a bad loss, twice

[citygriz]

first, we fall behind in the conference race. by the plus-minus system--a plus for a road win, a minus for a home loss--we're now two games behind northern colorado and weber (which won at sac state), and one behind the cats. in a one-bid conference, you need to protect your home turf and win on the road, so that the championship game is played in the "the friendly confines." thus, not a great start.

but second, and maybe more important, northern colorado exposed a weakness i just didn't see in my euphoria over oregon-washington games. that is, beyond a.j. and qvale, we have no consistent offensive threat on this team. not cherry, who can create but not shoot, or staudacher, who's been inconsistent, or young, who often looks out of control, or mcgillis, who frankly has just disappeared. taylor hit some key treys at oregon, but generally our offense runs through a.j., both for scoring and distribution. northern colorado realized that, and shut him down. and until young and ward adjust to the college game, or staudacher finds his shot, or mcgillis finds himself, i think teams may now have the formula for beating us. sort of reminds me of the lady griz, when everything ran through morales, and in a key game in ogden, when we were right on the verge of cracking the top 25, weber double-teamed mandy and beat us handily.

here's rooting for young and ward to adjust to this level of play, and for taylor or staudacher to step up with consistency. i realize now, no matter how good a.j. and qvale may be--maybe the two best players in the conference--basketball is not a two-man game at any level.

 

[grizindabox]

McGillis and Stauds are horrible. The are both a liability anytime they are on the floor, they do nothing and the other team does not even have to account for them.

 

[BARN BALL]

Bad loss twice because last nites team reminded me of last years team. Lots of similar players but last nite was the only time Johnson will be taken out of a game.

 

[cclarkblues]

McGillis and Stauds are horrible. The are both a liability anytime they are on the floor, they do nothing and the other team does not even have to account for them.

Didn't we have this same problem last year?

 

[grizonbob]

McGillis and Stauds are horrible. The are both a liability anytime they are on the floor, they do nothing and the other team does not even have to account for them.

Didn't we have this same problem last year?

One wonders what accounts for the regression of Stauds of McGillis. With other teams keying on AJ and Qvale, they should be able to go nuts on offense.

 

[GrizBBIsKing]

McGillis and Stauds are horrible. The are both a liability anytime they are on the floor, they do nothing and the other team does not even have to account for them.

Didn't we have this same problem last year?

Yes. Staudacher is scoring 1.4 fewer points than last year, from 7.8 last year to 6.4 points this year.
Mcgillis scored 8.1 last year and is now scoring 5.9 points a game. Mcgillis is averaging close to 1 more rebound a game so has improved in other areas.

Griz still have to rely to much on AJ and will have to for much of the season until other players that have just joined the program can become more consistent which will take time. Take AJ out, and Griz would have lost to both NAU and Northern Colorado. Qvale is basically making up for part of his last years production and part of Hasquets production last year. Griz need other players to step up.
I see that from Rasson Young and Taylor. But Young is a junior college transfer and it takes time for them to really become consistent. Taylor just returned from an injury. Anything we get from Selvig will be great considering his injury.

I expect Griz to have some more ups and downs the rest of the year.

All in all, it really only matters how you are playing by tournament time. Griz should be much improved by then.

 

[hokeyfine]

mcgillis is turning out to be an average, at best, player. to bad the hype was far more than what he turned out to be.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

I say criticize the hype, not the kid. He's trying.

 

[Sugar Bear 16]

I know some on here are going to get mad at me for pointing the finger at Tinks when it comes to players under performing or not playing up to their potential, but it has been a common trend since he took over. Matt Martin through Stauds and McGillis, its always a couple of guys each year. When LK was at the helm you witnessed guys playing above their potential and Tinkle hasn't developed or been able to motivate players like LK could or seemed to. Both are very capable and I don't feel either one is being over hyped, they just don't seem to not be motivated to turn things around. It happens when guys don't like the HC they go through the motions just to get through the season or the rest of their career, until a change happens. I hope my opinion here is not justified and they get going as players, but if the last few years point out a common trend it doesn't look good.

