Joe Keep

Normally CPC posts over on the "other" board, but that one has been experiencing technical difficulties for an extended time, and CPC has gotten tired of waiting. CPC has spent most of his holidays in the wilds of north Louisiana, scouting the Bulldogs at Tech, and he has much to report. Before we get to Tech, however, CPC has a few thoughts to share on tonights opponent. the San Diego Torrerors. Dont ask CPC what a Torrero is, I thought that was a car that Ford discontinued back in the 70's, but apparently I'm wrong.
If CPC ever met San Diego center Joe Keep in a dark alley, he would probably shed his feathers, right there on the spot. Keep is probably the meanest looking human being it has ever been CPC's misfortune to run in terror from. Just picture for a moment in your mind a 6'11", 290 pound, shaved headed, tattooed gorilla, with just slightly less body fur. Thats Keep. CPC is talking about a face that can crack mirrors and turn fresh milk into sour cream.
This is Keeps first year eligible at San Diego, after transferring from Oklahoma State (penitentiary?) and he didnt waste any time asserting his presence. In just his second game as a Torrino he walked into Pauley Pavilion and slammed down 30 points on UCLA. He hasnt slowed down much from there, he averages 18.5 a game, including 24 against Utah and 24 against Purdue. BYU has been the only team to hold him under double digits, and that was because he got in early foul trouble.
Most guys Keeps size pick up their fouls on defense, blocking shots or banging with guys under the boards, but Keep gets more of his on the offensive end, because he has a tendency to go straight through a defender to get to the basket. Or 2 defenders. Or 3. Or the school band if he has to. Keep doesnt have the offensive skills of Wake Forests Eric Williams, but he's stronger than Williams, and not many people can say that. Keep has the meanest drop-step in college basketball today, and he's not afraid to use it. He doesnt care if he's facing a zone, a double team or the entire team, he will drop step and dunk on anybody. If the Cheerleaders are on the court for a timeout, and Keep has the ball, well........ lets just hope medical personnel are standing by. The guy knows just one direction, straight to the basket, and if you're in the way, thats just your misfortune.
Keep is near the top of the NCAA charts in field goal percentage, at 66%, but he shoots a rather anemic 54% at the free throw line. You know what that means? There should be a foul called every time the guy touches the ball. Either set your feet and take the charge, or hack the stuffing out of him and make him try to get his points from the line. We have enough depth inside to hack all night, and there's really no other way to stop the guy. It takes guts to stand steady and take a charge from a guy the size of Keep, but if you've got the heart you can get him out of the game and on the bench, and he cant hurt you from over there. He might still look at you really mean, but that cant hurt you. Not much. (at least I think not, that ones never really been tested and the dude does have a serious glare.....)
The rest of the Tornados will spread the court, almost a 4-corners type look, and then pass the ball around the perimeter over and over while Keep works for position inside. Big forward Jason Blair is their second scoring option, and he's a threat to shoot the 3, or drive hard to the basket any time he touches the ball. Freshman center Nick Lewis is Keeps backup and he has also been averaging 10 points a game, coming off the bench. Lewis hasnt played in their last 3 games, though, and might be hurt. With Lewis out, that makes hanging a few fouls on Keep an even more logical strategy.
Thats all CPC has to report on the Talladegas, tip off tonight at 7. Tomorrow CPC will be back with his scouting report on La. Tech. Also, the WAC season tipped off last night with Fresno State upsetting Tulsa in Fresno. Tulsa has injured starters Antonio Reed and Dante Swanson both back, but its not yet clear how much they will be able to contribute. More in depth analysis and WAC coverage coming from your favorite crippled pet chicken in the days ahead.
One last note: Good news on Lady Mustang Kim Walter. Kim only tore her ACL when she dislocated her knee against Oklahoma. All the other ligaments and tendons are still intact. She has to have another surgery after some of the swelling from the first one has receded, but she's in much better shape than it was first thought. No word yet on wether she will be able to play again in the future, but she is much better than was first feared.
Thats all for now, Happy New Year to everyone and remember, the CPC is NOT your grandpa's feather duster.
If CPC ever met San Diego center Joe Keep in a dark alley, he would probably shed his feathers, right there on the spot. Keep is probably the meanest looking human being it has ever been CPC's misfortune to run in terror from. Just picture for a moment in your mind a 6'11", 290 pound, shaved headed, tattooed gorilla, with just slightly less body fur. Thats Keep. CPC is talking about a face that can crack mirrors and turn fresh milk into sour cream.
This is Keeps first year eligible at San Diego, after transferring from Oklahoma State (penitentiary?) and he didnt waste any time asserting his presence. In just his second game as a Torrino he walked into Pauley Pavilion and slammed down 30 points on UCLA. He hasnt slowed down much from there, he averages 18.5 a game, including 24 against Utah and 24 against Purdue. BYU has been the only team to hold him under double digits, and that was because he got in early foul trouble.
Most guys Keeps size pick up their fouls on defense, blocking shots or banging with guys under the boards, but Keep gets more of his on the offensive end, because he has a tendency to go straight through a defender to get to the basket. Or 2 defenders. Or 3. Or the school band if he has to. Keep doesnt have the offensive skills of Wake Forests Eric Williams, but he's stronger than Williams, and not many people can say that. Keep has the meanest drop-step in college basketball today, and he's not afraid to use it. He doesnt care if he's facing a zone, a double team or the entire team, he will drop step and dunk on anybody. If the Cheerleaders are on the court for a timeout, and Keep has the ball, well........ lets just hope medical personnel are standing by. The guy knows just one direction, straight to the basket, and if you're in the way, thats just your misfortune.
Keep is near the top of the NCAA charts in field goal percentage, at 66%, but he shoots a rather anemic 54% at the free throw line. You know what that means? There should be a foul called every time the guy touches the ball. Either set your feet and take the charge, or hack the stuffing out of him and make him try to get his points from the line. We have enough depth inside to hack all night, and there's really no other way to stop the guy. It takes guts to stand steady and take a charge from a guy the size of Keep, but if you've got the heart you can get him out of the game and on the bench, and he cant hurt you from over there. He might still look at you really mean, but that cant hurt you. Not much. (at least I think not, that ones never really been tested and the dude does have a serious glare.....)
The rest of the Tornados will spread the court, almost a 4-corners type look, and then pass the ball around the perimeter over and over while Keep works for position inside. Big forward Jason Blair is their second scoring option, and he's a threat to shoot the 3, or drive hard to the basket any time he touches the ball. Freshman center Nick Lewis is Keeps backup and he has also been averaging 10 points a game, coming off the bench. Lewis hasnt played in their last 3 games, though, and might be hurt. With Lewis out, that makes hanging a few fouls on Keep an even more logical strategy.
Thats all CPC has to report on the Talladegas, tip off tonight at 7. Tomorrow CPC will be back with his scouting report on La. Tech. Also, the WAC season tipped off last night with Fresno State upsetting Tulsa in Fresno. Tulsa has injured starters Antonio Reed and Dante Swanson both back, but its not yet clear how much they will be able to contribute. More in depth analysis and WAC coverage coming from your favorite crippled pet chicken in the days ahead.
One last note: Good news on Lady Mustang Kim Walter. Kim only tore her ACL when she dislocated her knee against Oklahoma. All the other ligaments and tendons are still intact. She has to have another surgery after some of the swelling from the first one has receded, but she's in much better shape than it was first thought. No word yet on wether she will be able to play again in the future, but she is much better than was first feared.
Thats all for now, Happy New Year to everyone and remember, the CPC is NOT your grandpa's feather duster.