mtgrizrule
Well-known member
Finally, I get to a computer to post this. It is late for good reason. Lets just say I celebrated a GRIZ victory last night. :thumb: :beer2:
To start out, UNC has to do something to make their gym easier to find for visitors. It took us asking for directions 3 times in Greeley! Speaking of UNC, before breaking down this game, I have to applaud the efforts of their students, cheerleaders, and dance team. They were loud at tipoff and did all they could to create an atmosphere. Too bad, they are struggling for fan support.
Now onto the game. Either this team has drastically improved along with Tinkle or the naysayers are making things sound much worse than record indicates. Offensively, this team was phenomenal in executing in the 1st half. 2nd half they executed still but shots were not falling as often. 2 things need to be worked on offensively. (1) Getting into the offense earlier in the shot clock. (2) A few less turnovers. As for the offense, they do try a wide variety of sets. To those saying they stand around too often, I did not see that at all!!!
They were setting picks all night for eachother, in the paint and on the perimeter. I did notice though, they release too early from more picks than they need to. If they can sustain the picks longer more often, it will make a huge difference. I am very impressed with Martin, Staudacher, and CET in passing the ball around, especially in post entry passes. They all did a solid job with routine passes and angles. I am also impressed with emphasis on getting Staudacher getting perimeter shots, and him looking to shoot now. He is becoming a bigger part of the offense with each game. Speaking of offense, What has happened to Rundles mentally? He either makes a great pass or a boneheaded pass, no consistency for playmaking. He either takes a great shot with great results or forces a shot he should never have taken. Give him credit though, his defense is solid. If he finds his game, this team will be a contender. If inconsistency continues and his playing time remains, this team is no better than pretender. I honestly think his play will be the key to the GRIZ living up to expectations or not.
This team is at its best with CET at PG. Granted, it is only one game, but this team responds to Martin well too. BTW, he did not force one shot this game. He did though hoist an open look too soon, without rebounding position. Both Martin and CET are very confident at the line. Offensively, we do not alot of production from Qvale. Speaking of which, he showed me some solid moves when he did get touches. He has a nice little Strait like jump hook. Offensively this team has what it takes, just needs to avoid the 5 to 10 minute lapses. Onto Defense.
WOW, we need to go big 3/4's of every game. Even with Qvale in foul trouble, I would rather have Vanderjagt in there than a smaller line up. Everytime the ball is in the paint, QVALE's presence is felt. They had him for 6 blocks. I had him for 9 blocks. He virtually eliminates paint scoring. His timing is uncanny. All he has to learn to do is not hand check and to go straight up. He gets called for fouls after the block because of his following through on it. If he can average 30 minutes per night he will average better than 2 blocks per game, with a few 5 plus nights. This defense is average at best going small. It is very good going big. As for defensive quickness both Qvale and Hasquet move well for their size. Sharp and Strait need some work on perimeter defense. Qvale will be in foul trouble alot this year. I would love to see Tinkle work with Vanderjagt to fill in for Qvale, just to give us the same kind of height and presence defensively. As awhole this team can only get better defensively.
Coaching? I sat right behind the GRIZ bench, watched and listened to every huddle. Every player was paying attention to Tinkle. Martin is very accepting of coming off the bench and very encouraging of teammates. It was hard to read Rundles one way or the other. Also I noticed Graves consistently encouraging his team from the bench. Seems like a very good kid. :thumb: Vanderjagt was interacting alot and seemed to be positive too. Tinkle is set on his rotation. He does chew butt when necessary, much more than last season. I am sure the team got a royal butt chewing at the half for letting UNC close out the 1st half way too strong. He also focuses alot more on the floor game this year than last. He left the ego stroking and talking to the assistants when a player came off the court or about to go onto the court.
Down the stretch he was subbing out Martin and Qvale for offense and defense. Martin for Ballhandling and FT shooting. Qvale for rebounding and defense. Both knew the strategy and knew to be ready to get back out there. Coaches did not have to say anything to either.
Other than 1 2nd half offensive lapse and turnovers, this team was rather impressive. I feel they are on the cusp of becoming a very good team. Yet very thin line between that and imploding from one bad game. At least they appear to be on the same page as a team and staff now. :thumb: Great game GRIZ!!!! Cannot wait to get home for Sac State and NAU games. GO GRIZ!!!!
