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GRIZ/UNC game thread
- Thread starter mtgrizrule
- Start date
mtgrizrule
Well-known member
Just got back from the game. Great to see a Win, great defense, and solid shooting.
I managed to sit most of the game 3 rows behind the GRIZ bench. I love sitting within hearing distance of the GRIZ bench to experience more than what we see on the playing court. I will touch on what I noticed of coach and player interaction.
I really want to give kudos and applaud Mike Weisner, this kid has matured into an emotional leader since last year. He looked great warming up. He could have played if needed. I guess the GRIZ want him to heal more before coming back. Weisner was encouraging teammates and talking to them consistently as they came out of the game. At end of the 1st half, Travis was telling the players things like "This is our game." "Let's put them away now." "Show them this is our house." I cannot remember the exact word for word encouragement he was giving, but Weisner was adding to every single one of the quotes with agreement and additional positive comments. Weisner was pretty damn intense and focused, from the bench. He was another coach in that regard. Weisner sold me as a leader in his SR year.
Speaking of SR's, Kemp was very vocal with his teammates, and constantly interacting with coaches all game. Kemp was very receptive to the coaches input as well. Kemp looked to me to be a SR who very much cares about his team. He also played his off in his minutes. Jordan Gregory is a great leader, by example and vocally. Travis trusts him with the game in his hands. Gregory can score, distribute, defend, and set the tone like a SR leader should. He is truly amazing to watch take control in every way a coach expects. Gregory shot the ball confidently. The best offensive play of the night was at the end of the 1st half, he broke down the defense. Breunig flashed to the basket on the baseline. Gregory fed him about 7 to 10 feet from the basket. Breunig leaped from at least 7 feet from the hoop to flush a hard dunk. It was an absolutely amazing play to witness live. It gave the team momentum into the half. The team came out on fire in the 2nd half.
The 2nd half started with amazing ball movement with open 3's for Gfeller and Gregory. They hit 5 or 6 3's between them to open the half. Gfeller finally looked like 3feller again. Even his 4 misses were on, meaning they were down, but came back out. He was in a zone, the team and crowd fed off Gfeller. Lopez missed many open 3's tonight too, but they were great shots. I feel the GRIZ can improve their 3 pt% and be more consistent, but this game was a step toward that.
I also liked the hustle, determination, and effort the team showed overall in this game. Kemp and Krslovic (sp?) are strong and loads in the paint. They are very hard to move off the blocks. Krslovic is great at getting to the ball on rebounds, with or without position, he just has a nose for the ball. Krslovic will have a very solid 4 years here.
Another improvement I liked was Dunn looking to be a true distributor. I think he had 7 or 8 assists in this game. He also played terrific on the ball defense. He still has a lot of room to grow in terms of being a consistent leader and distributor. The offense was more consistent with the ball in Gregory's hands. My hope is, as the year progresses Dunn continues to improve as a true leader offensively.
Defensively there were very few break downs, they did not give up too many open looks. They looked a lot like a Mike Montgomery defense in limiting opponents fg% (citay, you would have been very happy with that). When they did break down, defenders were consistently in position to draw charges, and they did get a few charges. Gfeller, Dunn, Kemp, and Breunig were all consistently in position.
Overall, the team played terrific. I was very proud of the our small GRIZ prep band too. They have a couple very loudly vocal band members that got some great chants going and harassing the opponent. The pep bad did a great job in getting involved in the game. I hope the student body follows their lead when school returns. The band looked like they were having fun too.
So glad I got to the game, and am very excited for the UND game Saturday night.
Great job GRIZ!!!!!!!
I managed to sit most of the game 3 rows behind the GRIZ bench. I love sitting within hearing distance of the GRIZ bench to experience more than what we see on the playing court. I will touch on what I noticed of coach and player interaction.
I really want to give kudos and applaud Mike Weisner, this kid has matured into an emotional leader since last year. He looked great warming up. He could have played if needed. I guess the GRIZ want him to heal more before coming back. Weisner was encouraging teammates and talking to them consistently as they came out of the game. At end of the 1st half, Travis was telling the players things like "This is our game." "Let's put them away now." "Show them this is our house." I cannot remember the exact word for word encouragement he was giving, but Weisner was adding to every single one of the quotes with agreement and additional positive comments. Weisner was pretty damn intense and focused, from the bench. He was another coach in that regard. Weisner sold me as a leader in his SR year.
