New-York tribune., 1922-12-10
Blue and White
Has Promising
Court Quintet
Bv Raw Mccarthy

At one time-some years baek-Co-
lumbia University paraded the best
basketball teams In intercollegiate
ranks. There followed a lapse when
the Blue and White found itself strug-
ling with tail-enders in the intercol-
legiate league. But within the last
two years, OF since Joe Oeering was
engaged as coach, the Morningside stu
dents have shown steady improvement
and appear 10 be ready 20 step out
and make bid for the title.
Columbia will be handicapped some
what this year IL the size Of the In
dividuals means anything. This years
quintet has the lines Of revenue cut
ter. It has plenty Of speed, but no
bulk or weight. However, Deering Is
in hopes Of overcoming this handicap
by fastening wings on his men. When
at City College his protegces defeated
most Of their opponents through sheer
speed. Decring gees less reason why
Columbia can't do likewise. inasmueh
as some Of the players show excep-
tional promise.
There is Sam Strom, for instance.
Sam takes 20 basketball like a duck
TO water. The game IS as much OF A
pleasure 10 NM - A4e NftitiAk h.NH.
He Il probably the best basketball
player Columbia has had since tno days
of Harry Fisher. The only trouble with
strom Is that he is TOO fast for the
rest of his mates.
A Fast Boy on the Floor
His floor work and his passing were
so speedy the other evening at the
BROOKLYN Poly Tech game that his own
team was quite as bewildered as his
onnonents. They were taking his
masses of their ears. Sometimes the
Columbians got their hands up just
In time 20 protect themselves.
Strom not only knows how and when
% mass. but he is fash in dribbling
or In breaking for the basket. When
he decides 20 cut out for the net there
nnnears TO be no stopping him. his
eve for the hoop Is uncanny. Deao-
wood Dick had nothing on Strom:
with this man In the forward posi-
.ion Deering can always count on intel.
iigent play IN that particular end OF
Inc court. Docksrill, Wilson and Mui-
len. all sophomores, as is Strom, are
orornjsinr basketball players. DOCK.
friII esnecially has all The earmarks Of
a court star. lie is fast, plays slash
inc foor game and has keen eye.
IL Ia likely that when Pulleyn and
Reilly. two veterans who arc just re-
covering from the football season, get
in.o shape for basketball Deering Will
shift Dockerill to the forward position
opposite Strom. They ought 20 make a
fne pair; one that will give any guards
plenty TO do. q, -.
weight and expeience TO the team
They are steady and have proved en-
Gent in 'ie back bourt. II the Coiunl-
bia mentor can find center he viii
have what looks like a championship
outfit.
Billingfley, a football man, has re-
ported for basketball, and Deering may
endeayor to develop him as the center
man. II BiliinEsley fails 70 come up 10
expectations, Reilly or Pullyen may be
used at center. In which case wilson, q
splendid foul shooter, would probably
fll in at guard.
In any event, with Strom showing the
way, the Blue and White will be dan
Qerous this year, for no team In the
league has a better coach. In It's two
preliminary games Columbia has shown
a stanch defense and n speedy attack,
which has been featured by intelligent
passing and remarkable handling Of
the hall