With Lumpkins gone, sophomore steps up
American University coach Jeff Jones recently was asked to compare sophomore center Tony Wroblicky with his predecessor, Stephen Lumpkins.
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“They’re both big and left-handed,” Jones said with a laugh, suggesting that’s where the similarities ended.
| Up next |
| Bucknell at American |
| When » Thursday, 7 p.m. |
| Where » Bender Arena |
| TV » CBS Sports Network |
While the 6-foot-10 Wroblicky might not yet measure up to the 6-8 Lumpkins, a Patriot League second-team choice, there’s little doubt about his rapid ascent. It was evident two weeks ago in a win over Lehigh when he scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, more boards than Lumpkins ever hauled down in a game.
Wroblicky’s rise has mirrored that of the surprising Eagles (18-9, 9-3). With a win Thursday night over Bucknell (20-8, 10-2), AU would be tied for first place in the Patriot League after it was picked to finish fifth in the preseason.
Wroblicky is in the lineup a year ahead of schedule. Last summer, Lumpkins agreed to pitch in the Kansas City Royals organization and forgo his final year of basketball eligibility.
“He gave me no choice but to step up to the starting role and contribute like the way he contributed,” Wroblicky said. “Big shoes to fill.”
The weight was heavy considering that Wroblicky was an end-of-bench reserve who scored 38 points in 212 minutes as a freshman. Wroblicky was lightly recruited out of Loyola High in Los Angeles, where he never averaged double figures on a talented team that included Hollis Thompson (Georgetown), Miles Cartwright (Penn) and Jordan Gathers (St. Bonaventure).
“I was never the go-to guy,” Wroblicky said.
But his recent performances indicate Wroblicky someday may be suited to the role. After failing to score more than 10 points in any of AU’s first 19 games, Wroblicky has reached double figures five times in the last eight, hitting 37 of 60 shots (61.7 percent) and averaging 7.9 rebounds.
“It would be safe to say he was overwhelmed initially,” Jones said. “He’s from L.A. He likes hanging out on the beach. He’s about as laid back as you can get.”
Jones often described Lumpkins — a Northern California native — in similar terms. Lumpkins came to AU as a more finished product than Wroblicky. But Jones likes the potential Wroblicky brings.
“He’s far from being the player he’ll eventually be,” Jones said. “When he has energy, those are the games he tends to play well.”
Wroblicky will need it Thursday against skilled 6-11 junior Mike Muscala (16.3 ppg, 9.1 rpg), the top big man in the conference. It will be an opportunity for Wroblicky to demonstrate his improvement. Four weeks ago, Wroblicky got into early foul trouble and was outscored 21-7 and outrebounded 12-9 by Muscala in a 67-61 Bucknell victory.
“He’s got the full array: right-handed jump hooks, left-handed jump hooks,” Wroblicky said. “He’s gonna score. Just make him work for his toughest possible shot.”