 

[GrizWhiz]

I know some on here are going to get mad at me for pointing the finger at Tinks when it comes to players under performing or not playing up to their potential, but it has been a common trend since he took over. Matt Martin through Stauds and McGillis, its always a couple of guys each year. When LK was at the helm you witnessed guys playing above their potential and Tinkle hasn't developed or been able to motivate players like LK could or seemed to. Both are very capable and I don't feel either one is being over hyped, they just don't seem to not be motivated to turn things around. It happens when guys don't like the HC they go through the motions just to get through the season or the rest of their career, until a change happens. I hope my opinion here is not justified and they get going as players, but if the last few years point out a common trend it doesn't look good.

I don't think you could pick 2 poorer examples if you are talking lack of motivation. Jack and Stauds work their butts off when they are on the court. They certainly have had problems in the execution department, but the effort is there, and then some!

 

[Sudzilla]

I know some on here are going to get mad at me for pointing the finger at Tinks when it comes to players under performing or not playing up to their potential, but it has been a common trend since he took over. Matt Martin through Stauds and McGillis, its always a couple of guys each year. When LK was at the helm you witnessed guys playing above their potential and Tinkle hasn't developed or been able to motivate players like LK could or seemed to. Both are very capable and I don't feel either one is being over hyped, they just don't seem to not be motivated to turn things around. It happens when guys don't like the HC they go through the motions just to get through the season or the rest of their career, until a change happens. I hope my opinion here is not justified and they get going as players, but if the last few years point out a common trend it doesn't look good.

"don't seem to not be motivated" (whatever that means)... "don't like the HC"..... "go through the motions".... Not sure who youre watching play, but its certainly not McGillis or Stauds. These 2 play with as much heart and desire as anyone on the team, if not moreso than. Just because someone doesnt average 15 and 10 doesnt mean they arent working and playing their arses off. The shots will start falling soon enough.

 

[Sugar Bear 16]

I know some on here are going to get mad at me for pointing the finger at Tinks when it comes to players under performing or not playing up to their potential, but it has been a common trend since he took over. Matt Martin through Stauds and McGillis, its always a couple of guys each year. When LK was at the helm you witnessed guys playing above their potential and Tinkle hasn't developed or been able to motivate players like LK could or seemed to. Both are very capable and I don't feel either one is being over hyped, they just don't seem to not be motivated to turn things around. It happens when guys don't like the HC they go through the motions just to get through the season or the rest of their career, until a change happens. I hope my opinion here is not justified and they get going as players, but if the last few years point out a common trend it doesn't look good.

I don't think you could pick 2 poorer examples if you are talking lack of motivation. Jack and Stauds work their butts off when they are on the court. They certainly have had problems in the execution department, but the effort is there, and then some!

Never said they don't work hard. I like both of them as players and they are both good players who are not putting up consistant numbers that they are more than capable of putting up. My point was there is a reason for this and it seems to be a consistant occurance under Tinks leadership. Like I stated they seem to be unmotivated. I have a right to my own opinion and observations just like you. And we both might not know what the hell we are talking about, but we have that right.

 

[Sugar Bear 16]

I know some on here are going to get mad at me for pointing the finger at Tinks when it comes to players under performing or not playing up to their potential, but it has been a common trend since he took over. Matt Martin through Stauds and McGillis, its always a couple of guys each year. When LK was at the helm you witnessed guys playing above their potential and Tinkle hasn't developed or been able to motivate players like LK could or seemed to. Both are very capable and I don't feel either one is being over hyped, they just don't seem to not be motivated to turn things around. It happens when guys don't like the HC they go through the motions just to get through the season or the rest of their career, until a change happens. I hope my opinion here is not justified and they get going as players, but if the last few years point out a common trend it doesn't look good.

"don't seem to not be motivated" (whatever that means)... "don't like the HC"..... "go through the motions".... Not sure who youre watching play, but its certainly not McGillis or Stauds. These 2 play with as much heart and desire as anyone on the team, if not moreso than. Just because someone doesnt average 15 and 10 doesnt mean they arent working and playing their arses off. The shots will start falling soon enough.

Never said they don't have heart or desire and they don't work hard. If you're going to attack someone for what they say make sure you get it straight.

