Stanford hopes to build off NIT
The Stanford Cardinals are seen holding the championship trophy after defeating the Minnesota Golden Golphers in the NIT men's basketball championship. (March 29, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
The PAC-12 getting just one team invited to the NCAA Tournament was truly an embarrassment to the league. Whether or not the selection committee made the right decision in doing so is debatable. Some believed Washington, the PAC-12 regular-season champ should’ve have been a no-brainer.
The Huskies had an argument to for their inclusion, but truth be told, when a major conference goes 1-29 against non-league foes, it can drag down everyone.
Don’t expect the same next season if Stanford has anything to do it. After witnessing the Cardinal’s youngsters dismantle Minnesota, 75-51, in the NIT Final on Thursday, Stanford has got to be considered one of the early favorites to challenge for the PAC-12 title.
Stanford’s attack was orchestrated by two sophomores and a freshman on Thursday night. Sophomore Aaron Bright had 15 points and six assists, freshman Chasson Randle had 15 points and sophomore Anthony Brown had 11 points.
“It was no surprise,” said Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins. “Whether it’s Aaron or Chasson or Dwight; I can go down the list. Anthony…These kids have all given us something throughout this run and they did again tonight.”
Bright scored eight of his 15 points during a 14-4 run at the end of the first half. Randle drained two huge three-pointers during a 29-10 run in the second half that gave Stanford a 60-35 lead.
“Those kids were making plays defensively, taking charges, blocking shots, rebounding, and that’s what you have,” said Dawkins. “And I think that they have grown up this year, and that’s exciting for the future.”
Bright, who was named the NIT most outstanding player, agreed.
“It’s great. I’ve been telling everybody it’s great for next year, too,” said Bright. “It’s great for our seniors to go out like that and hopefully it carries into the off season for us and we’ll just continue to work hard.”
Stanford (26-11) loses seniors Jarrett Mann, Josh Owens and Andrew Zimmermann. Owens and Zimmermann were starters, while Mann came off the bench for half the season.
All told, Stanford returns five of its top six scorers and rebounders.
