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(11-30-2017 08:50 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:11 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

I don’t believe this is true at all about the rotation. Duke has 4 guys playin over 32 minutes, 1 at 25, and the rest are 13.1 minutes or below. Short rotations can work, it’s all about how you’ve built your team and the style you want to play.

Duke is on TV every night. They have more timeouts for rest breaks, and they are averaging 48 ppg in the paint, and not as dependent on rest for their shooter's legs.

(11-30-2017 01:37 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:11 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

Interesting. I'm not sure I agree with you. I don't think either guy has proven they deserve minutes in a close game.

And remember, Gene didn't always go very deep. A lot of times, he kept it pretty tight at 7-8 except in rare instances.

Andersons style allows you to play more guys. But I'm not convinced its "better" just because we had some good seasons.

I think Rob is going to be reluctant to use either unless foul trouble necessitates. (In close games)

I think our top 3 are a lot better than the next 2.

And, without foul trouble, you can go 33,30 and 17 minutes.(80 total)

Foul trouble is a reality though.

Despite Gueyes two 3 pointers in one game, I'm not convinced he makes us better at the 3 or the 4.

He has lots of upside so he was a great signee. And we will absolutely need him this year.
Smallwood, I'm just not sure. Seems to be a great kid with a great attitude but I have not seen even a hint of Allen Ogg in him.

It is not all about offense. We are vulnerable in the paint (on the defensive end of the court). Winning games is all about "defense". Gueye and Smallwood are ideal tall's who could be placed in the middle of the lane on the defensive end of the court. There is no question in my mind that these two would be quite effective in altering and/or blocking shots in the lane. There is nothing I like seeing more than for opposing teams having problems scoring down low and for us to bring down one defensive rebound after the next to regain possession of the ball. I'm not saying do it all of the time. I am just saying utilize these two guys to specifically wreak havoc in the lane on the defensive end of the court even if it is for only several minutes at a time. "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!".

Okay, i can start looking through every team in the country.

Memphis has 7 guys who play 15+ minutes
Auburn has 8.
La tech and Mtsu have 7.

You don’t have to roll ten deep for 15-20 minutes each to be a successful team. We have 7 over 15 minutes, and lavender is just a shade under 15, that make up our main rotation.

(11-30-2017 09:38 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:37 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:11 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

Interesting. I'm not sure I agree with you. I don't think either guy has proven they deserve minutes in a close game.

And remember, Gene didn't always go very deep. A lot of times, he kept it pretty tight at 7-8 except in rare instances.

Andersons style allows you to play more guys. But I'm not convinced its "better" just because we had some good seasons.

I think Rob is going to be reluctant to use either unless foul trouble necessitates. (In close games)

I think our top 3 are a lot better than the next 2.

And, without foul trouble, you can go 33,30 and 17 minutes.(80 total)

Foul trouble is a reality though.

Despite Gueyes two 3 pointers in one game, I'm not convinced he makes us better at the 3 or the 4.

He has lots of upside so he was a great signee. And we will absolutely need him this year.
Smallwood, I'm just not sure. Seems to be a great kid with a great attitude but I have not seen even a hint of Allen Ogg in him.

It is not all about offense. We are vulnerable in the paint (on the defensive end of the court). Winning games is all about "defense". Gueye and Smallwood are ideal tall's who could be placed in the middle of the lane on the defensive end of the court. There is no question in my mind that these two would be quite effective in altering and/or blocking shots in the lane. There is nothing I like seeing more than for opposing teams having problems scoring down low and for us to bring down one defensive rebound after the next to regain possession of the ball. I'm not saying do it all of the time. I am just saying utilize these two guys to specifically wreak havoc in the lane on the defensive end of the court even if it is for only several minutes at a time. "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!".

Gueye has 15 fouls in 54 minutes. Let’s not worry about this fact though.

(11-30-2017 09:38 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:37 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:11 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

Interesting. I'm not sure I agree with you. I don't think either guy has proven they deserve minutes in a close game.