 

[mtgrizrule]

For those of you who pay attention to detail, look to see if he is fading one way or the other, even slightly. Prior to last year's injury, Stauds for the most part, his jumper was near straight or a few feet straight ahead. Basically, a near perfect shooter as for form and mechanics. Last year, I noticed he somehow began to lean/fade one way or the other, depending on his momentum. Maybe he developed some kinks by favoring his injury last year and just does not realize it.

I really do wish I had video of what coaches do to see if he is still doing that more now or not. I would not be surprised if they broke down video of his mechanics prior to last year through now, they may notice some fading/leaning with his shots now, if is a matter of weight distribution, it can be fixed quickly. If it is a matter of favoring an old or current inury, we may never see the same lights out shooter Stauds once was, and still can be.

As for McGillis, I am convinced his struggles are mental and he just does not know how to relax and let the game come to him. I simply cannot figure out McGillis and have no idea what can be done to find his consistency. I wonder if the coaches really cannot figure him out as well?

As for player development, I feel Tinks is doing a good job developing "his" recruits. I agree Hasquet, Strait, Sharp, Martin did not get much or any better over time with the GRIZ. However, Qvale has developed as well as any big can be expected. One really cannot judge Selvig at this stage. How is a player suppose to develop when he cannot practice and limited due to injury the majority of career, which certainly is not Tinkle's fault. Right now, Selvig is playing games based on pure instinct and will. He needs surgery to even have a shot at meeting expectations.

Taylor has matured a lot in comparison to last year. Stockton is doing as expected and asked to do by the coaches. Vassy Banny is the perfect role player, and getting a player to do what he does is a very difficult to find a player to play that role. Banny is light years ahead of last year. Young, like most jcers take almost a complete season to make large contributions. I have seen a much more well rounded player the last few games in Young than I did the 1st few games. So something is hitting home with him as for coaching, I see the maturation in his game on both ends of the court.

Johnson has gotten stronger and even more a leader this year than last year, and is taking a mentoring role to Cherry. All of which AJ was asked and expected to do since the end of last year. Speaking of Cherry, he is learning everything AJ is teaching, and from the interactions I witnessed at the Denver, Oregon, and UW games I see not only a talented player, but great leader. He is ready to take the torch from AJ, and with every game we will see that becoming more and more prevalent. As for skill developing, I can see he is working on his shot. Ball rotation is getting better, and actually pretty good now. There is less body movement and smoother looking shot now. He still has a long way to go with his shot, I believe by season's end, his shot will look better, and the percentage will be inconsistent. By next year, he will have a consistent, but not great shot, and will be over 70% ft shooter then. 75% or better for his last 2 years.

That leaves us with Mathias Ward and Hutchison. Ward has developed alot. Being compared with Strait is a great comparison this early in his career. He has Straits moves and a much better perimeter and ft shooter already. What more can be expected of him at this stage? I cannot offer any input as for Hutchison, being he is injured. The one thing I heard he needs work on is strength and getting bigger. I ask those that have seen him from day 1 on campus to present, has he gotten bigger and stronger? IF so, I would say he has done as expected by the coaches.

Honestly to God, it appears to me that every player on this team has improved and developed. They have all done what was expected of them in the off season. Results wise, Tinkle cannot put the ball in the bucket for Stauds, McGillis, or any player, neither can any coach.

Agree or disagree with me, but player development with Tinkle's recruits is not an issue. Let me add, I do think Tinkle has looked for ways to help McGillis contribute more, by changing his position and lessen scoring expectations. As for Stauds, I cannot see every game in person, and bigskytv is hard to evaluate anyone. The games I have seen, I have questioned why the team does not do more to spring him for open looks? I see other teams with great shooters, they work hard to get those shooters 5 plus open looks per game. What can be done to get Staudacher the number of opportunities to find his stroke? IF anything, maybe that is one thing this team can do to become better. That is something the coaches have control over. Question is, can the team make that effort to execute open looks for both Taylor and Stauds?

 

[GrizWhiz]

I don't think you could pick 2 poorer examples if you are talking lack of motivation. Jack and Stauds work their butts off when they are on the court. They certainly have had problems in the execution department, but the effort is there, and then some!

