mtgrizrule
Well-known member
The bashers will find something to bitch about, but after watching the game, I am very much encouraged with the GRIZ. They came out aggressive on defense and executed early on offense. They also played a very good 2nd half. Offensively we did well, kudos to Duke for taking Staudacher out of the game. We moved the ball around well. I think we should have learned we need to improve on how quickly we move the ball and it needs to be crisper passing. The turnovers and a few bad shots were not so much bad passes, but more of Duke being quicker than we are used to playing. Against BSC teams these are uncontested open shots, against Duke the shots are contested. Many of the turnovers were more of not securing the ball or bobbling it. I thought we handled Duke's pressure and traps well.
Defensively, I was impressed with our discipline, and the matchup zone actually looked better than average, dare I say good. That zone is much improved from CSU. Man defense was better too, but I think the breakdowns more from Duke being Duke than the GRIZ not playing good defense. A few of their alley oops were us overplaying ballside and perfect passes by Duke. Granted we got beat badly inside, but it was more due to youth than bad play. Selvig and Qvale were where they had to be, just too tenative against the likes of Duke.
Turnovers and rebounding absolutely killed us. This is THE GAME this team will have to learn the most from. Execution wise I liked what I saw on both ends of the court. I thought we would be more overmatched in personnel than we were. It looked like Hasquet, Johnson, Qvale, Selvig, CET, Michael Taylor, Staudacher, and McGillis (even though he is still pressing) belonged there. Sharp played well too, and used smarts to produce. However size wise at that level he needs to be a 3, Unfortunately his game is that of a 4. Stats wise Staudacher did nothing, but that was due to Dukes game plan. They refused to let Staudacher have any open looks. To the GRIZ credit, they did not try forcing the ball to him either.
I also have to credit to the announcing team. They did more homework and knew more about GRIZ basketball history and our team than I expected. It would be nice if ESPN would learn from them for our beloved FCS football playoffs. For anyone associated with ACC basketball, this GRIZ fan is very appreciative of the announcers' professionalism and knowledge.
Overall this GRIZ fan is very pleased with the Duke game. The biggest thing I hope they learned was the adverse environment and no matter who or where they play, it has to be played with 100% energy and execution. I hope some of DUKE's atmosphere can be brought back to Dahlberg. I also hope when Wayne breaks down the game film he notices that Selvig and Michael Taylor are deserving of more PT. The GRIZ are better with both or either on the court. Also next time we have a team taking away Staudacher, get Johson in there. Athletically and skills wise he is much better suited against the better teams. I do wonder how well the GRIZ could do with Johson driving and Stauds spotting up?
Granted we loss, but the GRIZ are a much improved team since the CSU game. They will make a run for the BSC title if they play like they did against Duke.
Defensively, I was impressed with our discipline, and the matchup zone actually looked better than average, dare I say good. That zone is much improved from CSU. Man defense was better too, but I think the breakdowns more from Duke being Duke than the GRIZ not playing good defense. A few of their alley oops were us overplaying ballside and perfect passes by Duke. Granted we got beat badly inside, but it was more due to youth than bad play. Selvig and Qvale were where they had to be, just too tenative against the likes of Duke.
Turnovers and rebounding absolutely killed us. This is THE GAME this team will have to learn the most from. Execution wise I liked what I saw on both ends of the court. I thought we would be more overmatched in personnel than we were. It looked like Hasquet, Johnson, Qvale, Selvig, CET, Michael Taylor, Staudacher, and McGillis (even though he is still pressing) belonged there. Sharp played well too, and used smarts to produce. However size wise at that level he needs to be a 3, Unfortunately his game is that of a 4. Stats wise Staudacher did nothing, but that was due to Dukes game plan. They refused to let Staudacher have any open looks. To the GRIZ credit, they did not try forcing the ball to him either.
I also have to credit to the announcing team. They did more homework and knew more about GRIZ basketball history and our team than I expected. It would be nice if ESPN would learn from them for our beloved FCS football playoffs. For anyone associated with ACC basketball, this GRIZ fan is very appreciative of the announcers' professionalism and knowledge.
Overall this GRIZ fan is very pleased with the Duke game. The biggest thing I hope they learned was the adverse environment and no matter who or where they play, it has to be played with 100% energy and execution. I hope some of DUKE's atmosphere can be brought back to Dahlberg. I also hope when Wayne breaks down the game film he notices that Selvig and Michael Taylor are deserving of more PT. The GRIZ are better with both or either on the court. Also next time we have a team taking away Staudacher, get Johson in there. Athletically and skills wise he is much better suited against the better teams. I do wonder how well the GRIZ could do with Johson driving and Stauds spotting up?
Granted we loss, but the GRIZ are a much improved team since the CSU game. They will make a run for the BSC title if they play like they did against Duke.
