Small, but important tweek

[mtgrizrule]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

 

[LivingstonNative]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

I’m with you. Oke only got 6 minutes in Saturdays game. Mac is hurt and I don’t know why he didn’t get more minutes. The way I see it, the big guys need to get more rotations so they don’t get into foul trouble.

 

[MissoulaMarinerFan]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

I’m with you. Oke only got 6 minutes in Saturdays game. Mac is hurt and I don’t know why he didn’t get more minutes. The way I see it, the big guys need to get more rotations so they don’t get into foul trouble.

I though Oke did well. Grabbed some boards and played tight D - NAU's big fella Towt had his way with whoever was guarding him.

 

[oldrunner]

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

This I agree with 100%.

It's going to come down to who is hot in March.

The only certainty is uncertainty.

The 1 and 2 seeds will have a slight advantage, but only slight. Anything can, and often does, happen on neutral courts.

I hope the final is WSU/UM. It would be another clasic.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

You are exactly right, Rule. In our conference, the only thing that matters is the tournament. On a neutral floor.

The best coaches are playing the long game, experimenting with different looks, sets, personnel and rotations. All in preparation for Boise.

I think Nap and Oke will both figure into Travis’ game plan.

 

[IdaGriz01]

You are exactly right, Rule. In our conference, the only thing that matters is the tournament. On a neutral floor.

The best coaches are playing the long game, experimenting with different looks, sets, personnel and rotations. All in preparation for Boise.

I think Nap and Oke will both figure into Travis’ game plan.

Yep. The regular season is only about not playing an "extra" game in the tournament. The last time I can find when the Big Sky had even a sniff at a second bid was in 2012-2013. Weber won 24 D-I games and gained some national recognition. But they got bumped from the conference tournament (by the Griz :thumb: ). Some figured WSU would get an at-large bid. They didn't ... nor did they even get a bid to the NIT.

 

[mtgrizrule]

Bump.....Indeed Oke's minutes have increased. Coincidentally, with the GRIZ winning 6.of the last 7.
I love what this kid brings to the team. He plays solid position defense, rebounds, hustles, and a nose for the ball.

Of late, I've noticed he has quick strong hands for steals. Imagine this kid, if he can contribute more offensively. I'm hoping he is back next season. All he has to do is work on his offensive game.

Great to see, other GRIZ fans are beginning to appreciate him too.

 

[uptopgriz]

Bump.....Indeed Oke's minutes have increased. Coincidentally, with the GRIZ winning 6.of the last 7.
I love what this kid brings to the team. He plays solid position defense, rebounds, hustles, and a nose for the ball.

Of late, I've noticed he has quick strong hands for steals. Imagine this kid, if he can contribute more offensively. I'm hoping he is back next season. All he has to do is work on his offensive game.

Great to see, other GRIZ fans are beginning to appreciate him too.

Hustles but you can't have someone on the floor that is limited offensively like he is. There were several times sac did not even guard him.

 

[Dillon]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

I would say Oke and Mac are Dennis Rodman types & or course is was a BIG part of the Chicago Bulls success! :thumb:

 

[mtgrizrule]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

I would say Oke and Mac are Dennis Rodman types & or course is was a BIG part of the Chicago Bulls success! :thumb:

Bingo. Last year, when Mac went down, we had nobody to fill his role. The team defense wasn't close to as good, as with Anderson.

As for Oke, he's got more muscle. Physically, he can get better offensively. My hope, in the off-season, he works with a big man coach. If not a coach, commits to adding an offensive game to his game.

To take it a step further, maybe Thomas adds rebounding and defense to his game. He is plenty capable. I think they can learn from one another. Hopefully Bannan's off season dedication influences both these guys. No doubt, Bannan is dedicated to improving his game.

In my opinion, Bannan and Jordan Gregory have improved themselves the most of any Griz player,in the last 15 to 20 years. Add in the work ethic of Moody, returning players just may have little choice, but to match Bannan and Moody. That's assuming Bannan doesn't transfer and Moody indeed gets another year.

I feel, all the factors and dynamics are in place. I won't be surprised to see Oke become a key piece next season. Then again, I also like intangible type players.

 

[uptopgriz]

Is needed for the Griz to win the Big Sky tournament.

This year, the conference is proving to be anyone's to win. There's very little separation between the top and bottom. Most games will be decided by less than 7 points, regardless of records, standings, etc.

It comes down to creating extra possessions and limiting opponents from extra possessions. I feel, Oke is the only role player, capable of giving the team a few extra possessions and limiting opponent's extra possessions. He's solid defensively. He's a plus on the boards. He's always near the ball, creating tips, bobbles, securing rebounds, etc. He's better on the boards than Anderson. We need the intangibles he brings. Continue to use Mac's minutes and or create more minutes for him. His knack for keeping possessions alive is impressive. Even 1 extra possession a game will decide many games.

I'm hoping, DeCuire experiments more with Oke's minutes and role. Even if it's just in games when the shots aren't consistently falling. In those games, extra possessions are even more important. I'd love to see Oke with no less than 15 minutes, just to see what a difference it makes.

At the very least, it's worth a try.

I would say Oke and Mac are Dennis Rodman types & or course is was a BIG part of the Chicago Bulls success! :thumb:

You're comparing Oke to an NBA Hall of Famer and one of greatest rebounders ever? That's some funny shit there.

 

[Mousegriz]

always thought of Mack as a Rodman type....

 

[mtgrizrule]

Terrific article on Oke. I was right, his + - is high.

https://406mtsports.com/college/big-sky-conference/university-of-montana/laolu-oke-has-been-unsung-hero-for-montana-grizzlies-during-run-to-big-sky-tournament/article_df801ce8-b8ca-11ed-96b1-db7ba0e30650.html