We Learned Something Tonite

[Stallion]

Keith Frazier is taking some baby steps toward learning to drive to the basket-there is some improvement in expanding his game

[LA_Mustang]

Keith Frazier is taking some baby steps toward learning to drive to the basket-there is some improvement in expanding his game

LB talked about that in the post game interview. Specifically mention the drive towards the end of OT that in the past he would've shot a jumper instead.

[redpony]

they can't help but learn from the 'godfather'. Good coach, great teacher.

[mrydel]

Frazier is beginning to remind me of Gene Phillips.

[Prideful Pony]

Keith Frazier is taking some baby steps toward learning to drive to the basket-there is some improvement in expanding his game

LB talked about that in the post game interview. Specifically mention the drive towards the end of OT that in the past he would've shot a jumper instead.

Was that the offensive possession where it looked like we didn't run anything and dumped the ball to a surprised Keith well outside the three with 5 seconds on the shot clock and a couple of defenders around him?

I was impressed Keith put the ball on the floor and nearly made a strongly challenged lay up from that position. Believe we corralled the rebound and killed more clock after.

[SMU Section F]

For the first time I found myself thinking, "Just get the ball to Keith!" during key parts of the game. It'll be fun watching him continue to progress.

[The PonyGrad]

One of the biggest holes in Manuel's game has been finishing at the rim. He did a good job tonight and vs. Wyo. This was good experience for him and the team tonight.

Frazier's defense is getting to the point of being good. He got his hand on the ball before and during shots that caused misses and one key steal. I do not think they were blocks but the effect was the same.

[LA_Mustang]

Was that the offensive possession where it looked like we didn't run anything and dumped the ball to a surprised Keith well outside the three with 5 seconds on the shot clock and a couple of defenders around him?

I was impressed Keith put the ball on the floor and nearly made a strongly challenged lay up from that position. Believe we corralled the rebound and killed more clock after.

Yes. LB mention that he did miss the layup but the attention he received allowed us to get the rebound.

[Terry Webster]

I noticed both that Keith was high energy on defense and also smart when he had the ball. I can't really remember any shots that he forced up. Smart playing tonight. That steal in overtime was terrific also.

[Prideful Pony]

Yes. LB mention that he did miss the layup but the attention he received allowed us to get the rebound.

Thanks, appreciate the confirmation that on at least one occasion I'm thinking like LB. It was a bizarre possession but a heads up play by Keith.

[ojaipony]

I'm really liking what I'm starting to see from KF (and RM). That one move where he stopped on a dime, dribbled behind his back, and nailed the jumper was a thing of beauty.

I think KF is JUST NOW starting to learn to play basketball - he schooled most in HS bc he's just an elite athlete. I agree with whomever said he isn't even close to reaching the ceiling. Spot on! And I LOVE his attitude (post game interviewee asked "would you have played this kind of good D last year" or something like that and Keith said "no, and I'd be on the bench". Ha ha. He's getting it. Can be scary good.

Let's keep getting better and beat Michigan and get back into the top 25 and roll the AAC!

[jimhagle]

Frazier is beginning to remind me of Gene Phillips.

Phillips was the biggest gunner in the history of SMU basketball. I wish Frazier would take half as many shots as Phillips took but he seems scared to do so.

[sadderbudweiser]

I too am very pleased with progress by both ryan and keith this season. I trust Ryan with the ball way more than ladt year. He will never be John Stockton but hevwill be a serviceable backup for Nic. I figure he sits when both MK and Nic can start.

Keith is deveolping in every single skill that we criticized last year. He is a better player across the board.

If we can get everyone healthy and eligible we can win the conference.

But hey... We sure could use something from Emelogou and Martin. I giv Martin a bit of a pass due to injuries. But we need those two.

[gostangs]

that keith drive with following miss and rebound ended up icing the game - killed another 35 seconds and it was basically over. Amazing how those little things really matter.

Martin is anything but ice cold and we would have put that away earlier. Hope he gets that shot to drop - he was getting good looks and the shot looked ok - so he just needs to play some more.

[Ponyneighbor]

Observations from the game:
1. After having seen all or part of every game this year, the 1st half of last night's game was the only time all year I thought I was watching the SMU basketball team I saw last year. Most notably, the energy level on both sides of the court was at the 2013-14 level, and they approached their half-court offense with an intent to score from the beginning of the shot clock (as opposed to after 20 seconds of walking the ball up and passing it around the perimeter). I almost wasn't even watching the score in the first half - I was so joyful that the team was back
2. In the second half, the energy level waned a bit and then the team lost it's way after Nic went out
3. Best game KF has played for SMU, by far. He was in attach mode on offense almost all night, and it was far & away his best defensive game - no mental lapses, high energy - he was almost a downright nuisance. I still don't think he has the lateral quickness to be a very good defender, but he was more than adequate with his effort
4. Ryan should attack the basket more frequently - it's the only way he adds value on offense right now. He's not a reliable ball handler or shooter. He's explosive near the rim and might learn how to avoid charges better if he had more repetitions
5. Cannen was the only guy who still looks like he needs smelling salts. There is a big step down from Yannick right now. Having MK back in there would help him a lot, though

Overall, some encouraging signs. Still not looking like a tourney team yet to me though, especially when you consider how badly this team generally plays on the road.