Griz @ U of Northern Colorado

[flatheadgriz406]

..What's up with Yagi Selcuk?

Didn't see him in the game.... :-?

He didn't play again. Sat on the bench fully dressed out.

 

[Mousegriz]

I'm not an x's and o's guy, so take what I say here with at a least a yuk or two.

DeCuire's defense requires post players to come out as far as the three-point line to defend. This can be a good thing, especially if you have a nimble rim-protector who can scramble back to defend the post.

But it can also leave you vulnerable at the rim, and it was my impression last night that Northern Colorado was exploiting fully this vulnerability. Time and again they were getting layups, especially to the left, like they were bowling balls rolling down an empty lane. Even the commentators brought this up, saying Montana had to fix this.

Enter Mack Anderson, probably our most versatile big, and best shot blocker. His performance last night was a highlight for me. I saw flashes that he can be very good in DeCuire's system, where before he looked totally lost to me.

But what suffered with his presence was our low-post offense. Anderson does not yet have the low-post moves that either Samuelson or Selcuk possess, and that showed. Samuelson's low-post offense, so successful against Southern Utah, disappeared last night. Had Manuel not had the game he did last night, this game might have been ugly.

Still, I love our personnel. The freshmen still seem tentative--Vazquez to shoot, Owens and Carter-Hollinger to make offensive moves near the basket. But they are getting better with each game. We may not win the Big Sky this year, but I would not trade our personnel for any other team in the league.

I watched Anderson get driven on several times. The strong guard (Radebaugh) took it left (announcers pointed out he kept going left even though right handed) and went up strong and laid it right over him a few times. Bump him a bit in mid-air...send him flying back and make the easy layup. Also watched him struggle to grab rebounds and get off short shots.

He scored one point, got one rebound, three fouls and no blocks in 16 minutes. That was a highlight for you Citay? You and the one UNC announcer must have been watching a different game. He seemed to gush over Anderson too.

Much more impressive to me was the "tentative" Carter-Hollinger's 10 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes.

 

[maroonandsilver]

Did Egun play at all, whats the deal there.

Seems to be the odd man out.

Eddy has played very few minutes this season, and has not been productive when given the opportunity. If rumors of an additional player added to the next class are true, Eddy might indeed be the odd man out.

 

[Grizfan-24]

After ruminating on Saturday night loss in Greeley, I'd thought I would post something four days later now that the game is indistinguishable from the fog in your head.
Offense:
1. Most encouraging development: The 10 minute stretch with Pridgett on the bench in the first half with two fouls. My worry especially after the continued shooting struggles of Manuel was the lack of scoring from anyone else should Sayeed end up in foul trouble or hurt. My fears were calmed a bit, as I saw for the first time the type of ball movement and verve from the offense when Pridgett wasn't on the floor. Sooner or later those shots of Vasquez are going to fall, but Hollinger showed that he can get his own shots if needed as well. That was a good ten minute or so stretch.

2. Area of Concern: One of my principal concerns is that with player centric scoring offenses, is that the movement and shot selection become dependent on Sayeed taking shots or at least the ball having to go through his hands. I have come to the conclusion that Sayeed isn't a volume shooter, and I think his shot selection in the SUU and UNC games indicated as such. He forced a number of shots, early to mid shot-clock, that he could have had with 5 seconds left. I think the offense is better when Sayeed gets his touches near the block after some movement.

Defense:
1. Most encouraging: I'll second Citay's observation about Anderson. He has above average defensive ability for a post, and his presence on the floor on Saturday showed his value as the hedge post that Travis wants so much. In years past TDC has been able to cover the defensive specialists role because of superior scoring elsewhere. This year, Anderson is that guy, but I think his role isn't as guaranteed as Morehead or Krislovic. However, when he (Anderson)is on the floor they are clearly better defensively for his ability to defend all the way from the 3pt line to the post.

2. Area of Concern: Connected to above, is there are at least three teams on the schedule that can be krypton to the Grizzlies pack-line concept. NAU, UNC and EWU all cause problems with their stretch posts and their ability to create lanes for slashing guards. Early on Saturday it was evident with Samuelson on the floor they couldn't rally off of ball movement. He is still hurt and you noticed the gimp on the defensive end. When you can't hedge, which neither Samuelson or Selcuk seem to be able to do all that well, the defense can't rotate and they are constantly late on run-outs or out of position in the post. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with this defense, a pack-line lite if you will that allows the other two post players (Samuelson, Selcuk) to play in positive defensive positions. Samuelson was on the wrong side a ton early and it forced a ton of help and the defense couldn't recover.