Speaking of SR's, Kemp was very vocal with his teammates, and constantly interacting with coaches all game. Kemp was very receptive to the coaches input as well. Kemp looked to me to be a SR who very much cares about his team. He also played his off in his minutes. Jordan Gregory is a great leader, by example and vocally. Travis trusts him with the game in his hands. Gregory can score, distribute, defend, and set the tone like a SR leader should. He is truly amazing to watch take control in every way a coach expects. Gregory shot the ball confidently. The best offensive play of the night was at the end of the 1st half, he broke down the defense. Breunig flashed to the basket on the baseline. Gregory fed him about 7 to 10 feet from the basket. Breunig leaped from at least 7 feet from the hoop to flush a hard dunk. It was an absolutely amazing play to witness live. It gave the team momentum into the half. The team came out on fire in the 2nd half.
The 2nd half started with amazing ball movement with open 3's for Gfeller and Gregory. They hit 5 or 6 3's between them to open the half. Gfeller finally looked like 3feller again. Even his 4 misses were on, meaning they were down, but came back out. He was in a zone, the team and crowd fed off Gfeller. Lopez missed many open 3's tonight too, but they were great shots. I feel the GRIZ can improve their 3 pt% and be more consistent, but this game was a step toward that.
I also liked the hustle, determination, and effort the team showed overall in this game. Kemp and Krslovic (sp?) are strong and loads in the paint. They are very hard to move off the blocks. Krslovic is great at getting to the ball on rebounds, with or without position, he just has a nose for the ball. Krslovic will have a very solid 4 years here.
Another improvement I liked was Dunn looking to be a true distributor. I think he had 7 or 8 assists in this game. He also played terrific on the ball defense. He still has a lot of room to grow in terms of being a consistent leader and distributor. The offense was more consistent with the ball in Gregory's hands. My hope is, as the year progresses Dunn continues to improve as a true leader offensively.
Defensively there were very few break downs, they did not give up too many open looks. They looked a lot like a Mike Montgomery defense in limiting opponents fg% (citay, you would have been very happy with that). When they did break down, defenders were consistently in position to draw charges, and they did get a few charges. Gfeller, Dunn, Kemp, and Breunig were all consistently in position.
Overall, the team played terrific. I was very proud of the our small GRIZ prep band too. They have a couple very loudly vocal band members that got some great chants going and harassing the opponent. The pep bad did a great job in getting involved in the game. I hope the student body follows their lead when school returns. The band looked like they were having fun too.
So glad I got to the game, and am very excited for the UND game Saturday night.
Great job GRIZ!!!!!!!
UMGriz75
Well-known member
"It was a real confidence boost because we had lost four of the last five and kind of limped into conference play without a full team," said Gregory, who was 6 for 10 from 3-point range. "But tonight, for the most part, we were healthy and put together a 40-minute game."
"Northern Colorado (0-1, 5-7) looked lost for most of the game. Tevin Svihovec, Dominique Lee and Tim Huskisson, the Bears' leading scorers who combine for 33 points on the average, had just 14. Svihovec, the leading scorer, finished with three points and five turnovers."
http://missoulian.com/ravalli/sports/college/grizzlies/big-runs-lift-griz-over-northern-colorado/article_1dda4391-8dc6-54e6-925a-132db4d3909e.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Northern Colorado (0-1, 5-7) looked lost for most of the game. Tevin Svihovec, Dominique Lee and Tim Huskisson, the Bears' leading scorers who combine for 33 points on the average, had just 14. Svihovec, the leading scorer, finished with three points and five turnovers."
http://missoulian.com/ravalli/sports/college/grizzlies/big-runs-lift-griz-over-northern-colorado/article_1dda4391-8dc6-54e6-925a-132db4d3909e.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Zirg
Well-known member
Yes the Griz looked pretty good, but UNC looked "terrible,terrible,terrible" to quote Charles Barkley. They are 0-6 on the road this year and 4-17 the last 2 years combined. Yes, one of those road wins was in Missoula last year. UNC wins are against Chadron St., Black Hills,Colorado Christian, Florida A&M (D1) and Stetson (D1). All by 20 or more points, and Jacksonville St (D1). Those teams must really suck. Stetson's only D1 win was also over Florida A&M. Florida A&M is 0-11, and ranked 351 out of 351 D1 teams, Stetson is #326, Jacksonville St #309. So UNC hasn't beat anyone all year. Let's not get too excited yet. UNC is #239, Montana #199 for the record.
