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Going into Kentucky....
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ClemsonBrad Offline
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Post: #1
Going into Kentucky....
Well this has been a VERY rough last two games. I didn't see the Denver one but have a good feel after reading recaps and y'alls play by play. These are two games where everyone should share a little blame...the players and coaches. The defense especially is VERY surprising. When do you all remember Belmont looking THIS bad on defense? I know both teams we faced shot well...but there is way too many wide open looks for them. We look lost at times. That falls on coaching as well with just not having a very good game plan in place vs SDSU or Denver.

I think we are seeing now that this team on a given night can beat a North Carolina if everyone is healthy and we are hitting our shots, but then at the same time we can lose by 30 to another mid-major team when we are banged up and off on offense and defense. Overall, we were spoiled the last 2-3 years with the past Belmont teams. This team this year is not as deep, and frankly, not as good right now...

JJ Mann has nights/games where he can put the whole team on his shoulder and look like a superstar and be Mr. Clutch. Then there is nights he will go 1-12 and hoist way too many shots up. Kerron and Ian were such consistent go-to guys last year, and it is really hard to replace their efforts. Kerron could drive against anyone and draw fouls. Ian could create his own shot and hit it from anywhere. We frankly really miss both of them so far.

As good as Drew Windler is with his shooting touch, he is little slower and can not create his own look as well, but if you set him up wide open, you have to love your chances.

Bradshaw is turning the ball over too much right now, but I still love the potential with this kid. I like his confidence and think he can be a big time impact player for us.

Overall, as bad as we have looked lately, and we may get DRILLED this weekend, I still think the future is bright. Assuming EVERYONE Is healthy in the new year, Reece can run the point guard well and make things happen. Bradds is going to get better every game and hopefully limit his fouls as well. I also love watching Caleb dribble and once he is hitting his jumpers more, he could really be a valuable piece off the bench. We just need to be fully healthy and run our game, which is a deep rotation of quality players. The coaching staff on our team and talent there is too good not for this team to get better and better as the year goes on . I still love our chances in the OVC and also, I love our chances at getting in the big dance again.
12-18-2013 11:51 AM
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BruinsFan31 Offline
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Post: #2
RE: Going into Kentucky....
While I can't recall many times when I have been discouraged as a Belmont fan, in the few times that I have, it seems our team has responded with a resilient effort. Two specific games come to mind. Last year in the OVC championship we took several blows, which I thought were knockout punches. When Stacy (Murray State) hit that three to put Murray up 7 with 3 minutes to play, I thought we were toast. However, our guys never quit and we found a way to pull off IMO the most exciting win in our history. The other discouraging moment was against Indiana State this year. We trailed as much as 19 in the first half and were down by 16 at halftime. After a poor performance against Lip scum (beating the Bison by only 3 points) and a loss to Richmond, my outlook for the 2013/14 was bleak. I remember walking into the Vince Gill room with my head down. Talking amongst some fans, everyone agreed this was going to be a rough year. One half of play later we had rallied back from 16 down to beat a good ISU team and 3 days later we were 3-1 with a win over #12 UNC. This year has been somewhat of a roller coaster for our team. I know we have been plagued with injuries, but with a healthy team (that Rick Byrd is comfortable coaching and having on the floor) I think we have a lot of potential. Heading into Kentucky, I am not sure our guys will have the same pep in there step as they did earlier in the season. However, I'm confident that Rick will have a game plan and will be able to rally the squad. I think we have seen the best of this team and the worst of this team already this year.

With another few days of rest, I think Evan will be back to 100%. JJ is a little beat up (at least that's what I keep hearing), but you know he will come to play in a big game like UK and we need to run the offense through him. While Craig has been fantastic and he is definitely our most explosive player and probably has the most upside, I think its going to be hard for us to find success with him running the point. We need Reece penetrating and dishing to Craig on the wing, where he is most effective. Reece's ability to get in the lane and force the d collapse enables Craig and his quick first step to take advantage of defenses that are slow to rotate, causing chaos for opposing defenses. I think this is why we have struggled to space the floor in recent games and why our recent opponents have shut down the three.