The issue isn't defensively to a degree but rather offensively and that concern isn't going to go away because this team struggles to score. Anderson and Samuelson on the floor at the same isn't tenable in this scheme with current personnel, and they don't score well enough with Samuelson on the bench either. I don't know what the answer is, but it was fairly apparent on friday the yin and the yang of this defense.

 

[citygriz]

After ruminating on Saturday night loss in Greeley, I'd thought I would post something four days later now that the game is indistinguishable from the fog in your head.
Offense:
1. Most encouraging development: The 10 minute stretch with Pridgett on the bench in the first half with two fouls. My worry especially after the continued shooting struggles of Manuel was the lack of scoring from anyone else should Sayeed end up in foul trouble or hurt. My fears were calmed a bit, as I saw for the first time the type of ball movement and verve from the offense when Pridgett wasn't on the floor. Sooner or later those shots of Vasquez are going to fall, but Hollinger showed that he can get his own shots if needed as well. That was a good ten minute or so stretch.

2. Area of Concern: One of my principal concerns is that with player centric scoring offenses, is that the movement and shot selection become dependent on Sayeed taking shots or at least the ball having to go through his hands. I have come to the conclusion that Sayeed isn't a volume shooter, and I think his shot selection in the SUU and UNC games indicated as such. He forced a number of shots, early to mid shot-clock, that he could have had with 5 seconds left. I think the offense is better when Sayeed gets his touches near the block after some movement.

Defense:
1. Most encouraging: I'll second Citay's observation about Anderson. He has above average defensive ability for a post, and his presence on the floor on Saturday showed his value as the hedge post that Travis wants so much. In years past TDC has been able to cover the defensive specialists role because of superior scoring elsewhere. This year, Anderson is that guy, but I think his role isn't as guaranteed as Morehead or Krislovic. However, when he (Anderson)is on the floor they are clearly better defensively for his ability to defend all the way from the 3pt line to the post.

2. Area of Concern: Connected to above, is there are at least three teams on the schedule that can be krypton to the Grizzlies pack-line concept. NAU, UNC and EWU all cause problems with their stretch posts and their ability to create lanes for slashing guards. Early on Saturday it was evident with Samuelson on the floor they couldn't rally off of ball movement. He is still hurt and you noticed the gimp on the defensive end. When you can't hedge, which neither Samuelson or Selcuk seem to be able to do all that well, the defense can't rotate and they are constantly late on run-outs or out of position in the post. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with this defense, a pack-line lite if you will that allows the other two post players (Samuelson, Selcuk) to play in positive defensive positions. Samuelson was on the wrong side a ton early and it forced a ton of help and the defense couldn't recover.

The issue isn't defensively to a degree but rather offensively and that concern isn't going to go away because this team struggles to score. Anderson and Samuelson on the floor at the same isn't tenable in this scheme with current personnel, and they don't score well enough with Samuelson on the bench either. I don't know what the answer is, but it was fairly apparent on friday the yin and the yang of this defense.

After ruminating on Saturday night loss in Greeley, I'd thought I would post something four days later now that the game is indistinguishable from the fog in your head.
Offense:
1. Most encouraging development: The 10 minute stretch with Pridgett on the bench in the first half with two fouls. My worry especially after the continued shooting struggles of Manuel was the lack of scoring from anyone else should Sayeed end up in foul trouble or hurt. My fears were calmed a bit, as I saw for the first time the type of ball movement and verve from the offense when Pridgett wasn't on the floor. Sooner or later those shots of Vasquez are going to fall, but Hollinger showed that he can get his own shots if needed as well. That was a good ten minute or so stretch.

2. Area of Concern: One of my principal concerns is that with player centric scoring offenses, is that the movement and shot selection become dependent on Sayeed taking shots or at least the ball having to go through his hands. I have come to the conclusion that Sayeed isn't a volume shooter, and I think his shot selection in the SUU and UNC games indicated as such. He forced a number of shots, early to mid shot-clock, that he could have had with 5 seconds left. I think the offense is better when Sayeed gets his touches near the block after some movement.

Defense:
1. Most encouraging: I'll second Citay's observation about Anderson. He has above average defensive ability for a post, and his presence on the floor on Saturday showed his value as the hedge post that Travis wants so much. In years past TDC has been able to cover the defensive specialists role because of superior scoring elsewhere. This year, Anderson is that guy, but I think his role isn't as guaranteed as Morehead or Krislovic. However, when he (Anderson)is on the floor they are clearly better defensively for his ability to defend all the way from the 3pt line to the post.

