What a win against WSU

[Chanson]

That second half was something else. I really didn't expect us to win, but not only did we win, we closed that team out in the end.
Hats off to Johnson & Braswell for a spectacular game plan. The usual suspects were shut down, but Daniels hitting those 3s was u expected & the Miners responded well.
While our shot percentage, 3pt defense, & free throws were fantastic, we still have a rebounding problem.
Willms- while he didn't seem to do much, his height & positioning helped to contain the paint.
Smith- Is still struggling what to do on defense, but he's a fighter & doesn't give up.
Thomas- he is filling in the center spot at times & that is not his game. We need a big man for him to repeat last year.
Flaggert- he's good on D. That's it
Frazier-5 star caliber offense, 3 star on D. Just keep shooting & rebounding.
Osborne- still trying to find his way. Just keep hustling.
Omega- he is back. Pun intended
Touchet- filler
Magee- good ball skills & vision, but he need to take open shots.
Gilyard- couldn't hit 3s, but made up for it with driving & free throws. I love this kid.
I think the other part to take note of is the discipline to not foul. Free throws, low fouls, good shooting percentage, & overall D helps make up for poor rebounding. That week we had off made a HUGE difference.

[kyyote]

I agree that it was a great game, and like you said, the put it away at the line.
I would argue that Touchet and Flagart do more than it seems.  I think both of them bring a little stability and cohesion when they are on the floor.  No flair but no drama, either.  Long enough to do what they need to do, hold down the fort and give someone a breather.  While they are instant offense, they aren't instant disaster either.  Pretty solid and excellent students to boot.

I give Wilms Hell because I think he could be so much more dominant that he is, but he does a decent job.   I believe his feet are much of the problem.  They hurt and get worse as the game goes on.  That probably has a lot to do with how he plays.  Vince Hunter beatings on his feet would last about 3 minutes.  Floyd always played around with lineups early on.  The team seems to be gelling just about the time it usually does.  I would say that this team will go as far as Wilm's feet will take it. 

[Minermojo]

A lot had to do that Floyd wasn't there to stymy their play. They were playing loose and it showed. Kudos to Johnson and Braswell for their change of style. It was reminiscent of the olden days when we were good. Can you believe those free throws? That is the best I have EVER seen and they had a lot to do with our win. I hope it keeps up. I saw Cager at the tunnel and I told him that it reminded me of how they (66 team) played, loose and having fun. He liked what I told him as it brought a big smile to his face.

I'm wondering if Gillard is that bad of a shooter. He was 1 of 8 from the field but he made up for it on the free throw line. Wow, he made them all. Now we know who to pass it too in close games when the other team resorts to fouling. Omega was no slouch either, he came through big time. I entirely enjoyed this game and I hope that it keeps up. Our defense played well, well enough to win. Those rascals from WS sure could shoot their 3s. At the half they were almost at 50%.

On to our next game.   

[liebestraum]

I was at the SHSU playoff game and was happy to see the Miners had won when I got home.  Here’s hoping they can keep up the good work.

lieb

[Chanson]

I also wanted to mention that Wade may have already checked out. The only time the kid stood up was during the time outs. When the Miners had big plays, the kid was not at all exited when we would come up with big plays like the rest of the bench.
The kid has the talent, but if you don't buy into the program, you hurt the team. We just can't have that.

[Ronstr]

Frazier needs to shoot when he has a shot. Kid can flat out light it up, but takes waaaaay too many bad shots. He is not Curry.
Wilms was out of position most of the first half. He was UNDER the backboard on many shots taken by WSU. Off to the side on many others (just basically standing at the baseline.) He might have been a little cautious coming back from injury. I honestly don't think his feet hurt that much. He just has a whiny face.
Gilyard CAN shoot. We got there an hour early and Mega and Gilyard were friggin deadly shooting 3s. In fact, I think we counted like 8 in a row at one point. Maybe he just gets too hped up in the games (being a freshman) and hasn't found the groove? Hell, one shot barely hit the backboard.

I read/heard somewhere that Wade might leave at the break. Sad if true. I really like this kid. I blame Johnson. Period.

[SisyphusMiner]

Gilyard CAN shoot. We got there an hour early and Mega and Gilyard were friggin deadly shooting 3s. In fact, I think we counted like 8 in a row at one point. Maybe he just gets too hped up in the games (being a freshman) and hasn't found the groove? Hell, one shot barely hit the backboard.

This is pretty common with freshmen, or really any player moving up (JV to varsity, etc.)  The speed of the game at this level comes as a surprise and freaks them out.  They feel they have to rush things, because they haven't learned yet how much space is appropriate and when they have enough time and don't.

There's really two options -- tell him to dial it back and only shoot when he knows he's open, or let him continue to jack it up until he stops panicking.  The second option probably gets him where you want him faster, but at a cost.  Tell him to slow the game down in his head.  Remember how spastic Omega was as a freshman?  He'll be fine.

[kyyote]

From what I could tell, he isn't lacking in confidence.  He doesn't seem to me to be overwhelmed by anything.  He just needs to settle in.  People are having to adjust to his passing.  Half the time they are surprised and not ready for it.  So, there is still a whole lot of getting familiar with these guys that has to be done.  If and when Gilyard gets his outside shooting going it will be huge.  All of a sudden they can't pack it in and Wilms has room to move.  Wilms is going to be Wilms.  Omega needs to realize that he has become too important to not be a major part of the offense.  Frazier does present an offensive punch we needed.  Frazier and Gilyard when he gets it going are going to make this team very dangerous.  Osborne is going to be a star.  He is getting up to speed and being surrounded by players of a bit higher talent level.  But, he will be very good. 

[Minermojo]

From what I could tell, he isn't lacking in confidence.  He doesn't seem to me to be overwhelmed by anything.  He just needs to settle in.  People are having to adjust to his passing.  Half the time they are surprised and not ready for it.  So, there is still a whole lot of getting familiar with these guys that has to be done.  If and when Gilyard gets his outside shooting going it will be huge.  All of a sudden they can't pack it in and Wilms has room to move.  Wilms is going to be Wilms.  Omega needs to realize that he has become too important to not be a major part of the offense.  Frazier does present an offensive punch we needed.  Frazier and Gilyard when he gets it going are going to make this team very dangerous.  Osborne is going to be a star.  He is getting up to speed and being surrounded by players of a bit higher talent level.  But, he will be very good.

Osbourne is athletic but all his shots were pathetic. He even had an air ball that's why his minutes were few. But, I can see his athleticism in the exhibition game a few weeks back. Good thing he's only a Sophomore, at least 3 more years to mature.

[Chanson]

Osborne is just needing confidence. He is not used to playing at this level. He will adjust and I'm betting he will come through mid way through conference play. The kid, for sure, has the skills to compete at this level. Until then, I am happy with the guard play. That is only going to hold for so long. The big guys (Willms, Smith, Flaggert & Thomas) need to step up.