Basketball junkie takes leadership role for Eagles
Maurice Milton has become Springstead's new point guard.
By FRANK PASTOR
Published December 19, 2003
SPRING HILL - Maurice Milton always talked the part. Now he's beginning to look it, too.
As one of coach Whit Campbell's students, Milton regularly talks basketball with Campbell before or after class. What does Milton think would help Springstead's press? How does he like the new offense? What can the team do to improve its press break?
Milton will have even more input as Springstead's new point guard. The sophomore moved from shooting guard last week to fill a need after the Eagles struggled getting the ball upcourt during a 1-6 start.
"He's a great guy who loves the game of basketball," Campbell said. "You never have to worry about his head being in the game because he's just so involved in basketball all the time. And he's just going to get better and better and better. I think anyone who sees him play knows that."
Milton is Springstead's best ball-handler and most athletic player, averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Though he had never played point guard, his natural instincts, energy and team-first mentality made it only a matter of time before he developed into the Eagles' floor leader.
"I'm not the oldest, but I'm the leader of the team," Milton said. "What I've got to do is control the floor and do what's right for the team. I'm going to score, but I have to look for the dishes, too."
Milton had some concerns when first approached about the change but said he felt better after Campbell assured him his scoring chances wouldn't diminish.
"I was concerned my scoring average was going to go down," Milton said. "But it's not really affecting me because he said if I have the lane, take it; if I have the shot, take it."
Besides a new position, Milton has had to adjust to a changing lineup that was without top inside threats Chris Pape and Ryan Hunter for three or more games. Their absence puts additional pressure on Milton to score and rebound.
Milton admits to making mistakes but is pleased with his transition, particularly after watching others struggle at the position.
"I'm still learning," Milton said. "But I caught on pretty quick. I was surprised."
Campbell won't rush him.
"I made a decision, and that decision was we were going to give him the time and room to make this transition. And you have to know going into that that there are going to be a lot of things happen you don't naturally want to have happen," Campbell said. "But it was necessary for the team to grow for Maurice to make that move, I thought.
"It's taken a while, and it doesn't happen overnight. You don't make a point guard in one day. As talented as he is, he's going to get there."
The sooner he does, the quicker Springstead will put memories of last season's 2-19 finish behind it.
"My goal is to not have a season like we had last year, to get together as a team and win," Milton said. "I don't want it to be just me. Everybody has a part on the team. If one person doesn't do their part, then the whole team shuts down."
