Montana’s 3 freshmen making great impact
2/10/2020 11:55:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By: Glenn Junkert
For GoGriz.com
The banners…
The first impression most basketball fans realize when they enter Dahlberg Arena on the University of Montana campus are the two rows of banners which hang regally overhead, and which represent the combined Big Sky Conference championships won by the Montana men's and women's basketball teams. Simply put: it's a display of basketball dominance that no other Big Sky school has been able to match in conference history.
It's also an unspoken invitation to high school recruits.
To the trio of Montana freshmen — Derrick Carter-Hollinger, Josh Vazquez and Kyle Owens — the last two banners for Montana's back-to-back regular-season and tourney titles in 2018 and 2019 are a big reason they decided become Grizzlies.
There are more than two banners, though. Starting with Montana's first conference title in 1975, the 17 banners represent 12 NCAA appearances and 3 NIT tourney appearances. Thus, every Griz recruit joins a Griz hoops fraternity. Not shown are the Montana greats who played a role in winning those trophies (there's a hall of fame hallway for that). A brief examination of Montana's 1,000-point club shows photos and stats of the 34 players who are members. That now includes senior team leader, Sayeed Pridgett.
Some trends stand out:
Are there hints of similar feats from Montana's 2020 freshmen?
Time will tell, but… yes. The combined 33 starts by Vazquez (14), Carter-Hollinger (10) and Owens (9) with a full month-plus left of the season already surpass any all-frosh class in Montana hoops history. Furthermore, their 5.8 average points-per-game production provides early promise of all-star potential.
The three know what is required.
Derrick: "I would describe myself, first and foremost, as a hard worker. My dad introduced me to the art of rebounding since I was quite a bit younger, so that's something that I've always focused on. I've worked on it every day."
Kyle: I have a passion for basketball. I always had a love and a passion for the game and just working. Grinding at it. Working on my own game every day."
Josh: "I've had to work on personal toughness, but only a little bit. I've always had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. So every day I want to be a better defender, and I constantly work on it."
The work of their game-readiness is something they've already proven on the court. With a full month still remaining in the regular season, the trio has already combined for 33 starts – including at least one freshman starting in 23 of 24 contests, and often-times two --- and 17.5 points per game. Carter-Hollinger was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week in January, and both Owens and Vazquez have clinched a Montana victory with clutch last-second free throws.
Each brings a unique skill set — and style of play – to the team. Vazquez has flashed versatile all-court balance and ball-control instincts at the point, a broad perimeter shooting range and an emerging defensive toughness evocative of Montana great Marc Glass (1980-84). Owens has exceptional front-court instincts remindful of a young Wayne Tinkle (1985-89) – quick hands, the ability to catch and score on incoming laser passes, deceptive shooting range and a steadily developing low-block defensive toughness. Carter-Hollinger flashes images of another Derrick — Griz great Derrick Pope (1979-83) – with a game-expanding vertical leap, uncanny rebounding instincts (especially on offense), locked-in baseline shooting accuracy and range, and wide-angle court vision at both ends of the floor.
It didn't take long for the combined skills of Carter-Hollinger, Owens and Vazquez to make an impact, said Pridgett, a senior leader and front-runner for conference MVP honors.
"They're all easy to teach, both on and off the court, because they're really willing to listen, so they're picking things up very fast," Pridgett said. They came from good programs, and when they were in high school they won a lot of games.
"Because of their experience, it didn't take them very long to do what they're doing right now."
The players' combined impact was expected, said assistant coach Jay Flores.
"All three of these young men played at a very high level in high school," Flores said. "Sometimes it's a big jump for players to go from the high school level to the college level, but there are certain programs from the areas we recruit that run their programs at a higher-than-high-school-level.
