some at Washington I wasn't someone who played a money with friends. Then lot," Devoe said laughing. After an LDS mission watch the person who knows to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Devoe had the the least about college bas- opportunity to go back to the PAC-10 school, who ketball win all of the money. battled Arizona for a conference championship and Perhaps you may have no- will most definitely play in the NCAA Tournament, ticed that while you may take having spent the majority of the season ranked in two days to fill and refill your the Top 15 in the nation. But UVSC was the right bracket a hundred times, it place, said Devoe. seems that every year the win"I knew I would have a chance to play here and ner of your pool is the person have an impact," he said. "Obviously, Ronnie was who took the least amount of the man, but I could help the team on the defensive time to do it. end." Usually they picked the The biggest test of the year was when fellow winners of each round by the independent IPFW visited the McKay Center with NBA prospect David Simon, who the year prior had "Speaks" cont' on page B6 declared for the NBA Draft, and until a knee injury The joy of filling out your bracket 7\ slowed him down, was considered an upper-echelon talent. Devoe not only matched Simon offensively, but slowed down, and many times in the second half, stopped the 6'-10" big man cold. From that point on, teams began to realize that in addition to the perimeter play of Price and Thomas, the Wolverines now had a big man that could change the course of the game. The multimedia communications and technology major has paid attention to the Huskies success. "I know and played with every guy on that team," he said. A lot of players in his position would wonder if they made the right choice in selecting a Division I independent over an established school from a power conference with a legitimate chance at winning a national championship. -,. Not Devoe. *V t "I am happy for every guy on that team, they are my friends," he said. "But I wouldn't trade it [my choice] for the world." With the departure of Price, look for Devoe to join Thomas as a featured weapon in the Wolverine offense next season. And who knows, maybe "Devoe" may become the next "big name" on campus. He certainly has the height. Hometown: Olympla, WA Year. Junior j^j Major: Multl/Comm Marketing '•- Looking for a great summer job, but... Commission sales NOT your thing? TOP 5 REASONS TO INSTALL WITH SUMMIT THIS SUMMER: 1. Base Salary of $2,500/mo Guarenteed! 2. $ 1,000/mo Average Extra Bonuses/Commissions! 3. All Expenses Paid-Rent, Gas, Cell! 4. All Trdthing and Certification Provided! 5. AHXI^blMind[Supplies Provided! feat Money... Great Guarantee! summit S A T E L L I T E Limited positions available. Call for more information. 1-877-206-3474 |