I am so pumped for the game Saturday. Unfortunately I will not be in attendance due to a wedding, but will definitely be watching it on ESPNU. Here is to getting back on track and pulling off another huge upset. Lets just hope Kentucky gets our best.

Go Bruins!
(This post was last modified: 12-18-2013 04:27 PM by BruinsFan31.)
12-18-2013 04:25 PM
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T-W Offline
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RE: Going into Kentucky....
You do mean this Drew Windler who can't creste for himeself...http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=69jubU803Q0

I think if Drew was to be allowed some more freedom he'd be 16/18 ppg game guy. He's more skilled than he's shown this season in my opinion.

Having JJ back healthy will hopefully help this team and his shot and defense. His gambling for steals did not pay off this last road trip. His limp was obvious and it clearly impacted his game.

I think Craig is our most consistent player on both ends of the court. His confidence shines through and he doesn't play scared to make a mistake. Moreover, you don't see Craig take poor shots. He gets to the paint or takes his open jumpers.

Hopefully Evan can maintain his effectiveness inside against the undeniable size of Kentucky. His footwork is superb. Also, him and Drew share the ball so well from the post.
12-18-2013 10:44 PM
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ClemsonBrad Offline
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RE: Going into Kentucky....
(12-18-2013 10:44 PM)T-W Wrote:  You do mean this Drew Windler who can't creste for himeself...http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=69jubU803Q0

I think if Drew was to be allowed some more freedom he'd be 16/18 ppg game guy. He's more skilled than he's shown this season in my opinion.

Having JJ back healthy will hopefully help this team and his shot and defense. His gambling for steals did not pay off this last road trip. His limp was obvious and it clearly impacted his game.

I think Craig is our most consistent player on both ends of the court. His confidence shines through and he doesn't play scared to make a mistake. Moreover, you don't see Craig take poor shots. He gets to the paint or takes his open jumpers.

Hopefully Evan can maintain his effectiveness inside against the undeniable size of Kentucky. His footwork is superb. Also, him and Drew share the ball so well from the post.


Most of this clip is Drew shooting from the 3 point line with not much dribbling and rolls to the basket...and what is the talent level he is playing against here? I guess what I'm saying is, from what I have seen in the actual Belmont games playing against the competition we have seen so far, I have not seen him create his own shot much from the outside. Most everything has been created from a screen and roll back behind the 3 point line...and that's not necessarily a bad thing....it's working when he has a great look, but if he is not getting open and it's up to Drew to get his own shot off by himself, it can be a struggle I believe. There are times he has looked good in the paint though, but I think Drew's best strengths are giving him an open look and not relying on him to make his own offense. Back to my original point, we just don't have the same amount of guys who can make things happen on their own like last year.

Let's Shock the World Tomorrow!!
12-19-2013 11:02 AM
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BruinsFan31 Offline
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Post: #5
RE: Going into Kentucky....
I agree with you Clemson that he has not been able to create his own shot this year, but from the video T-Q posted it is clear that he can. And that was actually against some high quality talent. That was a semi pro team up in Milwaukee. The teams have a lot of transfer players who were forced to sit out a season due to eligibility reasons. Several of the players in the league were from schools like Marquette, Pitt and teams like that. As far as our guys making things happen...I think we have it we just need Reece back and Craig on the wing.
(This post was last modified: 12-19-2013 11:28 AM by BruinsFan31.)
12-19-2013 11:26 AM
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T-W Offline
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RE: Going into Kentucky....
Its the Milwaukee ProAm. Such names on rosters included NBA'r Wes Mathews, former Louisville guard Jerry Smith, current Tar Heel JP Tokoto, as well all Marquette players. Id say there are probably worst summer proams to play in, but it certainly isnt the NC ProAm or the Goodman League.

Furthermore,I think Windler is a certified basketball skills trainer, much like Drew Hanlen, and given a bode ofconfidence I'm sure he could make his skills set work more frequently.

I guess my overall point is I don't think he is even looking to create for himself and needs to it more frequently in order to do it with the same level of confidence we see in that video. There are very few 6' 9" players with the skill set shown in that video, regardless of competition. Plus I think it would benefit the team, especially if JJ, Craig or another scorer aren't particularly hot.