"Since the jump isn't quite as big, that's when you are asked to do advanced things like off-ball defense or rebounding or the way you conduct yourself on a daily basis," Flores said. "Those are the things that allow young guys to have success earlier than normal freshmen. One of the great things about these kids is that all three are very coachable. Even though they come from great programs, their egos aren't geared super-high. So, when we sit them down and say 'This is what you're doing, but this is what we need you to do better, they've responded.
Despite the remarkable talent of Pridgett, fellow senior shooting guard Kendal Manuel, all-everything slasher Timmy Falls and gritty senior power forward Jared Samuelson, Montana's freshmen have been asked to step up in the battle for a third consecutive Big Sky championship.
"It's become obvious that – because of their attitude, because of their work ethic – all three of them have grabbed those moments to shine this year," Flores said. "That is pretty unique for freshmen, especially at the University of Montana."
While on the roster they're still freshmen, after playing valuable minutes – not to mention playing in every game so far this season – their experience has quickly taken them to a higher level.
"From here on out they're all a vital part of our team," Pridgett said. "They're going to get open shots and once they make the shots the whole game opens up so much for everyone. If they keep doing that, I feel our team can win this again."
That – winning the Big Sky title once again, and advancing to March Madness for the third year in a row – is a major reason why the trio of California prep stars came together to Montana.
"We've talked about how all the other teams bring their best game when they play us," Carter-Hollinger said. "We do have a big target on our back wearing this Montana jersey, so we have to be prepared every game."
Added Owens: "As a team we've developed closeness since we got here during the summer. We got along well from the jump, and it's followed us onto the court. Whether we're all together or just a few of us in smaller groups, we're steadily developing a bond."
The road to a three-peat won't be easy. Montana currently has a half-game lead over Eastern Washington, and right behind the Eagles is Northern Colorado.
"It's easy for us freshmen because we're playing like this is our first shot at the championship," Vazquez said. "We can't rest on the past. We can't tell ourselves 'Oh, we've already won two, It's going to be easy, we're at the top.'
"'No way!'" Vazquez continued. "We've got to keep that chip on our shoulder and be ready to play every day."
Q&As with Derrick Carter-Hollinger, Josh Vazquez and Kyle Owens
Share what is important about your family, including parents and siblings. Who are some people who have influenced you?
Vazquez: I take family issues seriously and my family is really tight. There are a bunch of interesting people in my family. They raised me to be tough. I have a little brother, my only brother, Jalen, is a basketball player just like me. I have an older sister, Jasmine. My parents are Hilda and Josh. My basketball influences, big-time, are my father and my uncle. They've been my trainers since I started playing. My dad played a little bit, but not as much as my uncle, Johnnie, who's from Miami.
Owens: My mom, Tanya, is probably my biggest fan, for sure. She has a passion for the game, always yelling, always on my side… and always yelling at the refs, yelling at the other team. Whoever it is, it never matters, since she's always on my side. My dad, Keith Owens, walked on at UCLA and he played there for four years. He was able to play for the Lakers for one year and then played overseas for a while. So, I definitely grew up knowing basketball and knew that's what I wanted to do. My dad used to coach me when I was younger, but we had to cut that out, because I would not listen to what he had to say sometimes, just because he was my dad. Other people would tell me the same things that he said, but I would listen to other people, so we both decided it was a good idea if he just watched from the sidelines. My parents have already watched a few non-conference games and then they came for the Northern Arizona-Sac State weekend, so that was really fun.
Carter-Hollinger: I have two younger brothers, Darian and Darius. My influence playing basketball started with my best friend and then was really developed by my dad, Derrick. When I was playing in school I told my dad, 'Hey, I want to play basketball,' so he started out as my first coach, which pushed me to be the player I am now. My mom was an influence, as well. She's always encouraged and supported me from Day 1.
A little over a year ago, you made the decision to attend the University of Montana on a basketball scholarship. Coming from southern California, how has that worked out? Are you getting adjusted to Montana?
Vazquez: I love it here at the University of Montana. It definitely was a bit of an adjustment, but I feel like it's home now. The people here are really good and it didn't take long to see. I can see how much they love their teams.
