I am disappointed in the loss, but not in the team. They played hard. The difference was Weber State shooting lights out from way DOWNTOWN, and us not being able to hit from the outside. I do have a few observations.
(1) Qvale was causing problems for Weber State and was the most effective big we had tonight. Granted he missed a few easy shots. However, he was creating shots or getting fouled. I would not have pulled him the 2nd half and continued to feed him. What happened to getting the ball inside in general? McGillis was causing some problems inside early too. Defense was also much more effective with Qvale in there. We were struggling and he was a bright spot. The hot hand or mismatch philosophy has to apply to bigs just as much as guards.
(2) Speaking of guards, Stauds was as off as we have ever seen his shot tonight. I would have given Michael Taylor more minutes and shots tonight the 2nd half too. Taylor was the more effecient and effective 2, 3 swing player tonight. That includes McGillis. I think we should have gone with the more effective players tonight. Meaning rotation of CET, AJ, Michael Taylor, and Qvale getting the majority of minutes in the 2nd half. It seemed like they were the only guys that looked comfortable out there tonight. Hasquet, Sharp, Stauds, and McGillis were very disappointing and off tonight.
(3) We really missed Selvig's length and versatility tonight, especially defensively. He is also a much better ball distributor and mismatch offensively. We are definitely a better and deeper team with Selvig.
(4) Weber State is scary good with a very bright future too. Bullinger and Lilliard both are Freshman with all conference games. I feel Lilliard has a legit shot at the NBA. I hope Tinks learned something on developing young talented players tonight. We have a boat load of them, and yes I feel it will be crucial for the GRIZ to get minutes for the likes of Cherry, Woods, and Hutchison as soon as we know they are or are not redshirting. Our incoming Freshman are as highly rated as Lilliard and Bullinger were when they were recruited. Those 2 are Weber State's present and future.
As long as Rahe coaches and those 2 are at WSU they will be a pain in our asses for the next 3 years. We bettter get them in the tournament this year. These guys can and will only get better.
Despite the loss, I love this team. I just hope it rejuvenates them and Tinkle notices some things I did regarding inside play, and the play of Taylor and Qvale in particular. On to ISU now, GO GRIZ!!!!!!!!
and a huge game against ISU on Saturday. Weber is the real deal. They were easily the better team tonight.