What Stands Out For The 19/20 Team?

[mtgrizrule]

To me, the unity, togetherness, and teamwork stand out with this team. In my opinion, this team plays for one another, with one another, better than any GRIZ team in the last 15 years. This team is too young to do what they are doing. However, what they lack in experience and years are made up for in truly playing together as a team. I've actually thought this for awhile, but have held off posting it, being I wanted to see if they could consistently do it. We are at the point in the season, where it has become consistent.

Why do I think this? I watch how many possessions the GRIZ find themselves with open shots with team execution, then compare our opponents shot selection. The majority of the time, the GRIZ find themselves with good to perfect shot selections. Meanwhile, our opponents consistently struggle to find open shots. At worse, the opponents force the likes of Sayeed or Manuel to create for themselves and settle for contested shots, both of which convert at a good rate. It is very difficult for opponents to get open looks against the GRIZ Defense.

This GRIZ team has learned the importance of terrific team defense, intensity, and never taking a possession off. When this team does struggle, it is usually a matter of the shots just not falling. It is very seldom because of lack of execution and/or teamwork. For me to now think and believe this, even makes this year's GRIZ even more amazing. After the loss to MT Tech, I felt this team would struggle the 1st half of conference play, and possibly find itself at the end of conference play. I honestly was preparing myself for no better than a 4 seed, with many offensive struggles.

Fast forward to now, this team is the best in the conference, plays clamp down defense, and executes the offense very smoothly. They just know what to do when, how to do what needs to be done, and it doesn't matter who is putting up the points. All they care about is getting the best shots possible and challenging the opponents to find open shots. If and when the referees let teams play, this team wins by double digits consistently. If and when the officials are whistle happy, an opposing player goes off for huge numbers, and the game is tighter than expected. Even then, this team has learned to play through questionable officiating, obstacles, and/or bad breaks.

Speaking of bad breaks, how much will Timmy Fall's injury impact this team? Timmy's intensity, ball distribution, and defense will be challenging to replace. With that said, I believe this team can overcome it. Sayeed, Manuel, and Vazquez take over ball distribution roles. Vazquez and Egun pick up their defensive roles, and score when needed. No matter how long Falls is out, this team will use it as motivation, "Play for Timmy".

This year is hand's down DeCuire's best coaching job yet. This young of a team isn't supposed compete for conference championships. Thankfully, the leadership of this staff, Pridgett, Manuel, and Samuelson have the youth believing in the team and themselves. Keep it up guys!!! I'd love to see a NCAA tournament run to send out Sayeed with. What he has done this season, deserves just that!

 

[Gaeilge1]

I agree with everything you said! However I also see areas that need improvement. The two things that come most to mind are fouls and rebounding.

Rebounding, particularly proper rebound positioning does not appear to be a high priority for this team, preferring to get back on defense rather than contest under the boards. While either strategy can work in the BSC, the Griz will have trouble winning in the post season without improvement in rebounding.

The foul totals speak for themselves. The Griz, and for that matter, a lot of other teams have to get used to the increased attention being paid to moving screen violations this year. It may be more prevalent for the Griz because their offense revolves around the screen game. It seems like there are 4 or 5 moving screen calls a night!

Other than these two issues I love the way this team plays defense and is unselfish on offense. Timmy's injury is a concern mainly on defense, but this team can compensate and they will be better as a result when he gets back.

 

[GrizLA]

To me, the unity, togetherness, and teamwork stand out with this team. In my opinion, this team plays for one another, with one another, better than any GRIZ team in the last 15 years. This team is too young to do what they are doing. However, what they lack in experience and years are made up for in truly playing together as a team. I've actually thought this for awhile, but have held off posting it, being I wanted to see if they could consistently do it. We are at the point in the season, where it has become consistent.

Why do I think this? I watch how many possessions the GRIZ find themselves with open shots with team execution, then compare our opponents shot selection. The majority of the time, the GRIZ find themselves with good to perfect shot selections. Meanwhile, our opponents consistently struggle to find open shots. At worse, the opponents force the likes of Sayeed or Manuel to create for themselves and settle for contested shots, both of which convert at a good rate. It is very difficult for opponents to get open looks against the GRIZ Defense.

This GRIZ team has learned the importance of terrific team defense, intensity, and never taking a possession off. When this team does struggle, it is usually a matter of the shots just not falling. It is very seldom because of lack of execution and/or teamwork. For me to now think and believe this, even makes this year's GRIZ even more amazing. After the loss to MT Tech, I felt this team would struggle the 1st half of conference play, and possibly find itself at the end of conference play. I honestly was preparing myself for no better than a 4 seed, with many offensive struggles.

