preseason tourney impressions

[mtgrizrule]

Granted,I was not there live, but here is what I am thinking thus far based on the articles in the Missoulian and the Canadian papers.

Prior this tourney I wanted to see the following accomplished, (1) Improved rebounding (2) Improved defense (3) Lots of minutes for the new players (4) inside scoring. From what I seen in the paper 1-3 very much accomplished, with 2 hard to judge on paper. With Taylor possibly being better than expected. Also Stocktons assist numbers for his minutes are very impressive. With CET, Taylor, and Stockton it looks like we have no worries about ball distribution and running the court. Add Johnson to this mix with Staudachers shooting and that is a deadly guard rotation. Taylor can see minutes at 3 too. Ward appears to be BSC ready as a True Freshman. McGillis, Vassy, and Taylor will give us very good SF rotation too. Another positive, it appears the GRIZ have learned to keep the switch "ON" in being able to put away teams as expected. I think that is more due to the depth at all positions this year though. Now onto a few concerns.

Inside scoring consistency within the offensive design (not counting rebounds) appears to need improving. I am impressed with Qvales averages but by the sounds of it is productivity was more from his size advantage than the team getting him the ball consistently. It looks as if Selvig is more into shooting from the perimeter than scoring inside. With our Guards and sf's we do not need big men seeing and shooting that many 3's. With the exception being Hasquet when he is in the zone, he puts up points in bunches when on fire. Speaking of Hasquet, with Qvale and Selvig being so young, I hope we see him be willing to be our main inside scoring presence early in the year and when called on. To this stage in his career that is the one thing he has yet to prove on the court consistently. I am referring to him posting up and scoring inside, not rebounding. He has proven himself to me to be a very good rebounder. Sharp also will have to prove himself in this aspect, and become much more consistent.

Rebounding wise Vassy, McGillis, and Ward should help our bigs well rebounding. On paper this team looks great. It appears to have strengthened our weaknesses from last year. However, I see one HUGE achilles heel this year. Inside scoring has to be addressed collectively as a team, even if that means Hasquet doing it, or posting up our Guards and SF's if need be. They have plenty of time to work on this collectively, and come regular season we better see it. If not, we may be in for another roller coaster ride, with more highs than lows though.

 

[BelierPeaux]

Now what happens? Certainly the Griz don't get to keep practicing, do they? When does the team really get to start in full force?

 

[Grizbacker1]

I don't think McGillis or Taylor's numbers were any surprise, they are proven players. Tinks needed to get his younger guys plenty of court time so mission accomplished. Mslacat said in an earlier post that the level of competition wasn't going to be much, so the jury is still out as far as who can contribute this season. I do think some of the younger players will help a lot, but we won't know a lot until maybe 4-5 games into pre season imo. :twocents:

 

[mtgrizrule]

What are others opinions, good and bad of this years team? I am very happy with this roster as a whole. However, I am VERY concerned regarding consistent inside scoring within the offensive game plan. Feedback please.

 

[grizatwork]

Inside scoring is nice, but not as important as inside defense. The college game is designed around strong guard play and aggressive perimeter defense. Where this team needed to improve was perimeter defense, point guard play, and rebounding.

 

[Grizbacker1]

What are others opinions, good and bad of this years team? I am very happy with this roster as a whole. However, I am VERY concerned regarding consistent inside scoring within the offensive game plan. Feedback please.

The MOST important thing this year's team has that last year's didn't is C H E M I S T RY ! I don't care what players you have if you don't have chemistry you are not going to be successful. Tinks also has much better talent and depth. I think the Griz will compete for the BSC title and the league is probably better overall this year than last.

 

['68griz]

I'm looking forward to seeing this team in action. For the first time in many years, it sounds like this is actually a team that may "work."

 

[Stiletto]

I'm looking forward to seeing this team in action. For the first time in many years, it sounds like this is actually a team that may "work."

Don't forget the Krysko led team that almost made it to the sweet 16.

 

[GrizWhiz]

According to the live stats info, Michael Taylor was playing some pg. Given the potential strength/depth we seem to have at the 2 position (Stauds, Taylor and Johnson), I was glad to see this. I would like maximize the occasions where more than one of these guys are on the floor at the same time. It might also mean that Stockton gets a chance to redshirt.

 

[mtgrizrule]

According to the live stats info, Michael Taylor was playing some pg. Given the potential strength/depth we seem to have at the 2 position (Stauds, Taylor and Johnson), I was glad to see this. I would like maximize the occasions where more than one of these guys are on the floor at the same time. It might also mean that Stockton gets a chance to redshirt.

We all ready know City wants all Freshman to redshirt. I am pretty sure Ward will play this year and is more than ready. Moikobu (sp?) appears prepared to redshirt. As for Stockton it is a very difficult decision for him and Tinks. Mentally he should be ready and probably has more basketball knowledge than most FR PG's. Physically, reviews are that he backs down to nobody. IF Tinks can figure out how to get him 12 minutes per game, play him. Please do not sacrifice his redshirt year for very few minutes. The good thing is I am sure his family has pointed out to him that aRedshirt year this year would be better for him long term. I doubt he will have the mindset that Vanderjagt and Swift had when it came to the redshirting decision. Without him, CET and Taylor will provide very good minutes at PG. Add to McGillis and Hasquet being very good passing forwards, Johnson being a do it all type SG, and Staudacher argueably the best post entry passer, we do not have a glaring need for Stockton like we have in past years.

If Stockton plays this year, I hope Tinks knows it is only beneficial to everyone if this kid gets at least 12 minutes a GAME. If not, the hounds will be out to get Tinkle, and be more rabid than ever.

