(02-02-2021 02:05 PM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  

(02-02-2021 01:14 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  

(02-02-2021 12:08 PM)PojoaquePosse Wrote:  What does peaking too early mean anyways? NMSU went 16-0 in the WAC last year. Did they peak too early? Did anyone expect them to lose in the WAC tourney? If GCU just stays the status quo of what they have been all year, they stand a good chance to run the table in the WAC regularly season and give anyone fits, including NMSU, in the WAC tourney.

Peak too early means your team has maximized the talent level and skill of the players playing the most minutes. Once that is achieved it falls on the other teams (coaches) with similar or greater talent to play catch up within the remaining timeline; before they ultimately meet again. The goal is to optimize your team's talent and performance by the time it matters in the WAC tournament. Case in point, two years ago, everyone knew what NMSU starting five brought to the table... AJ Harris, Terrell Brown, Clayton Henry, CJ Bobbitt, and Eli Chuha were known quantities and playing at an expected level. But did anyone know what Trevelin Queen was capable at the time? He peaked at the right time. Its about having extra gas in the tank... players who have another gear not yet reached. With GCU, I see a very strong starting five playing near the top of their respective games. In my mind, only Blacksher could take his game to still another level. The rest are pretty much known quantities. If there is another player on the GCU bench better than the starters, you will have to show me. This is not the case with NMSU. Our players are still recovering from injuries and try to get more more organized by getting more games under its belt; after long stoppages. The Aggie team that played last weekend still hasn't peaked. So the term "peaked too early" simply means you have shown your best hand too early and now it is on the others playing the game to make adjustments to put out their best hand when it truly matter. The game is about putting out your best hand near the end of the season; not allowing the other coaches/players enough time to compensate accordingly for any new variables.

GCU beating a downtrodden NMSU team does not imply that GCU has peaked. If both teams were at full strength, I absolutely believe that GCU has the team to beat NMSU. As I stated, if GCU does not improve one bit the rest of the season, they have enough to win the regular season and WAC tourney.

I am also pretty sure everyone on this board, especially the GCU posters, know what NMSU is capable of if they ever get to full strength and can get some experience. But what if that never happens? What if Henry continues to get injured as he has the past 2 years? What if Kiir and Watson never see the court? Doakes has been with us for all of 2 weeks. NMSU has a lot to overcome to get anywhere near GCU's level.

Well, then Jans wasn't able to get NMSU to peak by season's end or given the circumstances NMSU wouldn't have the ability to peak any further.

Peaked doesn't mean GCU isn't any good. They're level of play is good enough to win the WAC regular season. And, yes, they have a team good enough at this level to beat NMSU; even if the Aggies peak further. Jans doesn't have a Pascal Siakam up his sleeve sitting on the bench. Peaked just means there is little room for further improvement given the personnel playing the most minutes. The bar has been set for NMSU and others to hurdle. Midtgaard is shooting a ridiculous percentage and rebounding at a high rate. You tell me where he can impact the game even further? Lever, Frayer, and Dixon are probably the best versions of themselves right now. Everyone can see Blacksher is special. I think there is still room for him to grow. I think the greatest improvement now will come from players like McGlothin, McMillan, and Stone. Right now, there is a noticeable drop off between Blacksher and his backup. That's an area for improvement. At this point, GCU is chugging along just like NMSU did last season. The difference between NMSU last year and GCU this season, is the drop off from first to the rest of the pack. NMSU was clearly the best team in the WAC last season but there were nights when NMSU didn't bring their "A" games. This season, I think there is less drop off between GCU and the pack. And, there are a handful of teams who have the talent to overtake GCU by tournament time. I think UVU could be the sleeper in the WAC. They have the horses to turn the tournament upside down. And, they have players who have not peaked yet. Fardaws Aimaq is only a Sophomore... and Trey Woodbury, Blaze Nield, Jordan Brinson, LeTre Darthard are all underclassmen and seeing significant playing time. Only time will tell if they can grow quick enough as a team to possibly upset GCU in the tournament. There is no substitute for veteran leadership and team confidence. And, GCU has both right now.

The term "peaked too early" just means you showed the best version of your team with enough time for other programs to make adjustments... that's if there are still more tools in the toolbox.