All Eyes on Venoy Overton vs. Derek Glasser Tonight

Someday, Venoy Overton and Derek Glasser will each be the terrors of their respective rec leagues. You know the type--feisty, cocky, obnoxious, a little bit dirty--the guys who play every game like it's their last. The guys who you want to say "It's just a game" to, but don't bother because they wouldn't agree.

For now, Overton and Glasser are the primary point guards for Washignton and Arizona State, and their similar style leads to some entertaining basketball. Last year, their rivalry led to a scuffle in last year's Pac-10 tournament.

I don't care about the scuffle, I just like seeing the speedy Overton frustrate the more deliberate Glasser.

Watch specifically when Glasser tries to bring the ball up the court. Glasser lacks the speed and handles to dribble forward while facing his man so he typically backs the ball down the court, flaring his off-ball elbow out to keep the defensive man at bay.

This is a very effective strategy against players who want to avoid getting elbowed in the face. Venoy Overton, however, lives for being elbowed in the face. The way he sticks his body into players, you get the feeling that an elbow to the face would be the crowning achievement of his day.

So Glasser will bring the ball up with Overton practically chest-bumping him, flaring that elbow out. Much of the tenor of the battle will be determined by the game's referees. Overton must be especially careful, as the Huskies are on the road and can't expect to win many close calls. If he's too aggressive  he'll get called for touch fouls and be out of the game.

Coach Romar talked about the matchup: "The thing about Venoy and Derek Glasser is, they're two competitors and neither one is going to give an inch. I think there probably is mutual respect for the other. Both of them know they have to swing first--not literally--to know that the other doesn't get the upper hand."

The game's tonight at 7:30 p.m. on FSN and KJR-AM.