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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rochestie all left

The Spokesman-Review

I have made this observation/opinion before, but allow me to make it again.

Many, many, many, and I emphasize many, years ago when I played high school, college and AAU basketball, left-handers were just that, left-handed.

I loved to play defense against left-handers. I would “play” them about a half body’s width to their left and force them to go right. When and if they did go right, usually it was not successful.

Because of that, in my older age, I developed the habit of watching left-handers today.

The game of basketball has changed drastically in the last 50 years, including the talent of players. Rarely do you see a player today who cannot go left as smoothly, or as often, as they can go right. It’s hard to pick out a left-hander.

However, I have found a vintage lefty. He is Taylor Rochestie of WSU. He normally comes down the floor on his left side. If he starts to dribble to his right at about the head of the key, he will reverse his dribble or pass off. Rarely will he continue his dribble to the right, let alone attempt to drive to the basket.

One recent game was an example. Unless I missed it, he drove to the basket one time from the right side. It was an uncontested layup. Obviously, somebody missed a defensive assignment. Even uncontested, he laid it up left-handed.

If my observation is accurate, I don’t understand why defenses don’t overplay his left side. Better yet, why hasn’t his coach picked up on it?

Don’t misunderstand me. Rochestie is an excellent outside shooter. You can’t let him have that open outside shot, he will beat you.

If you don’t agree with me, watch the next WSU game and zero in on Rochestie.

William Hiatt

Spokane