Air Force Academy – Nick Welch is finding that memories aren’t necessarily what his basketball world is made of today.
Air Force’s senior center is making a comeback after missing last season because of a foot and ankle injury. But even though the Falcons have been plenty good, Welch hasn’t made the statistical contribution his résumé might have promised.
Welch was co-player of the year in the Mountain West Conference in 2003-04 as the Falcons won their first conference title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 42 years. He averaged 11.4 points, with 80 assists and hit 34-of-81 shots from 3-point range.
But the 6-foot-8 Welch reminds that statistics don’t always tell the story.
“We have a more diverse team this year,” Welch said. “When I was a sophomore, it was either a 3-point shot or a layup on the backdoor cut. We have players this year that can drive to the basket or pull up and shoot. I’m looking more for setting up someone for a shot with a pass or rebounding.”
Welch admits he has had to wear off some rust in the first part of the season, but he believes he’s getting more comfortable and confident. Air Force (20-3, 7-2) leads the conference, but if Welch’s game returns closer to what he had before, that would certainly help.
He is playing this season only because he was able to interrupt his four-year requirement at the academy, since his injury prohibited him from completing his classroom and military work. He had to temporarily withdraw from the academy and is retaking his senior year.
Some observers think he’s playing with less confidence.
Welch is scoring 9.6 points, is 13-of-49 from 3-point range and has 52 assists. During his junior year, before sitting out last season, Welch averaged 12 points, was 46-of-116 from 3-point range and had 91 assists.
“We haven’t seen Nick back to 100 percent as yet,” coach Jeff Bzdelik said. “He has done well for us and his attitude has been great, but it’s difficult to come back after sitting out a year.”
Bzdelik noted that the league is different, and maybe the best it ever has been.
“Our offense is about the same, but the level of competition is better,” Bzdelik said. “I told him the other day that he has passed up some 3s. I’ve told him that if he misses, shoot it again.”
Bzdelik is the third Air Force coach Welch has played for. He started with Joe Scott, then Chris Mooney as a junior.
“Coach Bzdelik has introduced a lot of things that can make me a better player,” Welch said. “I was terrible defensively in the past, and I’m working on that. On this team, it’s not like anyone has to score 20 points a game for us to win. If I can score 10 points and get six rebounds that’s a great game for me.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
