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Just like an NBA MVP, Wildcats star makes teammates better

By DEREK LARIVIERE
Published December 21, 2006

WESLEY CHAPEL - To play point guard at any level of organized basketball, there are two stellar pro models.

The first is Allen Iverson. The talented scoring machine out of Georgetown has always had the ability to pass the ball, but his success comes from creating his own shot.

The second is Steve Nash. Though the veteran Phoenix Suns floor general can score when needed, his game is patterned around distributing the ball to his teammates.

While both of these players have found success, Wesley Chapel's Greg Jenkins has his own opinion of the best route to take.

"There is a reason why A.I.'s never won a championship," Jenkins said. "When you have talented scorers around you, it's important to be unselfish and get everyone involved."

Jenkins did not always play this way. With his all-around ability on the court, many times Jenkins finds himself the best athlete in the game. He is about as dangerous as any local player with the ball in his hands.

But Wesley Chapel coach Doug Greseth spent the majority of the first month of the season imploring his team leader to get other players involved. Jenkins, used to looking for his own shot, had trouble adjusting at first.

"I struggled a little bit in practice," he said. "I like the fast pace, and sometimes that leads me to take quick shots before looking for the guys around me."

Finally, Greseth had a suggestion for his point guard. He asked Jenkins whether he thought Nash was a player he would like to emulate. His answer, of course, was yes. Who wouldn't want to pattern their game after a two-time NBA MVP?

While watching a Suns game recently, Jenkins studied every move Nash made - from where his eyes were before throwing a pass, to his unselfish play around the basket. The results were almost instant.

Before a recent close loss to Ridgewood, the Wildcats were rolling despite Jenkins' decrease in scoring. Greseth and company saw the numbers of forward Keon Critchlow rise along with some other role players.

"If Greg continues to grow into the role of point guard like he is, we are going to be a real force down the stretch," Greseth said. "He is pushing the ball up the floor and looking for his teammates now more than ever."

In a 67-52 victory over Gulf at home, Critchlow had 21 points and guard Ladarius Manora had 15 while Jenkins settled for nine.

Jenkins also has been putting great defensive pressure on the ball in the backcourt. He is the team leader in steals and has caused many bad passes to open up steals for teammates.

"Defense leads to offense for us," Greseth said. "Greg really understands now that steals lead to the tempo we want to have on the court."

[Last modified December 21, 2006, 06:32:02]