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Breakers forward Awvee Storey takes it to the hoop - Source: Photosport -
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He's big, powerful, can jump like few others and has a lethal shot.
At 1.98m tall, Storey had his best game of the year for the Breakers in the 92-82 win over the Townsville Crocodiles last Thursday.
The Chicago native was everywhere as he charged to a game-high 22 points, including five three-pointers. He also had four rebounds and put in a lot of work off the ball.
It was exciting to watch considering Storey had freely admitted his disappointment in the way he had been playing in previous games.
But coach Andrej Lemanis decided to try something different against the Crocs, putting Storey on the bench rather than starting him.
It made the world of difference.
Storey was able to sit back and assess the game in the opening stages before coming on midway through the first quarter with energy and swagger.
He ended up playing an intense 17 minutes, in which he continually tormented Townsville at both ends of the floor.
"I didn't start but I didn't take that as a negative, I took it as an opportunity to see what was going on in the game and come in with energy," Storey said.
"Coach found something and it's what I needed because I wasn't getting it done.
"I was struggling offensively and was getting in foul trouble, just frustrating myself."
The man-of-the-match performance was a huge boost for Storey's confidence and he looks likely to keep improving every game from here on out.
Frustrated and shut down through the first five games of the season, he finally found himself and showed everyone just how talented he is.
"I always had the confidence that it would eventually come (my form), and it came at the right time. It was just needed. The guys never stopped believing in my abilities."
If Storey can kick on against the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night his ANBL stocks would get a huge boost.
Storey's got bucket loads of talent and if fully utilised he could rule the league.
But no matter how well he plays, the 32-year-old will always stay humble.
"Basketball is so up and down. I've played enough to know you can't get too excited.
"I'm ready to go back to practice and get it done again. We have a goal, we really want to achieve something here."
