Grading the Tulsa Freshmen

Originally Published: Dec 16, 2009 9:12 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

TULSA, Oklahoma – Coming into the 2009 season, Doug Wojcik knew his Golden Hurricane men’s basketball team would get consistent play from its two star seniors, Jerome Jordan and Ben Uzoh. He has gotten that, and some key contributions from freshmen Donte Medder and Bryson Pope.

“Both have played significant roles, will play significant roles, and need to play significant roles,” said Wojcik.

Medder has become a three-point threat for Tulsa, launching 38 long balls this season, and making 14 of them. His 36.8 percent average from long range is good enough for third on the team behind Uzoh and Justin Hurtt. Though his coach would like to see less turnovers from the freshman guard, Medder’s defense has impressed Wojcik.

“You see a lot of things there from Donte skill-wise that, boy, the more confidence he gets, maybe (you’ll) see him come into this own a bit more than he has,” said Wojcik.

Pope has seen more time on the floor than Medder so far this season. The guard from Jenks high school has started four games and sees over 21 minutes of floor time. Pope looks to pass more than shoot, and averages just three points per game.

“He’s shown that he can put the ball on the floor and pass it,” said Wojcik. “He can really rebound, particularly on the offensive end. He finishes on the break very well.”

The Golden Hurricane will need strong play from the freshman duo during late December. Tulsa plays four games in seven days to close out 2009, before opening up conference play the second week of 2010.