Big 12: Sloan’s value apparent
Texas A&M's Donald Sloan (15) drives by Oklahoma State's Obi Muonelo, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in College Station. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
When the all-Big 12 basketball team was announced, perhaps some were surprised to see Texas A&M senior Donald Sloan make first team. But if you caught the Aggies’ 70-64 victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals Thursday, you saw Sloan’s value.
Sloan played 35 minutes and had 23 points, three rebounds, four assists and no turnovers. He made eight of 15 shots, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range. Sloan came into the game averaging 17.9 points a game.
The Aggies played without injured guard Dash Harris, and senior forward Bryan Davis was limited to 22 minutes by foul trouble.
“If I had to do more, I would,” Sloan said of his contribution. “I think everyone picked up the slack. Bryan is one of our key guys. Him being in foul trouble is something we’ve had to adjust to over the course of the season.”
Sloan has ably filled in the void when A&M lost all-star Acie Law three years ago. Now it’s time for Aggie coach Mark Turgeon to develop a guard who can take over the starring role for Sloan. Perhaps that’s Harris, a quick, 6-foot-1 sophomore.
But it won’t be easy. Sloan sank the game’s biggest shot Thursday, a 3-pointer after Nebraska had drawn within 54-53. Sloan is a big-time player, even if he’s flown under the radar.
-------------Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter @BerryTramel. Visit Berry's website here.
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