Fast forward to now, this team is the best in the conference, plays clamp down defense, and executes the offense very smoothly. They just know what to do when, how to do what needs to be done, and it doesn't matter who is putting up the points. All they care about is getting the best shots possible and challenging the opponents to find open shots. If and when the referees let teams play, this team wins by double digits consistently. If and when the officials are whistle happy, an opposing player goes off for huge numbers, and the game is tighter than expected. Even then, this team has learned to play through questionable officiating, obstacles, and/or bad breaks.

Speaking of bad breaks, how much will Timmy Fall's injury impact this team? Timmy's intensity, ball distribution, and defense will be challenging to replace. With that said, I believe this team can overcome it. Sayeed, Manuel, and Vazquez take over ball distribution roles. Vazquez and Egun pick up their defensive roles, and score when needed. No matter how long Falls is out, this team will use it as motivation, "Play for Timmy".

This year is hand's down DeCuire's best coaching job yet. This young of a team isn't supposed compete for conference championships. Thankfully, the leadership of this staff, Pridgett, Manuel, and Samuelson have the youth believing in the team and themselves. Keep it up guys!!! I'd love to see a NCAA tournament run to send out Sayeed with. What he has done this season, deserves just that!

I agree this team is playing better than anyone expected but to say they are the best BSC team right now is to overlook Northern Colorado, of all teams, whose youthful players match the Griz and whose main scorer will be considered, along with Sayeed, as POY. The Griz meet them in a couple of weeks so that could be the best game of the year. Can't wait to see the BSC tourney. It is wide open and I doubt there will be a clear favorite. UM plays with too much inconsistency, alas. I guess it all depends upon who makes the 3 pt shots. UM seems to have given up rebounding, and that needs to be addressed while North Colorado relies upon the 3 pt shot and Radebeigh (?) slices like Pridgett, as well. Good match up.

 

[Grizbballfan14]

To me, the unity, togetherness, and teamwork stand out with this team. In my opinion, this team plays for one another, with one another, better than any GRIZ team in the last 15 years. This team is too young to do what they are doing. However, what they lack in experience and years are made up for in truly playing together as a team. I've actually thought this for awhile, but have held off posting it, being I wanted to see if they could consistently do it. We are at the point in the season, where it has become consistent.

Why do I think this? I watch how many possessions the GRIZ find themselves with open shots with team execution, then compare our opponents shot selection. The majority of the time, the GRIZ find themselves with good to perfect shot selections. Meanwhile, our opponents consistently struggle to find open shots. At worse, the opponents force the likes of Sayeed or Manuel to create for themselves and settle for contested shots, both of which convert at a good rate. It is very difficult for opponents to get open looks against the GRIZ Defense.

This GRIZ team has learned the importance of terrific team defense, intensity, and never taking a possession off. When this team does struggle, it is usually a matter of the shots just not falling. It is very seldom because of lack of execution and/or teamwork. For me to now think and believe this, even makes this year's GRIZ even more amazing. After the loss to MT Tech, I felt this team would struggle the 1st half of conference play, and possibly find itself at the end of conference play. I honestly was preparing myself for no better than a 4 seed, with many offensive struggles.

Fast forward to now, this team is the best in the conference, plays clamp down defense, and executes the offense very smoothly. They just know what to do when, how to do what needs to be done, and it doesn't matter who is putting up the points. All they care about is getting the best shots possible and challenging the opponents to find open shots. If and when the referees let teams play, this team wins by double digits consistently. If and when the officials are whistle happy, an opposing player goes off for huge numbers, and the game is tighter than expected. Even then, this team has learned to play through questionable officiating, obstacles, and/or bad breaks.

Speaking of bad breaks, how much will Timmy Fall's injury impact this team? Timmy's intensity, ball distribution, and defense will be challenging to replace. With that said, I believe this team can overcome it. Sayeed, Manuel, and Vazquez take over ball distribution roles. Vazquez and Egun pick up their defensive roles, and score when needed. No matter how long Falls is out, this team will use it as motivation, "Play for Timmy".

This year is hand's down DeCuire's best coaching job yet. This young of a team isn't supposed compete for conference championships. Thankfully, the leadership of this staff, Pridgett, Manuel, and Samuelson have the youth believing in the team and themselves. Keep it up guys!!! I'd love to see a NCAA tournament run to send out Sayeed with. What he has done this season, deserves just that!