You took me down Zirg, but then, perspective is important and you supplied it. Thanks. In fact, thanks to all of the above posters. Your real time reports and observations bring the game much closer to us that are unable to actually attend the games. Keep it up guys, you are appreciated. :clap: :clap:
yeah, thanks y'all for the timely updates and observations. glad to hear of the defensive intensity. defense will keep us in games.
but--we're gonna miss edmonds. he brought real athleticism to this team. and remember, coaches trusted him with the final shot at cal. it's one thing to whomp a second-tier conference opponent at home, another to compete with weber and eastern. this is where edmonds will be missed. with study halls, academic counselleors and a coaching staff to lend support, it must take quite an effort to go academically ineligible. not at all pleased about this. should not have happened.
here's a question for the real insiders: what are you hearing about dejong and boehning? i'm eternally gratified that we finally have a sensible redshirt policy, because neither of these kids were going to contribute much this year. but next? with oguine coming aboard, we're going to be in good shape next year if either of these guys have progressed this year.
but--we're gonna miss edmonds. he brought real athleticism to this team. and remember, coaches trusted him with the final shot at cal. it's one thing to whomp a second-tier conference opponent at home, another to compete with weber and eastern. this is where edmonds will be missed. with study halls, academic counselleors and a coaching staff to lend support, it must take quite an effort to go academically ineligible. not at all pleased about this. should not have happened.
here's a question for the real insiders: what are you hearing about dejong and boehning? i'm eternally gratified that we finally have a sensible redshirt policy, because neither of these kids were going to contribute much this year. but next? with oguine coming aboard, we're going to be in good shape next year if either of these guys have progressed this year.
mtgrizrule
Well-known member
citay said:
Barring a few injuries on the front line. Travis is committed to keeping Dejong and Boehning redshirted this season. I imagine both are maturing nicely while competing against Breunig every day at practice. Breunig is one hell of a player. He is a rare player for the GRIZ, 6'8" that can do it all on the court.
Most games, Breunig is the best player on the court. He is the one player the GRIZ cannot afford to lose this season. How Washington let him get away is beyond me? I will enjoy the 2 years we have him though. I really do hope every GRIZ fan gets a chance to watch him play in person. He is worth the price of admission. :thumb:
mtgrizrule
Well-known member
UMGriz75 said:
Arguably the best inside outside combo in the league. Gregory's game has improved every season, which is what a coach wants. His work ethic is terrific.
Letting that South Dakota game slip away after being up by 10 taught a good lesson. They didn't let that happen this time. I'm hoping those tough double OT losses pay off too in case they get into some more tight games. They went through several solid learning experiences during non conference.
grizzlyjournal
Well-known member
citay said:
Have it on solid info from an insider (which I am not!) that Griz coaches are extremely pleased with the progress of both redshirt Montana kids. In fact, they were evidently described by one of the coaches as the two "most improved" players on the team w/regards to how much they've developed since October practices began.
If that holds up for the year, I think that means quite a lot for the program, since the coaches will be freed up to recruit to areas where they would like to take a step above the remainder of the Big Sky: point and shooting guard and shooting-rebounding wing.
As we've been able to observe on Verbal Commits, Montana has recently made scholarship offers to two outstanding Washington state point guards... but those are long-term offers. I'm not certain what players or positions Montana will be looking to recruit for next year, but I assume a combo guard and a good rebounding wing.
Nonetheless, I was told that Boehning and DeJong -- along with Billings West senior Jared Samuelson -- are likely being viewed as essential program front court players for the next four years. That likely means DeJong will get one of the Griz scholarships for next year (Boehning has one), so... I think (correct me if I'm wrong) they have two open scholarships for next year.
The good news from Thursday night is that Edmonds (in street clothing) was on the bench, despite the fact that classes don't start until late Jan. I assume that means he's practicing with the team, even though he's definitely out for the remainder of this season/school year.
mtgrizrule
Well-known member
I just finished watching this game online at gogriz.com. I think the GRIZ are very close to being an 80 point per game offense. The pace and execution in getting the shots is there, unfortunately the shots have to fall at higher percentage still. Gfeller had 2 shots in the paint that with experience he will convert. He also had 4 or 5 3 point misses that were on the money, and somehow came out. He alone could have scored another 8 points (that is if 1 close shot and 2 more 3's fell). Lopez uncharacteristically was off with his 3 point shot, he could have had another 3 to 6 points. Breunig, Kemp, and Krslovic missed a few close shots as well, between the 3 of them, they left about 10 points off the board. Finally, Dunn just was not looking to score, but he did a great job of distributing so that is a wash.