03-cloud9
(12-19-2013 11:02 AM)ClemsonBrad Wrote:  
(12-18-2013 10:44 PM)T-W Wrote:  You do mean this Drew Windler who can't creste for himeself...http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=69jubU803Q0

I think if Drew was to be allowed some more freedom he'd be 16/18 ppg game guy. He's more skilled than he's shown this season in my opinion.

Having JJ back healthy will hopefully help this team and his shot and defense. His gambling for steals did not pay off this last road trip. His limp was obvious and it clearly impacted his game.

I think Craig is our most consistent player on both ends of the court. His confidence shines through and he doesn't play scared to make a mistake. Moreover, you don't see Craig take poor shots. He gets to the paint or takes his open jumpers.

Hopefully Evan can maintain his effectiveness inside against the undeniable size of Kentucky. His footwork is superb. Also, him and Drew share the ball so well from the post.


Most of this clip is Drew shooting from the 3 point line with not much dribbling and rolls to the basket...and what is the talent level he is playing against here? I guess what I'm saying is, from what I have seen in the actual Belmont games playing against the competition we have seen so far, I have not seen him create his own shot much from the outside. Most everything has been created from a screen and roll back behind the 3 point line...and that's not necessarily a bad thing....it's working when he has a great look, but if he is not getting open and it's up to Drew to get his own shot off by himself, it can be a struggle I believe. There are times he has looked good in the paint though, but I think Drew's best strengths are giving him an open look and not relying on him to make his own offense. Back to my original point, we just don't have the same amount of guys who can make things happen on their own like last year.

Let's Shock the World Tomorrow!!
12-20-2013 12:04 AM
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ClemsonBrad Offline
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Post: #7
RE: Going into Kentucky....
(12-20-2013 12:04 AM)T-W Wrote:  Its the Milwaukee ProAm. Such names on rosters included NBA'r Wes Mathews, former Louisville guard Jerry Smith, current Tar Heel JP Tokoto, as well all Marquette players. Id say there are probably worst summer proams to play in, but it certainly isnt the NC ProAm or the Goodman League.

Furthermore,I think Windler is a certified basketball skills trainer, much like Drew Hanlen, and given a bode ofconfidence I'm sure he could make his skills set work more frequently.

I guess my overall point is I don't think he is even looking to create for himself and needs to it more frequently in order to do it with the same level of confidence we see in that video. There are very few 6' 9" players with the skill set shown in that video, regardless of competition. Plus I think it would benefit the team, especially if JJ, Craig or another scorer aren't particularly hot.


03-cloud9
(12-19-2013 11:02 AM)ClemsonBrad Wrote:  
(12-18-2013 10:44 PM)T-W Wrote:  You do mean this Drew Windler who can't creste for himeself...http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=69jubU803Q0

I think if Drew was to be allowed some more freedom he'd be 16/18 ppg game guy. He's more skilled than he's shown this season in my opinion.

Having JJ back healthy will hopefully help this team and his shot and defense. His gambling for steals did not pay off this last road trip. His limp was obvious and it clearly impacted his game.

I think Craig is our most consistent player on both ends of the court. His confidence shines through and he doesn't play scared to make a mistake. Moreover, you don't see Craig take poor shots. He gets to the paint or takes his open jumpers.

Hopefully Evan can maintain his effectiveness inside against the undeniable size of Kentucky. His footwork is superb. Also, him and Drew share the ball so well from the post.


Most of this clip is Drew shooting from the 3 point line with not much dribbling and rolls to the basket...and what is the talent level he is playing against here? I guess what I'm saying is, from what I have seen in the actual Belmont games playing against the competition we have seen so far, I have not seen him create his own shot much from the outside. Most everything has been created from a screen and roll back behind the 3 point line...and that's not necessarily a bad thing....it's working when he has a great look, but if he is not getting open and it's up to Drew to get his own shot off by himself, it can be a struggle I believe. There are times he has looked good in the paint though, but I think Drew's best strengths are giving him an open look and not relying on him to make his own offense. Back to my original point, we just don't have the same amount of guys who can make things happen on their own like last year.

Let's Shock the World Tomorrow!!


I agree. I'd love to see him be more assertive. We could use another guy out there like that right now.
12-20-2013 10:13 AM
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