mtgrizrule
Well-known member
:thumb: :thumb: :clap: :clap: to the Coaches, players, and Fans. Finally an atmosphere, well the last 12 minutes at least. Even before then, fans were much better tonight. Still have some work though. One of the most exciting games I have seen in quite some time. Neither team would die. That was a game that represented college basketball as it should be.
Two things still need some work though. FT shooting, and FG% defense, inside and outside. Many things to like and to be encouraged by.
Offense is showing signs of continuity and unselfish play. Finally we had a complete offensive game tonight. We penetrated, drew fouls, balance inside/outside game. Especially encouraging was many players showing some heart and contributing in unexpected ways.
Ellis- Finally, the game he played last year. Great ball handling, took the ball to the hole often, and a pain in the ass on defense, going for steals. That is type of play the GRIZ need every game.
Chavez- Any question who is the "FAN FAVORITE" this year. Looks like he is going to bust ass every minute he is out there. At least has the last few games. Rebounded and scored well tonight. Chavez brings the "energy and passion" we need off the bench.
Dloughy- Decided to rebound when he was not needed to score. Great job on the boards Matt. Goes to show his athleticism allows him to contribute in every aspect or as needed.
Chase- Not many minutes but what a contribution, 4 pts, set picks, and gave the GRIZ an needed attitude.
Strait- Looked like Andrew of old offensively. Actually looked more comfortable from the FT line too, even though % was not quite where it needs to be done. He just looked less nervous and much more confident. He is becoming a quite good passing big man.
Hasquet- Clutch FT shooting. Team showed other's could step in when he struggles. That has not been the case for most part of this year. (Another story involving Jordan later.)
Martin- WOW!!!!!!!! Finally the game GRIZ nation has been waiting for the last 1 year plus. He shot lights out, played tough D, took care of the ball, wanted the ball in clutch time. Matt was in a zone tonight. His team mates, coaches, and everyone in the gym knew he was in a "ZONE". Matt brought an electricity to Dahlberg very seldom experienced in recent years. His play got the crowd going to stay!!!! How huge was that? I am not surprised at his game tonight and have a feeling Matt will be a key player rest of the year. However, hope he does not HAVE to go for 20 plus very often. Just hope he scores when called upon, and plays with the confidence and desire he did tonight.
Now to the coaching staff. Tinks for realizing that Ellis and Martin were difference makers tonight and Rundles was struggling. In recent past, they were going with equal playing time. Tonight got away from that, and stuck to the hot hand and chemistry thinking as for minutes. The staff's patience with Martin is beginning to pay dividends. He is not struggling like he was. I honestly feel the more laid back approach is much more effective when dealing with Martin. Granted LK toughened him up, but took a year plus to begin to get Martin back. I would not wish Martin's rollercoaster ride the past year plus on any player at any level. Also huge :clap: for realizing when to bring Chavez in to light a fire under the team and the fans. Tinks has learned Chavez is the fan favorite. He will use that rest of the season, especially at home.
Now more onto Hasquet that I mentioned later. After the game, as the team was walking off the court. I watched Jordan every player beyond what the other's were. Finally he approached Tinks, expecting a congratulatory high 5, pat, or hug, etc. Jordan was like a kid in a candy store. He hugged Tinks with a huge smile. Walked with Tinks across the court, I could not hear what was being said. It looked as if it was Tinks reassuring Jordan that every game does not have to be on Jordan's shoulders and both being relieved that the GRIZ finally had 7 solid contributions in one game. I watched every player and coach coming off that court. No player was happier or more grateful than Jordan for the W and for Tinks. Both just appeared to have had a huge load taken off their respected shoulders. BTW, Martin did not want to leave that court. Nobody had energy than him coming off the court. He was jumping up and down, high 5 ing anyone, including fans.
Great night for all of GRIZNATION, not only a W, but a great atmosphere too. :thumb:
Two things still need some work though. FT shooting, and FG% defense, inside and outside. Many things to like and to be encouraged by.
Offense is showing signs of continuity and unselfish play. Finally we had a complete offensive game tonight. We penetrated, drew fouls, balance inside/outside game. Especially encouraging was many players showing some heart and contributing in unexpected ways.
Ellis- Finally, the game he played last year. Great ball handling, took the ball to the hole often, and a pain in the ass on defense, going for steals. That is type of play the GRIZ need every game.
Chavez- Any question who is the "FAN FAVORITE" this year. Looks like he is going to bust ass every minute he is out there. At least has the last few games. Rebounded and scored well tonight. Chavez brings the "energy and passion" we need off the bench.
Dloughy- Decided to rebound when he was not needed to score. Great job on the boards Matt. Goes to show his athleticism allows him to contribute in every aspect or as needed.
Chase- Not many minutes but what a contribution, 4 pts, set picks, and gave the GRIZ an needed attitude.
Strait- Looked like Andrew of old offensively. Actually looked more comfortable from the FT line too, even though % was not quite where it needs to be done. He just looked less nervous and much more confident. He is becoming a quite good passing big man.
Hasquet- Clutch FT shooting. Team showed other's could step in when he struggles. That has not been the case for most part of this year. (Another story involving Jordan later.)
Martin- WOW!!!!!!!! Finally the game GRIZ nation has been waiting for the last 1 year plus. He shot lights out, played tough D, took care of the ball, wanted the ball in clutch time. Matt was in a zone tonight. His team mates, coaches, and everyone in the gym knew he was in a "ZONE". Matt brought an electricity to Dahlberg very seldom experienced in recent years. His play got the crowd going to stay!!!! How huge was that? I am not surprised at his game tonight and have a feeling Matt will be a key player rest of the year. However, hope he does not HAVE to go for 20 plus very often. Just hope he scores when called upon, and plays with the confidence and desire he did tonight.
Now to the coaching staff. Tinks for realizing that Ellis and Martin were difference makers tonight and Rundles was struggling. In recent past, they were going with equal playing time. Tonight got away from that, and stuck to the hot hand and chemistry thinking as for minutes. The staff's patience with Martin is beginning to pay dividends. He is not struggling like he was. I honestly feel the more laid back approach is much more effective when dealing with Martin. Granted LK toughened him up, but took a year plus to begin to get Martin back. I would not wish Martin's rollercoaster ride the past year plus on any player at any level. Also huge :clap: for realizing when to bring Chavez in to light a fire under the team and the fans. Tinks has learned Chavez is the fan favorite. He will use that rest of the season, especially at home.
Now more onto Hasquet that I mentioned later. After the game, as the team was walking off the court. I watched Jordan every player beyond what the other's were. Finally he approached Tinks, expecting a congratulatory high 5, pat, or hug, etc. Jordan was like a kid in a candy store. He hugged Tinks with a huge smile. Walked with Tinks across the court, I could not hear what was being said. It looked as if it was Tinks reassuring Jordan that every game does not have to be on Jordan's shoulders and both being relieved that the GRIZ finally had 7 solid contributions in one game. I watched every player and coach coming off that court. No player was happier or more grateful than Jordan for the W and for Tinks. Both just appeared to have had a huge load taken off their respected shoulders. BTW, Martin did not want to leave that court. Nobody had energy than him coming off the court. He was jumping up and down, high 5 ing anyone, including fans.
Great night for all of GRIZNATION, not only a W, but a great atmosphere too. :thumb:
