All Big Sky –– Personal Picks

[grizzlyjournal]

I still stand by my initial nominations! :| However, I am neither surprised nor upset with the official lists. I acknowledge that Bogdan Bliznyuk, a senior, is the Big Sky's marquee player and deserving of the award. In that light, I still believe an MPV award should be created for the player most deserving of making his team Big Sky champs.

Obviously the Big Sky voters consider Spight a better player than Oguine, who also was named the league's top defender. I stick with Mike for first team, simply because he -- in mvp fashion -- was instrumental in making the Griz Big Sky champs.

I am also not a bit surprised that big men in the eyes of the Big Sky Conference are non-personna, but I still believe ONE power forward/center should have been included on the second team, at least. Akoh is deserving, considering the double-team bashing he endures every time he steps on the floor against a Big Sky opponent.

I'm also disappointed that Bobby Moorehead, the Griz player usually (if not always) assigned to defend any opponent's top offensive player... was ignored. He's shut them all down... while ranking as one of the Big Sky's top rebounders as well. I consider Bobby deserving of honorable mention at the very least.

Woods was the marquee frosh through most of the season and he's very good. I believe, however, that Falls is showing promise to be the more complete player, based upon how much he's helped the Griz over the final 2/3 of conf. play.

 

[sacstateman]

I still stand by my initial nominations! :| However, I am neither surprised nor upset with the official lists. I acknowledge that Bogdan Bliznyuk, a senior, is the Big Sky's marquee player and deserving of the award. In that light, I still believe an MPV award should be created for the player most deserving of making his team Big Sky champs.

Obviously the Big Sky voters consider Spight a better player than Oguine, who also was named the league's top defender. I stick with Mike for first team, simply because he -- in mvp fashion -- was instrumental in making the Griz Big Sky champs.

I am also not a bit surprised that big men in the eyes of the Big Sky Conference are non-personna, but I still believe ONE power forward/center should have been included on the second team, at least. Akoh is deserving, considering the double-team bashing he endures every time he steps on the floor against a Big Sky opponent.

I'm also disappointed that Bobby Moorehead, the Griz player usually (if not always) assigned to defend any opponent's top offensive player... was ignored. He's shut them all down... while ranking as one of the Big Sky's top rebounders as well. I consider Bobby deserving of honorable mention at the very least.

Woods was the marquee frosh through most of the season and he's very good. I believe, however, that Falls is showing promise to be the more complete player, based upon how much he's helped the Griz over the final 2/3 of conf. play.

Strings is a power forward...

 

[Jaredkuehn]

I think Montana fans expecting to dominate the all conference team selections will be disappointed. I'm with mtgrizfankb, in that I think two Grizzlies on the first team is unlikely, though I think Rorie and Oguine are both deserving.

MVP is pretty much locked up for Bogdan.

New comer of the year likely to go to Spight or Stutzman. Akoh has been huge for the Griz, but too many ups and downs.

Freshman of the year likely to go to woods. I love Timmy Falls, but the Griz have an embarrassment of riches at guard right now, and he just didn't get the playing time that Woods saw. I think Falls is a future first teamer.

Coach of the year goes to Decuire, no question. Sorry eagles, fans, I just don't see Legans overcoming what has been a dominating year for the Griz, despite a strong finish for the Eagles.

Echoing Grizzyjournal...the Griz spread their production around too much for any one player to pack the stats enough to register in the all conference voting. That's ok, that's been the identity of the team this year, and I don't think the players are focused on individual accolades.

Go Griz!

 

[Jaredkuehn]

I think Montana fans expecting to dominate the all conference team selections will be disappointed. I'm with mtgrizfankb, in that I think two Grizzlies on the first team is unlikely, though I think Rorie and Oguine are both deserving.

MVP is pretty much locked up for Bogdan.

New comer of the year likely to go to Spight or Stutzman. Akoh has been huge for the Griz, but too many ups and downs.

Freshman of the year likely to go to woods. I love Timmy Falls, but the Griz have an embarrassment of riches at guard right now, and he just didn't get the playing time that Woods saw. I think Falls is a future first teamer.

Coach of the year goes to Decuire, no question. Sorry eagles, fans, I just don't see Legans overcoming what has been a dominating year for the Griz, despite a strong finish for the Eagles.

Echoing Grizzyjournal...the Griz spread their production around too much for any one player to pack the stats enough to register in the all conference voting. That's ok, that's been the identity of the team this year, and I don't think the players are focused on individual accolades.

Go Griz!