Carter-Hollinger: I feel good about it. I think I made the right decision to come to Montana. What coach Trav (DeCuire) told me he'd do on my visit is exactly what he's doing for me. He put me into a role where I could grow and help the team. Already, we've created a great bond, me and Trav and all the other coaches on the team.
Vazquez: When I was younger, everybody told me I wasn't a very good basketball player. Everybody wanted to guard me because I was the weakest. I decided that I had to prove it to them all, to make them know that I can play. I focus on being a willing passer and I work hard to get my teammates the ball. I have a defensive focus, partly because my high school coaches really pushed me to work hard on my defense and I constantly want to be a better defender. Offensively I can put the ball in the basket, but my challenge here has been to be more aggressive. I've got to work on that, but I just have to focus on showing that I can do it.
Owens: I have a passion for basketball, always had a love and a passion for the game and just working on my own game, grinding at it. I definitely fell in love with that aspect since a very young age. My biggest thing is just improving as a team and individually every time I'm on the floor. I know that we as a group have been able to do that. I know that I'm expanding my game and getting better every day. I'm an all-around player, I'm a team player, I like to make the right play for the team. I do a little bit of everything – I can shoot, I can pass, I can put it on the floor a little bit.
Carter-Hollinger: I would describe myself first as a hard worker. I try to get all over the court, whether it's rebounding or defense. I just love to play defense and rebound as my main traits. My dad introduced me to the art of rebounding since I was quite a bit younger, so that's something that I've always focused on and worked on. But I also love to score, especially with layups off of dropped balls. The three ball – well, I'm developing that still – but what's most important for me is that I'm becoming a more complete basketball player as I develop here day by day.
Owens: We all have similarities and differences to our games, which I think really helps us gel together as teammates. Off the court we've developed a strong relationship, which is easily moving on to the court. We hang out together every day, and it's always a good time hanging out together.
Carter-Hollinger: I feel like the roles of us freshmen are pretty important to the team, because it's really, overall, a young team. We realize we have a big role and responsibility to help get this team back to competing for where we want to be. We're working together pretty well, but we've got a crazy bond with each other. We're sort of the goof balls of the team, but we also realize our role and responsibility to help build this team.
Vazquez: My biggest challenge so far has definitely been to get stronger. Getting into the weight room was something new. My first experience lifting weights was something new when I got here. I had never lifted weights before. I was always used to body-weight exercises like pushups and sit-ups. But the physicality and strength of other college players was a setback to me, especially playing against senior point guards. The other thing was the game speed of the college game. At first I wasn't really seeing things that I'm seeing now, especially when I was pushing the ball in fast-break transition. But now, I'm seeing things better, getting to the elbow faster and finding open guys.
Owens: My biggest early struggles were fouling, for sure. Early in conference play, I was getting myself into foul trouble early, which I think was just getting used to the speed and getting used to the college style of play. I think I've gotten better at not fouling so much, and I feel I'm getting used to the pace of the game. Getting on to the floor starts on the defensive end, so being able to play tough defense and rebound is the biggest thing. I know that defense wins games, so if I can defend and rebound I'm going to be able to get onto the floor. I need to work on developing my high activity level. That's something that my dad talks to me about a lot, to have a high activity level, because if you can focus on rebounding, defense and being in the right spots, the offense will just show up naturally. I think all three of us have adjusted to the game from early on to now, and I also think that's a piece of why the team's playing better now. The things I want to work on the most are probably getting a little more athletic, and then definitely developing my lateral quickness, because I want to get that up to par so I can guard all positions.
