Wong leads Miami into Final Four with relentless performances
A repeated critique of Miami University guard Isaiah Wong involved his need to get more involved in the Hurricanes offense during a slow start against Texas.
Not his game. Wong exemplifies an adage honed by former NBA great Earl “The Pearl” Monroe who espoused patience.
“Let the game come to you. Be quick, but don’t hurry,” Monroe advised. Former legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden employed this basketball bromide frequently and Wong epitomizes the concept with slow, meticulous movement that draws rave reviews from knowledgeable basketball watchers.
After Miami (29-7) defeated No. 2 Texas, 88-81, in the Midwest Regional final to reach the Final Four, a USA Today website posted “11 pictures that prove how chill Miami’s Isaiah Wong is on the court”.
Wong, who attended Notre Dame High in Lawrence during his freshman and sophomore seasons then became a decorated student-athlete for Bonner & Prendergast Catholic High, cold cocks opponents with relentless methodical performances.
Wong had two shots and two points in the first half against the Longhorns. He finished with 14 points in another patented powerful performance. Wong has averaged 16 points and six rebounds in four NCAA tournament triumphs as
Miami reached the Elite Eight in consecutive seasons. A remarkable statistic shows the 6-4 guard has averaged 35 minutes playing time in those games and has committed just two fouls.
His ability to play stifling physical defense and avoid foul trouble makes Wong a valuable asset to Coach Jim Larrañaga’s Canes squad.
Wong, the ACC Player of the year, praised conference competition for the Hurricanes’ romp into the Final Four contest against Connecticut (29-8).
“I would just say I thank the ACC for preparing
us for these types of games,” he said in answer to a question about how Miami stormed back from a 13-point secondhalf deficit against Texas. “Every game we played in the ACC was a close game. It’s always a shot to win. I feel like coming into March we’d been in those types of situations.
“We weren’t afraid or scared of any situation. We just stuck together and played together throughout the game. I would just say I appreciate the ACC for the competition.”
The opening tap is scheduled for 8:49 EST on CBS with UConn favored by 5.5 points and an under/over of 149 points.