Pack Forwards face Tall challenges

By: Lucas Eggan

Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:12 PM

Click to enlarge. Photo by Brian Bolton/The Nevada Sagebrush

Nevada’s big men have a lot to live up to this season.

There is an impressive history of forwards and centers on the Wolf Pack, ranging from Nick Fazekas (2004-07) to JaVale McGee (2007-08).

This year, sophomore forwards Luke Babbitt and Dario Hunt and senior forward Joey Shaw come in ready make their own mark.

While Babbitt established himself as a leader on the offense last season with a team-high 16.9 points per game, 2009 marks an opportunity for Shaw and Hunt to expand their roles and shine.

“We are just taking it one day at a time, trying to get better as a team and working on our chemistry,” said Shaw, who averaged 7.4 points per game last season and was fourth on the team in rebounds with four rebounds per game.

BBP_DarioHunt_numbers While Babbitt was an offensive force, Hunt was one of the Wolf Pack’s most reliable defenders, leading the team in blocks with 67 for the season.

“He’s the enforcer in the (paint),” Babbitt said. “We need to play good defense, but if one in a million (chance) I let my guy by me, he’ll be there.”

And the players spent the offseason ready to excel.

“We all spent a lot of time in the gym,” Babbitt said. “Hopefully it will pay off.”

If Saturday’s game against Montana State is any indication, it has. Babbitt led the Wolf Pack with 26 points, while Hunt recorded seven blocks and Shaw added five points and four rebounds.

Hunt hopes the season will show how much he worked during the offseason, which he viewed as a chance to improve every facet of his game.

“I worked on everything,” Hunt said. “I tried to become more athletic, worked on my post moves, shooting, everything.”

Nevada head coach David Carter is excited about the progress his three big men made during the offseason.

“They have all gotten stronger and faster,” he said. “I anticipate them rebounding better than last year.”

Shaw said he expects that the forwards will be much more of a rebounding force than in past seasons.

“With rebounding, a lot comes from effort,” he said. “You can’t work on that too much except for getting stronger and battling down there when the time comes, which we will be ready for.”

While Babbitt has received most of the attention of the group, Hunt and Shaw are more than happy just to do their part.

“My main goal this season is helping my team get as far as it can,” Hunt said. “My numbers don’t really matter to me.”

Lukas Eggen can be reached at leggen@nevadasagebrush.com.