I agree this team is playing better than anyone expected but to say they are the best BSC team right now is to overlook Northern Colorado, of all teams, whose youthful players match the Griz and whose main scorer will be considered, along with Sayeed, as POY. The Griz meet them in a couple of weeks so that could be the best game of the year. Can't wait to see the BSC tourney. It is wide open and I doubt there will be a clear favorite. UM plays with too much inconsistency, alas. I guess it all depends upon who makes the 3 pt shots. UM seems to have given up rebounding, and that needs to be addressed while North Colorado relies upon the 3 pt shot and Radebeigh (?) slices like Pridgett, as well. Good match up.

I'd agree that Northern Colorado is the 2nd best team in the conference, but I think the Griz are slightly better than them despite the loss in Greely.

Last time around, the ball got stagnant offensively and we weren't working as hard as we usually do at moving without the ball. Since then, everyone has done a much better job at staying engaged offensively and keeping defenses honest.

It also depends on how physical the refs let the game be. If they let them play, Northern Colorado has no answer for Pridgett defensively. If I recall correctly, last time around Pridgett wasnt able to establish a post presence offensively because of some early foul trouble.

 

[MikeyGriz]

How quickly and completely the three freshmen have meshed with the team. Truly Travis' best coaching effort so far.

 

[DPGriz]

To me, the unity, togetherness, and teamwork stand out with this team. In my opinion, this team plays for one another, with one another, better than any GRIZ team in the last 15 years. This team is too young to do what they are doing. However, what they lack in experience and years are made up for in truly playing together as a team. I've actually thought this for awhile, but have held off posting it, being I wanted to see if they could consistently do it. We are at the point in the season, where it has become consistent.

Why do I think this? I watch how many possessions the GRIZ find themselves with open shots with team execution, then compare our opponents shot selection. The majority of the time, the GRIZ find themselves with good to perfect shot selections. Meanwhile, our opponents consistently struggle to find open shots. At worse, the opponents force the likes of Sayeed or Manuel to create for themselves and settle for contested shots, both of which convert at a good rate. It is very difficult for opponents to get open looks against the GRIZ Defense.

This GRIZ team has learned the importance of terrific team defense, intensity, and never taking a possession off. When this team does struggle, it is usually a matter of the shots just not falling. It is very seldom because of lack of execution and/or teamwork. For me to now think and believe this, even makes this year's GRIZ even more amazing. After the loss to MT Tech, I felt this team would struggle the 1st half of conference play, and possibly find itself at the end of conference play. I honestly was preparing myself for no better than a 4 seed, with many offensive struggles.

Fast forward to now, this team is the best in the conference, plays clamp down defense, and executes the offense very smoothly. They just know what to do when, how to do what needs to be done, and it doesn't matter who is putting up the points. All they care about is getting the best shots possible and challenging the opponents to find open shots. If and when the referees let teams play, this team wins by double digits consistently. If and when the officials are whistle happy, an opposing player goes off for huge numbers, and the game is tighter than expected. Even then, this team has learned to play through questionable officiating, obstacles, and/or bad breaks.

Speaking of bad breaks, how much will Timmy Fall's injury impact this team? Timmy's intensity, ball distribution, and defense will be challenging to replace. With that said, I believe this team can overcome it. Sayeed, Manuel, and Vazquez take over ball distribution roles. Vazquez and Egun pick up their defensive roles, and score when needed. No matter how long Falls is out, this team will use it as motivation, "Play for Timmy".

This year is hand's down DeCuire's best coaching job yet. This young of a team isn't supposed compete for conference championships. Thankfully, the leadership of this staff, Pridgett, Manuel, and Samuelson have the youth believing in the team and themselves. Keep it up guys!!! I'd love to see a NCAA tournament run to send out Sayeed with. What he has done this season, deserves just that!

I agree this team is playing better than anyone expected but to say they are the best BSC team right now is to overlook Northern Colorado, of all teams, whose youthful players match the Griz and whose main scorer will be considered, along with Sayeed, as POY. The Griz meet them in a couple of weeks so that could be the best game of the year. Can't wait to see the BSC tourney. It is wide open and I doubt there will be a clear favorite. UM plays with too much inconsistency, alas. I guess it all depends upon who makes the 3 pt shots. UM seems to have given up rebounding, and that needs to be addressed while North Colorado relies upon the 3 pt shot and Radebeigh (?) slices like Pridgett, as well. Good match up.

I'd agree that Northern Colorado is the 2nd best team in the conference, but I think the Griz are slightly better than them despite the loss in Greely.

