Griz v. Sac State

[UMGriz75]

In Gregory, Kemp, Dunn, and Deshields we have some guys that play hungry. At least tonight they have.

Everybody played much better tonight. Hutch got some points and some rebounds. This was his best game so far. Not great, but improving. Weisner and Gfeller: solid. Andy? Wayne was over talking to him, during the game, after he took him out. The body language was interesting. He wants the kid to succeed, and he's trying to figure out how to make it work.

 

[mtgrizrule]

In Gregory, Kemp, Dunn, and Deshields we have some guys that play hungry. At least tonight they have.

Everybody played much better tonight. Hutch got some points and some rebounds. This was his best game so far. Not great, but improving. Weisner and Gfeller: solid. Andy? Wayne was over talking to him, during the game, after he took him out. The body language was interesting. He wants the kid to succeed, and he's trying to figure out how to make it work.

In postgame, Wayne said he knows Andy will come along.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

Just back from the game: Great game from Kemp. Inspired, physical play kick-starting himself first on defense. Great line:

10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, one block. What was not so obvious is that he kept his man from getting the pass in the key. Played huge in the paint.

I'm encouraged.

 

[UMGriz75]

Well, it's been a while since I could enjoy a Griz football or basketball game that was not a careening, wild ride of extraordinary ups, extraordinary downs, over-the-top individual performances that either saved the day or came close, and decided everything in the last minute or overtime.

This was a solid game by a team that played much more as a team than against NAU. And Sac State was having some of the very good shooting that NAU enjoyed early on. But that got shut down by a very good defensive effort, the best this season. Nothing looked ad hoc, it all looked well-planned and well-executed.

NAU was a better team than Sac State. But UM clearly got their act together here.

 

[UMGriz75]

Gregory was the star. 20 points. On three pointers, on inside dribbling, on free throws. Adding in key passes and steals, Gregory produced 28-32 points. He is by far the most versatile and productive player on this team.

That kid loves basketball.

Typographical error.

That kid lives basketball.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Gregory was the star. 20 points. On three pointers, on inside dribbling, on free throws. Adding in key passes and steals, Gregory produced 28-32 points. He is by far the most versatile and productive player on this team.

That kid loves basketball.

Typographical error.

That kid lives basketball.

Safe to say he loves basketball too. Wayne said tonight he named Gregory as one of the captains before this game. I thought he already was. What took so long? Gregory is my favorite GRIZ player the last 2 seasons. I also hope to be adding Kemp to the list as the season progresses.

 

[mtgrizrule]

I am late to posting this but our guards (Gregory, Dunn, Deshields, Jamar) all had an Anthony Johnson and Will Cherry attitude tonight. They all played tough as nails defense. They were determined to take the ball to the hole and create points or fouls. All our bigs went up with the ball stronger too, Weisner, Martin, Hutchison, Kemp all looked like new players this game. Defense was tough as nails as well. My favorite plays were Kemp's block and Deshields steal in the paint. Dude turned around for a post move and Keron took the ball out of his hands just like a RB getting a handoff.

Those boys busted ass on the glass too and actually looked like they all wanted that ball. I am not sure what was said or done, but the coaches and players appear to finally be on the same page on what it will take this season. Every player played with passion and confidence tonight. That needs to continue. Good to see our GRIZ back.

 

[zengriz]

...tink'z...
...coaches...
...nice game...

... ...

 

[temp]

Great job Tinks! That was a great job managing the team. As it has been said, they looked like a team tonight. For the first time this year they looked like a unit both on the court and off.

He has always had success by cutting the bench down and basically playing 7 or 8 guys come conference time and it looked like that was the plan again after thursday game. I think if he had stuck to that model with this team it would have crushed them. Wayne and the staff stepping away from what had always worked and trying something different this early was a smart and bold move. He should be proud of his decision and proud of his boys who did not let him down. Not one kid was a liability out there last night, they all played good. Hopefully this is the start of a trend.

Better mention this because I have lead the charge in b**ching about it...Emerson finally got his chance! I was pleased to see that and to see him play very good. He looked liked the player I have been hearing about. Smart, fundamentally sound, good rebounder with a smooth shooting stroke. Between the scrimmages and last night when we have gotten our looks at him, he has done nothing that would make you believe he doesn't belong at this level, with this team and on the floor. Good job Nick!

ok, gush-fest over

 

[UMGriz75]

Gregory was the star. 20 points. On three pointers, on inside dribbling, on free throws. Adding in key passes and steals, Gregory produced 28-32 points. He is by far the most versatile and productive player on this team.

Wayne said tonight he named Gregory as one of the captains before this game. I thought he already was. What took so long? Gregory is my favorite GRIZ player the last 2 seasons. I also hope to be adding Kemp to the list as the season progresses.

I was a little puzzled about the captain thing too.

Mick mentioned that Jordan had been working on that inside dribble and layup all offseason. He's not a natural at it like Jamar but he showed how hard work and dedication can overcome the absence of basic developed skillset. He was doing inside work against Sac State that we never saw last season. A couple of rough spots, but my gosh, he was going in and getting there, finding "the crease." I think that game was a confidence builder for that part of his game. He'll be "big" there from here on out.