Grizbacker1
Well-known member
5 Questions With A Montana Fan
Posted by Ian Ruder December 28, 2006 12:05
Vikings Blog: Why is a Montana team that was unanimously picked to finish in the top tier of the Big Sky still looking for its first road win?
The Grizzoulian: The Griz did pull off a win over Minnesota, their first over a Big 10 team, in the the Old Spice Classic but I don't think you could really consider Disney World a "hostile environment."
This team is lacking an identity and personality, something that is required to go on the road and play consistent ball. This is a relatively young team with a coach that is still feeling his way around. This team needs to get its chemistry down. I don't mean to say there is a TO type guy in the locker room somewhere; the chemistry is most lacking on the court. This team needs some flow and a consistent style of play.
Vikings Blog: What's the low down on the point guard situation? Cameron Rundles has been starting, Brian Ellis didn't play last Friday and I've never understood why Matt Martin doesn't play more?
The Grizzoulian: I'm not sure what's going on with BE. I've heard something like it's "a team deal," but I really am not sure what exactly that is. I know Tinks tends to be somewhat of an enforcer and will not tolerate players doing things they shouldn't be. He sat junior forward Stu Mayes earlier this season for what sounds like similar issues.
This team will be Cameron Rundles' for the next three seasons; whether or the team is his this season has yet to be seen. Cam is an extremely talented guard with all the essential tools for running the point. Besides being a good passer, Cam is athletic and big enough to penetrate and is also finding his shooting touch. The team seems to run a bit smoother and quicker with Cam as opposed to BE in the game. However, Cam is a freshman, and with most frosh he does make his freshman mistakes. Even as a freshman, he is already showing signs of being a leader. Just one anecdotal piece of evidence: in the practices and games I've seen Cam, more so than the other PGs, huddles up his guys before a foul shot.
Matt Martin. It's kind of tough to describe him. He reminds me, in a way, of Heat guard Jason Williams. He is very competitive and is certainly not lacking when it comes to confidence. He will put up his fair share of shots, whether he's making them or not. He is also a good passer with athleticism but doesn't run the ball quite as much as Cam. Matt Martin is a junior so he does have a better grasp of the offense and doesn't make quite as many mistakes as Cam does.
If it were up to me, I would give Cam the most time at the point.
(Note: The Missoulian reports that Ellis was suspended for one game but will be eligible tonight)
Vikings Blog: Who is the unknown player (if there is one) with the potential to catch Portland State fans off guard?
The Grizzoulian: Gus Chase. Gus is a great Juco transfer that hasn't seen too much playing time so far. This is because Tinks has had a hard time playing finding a spot for him. Gus isn't quite agile enough to play the 3 and the 4 and 5 spots seem to be pretty full. His build reminds me a little bit of Charles Barkley but he doesn't have the mobility Barkley did. Gus is only 6'5" but just finds ways to get things done. A lot of the shots he throws up look absolutely hideous but many find their way through the net. He manages to maneuver just enough to get his fair share of rebounds as well. Gus is still trying to get the offense down and does need a little improvement on the defensive end.
If Gus Chase gets a lot of minutes and doesn't get in foul trouble he could do a lot of damage.
Vikings Blog: Is Wayne Tinkle a good coach or is he just riding Larry Krystkowiak's coattails?
The Grizzoulian: It's hard to say. Riding someone's coattails normally denote a good deal of success and this young Griz team hasn't seen too much of that. "Riding the coattails" would be Bill Callahan taking the Raiders to Superbowl XXXVII.
Tinkle is a very different coach than LK. Larry Krystkowiak always put a fire under his team and was very good at making halftime adjustments that blew opposing teams out in the second half. Tinkle hasn't yet shown that he can provide the same emotional fire. Oh he can show a good deal of fire himself, being the enforcer he his, but he needs to transplant that enthusiasm in his players.
However, I have faith that Tinkle can lead this team to where it needs to be once conference play rolls around. He's been around here too long and this team is just too talented for the whole thing to go sour.
Vikings Blog: Is it hard to root for a coach named Tinkle?
The Grizzoulian: I'm not going to lie, sometimes it is. However, it's only a matter of time before students start bringing out signs with "I'm gonna piss on you" and Calvin (with salt and pepper hair) urinating on the opposing team's mascot on them.
http://portlandstatevikings.blogs.oregonlive.com/default.asp?item=405240
Posted by Ian Ruder December 28, 2006 12:05
Vikings Blog: Why is a Montana team that was unanimously picked to finish in the top tier of the Big Sky still looking for its first road win?
