JALMOND
December 13th, 2006, 03:29 AM
Just thought I'd give some props to a former PSU basketball player, Ime Udoka (1998-2000). He had bounced around Europe, the NBA D-League, and small stints with the Lakers and Knicks without really latching on to the NBA. The Blazers only offered him an invite to training camp after another player with Portland ties, Aaron Miles, was injured and did not come. Udoka took his chance and made the most of it, not only making the team, but has started every game for the Blazers this year. On final cut day, other Blazer players were set to "protest" if Udoka did not make the team, and Zach Randolph met with management to discuss Udoka's role. Udoka mastered McMillian's playbook during the exhibition, something other Blazers still have not done. During preseason, Udoka would be showing the Blazers where to go and when to expect the ball. Recently, he has drawn difficult defensive assignments, guarding the likes of Kobe Bryant, Rip Hamilton and Kyle Korver at the end of ballgames. He gets a guaranteed contract if he is with the team after January 15.
As part of our entrance into the Big Sky in 1996, we were supposed to restart our basketball programs and, other than a few years here and there, we really have not had much success on the hardwood. The Udoka story has taken hold of Portland, not just the PSU community, but for Blazer fans who have been looking for something positive the last few years.
I hope he gets his guaranteed contract. It would just continue this feel good story. If any of you get a chance to see the Blazers play, look for #5, Ime Udoka, former Portland State player who has come a long way towards achieving his dream.
As part of our entrance into the Big Sky in 1996, we were supposed to restart our basketball programs and, other than a few years here and there, we really have not had much success on the hardwood. The Udoka story has taken hold of Portland, not just the PSU community, but for Blazer fans who have been looking for something positive the last few years.
I hope he gets his guaranteed contract. It would just continue this feel good story. If any of you get a chance to see the Blazers play, look for #5, Ime Udoka, former Portland State player who has come a long way towards achieving his dream.