The Gentlemen Fro Des Moines Game Thread

[Dan]

I was hopiing to see more Rauno Nurger last night. Not that I'm huge Rauno fan, but we need to develop him. He's got potential and is a pretty good interior passer. Our posts just couldn't keep their hands off that big center for Drake.

[Bluzrover]

I was hopiing to see more Rauno Nurger last night. Not that I'm huge Rauno fan, but we need to develop him. He's got potential and is a pretty good interior passer. Our posts just couldn't keep their hands off that big center for Drake.

Rauno had that "deer in the headlights" look on his face the entire time he was on the court. At first I thought he was just befuddled by the big man that all the other Shockers couldn't seem to keep their hands off of. But then, I realized that Rauno sports that look pretty consistently. It's just his demeanor. I still have hopes for him developing to the point 3G can get 10 to 15 MPG from him.

But got to hand it to the big guy from Poland. He's going to be a thorn in our side for another three years. I'm confident Coach Marshall will continue to build depth at the 5 to counter him though.

[pinstripers]

Thought Nurger had his moments.

[Dave Stalwart]

I really like drakes center. And I like the fact that their team is really young. Even timmer is only a sophomore.

They should rocket up the standings next year... To say, 7th place :)

[Stickboy46]

I was hopiing to see more Rauno Nurger last night. Not that I'm huge Rauno fan, but we need to develop him. He's got potential and is a pretty good interior passer. Our posts just couldn't keep their hands off that big center for Drake.

Speaking of Interior passing, I've been really impressed with Kelly's interior passing. He had a really good move where he took a few steps in the lane, took a step back then dropped it over the top to someone (McDuffie i think) cutting the baseline. Kelly's game definitely is on the upswing the last few games.

[Stickboy46]

WSU drops from 32 to 36 in RPI.

Again, thanks Drake.

I show 33 on the official NCAA RPI.

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-mens-basketball-rpi

[ShockdaWorld]

Speaking of Interior passing, I've been really impressed with Kelly's interior passing. He had a really good move where he took a few steps in the lane, took a step back then dropped it over the top to someone (McDuffie i think) cutting the baseline. Kelly's game definitely is on the upswing the last few games.

I believe the move you're talking about was actually a pass to Bush Wamakota, which to be honest, always scares me a little.

[Stickboy46]

I believe the move you're talking about was actually a pass to Bush Wamakota, which to be honest, always scares me a little.

That might have been. Still was a great move to create space for a teammate, then great pass to get him the ball.

[Dan]

Kelly and Shaq are both very good interior passers

[WuDrWu]

Thought Nurger had his moments.

He does, and he moves well and tries hard when he's in there. And whomever said it is right, the Polish kid is going to be a handful if he continues to develop.

[asiseeit]

Whatever the reason it just seems that when RN is in the game we out score our opponents.
His defense is generally pretty good, he blocks out well enabling others to get easy rebounds, and
he sets one screen after another which often leads to an open look for someone. I still believe he
can shoot the three but he plays the role given him well and just doesn't seem to hurt us in any way
when he is in there.

[ShockdaWorld]

I'm probably a bigger fan of Rauno than most. Ever since the injury to Anton, I think Rauno has been our second best option at the 5. I'm sure stats wouldn't show the same, as his minutes are usually only available during clean up time or when others are in foul trouble. But I agree with @asiseeit: in this case. Rauno isn't spectacular at anything, but he seems to do exactly what is asked of him, and IMO seems to be adjusting to the new rules better than our other bigs and still playing defense pretty effectively.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

WSU drops from 32 to 36 in RPI.

Again, thanks Drake.

I show 33 on the official NCAA RPI.

http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/basketb...basketball-rpi

WSU's RPI dropped 2 spots according to http://www.rpiforecast.com/live-rpi.html. 33 to 35.
Jumped 3 spots in KenPom. 15 to 12.

[wusphlash]

I think the coaches should put together a 15 minute clip of Antoine and Cliff finishing at the basket. They were not to be denied. Rashard is to watch that clip every night before he goes to sleep and first thing in the morning. I know he's not Antoine or Cliff but hopefully he'll become inspired.

[Cdizzle]

He does, and he moves well and tries hard when he's in there. And whomever said it is right, the Polish kid is going to be a handful if he continues to develop.

I wonder how big a handful Shaq could develop into if defenders weren't allowed within 6 inches of him either.

It's extremely frustrating the difference in how things are called in the post when you compare Koch/Olejniczak and Morris. Maybe if Shaq flopped everytime somebody breathed on him.

Then again, I'll take just manning the f*** up and winning by 25.