Huskies working to end poor free-throw shooting

  • By John Boyle Herald Writer
  • Tuesday, February 5, 2008 11:35pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — As the shots keep clanging, the questions keep coming for Lorenzo Romar and his Washington Huskies.

Why, oh, why can’t they make their free throws? It’s nothing new, but after an 8-for-18 effort contributed mightily to Saturday’s loss to California, Romar spent the better part of his weekly press conference Tuesday addressing the ongoing problem.

Early in the season, Romar said he wasn’t worried because the Huskies always have done well at the line during his tenure, but now, 22 games into the season, he knows it has become a problem.

“It’s frustrating because it had something to do with several losses this year, so I can’t say ‘let’s not worry about it,’” he said.

Both Romar and his players say the problem is mental, and that for the most part everyone shoots free throws well in practice. The more the struggles continue, the worse the mental aspect of it becomes.

“It’s something that we do need to focus on,” Jon Brockman said. “We said we weren’t going to bring it up as much because we don’t want to overemphasize it, but it is starting to turn into something that has cost us some games.”

Romar joked that the emails and phone calls offering unsolicited advice are “starting to pour in.”

According to Romar, the team routinely makes 80 percent of their free throws in practice, but that’s not translating to games, when the Huskies shoot just 59 percent. That percentage ranks last in the Pac-10 by a large margin and is 322nd out of 328 Division I teams. Last year’s team, which includes many of the same players as this year’s, shot 72.4 percent.

Almost everyone on the team has seen his numbers decrease this year, and Brockman’s drop from 66 percent to 55.8 shows the most since he has attempted 28 percent of Washington’s free throws.

“It is something that we do need to clean up, me personally as well,” he said. “I think I shoot more than anyone, so I’ve got to step up in that area.”

Brockman recovering: While it didn’t keep him out of last week’s games, Brockman said the groin injury he suffered in Jan. 28’s practice has been bothering him. He said Tuesday that things are improving.

“It’s still sore, but it is getting better,” he said.

Washington practiced Sunday, and Brockman said he was a little bit limited in what he could do. The team took Monday off.

“That helped a lot just being able to relax it and not put any stress on it,” he said.

UCLA short-handed: The Huskies will get a break this weekend when fifth-ranked UCLA comes to town. Starting forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will miss the game after spraining his ankle in Saturday’s win over Arizona.

The 6-foot-8 junior averages 9.2 points and 5.1 rebounds, and is one of the Bruins’ best defenders.

Contact Herald Writer John Boyle at jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more on University of Washington sports, check out the Huskies blog at heraldnet.com/huskiesblog

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens junior Keagan Howard is The Herald’s 2024 Defensive Football Player of the Year. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The Herald’s Defensive Football Player of the Year: Keagan Howard

The dominant linebacker was also a standout on offense.

Wesco announces All-League football defense and special teams honors

Wesco has released its All-League 4A and 3A/2A high school football defensive… Continue reading

Zevi Eckhaus prepares to fill Mateer’s WSU QB cleats

Cougars’ new signal caller gets first start in Friday’s Holiday Bowl.

WSU notes: WSU president ‘dragged feet’ for funding football

Kirk Schulz’s reported inaction played a part in Jake Dickert’s departure.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll questions a call during the second half on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Brad Loper / Fort Worth Star-Telegram/ Tribune News Services)
Ex-Seahawks coach Pete Carroll reportedly seeking NFL return

Seattle’s former leader “expressed interest” in Bears’ open position.

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Ben Gregg (33) celebrates after scoring a 3-point basket in the West Coast Conference men's tournament at Orleans Arena on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt / Las Vegas Review-Journal Tribune News Services)
Gonzaga’s Ben Gregg uses NIL to spread holiday cheer

Basketball platform allows Bulldogs’ forward to help those in need.

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) drives toward the hoop against St. Mary’s Gaels guard Augustas Marciulionis (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball championship game in the West Coast Conference men’s tournament at Orleans Arena on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
Resurgent WCC set to challenge Gonzaga, Washington State

Additions bolster new-look West Coast Conference.

Marysville Getchell and Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball teams prepare for tip-off ahead of a Dec. 23 non-league matchup at Edmonds-Woodway High School (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys defeat Getchell in “first true test”

The Warriors’ 15-3 third-quarter run sparked their seventh win.

Seahawks  quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field on Dec. 22, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Geno Smith has no time to assess his play

The Seahawks QB and his teammates focused on the Bears and Thursday Night Football.

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field on Dec. 22, 2024. (Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks slim path to postseason begins Thursday

Seattle needs two wins and some help for division title and playoff berth.

Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen reacts after a play during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks lose game, grip on postseason

Sunday’s loss to Minnesota means the Seahawks must win final two and get some help.

Prep wrestling roundup for Saturday, Dec. 21

M-L Terrace boys, Lynnwood girls win the Royal Classic.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.