Our Big Man Situation

[citygriz]

I'm not one to criticize our coaches; they obviously know what they're doing. Their record speaks for itself.

But I must say, given how important Akoh is to our low-post game, I am baffled by the way our three freshman bigs are being used. Here's why.

Against Arizona, I thought Kelby Kramer showed real improvement; more, genuine promise. He was on the court for 30 minutes. In that time, he played credible defense, grabbed three rebounds, and picked up only two fouls. More than that, he looked like a genuine big man, with decent hops and a college-ready body. I came away quite encouraged.

But for the first two conference games, he's ridden the bench, while Mack Anderson has got most of the minutes.

Now Mack Anderson is gonna be a star, in the mold of so many other outstanding big men that the state of Montana has produced. Of that, I have little doubt.

But is he ready for the college game? Against both Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, he fouled out, first in 15 minutes, then in only ten. On defense, he seems over-eager, like he has to block every shot; he hasn't yet learned to let the game come to him. And as for a body, he's still got a high school body. He really could have used a redshirt year.

As for offense, I see no low-post game from either Anderson or Kramer, and this too baffles me. Both Krslovic and now Akoh have smooth low-post moves, and both have mastered the drop step. I mean, how hard is it to learn a good drop step move? You can google "Basketball: Drop Step" and see little kids being taught the drop step. This move is absolutely critical for any low-post player, and yet I see no evidence of it in either Kramer's or Anderson's game.

Pete Newell, the old Cal coach, for years had a Big Man camp--famously, that's where Shaq learned the drop-step. And though Newell passed away, his camp continues--not to mention several other big-man camps. I hope this off-season, our three young bigs can attend one of those camps, because all three have the physicality and athleticism needed to play the college game at exceptionally high levels.

Just not yet,the experience, or, apparently, the coaching.

 

[flatheadedgriz]

The bigs the BSC are able to recruit are the ones that need a bit of time to marinate. Not having a sophomore or junior as a back up hurts. I agree all three have potential in different ways. in a few years the Kramer, Anderson front line will be legit.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Coach DeCuire allocates their minutes based on matchups and situations. It's encouraging that each are getting critical developmental minutes, yet frustrating, not seeing one become a critical rotational contributor. They each have their positives and negatives.

Carter- He is big and strong. Has a nice touch from the perimeter, and can extend a defense. He's a solid rebounder and screen setter. He really needs to get down to 245 to 255 lbs and add a few post moves to rely on. That would give a lot of added speed and athleticism. His weight works against him in the style DeCuire prefers to play.

Kramer- He is difficult for me to evaluate. He moves awkwardly, yet surprisingly effective with his post defense. Size and weight are solid for Div 1 big. He just needs to add some coordination, strength, and better footwork. I'm not really sure what he is capable of offensively. He does work hard on the block, and when he does get position, he is not looked for very often. I really do hope, when the GRIZ have solid leads and he is playing, they work on getting him some post touches. I really do think, he can be a very good Div 1 defender and rebounder. I hope, it is a matter of him maturing physically with his coordination.

Anderson- Unfortunately for him, strength is not yet there. As for his athleticism, skills, upside, I love his potential. He looks the part of a Div 1 big. His movements are smooth and appear effortless. He has great hops, good quickness, great footwork, and even looks like he can become 3 level scorer (inside, outside, and penetrating). His body build and athleticism are a plus for him. He is an extremely hard worker. With a commitment to strength and just continually working on his overall game, I feel he can become a terrific Div 1 player. I do feel a redshirt year would have benefitted him and the program immensely. With that decision made, I really would do all I could to find him minutes. His athleticism will allow him to defend the 3,4, or 5. Meaning, he is able to team up with Akoh. I honestly would, have him matchup on the opposing weaker post players, and keep Akoh on the seasoned big men.


Right now, if the choice were mine, I feel Anderson has the most upside. At worse, he can be a versatile defender and rebounder, that runs the court well. I do hope they all 3 stay with the GRIZ.

 

[rosco]

I would expect better play from Kramer since he's had a redshirt/practice year. Did nothing against AZ in 30 minutes other than get scored on. Anderson is the only one that looks like he can be legit after he puts on some muscle and gets more experience.

 

[AZGrizFan]

“Needs to add coordination....” that might be the funniest thing I’ve ever read on eGriz.

 

[mtgrizrule]

“Needs to add coordination....” that might be the funniest thing I’ve ever read on eGriz.

There are a combination of drills, exercises, etc that can better coordination. I know 1st hand. I grew almost a foot one summer between 8th and 9th grade. It caused me to be very uncoordinated. Did a lot of hand eye and balance exercises the next year. It can be done. No reason that Kramer cannot improve his coordination.

 

[BelierPeaux]

“Needs to add coordination....” that might be the funniest thing I’ve ever read on eGriz.

There are a combination of drills, exercises, etc that can better coordination. I know 1st hand. I grew almost a foot one summer between 8th and 9th grade. It caused me to be very uncoordinated. Did a lot of hand eye and balance exercises the next year. It can be done. No reason that Kramer cannot improve his coordination.

If he has not already done that, or the coaching staff hasn't pushed him in that direction, then I have very little faith that we will see dramatic results over the next few seasons. I say that really hoping that he does come along, though.