Some programs reload and some programs rebuild. This season we
will find out which category Stanford falls in. True, they have
been able to sustain big success for nearly a decade now, but
this season seems to be one of the biggest tests in recent
memory. On top of having four new starters, they start a point
guard with rather limited experience and a true freshmen (albeit
a McDonalds All-American). This season is going to call for some
big contributions from freshmen, which hasn’t been the case
in the past. Over the years, Stanford has had some rather strong
post players, but this year look to Curtis and Justin, who have
great potential but have been injury prone and have little-to-no
tournament experience.
The first game of the season will be a stiff test for the new
cast of characters as they enter “The Pit." It should
be a very hostile environment but shouldn’t be the worst
“Pit” Stanford has had to play in. The one in Eugene is
probably a tougher crowd. It should be a very good test with an
athletic team that gave Stanford a lot of trouble last season,
even though the score doesn’t show it. For the first time
this season, this is what Stanford as well New Mexico should look
like when they take the floor:
PG - Marlon Palmer/Senque Carey vs Tony Giovacchini
This is potentially a very big mismatch for New Mexico. Tony
hasn’t shown that he can guard quick guards as well as run
an offensive around them. Maybe Tony has improved greatly as a
floor leader and defender but until we see that this is a very
tough matchup for Stanford. Senque Carey talentwise should start
for Mew Mexico but he has played little for them in their
two-preseason games. He is probably still learning the system and
should start at point guard for them in the near future. Look for
Barnes and Hernandez to matchup with these quick quards if Tony
struggles.
SG - Ruben Douglas vs Casey Jacobsen
This will be the key matchup of the game. Douglas is the
team’s main scorer and will be the number one option this
season for them. He has averaged 17 a game in the preseason and
has been picked WAC all-conference 1st team by many
voters. As everyone on the HoopsBoard knows, this Stanford team
will go as far as Jake can take them. He will need to set the
tempo and get his points against a tough New Mexico defense. Look
for Casey to have a big game, as Douglas concentrates on his
offense at the expense of his defense.
SF - Eric Chatfield vs Josh Childress
This is a potentially pivotal matchup in the game. Chatfield
gave Stanford trouble with his great quickness last year. This of
course was against Ryan Mendez and that advantage should decrease
against Childress. Chatfield though is a senior against a
freshman and will most likely try to use his experience to his
advantage. Childress needs to step up this game, as it can be
certain Mew Mexico will key its defense on Jacobsen. This will be
a great test for Childress, and I am sure he has never played in
a gym quite like the “Pit”. Even with all this against
him, I expect him to hold his own against Chatfield and have a
solid game.
PF - Patrick Denehy vs Justin Davis
Denehy in the last meeting was overmatched and picked up early
fouls, and as a result didn’t become much of a factor. That
was against the Collins twins, though, so expect Denehy to be a
bigger factor in this game. This matchup is a bit of an unknown
commodity as Davis has never played starter’s minutes and
Denehy, hasn’t played much himself. Both probably wont be
much of a factor in the game, but Stanford needs a few putbacks
or transition dunks by Davis to help them in this game. Davis
also has to watch his fouls, as until January this team is very
thin at the post positions, when Teyo can return. Expect this
matchup not to be a deciding one in the game.
C - Moustapha Diagne vs Curtis Borchardt
From what I have heard this big (7’1”) junior
transfer will likely start to combat Borchardt’s height.
This is a matchup Stanford must take advantage of, as Diagne
hasn’t played a minute of college ball in his life. Look for
him to use his post moves on Diagne. This is probably a matchup
where I expect Stanford to have an advantage.
Look for Stanford to win this game, but while in the past, the
spread of this type of game would be 20+, look for this game to
be within 10 points. An opening night victory, nonetheless.