And remember, Gene didn't always go very deep. A lot of times, he kept it pretty tight at 7-8 except in rare instances.

Andersons style allows you to play more guys. But I'm not convinced its "better" just because we had some good seasons.

I think Rob is going to be reluctant to use either unless foul trouble necessitates. (In close games)

I think our top 3 are a lot better than the next 2.

And, without foul trouble, you can go 33,30 and 17 minutes.(80 total)

Foul trouble is a reality though.

Despite Gueyes two 3 pointers in one game, I'm not convinced he makes us better at the 3 or the 4.

He has lots of upside so he was a great signee. And we will absolutely need him this year.
Smallwood, I'm just not sure. Seems to be a great kid with a great attitude but I have not seen even a hint of Allen Ogg in him.

It is not all about offense. We are vulnerable in the paint (on the defensive end of the court). Winning games is all about "defense". Gueye and Smallwood are ideal tall's who could be placed in the middle of the lane on the defensive end of the court. There is no question in my mind that these two would be quite effective in altering and/or blocking shots in the lane. There is nothing I like seeing more than for opposing teams having problems scoring down low and for us to bring down one defensive rebound after the next to regain possession of the ball. I'm not saying do it all of the time. I am just saying utilize these two guys to specifically wreak havoc in the lane on the defensive end of the court even if it is for only several minutes at a time. "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!".

I think Smallwood should play 15-20 minutes a night. The Fastest 40 wouldn't have been possible without Gabe Kennedy's defensive presence at the back of the trap, and Gabe was no speedster.

And we need to have a BIG set, to force mismatches for Cokley & Haha.

Smallwood,
Cokley or Sullivan
Haha or Gueye
Lavender
Bryant

(11-29-2017 08:59 PM)UABfan1 Wrote:  Ok the actual line is out. This is from sportsline.

UAB -4.5. Opened at -3.5.


Memphis @ UAB

UAB -4.5

OPEN: -3.5
-------------------
I don't wager on sports but I always like to compare what I guess to the actual line.

Those bookies have kenpom subscriptions and I don't.

I will be happy with a 1 point win with no time left on the clock from a free throw.

But, if this team plays to their potential, we can send tubbys boys home with a 15+ point loss.

Should be higher than that, seriously. Yall, plus the handicappers don't realize how bad this Memphis team really is. Ain't the same ole Memphis team ya'll are use to seeing. UAB by 10....Leaving for Orlando tomorrow, so it's all good.

(11-30-2017 10:11 AM)wylioats Wrote:  

(11-29-2017 08:59 PM)UABfan1 Wrote:  Ok the actual line is out. This is from sportsline.

UAB -4.5. Opened at -3.5.


Memphis @ UAB

UAB -4.5

OPEN: -3.5
-------------------
I don't wager on sports but I always like to compare what I guess to the actual line.

Those bookies have kenpom subscriptions and I don't.

I will be happy with a 1 point win with no time left on the clock from a free throw.

But, if this team plays to their potential, we can send tubbys boys home with a 15+ point loss.

Should be higher than that, seriously. Yall, plus the handicappers don't realize how bad this Memphis team really is. Ain't the same ole Memphis team ya'll are use to seeing. UAB by 10....Leaving for Orlando tomorrow, so it's all good.

Y'all are 3-1. I'm not sure our guys would beat a team of Junior High kids if the game gets tight.

AND

Good Luck In Orlando !

Any word on Norton and Gueye’s availability after sitting out the last game?

Norton is expected to play

(11-30-2017 09:49 AM)BlazerPhil Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 09:38 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:37 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:11 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

Interesting. I'm not sure I agree with you. I don't think either guy has proven they deserve minutes in a close game.

And remember, Gene didn't always go very deep. A lot of times, he kept it pretty tight at 7-8 except in rare instances.

Andersons style allows you to play more guys. But I'm not convinced its "better" just because we had some good seasons.

I think Rob is going to be reluctant to use either unless foul trouble necessitates. (In close games)

I think our top 3 are a lot better than the next 2.