Carter-Hollinger: To be honest, the first game we played against Stanford, I felt pretty confident. But then when we played against Washington and Oregon, I realized, 'I'm not going to be able to do it like I did in high school, I'm not going to be able to get to the rim every time like I want to.' Most of these guys in college ball are way bigger and stronger. At first that was a setback for me, because I realized I couldn't do what I like to do against every player, so for a while it discouraged me. But, as I talked to coach Trav, and have worked on the details of my game, it's been getting easier. I now know I can't do everything like I used to, so I'm starting to look to how I can get loose balls, looking for drop-offs, and learning how to modify doing what I like to do. After the first couple games I also learned how to crash against the bigger guys; it's way different than in high school, it was a bit of a learning curve, but I've got it now.
Owens: I've heard stories from coaches and players that nobody likes the Montana Grizzlies. We just need to be determined to continue to grow as a group, and of course, our upperclassmen continuing to lead us, and us being determined to listen to them and take their advice – not in a hard way, but taking it in a good way of wanting to improve game by game.
Carter-Hollinger: We've talked about how all the other teams bring their best game when they play us. We do have a big target on our back wearing this Montana jersey, so we have to be prepared every game because we know other teams will play their best, no matter what, against us. That's a big thing that the coaches have been preaching to us – that we have to bring the highest intensity every day to practice, showing ourselves we're ready to roll. I really don't hear the other crowds, though. The only voices I hear are coach Trav and the bench and our guys on the court.
Vazquez: This year's coaches have focused on mental toughness. But also the coaches have pushed me more to rebound and to block out so the bigs can get the rebound. The big thing I've learned from the coaches is to be more prepared for ball screens, to be more patient, more poised and to be able to see more things. Even if I have a defender right on me, I have to work to do the right stuff to hold him off.
Owens: Coach DeCuire always talks to us about toughness. Whether it's physical or mental, he always talks about it, especially in combination. I can also see it in the older guys who have already been under him for a while, so I just focus on following their lead as well.
Carter-Hollinger: Coach Trav definitely teaches us mental toughness. That's something he's preached to us since Day 1 that I've been here. Coach Trav is a really tough person, and that's one of the things I really appreciate about him. No matter what, he'll tell me the truth even if it hurts, but I really appreciate that about him.
What do you love most about playing Division-I college basketball at Montana?
Vazquez: The best thing about being at Montana is the big crowds. Definitely. I came from a small high school and it would get packed. But playing in all the big arenas like we have this year, especially here at home, I just get a really good feeling getting onto the floor. It's sort of personal, but I really like seeing the fans get crazy.
Owens: As a team we developed closeness since we got here during the summer. We got along well from the jump, and it's followed us onto the court. Whether we're all together or just a few of us in smaller groups, we're steadily developing a bond.
Carter-Hollinger: I really love this team; they're like my brothers. I think one of the reasons we three get along is that we're all from California and we all have the same kind of culture. We're bonding on anything and everything.
For GoGriz.com
The banners…
The first impression most basketball fans realize when they enter Dahlberg Arena on the University of Montana campus are the two rows of banners which hang regally overhead, and which represent the combined Big Sky Conference championships won by the Montana men's and women's basketball teams. Simply put: it's a display of basketball dominance that no other Big Sky school has been able to match in conference history.
It's also an unspoken invitation to high school recruits.
To the trio of Montana freshmen — Derrick Carter-Hollinger, Josh Vazquez and Kyle Owens — the last two banners for Montana's back-to-back regular-season and tourney titles in 2018 and 2019 are a big reason they decided become Grizzlies.
There are more than two banners, though. Starting with Montana's first conference title in 1975, the 17 banners represent 12 NCAA appearances and 3 NIT tourney appearances. Thus, every Griz recruit joins a Griz hoops fraternity. Not shown are the Montana greats who played a role in winning those trophies (there's a hall of fame hallway for that). A brief examination of Montana's 1,000-point club shows photos and stats of the 34 players who are members. That now includes senior team leader, Sayeed Pridgett.
Some trends stand out:
- All but two played on a Griz team that won a conference tournament title, a regular-season title or, most often, both.
- Few were starters when they were freshmen, but all played significant minutes. Most became four-year starters.
- The scoring average of the top 15 players in this elite Griz hoops fraternity when they were freshmen: 7.2 points per game.
