wolfin1 said:
There are some that hold the view of you losing to Boise but not a majority. Consider me one of the worry-warts because I know almost nothing about Montana Basketball (which is why i'm on your board).
Aaahhhh...the truth comes out! :thumb:
Here you go:
#1 key for the Grizzlies in every single game they have played: Assists. This team is so unselfish and plays so much like a team. That is truly their strong point. It's also the reason why they shoot such a high percentage. They work the ball around and are willing to make the extra pass.
The Grizzlies have 19 wins when they hit the 16 assist mark. They haven't lost when they get past the 17 assist mark. Their shooting percentage truly follows that assist line.
I wouldn't expect it to change against a team like Nevada. There's no way the Griz can hang with the Pack based on talent alone. But if they play strong team ball, they can play with anybody.
Andrew Strait has been a huge player for the Griz this year. He is incredibly consistent down low. He doesn't do anything fancy, but he faces up, makes good moves to the basket and finishes. He's also got a nice touch on the hook shot to shoot over his usual taller defenders. Strait really learned how to pass out of double teams later in the season - almost to the point where he stopped looking to score. He really didn't look agressive and like his old self during the Big Sky Tournament.
Kevin Criswell and Virgil Matthews make up the heart of this team. They don't need to score to make huge impacts on the team.
Kevin is a scrappy player with all the intangibles you can't teach. He's not the most athletic guy out there, but he'll find ways to get it done. Really has improved on his shooting this year and is a dead-eye from outside if given open looks. He's got a great first step and has a nose for getting to the basket and then finishing. He's really good at getting to the free throw line. Both Matthews and Criswell have a nose for the ball. Both are excellent rebounding guards, are disruptive on the defensive end and generally have positive calming affects on the team.
Virgil is also a good slasher. He can get to the hole, doesn't hit the free throw line as much, but can make some acrobatic shots and is a better passer off the dribble than Kevin. Virgil's a little bigger and more athletic than Kevin and provides a better matchup against more athletic guards. He's a solid shooter as well.
Matt Dlouhy is long and athletic. He's an explosive leaper and has a good sense of getting blocks. Not very quick, but can still make some big plays on both ends of the court. Streaky shooter at times, but if he makes his first shot - watch out.
Jordan Hasquet has really come on as of late. He tends to have big games against big opponents. Hasquet is a redshirt freshman, but he plays solid basketball. Really has improved on his rebounding later in the season. He's depended on heavily for defense and often times has to play bigger than he actually is. He's got an excellent touch for a big man and is not afraid to shoot the 3. He won't take the ball strong very often, but with that soft touch, he can get some good turn around looks.
Brian Ellis is a quick little guard that can cause troubles for ballhandlers. He's intuitive and has fast hands, really good at making steals. He's also lightning quick with the ball and is by far the Grizzlies' best ball handler. He can break a press all by himself, but can try to do a little too much at times. The team tends to get a little stagnant and let Ellis create when he gets in the game.
Matt Martin is only a sophomore, but he was a huge contributor in last year's run. Quick release and a dangerous shooter from anywhere on the floor. Improved in his ball-handling skills last year, but still struggles with decision making at times. His reckless, impulsive play sparks the team though - so you take the good with the bad.
Mike Chavez is a scrappy garbage-man type player that comes off the bench now and then and gives Strait and Hasquet breathers. He's got that unteachable basketball intelligence and can make big plays on the offensive end. Works really hard, but sometimes doesn't stay within the teams' offensive or defensive scheme. Probably the best offensive rebounder on the team.
Kyle Sharp is the other big man that will come off the bench. He's a solid big man. He's a good rebounder, can get some points in spurts - but most importantly, he's physical on defense.
Stuart Mayes is the last guy who will see regular time for the Grizzlies. He's a smooth 6'5" guard/small forward who can knock down open shots and also create some on his own. Gives the Griz a good look on defense as well with his added height.
