Timme’s secret ’stache is part of Zags’ quest
He was already enjoying a terrific season, and now Drew Timme is one of the stars of March after two games of the NCAA Tournament.
His game? It’s pretty good, as evidenced by what he did in Gonzaga’s secondround victory over Oklahoma on Monday, helping keep the topseeded Bulldogs unblemished in their quest for perfection.
His mustache? It might be even better, even if his mom isn’t a huge fan of his latest facial hair experiment.
“After this game, I think she’ll be OK if I keep it,” Timme told CBS after beating the Sooners with with a careerbest game of 30 points and 13 rebounds.
On a team trying to complete the first undefeated championship season in 45 years (Bobby Knight’s Indiana, 1976), Timme could be the key for Gonzaga.
He’s the big man for the Bulldogs. The one who has to be respected by opponents, but also the player who sometimes can be left to thrive at the offensive end because of all the other problems the Zags create.
Corey Kispert was deservedly a firstteam AP AllAmerican. Jalen Suggs is likely to be the highest NBA draft pick of the current crop of Zags.
But the Bulldogs don’t sit at 280, riding a 32game win streak, if it’s not for the inside presence Timme provides.
“We’ve talked a lot about kind of feeding off each other and make sure we get each other going on the floor,” Kispert said. “Drew’s put in the time and he’s an ultra, ultra talented player.”
It was on display against Oklahoma on Monday. At times, Timme outwitted Oklahoma’s post defenders. In other moments, he was simply tougher, scoring through contact or being first to a loose ball.
The tournament is a pretty good time to have one of the best games of your career.
“It’s great. Obviously, it’s a childhood dream,” Timme said. “This feeling is only going to last the rest of the night and then we’ve got to prepare.”
Timme averaged 18 points and seven rebounds while shooting 65% from the field during the regular season. He was a secondteam AllAmerica selection.
Gonzaga plays Creighton in the round of 16 on Sunday.