Davey's squad excels as underdog

By Josh Griffin

The last time Santa Clara men's basketball coach Dick Davey had as much roster turnover as this year's edition of the Broncos was in 1992-1993. For those of you who lack an encyclopedic knowledge of NCAA basketball, that was the year of one of the greatest upsets in the history of March Madness.

In that season, Davey inherited a 14-15 team that returned one starter, only to lead them to a 15-11 regular season. The unknown and undermanned Broncos stormed through the WCC Tournament and defeated No. 5 Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Davey's inaugural season at the helm. (Former Wildcat and Portland Trailblazers point guard Damon Stoudamire was unavailable for comment on this game, claiming that he does not remember college.)

Fast-forward the clock 11 seasons, and you will find a team of Broncos that is eerily reminiscent of Davey's debut squad. After a 13-15 season in 2001-2002, Santa Clara stands at 10-4, having returned only two starters, one of whom - Kyle Bailey - will redshirt this season. The coaching staff has deftly worked six newcomers into the regular rotation.

Just as Steve Nash had a breakout freshman season as the sixth man in 1992-1993, current freshman guard Brandon Rohe has taken a prominent role with this year's team. Rohe has been lauded for his scoring ability and Nash-like work ethic, while leading the Broncos by averaging 13.1 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting from behind the three point arc.

The common denominator is Head Coach Dick Davey who, in his 26th year of affiliation with Santa Clara, has proven doubters wrong and is once again demonstrating his adroit touch in developing and motivating underdogs.