Lewandowski adjusting quickly to Division I game
BY JEFF WALKER
A-J SPORTS EDITOR
Robert Lewandowski wasn’t a McDonald’s all-American. He received solid attention during the recruiting process, but Texas Tech coaches expected the 6-foot-10 freshman to experience the typical learning curve of a first-year player.
Lewandowski hit a growth spurt in his last game, and the Red Raiders’ center figures to receive more playing time earlier than planned.
Texas Tech freshman forward Robert Lewandowskie from Overland Park, KS makes a move against Wichita State December 3, 2008 at United Spirit Arena. (John A. Bowersmith/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
“It was a good high school get for us, number one,” Tech head coach Pat Knight said. “To get a kid with that size and not be in junior college, we’re going to have him for four years instead of only two.
“We brought him along a little slowly, but now you’re going to see we’re going to start throwing him more and more into the fire. A lot of that had to do with confidence. It’s like these quarterbacks in the NFL — you don’t want to just throw them in there and if things don’t go well it affects their mindset.”
The Overland Park, Kan., product played in seven of Tech’s first eight games, but he was used sparingly. Most of the time, Lewandowski entered the game in the second half after the outcome already was decided. He never played more than 8 minutes and his most effective performance came against Division II East Central (Okla.) — eight points, seven rebounds and four assists as the Red Raiders set several records in scoring 167 points.
Tech wasn’t playing a Division I school, however, when Lewandowski had his most productive game.
Against a bigger, physical Wichita State team, which entered the game outrebounding its opponents by eight boards per contest, Lewandowski saw action in the first half.
After coming off the bench to play five minutes before halftime, Lewandowski left such a good impression on the coaches that he played 11 more minutes after the break.
“I got in there, got a couple rebounds, got a good basket and that really helped me in terms of my confidence,” Lewandowski said. “It probably helped the coaches to have confidence in me to go in there and do my job.
“I’m not going to go in there and score 20 points a game. My job is to play defense, get some rebounds and clean up the boards.”
The Shockers continued their trend of grabbing more rebounds than their opponent. Wichita State managed 40 to Tech’s 25. Lewandowski was one of three Tech players (John Roberson and Michael Prince) to finish with a team-high four boards.
Lewandowski also added two blocked shots and with his 240-pound frame to go with his height, he gives the Red Raiders an inside presence on defense that has been lacking in recent years.
“I’m sure the junior college kids can attest to this, not just the freshmen,” Lewandowski said. “From high school and the lower-level junior college to (Division I) is a huge jump in physicality and quickness. It took me a few games to get used to it. I’m still not where I want to be or where the coaches want me to be. It’s a baby-step process and I feel like I’m making those steps, but it was a huge confidence boost after the Wichita State game and it keeps getting better (in practice) after that.”
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Here is a basketball player to watch, he has all the makings of one of those players who develops and grows with each game. He is going to be fun to watch over the next four years.
He is going to get a lot of playing time this season and may be starting sooner than we think.
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Lewandowski should develop into a great contributor this year. He has the advantage of playing for a Knight, Coach Pat learned from the greatest coach in basketball history. If there is one thing he knows, its how to get the most out of players. I am looking forward to a very good year this year, and some great years to come.
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Big Lew is going to turn some heads this year. I’m looking forward to watching him progress over the course of his college career.
GUNS UP!
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I’ve only a chance to see him play in one game (Wichita State). I’m convinced he will be one of the best true big men Tech has had in a long time. It’s going to be interesting to watch him develope.
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Amen Dan! Tons of upside. How does he leave the state of Kansas w/ those credentials? I guess KU has bigger fish to fry. I hope it bites them in the a$$!
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Robert is my Grandson,so Naturaly I am very poud of him.
We were dispointed when he decided to play way down in Texas, but it was his decision. It appears it was the right one. We are excited when we can watch the games on Computer, and will try to get to some big 12 games. GO ROB Grand-pa & Grand-ma Arens
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this is your older brother jess. good job rob.
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We are so proud to be watching Rob play for the Red Raiders! Many of you who read these comments may not know Rob personally. Well, coming from his “Godmother”, he is not only a great athlete, but most importantly, he is ALWAYS a gentleman and has great respect and love for his family. Love ya!!
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You have a lot of support from Ne. Rob we listened to the game
Sat. night To bad of the loss. Maybe you will get some play time
next game when the ankle is healed.
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Robert-
Srta. Young here. I’m so happy and proud of you! I spoke with my dad this evening and he enjoyed watching you last night against Nebraska. Keep up the good work!
Srta. Young
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