#ThrowdownThursday: Newton Feeds Reed

We’ve said it here before and we’ll say it again: Great dunks are products of great guard play. Sitting at 18-11 (8-8) the Canes were in desperate need of a win facing a tough Pittburgh team with an identical record. Stakes were high and the end of the regular season was quickly approaching. Trailing by eight late in the first half, Miami was looking for a run to trim the deficit headed into the locker room.

More than once last season, Jim Larrañaga called upon freshman guard Ja’Quan Newton to be that spark off the bench. Newton thrived in the role. With speed to get by most defenders, he would keep opposing teams on their heels. This happened to Pittsburgh. Quan begins at the top of the key, then dribbles left, weaving through the defense like a mom driving through Miami rush hour traffic to get her son to Coach L’s basketball camp on time. With the basket in his sight, the Pitt defense backs to the hoop, anticipating a drive, even though Newton hadn’t even passed the free throw line yet. (Even Tonye Jekiri could see a shot coming, as he screens number 15, clearing the lane for a runner.)

Then it happens. Newton adjusts his body toward the basket, as if he’s shooting a floater—something we usually see from Rajon Rondo. Is it a pass? Is it a shot? Before any Pitt player could decide it was too late. Davon Reed had already attacked the rim via a backdoor cut and slammed it home. With two hands and with authority. It all happened so quickly:

Basketball is beautiful:

#Teamwork:

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