Last time around, the ball got stagnant offensively and we weren't working as hard as we usually do at moving without the ball. Since then, everyone has done a much better job at staying engaged offensively and keeping defenses honest.

It also depends on how physical the refs let the game be. If they let them play, Northern Colorado has no answer for Pridgett defensively. If I recall correctly, last time around Pridgett wasnt able to establish a post presence offensively because of some early foul trouble.

I think we are playing better than NoCo right now (and anyone else in the BSky) but they've probably had a better season than us. With that said, our improvement is what stands out to me this year.

 

[Grizbballfan14]

To me, the unity, togetherness, and teamwork stand out with this team. In my opinion, this team plays for one another, with one another, better than any GRIZ team in the last 15 years. This team is too young to do what they are doing. However, what they lack in experience and years are made up for in truly playing together as a team. I've actually thought this for awhile, but have held off posting it, being I wanted to see if they could consistently do it. We are at the point in the season, where it has become consistent.

Why do I think this? I watch how many possessions the GRIZ find themselves with open shots with team execution, then compare our opponents shot selection. The majority of the time, the GRIZ find themselves with good to perfect shot selections. Meanwhile, our opponents consistently struggle to find open shots. At worse, the opponents force the likes of Sayeed or Manuel to create for themselves and settle for contested shots, both of which convert at a good rate. It is very difficult for opponents to get open looks against the GRIZ Defense.

This GRIZ team has learned the importance of terrific team defense, intensity, and never taking a possession off. When this team does struggle, it is usually a matter of the shots just not falling. It is very seldom because of lack of execution and/or teamwork. For me to now think and believe this, even makes this year's GRIZ even more amazing. After the loss to MT Tech, I felt this team would struggle the 1st half of conference play, and possibly find itself at the end of conference play. I honestly was preparing myself for no better than a 4 seed, with many offensive struggles.

Fast forward to now, this team is the best in the conference, plays clamp down defense, and executes the offense very smoothly. They just know what to do when, how to do what needs to be done, and it doesn't matter who is putting up the points. All they care about is getting the best shots possible and challenging the opponents to find open shots. If and when the referees let teams play, this team wins by double digits consistently. If and when the officials are whistle happy, an opposing player goes off for huge numbers, and the game is tighter than expected. Even then, this team has learned to play through questionable officiating, obstacles, and/or bad breaks.

Speaking of bad breaks, how much will Timmy Fall's injury impact this team? Timmy's intensity, ball distribution, and defense will be challenging to replace. With that said, I believe this team can overcome it. Sayeed, Manuel, and Vazquez take over ball distribution roles. Vazquez and Egun pick up their defensive roles, and score when needed. No matter how long Falls is out, this team will use it as motivation, "Play for Timmy".

This year is hand's down DeCuire's best coaching job yet. This young of a team isn't supposed compete for conference championships. Thankfully, the leadership of this staff, Pridgett, Manuel, and Samuelson have the youth believing in the team and themselves. Keep it up guys!!! I'd love to see a NCAA tournament run to send out Sayeed with. What he has done this season, deserves just that!

I agree this team is playing better than anyone expected but to say they are the best BSC team right now is to overlook Northern Colorado, of all teams, whose youthful players match the Griz and whose main scorer will be considered, along with Sayeed, as POY. The Griz meet them in a couple of weeks so that could be the best game of the year. Can't wait to see the BSC tourney. It is wide open and I doubt there will be a clear favorite. UM plays with too much inconsistency, alas. I guess it all depends upon who makes the 3 pt shots. UM seems to have given up rebounding, and that needs to be addressed while North Colorado relies upon the 3 pt shot and Radebeigh (?) slices like Pridgett, as well. Good match up.

I'd agree that Northern Colorado is the 2nd best team in the conference, but I think the Griz are slightly better than them despite the loss in Greely.

Last time around, the ball got stagnant offensively and we weren't working as hard as we usually do at moving without the ball. Since then, everyone has done a much better job at staying engaged offensively and keeping defenses honest.

It also depends on how physical the refs let the game be. If they let them play, Northern Colorado has no answer for Pridgett defensively. If I recall correctly, last time around Pridgett wasnt able to establish a post presence offensively because of some early foul trouble.

I think we are playing better than NoCo right now (and anyone else in the BSky) but they've probably had a better season than us. With that said, our improvement is what stands out to me this year.

I'd agree with that. Everytime this team has a few days to practice and work on things, they seem to improve significantly. The game at Cheney the Thursday after the loss in Greeley comes to mind as a perfect example of this.

We're a young team that's getting better every week.