Senior Sendoff: Portland Pilots
It’s no question when Portland begins their 2014-2015 season next fall, there will be a big shoes left by Ryan Nicholas that will need to be filled, but Nicholas isn’t the only Pilot who will not be returning next season. Guards Korey Thieleke and Tanner Riley, as well as forward John Bailey have also graduated and while their impact may not have been as far-reaching as Nicholas’, each had a role that will need to be filled next season.
Nov 18, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Portland Pilots guard Korey Thieleke (21) shoots the ball against Michigan State Spartans during the frist half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
To be completely honest, when Korey Thieleke came to Portland I didn’t really expect him to contribute much on the court for the Pilots. When he arrived on the Bluff he was already one of the most athletic athletes for the Pilots but his skills were raw and he played a tad out of control. As his career progressed he proved he could contribute by playing tough defense, deflecting the ball, and occasionally getting steals and finishing on the fast break. He has made a lasting impression on Pilot fans for both his high-energy defense and his infamous “Where I’m from” commercial which shows him dribbling and dunking in the Historic Howard Hall basketball gym explaining how the University of Portland is a Family. Side note: this is the same gym where Michael Jordan filmed a commercial a long time ago. Another side note: this is the same gym that is currently the ONLY (at least for another year) facility open to students on campus. Final side note: this is the same gym that is home to a 48-star American Flag. Anyway back to Thieleke, he saw action in all 31 games this season for the Pilots averaging 2.3 points and 2 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game.
Tanner Riley started his Portland career on fire, but he could never add consistency and it affected his playing time throughout his career. Portland opened the 2010-2011 season with the Athletes in Action Tournament, and Riley was named to the All Tournament Team averaging more than 10 points per game in three Pilot victories. He appeared in all 32 games that season (the last season that Portland was a 20 win team). He actually appeared in more games and averaged more minutes per appearance than fellow rookie Ryan Nicholas. Over his career Riley had some spectacular outings most notably Portland’s 81-60 victory over cross town rival Portland State during the 2013-2013 season. Riley went 8-8 from the field, 4-4 from deep, and 3-3 from the line en route to 23 points in 23 minutes. Riley always had a little fire to his game and I appreciated that.
John Bailey came in with Ryan Nicholas as the heir apparent to Luke Sikma and Kramer Knutson. That never really materialized as Bailey red-shirted his first year, and only saw limited action in each of his final three seasons. Bailey was always shown as the guy in the huddle after the introduction to get the team revved up and his energy when he did play was always solid. Being the guy on the end of the bench is a difficult role but Bailey took it in stride. I’m sure he would have like to see more court time but when his name was called he was always ready. During his sophomore season, whenever he came in, I got nervous. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but he got better and adjusted to the Division I game. He appeared in 8 games this last season mostly in mop-up time but his contributions to this team were way more impactful than any statistic can quantify.
This group of seniors will for sure be missed. Portland will need to fill roles, especially in the leadership and motor departments. As a Portland alum I am extremely proud of these guys and their contributions to the Bluff over the past four seasons. Thanks.