Issue date: 2/25/10 Section: Sports

Zavier Sanders center sparks on the court. (Alycia Rockey/The Daily Eastern News)

Sophomore forward Zavier Sanders has always been a team player. Coming off the bench both of his seasons as a Panther, Sanders did anything the team asked him to do.

This past week, the Kokomo, Ind., resident had shown flashes of brilliance when Eastern needed him to step up.

And step up he did. Against Tennessee Martin on Feb. 16, Sanders ignited off the bench for a career-high 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. The 6'6" forward also had three assists and a steal in only 13 minutes of action to help beat the Skyhawks 83-68.

"It was just the usual, if I'm called upon, be ready to produce," Sanders said of preparing for the game.

The shots were just like practice for Sanders, who said he was draining them early and continued throughout the game.
One thing Sanders exploited was the Skyhawks' defense with his efficient shooting.

"Us forwards, when we catch the ball at the high post when you face up, they pretty much stay on your side of the stripe that they are guarding," Sanders said. "So most of the times, you have open shots and you just have to take advantage of them."
Sanders said it felt good to contribute to a key victory on the road.

For Saturday's game against Northern Illinois, an unexpected circumstance happened. Two-time OVC Freshman of the Week James Hollowell had a family situation to take care of, so Eastern head coach Mike Miller called on Sanders to play big minutes in his stead.

"It shows that my coach believes in me," Sanders said. "I was able to contribute and we were able to pull off a great win."
The vote of confidence was easy for Miller.

"He had a great game against Tennessee Martin, making 8-of-10 shots and really sparked us the first half and second half," Miller said. "Going into (Northern), we knew it would be a very physical and athletic game and we were going to have to split the minutes there with (senior forward) Edin Suljic and Zavier."
Sanders posted up 11 points on 5-of-10 shooting while bagging four boards, an assist and a steal. He played 24 minutes in Eastern's 73-70 triumph.

"It was real big," Hollowell said. "We needed it. Coming from the four position, Zavier did a good job of coming in and giving us what we needed. I think he was just building up his confidence."
Hollowell was not surprised by Sanders' exceptional play.

"He goes hard all the time in practice, so it was nothing really new out there seeing him doing what he did in a game," Sanders said. "He makes open shots and rebounds."

Besides this past week, Miller said Sanders has shown positive strides, like posting six points and rebounds during the Jan. 30 Jacksonville State game.

"He's done good things throughout the season," Miller said. "He has some good stretches. … The biggest thing about Zavier is he works every day and when he was called upon, he stepped up and made the most with his team."

Miller said Sanders has been playing well within himself and seeing the sophomore's work ethic makes Miller proud to coach him.

Sanders said he would continue to improve and try to stay aggressive on the floor for the rest of the season. Improving the weak areas in his game will be high on Sanders' summer training list.

"I just need to stay focused and aggressive, mostly rebounding and continue to learn different facets of the game," he said.

But before the off-season, Sanders said he wants to help his team win the OVC Tournament and contribute any way he can.
Just like a team player.

Bob Bajek can be reached
at 581-7944 or rtbajek@eiu.edu

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