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Aussie Bogut helps Bucks rally to win in NBA debut
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-03 09:38
"That's what we spoke about in the locker room, character in an NBA game.
It's more crucial to play hard in the last minute than the first 39. Anything
can happen in the final minute of an NBA game."
Bogut blocked a Steven Hunter shot 75 seconds into over-time, dunked over
Webber 2:27 later and banked in a shot despite a Webber foul, then hit a free
throw to give the Bucks a 113-104 edge with 49.1 seconds remaining.
"Andrew just kept competing," Bucks coach Terry Stotts said. "Defensively he
was very good protecting the paint. Andrew did a nice job zoning, protecting his
man and rebounding.
"I had him in most of the fourth quarter and over-time. We were very
effective when he was in the lineup."
Bogut was among a record 82 international players from 36 nations on NBA
opening rosters, one player more than last year's global total. The defending
NBA champion San Antonio Spurs lead the league with seven non-US players.
Ten seasons ago, when Bogut's Croatian teammate Toni Kukoc was making his NBA
debut, there were only 26 international players on NBA rosters.
Bogut, himself of Croatian heritage, was shifted to power forward from centre
but it made little difference given the Bucks' offensive schemes. Bogut is
needed more for defensive determination than scoring punch.
"Right now he doesn't need to be an offensive force for us," Stotts said. "He
made some good plays, was available on penetration. We don't need him to score
every time he touches the ball. He's very mature with his approach. That
showed."
Bogut, who turns 21 on November 28, has little time to rest on a successful
opening night. The Bucks play Wednesday at New Jersey.
"That's the NBA life for you," Bogut said. "You've got no excuses not to be
ready - get the smell off your body, ice on your knees and get back into it."
The Bucks play their home opener Saturday against the Miami Heat, giving
Bogut his first chance to go against NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.
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