6 hours on the road
but thoroughly enjoyed the tilt.
Several observations.
I won't beat a dead horse nor expect anyone to raise their hand, but we know who the Mikey haters have been.
If his shooting form is "still" ugly you are clueless. It is much improved and the results speak for themself. You all need to move on find someone else or something else to vent your spleen through.
Demetrius didnt seem to be himself and I dont refer to his #'s. Numerous non-verbal cues. I hope all is well.
To over state the obivious but when Matt Stainbrook gets confidence to use his right hand, once he gets position he will be doubly difficult to stop. I arrived 5 minutes into the tilt and before I sauntered up to my seat I stood and watched from floor level kitty corner from the Bronco bench. Matt had the "autobahn" available if he took Jones baseline off the left block looking back to 1/2 court. However, he mindlessly "fainted" that way, Jones didnt bite at all and Matt forced up a contested jump hook. I know I have read in "practice" and once or twice at Ypsi. But there is no conceiveable way that it shouldn't become his primary move. It's 3-5' out, use the glass and if it rims out you now also have rebound position. All good.
I missed Nates dunk but watched him careen on several other occasions, with one being bailed out mid way in the 2nd half with a blocking call on BSU. Saw him post up but he looked very uncomfortable with a smaller guy on him. He tried backing him down looking to the mid lane. He left his feet to shoot then chose to pass out of it. When Nate commits in the paint as he does on the drive (I see a brick wall ahead, I wonder what that feels like?) he may success on the block.
In fact, its a must. KSU for example goes 4 midgets and Greene. Post Hutch on a midget, abuse said small fella, and now Geno the Genius will need to make an adjustment, not the other way around.
Back to Stain. I know some tire of his complaining. Understood. It is borne out of immaturity (self admitted) and frustration. But as someone else opined, after a couple years Joe was "allowed" to play like Joe because the paradigm shift had occured amongest zebs that this is how he plays, it is consistent, he also takes what he dishes out, and he complained very little.
I hope Matt understands soon that the consequences of his actions (pounding the basket support, throwing his hands skyward then flailing them downward) sets the paradigm that he is soft, likely to react in frustration (eye on his commiting a flagrant or intentional) and his "squeaking" is proof that is his guilty (But Honor, I didnt really do it!").
It may not happen next year because unlike Joe, he hasnt put the one year probation necessary to square in the minds of the officials that his bulk is a positive not a reason to blow the whistle.
Not starting Alex is fine. I understand the sentiment and the practicality of being able to sub in for him in short order. But Heaven forbid, if Mikey had his game as he did, but sat for 3 minutes (therefore a bucket or two less) and the outcome was decided by a couple points Hawk's beak would be on a pike for the entirely differernt reason.
It's business plain and simple. And that business is not complete until sometime late into the evening of a week from this Saturday in Cleveland.
Jarrod Jones. For those that know, from a WMU perspective will always be viewed as the big we were willing to stop pursuing so we could have all 'ships accounted for in that particular fall. Joneses replacement, Mo Conteh.
There is no question Jones is better. Even may be on some peoples All Mac team.
I would have ideally waited, though I understand he wasnt returning the love. He and his Dad were fixated on the ND's of the world coming by in the spring post foot/leg injury. They didn't, we were full and BSU had both an opening and the love. Done Story.
IMO, Jones is no better than 2nd team. He has skill but lacks toughness and that isnt a secret. The MAC is typically devoid of much talent inside, so by default because he is tall, rangy and has respectable MAC shooting skills he is elevated in the eyes of some. He is also a focal point of what they run.
I would take Washington (OU), Greene (KSU), Flen, Bowdry and Mauvanga over Jones every day and twice on Sunday. I think Washington is a bit of an underachiever too, but what little I have seen I would still go O(U).
