NCAA Weekly Performers -- 1/9/2007, Part One
Chase Budinger, 67, SG/SF, Freshman, Arizona
Vs. Washington: 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 7-12 FG, 6-8 FT, 3-5 3PT
Joseph Treutlein
Chase Budinger had a very strong showing against Washington earlier this week, showing off his versatile game while helping Arizona defeat its Pac-10 foe in a very exciting match-up. Budinger did a little bit of everything in the contest, but was looking his best stroking the outside shot, hitting three 3-pointers on the night. Budinger has excellent shooting form and a lightning-quick release, which makes him very deadly spotting up from behind the arc.
Budinger doesnt possess much of a dribble-drive game at this stage of his development, but in Arizonas quick passing offense, he gets some opportunities to take his man off the dribble when his defender doesnt have his feet set, and he took advantage of those in this game. Budinger looked very solid in this regard, making about three or four drives in this manner, using both his left and right hand and finishing by means of lay-ups, pull-ups, and floaters, looking comfortable with each. All of his drives consisted of one or two dribbles without much change of direction, but Budinger seems to understand his limitations and knows how to play within himself and the teams offense. When he doesnt have the ball, hes always in constant motion, working to get in position for an open shot opportunity.
Budinger also looked very impressive in transition, showing off his court awareness by dishing out a lot of nice passes for shot opportunities, only some of which were converted by his teammates. He makes great split-second decisions, always keeps his head up with the ball, and dishes out strong, crisp passes through seams in the defense.
Defensively, Budinger was very disruptive in this game, using his instincts and good hands to play aggressive defense against the opposition, making four steals in the game and forcing some other turnovers as well. He possesses good lateral quickness and doesnt let up his intensity, pestering his man and forcing him into making mistakes with the ball.
Budinger is a very fundamentally sound and versatile player on both ends of the court, and he has a strong work ethic and a high basketball IQ to boot. Further, he is extremely athletic and has good overall physical tools, which makes him an excellent NBA prospect. The only thing Budinger really lacks is true go-to ability, which stems from his sub-par dribble-drive game, though thats something he can work on with time. Budinger would have a good chance of being a lottery pick if he declared this year, though theres a good chance he could return for another season at Arizona as well. How he develops his game over the rest of the season, how far Arizona goes in March, and how Budinger performs down the stretch are some factors that could weigh in his decision.
Budinger doesnt possess much of a dribble-drive game at this stage of his development, but in Arizonas quick passing offense, he gets some opportunities to take his man off the dribble when his defender doesnt have his feet set, and he took advantage of those in this game. Budinger looked very solid in this regard, making about three or four drives in this manner, using both his left and right hand and finishing by means of lay-ups, pull-ups, and floaters, looking comfortable with each. All of his drives consisted of one or two dribbles without much change of direction, but Budinger seems to understand his limitations and knows how to play within himself and the teams offense. When he doesnt have the ball, hes always in constant motion, working to get in position for an open shot opportunity.
Budinger also looked very impressive in transition, showing off his court awareness by dishing out a lot of nice passes for shot opportunities, only some of which were converted by his teammates. He makes great split-second decisions, always keeps his head up with the ball, and dishes out strong, crisp passes through seams in the defense.
Defensively, Budinger was very disruptive in this game, using his instincts and good hands to play aggressive defense against the opposition, making four steals in the game and forcing some other turnovers as well. He possesses good lateral quickness and doesnt let up his intensity, pestering his man and forcing him into making mistakes with the ball.
Budinger is a very fundamentally sound and versatile player on both ends of the court, and he has a strong work ethic and a high basketball IQ to boot. Further, he is extremely athletic and has good overall physical tools, which makes him an excellent NBA prospect. The only thing Budinger really lacks is true go-to ability, which stems from his sub-par dribble-drive game, though thats something he can work on with time. Budinger would have a good chance of being a lottery pick if he declared this year, though theres a good chance he could return for another season at Arizona as well. How he develops his game over the rest of the season, how far Arizona goes in March, and how Budinger performs down the stretch are some factors that could weigh in his decision.