LC
Years ago
Luke Nevill - Big Expectations?
There are some big expectations for Australian senior Luke Nevill in the NCAA Div 1 for next season. The 7"1 centre is tipped for big things with his Utah team.
Link to story: http://linky.com.au/ykud3
Here are the main points on Nevill:
" Nevill, Utes pass toughness test
In his first year as Utah coach, Jim Boylen made an impression with his sideline intensity.
"I did not sit down one minute of one game. I felt my team needed that energy and that passion," he said. "I'm hard on my guys, but they know I love 'em. What I am trying to do is create a culture of toughness and accountability."
Boylen's biggest challenge was to toughen up 7-1 center Luke Nevill, who had earned a tissue-soft reputation. Nevill made obvious strides under Boylen's watch. Nevill averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks last season, and he averaged 22 touches per game on the offensive end.
On the defensive end, the Australian was more effective controlling the paint. He helped the Utes improve from worst to second-best in field-goal percentage defense in conference games.
"I spent the whole year on it, and I spent the whole summer on it," Boylen said of working with Nevill. "I believe in throwing the ball inside. What I've asked Luke to do is take ownership of the wins and losses, and not just how he plays."
" Five seniors in league of their own
The competition for player of the year should be among five seniors -- Brigham Young's Lee Cummard, UNLV's Wink Adams, San Diego State's Lorrenzo Wade, Utah's Luke Nevill and Wyoming's Brandon Ewing.