Record-Shattering Season on Tap for Atkins Kareem Abdul Jabbar Outmusiles Moses Malone for the and Averaging 13.3 Points Per Game
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Friday, December 4, 1981 The Duquesne Duke Sports Profile Record-shattering season on tap for Atkins Kareem Abdul Jabbar outmusiles Moses Malone for the and averaging 13.3 points per game. Atkins set an Eastern perfected the outlet pass to the point where 1 can hit the rebound, rifles an outlet pass to Magic Johnson, who feeds a Eight single game record by pulling down 21 rebounds weak side much better now." Atkins stated. "We should streaking Norm Nixon... Nixon leaps toward the hoop for a against West Virginia, and in his final 10 games averaged have a great fast break since many different players can slam...and is rejected by Bruce Atkins... 39.6 minutes, 17 points and 11 rebounds per game, shooting execute on the other end now, as opposed to relying on a torrid 60-89 from the floor. Dixon (Ronnie) and Flenory (B.B.) as we did before." By KEN SELVACGI Such consistent play will be demanded of Atkins on an "IVe never gone into a season in my entire 15 years of Sports Editor every-game-basis this year, as the Dukes' fortunes rest coaching trying to promote one player as much in my team This time next year, Dukes superstar Bruce Atkins hopes squarely on his massive frame. Moreover, he will face the concept." Coach Mike Rice said. "Bruce is one of the most to be performing for a National Basketball Association club, added pressure of playing center because of the dismissal of dominating players IVe ever coached, and he is now the first Duquesne player since Norm Nixon to do so and the Ricky Tunstall, which could hinder his affectiveness to a providing leadership by example, something he hasn't done 38th player overall. degree. The pressure is welcomed as a challenge by the in the past. He's finally taking advantage of his strength If you're a betting man and need to counter a rough season offensively as well as defensively. He's always been an of poor football picks, place your money down now on his competitive Atkins. "I like being expected to do more—it makes me work harder," he said. excellent shooter, but because he's been so team-oriented doing so. Because, barring injury, the muscular 6-foot-8,235 he usually passed up the outside shot. We want him to take pound forward will be drafted in the early rounds next The Dukes will rely greatly on flawless execution of the greater advantage of his shooting ability this year." summer. fast break for a significant portion of their offensive Atkins enters his fourth season of collegiate ball as the top output, with Atkins acting as the trigger man. "1 \e worked The personable floor leader will become only the third player in the Eastern Eight and a pre-season All-American on refining the fundamentals of my game and have player in the 66-year history of Dukes basketball to score pick. Whether using his size and strength to dominate the over 1,000 points and pick up over 1,000 rebounds in his boards or his agility and coordination to hit the open manor career, as he enters this season with 1,098 points and 876 pump a jumper under pressure from the baseline, he can do it rebounds. The two players that have already accomplished all on the court and has the mental ability to keep a level that feat were both All-Americans — Jim Tucker( 1954)and head about his talents and the needed determination to Dick Ricketts(l955). continually work at improving his game. "No question Bruce is an excellent pro prospect," Rice A "blue chip" prospect from Wilkinsburg High School claims. "His only weakness was the transition game, and he three years ago, the talented youngster turned down has improved greatly in that area. This year I think you'll see scholarships from UCLA, Marquette, North Carolina State, him become one of the top power forwards in the United Louisville, Cincinati and many other schools in favor of States. He's everything to us. WeVe built our offense and Duquesne and has started all 84 games (scoring in double defense around him, and he's what's going to make us go." figures in 61) since his arrival, demonstrating a durability In listing his goals for the season, Atkins named winning necessary for a professional player. the Eastern Eight Tournament and securing an NCAA Atkins has helped breathe new life into a basketball berth, becoming an All-American, finishing second or third program that was gasping for air following five mediocre in the nation in rebounding (he is currently the leading seasons in the mid to late 70s by leading the Dukes to a 51-33 rcbounder among returning NCAA Division 1 seniors) and record and two NIT appearances in the past three years. being drafted by an NBA club, preferably one in a warm climate. The gentle giant also hopes to earn one other honor, As the Eastern Eight "Rookie of the Year" and EC AC the Sihugo Green Award, Duquesne's major athletic award First Team nomimec in his initial campaign, he averaged given in honor of the late DU Hall of Fame peformer who 13.8 points and 9.8 rebounds (second in the league) while holds the all-time Dukes' scoring mark. setting a new all-time Duquesne record by shooting 61 percent from the field. "1 personally knew Si, and he helped me a lot in high Following a sluggish sophomore year (10.2 ppg. and 9.3 school," Atkins said. "1 would really consider it an honor to rebounds), the Dukes' team captain exploded last season, win the award." garnering All-League First Team honors and Honorable If Green was still alive today, I'm sure he'd consider it an Mention All-American status (Sporting Newt) by finishing honor to have the opportunity to observe his former pupil scvrnih in the nation in rrhmmdino (11 .7 ner same averaae) become an all-time Duquesne great also. Whether he's on or above the court, Duquesne senior Bruce Atkins is undoubtedly one of the nation's dominant players. Atkins is expectdto be the main cog in the Dukes machine as they leap into the 1981-82 season. .