Are there hints of similar feats from Montana's 2020 freshmen?
Time will tell, but… yes. The combined 33 starts by Vazquez (14), Carter-Hollinger (10) and Owens (9) with a full month-plus left of the season already surpass any all-frosh class in Montana hoops history. Furthermore, their 5.8 average points-per-game production provides early promise of all-star potential.
The three know what is required.
Derrick: "I would describe myself, first and foremost, as a hard worker. My dad introduced me to the art of rebounding since I was quite a bit younger, so that's something that I've always focused on. I've worked on it every day."
Kyle: I have a passion for basketball. I always had a love and a passion for the game and just working. Grinding at it. Working on my own game every day."
Josh: "I've had to work on personal toughness, but only a little bit. I've always had a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. So every day I want to be a better defender, and I constantly work on it."
The work of their game-readiness is something they've already proven on the court. With a full month still remaining in the regular season, the trio has already combined for 33 starts – including at least one freshman starting in 23 of 24 contests, and often-times two --- and 17.5 points per game. Carter-Hollinger was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week in January, and both Owens and Vazquez have clinched a Montana victory with clutch last-second free throws.
Each brings a unique skill set — and style of play – to the team. Vazquez has flashed versatile all-court balance and ball-control instincts at the point, a broad perimeter shooting range and an emerging defensive toughness evocative of Montana great Marc Glass (1980-84). Owens has exceptional front-court instincts remindful of a young Wayne Tinkle (1985-89) – quick hands, the ability to catch and score on incoming laser passes, deceptive shooting range and a steadily developing low-block defensive toughness. Carter-Hollinger flashes images of another Derrick — Griz great Derrick Pope (1979-83) – with a game-expanding vertical leap, uncanny rebounding instincts (especially on offense), locked-in baseline shooting accuracy and range, and wide-angle court vision at both ends of the floor.
It didn't take long for the combined skills of Carter-Hollinger, Owens and Vazquez to make an impact, said Pridgett, a senior leader and front-runner for conference MVP honors.
"They're all easy to teach, both on and off the court, because they're really willing to listen, so they're picking things up very fast," Pridgett said. They came from good programs, and when they were in high school they won a lot of games.
"Because of their experience, it didn't take them very long to do what they're doing right now."
The players' combined impact was expected, said assistant coach Jay Flores.
"All three of these young men played at a very high level in high school," Flores said. "Sometimes it's a big jump for players to go from the high school level to the college level, but there are certain programs from the areas we recruit that run their programs at a higher-than-high-school-level.
With Montana graduating five seniors last year, all who started multiple games for the Griz, there were immediate opportunities for the incoming class. With the trio coming from elite prep programs, the transition was easier.How about the play of our freshmen?!? These guys are going to be fun to watch! pic.twitter.com/vvBE9oXmGO
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) November 30, 2019
"Since the jump isn't quite as big, that's when you are asked to do advanced things like off-ball defense or rebounding or the way you conduct yourself on a daily basis," Flores said. "Those are the things that allow young guys to have success earlier than normal freshmen. One of the great things about these kids is that all three are very coachable. Even though they come from great programs, their egos aren't geared super-high. So, when we sit them down and say 'This is what you're doing, but this is what we need you to do better, they've responded.
Despite the remarkable talent of Pridgett, fellow senior shooting guard Kendal Manuel, all-everything slasher Timmy Falls and gritty senior power forward Jared Samuelson, Montana's freshmen have been asked to step up in the battle for a third consecutive Big Sky championship.
"It's become obvious that – because of their attitude, because of their work ethic – all three of them have grabbed those moments to shine this year," Flores said. "That is pretty unique for freshmen, especially at the University of Montana."
While on the roster they're still freshmen, after playing valuable minutes – not to mention playing in every game so far this season – their experience has quickly taken them to a higher level.
