Oregon-Arizona Preview: Nic Wise is the Difference Maker

Posted on 11. Feb, 2010 by Keith Becker in Oregon Ducks

Like AddictedtoQuack mentioned in their pre-game thread, the key to the game is The Three H’s: head, hustle and heart.

We all saw how lethargic Oregon looked against Oregon State on Saturday in what seemed to be a “must-win” game. So now the question is, how will the Ducks respond?

If Ernie Kent has taught us anything this year, it’s this: don’t count on it.

Not when Oregon’s opponent, the Arizona Wildcats, have something that the Ducks haven’t had since Aaron Brooks (notice I said brooks, not EK?) led us on an Elite Eight run back in 2007: two players than can take over the game at any moment.

Nic Wise and Derrick Williams are difference makers.

Williams, a freshman, averages 17 and 7 on 57% shooting from the field, while Wise might be the quickest player and best 3-point shooter in the Pac-10.

Don’t fool yourselves, Tajuan Porter and Michael Dunigan don’t even come close.

Without great coaching, the difference is players who can create for themselves. Oregon has none. Arizona, meanwhile, has a great coach, two stars and several solid role players.

If you don’t believe me, just watch these Nic Wise highlights. Can Garrett Sim create like that? Didn’t think so.