A Veteran Rookie With the injuries of teammates Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins, Rookie Ryan Gomes of the Boston Celtics has finally been able to show his stuff. And he?s been impressive. He has shown a knack for the ball, chasing down offensive rebounds and going after loose balls. When he played in short stints throughout the season, this was quite noticeable, as it was one of the only parts of his game apparent from how little time he played. But now the door has been swung open, and he has been nothing short of brilliant. In 8 starts this year, Gomes is averaging 12.1 ppg with 9.1 rpg. Not bad for a 6'7" combo Forward. He scored in double figures 6 games in a row, and more importantly, his team has been winning. They are 5-3 with him in the starting line-up (all tough losses: 2 OT to Cavs, close games with Miami and Phoenix). Along to go with this impressive stat line is all the intangibles you can imagine: unselfishness, hustle, intensity, defense. In his first career start, he held Zach Randolph to only 14 points and 6 rebounds (Randolph is averaging 18 and 9). But what has impressed the Celtics coaching staff the most, along with most of their fans, is his understanding of the game. Spending four years at Providence clearly has helped. He even said he finds it more simple being a role player in the NBA than being the main man in college. ?He is wise beyond his years,? raved Tommy Heinsohn, the Celtics? announcer for 25 years now. If there is a seem, Ryan Gomes will find it. As the ball comes off the rim, it?s almost as if he is a step ahead of everyone else in terms of positioning and timing to get the rebound. He knows when to cut, when to shoot, when to pass, everything you could ever want a rookie to know, and more. He makes the right pass every time; he knows when to get the ball to Paul Pierce, then when to look for his own shot. I am thoroughly impressed with what he is doing, and I can only hope for more in the future. This kid can play, and he will be a nice part of the Celtics? core down the road.-What do you think?
Real nice peice of writing, pretty much covered all the aspects of Ryan's game and how he is helping this team win basketball games. I liked it, keep up the good work and the Herald will be calling your name in no time.
It's old news to me, not to mean you did a bad job or anything, I;ve just been watching Gomes since his freshman year at PC, I love Gomes..I hope he's gonna be a Celtic for a long time to come :winkglasses:
I remember him, I never thought he'd be anything in the NBA, primarly because he didnt have much hype, and he didnt play for a real powerhouse collegiate team..
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>he didnt play for a real powerhouse collegiate team..</div>Providence was never a powerhouse but they made it to two NCAA tourney's basically because Ryan Gomes was playing for them, they really didn't have a lot of talent down in Providence. Donnie McGrath is a decent point guard, but not really. Gomes's Junior year he played with a big named Marcus Doughtit who was actually drafted late in the 2nd round by the Lakers but never saw the time of day in the NBA.
I'm actually considering going to Providence, or Boston University. I watn to be in the area so i can possibly get a job w/ the Cs.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I'm actually considering going to Providence, or Boston University. I watn to be in the area so i can possibly get a job w/ the Cs.</div>That's awesome man.....I have nothing but good things to say about PC, it's location is a tad sketchy but my sister is graduating this year from there, I love goin down there to visit. Good luck with the college search. Are you from Mass nbadogmatist??
Holy <Censored>, that's pretty cool you want to come up to New England from the south, you're in a whole different world down there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>yeah. the only bad thing is, I hate cold weather. haha</div>could be a porblem.....lol just kidding, you get used to it man, you'd be suprised.
