We Learned Something Tonite

[Stallion]

I think games like this really help a team. Get knocked down after Nic's injury and find a way to win. Manual will never be a high quality PG-so I'm not going to get frustrated by judging him that way. But if Manual can get the ball to Ben Moore at the Key -he can either attack the basket or pass to Moreria or Keith and we can survive--until the opponent takes that away. When we aggressively attacked the basket through Ben Moore we started getting offense going without Nic. Could have been even better but we missed some shots down low. Manual allowed us to survive because he got the ball in Ben Moore's hands. That's about the only way we survive stretches without Nic Moore

[photopony]

I was slightly encouraged by Manuel tonight. (Keyword slightly) he held on to the ball and moved the offense. Still not a great shot, but I don't remember any big mess ups from him.

[gostangs]

When we have MK Ben Moore can provide more help then he could tonight.

[ojaipony]

Agreed. Only 1 turnover in second half and if we hit our free throws, no OT needed. Glad we won, on to the next one. (need Keith to continue to be an offensive spark also).

[Arkpony]

What did KF end up with?

[FIVE-O-FAN]

He definitely deserves some credit for the flashy, athletic dunks. They pump up the crowd and seem to happen right when we need them. The charge call on the one earlier in the season still stings. I don't care if it was a charge or not. If a guy does something that incredible, you can't make that call, especially at home.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

What did KF end up with?

20.

Another hot start and big night. They are getting more frequent - we'll see.

[Pony_Law]

Keith has turned into a really good player. I think one issue he has is that his offense if one dimensional. KF really is a catch and shoot player only at this point. There is nothing wrong with that and I'm glad at least one of our shooters is currently shooting at his ability (Martin and Emelogu are not) but it is the easiest thing for a defense to adjust to and it lends itself to streakyness. As a result I think he will average around 13.5 for the year because he will have good games and then games where he doesn't get the shots or the shots don't fall.

With that said I don't think KF has even gotten close to hitting his ceiling as a player. First, he has to continue to improve his mental game. He is still prone to frustration and he becomes hesitant/tight if he misses a shot or two in a row (which causes him not taking good looks or missing more shots). Great shooters know that even when they miss a few if they keep pulling the trigger they will start falling. I'd also like to see him become an offensive leader on the team. He should be vocal and excited and demand the ball when he is heating up. Secondly, KF is extremely athletic. He he puts the work in to develop his handles (which have improved this year already from last year) he should be able to beat a good amount of defenders off the dribble at the perimeter with his quickness. If KF develops the ability to drive inside and finish (which includes good passing), He will be a 20 point a night player that you can build an offense around. Hope he stays eligible and motivated to put the work in and get there. I could see him being an absolute monster his senior year.

[SmooBoy]

The high-low play by Ben Moore/Moreira tonight was impressive. Mix in some MK soon and we could have a potent offense to go with a stifling defense.

[redpony]

Most important- we learned that we can win with Nick on the sidelines. That might be important for the confidence of the team in the future.

[SMU2007]

agree with you guys. we can't live and die solely with Nic like we did last year. good to see the other guys step up, and especially enjoyed seeing KF mature

[Morris Code 11]

The only thing we learned is that Ryan Manuel has been doing a lot of dribbling drills.

[SMU2007]

do you really like Einstein's bagels?

[Prideful Pony]

I was slightly encouraged by Manuel tonight. (Keyword slightly) he held on to the ball and moved the offense. Still not a great shot, but I don't remember any big mess ups from him.

I think he did pick up his once-a-game charge. It's funny, because you know he's good for one and you can generally see it coming. He did have a much better game last night sans the free throws though.

[Morris Code 11]

do you really like Einstein's bagels?

Considering I got an Einstein bagel the 5 years I took classes at Cox B school, you could say that ya.