"From here on out they're all a vital part of our team," Pridgett said. "They're going to get open shots and once they make the shots the whole game opens up so much for everyone. If they keep doing that, I feel our team can win this again."
That – winning the Big Sky title once again, and advancing to March Madness for the third year in a row – is a major reason why the trio of California prep stars came together to Montana.
"We've talked about how all the other teams bring their best game when they play us," Carter-Hollinger said. "We do have a big target on our back wearing this Montana jersey, so we have to be prepared every game."
Added Owens: "As a team we've developed closeness since we got here during the summer. We got along well from the jump, and it's followed us onto the court. Whether we're all together or just a few of us in smaller groups, we're steadily developing a bond."
The road to a three-peat won't be easy. Montana currently has a half-game lead over Eastern Washington, and right behind the Eagles is Northern Colorado.
"It's easy for us freshmen because we're playing like this is our first shot at the championship," Vazquez said. "We can't rest on the past. We can't tell ourselves 'Oh, we've already won two, It's going to be easy, we're at the top.'
"'No way!'" Vazquez continued. "We've got to keep that chip on our shoulder and be ready to play every day."
LET'S GO!!! pic.twitter.com/hyL1XVu1BN
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) February 7, 2020
Q&As with Derrick Carter-Hollinger, Josh Vazquez and Kyle Owens
Share what is important about your family, including parents and siblings. Who are some people who have influenced you?
Vazquez: I take family issues seriously and my family is really tight. There are a bunch of interesting people in my family. They raised me to be tough. I have a little brother, my only brother, Jalen, is a basketball player just like me. I have an older sister, Jasmine. My parents are Hilda and Josh. My basketball influences, big-time, are my father and my uncle. They've been my trainers since I started playing. My dad played a little bit, but not as much as my uncle, Johnnie, who's from Miami.
Owens: My mom, Tanya, is probably my biggest fan, for sure. She has a passion for the game, always yelling, always on my side… and always yelling at the refs, yelling at the other team. Whoever it is, it never matters, since she's always on my side. My dad, Keith Owens, walked on at UCLA and he played there for four years. He was able to play for the Lakers for one year and then played overseas for a while. So, I definitely grew up knowing basketball and knew that's what I wanted to do. My dad used to coach me when I was younger, but we had to cut that out, because I would not listen to what he had to say sometimes, just because he was my dad. Other people would tell me the same things that he said, but I would listen to other people, so we both decided it was a good idea if he just watched from the sidelines. My parents have already watched a few non-conference games and then they came for the Northern Arizona-Sac State weekend, so that was really fun.
Carter-Hollinger: I have two younger brothers, Darian and Darius. My influence playing basketball started with my best friend and then was really developed by my dad, Derrick. When I was playing in school I told my dad, 'Hey, I want to play basketball,' so he started out as my first coach, which pushed me to be the player I am now. My mom was an influence, as well. She's always encouraged and supported me from Day 1.
Looks like someone's been learning a thing or two from TImmy!@JoshVazquez3 to @kodoesit and we're all tied up! pic.twitter.com/P4qN4Wo0H8
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) February 9, 2020
A little over a year ago, you made the decision to attend the University of Montana on a basketball scholarship. Coming from southern California, how has that worked out? Are you getting adjusted to Montana?
Vazquez: I love it here at the University of Montana. It definitely was a bit of an adjustment, but I feel like it's home now. The people here are really good and it didn't take long to see. I can see how much they love their teams.
Carter-Hollinger: I feel good about it. I think I made the right decision to come to Montana. What coach Trav (DeCuire) told me he'd do on my visit is exactly what he's doing for me. He put me into a role where I could grow and help the team. Already, we've created a great bond, me and Trav and all the other coaches on the team.
