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STANFORD CARDINAL
Head Coach: Trent Johnson
Last Season: 18-13
Postseason: Lost in NCAA Tournament 1st round
This Season: 12-7 (pending Thursday's Cal game)
2005/06 Summary: This season began with high hopes for Stanford. They were a universal top 25 team, returning some the Pac 10’s best players. However, Stanford’s season started off miserably –they lost 6 out of their first 10 games, including losses to UC-Irvine, Montana and UC-Davis. Stanford allowed both UCI and Montana to shoot close to 58% from the field. Since that point, the Cardinal have won 8 of 9 going into Thursday’s game at Cal, with the only loss being an overtime defeat at Arizona. A number of factors have contributed Stanford’s recent success, including better defense (they have held their last 3 opponents to 38% shooting), and seniors Chris Hernandez and Matt Haryasz totally dominating on both ends of the floor. Stanford was a program that always got better and better as the season moved along under the direction of ex-head coach Mike Montgomery, and that tradition has continued under second year head coach Trent Johnson, a former assistant to Monty.
Key Players (note: stats as of 2/8/06):
#11 G Chris Hernandez (6-2, senior. 2005/06 = 13.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 44% FG, 47% 3PT, 89% FT)
Recently named Pac-10 player of the week. Has scored in double figures the last 4 games, including a 28 point performance at Oregon State. Excellent, highly competitive floor leader who rarely makes mistakes and who possesses a deadly perimeter shot. One of the best clutch performers in the country, as demonstrated in his end of regulation heroics against Washington. Never rattled in hostile road environments.
#1 G Mitch Johnson (6-1, freshman. 2005/06 = 4.1 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 39% FG, 37% 3PT, 75% FT)
Hails from O’Dea High School in Seattle. Son of former World Champion Sonic John Johnson. Helped lead his high school team to two state titles. Makes players around him better. Good ballhandler. Has done a good job of absorbing Stanford's offense in a quick amount of time. Stanford’s recent success started with Johnson’s insertion into the starting lineup back on January 5 against Oregon State. Enables Hernandez to play off the ball more. Averaging 4.8 APG over the last 6 games.
#20 G/F Dan Grunfeld (6-6, senior. 2005/06 = 12.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 36% FG, 25% 3PT, 75% FT)
Smart, heady player with excellent offensive skills. Moves well without the ball. Three point jump shot is inconsistent. Very good passer for a wing. Son of former NBA great Ernie Grunfeld. Averaged 17.9 PPG last season to lead the team before missing the last 9 games of the regular season due to a torn ACL, which continues to slow him a half step.
#31 F Taj Finger (6-8, so ph. 2005/06 = 5.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 48% FG, 65% FT)
#52 F Matt Haryasz (6-11, senior. 2005/06 = 18.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 51% FG, 76% FT)
One of the elite post players in the nation. Has scored 20 or more points in 7 of out the last 8 games. Good rebounder and shotblocker. Back to the basket offensive game keeps getting better and better. Nice shooting touch around the hoop. Likely a 1st-round draft pick. A real star who has truly blossomed as a senior.
#15 F Lawrence Hill (6-8, freshman. 2005/06 = 4.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 46% FG, 29% 3PT, 80% FT)
2005 Arizona Gatorade Player Of The Year. Physically resembles ex-Stanford wing Josh Childress. Versatile scorer who has scored in double figures 4 times this season. Very athletic.
#55 C Peter Prowitt (6-10, soph. 2005/06 = 2.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 64% FG, 82% FT)
Very competitive big man. Takes up space in the paint. Limited mobility.
#10 G Tim Morris (6-4, soph. 2005/06 = 5.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 36% FG, 36% 3PT, 50% FT)
Stanford’s most athletic and explosive player. Has a nice mid range game. Inconsistent long distance shooter. Defends well, but prone to foul trouble at times. Top 40 recruit coming out of high school. Gives the Cardinal great speed in the open court.
#32 G Jason Haas (6-2, senior. 2005/06 = 1.6 PPG, .6 RPG, 32% FG, 33% 3PT, 100% FT)
Solid reserve point guard who can run the team well and defend. Limited offensively but plays with a high basketball IQ.