And, without foul trouble, you can go 33,30 and 17 minutes.(80 total)

Foul trouble is a reality though.

Despite Gueyes two 3 pointers in one game, I'm not convinced he makes us better at the 3 or the 4.

He has lots of upside so he was a great signee. And we will absolutely need him this year.
Smallwood, I'm just not sure. Seems to be a great kid with a great attitude but I have not seen even a hint of Allen Ogg in him.

It is not all about offense. We are vulnerable in the paint (on the defensive end of the court). Winning games is all about "defense". Gueye and Smallwood are ideal tall's who could be placed in the middle of the lane on the defensive end of the court. There is no question in my mind that these two would be quite effective in altering and/or blocking shots in the lane. There is nothing I like seeing more than for opposing teams having problems scoring down low and for us to bring down one defensive rebound after the next to regain possession of the ball. I'm not saying do it all of the time. I am just saying utilize these two guys to specifically wreak havoc in the lane on the defensive end of the court even if it is for only several minutes at a time. "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!".

I think Smallwood should play 15-20 minutes a night. The Fastest 40 wouldn't have been possible without Gabe Kennedy's defensive presence at the back of the trap, and Gabe was no speedster.

And we need to have a BIG set, to force mismatches for Cokley & Haha.

Smallwood,
Cokley or Sullivan
Haha or Gueye
Lavender
Bryant

I totally agree with you that we need to have a BIG set. It not only forces mismatches for Cokley and/or Haha and/or Sullivan, but it also adds to "rebounding on both ends of the court" and to "defense in the paint".

I like Smallwood, but if you think we're better at defense or rebounding with him in the paint, you're delusional. If Smallwood develops into a consistent contributor it will be because he can force a big outside to guard him on the perimeter.

I believe that was covered in my initial post about a getting Smallwood minutes.

I like Smallwood, but the cold fact is that he's heavyfooted. His basic value on defense is being long and tall and having fouls to give. He's a liability against anyone with a quick first step. I really thought that his three point shot would be more of an asset than it has proven to be.

He and Gueye need to get spot duty to rest our starting bigs and to soak fouls, particularly to prevent that third foul before halftime and the like. Thomas is slow and a bit awkward, Gueye is just raw and green, and like most freshmen, needs some time for the game to slow down for him. Use them as we can, but if they're getting a lot of minutes we are missing out on much better production elsewhere.

(11-30-2017 08:27 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 06:41 AM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 06:28 AM)BandGrad Wrote:  I just find it funny that Tubby Smith finally has to step foot inside Bartow Arena.

Tubby has been inside Bartow before, when he was at Tulsa. I've never heard of him being resistant of playing at Bartow.

Tubby was an assistant to JD Barnett. I yelled at JD to "sit down, JD" a lot. But, I have no recollection of the Tubster back then.

If you do, you are a better man than me.

For the tykes here, we used to OWN VCU. Way back when.

According to media guides at the time, he was Orlando Smith.

And I wouldn't say we owned them, especially during the Barnett years. We broke their hearts a few times, but they broke ours just as often. It was a very competitive rivalry.

Barnett left VCU for Tulsa, and Orlando went with him. He then succeeded him and became Tubby. He would have been inside Bartow in 1991 when Tulsa played here. As an assistant at VCU the games would have been at BJCC

I think some of our fans think Smallwood is someone else on the team. He's the big red headed guy that looks lost on the court. He has a total of three blocks in three years. He is not going to be what you guys want or think he's going to be if given the chance.

William Lee is one of the nations leaders in blocks. But it all depends on how the referee calls it. I've noticed that Lee has more blocks at home and more fouls on the road. He has to learn to adjust to how the referee calls it.

(11-30-2017 01:23 PM)Memphis Blazer Wrote:  I think some of our fans think Smallwood is someone else on the team. He's the big red headed guy that looks lost on the court. He has a total of three blocks in three years. He is not going to be what you guys want or think he's going to be if given the chance.

William Lee is one of the nations leaders in blocks. But it all depends on how the referee calls it. I've noticed that Lee has more blocks at home and more fouls on the road. He has to learn to adjust to how the referee calls it.

