Ellis or Martin?

[griz8992]

if you even watched the game tonight it would be obvious that brian has earned the playing time that he has got. i'm 100% positive that teams know he can't shoot.....and guess what....he still can drive by them. for everyone that keeps saying he won't be effective once you figure out he can't shootm just watch him. there is no one in this league that can keep him in front of them!!!!

I was blown away by the fact that Durham could not keep up with Ellis (was actually two steps behind him) as Ellis was driving down the court with the ball. Pair that speed with the unselfish pass to Matthews at the end of the steal! That kind of play reminded me of the Griz in the late 1970's, early 1980's. It is clear that Ellis gets the system and his role in it, and that is what makes his increased playing time well-deserved.

 

[MaroonReign]

Like MSU's Moss was quoted as saying- nobody knows jack about Ellis right now. As time goes and people scout and plan for Ellis we will see teams laying off Ellis around the perimeter as he has terrible mechanics on his J.

That will limit his ability to drive and dish...and it will also start to clog passing lanes to posts.

Ellis will always be the best opition for breakin the press. He might be the quickest guy in DI ball. And yes I watch ALOT of B-ball from around the country and still feel that is a fair statement. But he will become a liabilty in half court sets as teams scout him because of his outside shot.

When we play teams that are more athletic than we are or that we would be big underdogs to, we will need Martin on the floor. His ability to score and shoot the 3 is the biggest equalizer the Griz have.

In the model set by Gonzaga for mid-majors to have success against top caliber teams... you need a point guard that can score and shoot the 3 ball well. If the Griz are to have success beyond the Big Sky, they will need more than 1 minute/game out of Matt.

Not tryin to dis Ellis... I like what he brings. Just callin it like I see it.

:werd:

 

[GeorgeAllen]

Ellis reminds me of LeRoy Washington. Exciting to see Coach K building a great program that uses individual player skills and talents in the appropriate situations.

 

[Grizbeer]

I have been impressed with Ellis since I first saw him dribble out of triple team full court press by Western. Next year we will see a lot of Ellis running the point, and feeding to Martin at the 2 spot.

I'm sure the rest of the conference knows who Ellis is now, and will focus on beating his defense. That's about the time Stuart mayes will re-appear and beat them. This team has a lot of weapons, and it appears right now the only people who care which weapons get used are the fans.

Ellis or Martin? Who cares. I want whoever gives us the best match up, is playing the best, and gives the Griz the best chance to win to be on the court, and that could be both Ellis and Martin at the same time.

 

[loyalgriz]

Not a buddy. Don't even know him. Just a fan of what he brings (used to bring) to this team. My point is, Martin is not a local kid. If he feels he's getting the shaft, he might just up and leave. There's nothing else keeping him here. I think he's more than served his punishment for some poor shots taken in the Wisconsin-Mil game. Maybe there's something else going on that nobody knows about, but if were going strictly on what we've seen on the court, I still think he belong out there. I'm not dissin' Ellis, I think he's been great, and will come in very handy in certain situations. But there's no question in my mind who I would rather see handling the ball when the Griz need a bucket late.... my money's on the guy that can score from anywhere --- especially when opposing defenses realize Ellis can't score. Again, nothing against Ellis, just my opinion.

I'm glad that Virgil Matthews and now Ellis, didn't leave when things weren't going there way. I would hope that our kids, Martin currently, have more character than that. I bet he stays, improves his deficiencies and comes back a better player. JMHO.

 

[Grizbacker1]

Not a buddy. Don't even know him. Just a fan of what he brings (used to bring) to this team. My point is, Martin is not a local kid. If he feels he's getting the shaft, he might just up and leave. There's nothing else keeping him here. I think he's more than served his punishment for some poor shots taken in the Wisconsin-Mil game. Maybe there's something else going on that nobody knows about, but if were going strictly on what we've seen on the court, I still think he belong out there. I'm not dissin' Ellis, I think he's been great, and will come in very handy in certain situations. But there's no question in my mind who I would rather see handling the ball when the Griz need a bucket late.... my money's on the guy that can score from anywhere --- especially when opposing defenses realize Ellis can't score. Again, nothing against Ellis, just my opinion.

I'm glad that Virgil Matthews and now Ellis, didn't leave when things weren't going there way. I would hope that our kids, Martin currently, have more character than that. I bet he stays, improves his deficiencies and comes back a better player. JMHO.

I agree Loyal. Krysko's comments about Martin in the Missoulian made me feel a whole lot better. I was a little concerned when I read the post earlier and probably over reacted. When a team is 3-0 in Conf and 13-2 overall, things better be good in Grizville. I hope we can make it through next week, which is the toughest road trip in the BSC.

 

[Grisly Fan]

Hard to believe any player worth his salt would up and quit a team when it is winning because of his playing time. To me Martin is a solid player who will do what it takes to contribute. Moreover, Krysko seems like the kind of person who can manage egos else the team wouldn't be playing so unselfishly. I think we can all relax and enjoy the ride. Matt will be there when he is needed most.

 

[Mung]

Let them clog the lanes and keep their hands down while Ellis is in. Then sub him for Martin and watch them get burned. There's nothing wrong with tandem point guards.

