Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Can the Rams get more from Hornung?
By Luke Lapinski
Colorado State hasn't missed a beat in Larry Eustachy's first season in Fort Collins. The Rams are currently 19-4 (6-2 in conference play), and find themselves sitting at No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25.
The Mountain West title is certainly still within reach, but there's very little margin for error. CSU hosts San Diego State in a huge matchup tonight, and still gets another crack at first place New Mexico later this month. Pierce Hornung, among others, will have to rise to the occasion in both of those games. The senior forward has been a major reason for the team's success this season, and John Gasaway suggests he might even be able to contribute more if given the opportunity:
"Hornung was named Mountain West Player of the Week earlier this month, after recording back-to-back double-doubles against Boise State and Wyoming. The 6-5 senior's connecting on 58 percent of his 2s, and for a second consecutive season he's posting one of the highest offensive rebounding rates in Division I. But Hornung's accomplishing all of the above while taking just 16 percent of CSU's shots during his time on the floor. I think he's ready for a bigger share of the offense."
Of course, Eustachy's current plan is working pretty well at the moment, so he might not be rushing to make any changes. Gasaway acknowledges that as well. But it's certainly nice to know a weapon like Hornung is right there if the Rams need to lean on him anymore than they already are.
