Freshman notches first double-double on way to 7-1 opening
By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
Even before the season began Mitch Henderson felt like Spencer Weisz would make an impact as a freshman this season.
The Princeton University men’s basketball coach may not have envisioned Weisz as a player who would record his first double-double just seven games into his career, but that’s just what the freshman swingman did in Saturday’s 77-55 win over Fairleigh Dickinson.
”I knew he was a good player but I think I underestimated his ability to get to the rim and make tough layups,” Henderson said. “What is important is he listens and when we say this is important he is right there with us. He’s an underrated passer and he just makes other people better, similar to TJ (Bray).”
Bray, the Tigers’ starting point guard, and fellow guard Jimmy Sherbourne were both out of the lineup Saturday against FDU. But Weisz stepped in and scored 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and added four assists as the Tigers improved to 6-1 with their fifth straight win.
”I just want to come in and stay within the offense and play solid on defense,” said Weisz, who had five points and eight rebounds in a 78-73 win at Rutgers on Wednesday. “I think the detailed scouting report helps a lot. The coaches do a great job of preparing us in practice. It always helps me to understand what is going to come and the ability to know what is coming ahead of time benefits me and the team as a whole.”
Denton Koon also had a big night against FDU, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds. Ben Hazel and Will Barrett added 11 points apiece in a balanced effort for the Tigers. It took a little while for the Tigers to find their rhythm without their starting backcourt. But once they did they turned a 25-24 deficit into a 36-28 halftime lead. Princeton then scored the first nine points of the second half for a 45-28 lead to put the game away.
”I think they understood what we wanted them to do on offense and defense, but then they needed to be on the court and understand it,” said Henderson, whose team will play at Rutgers on Wednesday night. “I think that is when it started clicking. Spencer was getting some drives to the basket and kickouts. And Denton established himself inside a few times.
”I feel like this team is very balanced. Those guys are important to us and I feel like we didn’t miss much of a beat. That’s important.”
Weisz, who was named this week’s Ivy League Rookie of the Week, has helped with that balance. He has seen the most playing time among the freshmen, with classmate Pete Miller contributing 15 solid minutes against FDU.
”I just want to stay aggressive offensively and defensively,” said Weisz, who played his high school ball at Seton Hall Prep. “I struggled with boxing out a little in the beginning but some of our other rebounders were out right now so you just want to step up when the opportunity is present.
”Everyone needs to step up and I think we did a great job tonight. Everyone’s ability to see the floor and read cuts just showed tonight and I think that contributed a lot to the second-half run. We were able to get some open 3s and some timely baskets.”
The Tigers improved to 7-1 on the season with their win at Rutgers. Bray returned to the lineup and led Princeton with 23 points. Koon, Hazel and Hans Brase added 14 points apiece in the win.
The Tigers’ 7-1 start is its best since the 1997-98 season when they also started 7-1 and were ranked 22nd nationally. Princeton is back in action on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Penn State.