Defensively, I feel with the pace and style Travis prefers, they should aim for 70 PPG given up. The defense was fortunate that UNC shot so terrible from the FT line, 3 pt, and even normal fgs. Hard for me to imagine many opponents shooting that terrible. Even a great defense will give up a higher %. Yes, the defense was good, but much of the low shooting % was UNC helping the defense out.
Offensively, I feel the team has to set goals of 45% from the field, 38% from 3, and 75% from the FT line. I feel those are very realistic goals for this team. If they can consistently hit those numbers, they will contend for the conference title. Defensively, really not a lot to complain about from the UNC game. That was a very solid and consistent outing. I would like to see more shots contended inside. However, I feel the GRIZ are sacrificing inside shot contention for better defensive position to draw charges, and better defensive rebounding position. That is the main reason why the rebounding numbers are looking better, and Breunig stayed out of foul trouble in this game.
From this game, I hope we continue getting Gregory and Gfeller 8 plus 3 pt attempts minimum each. That would be 16 between the 2 of them. If we can get them a combined 20 attempts per game, I feel they could hit 8 consistently per game (40%clip). I also hope we utilize the attention that Breunig draws and have more plays run through him. His teammates are open often when the ball goes into him because he is such a good scorer. I am not sure what Travis wants from Dunn game to game, so it is hard for me to evaluate Dunn. I still think him taking the ball to the hole more frequently would be a huge help in the offense as well. Then again, maybe they are having him be more conservative to keep turnovers down and him out of foul trouble. I just hope as the season progresses we see more penetration from Dunn.
With the absence of Edmonds now, we need Gfeller to consistently be a double point scorer and do just what he did against UNC. After watching this game online, overall I am pretty pleased with what I saw. I feel the things that need improved on are rather easy to see. The nice thing is, execution and setting up plays are not the problem. The shots will fall at a little higher percentage if they just continue to do what Travis wants. Good job boys, let's get another big W against UND on Saturday. I hope we see the return of Weisner to give the boys another big perimeter threat, defender, and some help on the boards.
Defensively, I feel with the pace and style Travis prefers, they should aim for 70 PPG given up. The defense was fortunate that UNC shot so terrible from the FT line, 3 pt, and even normal fgs. Hard for me to imagine many opponents shooting that terrible. Even a great defense will give up a higher %. Yes, the defense was good, but much of the low shooting % was UNC helping the defense out.
Offensively, I feel the team has to set goals of 45% from the field, 38% from 3, and 75% from the FT line. I feel those are very realistic goals for this team. If they can consistently hit those numbers, they will contend for the conference title. Defensively, really not a lot to complain about from the UNC game. That was a very solid and consistent outing. I would like to see more shots contended inside. However, I feel the GRIZ are sacrificing inside shot contention for better defensive position to draw charges, and better defensive rebounding position. That is the main reason why the rebounding numbers are looking better, and Breunig stayed out of foul trouble in this game.
From this game, I hope we continue getting Gregory and Gfeller 8 plus 3 pt attempts minimum each. That would be 16 between the 2 of them. If we can get them a combined 20 attempts per game, I feel they could hit 8 consistently per game (40%clip). I also hope we utilize the attention that Breunig draws and have more plays run through him. His teammates are open often when the ball goes into him because he is such a good scorer. I am not sure what Travis wants from Dunn game to game, so it is hard for me to evaluate Dunn. I still think him taking the ball to the hole more frequently would be a huge help in the offense as well. Then again, maybe they are having him be more conservative to keep turnovers down and him out of foul trouble. I just hope as the season progresses we see more penetration from Dunn.
With the absence of Edmonds now, we need Gfeller to consistently be a double point scorer and do just what he did against UNC. After watching this game online, overall I am pretty pleased with what I saw. I feel the things that need improved on are rather easy to see. The nice thing is, execution and setting up plays are not the problem. The shots will fall at a little higher percentage if they just continue to do what Travis wants. Good job boys, let's get another big W against UND on Saturday. I hope we see the return of Weisner to give the boys another big perimeter threat, defender, and some help on the boards.
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