Joe Scott’s theory is simple. The University of Denver men’s basketball coach believes if guard Nate Engesser can master the parts of the game that aren’t as easy for him, the easier part, the shooting, will only get better.
“He’s a shooter,” Scott said. “But he’s more than that. The challenge for him is to understand that he has to play defense and rebound.”
Engesser continues to focus on the other parts of his game as the Pioneers head into a matchup against Colorado State (10-0) at Magness Arena on Friday night.
Engesser, a 6-foot-3 junior from Colorado Springs’ Christian High School, is shooting 61.7 percent from the floor, 53.8 percent from 3-point range and has made 14-of-15 free throws. He ranks second among the Pioneers (5-5) in scoring, averaging 12.1 points. But even with those numbers, he doesn’t claim to be a natural shooter.
“Basketball always has been in my life,” Engesser said. “We had a hoop in the house when I was little. It takes a lot of practice and repetition. I don’t consider myself a natural shooter. Perfect practice makes perfect.”
Engesser caught Scott’s attention when he starred in high school. The recruit quickly learned that college basketball is played at a much higher level.
“It was important for me to realize how fast the game is and how physical basketball becomes at the next level,” Engesser said. “You have to be willing to fight and scrap.”
This is Engesser’s first season where he’s counted on to score. He has four starts and is averaging 22.9 minutes. His playing time will increase if Scott gets what he wants: a more complete player. Engesser doesn’t feel pressure from his increased role. He wants his teammates to count on him.
“The players on our team can do a lot of things,” Engesser said. “My role is to come in and knock down a shot and play defense. When you don’t focus on scoring, that’s when you score more points.”
Scott said he believes Engesser’s presence helps give the Pioneers more options on offense.
“If the opposition wants to focus its defense on (senior guard) Brett Olson, we have another player who can give us a lift,” Scott said, referring to Olson’s status as the Summit League’s preseason player of the year.
Engesser grew up in a military family and lived in Minnesota, California, Wyoming and Ohio before the family moved to Colorado Springs for his high school years.
He’s now found a home at DU. And Scott has made it a basketball home.
“He is an intense coach,” Engesser said. “He tries to help his players, and he wants them to do well. You can see that in his eyes.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