To start out, UNC has to do something to make their gym easier to find for visitors. It took us asking for directions 3 times in Greeley! Speaking of UNC, before breaking down this game, I have to applaud the efforts of their students, cheerleaders, and dance team. They were loud at tipoff and did all they could to create an atmosphere. Too bad, they are struggling for fan support.
Now onto the game. Either this team has drastically improved along with Tinkle or the naysayers are making things sound much worse than record indicates. Offensively, this team was phenomenal in executing in the 1st half. 2nd half they executed still but shots were not falling as often. 2 things need to be worked on offensively. (1) Getting into the offense earlier in the shot clock. (2) A few less turnovers. As for the offense, they do try a wide variety of sets. To those saying they stand around too often, I did not see that at all!!!
They were setting picks all night for eachother, in the paint and on the perimeter. I did notice though, they release too early from more picks than they need to. If they can sustain the picks longer more often, it will make a huge difference. I am very impressed with Martin, Staudacher, and CET in passing the ball around, especially in post entry passes. They all did a solid job with routine passes and angles. I am also impressed with emphasis on getting Staudacher getting perimeter shots, and him looking to shoot now. He is becoming a bigger part of the offense with each game. Speaking of offense, What has happened to Rundles mentally? He either makes a great pass or a boneheaded pass, no consistency for playmaking. He either takes a great shot with great results or forces a shot he should never have taken. Give him credit though, his defense is solid. If he finds his game, this team will be a contender. If inconsistency continues and his playing time remains, this team is no better than pretender. I honestly think his play will be the key to the GRIZ living up to expectations or not.
This team is at its best with CET at PG. Granted, it is only one game, but this team responds to Martin well too. BTW, he did not force one shot this game. He did though hoist an open look too soon, without rebounding position. Both Martin and CET are very confident at the line. Offensively, we do not alot of production from Qvale. Speaking of which, he showed me some solid moves when he did get touches. He has a nice little Strait like jump hook. Offensively this team has what it takes, just needs to avoid the 5 to 10 minute lapses. Onto Defense.
WOW, we need to go big 3/4's of every game. Even with Qvale in foul trouble, I would rather have Vanderjagt in there than a smaller line up. Everytime the ball is in the paint, QVALE's presence is felt. They had him for 6 blocks. I had him for 9 blocks. He virtually eliminates paint scoring. His timing is uncanny. All he has to learn to do is not hand check and to go straight up. He gets called for fouls after the block because of his following through on it. If he can average 30 minutes per night he will average better than 2 blocks per game, with a few 5 plus nights. This defense is average at best going small. It is very good going big. As for defensive quickness both Qvale and Hasquet move well for their size. Sharp and Strait need some work on perimeter defense. Qvale will be in foul trouble alot this year. I would love to see Tinkle work with Vanderjagt to fill in for Qvale, just to give us the same kind of height and presence defensively. As awhole this team can only get better defensively.
Coaching? I sat right behind the GRIZ bench, watched and listened to every huddle. Every player was paying attention to Tinkle. Martin is very accepting of coming off the bench and very encouraging of teammates. It was hard to read Rundles one way or the other. Also I noticed Graves consistently encouraging his team from the bench. Seems like a very good kid. :thumb: Vanderjagt was interacting alot and seemed to be positive too. Tinkle is set on his rotation. He does chew butt when necessary, much more than last season. I am sure the team got a royal butt chewing at the half for letting UNC close out the 1st half way too strong. He also focuses alot more on the floor game this year than last. He left the ego stroking and talking to the assistants when a player came off the court or about to go onto the court.
Down the stretch he was subbing out Martin and Qvale for offense and defense. Martin for Ballhandling and FT shooting. Qvale for rebounding and defense. Both knew the strategy and knew to be ready to get back out there. Coaches did not have to say anything to either.
Other than 1 2nd half offensive lapse and turnovers, this team was rather impressive. I feel they are on the cusp of becoming a very good team. Yet very thin line between that and imploding from one bad game. At least they appear to be on the same page as a team and staff now. :thumb: Great game GRIZ!!!! Cannot wait to get home for Sac State and NAU games. GO GRIZ!!!!
