UConn's most clutch: Shabazz vs. Kemba

[Gurleyman]

Rip's teams weren't in nearly as many close games and Bazz or Kemba

Rip was really good at dagger shots. Up four with a minute to go, burying the 3 at the end of the shot clock that put a bow on it. He daggered Indiana in the second round of the NCAA before Washington (I think it was a corner 3 with a 3 point lead), and did it to Ohio State on a double-clutch in the FF. And a bunch in the regular season too - since we tended to let teams hang around. He also was remarkable carrying us past Gonzaga despite a box and one, with KEA on sabbatical. He beat them with two dump down passes to Jake for layups after scoring 24 on maybe 9-13 shooting.

Not as memorable as buzzer beaters, but Rip trademarked the clinching dagger.

 

[ecasadoSBU]

As of now it is Walker due to the significance of the buzzer beaters and great step backs. The guy was clutch and wonderfully talented!

However, Napier is a strong second and if he continues to pull those stunts he might overtake Walker. A player whose stock is rising to the top. He gotta keep it going!

 

[DogMania]

I guess some of this depends on what is meant by most clutch. My putting Kemba at the top spot with Bazz closing the gap quickly is weighted more heavily on a winning time criteria, which is not a complete picture of clutch.

A player can have a horrible game but then knock down a big shot or makes a string of plays during the last 2 1/2 or so minutes of the game, such as the Nova guard who's name escapes me that I think was scoreless till he hit the game winning 3 against some top 25 opponent about a week or so ago.

This doesn't take into account performances where the player performs at a high level throughout a game making big time plays when the stakes are at their highest and is the primary contributor to the W.

Bazz has been remarkable this season where he's not only make a slew of winning time plays to help pull out the W, but he's been hitting some key baskets at some critical points in the game to prevent the opponent from pulling away for a big lead. Bazz made some huge plays when UF had extended the lead to 2-scores or more at different points in the game. One was on a 3 and another was a pass to Giffey who knocked down a big-time 3. It just seemed like whenever UF was about to shift the momentum, Bazz would knock down a big-time shot to move the needle in our favor.

Kemba was the same way. As time goes by, I can't remember how Rip was in this regard, but he was probably similar.

Try another good Bazz thread from earlier in the season worth a look back.