Describe yourself as a basketball player. What are some skills that have helped you stand out as a Griz so far?We swear you haven't seen this one yet. @JoshVazquez3 strikes again! pic.twitter.com/WDdLQyGLzh
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) February 2, 2020
Vazquez: When I was younger, everybody told me I wasn't a very good basketball player. Everybody wanted to guard me because I was the weakest. I decided that I had to prove it to them all, to make them know that I can play. I focus on being a willing passer and I work hard to get my teammates the ball. I have a defensive focus, partly because my high school coaches really pushed me to work hard on my defense and I constantly want to be a better defender. Offensively I can put the ball in the basket, but my challenge here has been to be more aggressive. I've got to work on that, but I just have to focus on showing that I can do it.
Owens: I have a passion for basketball, always had a love and a passion for the game and just working on my own game, grinding at it. I definitely fell in love with that aspect since a very young age. My biggest thing is just improving as a team and individually every time I'm on the floor. I know that we as a group have been able to do that. I know that I'm expanding my game and getting better every day. I'm an all-around player, I'm a team player, I like to make the right play for the team. I do a little bit of everything – I can shoot, I can pass, I can put it on the floor a little bit.
Carter-Hollinger: I would describe myself first as a hard worker. I try to get all over the court, whether it's rebounding or defense. I just love to play defense and rebound as my main traits. My dad introduced me to the art of rebounding since I was quite a bit younger, so that's something that I've always focused on and worked on. But I also love to score, especially with layups off of dropped balls. The three ball – well, I'm developing that still – but what's most important for me is that I'm becoming a more complete basketball player as I develop here day by day.
What traits to you three, as freshmen, add to the Montana Grizzlies?"I think this has got to be a typo. Derrick Carter-Hollinger, it says he's a freshman. There's no way!"
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) January 10, 2020
What a night for, @DJ_Carter35!#GrizHoops #GoGriz #BigSkyMBB pic.twitter.com/Oa01UYGG6x
Owens: We all have similarities and differences to our games, which I think really helps us gel together as teammates. Off the court we've developed a strong relationship, which is easily moving on to the court. We hang out together every day, and it's always a good time hanging out together.
Carter-Hollinger: I feel like the roles of us freshmen are pretty important to the team, because it's really, overall, a young team. We realize we have a big role and responsibility to help get this team back to competing for where we want to be. We're working together pretty well, but we've got a crazy bond with each other. We're sort of the goof balls of the team, but we also realize our role and responsibility to help build this team.
What have been the challenges in playing college hoops compared to in high school?More highlights as #GrizHoops freshman Kyle Owens (@kodoesit) had 14 points off of the bench for @MontanaGrizBB last night against MSU. Said afterwards it was one of the most fun games he's ever played in and even led the celebration circle after the win. Highlights here: pic.twitter.com/hVleOw6w1u
— Kyle Hansen (@khansen406) February 2, 2020
Vazquez: My biggest challenge so far has definitely been to get stronger. Getting into the weight room was something new. My first experience lifting weights was something new when I got here. I had never lifted weights before. I was always used to body-weight exercises like pushups and sit-ups. But the physicality and strength of other college players was a setback to me, especially playing against senior point guards. The other thing was the game speed of the college game. At first I wasn't really seeing things that I'm seeing now, especially when I was pushing the ball in fast-break transition. But now, I'm seeing things better, getting to the elbow faster and finding open guys.
Owens: My biggest early struggles were fouling, for sure. Early in conference play, I was getting myself into foul trouble early, which I think was just getting used to the speed and getting used to the college style of play. I think I've gotten better at not fouling so much, and I feel I'm getting used to the pace of the game. Getting on to the floor starts on the defensive end, so being able to play tough defense and rebound is the biggest thing. I know that defense wins games, so if I can defend and rebound I'm going to be able to get onto the floor. I need to work on developing my high activity level. That's something that my dad talks to me about a lot, to have a high activity level, because if you can focus on rebounding, defense and being in the right spots, the offense will just show up naturally. I think all three of us have adjusted to the game from early on to now, and I also think that's a piece of why the team's playing better now. The things I want to work on the most are probably getting a little more athletic, and then definitely developing my lateral quickness, because I want to get that up to par so I can guard all positions.
