SMU got lucky for the Gonzaga Game

by **ponyscott** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:51 pm

This should make the game much more handleable for SMU on February 13th as this 7"1 guy has been a load under the basket:

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/20 ... out-season

Gonzaga’s Przemek Karnowski had season-ending back surgery
Photo: Young Kwak/AP

BY SI WIRE

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski will miss the rest of the season after having back surgery on Thursday, head coach Mark Few announced.

The 7'1" senior was averaging 8.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in five games this season. He had been out since Nov. 27, missing six games with a back issue that Few had referred to as a bulging disc problem. Karnowski had been seriously hampered by the injury and was experiencing discomfort simply sitting on the bench.

Karnowski could potentially be eligible for a medical redshirt since he will have played in under 30% of the team’s games. He averaged 10.9 points per game last season while shooting over 62% from the floor, and is considered one of the better interior scorers in the country.

by **RGV Pony** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:58 pm

Dude was definitely a load. I think his physicality cost Ben some of his mojo last year.

Sabonis will be tough to contain. Was a machine last year.. And 36 and 16 this year against Tennessee wow

by **mrydel** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 4:06 pm

We seem to be getting some breaks with opponents having injuries this year. Perhaps we are destined. Hmmmmm.

by **H-E-B Mustang** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 4:55 pm

We have had our share of injuries, too.

by **mrydel** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 4:56 pm

Not at the wrong times. Luck may run out but Markus was hurt at a time we did not need him. Same with Keith. Meanwhile Gonzaga and Cincy, a couple of our toughest upcoming are having injury trouble.

We are still undefeated. Michigan State and Xavier both lost after injuries to good players.

by **H-E-B Mustang** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:13 pm

Don't forget that Gu was lost for the season.

by **mrydel** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:19 pm

Small contribution last year and injured early so it really was not a loss other than some depth. Timing of injuries is key. Ours have thus far been on the fortunate side from a timing aspect.

by **SMUstangs22** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:24 pm

I would argue we have had our share of injuries and been able to adapt. Yes Gonzaga lost a 7'1 player. Best we have is 6'9 and we have managed with that far better than I imagined. In fact our post play has been a major strength. Very proud of the group down low.

by **Terry Webster** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 6:20 pm

I guess we could say Gonzaga got lucky since Semi decided to redshirt.

by **sadderbudweiser** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 6:44 pm

We were over- matched by their size last year. Their guards were far better last year than this as well.
Karnowski had not been putting up great numbers this season due to his disc issues but the loss is still huge.

We are a better team this year than last. Gonzaga is not nearly as good as they were last year and the game is at Moody.

We'll probably be pretty solid favorites.

by **Rebel10** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 6:50 pm

SMUstangs22 wrote:I would argue we have had our share of injuries and been able to adapt. Yes Gonzaga lost a 7'1 player. Best we have is 6'9 and we have managed with that far better than I imagined. In fact our post play has been a major strength. Very proud of the group down low.

We really don't know how well we adapted because the teams we played after the injuries occurred where MK and KF had to sit out we not that good.

by **sadderbudweiser** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 7:06 pm

While red shirting Semi makes sense we sure could use him. If things go wrong we may have an incredibly short bench at some point this season. We really need to keep everyone healthy.

by **ponyscott** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 7:56 am

sadderbudweiser wrote:While red shirting Semi makes sense we sure could use him. If things go wrong we may have an incredibly short bench at some point this season. We really need to keep everyone healthy.

That's the key to the remainder of the season....stay healthy boys.

by **Charleston Pony** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 8:33 am

ponyscott wrote:
sadderbudweiser wrote:While red shirting Semi makes sense we sure could use him. If things go wrong we may have an incredibly short bench at some point this season. We really need to keep everyone healthy.

That's the key to the remainder of the season....stay healthy boys.

and out of foul trouble

by **CoxMustangFan** » Sat Jan 02, 2016 8:52 am

sadderbudweiser wrote:While red shirting Semi makes sense we sure could use him. If things go wrong we may have an incredibly short bench at some point this season. We really need to keep everyone healthy.

...so we could miss making the tourney?