Washington State Basketball: DaVonte Lacy Is Cougar X-Factor

Dec. 5, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars guard DaVonte Lacy (3) reacts after being fouled during a game against the Gonzaga Bulldgos during the first half at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday night, DaVonte Lacy had his coming out party against Gonzaga. The young sophomore scored 22 points on the National stage and against the #10 team in the country. He was seen drilling nearly every big shot that he took, including 3 huge, game tying baskets late in the second half. He also put in the 2 shots that began Cougar runs after the Bulldogs had all but taken control in each half. He was simply everywhere the Cougars needed him to be.

I think we all knew that coming into the season DaVonte was going to be the second leading scorer behind Brock Motum. But I’m sure the thought was that another Cougar would have to step up and be the X-factor, maybe D.J. Shelton, perhaps Dexter Kernich-Drew, or someone else. As we look at it now, it’s pretty obvious that none of those options is extremely solid and there is going to be a different third Cougar every game.

After finally seeing Lacy step up the way he did against the Zags, taking every important shot he had a chance to take, I think it’s he who needs to be X. Motum is going to carry Washington State and Lacy will have to be his trusty sidekick as we approach and then get into the Pac-12 season. I don’t necessarily think that both players have to go for 20+ a game, they do need some help. But Lacy can’t be a role player anymore if the Cougars want to compete in the conference, he has to be a star.