Pivotal Player: Andy Kowske
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
He has already delivered the line of the tournament. When asked if
he would rather play up-tempo, Wisconsin's Andy Kowske replied that he would be afraid he
would tear his hamstring. |  | | Watch out for Andy Kowske on backdoor cuts, which he finishes with authority. |
Kowske acknowledges that his 6-8, 230-pound frame is more conducive
to a predictable, methodical offense. But when he's in the system, he makes
it work by finding the gaps in a defense. Point guard Mike Kelley will find
him at least once against Michigan State for a backdoor layup or dunk.
Kowske gets free, somehow, and he could have A.J. Granger chasing him from
behind for much of the game.
He's not the most skilled player, but he does shoot 63 percent
because he stays within his limitations.
"I'm not out there to, you know, pass or score many points," Kowske
said. "I'm basically a screener and a rebounder. I think it's going to be
very important for me to keep their guys off the boards and to help out with
us on the offensive boards."
But Kowske still finds a way to score. It shouldn't be a surprise as
long as he rebounds. He has had five double-doubles this season, including
back-to-back efforts in the NCAA Tournament against Fresno State (14 points,
14 boards) and Arizona (10 and 12).
If Kowske can get free of Granger, or Al Anagonye, he'll keep the
pressure off Mark Vershaw and on Michigan State. The Badgers need all the offense inside they can muster to beat the Spartans. Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
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