 

[Swillbury]

Let them clog the lanes and keep their hands down while Ellis is in. Then sub him for Martin and watch them get burned. There's nothing wrong with tandem point guards.

Amen!!! I would love to see those two get equal playing time. That is what makes this griz team so amazing, is that they are so deep in all postions and it seems like in each game somebody new is going to step it up and give the team a spark. Ellis will get his touch from outside down by next year and when that happens it will be great to see him slice through defenses and dish it off or sit outside and tear it up. Martin has the potential to be a great griz guard but has to learn to be patient with the basketball and not turn it over. He is a great talent and great shooter but doesnt do the little things that Ellis does. K doesnt put up with not doing what he says and I think that is why Martin is on the bench

 

[Montana Gym Rat]

I was blown away by the fact that Durham could not keep up with Ellis (was actually two steps behind him) as Ellis was driving down the court with the ball.

Durham can't keep up with anyone. I don't know why he tries to press full court. He doesn't have the speed or quickness to cause problems. Both Virgil and Brian blew by him every single time down the court. He works hard and has a good shot, but that's it. It's sad when Moss has to end up bringing the ball up every time. The PG situation in MSU didn't help against the Griz. They really could have used a capable ball-handler.

 

[Montana Gym Rat]

I also think that Martin will still see some good minutes. This game in Bozeman wasn't the place to get his confidence back. He is a solid shooter that provides a spark on offense - there will always be a place for that on this team. Hopefully he doesn't let this little stretch affect his confidence because he'll be needed at many times throughout the year.

Brian brings some very good things to the table. Especially against a team that can't handle his quickness like MSU. His solid ball handling is a huge help. Both he and Matt are integral parts of the team that provide different things for different situations. I think its just a coincidence that Matt hasn't played after the UW-Milwaukee game. ISU, WSU and MSU aren't the most talented or athletic teams when it comes to the backcourt. So it becomes an area that Brian can exploit. Against a team like Sacramento State who has quick and athletic guards, Brian's not going to take advantage of them as much and Matt's offensive capabilities will be needed more to keep them honest.

 

[Grizbacker1]

I also think that Martin will still see some good minutes. This game in Bozeman wasn't the place to get his confidence back. He is a solid shooter that provides a spark on offense - there will always be a place for that on this team. Hopefully he doesn't let this little stretch affect his confidence because he'll be needed at many times throughout the year.

Brian brings some very good things to the table. Especially against a team that can't handle his quickness like MSU. His solid ball handling is a huge help. Both he and Matt are integral parts of the team that provide different things for different situations. I think its just a coincidence that Matt hasn't played after the UW-Milwaukee game. ISU, WSU and MSU aren't the most talented or athletic teams when it comes to the backcourt. So it becomes an area that Brian can exploit. Against a team like Sacramento State who has quick and athletic guards, Brian's not going to take advantage of them as much and Matt's offensive capabilities will be needed more to keep them honest.

I have to disagree with you on the Sac State assessment. I think Ellis will be key for us there. Those Sac guys are in your face the whole game, more the style Ellis is used to. I think Matt will get his looks at NAU and hopefully knock some shots down. He only needs to make a couple as shooters are a different breed. They hit a couple and they all of a sudden can't remember ever missing.

We are going to need contributions from both of them on this road trip. Go Griz!

 

[MrG]

Small point......Matt played 22 min. in the Idaho game.

 

[Grizinsider]

Based on todays game, I would take Ellis 100 times over martin right now. When he passed that ball off to Virgil, I new he was our new point guard!!!!

How can you base anything on the Griz/Cat game? Ellis played great, no doubt about that. But Martin didn't play but one minute. You don't know what would have happened if Martin was in. If you remember Martin has played solidly in big games at Santa Clara and vs. Stanford. It really is amazing how fast people can forget that.

 

[loyalgriz]

After watching the Roundup tonight and watching Martin be the first guy off the bench cheering on all the highlights, I think were all good.

 

[Swillbury]

Based on todays game, I would take Ellis 100 times over martin right now. When he passed that ball off to Virgil, I new he was our new point guard!!!!

How can you base anything on the Griz/Cat game? Ellis played great, no doubt about that. But Martin didn't play but one minute. You don't know what would have happened if Martin was in. If you remember Martin has played solidly in big games at Santa Clara and vs. Stanford. It really is amazing how fast people can forget that.

Maybe I shouldnt base EVERYTHING off of that game, but cmon! Ellis pretty much won us that game, if it wasnt for those two steals then it would of been alot closer game and the cats would of had a chance to win down the stretch. Martin is a solid point guard and might be better in the long run but Ellis played great against the cats so why not keep it rolling?

 

[62GRIZ]

Why does it have to be one OR the other?? They are both good in their own right - just different skill sets. We are lucky to have BOTH of them! They are very talented ball players.

 

[grizfan_#2]

martin was recruited for his quickness and ball handling skills and how fast he gets his shot off. ellis is a great player too so it wouldnt surprise me to see them exchanging close to equal playing time for a little razz ma tazz (that was a type of sweet candy, it would be sweet) play.