Basketball Articles
Postgame Notes and Random Thoughts
Posted by gingerballs on December 23rd, 2009 under Basketball
I only watched the second half of the Texas game, but my stream of consciousness went something like this:
“I want Texas to pull away and win this game right? Or, do I want to see them struggle against the team that ended our season last year?
This is more trouble than I thought they would have at home, I don’t fully understand how MSU is staying close with Lucas not performing (being shut down by the Doge), Texas is the better team and they have to prove that sooner or later. (Easy to say now I know, but evident to anyone with some knowledge)
Then Texas puts a run on MSU in the last ten minutes that exemplifies what the elite teams can do. A defensive led flurry of activity that leads to easy points. A night of not excellent, yet very decent play against a well coached and talented team is capped off by a stellar finish. Barnes might have his easiest amount of talent to coach, ever.”
The correlation of events in that game to the KU game are simple. Though Cal is not at the level of a MSU, it’s easy to compare these two teams even though Texas has played the more high profile games, given the wealth of talent at the disposal of Barnes and Self. The way each team finishes due to their depth is what makes both of the teams my choice of best teams in the nation. I think if most coaches could choose a 1a and 1b right now it would be pretty elementary, no matter which was the a or b. You can’t tell me many people really believe that Kentucky or Syracuse could beat KU or UT in a best of five series.
*Sidenote to UT fans: Even when you think you have the best team in the land…it doesn’t always end that way. We know, see ‘91, ‘93, ‘02, ‘03…not to mention ‘07. We also feel Matt Schaub is better than Vince Young, however. (I really don’t mean anyone rational thinks that way, but it’s funny.)
Some Random thoughts from the Cal game:
- We shot 73% in the second half
- That was just the kind of game we needed. A hot shooting team to keep us focused and active when we didn’t play great. A team that hit a lot of guarded shots, that shit happens.
- Tyshawn is so smooth and unstoppable at times, except for when he stops himself. He’s is the streakiest driving point guard I have ever seen. He can dominate for a stretch by doing it or turn it over/be non-existent for great stretches. “Having said that,” his play recently has me excited again for his potential. Get this, 24 assists to 2 turnovers in his last 4 games. 12:1 is acceptable.
- I would love to see more iso plays for Xavier. His body control, moves and strength put him at an advantage over almost anyone guarding him.
- Cal came very close to shooting 40% (39.1%) almost breaking our current streak of I don’t know how many games. It seems like Bill has an idea of how to keep teams under that mark.
- Cal’s best defense was us not being patient or watching us commit silly turnovers.
- Thomas Robinson will make an impact in many games this year, he will also get yanked the next possession for a multitude of reasons. Watching him play is so entertaining though, I take notice every time he checks in.
- Bradystar has hit more shots off the dribble this year (3) in 2 games than he did the entire year prior. He is also not looking like our best entry passer yet. I think, amazingly and sadly, that title(s) so far goes to the brothers Morris.
- Cole looked good in stretches, thought he is clearly not fully able to play the amount he did last year. Bill is trying to keep him fresh and that 4th foul call was bs and hurt his possible game totals.
- Sherron, thanks. 6 of 15 isn’t typical, but you still know when we need that big 3. You are the definition of catalyst.
- Outside of a handful of teams, if our starting five all score in double figures, I don’t think we can be beat.
- On a similar note, if I had told you we would shoot 55% from the floor and 42% from range you would think we would win by at least 15 right? Especially if the opposing team shot 39% and 33% respectively. Those numbers really jive with how the game finished.
Good win, a fun game for all to watch for 30 minutes and just what we needed as a team. 49 in a row.
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Huckleberry said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am
It’s somewhat of a tragedy that we’re not playing in Allen Fieldhouse as well as the Erwin Center (doesn’t the FEC sound intimidating when juxtaposed against Allen Fieldhouse?) to set up a third meeting in the finals of the conference tourney.
Hmm…Allen Fieldhouse and The Erwin Center. The Phog and The Feck.
Hiphopopotamus said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:49 am
Huck: I’ve long been banking on a best of three… First one in Austin, second in KC and the tie-breaker in Indy. Nothing I’ve seen so far has made me regret that prediction.
Hiphopopotamus said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 am
Ginger: Brady is definitely our best entry passer (see: 7 assists). That one he tried to throw over the top to Cole is just too entrenched in your memory bank right now.
Good thoughts though. Building off a few…
I’m not convinced Cal isn’t near the level of MSU. From what I’ve seen, that team will win the PAC 10. And I love Izzo and Lucas, but MSU is missing some pieces this year.
The 73% we shot in the second half was gorgeous. The main reason it was so gorgeous: 17 assists on 19 FGs (26 attempts).
That was the Cole we’ve been expecting. Double-double and he barely played half the game. Glad to have you back.
And finally, for those that didn’t get to attend, you missed the Fieldhouse in true form last night. Far and away the best atmosphere of the year and second only to the Texas game in the last two years (with last year’s blowout of Missouri coming in third).
p.s. Dex Pittman: 4 points, 1 rebound… Wha happened?!?
Huckleberry said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Foul trouble happened. 2 of his 4 fouls were valid, IMO, 1 was questionable and 1 was atrocious. The box will say he played 12 minutes but most of those minutes were tentative because of fouls.
California is good, but saying they’ll win the Pac-10 isn’t exactly an impressive statement. That league is terrible this year. Sagarin and Massey both have them as the 8th best conference and that may be generous. They’re a solid club, though, I think.
Triston27 said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 am
Cal is plenty good but they won’t get their just deserts for awhile since they’ve lost 4 games. However, those losses are all to teams in the Top-20 and 3 of them were away or ‘neutral’ (Syracuse game was at MSG). Also, as Huck said, they play in the Pac-10 so it makes it more difficult to take them serious for now.
Cole only taking 6 shots is a bit troubling, but at least you can blame that on foul trouble. Morris twins continue to impress this year and Taylor lookd great last night.
Hiphopopotamus said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:04 am
Agreed, a tallest midget sort of praise, but as you admit, they’re tough. Their biggest issue will be depth. If someone gets hurt again, they’re in trouble, because they don’t have much. But if they stay healthy, they could make life tough for some high seed in the tournament.
When does FT shooting become a serious concern for Texas? You can’t feel good about anyone outside of J’Covan when they step to the line in a big spot.
Huckleberry said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
Oh, I’m already concerned by it. But I also think it will get better as the younger guys get used to working that hard and then having to shoot free throws. I know Bradley and Hamilton will get better.
But it pretty obviously could cost us a game. I just hope it’s not in the tournament.
Triston27 said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
I think their FT shooting will eventually come around to being at least decent, but it might take a long time. Imagine how bad it might be when Texas finally plays a road game.
Hiphopopotamus said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
Speaking of mullets, these aren’t quite high enough quality pictures to carry a full Mullet Wednesday post, but being since ’tis the season of giving, please enjoy one of the most beautiful mullets I’ve seen in a while. If only he would have stayed still…
And from the front, so we can enjoy the bushy stache as well…
Ben F said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
That is one solid mullet. Not some sort of fly-by-night thing, that sucker took commitment.
Neon said:
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Yeah really, you’ve got to be planning that masterpiece for most of the decade. I would have bought him a beer (yeah I know).