Oops, looks like they were already released! My votes were meaningless anyway.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I still stand by my initial nominations! :| However, I am neither surprised nor upset with the official lists. I acknowledge that Bogdan Bliznyuk, a senior, is the Big Sky's marquee player and deserving of the award. In that light, I still believe an MPV award should be created for the player most deserving of making his team Big Sky champs.

Obviously the Big Sky voters consider Spight a better player than Oguine, who also was named the league's top defender. I stick with Mike for first team, simply because he -- in mvp fashion -- was instrumental in making the Griz Big Sky champs.

I am also not a bit surprised that big men in the eyes of the Big Sky Conference are non-personna, but I still believe ONE power forward/center should have been included on the second team, at least. Akoh is deserving, considering the double-team bashing he endures every time he steps on the floor against a Big Sky opponent.

I'm also disappointed that Bobby Moorehead, the Griz player usually (if not always) assigned to defend any opponent's top offensive player... was ignored. He's shut them all down... while ranking as one of the Big Sky's top rebounders as well. I consider Bobby deserving of honorable mention at the very least.

Woods was the marquee frosh through most of the season and he's very good. I believe, however, that Falls is showing promise to be the more complete player, based upon how much he's helped the Griz over the final 2/3 of conf. play.

Strings is a power forward...

Not by my standards: I watched at leasst four SAC games on Big Sky and in every one he brought the ball up on offense and played at the point. When or if the Hornet offense had to re-set, he played at the tip of the key; he drove for most of his mid-key shots from the tip of the key. Against Montana, he never played defense against the thre Griz forward-centers. So, let me re-phrase. I believe the Big Sky snubbed low block, back-to-the basket, rebounding, defending power players; none are included on the first or second team. I'm not dissing you, sacstatesman, just disagreeing.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

I don't put any stock whatsoever in these individual awards. Michael Oguine is by far the most talented and athletic player in the conference. He doesn't score 25 points a game only because he doesn't have to do that to enable his team to win.

These awards are a convenient way to make a bunch of teams feel better about their lack of team accomplishments.

 

[CleanHOUSE]

Looks a bit homerish but nice post...except Moorhead? dude wont even be a starter next year, he does his job on D mostly, otherwise he just drives halfway into paint get stuck and passes out, like its his ONLY move..it always makes me laugh cause I imagine he thinks he's scaring defenders "O whoa man your slow ass can really lumber halfway down the lane and pick up your dribble Im scared now better back way off guarding you on the 3pt line haha. Actually, probably don't need to guard him at all miss a crazy amount of uncontested 3 pointers. A bit harsh I know but he's not a bad player just NOT 2nd team anything. Also Rorie not MVP, he's a very good point guard but he's not a good shooter and not a physical matchup problem, which is to say he's steady and good but he not a guy that can put the team on his back like Bogdan or Sanders or Harding...or even Oginue to a certain extent in a all round type of way, he just doesn't have the big time numbers or the wow factor or those guys.

 

[sacstateman]

I appreciate your opinion but I will respectively disagree too....Strings averaged 6.2 rebounds and Akoh snagged 7 per game....Strings swatted 1.2 while Akoh blocked .55 per...Strings does bring the ball up court a lot because he is a low TO guy, but I understand that you saw only 4 of 18 BSC games...our offense usually starts with Mauriohooho-Leafa (yes, I had to look it up to spell it)....Strings does score a ton on the inside, even if the offense always starts with only the center down low and even the center comes out to set ball screens leaving no one in the traditional "low post" position....We will probably have to respectively disagree on this minor point but if they HAD to take a center, I suppose Akoh would warrant strong support...

 

[CleanHOUSE]

For coach of the year, I would put the coach of EWU before DeCuire. This guy has recruited some very top talent to a place nobody in their right mind would consider an attractive place to be much less attend university. He does an incredible job, and I think they might just win the BSC tourney. I hope UM wins out but no one can deny that coach has done a hell of a job.

Have to disagree with you about the talent, EWU imo has never had a problem getting talent, never had the facilities or fans that Mont has, the more often than not that have more top level talent than UM in Basketball or Football anyway. That's not to say they are more talented averaged as a group, but they don't seem to have a problem getting a star type player regularly. sigh...if only we could hire whoever recruits thier quaterbacks we haven't beat them at that since maybe Ochs...but even then they had Meyer.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I appreciate your opinion but I will respectively disagree too....Strings averaged 6.2 rebounds and Akoh snagged 7 per game....Strings swatted 1.2 while Akoh blocked .55 per...Strings does bring the ball up court a lot because he is a low TO guy, but I understand that you saw only 4 of 18 BSC games...our offense usually starts with Mauriohooho-Leafa (yes, I had to look it up to spell it)....Strings does score a ton on the inside, even if the offense always starts with only the center down low and even the center comes out to set ball screens leaving no one in the traditional "low post" position....We will probably have to respectively disagree on this minor point but if they HAD to take a center, I suppose Akoh would warrant strong support...

