This years Pacific Tigers men's Basketball team "has it made."
The Tigers are 3-1 against their non-conference opponents. Their two big forwards, Michael Nunnally and Anthony Brown, are toying with the competition.
Nunnally, who stands 6"8" and weighs 225 pounds, is not only a big force—he can move very quickly up the court. He wears No. 1 for a reason.
In his high school years, Nunnally led the East Union Lancers (Manteca, CA) to two state championship runs. He went on to play a year at San Joaquin Junior College in Stockton. He helped lift his team to a Sweet 16 appearance a year ago.
So far during his freshman year at Pacific, he has been a beast around the basket. He has a collection of five offensive rebounds to go with 18 defensive boards. His 63 percent shooting has produced eight points per game.
Brown is a 6'7", 200-pound forward. He's an amazing athlete around the rim. He plays with a purpose, and loves to pound it down low.
In his third season, he's averaging nine points a game, on 40 percent shooting. He's also picked up four offensive rebounds to go with 18 defensive boards.
Both players help their backcourt teammates by drawing coverage down low.
Point guard Steffan Johnson has been the main beneficiary, averaging 20 points per game on 61 percent shooting.
Pacific's only came at the hands of the Oregon Ducks. The Tigers have put up great games against Pepperdine, Western Michigan, and Lewis and Clark College, whom they beat 92-47.
Yes, I said 92-47.
I'm very hopeful that this will turn into another Elite Eight year—rather than a repeat of last season, where the Tigers went 12-19.
Next game: Home v. Sacramento State
Rob Calonge is having some problems with his bracket. (Read More)
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4 months ago
Great article. What has happened to the coaching at UOP? Head coach Thompson fails to recognize that he has two of the best forwards in the Big West. Coach refuses to utilizes their skills and abilities by bentching them on a regular basis. This Pacific team is tough to watch, both on TV and in person. Head coach should let the kids play their game of basketball and get out of the 50's and 60's style of coaching basketball. This team will finish close to the bottom this year. This is ironic based on the fact that Pacific was in first place in the Big West just three weeks ago. Problem is that the coach is not trying to win games but trying coach during the game and tries to let everyone play (except power forward DeAngelo) in the game. I think he is confusing practice with game time play. This coach will rountenly sit all 4 starters down at the same time and during a critical point of the game. Dosen't coach know that real players need to stay active in a game and that playes should be allowed to work through their mistakes? If a mistake is made in the game (such as stepping out of bounds or taking a good look but missed 15 foot jumper) the player will be pulled from the game. When the player re-enters the game he is afraid to shoot and always looks at the coach in fear of being pulled. Let the kids play some ball. Concerned UPO Fan hp
4 months ago
yup, well said. I am a huge UOP fan myself. I am a big Michael Nunnally fan, as well as Anthony Brown, these are the two best forwards in the Big West, but they are not utilized well. They still have a chance to win the big west tourney, and if they get to the dance, I can see them making a splash.
2 months ago
I have to disagree with your assessment about Nunnally and Brown. Brown has been inconsistent at best. He shows up big in some games and disappears in others. Nunnally, a junior this year, had trouble adapting to D-I play this year. The Tigers played better when Nunnally was out. He played very soft down low.
I have no problem with Thomason's coaching, but if I had a criticism, it would be the inability to open up the middle post more with better passing. I'd like to see the Tigers utilize all of the talent to play a faster paced game without giving up on defense. I think the last three regular season games were an indication of how well they 'could' play.
Oh well, at least we're complaining about a 20 win season. Hopefully, next year they are much better.
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