 

[grizvox]

Of course I'm prejudice but you have every right to be excited about this team. There is loads of potential and some exchangeable parts allowing the lineup to go big or small effectively. Four games in three days and three in 24 hours is a load but they found a way today against a scrappy Calgary team with a couple or three D-1 players. It was a good measuring stick and the experience will benefit the Griz down the line.
International rules with an eight second backcourt and a 24 second shot clock caused some problems and contributed to some higher than normal turnover numbers. The trapazoid key also is interesting but I only remember one 3 second call. Referees also resfuse to call an offensive charge.
It will be an enjoyable and successful year.
Mick

 

[Grizbacker1]

Of course I'm prejudice but you have every right to be excited about this team. There is loads of potential and some exchangeable parts allowing the lineup to go big or small effectively. Four games in three days and three in 24 hours is a load but they found a way today against a scrappy Calgary team with a couple or three D-1 players. It was a good measuring stick and the experience will benefit the Griz down the line.
International rules with an eight second backcourt and a 24 second shot clock caused some problems and contributed to some higher than normal turnover numbers. The trapazoid key also is interesting but I only remember one 3 second call. Referees also resfuse to call an offensive charge.
It will be an enjoyable and successful year.
Mick

Thanks Mick!

 

[Mslacat]

Trivia

Can anybody name any other year, that the first basketball game of the year took place BEFORE, the first Football game?

As for the game, boy these games have upset written all over them. The Griz had talent on their side, but the home court, travel, experience, practice time, 4 games in 48 hours, and team chemistry all went to the Canadian teams. For the Griz to go there and get things done is a big plus. The timing of the games benefits the returnees (including redshirts) in the fact they should have the best stats, knowing the system and Tinkle they had the best opportunity to excel in the games, but in the long term this tourney will help the new players the most by giving them and the coaches a preview of what is to come. The biggest advantage as GB1 said will be team chemistry.

Just reading the box scores I think almost everyone had a real good tourney, it is hard to translate the stats and make any bold predictions about the team other than what was more commonly know. McGillis and Hasquet will be the heart and sole of this team on and off the court. The team will be deep, and multifaceted. The only real question I have - and maybe if I could have seen the game I would feel different - is what Selvig's role will be.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

This isn't a concern per se, but we'll need some scoring from the point guard position this year. Ceylon needs to at least pose a threat from beyond the arc to free up the guys who want to shoot the three. I hope he thinks like a scorer this season.

 

[westsider]

Very difficult to say where this team will go after the Calgary tournament. The only "competition" this week-end was from the host school, a team that would not finish in the top half of the Big Sky. Tinks said his guys found a way to "gut things out"?? Let's see his team "gut things out" this year @CSU, @Duke, @Fresno before we get too excited about their performance to date. Here's hoping for a great year of Griz hoops, but this early season "exhibition" does not give us much insight into how we will fare vs. D1 teams beginning 11/14/08.

 

[Grizbacker1]

Very difficult to say where this team will go after the Calgary tournament. The only "competition" this week-end was from the host school, a team that would not finish in the top half of the Big Sky. Tinks said his guys found a way to "gut things out"?? Let's see his team "gut things out" this year @CSU, @Duke, @Fresno before we get too excited about their performance to date. Here's hoping for a great year of Griz hoops, but this early season "exhibition" does not give us much insight into how we will fare vs. D1 teams beginning 11/14/08.

So if we don't beat DUKE on the road they aren't "gutting it out". What Tinks was speaking to was playing 4 games in 2 days. I guess someone has to look for anything negative, lord knows the FB forum has plenty of em.

 

[BelierPeaux]

OK, I will ask again. Now what? Do they get to keep practicing? Do they have a hiatus for a while? What's next for Griz BBall?

 

[mtgrizrule]

OK, I will ask again. Now what? Do they get to keep practicing? Do they have a hiatus for a while? What's next for Griz BBall?

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. To my knowledge they cannot have any coach organized practices until October. However, with that said, I am sure the coaches told each and every player what to work on individually and as a team until then. Basically they will be having player ran open gyms. The likes of Sharp, Hasquet, CET, and McGillis have been told what to do and how to do it. Pretty much same as any year, only this year everyone knows more specifically what to work on now. They got a 2 month jump on preseason and are much more prepared this year. This should eliminate 2 weeks of conditioning, basic fundamentals, and play/set review. They can get to the nuts and bolts of game preparation and team play much sooner when the season begins again.

 

[Mslacat]

OK, I will ask again. Now what? Do they get to keep practicing? Do they have a hiatus for a while? What's next for Griz BBall?

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. To my knowledge they cannot have any coach organized practices until October. However, with that said, I am sure the coaches told each and every player what to work on individually and as a team until then. Basically they will be having player ran open gyms. The likes of Sharp, Hasquet, CET, and McGillis have been told what to do and how to do it. Pretty much same as any year, only this year everyone knows more specifically what to work on now. They got a 2 month jump on preseason and are much more prepared this year. This should eliminate 2 weeks of conditioning, basic fundamentals, and play/set review. They can get to the nuts and bolts of game preparation and team play much sooner when the season begins again.

The players are not allowed to practice /or be given instructions by the coaches until October 17th, the first day of basketball practice. The players though are now undergoing "preseason conditioning", usually the same time as practices will be later. Preseason conditioning can mean a lot of things but usually entails a lot of running, weight lifting, and some pick up ball all supervised by a member(s) of the athletic staff. In most program players HATE "preseason conditioning".

 

[Tanker]

Actually, they are allowed to be coached by coaches. The limitations are on how many athletes are in the gym. The time is spent doing individual drills that better their games. Respectfully differing, many athletes like this time because of the interactions with the coaching staff and fellow players. It is easier to bond with the coaches because there is not the added pressure of playing time, etc. Every player is the focus during these drills as compared to the season when much of the emphasis is on the starters.