The Grizzoulian: The Griz did pull off a win over Minnesota, their first over a Big 10 team, in the the Old Spice Classic but I don't think you could really consider Disney World a "hostile environment."
This team is lacking an identity and personality, something that is required to go on the road and play consistent ball. This is a relatively young team with a coach that is still feeling his way around. This team needs to get its chemistry down. I don't mean to say there is a TO type guy in the locker room somewhere; the chemistry is most lacking on the court. This team needs some flow and a consistent style of play.
Vikings Blog: What's the low down on the point guard situation? Cameron Rundles has been starting, Brian Ellis didn't play last Friday and I've never understood why Matt Martin doesn't play more?
The Grizzoulian: I'm not sure what's going on with BE. I've heard something like it's "a team deal," but I really am not sure what exactly that is. I know Tinks tends to be somewhat of an enforcer and will not tolerate players doing things they shouldn't be. He sat junior forward Stu Mayes earlier this season for what sounds like similar issues.
This team will be Cameron Rundles' for the next three seasons; whether or the team is his this season has yet to be seen. Cam is an extremely talented guard with all the essential tools for running the point. Besides being a good passer, Cam is athletic and big enough to penetrate and is also finding his shooting touch. The team seems to run a bit smoother and quicker with Cam as opposed to BE in the game. However, Cam is a freshman, and with most frosh he does make his freshman mistakes. Even as a freshman, he is already showing signs of being a leader. Just one anecdotal piece of evidence: in the practices and games I've seen Cam, more so than the other PGs, huddles up his guys before a foul shot.
Matt Martin. It's kind of tough to describe him. He reminds me, in a way, of Heat guard Jason Williams. He is very competitive and is certainly not lacking when it comes to confidence. He will put up his fair share of shots, whether he's making them or not. He is also a good passer with athleticism but doesn't run the ball quite as much as Cam. Matt Martin is a junior so he does have a better grasp of the offense and doesn't make quite as many mistakes as Cam does.
If it were up to me, I would give Cam the most time at the point.
(Note: The Missoulian reports that Ellis was suspended for one game but will be eligible tonight)
Vikings Blog: Who is the unknown player (if there is one) with the potential to catch Portland State fans off guard?
The Grizzoulian: Gus Chase. Gus is a great Juco transfer that hasn't seen too much playing time so far. This is because Tinks has had a hard time playing finding a spot for him. Gus isn't quite agile enough to play the 3 and the 4 and 5 spots seem to be pretty full. His build reminds me a little bit of Charles Barkley but he doesn't have the mobility Barkley did. Gus is only 6'5" but just finds ways to get things done. A lot of the shots he throws up look absolutely hideous but many find their way through the net. He manages to maneuver just enough to get his fair share of rebounds as well. Gus is still trying to get the offense down and does need a little improvement on the defensive end.
If Gus Chase gets a lot of minutes and doesn't get in foul trouble he could do a lot of damage.
Vikings Blog: Is Wayne Tinkle a good coach or is he just riding Larry Krystkowiak's coattails?
The Grizzoulian: It's hard to say. Riding someone's coattails normally denote a good deal of success and this young Griz team hasn't seen too much of that. "Riding the coattails" would be Bill Callahan taking the Raiders to Superbowl XXXVII.
Tinkle is a very different coach than LK. Larry Krystkowiak always put a fire under his team and was very good at making halftime adjustments that blew opposing teams out in the second half. Tinkle hasn't yet shown that he can provide the same emotional fire. Oh he can show a good deal of fire himself, being the enforcer he his, but he needs to transplant that enthusiasm in his players.
However, I have faith that Tinkle can lead this team to where it needs to be once conference play rolls around. He's been around here too long and this team is just too talented for the whole thing to go sour.
Vikings Blog: Is it hard to root for a coach named Tinkle?
The Grizzoulian: I'm not going to lie, sometimes it is. However, it's only a matter of time before students start bringing out signs with "I'm gonna piss on you" and Calvin (with salt and pepper hair) urinating on the opposing team's mascot on them.
http://portlandstatevikings.blogs.oregonlive.com/default.asp?item=405240
