Editor’s Note: This is the debut post of D-League Digest’s newest contributor, Gino Pilato. For more information on Gino, please check out his bio on the About page. Follow Gino on Twitter @GinoinBoiseID or email him at ginopilato@gmail.com.
Entering this weekend’s action, the Austin Toros sat atop the D-League’s Power Rankings and for good reason. They invaded Century Link Arena to take on the Idaho Stampede, and I had the chance to watch the Austin Toros up close and personal. The Toros play with an uptempo and very balanced style of attack. On Friday night, all but one player on the stat sheet recorded double digit points. Indeed, it starts with the team’s best player Justin Dentmon, a feisty, compact, and skilled point guard who runs the offensive attack efficiently.
Dentmon, a former University of Washington Husky, has elevated his play as of late, and NBA GM’s are surely taking notice. He is averaging 23.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on the season, but what impressed me most was his ability to dominate the game at multiple levels. He puts his teammates in perfect scoring position, whether on the break, or in set pieces (which seemed secondary, due to their incessant urge at keeping the game uptempo). When he isn’t setting up plays for others on the floor, he slashes his way to the basket for an easy deuce in the blink of an eye. In short, this is the type of player you want running your team, and undoubtedly, the Toros are enjoying Dentmon at their point guard spot.
The team seemed well-coached by Brad Jones, and I don’t remember seeing a moment where any of the five players on the floor ever seemed gassed. Jones has his team playing with a sense of unity, players are quick to congratulate each other, and an overall sense of selfishness seems to be a point Jones has driven into his squad. The Toros being the San Antonio Spurs’ lone affiliate, seem to use the formula that has given the Spurs an enjoyed run of success: Team basketball. If Jones can keep his unit playing at this level, they will be a tough out come playoff time.
Currently the Toros are being threatened out of the top spot from other clubs such as the Iowa Energy, and Los Angeles D-Fenders. This trio will likely remain hovering atop the D-League’s top power ranking spot, and fans should be excited to know that Austin will be at the Iowa Energy’s barn on January 27. Of course, roster changes are imminent in the D-League so a call-up to any of these teams could heavily affect where they end up. Regardless, D-League fans should circle the calender when the Austin Toros hit the schedule, because their brand of basketball can be appreciated by even the most astute NBA fan.
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