I can buy that, sac. I actually consider Strings to be first-team caliber. I moved him down because I just couldn't understand how a player of his caliber was not able to have more impact on the Hornets' win-loss record this year. The low blocks young horse who most impressed me was Patton. I see considerable potential for him over the next two years.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

Looks a bit homerish but nice post...except Moorhead? dude wont even be a starter next year, he does his job on D mostly, otherwise he just drives halfway into paint get stuck and passes out, like its his ONLY move..it always makes me laugh cause I imagine he thinks he's scaring defenders "O whoa man your slow ass can really lumber halfway down the lane and pick up your dribble Im scared now better back way off guarding you on the 3pt line haha. Actually, probably don't need to guard him at all miss a crazy amount of uncontested 3 pointers. A bit harsh I know but he's not a bad player just NOT 2nd team anything. Also Rorie not MVP, he's a very good point guard but he's not a good shooter and not a physical matchup problem, which is to say he's steady and good but he not a guy that can put the team on his back like Bogdan or Sanders or Harding...or even Oginue to a certain extent in a all round type of way, he just doesn't have the big time numbers or the wow factor or those guys.

Yes, my post was homerish... but I still attempted to objectively select the top 16-17 players in the conference, position by position (which the Big Sky rankings did not do in my opinion). I didn't consider any honorable mention list. SO, aware that Bobby played small forward/wing, why don't you provide a list of the 3-4-5 wings in this conference who are better than Bobby. Consider: offense, rebounding, steals, & defense.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

I think the BSC does it correctly. Pick the best players regardless of position. If you want to bicker about the top 16-17 players, then go ahead, but don't rely on positions.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I think the BSC does it correctly. Pick the best players regardless of position. If you want to bicker about the top 16-17 players, then go ahead, but don't rely on positions.

I'm not bickering; I made the original post. Furthermore, I specifically outlined the rationale and parameters of my "Personal Picks." I strongly believe in the classic definitions of 1-through-5 in basketball.

You are more than welcome to make your own list. Make your list; I'll consider it objectively.

 

[HelenaHandBasket]

I think the BSC does it correctly. Pick the best players regardless of position. If you want to bicker about the top 16-17 players, then go ahead, but don't rely on positions.

I'm not bickering; I made the original post. Furthermore, I specifically outlined the rational and parameters of my "Personal Picks." I strongly believe in the classic definitions of 1-through-5 in basketball.

You are more than welcome to make your own list. Make your list; I'll consider it objectively.

Journal, a little defensive. My post was just my opinion and I did not make it specific to anyone. And if I did make a list, Rorie would not be top 5.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Looks a bit homerish but nice post...except Moorhead? dude wont even be a starter next year, he does his job on D mostly, otherwise he just drives halfway into paint get stuck and passes out, like its his ONLY move..it always makes me laugh cause I imagine he thinks he's scaring defenders "O whoa man your slow ass can really lumber halfway down the lane and pick up your dribble Im scared now better back way off guarding you on the 3pt line haha. Actually, probably don't need to guard him at all miss a crazy amount of uncontested 3 pointers. A bit harsh I know but he's not a bad player just NOT 2nd team anything. Also Rorie not MVP, he's a very good point guard but he's not a good shooter and not a physical matchup problem, which is to say he's steady and good but he not a guy that can put the team on his back like Bogdan or Sanders or Harding...or even Oginue to a certain extent in a all round type of way, he just doesn't have the big time numbers or the wow factor or those guys.

I watched Rorie put the team on his back a NUMBER of times this year. So, not sure what you're seeing (other than the shooting slump he suffered through for a couple games).

 

[AllWeatherFan]

I watched Rorie put the team on his back a NUMBER of times this year.

Agreed. He deserves to be first team all-conference, as does Micheal Oguine. But the bias against choosing two guards from the same team is very strong. One more reason to care about team success more than individual player honors.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I watched Rorie put the team on his back a NUMBER of times this year.

Agreed. He deserves to be first team all-conference, as does Micheal Oguine. But the bias against choosing two guards from the same team is very strong. One more reason to care about team success more than individual player honors.

:clap: :clap: Montana wins the Big Sky by two full games. The next 6 teams in the standings are not separated by more than two games. Regardless of what happens in the tourney, Montana's conference dominance is unquestioned. You don't get there without strong on-court leadership where the floor-general sacrifices his own stats for the welfare of the team. Ahmaad Rorie and Michael Oguine could each be justified MVPs for their roles in Montana's dominance. It's something that is, sadly, overlooked too frequently nowadays.

