Editor's Note: With Brandon Roy's jersey being retired tonight at Hec Ed, I felt it was appropriate to get someone to write a tribute for one of the greatest Huskies of all-time. A side note, Roy is making an appearance at Niketown today.
By Ian Shioyama
Freelancer
It was Brandon Roy?s final home game. The Washington Huskies were leading the California Golden Bears 57-60 with 5:38 left to go. Brandon Roy had the ball. He looked around for a better option but when none appeared, he drilled a three to put the Huskies up by 10.
This has always been Brandon Roy?s style: willing to take the backseat when necessary, but able and confident to take the leadership role in crucial times.
On the court he excelled in almost every category, leading the Pac-10 in 8 of 13 statistical categories in his senior season, as well as playing stifling defense on opposing players. He was recognized in winning the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2006 and becoming a first-team All-American.
However, Brandon Roy?s road was not always as smooth as it seems. After a promising career at Garfield, Roy had to sit out 14 games of his freshman season because of academic ineligibility.
Showing his resilience, he averaged 13.8 points in his final 4 games, and started the last two. His junior year he was hurt for a month and was often overshadowed by the likes of Nate Robinson, Will Conroy, and Tre Simmons. Roy accepted this reduced role without complaint and the Huskies advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1998.
After contemplating leaving early for the 2005 NBA Draft, Roy showed his commitment to Lorenzo Romar and the Huskies by returning for his senior year, even after many of his teammates that led the Huskies to the Sweet 16 left Washington.
This was to become the best decision of Roy?s career as he played outstanding basketball, earning awards, gaining national attention, and leading the Huskies to their second straight Sweet 16 appearance.
This fantastic season for the Huskies is not only attributed to Roy?s playing ability, but also his leadership quality. He played unselfishly, doing what he could to win games, but he also was not afraid to take up the leadership role. His guidance and senior leadership was the glue to the team that allowed them to reach the Sweet 16.
Brandon Roy?s playing ability, resilience, commitment, and leadership make him a player that many Huskies fans will never forget.
Even after his time at Washington, Roy continues to make basketball fans in Seattle proud. After the absence of the Sonics, Roy has been a bright spot in a now-dull league for many Seattle fans. He is leading the Portland Trailblazers, to whom some Sonics fans have switched allegiance, to a 24-16 record, good for 2nd place in their division. His career high 52 points against Phoenix has been the highlight of the NBA season for me as he shows the nation his full potential.
Thanks B-Roy.
photo source: [maxwaugh]
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/01/...
By Ian Shioyama
Freelancer
It was Brandon Roy?s final home game. The Washington Huskies were leading the California Golden Bears 57-60 with 5:38 left to go. Brandon Roy had the ball. He looked around for a better option but when none appeared, he drilled a three to put the Huskies up by 10.
This has always been Brandon Roy?s style: willing to take the backseat when necessary, but able and confident to take the leadership role in crucial times.
On the court he excelled in almost every category, leading the Pac-10 in 8 of 13 statistical categories in his senior season, as well as playing stifling defense on opposing players. He was recognized in winning the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2006 and becoming a first-team All-American.
However, Brandon Roy?s road was not always as smooth as it seems. After a promising career at Garfield, Roy had to sit out 14 games of his freshman season because of academic ineligibility.
Showing his resilience, he averaged 13.8 points in his final 4 games, and started the last two. His junior year he was hurt for a month and was often overshadowed by the likes of Nate Robinson, Will Conroy, and Tre Simmons. Roy accepted this reduced role without complaint and the Huskies advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1998.
After contemplating leaving early for the 2005 NBA Draft, Roy showed his commitment to Lorenzo Romar and the Huskies by returning for his senior year, even after many of his teammates that led the Huskies to the Sweet 16 left Washington.
This was to become the best decision of Roy?s career as he played outstanding basketball, earning awards, gaining national attention, and leading the Huskies to their second straight Sweet 16 appearance.
This fantastic season for the Huskies is not only attributed to Roy?s playing ability, but also his leadership quality. He played unselfishly, doing what he could to win games, but he also was not afraid to take up the leadership role. His guidance and senior leadership was the glue to the team that allowed them to reach the Sweet 16.
Brandon Roy?s playing ability, resilience, commitment, and leadership make him a player that many Huskies fans will never forget.
Even after his time at Washington, Roy continues to make basketball fans in Seattle proud. After the absence of the Sonics, Roy has been a bright spot in a now-dull league for many Seattle fans. He is leading the Portland Trailblazers, to whom some Sonics fans have switched allegiance, to a 24-16 record, good for 2nd place in their division. His career high 52 points against Phoenix has been the highlight of the NBA season for me as he shows the nation his full potential.
Thanks B-Roy.
photo source: [maxwaugh]
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/01/...
![[maxwaugh]](http://www.maxwaugh.com/images/ncstate04/roy1.jpg){kind=link}