Carter-Hollinger: To be honest, the first game we played against Stanford, I felt pretty confident. But then when we played against Washington and Oregon, I realized, 'I'm not going to be able to do it like I did in high school, I'm not going to be able to get to the rim every time like I want to.' Most of these guys in college ball are way bigger and stronger. At first that was a setback for me, because I realized I couldn't do what I like to do against every player, so for a while it discouraged me. But, as I talked to coach Trav, and have worked on the details of my game, it's been getting easier. I now know I can't do everything like I used to, so I'm starting to look to how I can get loose balls, looking for drop-offs, and learning how to modify doing what I like to do. After the first couple games I also learned how to crash against the bigger guys; it's way different than in high school, it was a bit of a learning curve, but I've got it now.
What specific things must you do, as an individual, to help this team win a third consecutive Big Sky title?How good was @JoshVazquez3 on Saturday? The freshman had 4 steals and hit all 4 of his three-point attempts!#GrizHoops #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/tN9O4q5mjN
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) January 28, 2020
Owens: I've heard stories from coaches and players that nobody likes the Montana Grizzlies. We just need to be determined to continue to grow as a group, and of course, our upperclassmen continuing to lead us, and us being determined to listen to them and take their advice – not in a hard way, but taking it in a good way of wanting to improve game by game.
Carter-Hollinger: We've talked about how all the other teams bring their best game when they play us. We do have a big target on our back wearing this Montana jersey, so we have to be prepared every game because we know other teams will play their best, no matter what, against us. That's a big thing that the coaches have been preaching to us – that we have to bring the highest intensity every day to practice, showing ourselves we're ready to roll. I really don't hear the other crowds, though. The only voices I hear are coach Trav and the bench and our guys on the court.
What kind of things do you learn from Montana's coaching staff?Pretty sure D.J.'s head was above the rim on the one! pic.twitter.com/T1UjayIQSg
— Montana Griz BB (@MontanaGrizBB) January 14, 2020
Vazquez: This year's coaches have focused on mental toughness. But also the coaches have pushed me more to rebound and to block out so the bigs can get the rebound. The big thing I've learned from the coaches is to be more prepared for ball screens, to be more patient, more poised and to be able to see more things. Even if I have a defender right on me, I have to work to do the right stuff to hold him off.
Owens: Coach DeCuire always talks to us about toughness. Whether it's physical or mental, he always talks about it, especially in combination. I can also see it in the older guys who have already been under him for a while, so I just focus on following their lead as well.
Carter-Hollinger: Coach Trav definitely teaches us mental toughness. That's something he's preached to us since Day 1 that I've been here. Coach Trav is a really tough person, and that's one of the things I really appreciate about him. No matter what, he'll tell me the truth even if it hurts, but I really appreciate that about him.
What do you love most about playing Division-I college basketball at Montana?
Vazquez: The best thing about being at Montana is the big crowds. Definitely. I came from a small high school and it would get packed. But playing in all the big arenas like we have this year, especially here at home, I just get a really good feeling getting onto the floor. It's sort of personal, but I really like seeing the fans get crazy.
Owens: As a team we developed closeness since we got here during the summer. We got along well from the jump, and it's followed us onto the court. Whether we're all together or just a few of us in smaller groups, we're steadily developing a bond.
Carter-Hollinger: I really love this team; they're like my brothers. I think one of the reasons we three get along is that we're all from California and we all have the same kind of culture. We're bonding on anything and everything.
"We have a really strong bond with the three of us."
— Kyle Hansen (@khansen406) January 16, 2020
Had some fun speaking with @JoshVazquez3, @kodoesit and @DJ_Carter35 about how the three true freshmen have adjusted (and grown) in life as D1 basketball players for @MontanaGrizBB.
Story and video: https://t.co/omBwV3znFy pic.twitter.com/Tsnfk2VY0t
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