Fresno State Athletics
Mr. Hustle
1/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - On every championship-caliber team, there never ceases to be an athlete who does the little things that help the team win. The player who is not worried about putting up big numbers always seems to be overlooked. But perhaps that player is the glue keeping the squad intact.
In the case of the Fresno State men's basketball team, senior forward Larry Abney could be classified in the category of unknown talents. Abney's numbers may not appear extremely glamorous on the stat sheet, but his participation on the court is much needed. He can be seen setting a back screen along the baseline for the shooter, hustling after a loose ball about to go out of bounds, hounding his opponent endlessly in the frontcourt or running the floor and finishing with a ferocious dunk. Although Abney's performances are not constantly mentioned as game-breakers, he views his purpose as essential as any other.
"I never really looked at my role as doing the grunt work," Abney said. "Diving for the loose balls and setting the picks are just as important as a three pointer or a layup. Some of the plays I make may go unnoticed, but I'm just out there to help my team win anyway."
Abney, a product of the Nyack, N.Y. area, took the long route to playing basketball for the Bulldogs. He came to Fresno State in the fall of `95 and sat out while meeting NCAA eligibility requirements. He then transferred to Fresno City College to play his freshman year, where he led the Rams to their first Central Valley Conference title since 1987. Since transferring back to Fresno State, Abney has played in every game.
In his sophomore season, Abney was one of the first players to come off the bench. He contributed 4.1 rebounds a game and provided solid defense during his stints on the floor. His shot selection and decision making proved to be significant as he led the team with .608 field goal percentage.
Against Minnesota in the NIT, Abney swatted away four shot attempts and added 13 points and nine rebounds. His gradual development and hard work throughout the year paid off, earning him a spot in the starting lineup by the end of the season and garnering the team's Most Improved player award.Last season, the Speech Communication major started in 25 contests and averaged 6.2 points and seven rebounds per game. Abney secured the team's Top Rebounder award by leading the team in that category. Against Chicago State he pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds and grabbed 10 or more boards in nine games during the `98-`99 season.
However, Abney showed he is more than just a defensive monster when he posted 21 points on 10 of 14 shooting against Cal Poly last November. If he is called upon to contribute more offensively during certain situations of the game, the 6-8 forward is completely capable.
"If I need to step up in any way, I'll do it by any means necessary," Abney said. "Weather it be scoring, guarding the bigger guys, or getting the offensive rebound, I'm going to get it done." Abney plays with smarts. He doesn't turn the ball over much and is a better passer than he is recognized for. Last year he was second on the team in field goal percentage, shooting nearly 56 percent. His leaping ability allows him to sneak by opposing forwards for the occasional put-back and his devastating jams have always excited Bulldog fans. Abney, though, would especially like to be remembered for the way he played the game.
"When I learned the game of basketball, I first learned the importance of playing hard," Abney said. "I just go out there and play intinctively, yet intelligently. It doesn't matter to me what kind of numbers I put up, as long as I am playing to the best of my ability."
With early season injuries to Courtney Alexander and Melvin Ely, Abney's offensive presence will be appreciated more. His minutes will increase and the importance of his leadership to youngsters Travis Robinson and Noel Felix is great.
In whatever way Abney steps up, he will continue to aid the `Dogs with his small nuances that create frustration for the opposition. So next time Terrance Roberson drains a deep three, just remember who sprung him free - Mr. Hustle, Larry Abney.
