Wooden Classic means more than just big-name opponent

Dec 11, 2009, 12:00 AM

It's not just the name, but the man behind it, that makes the John Wooden Classic so special to Washington men's basketball coach Lorenzo Romar. Romar takes his UW team to Anaheim, Calif., tomorrow to face Georgetown in the annual one-day event, for what will likely be the Huskies' toughest non-conference game this season. And it's a meaningful game for more reasons than just the quality of the opponent. Romar has long been an admirer of legendary coach John Wooden, whom the event is named for, and he was nothing short of nostalgic when discussing his relationship with Wooden earlier this week. In fact, Romar gives Wooden, who turned 99 in October, partial credit for finalizing his decision to play for the UW in college. Romar caught up to Wooden at the airport, after he'd taken a visit to the UW, and asked his advice. "I'll never forget, he said, 'If you have a chance to play for [then UW coach] Marv Harshman, you can't pass that up,'" Romar said. "Being at UCLA when I was an assistant, I got a chance to spend a lot of time with [Wooden], and he's just probably the most amazing and impressive man I've ever met in my life." He's hoping the Huskies will be a little more impressive this time around than they were the last time they left Seattle. That trip was to Lubbock, Texas, and it resulted in an overtime loss that saw UW squander several chances to win. And this time, they're playing a tougher, nationally ranked opponent with a nationally respected big man. Georgetown center Greg Monroe - who's about as versatile as a 6-foot-11 guy can be - is averaging 15.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, making him a serious threat to a UW interior unit that is still struggling to find its identity. "At 6-11, he can put the ball on the floor and make plays for himself and make plays for others," Romar said. "Those that can do that are usually difficult covers. You don't find a lot of guys like that. Some guys can make plays for others; some can make them for themselves. But when you can do both, you're a tough opponent to deal with." That's part of the draw, though, senior Quincy Pondexter said. It's Washington's chance to play a big-time East Coast opponent on a big-time stage. "Growing up watching John Thompson and his great players ... you always wanted to be able to be in a position to play with them, or play against them," Pondexter said. "I just think it's crazy to actually be able to play one of those teams such as Georgetown." He respects the Wooden name, too. "Even though I've never met him, he's been a great mentor to the game of basketball and myself," Pondexter said. "I remember my dad telling me, when he recruited my dad, there was a possibility he would go there. And he just said that could have been the best possible situation for him, and sometimes he regrets not doing it because of how great of a dynasty he was, and how great of a person he was." Reach Sports Editor Christian Caple at sports@dailyuw.com.

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