Knight helps slay Broncos

By Brian Betz

Many would argue that Saturday's 79-63 loss to No. 10 Gonzaga was a tale of two halves. I'd say it was the difference between Knight and day.

The Bulldogs' Erroll Knight wasn't the leading scorer for the 'Zags, nor was he even close to being their top scorer with eight points and five boards. However, he was a major defensive catalyst that helped force the Broncos into committing six turnovers in the first seven minutes after halftime.

Consequently, Santa Clara was outscored by 18 points in the second half after leading 38-36 at the intermission.

Knight is a new face to WCC fans. The redshirt sophomore transferred from the University of Washington after his freshman year and sat out last season because of transfer rules. While his impact on Gonzaga's roster hasn't shown up in the scorer's book (6.7 ppg), it was his defensive tenacity that made me believe he's a star in waiting once senior guards Blake Stepp and Kyle Bankhead graduate after the season. Having started in only seven of the 17 games he's appeared in, not only will his minutes increase (currently 17.9 per game), but undoubtedly his shot opportunities will as well.

Saturday night panned out similarly to what I expected heading in. One team would be leading by roughly five at the half and then the 'Zags would turn up the pressure on defense and make a couple substantial scoring runs that would decide the game. Not only did Gonzaga press early and often, but they made runs of 7-0, 8-0 and 11-0 to boot. Bankhead's 12 second-half points served as the dagger, but Knight's relentless pressure on skilled guards Kyle Bailey, Doron Perkins and Brandon Rohe was the noose that strangled Santa Clara's offensive efforts.

Knight made a move along the left baseline for an easy lay-up that reminded me of a similar move I saw him make as a senior in high school at the state tournament. Playing for Chief Sealth High of Seattle, Knight faked right, cut left and elevated for a dunk as I watched from the second row behind the hoop.

My jaw dropped and by the day's end, I had pronounced him the best prep player I saw in all eight games I watched.

By the time he's a senior at Gonzaga, I wouldn't be surprised if I pronounce him one of the best players in the nation.

û Contact Brian Betz at (408) 554-4852 or bbetz@scu.edu.