Cue The Happy Ending Nic Has Veteran Team For Coach’s Last Season
Left up to Hollywood, North Idaho College would simply storm to the Region 18 men’s basketball title, win nationals and return home to a parade down Sherman Avenue, all in tribute to retiring coach Rolly Williams.
Ask Williams about Hollywood, and he might grudgingly admit to liking old Elizabeth Taylor movies.
Instead of sappy, syrupy send-offs, Williams would prefer to sidestep the spotlight.
Fat chance.
At most Region 18 venues this season, Williams will probably be honored during brief pregame ceremonies and handed gifts. He’ll accept them with a smile - and quickly store ‘em behind the bench.
“I don’t even know if he announced it to the team,” sophomore Eric Sanchez said of Williams’ impending retirement following this, his 35th season at the Cardinal helm. “I heard it from someone else.
“He doesn’t make a big deal out of it. He’s just going about his business of coaching the team.”
NIC gets down to business at 7:30 Saturday night when Southern Alberta visits Christianson Gym to open the season.
Williams might have a team that could make his last season memorable. Four players return who either started full- or part-time last year - 6-foot-8 center Roy Kruiswyk, point guard Steve Helm, Sanchez at wing and forward Troy Thompson.
At the JC level, that’s bountiful experience.
“Those four feel pretty comfortable and they know they can play,” said Williams, whose 1994-95 squad meshed late in the season and fell one win shy of qualifying for nationals. “They play with relaxed abandonment. They’re not just stiff worrying about things.”
Kruiswyk is a key player, being one of only two Cards taller than 6-5. The other is 6-9 reserve post Kevin Byrne.
The 6-4 Thompson has a firm hold at power forward. He averaged 12 points and six rebounds last season.
Helm is the No. 1 point guard, but he’s getting pushed by 5-10 Quentin Hall, a speedster from the Bahamas.
Sanchez, who was outstanding during the regional tournament, is a workaholic. “What can you say about Eric?” Williams said, smiling. “He goes 100 miles an hour in a 50-miles-per-hour zone.”
The other starting wing will likely be 6-4 sophomore Ajene Robertson, a transfer from Mount Hood (Gresham, Ore.) whom Williams touts as “a big-time player.”
That is by no means the end of the talent pool. In fact, Williams has nine players vying at three guard spots.
Some players to keep an eye on are sophomore Tijuan Dial and newcomers Darnell McCoy, David Cunningham and Jeroen Barth.
The inside positions aren’t nearly as deep, but 6-5 Gabriel Rapier adds muscle and rebounding power.
“I’ve thrown a lot of stuff at these guys and for them to be as proficient as they are right now, that’s pleasant for me,” Williams said.
Two players - Lake City High’s Brian Russell and 6-10 Phoenix College transfer Kevin Christensen - are no longer with the team.
Williams is looking forward to his final season, not so much because it’ll be his last, but because he has the makings of a strong club.
“It’s just time,” he said of his stepping down. “This is a pretty nice bunch. They work hard, and I appreciate that.”
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