Matisse Thybulle watches the eyes.
When he’s defending, that’s how Washington’s senior guard keeps track of the players behind him. It’s also how he knows where the ball is headed next. Sometimes, opponents will make a concerted effort not to look toward a certain area of the court. They think they can trick him, but the tactic actually makes Thybulle’s job easier. No matter how hard they try, he said with a laugh, they always sneak glances.
The truly great guards, they’re distinct. When Thybulle is playing pick-up or in the Seattle Pro-Am, facing players like the Phoenix Suns’ Jamal Crawford, he notices the difference.