Never said they don't work hard. I like both of them as players and they are both good players who are not putting up consistant numbers that they are more than capable of putting up. My point was there is a reason for this and it seems to be a consistant occurance under Tinks leadership. Like I stated they seem to be unmotivated. I have a right to my own opinion and observations just like you. And we both might not know what the hell we are talking about, but we have that right.

My point was simply this: unmotivated players don't play as hard as Jack and Stauds do. Maybe they aren't "more than capable" of consistently putting up the numbers you expect them to put up.

 

[robomomo]

agree with most mt griz rule said. like many of his players I think Tinks has room for improvement in calling the x's and o's, but I he's improving. Saw it towards the end of last year and this year. I think he will ultimately become a fine coach, in the meantime his recruiting will keep them competitive. With regard to player development Qvale has been astounding. He has dominated except in the NOCO game where I swear every player blew 6 inch layups, putbacks, etc... Stauds is very much a role player, does not have the physical skills to be special. AJ came developed, McGillis is much like Stauds and does not have the speed or craft to create his own shot no matter how hard he tries. Selvig is a game changer when on the floor just by being 7' tall. every shot in the lane is adjusted when he is on the floor. Jury s out until healthy.
I was critical of Tinks year 1 and 2 when the program was obviously going backwards, but the program is on the rise and I'm optimistic this could be a special season with a little more focus, energy and execution. With the recruits coming in we could be set up for long term success.

 

[mtgrizrule]

agree with most mt griz rule said. like many of his players I think Tinks has room for improvement in calling the x's and o's, but I he's improving. Saw it towards the end of last year and this year. I think he will ultimately become a fine coach, in the meantime his recruiting will keep them competitive. With regard to player development Qvale has been astounding. He has dominated except in the NOCO game where I swear every player blew 6 inch layups, putbacks, etc... Stauds is very much a role player, does not have the physical skills to be special. AJ came developed, McGillis is much like Stauds and does not have the speed or craft to create his own shot no matter how hard he tries. Selvig is a game changer when on the floor just by being 7' tall. every shot in the lane is adjusted when he is on the floor. Jury s out until healthy.
I was critical of Tinks year 1 and 2 when the program was obviously going backwards, but the program is on the rise and I'm optimistic this could be a special season with a little more focus, energy and execution. With the recruits coming in we could be set up for long term success.

Wow, 2 years ago, I would have never expected you giving Tinkle any credit. IF a harsh critic can give that same coach some credit later, that says a lot about said coach. I do not mind harsh critics as long as they can give some when some credit is due. However, you hit the nail on the head. Focus and Execution are absolutely what this team needs to better itself. I am sold on their energy though.

 

[Evizzerate]

Maybe McGillis was really a shooting guard and has been playing out of position since he got here?

 

[Sudzilla]

"don't seem to not be motivated" (whatever that means)... "don't like the HC"..... "go through the motions".... Not sure who youre watching play, but its certainly not McGillis or Stauds. These 2 play with as much heart and desire as anyone on the team, if not moreso than. Just because someone doesnt average 15 and 10 doesnt mean they arent working and playing their arses off. The shots will start falling soon enough.

Never said they don't have heart or desire and they don't work hard. If you're going to attack someone for what they say make sure you get it straight.

I guess I misunderstood your "dont seem to not be motivated" comment. Seems to me "motivation" = "heart and desire".

 

[BelierPeaux]

As far as Staudacher goes for the last two season I think part of the problem is teams are trying to gaurd him closer on the perimiter because he mainly likes to shoot 3's, very rarely does he go closer. If you take away that shot he is useless on the offensive end. I know some on here have liked his defensive effort and entry passes, but I think we can get someone else who is equally good defensively on the court who can maybe drain a shot here and there. I really like the idea of Stauds coming off the bench, I actually think that could be good for him. I do agree that Staudacher and McGillis both exude effort, though, and I don't think their woes are due to apathy. Perhaps Staudacher's supposed mechanics breakdown has something to do with his shots being more contested. It could be subconscious. Do they lack some mental toughness?