When University of Denver men’s basketball coach Joe Scott decided adjustments were needed to maximize his team’s potential on offense, he focused his attention on junior guard Jalen Love.
Scott wanted someone other than senior Brett Olson to lead the Pioneers’ offense from the point guard position, and the 6-foot-2 Love was the logical choice. He played in all 62 games of his freshman and sophomore seasons and showed potential with 102 assists against 69 turnovers.
Through the first eight games of this season, Love’s assist-turnover numbers weren’t impressive at 18 and 10, respectively. But since taking over five games ago, Love’s numbers have verified the change was the right move with 22 assists against five turnovers.
Love posted a career-high seven assists as the Pioneers beat Saint Joseph’s 77-73 in overtime Monday night in their final tuneup for Friday’s Summit League opener.
Denver (6-7) hosts South Dakota State (9-5) at 7 p.m. at Magness Arena.
“I’m enjoying playing the point guard position,” Love said after practice Wednesday. “I was born to be a point guard, and I’m having a lot of fun with it. Coach said that running the team is just rebounding, playing defense and making sure everyone is in their spots. I like doing it, so I’m having a lot of fun.”
DU center Marcus Byrd sees evidence of Love’s ability.
“(Love) sees the court really well,” Byrd said. “He knows where everyone is supposed to be, and he has a high basketball IQ.”
Scott sees benefits for the whole team.
“When the onus isn’t on him to score points, he’s more successful in other areas,” Scott said of Love. “He’s very efficient when he’s patient. He’s a very good passer.”
Love also sees the difference.
“When I’m patient, everyone else seems to be under control,” Love said. “I have a great mind for the game in my opinion. My patience seems to calm down everybody else.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or
