Eschmeyer not worthy of closer calls

Averaging 19.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, few can argue his talent. Eschmeyer changes game plans for his Big Ten opposition, resulting in elaborate schemes to limit his productive. In fact, it is the response of other teams to Eschmeyer's talent that has raised the commotion lately.

In short, teams have been fouling him - a lot.

PRANAY REDDY Reddy or Not

And when the Michigan men's basketball team takes the court tonight at Welsh-Ryan Arena to face Northwestern at 8 p.m., you might see the same thing.

Now Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe might just call it good, hard basketball - and he should. Northwestern coach Kevin O'Neill has been lobbying the referees after late because of the abuse his star center has been receiving.

Following Northwestern's loss to Michigan State on Saturday, O'Neill had a few choice words for the rest of the Big Ten, likening the blows Eschmeyer has been taking to professional wrestling.

But then again, what else do you expect when your roster boasts a player of Eschmeyer's caliber? The last time there has been this much complaining about the lack of fouls called was when Dale Brown was coaching Shaquille O'Neal down at Louisiana State.

I'm just going to say this once: Evan Eschmeyer is not Shaquille O'Neal.

Eschmeyer is a great player, but that's it. He doesn't command the respect O'Neill demands for him - nor does any player in college basketball. O'Neill's comments have been laced with more anger as of late, in direct relation to Eschmeyer's increased frustration during Big Ten play.

Wait a minute - isn't that the job of a basketball coach? Isn't a coach supposed to take advantage of the opposition's best weapon, frustrating him by any means within the rulebook?

Oh yeah.

It seems like that fact has been lost upon Northwestern's coach. This is Big Ten basketball, not the NBA. The country's best players aren't unfairly protected by the referees in the manner that professional superstars are.

And that's what makes the college game a great one. There is no preferential treatment. When you take the court, your actions determine your success, not the backhanded lobbying of referees by coaches.

So listen up Josh Asselin and Pete Vignier. When you get out there tonight, don't be afraid to body up Eschmeyer. And when you have to foul him, go ahead - despite what Kevin O'Neill says.

- Pranay Reddy can be reached

via e-mail at pkr@umich.edu

02-04-99