I thought the same thing about Alan Ogg for the first 15 games or so too. Then it all clicked. If I'm coach, I've got to at least give the guy a chance, or else I've wasted a spot on my bench for 4 years.

Smallwood is UAB's lesser version of this...

(11-30-2017 09:49 AM)BlazerPhil Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 09:38 AM)TheGORILLA Wrote:  

(11-30-2017 01:37 AM)UABfan1 Wrote:  [quote='TheGORILLA' pid='14840097' dateline='1512022290']
I just hope Ehsan is prepared to utilize big men, Makhtar Gueye and Thomas Smallwood, off of the bench, early, so that Cokley and Lee and Sullivan will not get into foul trouble in the first half. It just appears that our losses are a result of just seven players being delegated to carry the load, over the course of games, which has resulted in getting behind on the scoreboard especially towards the end of games and....has resulted in a three game losing streak. What I am saying is, midway through the second half, our starting big's are either all tuckered out or in foul trouble.

Interesting. I'm not sure I agree with you. I don't think either guy has proven they deserve minutes in a close game.

And remember, Gene didn't always go very deep. A lot of times, he kept it pretty tight at 7-8 except in rare instances.

Andersons style allows you to play more guys. But I'm not convinced its "better" just because we had some good seasons.

I think Rob is going to be reluctant to use either unless foul trouble necessitates. (In close games)

I think our top 3 are a lot better than the next 2.

And, without foul trouble, you can go 33,30 and 17 minutes.(80 total)

Foul trouble is a reality though.

Despite Gueyes two 3 pointers in one game, I'm not convinced he makes us better at the 3 or the 4.

He has lots of upside so he was a great signee. And we will absolutely need him this year.
Smallwood, I'm just not sure. Seems to be a great kid with a great attitude but I have not seen even a hint of Allen Ogg in him.

It is not all about offense. We are vulnerable in the paint (on the defensive end of the court). Winning games is all about "defense". Gueye and Smallwood are ideal tall's who could be placed in the middle of the lane on the defensive end of the court. There is no question in my mind that these two would be quite effective in altering and/or blocking shots in the lane. There is nothing I like seeing more than for opposing teams having problems scoring down low and for us to bring down one defensive rebound after the next to regain possession of the ball. I'm not saying do it all of the time. I am just saying utilize these two guys to specifically wreak havoc in the lane on the defensive end of the court even if it is for only several minutes at a time. "DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!".

Exhibit 1. The following players played the center position for the Bulls NBA Championship years

Dave Corzine 8 points 5 rebounds
Jawann Oldham 7 points 6 rebounds
Brad Sellers Lottery pick never average double figures traded
Bill Cartwright 3 championship rings
Jack Haley 2.3 points a game
Will Purdue 4 championship ring 3 with bulls, 1 with Spurs 8 point a game average.
Stacey King Dominate COLLEGE player Bad NBA players.
Bill Wennington 5 points 2 rebounds
Lu Longley 3 championship rings

This is a list of the players who played the 5 during Jordan years with the Bulls. There may be better stats available for theses guys, but the point is it wasn't unusual for the Bulls to use 18 fouls at the center positions. Playing Smallwood and Guyes give the Blazers 10 fouls at the Center position, allowing Coke to move to the 4 and HaHa the 3. when playing with them....Smallwood and Guyes dont have to dominate the position to demand to be guarded opening up the floor for Coke, HaHa and Sullivan.

I understand what you guys are saying in theory. The problem with Smallwood right now is that, from what I've seen, he's more likely to give up an old fashioned 3-point play than to make any kind of a stop in the paint. He seems a little better than last year, but I don't think he's a net positive yet. Now if he's showing more in practice and he just need time to adjust to the game, that's one thing. But if not, I don't think he should get any more minutes than he is right now.

You guys do realize the game has evolved from when Jordan was playing, right? And Gueye weighs like 150 pounds, who do you think he is going to stop playing center?