Missed Opportunities

Karen C. Tully Arizona Daily Wildcat UA junior forward Michael Dickerson goes strong to the basket in a recent game. Dickerson scored 29 points against Oregon State on Saturday, but is still working his way back to early season form.

Just two months ago, junior forward Michael Dickerson was being hailed as the savior of Arizona men's basketball.

He had orchestrated wins over such national powers as Utah and North Carolina, while providing much-needed leadership in the absence of junior guard Miles Simon. But Dickerson's fairy tale became more of a rollercoaster ride when Simon returned to Arizona 's starting lineup against UCLA on Jan. 18. Within a month, Dickerson's scoring has dropped from a league-high 24 points-per-game to 19.8. The Wildcats went 6-5 during that span.

"(Dickerson) really helped us out in the beginning of the year," UA sophomore guard Jason Terry said. "He was our go-to guy and his play improved our confidence in our team."

Now, Dickerson is trying to find answers.

"It was a lot of fun in the beginning of the year. I got a chance to take charge of this team and help us win some games," Dickerson said. "When Miles came in, we both had to split the role of scorer."

In addition to losing his opportunities, Dickerson also saw a drop in his possessions at the end of the game and in key situations.

"It seemed that (Coach Olson) wanted Miles to have the ball at the end of the game," Dickerson said. "That is his decision and "I am a team player, but I would be more than happy to have the ball at the end of the game. I feel when I get the ball, I can b eat anybody to the basket."

In the last five games Dickerson has put up erratic numbers. He has ranged from two points against Tulane to 29 points against Oregon State on Saturday. While Dickerson's confidence has appeared to be questionable at times, he rejects the idea that his pl ay has been affected.

"I think it's stupid when people saw that if I miss a couple early shots I am going to have a bad game," Dickerson said. "I have had many big games after I missed some shots. Sometimes the ball just doesn't fall, and it's in those games that I need to con centrate on improving the other areas of my game."

Lately, Dickerson has taken another step in becoming a complete basketball player by improving his defensive intensity. He has guarded the opposing team's point guard and used his height and quickness to contain the opposing player. It is a role that Dick erson has accepted and his offense has picked up once again.

"Michael is as good a player as he is an aggressive one," UA coach Lute Olson said. "If he plays aggressive defense, chances are he will be aggressive on the other end and have better scoring opportunities."

Dickerson's defensive intensity had also improved his effort on the backboards.

In Arizona's last game against Washington, Dickerson recorded his first career double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Since that game, Dickerson has averaged six rebounds per game.

With Arizona entering the stretch-run of their season, the Wildcats need a consistent effort from Dickerson every night if they hope to have an impact in the NCAA Tournament.

"Right now, I think we need to stay within our team concept and try and finish strong," Dickerson said. "We can't have mental lapses and we have to come out hard from the start every game."

While Dickerson is conceding the fact that he will not be an All-American this year, he is still confident that he can upgrade his play to that level next season.

"From the beginning of the year, I felt that if I put in the time I could be an All-American," Dickerson said. "I think that is everybody's dream in college basketball and I will continue to try and reach that goal."