OK,
For those who went to the game, it was for sure a bit off to say the least. Neither team could get any rhythm, the refs seemed to be the best team on the court, and the UTEP coaching staff did everything but set themselves on fire to protest the refs calling flops and patty cake fouls.
Granted we had a few kids playing through injury, the Miners had some bright sides. Keep in mind, teams like Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, etc. play these exact type of teams and struggle. The idea is to get the new kids up to speed on working with each other, defense, and speed of the game. We have a lot of new kids and we also have kids nursing injuries. Injury report is Osborne (high ankle injury), Omega (back), Thomas (soar ankle), Frazier (nursing his knee), and Smith (coming off of a concussion).
All this being said our team fought through adversity and performed very well at times. Yes, the timing is still off, but perimeter defense was good, guard play was good, and some of our new kids look to be much better than the opposing experienced guards.
Let's start from the 1 to the 5.
Gilyard- This is our starting PG. The kid has great talent, he found team mates, he drove to the hoops, and hit the 3 ball when his team needed it. The kid also created his own shot at times.
McGee- The looked good as well. He hit some good shots and has good ball control. He doesn't quite have Gilyard talent (like drive to the rim), but he has a lot of up side.
Touchet- He had one good drive, but didn't play much and didn't shoot.
Omega- the kid could have driven any time he wanted, but nursed his back and got 10 assists. I hope he heals quickly.
Osborne- The kid had a high ankle sprain, but he played quick and did pretty good at the point at times. He is super athletic and very quick for his height. He will be fine
Frazier- He seemed to not move much at times, but had a few great drives and can really shoot the deep ball. I think this kid will really help after about 7 games.
Flaggert- While we all can agree his offense is in need of help, he is the best defender on the court. I just wish this guy would drive more and hit his shots with frequency.
Thomas- He seemed slower and fouled quickly because of it. He is also nursing an ankle. the kid will be fine.
Smith- Had some great drives, knows how to use his size in the paint, and can sink the free throws. Once he gets in better shape he will help a lot. I just hope coaches push him on defense and to look for the pass.
Willms- Sul Ross couldn't deal with his height so the fouled him and pushed him around. The kid needs to hit free throws, because he is going to get fouled a lot.
The Sul Ross's of the world are filled with shooters and ball handlers and they always cause head aches for big teams that have talent, but can't put communication together. I think the Miners outplayed the guards and produced when they needed to. The important thing is once they took the lead, they knew how to keep it and close it. That, to me, is more important than blowing out an inferior team with starters using bread and butter plays. I just hope our health gets better sooner than later, because this tournament in South Carolina will be creeping on us sooner than you think.
Go Miners
