George Mason needed a win in the worst way.
After winning their first four games, the Patriots had lost five in a row including a home loss to ODU.
In walked Navy and their five game winning streak. Not only were the Mids on a hot streak, they had also beaten UVA in their season opener.
Mason turned to one of their best players to get them back in the right direction and Josh Oduro met the challenge. Oduro scored 22 of his career high 32 points in the second half in George Mason’s 71-65 win over Navy.
When Kim English was hired, he made it a point to re-recruit Oduro and it’s paid off. Oduro has taken command of his own game including becoming more and more confident from the three point line.
Going 2-4 from the three point line in the first half opened up the rest of Oduro’s toolbox. Just as important, is English’s creativity in using Oduro’s skills.
In an era where “bigs” look to only stretch to the three-point line, back-to-the-basket bigs are becoming a valuable commodity. Oduro uses this skill to open up his game both at the free throw line extended on below the free throw line.
English runs action that has Oduro catching the ball above the free throw line with his back to the basket. This can lead to a DHO (dribble hand off), wing pass into screen and roll or a pivot that opens to the basket putting Oduro in attack mode.
When Oduro gets into attack mode, he has proven that he can beat his man to the front of the rim. If his guy slumps off, Oduro can hit the mid-range jump shot.
Below the free throw line, Oduro does a great job of setting up his moves. He’s able to score going back to the middle and to the baseline. If his guy pushes him off the block, Oduro can square up and shoot or put the ball on the floor and attack in one or two dribbles.
Against Navy, hitting the three-pointers in the first half helped opened lanes for the other players when Oduro was out on the perimeter. Those lanes will help the Patriots get paint touch, something that’s essential to Mason’s offense.
Oduro’s big game was right on time for a team struggling. With conference schedule right around the corner, the Patriots will go, as Oduro goes.
