Without Criswell the Griz have little margin for error

[Sweetwyne]

After watching the Cat game it is apparent that the role players for the Griz will really have to step up and do a better job of making plays. Right now Criswell is the only players that could "win" a game.

For this reason.....

The only guy on the Griz that has the ability to shoulder the burden is Criswell. However, teams have really been ganging up on him and everyone should know that Kevin is a good shooter when he comes off screens or gets a good open look. He buries the shot most of the time.

Now teams are really ratcheting of the defense on him and Kevin is a much poorer shooter when forced to create his on shot or shoot with significnat defensive pressure.

Since the Griz have no pure scorers right now (everyone is merely a complimentary player) Kevin will never be able to get the looks he needs.

Players like Dhouly, Seyfert, Straight, Martin are very solid in a complimentary roles. They all have the ability to go for around 15 some night. But they dont have the everyday performence to bring a teams focus on them.

 

[Sweetwyne]

I forgot to mention that IF Davis gets eligible, IF he maintains his weight and conditioning, IF he plays hard, IF he is not very rusty then he will be an enormous addition for the griz. He will provide a legitimite Big Sky post prescence wich should open up Criswell a little bit.

 

[BARN BALL]

I forgot to mention that IF Davis gets eligible, IF he maintains his weight and conditioning, IF he plays hard, IF he is not very rusty then he will be an enormous addition for the griz. He will provide a legitimite Big Sky post prescence wich should open up Criswell a little bit.

I would not be surprized if Davis and Criswell are all conference and I am a Davis and Criswell fan. But fortunately the coaches are getting some effective play from the 2 freshman and the soph and most interesting the two rather large Jrs are becoming a force although it would have been nice to have Kamarr shoot the one and one. I wonder what Kamarr's role will be when he returns and how soon.

 

[WILD_CAT]

After watching the Cat game it is apparent that the role players for the Griz will really have to step up and do a better job of making plays. Right now Criswell is the only players that could "win" a game.

For this reason.....

The only guy on the Griz that has the ability to shoulder the burden is Criswell. However, teams have really been ganging up on him and everyone should know that Kevin is a good shooter when he comes off screens or gets a good open look. He buries the shot most of the time.

Now teams are really ratcheting of the defense on him and Kevin is a much poorer shooter when forced to create his on shot or shoot with significnat defensive pressure.

Since the Griz have no pure scorers right now (everyone is merely a complimentary player) Kevin will never be able to get the looks he needs.

Players like Dhouly, Seyfert, Straight, Martin are very solid in a complimentary roles. They all have the ability to go for around 15 some night. But they dont have the everyday performence to bring a teams focus on them.

Very similiar case to the MSU Bobcat team of last year. Erickson was (THE STUD) one of the few that could really take over a game and win it just by himself. I think teams are figuring that out with the Griz and starting to throw doubles teams/traps his way and take their chances with the younger guys. Its up to the younger guys to take advantage of that opportunity.

 

[barkley]

No way could Criswell win a game. Man that's a joke. He's a good player don't get me wrong, but you're assumption is just crazy. Montana will do well because they play as a "team", and that's the only reason for right now. I honestly enjoy watching them play, because it is basic team ball that is being played night in and night out. I like Criswell's game as much as the next griz supporter, but get real when evaluating talent.

 

[Ballhog]

The Griz will rise and fall as a team. Personally, I think that they have the talent to win the league if team chemistry can be molded for peak performance. Criswell is a hustler,at times he shoots very well. His downside is that he often forces shots,is not quick enough to to get open against a quick defender, and appears to avoid passing the ball to open teamates.Davis,Martin,Strait,Deloey,and others can play enough of a role
to generate a team that can make it to the Dance. Criswell is a hustler but by himself he is just another player.

 

[sdgriz1]

How can you say that the griz depend that much on criswell after the sac state game. He had around ten points i think, shot the ball ok. I wouldnt say ten points can carry a team, the griz are all about the team, i like it.

 

[Montana Gym Rat]

I think its kind of funny how there's been a sudden in flow of one-time posters.

I think Sweetwyne's point was based on the way the game against MSU ended. It seemed that Criswell was the only player who was going to shoulder the responsibility and try to win the game. I think Kamarr is the only other guy with this ability, but he wasn't playing when the post was made.

Sdgriz1, its safe to assume you're a Martin fan from South Dakota. I think Martin and Strait are going to be those type of players in the future, but they aren't there yet. There's a certain amount of experience needed to establish yourself in those situations.

Martin really needs to take that Sac State game and learn from it. He let the more athletic guys get to him. He's going to be playing against guys like that for the rest of his career and he's got to adapt.

I think Criswell took a huge step forward last weekend. He didn't force shots against Sac, and his percentage shows it. When other players are hitting buckets, you don't need to force it. He did a lot of good things besides scoring over the past weekend. But when the game is on the line, he and Davis need the ball in their hands.