 

[fanofzoo]

I watched Rorie put the team on his back a NUMBER of times this year.

Agreed. He deserves to be first team all-conference, as does Micheal Oguine. But the bias against choosing two guards from the same team is very strong. One more reason to care about team success more than individual player honors.

:clap: :clap: Montana wins the Big Sky by two full games. The next 6 teams in the standings are not separated by more than two games. Regardless of what happens in the tourney, Montana's conference dominance is unquestioned. You don't get there without strong on-court leadership where the floor-general sacrifices his own stats for the welfare of the team. Ahmaad Rorie and Michael Oguine could each be justified MVPs for their roles in Montana's dominance. It's something that is, sadly, overlooked too frequently nowadays.

Sadly Grizzlyjournal that is logical, however the bsc does not live there.

 

[CleanHOUSE]

Looks a bit homerish but nice post...except Moorhead? dude wont even be a starter next year, he does his job on D mostly, otherwise he just drives halfway into paint get stuck and passes out, like its his ONLY move..it always makes me laugh cause I imagine he thinks he's scaring defenders "O whoa man your slow ass can really lumber halfway down the lane and pick up your dribble Im scared now better back way off guarding you on the 3pt line haha. Actually, probably don't need to guard him at all miss a crazy amount of uncontested 3 pointers. A bit harsh I know but he's not a bad player just NOT 2nd team anything. Also Rorie not MVP, he's a very good point guard but he's not a good shooter and not a physical matchup problem, which is to say he's steady and good but he not a guy that can put the team on his back like Bogdan or Sanders or Harding...or even Oginue to a certain extent in a all round type of way, he just doesn't have the big time numbers or the wow factor or those guys.

I watched Rorie put the team on his back a NUMBER of times this year. So, not sure what you're seeing (other than the shooting slump he suffered through for a couple games).

scored over 23 once all year...27vsCSUN. I appreciate Rorie he's a top 5 bigsky guard and a workhorse, maybe my point was more to say he doesn't have the ability to take a game over at will. He can be very good, but he's a bad 3pt shooter and can get shut out from driving to the rim for entire games so the game kinda has to come to him at time for him to be effective

 

[CleanHOUSE]

Looks a bit homerish but nice post...except Moorhead? dude wont even be a starter next year, he does his job on D mostly, otherwise he just drives halfway into paint get stuck and passes out, like its his ONLY move..it always makes me laugh cause I imagine he thinks he's scaring defenders "O whoa man your slow ass can really lumber halfway down the lane and pick up your dribble Im scared now better back way off guarding you on the 3pt line haha. Actually, probably don't need to guard him at all miss a crazy amount of uncontested 3 pointers. A bit harsh I know but he's not a bad player just NOT 2nd team anything. Also Rorie not MVP, he's a very good point guard but he's not a good shooter and not a physical matchup problem, which is to say he's steady and good but he not a guy that can put the team on his back like Bogdan or Sanders or Harding...or even Oginue to a certain extent in a all round type of way, he just doesn't have the big time numbers or the wow factor or those guys.

Yes, my post was homerish... but I still attempted to objectively select the top 16-17 players in the conference, position by position (which the Big Sky rankings did not do in my opinion). I didn't consider any honorable mention list. SO, aware that Bobby played small forward/wing, why don't you provide a list of the 3-4-5 wings in this conference who are better than Bobby. Consider: offense, rebounding, steals, & defense.

Point take, I guess I just find Moorhead unbearable at times...probably because this team is so close to being really special if it only had a few shooters! I'd take Stultzman and that Jack Perry from Ewu...but yeah idk how they are defensively. Also before people jump on me for being ungrateful, this is has been a really fun year and its a team to be proud of, but at the same time it let you imagine more, right now we are the the best team in the bigsky, but not head and shoulders. If we had some height and shooting I would give use a 25% chance to beat anybody we face in 14-3 matchup. Akoh and Kriz are solid but a bit short for out of bigsky competition. Kriz did a wonderful job on D vs ISU but gave up quite a few point because the airspace thier 7 footer was shooting from we just didnt have anybody who could contest that...maybe nicholas would have had the hops. And we me at least 3-4 wide open 3pts a game that a good shooter would make at a 75% clip... so dream scenario a 6-10 -7ft ish guy that can jump a little bit and one guy who will hit his uncontested looks from 3...say 3 more 3's per game and one more block/stop...makes this team 8pts better/game...would be untouchable in bsc...dreams lol, but this team is so close to that I don't think its unfair for me to take my rage out on Moorhead every time he barely get iron on an uncontested 3 when he is our titular sniper