Tulsa at WSU game thread

[Aargh]

When I saw VanVleet in the eraly games, I thought he looked like he was trying not to make mistakes and not to take chances. He did a pretty good job of that, but he really had his game turned down several notches. I suspect he was "testing the D1 waters" to see what he could do safely before he started showing more of what he is capable of doing. With a good coach and a very coachable player, that was probably planned and executed.

For those who did not watch videos of his AAU games between his Jr. and Sr. years, FVV is only scratching the surface of what he showed in those games. He's starting to show how he breaks down his defender to get into the lane. He's shown that he's surprisingly good at finishing in lane penetration. What you haven't seen yet is that he's keeping track of a couple of shooters when he's penetrating. Cut him off and he will dish. When Fred gets into the lane, I'd guess the chance of scoring 2 or 3 points is around 75%.

He can also pull up and pop from mid range if his defender backs off him to cut off penetration.

[Rixtoy1]

Not much of game write-up in the Tulsa World: http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...B4_Bodyte92912

I guess you can't blame them.

Check the time stamp on the article - must have filed it when he got back in town - not much time to write more . . .
although I do hear Oklahoma is scheduled to get the Internet in the next year or so . . . Will make his job a bit easier not having to change those nasty ribbons in the midst of typing his report . . .

[im4wsu]

More on Fred, he was awesome tonight. His BBIQ is beyond high! His on ball defense is superb, plays position with his feet, hustles when about to be beat, but when in position, is as likely to strip the ball as the opponent is to complete the next dribble. When his man does not have the ball, he maybe tries to do too much and strays too far from his assigned man -- plays more of a zone when we're in man-to-man. While that gets some steals and deflections, it means he often can't get back to his man adequately. But to see a freshman have the confidence to do that is AMAZING.

Lou-feel played very well,also. But then, again, who didn't (DWill had his moments).

How can Cotton not be on the floor playing? When he wants to, the guy gets position, is tougher than the FedEx mailbag and can jump with the best of them. Has Hall's determination.

I told Carl in Cancun that he had to be a geometry major because he understands the shortest distance between him and the basket is straight, and he never strays from that, regardless whether there are one or two defenders in his path.

Baker seems to have gotten his legs partially back. He isn't happy yet with his shooting -- watching him warmup before the second half -- but I believe his doldrums were fatigue from playing 5 games in 10 days. We're 7-0 in November-- wasn't long ago the season really didn'tbegin until Thanksgiving.

[another shocker]

i believe somebody said that tulsa hasn't scored less than 75 pts in any game this season.. so the shocks played good d- even if it was only tulsa blah, blah, blah..

maybe the shocks best game of the season to date (tulsa was also kinda lucky that orupke didn't play)?

[1972Shocker]

Tulsa was averaging 75 points a game prior to being dismantled at home by Stephen F. Austin 57-41. After that game and last night's loss to the Shocks they are averaging 67 points per game. Prior to those two games their season low was 63 in a 12 point win at San Diego. They scored 76, 76 and 87 in their other 3 games with on of those coming in a 16-point loss to Cal State-Northridge on a neutral court.

[another shocker]

Tulsa was averaging 75 points a game prior to be dismantled at home by Stephen F. Austin 57-41. After that game and last night's loss to the Shocks they are averaging 67 points per game. Prior to those two games their season low was 63 in a 12 point win at San Diego. They scored 76, 76 and 87 in their other 3 games with on of those coming in a 16-point loss to Cal State-Northridge on a neutral court.

wasn't too sure. thanks for the clarification.

[wusphlash]

Anyone notice anything about Coach's demeanor? Is Lynn slipping something into his G2 mix?

Meant to respond to his earlier. Yes, I have noticed something different. He keeps getting this Mona Lisa smile on his face like he knows something. Very unGregglike. I think he's realizing that he reloaded with some high powered ammunition. Even more powerful than he thought.

Don't know about the G2.

[Shockadelica]

My thoughts on the Shockers beatdown of Tulsa:

Tulsa is looking like an up-and-comer ... the series should be fun to watch

FVV: Certified BADA$$ - we are goin be just fine next season at PG

Saw a glimpse of the Cotton I expected to see this year ... displayed MTXE vs. the Hurricanes

The applause for Manning was classy and I did not participate ... still hate KU ... although my opinion would change if they ever inked a series with the big, bad, scary Shockers!

The applause for CU losing was not classy and I did not participate ... was still happy about it ... I know the argument on conference strength, but I'll root for the other 8 teams during OOC play, that's as much as I can promise

Sort of looked like Baker was getting his stroke back ... hallelujah!

We got a player in Lufile ... and Dancin Don finally pronounced his name right.

I am convinced (through my black and yellow shaded glasses) that the "next five" for the Shockers: FVV, Cotton, Wiggins, Early, and Lufile could finish in the top half of the Valley if they broke off and formed Shockers Part Deux (given a DWILL, White, and a decent bench).

The off season prep for the VCU press is paying off big time for this team ... they see full court pressure and thrive

While the HAIR t-shirts were a nice touch, they missed the boat by not including Jake "bowl-cut" White. It could have went something like: THE BOWL ... PUTS IT IN THE HOLE ... WITH SOUL

While it is too early to crown these guys, I am feeling better about my prediction of back to back MVC titles. Bring on Air Force Academy (and God Bless America)!

[KSUUWSU]

it was enjoyable watching our team vs. Tulsa. When Early makes one from beyond the arc, I've started yelling "Cle" as in Cleanthony Early for a Shocker...CLEEEEE! I get a kick out of those around me trying to figure it out!