In the game of basketball, teamwork and trust is critical when fighting for a top seed in a conference tournament.
With two games left on the schedule, the Idaho men’s basketball team is tied for third in the Big Sky Conference standings, with the opportunity to steal a first round bye in the conference tournament.
But for Oregon natives Chad and Nate Sherwood, the season has been more than just a run for the Big Sky title. The year has given the duo an opportunity to play key roles for the Vandal basketball team.
Nate Sherwood, a redshirt freshman power forward, said the team is ready to compete during the final stretch of the season.
“This is the fun part of the season,” Nate said. “This is where it comes down to playoffs and what we’ve been playing for the whole time. We have good chemistry and a good mindset going into the last couple of games.”
Nate said the opportunity to see key minutes on the court at the collegiate level has been a great experience.
“There’s no substitute for playing time,” Nate said. “It’s been a grind every time, come out and practice hard every day.”
After injuries plagued the Vandal starting lineup, Nate Sherwood became a key rebounder for Idaho. The power forward currently ranks third on the team with 107 boards.
Nate Sherwood started in 14 of the 29 games for Idaho this season, averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The redshirt freshman’s best performance came against Portland State Jan. 30. Nate Sherwood scored 15 points and collected eight rebounds in the 56-55 victory over the Vikings.
Nate Sherwood said his eagerness to succeed has driven him this season.
“It comes within because I’m competitive every day,” Nate Sherwood said. “I want to win and do the best I can when I’m the floor.”
The power forward said he enjoys playing with his brother on the court but focuses more on the outcome of the game.
“I love having Chad in there but I’m not thinking during the game if he’s in,” Nate said. “I trust every single player and have faith on every single player on the floor. Everyone is capable of making the plays and be a great player.”
Sophomore guard Chad Sherwood started in 13 games for the Vandals this year, but gained a bigger role on the roster when the team’s leading scorers Perrion Callandret and Victor Sanders went down with injuries.
Chad said the shuffling process was a smooth transition because of the contributions of the duo from the sidelines.
“Vic and Perrion were very helpful when they were out,” Chad said. “They kept telling me what I needed to do and what I was doing wrong so I can make sure to do it better next time. They believed in me and our whole team did a great job on keeping every one positive.”
The sophomore averages 7.9 points per game. Chad Sherwood’s best performance came in a 65-63 loss against Sacramento State Jan. 28. The guard led the team with 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field.
Chad Sherwood said he and his brother have great chemistry together on the court.
“We play really well together and it’s really fun,” Chad said.
Although Nate Sherwood was offered a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Idaho, Chad Sherwood joined the team as a walk-on athlete. The guard sat out the 2013-14 season and played in six games last season.
“Coach Verlin offered Nate a scholarship but I had to keep my mouth shut,” Chad said. “Obviously I wanted Nate to come here the whole time and it was Nate’s decision. I remember when he called me and I was at the dorms when he told me that he was coming to Idaho.”
Nate Sherwood played in six games during the 2014-15 season before redshirting for the remainder of the year.
Despite playing for the same collegiate program, the Sherwoods have not played a one-on-one game since their days at West Albany High School in Oregon.
Nate Sherwood said that his brother got the best of him in their last game.
“Last time we played, he did beat me,” Nate said. “I tip my hat to Chad for beating me, but we don’t play very often.”
Chad Sherwood said the two have a contrasting style of play on the court. The guard said his advantage is speed while his brother’s 6-foot-8-inch height allows him to body defenders in the post.
“Nate is a big man and as a guard, I’m a little quicker,” Chad said. “So one-on-one from the top, I’m going to get by him. But if Nate gets the ball and get it down out of the paint and post a little spin move, he’s going to shoot it over me.”
Luis Torres can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @TheLTFiles