By
Bryan Rosenbaum
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Senior center earns respect in loss to Blue Devils
MINNEAPOLIS - It has been a tumultuous season for Loren Woods, and despite Arizona's 82-72 loss to Duke last night, the 7-foot-1 senior center ended his career the next best way.
He finally got the recognition he has deserved all along.
Woods had 22 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks last night, taking advantage of 6-foot-8 Duke All-American Shane Battier, who guarded him all night.
"(Loren) was phenomenal," UA senior forward Gene Edgerson said.
"Loren played really well. I'm really proud of Loren, he just stepped up again."
Woods, who was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team, faced a season of suspensions and doubters, including himself. At one point this season, he called his game "a joke" and questioned his decision to stay for his senior year of college.
But over the last two months, Woods has concentrated on doing what he does best - providing an inside shot-blocking presence - and finished the season with a four-week stretch of the best basketball he played in his collegiate career.
"Ever since then, I've just been trying to do what the coaches have asked of me, what my teammates have asked of me on the floor," Woods said. "That it's not really about me, it was about the team."
In addition to dominating play on the inside during the postseason, Woods became more aggressive on the offensive end and getting to the free-throw line, where he excels.
Following Arizona's win over Illinois in the Midwest Regional finals in San Antonio, Woods laughed as he cut down the nets at the Alamodome, truly enjoying the experience.
In Minneapolis, that same Loren Woods appeared again. Once said to be easily knocked off his game with a little physical play, Woods was the one initiating the contact, sending a message to Michigan State and Duke not to expect any easy baskets down low.
"Loren goes out and plays hard every night," UA sophomore guard Gilbert Arenas said. "Sometimes he gets recognition, sometime he doesn't. After tonight, he'll finally be getting the respect he deserves. Loren's a battler."
His play may also have affected his future earning potential. Woods' prowess in the final rounds of the NCAA Tournament has instantly raised his draft status.
While refocusing and facing a barrage of questions about his game and mental stability, Woods could always count on his teammates for support. After last night, Woods said the most important thing he was proud of was that everybody grew up and stayed together in the wake of everything the Wildcats faced this season.
"I myself, personally, have so much respect for these guys, my teammates," he said. "Nothing, not even losing a national championship, is going to take that away."
His teammates had that same respect for Woods.
"People can say all they want about Loren and his abilities, but he did exactly what we needed him to do tonight," Arenas said. "Loren was the leader of this team and played like a true senior, a true team captain."