2. Area of Concern: Connected to above, is there are at least three teams on the schedule that can be krypton to the Grizzlies pack-line concept. NAU, UNC and EWU all cause problems with their stretch posts and their ability to create lanes for slashing guards. Early on Saturday it was evident with Samuelson on the floor they couldn't rally off of ball movement. He is still hurt and you noticed the gimp on the defensive end. When you can't hedge, which neither Samuelson or Selcuk seem to be able to do all that well, the defense can't rotate and they are constantly late on run-outs or out of position in the post. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with this defense, a pack-line lite if you will that allows the other two post players (Samuelson, Selcuk) to play in positive defensive positions. Samuelson was on the wrong side a ton early and it forced a ton of help and the defense couldn't recover.

The issue isn't defensively to a degree but rather offensively and that concern isn't going to go away because this team struggles to score. Anderson and Samuelson on the floor at the same isn't tenable in this scheme with current personnel, and they don't score well enough with Samuelson on the bench either. I don't know what the answer is, but it was fairly apparent on friday the yin and the yang of this defense.

Good post.

 

[citygriz]

Did Egun play at all, whats the deal there.

Seems to be the odd man out.

Eddy has played very few minutes this season, and has not been productive when given the opportunity. If rumors of an additional player added to the next class are true, Eddy might indeed be the odd man out.

I really like Eddy Egun. Remember his antics on the bench last year? He seems emotionally committed to this team, so I can't imagine that behavior is an issue. Plus I had high hopes for him, figured he was the x-factor on this year's team.

Now his future here seems cloudy to me. He's behind Vazquez and Falls this year, and next year will be behind Gaskin, Whitney and Beasley as well. So here's my advice to him.

Eddy, you are 6'4", fast and gifted athletically. At that height, for basketball, you might be a 'tweener, too small to play up front, but not quite suited for guard. But here's a sport where your height and athleticism would stand out: Football. Can you image yourself as a target for one of our quarterbacks?

There's precedent for this: Tony Gonzalez. He played basketball for the Cal Bears but switched to football for his pro career. How did he do? Gil Brandt, once director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, rates Gonzalez as the number one tight end all-time. Can you imagine how much he made through his professional career? I'm guessing his net worth at $20 million or so.

Now that's a career path worth taking, no?

Of course, Montana would be the perfect place to learn football, a notch below the best players, but on the radar of NFL scouts.

Still, I hope I'm wrong. I hope in three years I will be the butt of jokes on here, after Eddy leads us to the Sweet 16 or higher. But for now, that's my opinion based on the evidence before me.

 

[Mousegriz]

After ruminating on Saturday night loss in Greeley, I'd thought I would post something four days later now that the game is indistinguishable from the fog in your head.
Offense:
1. Most encouraging development: The 10 minute stretch with Pridgett on the bench in the first half with two fouls. My worry especially after the continued shooting struggles of Manuel was the lack of scoring from anyone else should Sayeed end up in foul trouble or hurt. My fears were calmed a bit, as I saw for the first time the type of ball movement and verve from the offense when Pridgett wasn't on the floor. Sooner or later those shots of Vasquez are going to fall, but Hollinger showed that he can get his own shots if needed as well. That was a good ten minute or so stretch.

2. Area of Concern: One of my principal concerns is that with player centric scoring offenses, is that the movement and shot selection become dependent on Sayeed taking shots or at least the ball having to go through his hands. I have come to the conclusion that Sayeed isn't a volume shooter, and I think his shot selection in the SUU and UNC games indicated as such. He forced a number of shots, early to mid shot-clock, that he could have had with 5 seconds left. I think the offense is better when Sayeed gets his touches near the block after some movement.

Defense:
1. Most encouraging: I'll second Citay's observation about Anderson. He has above average defensive ability for a post, and his presence on the floor on Saturday showed his value as the hedge post that Travis wants so much. In years past TDC has been able to cover the defensive specialists role because of superior scoring elsewhere. This year, Anderson is that guy, but I think his role isn't as guaranteed as Morehead or Krislovic. However, when he (Anderson)is on the floor they are clearly better defensively for his ability to defend all the way from the 3pt line to the post.

