The Colorado State-Wyoming Border War has been called a lot of names through the years and has seen plenty of name-calling. Tonight’s block party in Fort Collins could be a first in the storied rivalry, however, with the potential for a record number of blocked shots.
Wyoming senior forward Justin Williams is second nationally in blocks (102), averaging 6.0 per game. CSU forward Michael Harrison is second in the Mountain West (2.39), followed by teammates Jason Smith (1.9) and Stuart Creason (1.3). The Cowboys rank fourth in Division I with 7.7 blocks a game; CSU is ninth at 6.6.
Williams, 6-10, 225, isn’t as concerned with the national shot-blocking crown as he is with the bigger prize in his eyes – Theo Ratliff’s school-record 144 blocks in 1994-95. With 11 regular-season games remaining, Williams is on course to swat away the mark.
A year ago, in his first season with the Cowboys, Williams averaged 2.8 blocks, with 81 for the season. Ratliff, who led the NBA in blocked shots in 2001, is in his 11th NBA season, a path Williams hopes to follow.
“It’s my senior year, so I want to give it my all for a chance to play for some money,” he said.
Williams attributed his improvement to a year of experience at the Division I level after playing junior college ball in Colby, Kan. “I understand now how hard you have to play at this level,” he said.
When Ratliff dominated Wyoming opponents a decade ago, opposing coaches credited him for altering shots, not just blocking them. It’s the same chorus this time around.
“He’s perhaps the best defensive player in the country,” CSU coach Dale Layer said. “He changes the game with his presence.”
New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay echoed that.
“It’s the shots he alters, not how many he blocks,” McKay said. “He affects aggressiveness, so you don’t get to the free- throw line. If you don’t get to the free-throw line, you can’t win.”
