Julian Strawthers Sin City Success Story for the Zags | Sport | Spokane | The Pacific Northwest Inlander
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Erick Doxey
Julian Strawther makes himself felt in the early stages of his second season.
The story about the week of the Zags in Las Vegas focused on one of two points, either the big games against high-profile opponents or the battle of the novice phenomena Chet Holmgren and Dukes Paolo Banchero. The real star of the show, however, was one from Sin City.
Second year Guardian Julian Strawther has had a breakout campaign so far this season and brought the college basketball world to the attention of the college basketball world over three games in Vegas in front of the national television audience.
“As a child, you always want to play in the biggest games, in the biggest arenas, at the biggest events. The fact that we’re here in my hometown, playing in the biggest arena we can have and some of the biggest games, that means it all. Mostly to have my whole family out there cheering and smiling and having a good time. It just means the world, ”said Strawther.
He gave his hometown fans something to cheer on, okay, averaging 15.7 points in three games in Vegas and a career high of 20 points against Duke on Friday. As a result, Strawther returns to Spokane as the team’s second top scorer this season.
Coaches, fans, and everyone involved in Gonzaga basketball were expecting a breakout season from Strawther, but I’m not sure anyone saw him generate so much buzz anytime soon. Last season, Strawther logged just 186 minutes in 25 games. When the Zags were in a dogfight, Strawther was usually stuck on the bench. He was a healthy scratch from five games last season, including three postseason competitions.
This year he has already exceeded his total minutes from last season in the first seven games. Strawther plays more, which is evident in the Games, but he’s also become one of the Zags’ deadliest weapons offensively. Often times, when a player sees a massive increase in playing time or stakes, as Strawther did this season, their efficiency scores can drop a little. Strawthers did just the opposite; it carries more weight than last season and performs better too.
If you look at the statistics like points scored or minutes played, it is clear that Strawther has made a giant leap. But they don’t tell the full story, since he played so little last year it would have been almost impossible for those numbers not to go up this year. More impressive are the leaps he’s made in statistics that aren’t tied to how long he’s on the ground.
His percentage of free throws (75%) and three-point percentage (47.2%) have increased compared to the previous year. His assist rate is higher than before and his turnover rate is lower, which only amplifies its positive effects. Most importantly, his offensive rating has shot through the roof. Last year he achieved a respectable rating of 111.7. This season he’s 49th in the country and second on the team with 137.9. Put simply, this means that for every 100 possessions Strawther plays, Strawther produces 137.9 points, which is a lot.
Last year, Strawther was stuck behind a block full of talented, experienced players. This year the Zags are loaded again, but this year it is Strawther who is part of this Log Jam, and he shines in his expanded role in it.
GONZAGA’S WEEK AHEAD
The Zags host Tarleton State from Stephenville, Texas at 7 p.m. Monday. The game will be broadcast locally on KHQ and regionally on ROOT Sports.
On Saturday, the Zags will face number 10 in Alabama in the 14th edition of the annual battle in Seattle – the earlier tradition had been interrupted for the past five seasons. The game starts at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.