By Paul Gotham
At 6-3 the Fordham Rams are off to their best start under fourth-year coach Tom Pecora, and Branden Frazier’s offensive production is a big reason.
After averaging 14 points per game a season ago, Frazier has increased that number by four.
Pecora and the Rams won’t mind if the senior guard continues to shoulder more of the scoring load.
Yes, in this season of giving Frazier’s best present to the Rams could be a more selfish approach on the offensive end.
“He’s really developed into a pretty good player,” Pecora said after Fordham’s recent victory at Colgate. “He’s doing more of what point guards need to do. He’s controlling games. He’s picking when to go to the hoop. He’s picking when to get people shots. He’s understanding personnel better.”
Frazier has combined with freshman Jon Severe for the Atlantic 10’s highest-scoring backcourt with more than 37 points per game.
But when the flu slowed Severe during Fordham’s tilt with Colgate, Frazier knew to take over the game. Trailing by seven at half, Frazier switched gears and started attacking the basket.
His drive in transition cut the Colgate advantage to six at 60-54. On the next possession, he drew the defense and used a drop off pass to set up Mandell Thomas for three. Frazier used a crossover at the top of the lane to get to the rim and trim the deficit to one.
“He’s distributing the ball when he needs to, and at times being a little selfish, which we need him to be,” Pecora stated. “He’s got great size for a point guard. When he does get in the lane, he makes plays.”
The senior guard’s one-handed runner off the glass gave Fordham a 68-67 advantage, and his free throw in the game’s final seconds helped seal a 77-73 win.
The Brooklyn, New York native finished with a game-high 27 points – his seventh game scoring in double figures. His lone single-digit game came in Fordham’s 79-48 triumph over Furman. Frazier dished out nine assists that night.
“Some games I have to be more selfish,” Frazier commented. “Other games I just have to find my teammates. My thing this year is to be more of a point guard.”
Frazier earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Week honors. Four days after the Colgate outing he notched a 15 point, 6 assist, 6 rebound performance in the Rams 79-60 victory over Howard.
The Bishop Loughlin product has garnered pre-season third-team all-conference. Just don’t expect him to be content. Frazier is looking for more.
“I’m not going to talk about it. I’m going to show it. They’re going to have change their minds. It’s as simple as that.”
If he has his way, Frazier AND the Fordham Rams will climb the A-10 ladder.
Fordham plays at Monmouth Saturday, December 21st before returning home to host Loyola, Illinois on December 23rd. A 4 p.m. tip time is scheduled at Rose Hill Gymnasium.
Paul Gotham is the founder, owner, editor and lead writer at Pickin’ Splinters. Paul is the Communications and Media Director of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. He is a contributor at USA Today and member of the USBWA. You can follow Paul on Twitter @PickinSplinters.
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