Voskuhl Waits and Watches

By Jerry Brown
East Valley Tribune
May 28, 2005

Going head-to-head against Tim Duncan while facing the Spurs in the playoffs, a current Phoenix Sun made 12-of-17 shots from the field, 12- of-13 free throws, recorded 22 rebounds, four blocks and four steals while averaging 16 minutes of playing time.

In Game 4 of the series, he hit a game-winning baby hook shot with 2.3 seconds left in regulation, evening the series 2-2.

Was it Amaré Stoudemire? Shawn Marion? Try Jake Voskuhl.

Two years ago, when the Suns snuck into the playoffs and faced the heavily favored Spurs in the first round, Voskuhl played a useful role in Phoenix’s upset plans. But this season, much farther down the bench on a team that led the NBA with 62 wins, Voskuhl might as well not even slip on his size 17 sneakers.

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Paul Shirley has his blogs. Bo Outlaw has his cheerleading towel. But even with Joe Johnson out of the lineup for two weeks, including the first two games against the Spurs, Voskuhl’s statistical line in all 12 playoffgames this season carried the same three letters: D-N-P.

The Suns have a different coach, play a different style and approach the opposition differently these days. But with the Suns searching for answers and down 0-2 to the Spurs heading into tonight’s Game 3 in San Antonio, is Voskuhl surprised his name hasn’t been called?

"Everyone wanted to play, and I’m no different,’’ Voskuhl said. "But coach (Mike D’Antoni) is sticking to his game plan and that’s pretty much what he’s done all year. You have to be prepared to go in at any time and I’m shooting all the extra shots and running the extra sprints. I’m doing my job and I’m doing what professionals do.’’

But with Johnson back in the lineup and Phoenix’s normal rotation now intact, the chances of Voskuhl getting another shot at matching up with Duncan are remote.

With one year to go on his three-year extension, Voskuhl has a player option on the $1.9 million he is due to earn next season.

After falling behind center Steven Hunter in the rotation, playing in only 38 regularseason games this season, and going unused in the playoffs, does he want to stay?

"Right now, that’s not something I’m going to worry about or address,’’ said Voskuhl, whose decision could hinge on whether Hunter opts to exercise his own player option next year. "I want to focus on the job we have to do and any role I can play for us.’’

COPYRIGHT 2005, EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE. Used with permission.