2. Area of Concern: Connected to above, is there are at least three teams on the schedule that can be krypton to the Grizzlies pack-line concept. NAU, UNC and EWU all cause problems with their stretch posts and their ability to create lanes for slashing guards. Early on Saturday it was evident with Samuelson on the floor they couldn't rally off of ball movement. He is still hurt and you noticed the gimp on the defensive end. When you can't hedge, which neither Samuelson or Selcuk seem to be able to do all that well, the defense can't rotate and they are constantly late on run-outs or out of position in the post. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with this defense, a pack-line lite if you will that allows the other two post players (Samuelson, Selcuk) to play in positive defensive positions. Samuelson was on the wrong side a ton early and it forced a ton of help and the defense couldn't recover.

The issue isn't defensively to a degree but rather offensively and that concern isn't going to go away because this team struggles to score. Anderson and Samuelson on the floor at the same isn't tenable in this scheme with current personnel, and they don't score well enough with Samuelson on the bench either. I don't know what the answer is, but it was fairly apparent on friday the yin and the yang of this defense.

After ruminating on Saturday night loss in Greeley, I'd thought I would post something four days later now that the game is indistinguishable from the fog in your head.
Offense:
1. Most encouraging development: The 10 minute stretch with Pridgett on the bench in the first half with two fouls. My worry especially after the continued shooting struggles of Manuel was the lack of scoring from anyone else should Sayeed end up in foul trouble or hurt. My fears were calmed a bit, as I saw for the first time the type of ball movement and verve from the offense when Pridgett wasn't on the floor. Sooner or later those shots of Vasquez are going to fall, but Hollinger showed that he can get his own shots if needed as well. That was a good ten minute or so stretch.

2. Area of Concern: One of my principal concerns is that with player centric scoring offenses, is that the movement and shot selection become dependent on Sayeed taking shots or at least the ball having to go through his hands. I have come to the conclusion that Sayeed isn't a volume shooter, and I think his shot selection in the SUU and UNC games indicated as such. He forced a number of shots, early to mid shot-clock, that he could have had with 5 seconds left. I think the offense is better when Sayeed gets his touches near the block after some movement.

Defense:
1. Most encouraging: I'll second Citay's observation about Anderson. He has above average defensive ability for a post, and his presence on the floor on Saturday showed his value as the hedge post that Travis wants so much. In years past TDC has been able to cover the defensive specialists role because of superior scoring elsewhere. This year, Anderson is that guy, but I think his role isn't as guaranteed as Morehead or Krislovic. However, when he (Anderson)is on the floor they are clearly better defensively for his ability to defend all the way from the 3pt line to the post.

2. Area of Concern: Connected to above, is there are at least three teams on the schedule that can be krypton to the Grizzlies pack-line concept. NAU, UNC and EWU all cause problems with their stretch posts and their ability to create lanes for slashing guards. Early on Saturday it was evident with Samuelson on the floor they couldn't rally off of ball movement. He is still hurt and you noticed the gimp on the defensive end. When you can't hedge, which neither Samuelson or Selcuk seem to be able to do all that well, the defense can't rotate and they are constantly late on run-outs or out of position in the post. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium with this defense, a pack-line lite if you will that allows the other two post players (Samuelson, Selcuk) to play in positive defensive positions. Samuelson was on the wrong side a ton early and it forced a ton of help and the defense couldn't recover.

The issue isn't defensively to a degree but rather offensively and that concern isn't going to go away because this team struggles to score. Anderson and Samuelson on the floor at the same isn't tenable in this scheme with current personnel, and they don't score well enough with Samuelson on the bench either. I don't know what the answer is, but it was fairly apparent on friday the yin and the yang of this defense.

Good post.

Doubly good!

I just didn't see the defense in Anderson's game or stats. 1 point 1 rebound, no blocks and 3 fouls in 16 minutes. Lost a couple rebounds that he couldn't grab and hold. Did I not see several drives right at him for easy buckets?

 

[Hoops watcher]

I don't think his D showed up in the stats, but he is better able to get back into position than Samuelson plus he's longer and more athletic (not casting aspersions on Samuelson, he has looked dinged up all year, plus his scoring has been indispensable).

