Safford gains experience

By Sam Wilson

Published Dec. 7, 2007

Junior forward DeMarre Carroll, who is out with a minor ankle injury, did not practice Wednesday. His current status is day-to-day.

Although this isn't a long-term issue for the team, it has provided an opportunity to get its only freshman more involved in practice.

"It's just an opportunity for me to step up since he's down," freshman forward Justin Safford said.

As Safford continues to get more involvement with the team, coach Mike Anderson said he is happy with the progress.

"He's getting a lot of reps in practice, so I think hopefully it's something that's going to help him because I think he can help our basketball team," Anderson said.

Safford has seen action in six of the team's eight games this season. He is averaging six minutes on the floor in games he does play in and is averaging 1.2 points and 1.8 rebounds a game.

He last saw action with a blocked shot when he got in for three minutes at Arkansas on Nov. 28.

Anderson said he sees many skills in Safford when he watches him in practice. But Anderson said he questions what will show on game days.

"Hopefully he can take it from practice to the games, and it can be a carry-over," Anderson said.

Safford said he feels he is a versatile player, but he wants to improve on his physical playing.

"My weakness is maybe being a little bit more physical and developing more of an inside presence," he said.

Safford said he is continuing to adjust during his first season of college basketball, but he is seeing progress.

"At first it started off a little slow," he said. "I think as the year has gone on, it's become an easier transition. Playing with these more experienced guys has helped me develop my game more, too."

One of the experienced players on the team is junior forward Leo Lyons, who said he also sees progress in Safford's game.

"He's coming along," Lyons said. "It's a hard system to just jump into and just get really quickly, so he's coming along pretty good."

Lyons said he has been working to make sure Safford maintains his confidence.

"That's the best thing you can do right now," Lyons said.

Safford said Lyons and the other experienced players on the team don't ignore him in practice.

"(They're) kicking my tail every single day," he said. "It's just helped me become a better player."

Although Safford is a forward, sophomore Keon Lawrence said he doesn't hesitate to give the freshman advice on blocking shots, rebounding and other skills.

"Just telling him every time he goes to the hole, dunk the basketball and don't lay it up," Lawrence said.

Safford is the only freshman on the team, but Lawrence said Safford is treated like any other teammate.

"We don't go out and take advantage of him or anything," Lawrence said.

Safford will play in the first major home game of his college career Saturday when the Tigers play host to Purdue. He said he is not underestimating the game's importance.

"It's big," he said. "We've let these last couple road wins slip out from under us. I think this game will really help us get back on track."

Anderson said the possibility of Carroll's playing on Saturday would be decided at game-time.