Eight in Running For 2 Cage Spots
Monday. Nov. 30, 1953
By DANA LEIBENGOOD
Kansan Sports Writer
With the opening game against Tulane university only 10 days away, the starting guard spots on the 1953-54 edition of the KU basketball team are not yet filled.
Even two-a-day drills held during Thanksgiving vacation failed to find the successors to Gil Reich and Dean Kelley, last year's starting back line men. Eight men, including three promising sophomores, are fighting for the two vacant slots.
The five veterans are Larry Davenport, LaVannes Squires, John Anderson, Bill Heitholt, and Jack Wolfe. All but Wolfe are lettermen. Dallas Dobbs, Len Martin, and Bill Brainard are the second-year men who are in the running.
In practices held during the holidays, the two men who worked most frequently with the regulars were Davenport, long shot artist of last year, and Dobbs, the speed merchant up from last year's freshman team.
Davenport, a forward until this year, is one of the main reasons why Kansas should be effective against a zone defense this season. His deadly one handed pokes keep a defense "honest", and as a result give B. H. Born more room to operate on the pivot. Davenport at this time seems to have the inside track for one of the positions due to his experience and scoring ability. With steady improvement, especially on defense, Davenport would be almost certain of getting the nod on Dec. 10 at New Orleans.
At the other guard position Dobbs seems to have a slight edge, although he has by no means won a starting berth. Whether he starts or not, he is sure to see plenty of action. He has good speed in addition to being able to score. Getting familiar with the defense used by Dr. F. C. Allen seems to be his greatest problem, as it is with the other sophomores.
Both Martin and Brainard have fine scoring potential and rebounding possibilities, but they must learn these other important phases of the game.
The fact that he has seen action in 46 games in the last two years gives Heitholt some valuable experience which may enable him to land a spot in the opening lineup. Another factor is that he started in the freshman-varsity basketball game. This alone means he is high in the picture.
One of the most dependable reserves on the NCAA runnerup team of a year ago was Anderson. Although getting a late start due to football season, he must be considered on the basis of the form he has shown previously.
Squires, like Heitholt, has seen considerable action in the last two seasons. He was the other starting guard in the freshman-varsity contest and can't be counted out.
The fifth veteran, and the smallest man on the squad is Wolfe, who stands only 5-8, yet Dr. Allen insists that he is one of the top contenders for one of the positions. He is fast and has good scoring potential despite his lack of size.
In the past little men have proved to be vital cogs in Jayhawk basketball machines. One has to remember only as far back as 1945-46 to realize the respect that Dr.
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Page 1 University Daily Kansan
The rest of the team is in good hands with B. H. Born at center and Harold Patterson and Allen Kelley
team is a contender for the conference championship, but it must have satisfactory play from the guards to attain its third straight conference crown.
LET'S TRY IT THIS WAY—Basketball Coach Phog Allen discusses a point with his assistant Dick Harp as the cage opener now is only 10 days off. Allen's biggest dilemma at present is finding a pair of men to fill the shoes of departed Dean Kelley and Gil Reich.
holding down the forward position.
Allen has for the small man. Owen Peck, who stood only 5-9, played center on that team and was one of its most valuable members.
holding down the forward. Although reporting late for practice due to the football season, Paterson immediately took over the forward position which he held last season. His showing in practice has left no doubt as to who would team with Kelley at the forward.
The complete success of the team this year hinges on the ability of at least two of the above eight to come through in starting roles. The
Kelley should have another fine season, for he has shown the same ability in practice that made him a star last season. He has the same aggressiveness and scoring ability which he had last year plus the extra confidence in himself which was acquired through a full seasons play last year.
sons play
Born, like Kelley, should have his greatest season, for now he is an established star in his own right. He has completely stepped out of the shadow of Clyde Lovellette, the ponderous giant of two years ago, and has been picked on almost all of the pre-season all-American teams.
Reserves at forward and center may be a major problem, and there still is no big man to give Born the rest he should have.
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