Agree with 24 re Sayeed. Part of the reason he's been so good is his efficiency, he got the ball a lot in good scoring position with Mike and Rorie penetrating and shot a high percentage. Tougher when the D is focusing on you. Akoh was also good at kicking it back out when the D collapsed or an interior dime to the open weak side guy (often Pridgett). Pridgett is a good passer too, they just need to keep the ball moving and swing it quickly to the weak side for an open corner three and make the opponent pay for over playing him. I figured with so many new guys it would take a while. I mean it happened last year when Akoh was in and out of the lineup with his injuries and that was a veteran crew. Also like 24 mentioned that stretch without Pridgett showed they can get it done in that situation. Having to be less reliant on him will help the team ultimately and he can still get on a hot streak and take over for shorter stretches providing quick points. They are making progress and that's more than fine from my POV.

 

[sacstateman]

Did Egun play at all, whats the deal there.

Seems to be the odd man out.

Eddy has played very few minutes this season, and has not been productive when given the opportunity. If rumors of an additional player added to the next class are true, Eddy might indeed be the odd man out.

I really like Eddy Egun. Remember his antics on the bench last year? He seems emotionally committed to this team, so I can't imagine that behavior is an issue. Plus I had high hopes for him, figured he was the x-factor on this year's team.

Now his future here seems cloudy to me. He's behind Vazquez and Falls this year, and next year will be behind Gaskin, Whitney and Beasley as well. So here's my advice to him.

Eddy, you are 6'4", fast and gifted athletically. At that height, for basketball, you might be a 'tweener, too small to play up front, but not quite suited for guard. But here's a sport where your height and athleticism would stand out: Football. Can you image yourself as a target for one of our quarterbacks?

There's precedent for this: Tony Gonzalez. He played basketball for the Cal Bears but switched to football for his pro career. How did he do? Gil Brandt, once director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, rates Gonzalez as the number one tight end all-time. Can you imagine how much he made through his professional career? I'm guessing his net worth at $20 million or so.

Now that's a career path worth taking, no?

Of course, Montana would be the perfect place to learn football, a notch below the best players, but on the radar of NFL scouts.

Still, I hope I'm wrong. I hope in three years I will be the butt of jokes on here, after Eddy leads us to the Sweet 16 or higher. But for now, that's my opinion based on the evidence before me.

Citay, since you called me out on a typo (sayeed vs saheed), I will try to enlighten you on this post....There is a slight problem with your attempt to compare Egun with Gonzalez....Gonzalez was recruited to Cal as a tight end not a basketball player...He played basketball only after injuries rendered the Cal hoops team shorthanded....Gonzalez had played basketball very well in high school and was invited to the Cal hoops team as a way for Cal to have enough players to practice with initially and he performed well enough in practice to earn minutes in real games.....Do you have any knowledge of Egun ever playing football?

 

[Mousegriz]

Seems to be the odd man out.

Eddy has played very few minutes this season, and has not been productive when given the opportunity. If rumors of an additional player added to the next class are true, Eddy might indeed be the odd man out.

I really like Eddy Egun. Remember his antics on the bench last year? He seems emotionally committed to this team, so I can't imagine that behavior is an issue. Plus I had high hopes for him, figured he was the x-factor on this year's team.

Now his future here seems cloudy to me. He's behind Vazquez and Falls this year, and next year will be behind Gaskin, Whitney and Beasley as well. So here's my advice to him.

Eddy, you are 6'4", fast and gifted athletically. At that height, for basketball, you might be a 'tweener, too small to play up front, but not quite suited for guard. But here's a sport where your height and athleticism would stand out: Football. Can you image yourself as a target for one of our quarterbacks?

There's precedent for this: Tony Gonzalez. He played basketball for the Cal Bears but switched to football for his pro career. How did he do? Gil Brandt, once director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, rates Gonzalez as the number one tight end all-time. Can you imagine how much he made through his professional career? I'm guessing his net worth at $20 million or so.

Now that's a career path worth taking, no?

Of course, Montana would be the perfect place to learn football, a notch below the best players, but on the radar of NFL scouts.

Still, I hope I'm wrong. I hope in three years I will be the butt of jokes on here, after Eddy leads us to the Sweet 16 or higher. But for now, that's my opinion based on the evidence before me.

Citay, since you called me out on a typo (sayeed vs saheed), I will try to enlighten you on this post....There is a slight problem with your attempt to compare Egun with Gonzalez....Gonzalez was recruited to Cal as a tight end not a basketball player...He played basketball only after injuries rendered the Cal hoops team shorthanded....Gonzalez had played basketball very well in high school and was invited to the Cal hoops team as a way for Cal to have enough players to practice with initially and he performed well enough in practice to earn minutes in real games.....Do you have any knowledge of Egun ever playing football?

I think Citay been hangin' with Bill Walton a little too much......the blubber and fog are evident.