Drake's recent performances reminiscent of high school days; VU's results are not

George Drake never has been through a stretch of games such as this.

As a high school star for Calera (Ala.) High School, he lost just 19 times in four seasons – an average of just fewer than five per season. He routinely competed for championships as his team reached the state title game four straight times.

During his first two seasons with Vanderbilt, the Commodores never lost more than two straight.

Therefore, to be on a team that has lost four in a row as it heads into Saturday’s contest at Auburn (the only time this season he will play in his home state) is something completely different for the junior swingman.

“In high school, I didn’t lose too many games,” he said. “It is frustrating to be giving up the losses. We expect to go out there, play hard and be passionate. I just (tell) that to the younger guys, (that) after losses like this you just have to come back, stay focused and come out there ready to get better.”

Drake’s play over the last three games, though, is very much reminiscent of his days as a prep star, when he was a McDonald’s All-America nominee and the first player in Alabama history to be named most valuable player of his region four times.

Beginning with the loss to Tennessee on Jan. 20, he has averaged 16 points, four rebounds and one assist. He has made 21 of 35 shots (60 percent) and all six of his free throws. Just as important, he has committed just one turnover.

With double digit points each of the last three outings, he equaled the number of times he scored 10-plus in his first 83 appearances over two-plus seasons.

“I feel like I have more confidence now, and I’m just going out there trying to play solid, bring energy to our team and do whatever I can to help our chances,” he said.

The first two games of that stretch he came off the bench, but in Wednesday’s defeat at South Carolina he started and scored a career-high 18 points (the third time this season he set a career-high) on 7-for-10 shooting.

“(Wednesday) night he had 18 points on 10 shots and had no turnovers – that’s exceptional,” coach Kevin Stallings said. “I’d take that from any player I’ve ever had.

“If George is a guy who doesn’t turn the ball over much, shoots a good percentage from the field, makes his free throws and plays hard defensively, which he’s done all season long then he’s going to be a tremendous asset as we go down the stretch of this season.”

For his part, Drake says he would rather be a part of a winning team.

“I’m a team player, and if the team’s not doing good I’m not doing good,” Drake said. “I would much rather have the win than myself playing well.”

His high school career shows those two things aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.