Augusta Game Thread

[Cdizzle]

Shades of Goudelock. That was cray.

Some good things, some bad. Lots to work on.

[wusphlash]

We're going to need to look to score earlier in the shot clock. Taking the clock deep was a issue last year. Certainly didn't look any better today.

[wufan]

Yah, Willis was not impressive at all whatsoever. Soft, buttery, and just looked mixed up out there. Marshall is attributing it to nerves which I guess is reasonable. He's probably not gonna be a factor until late.

He looked bad. I think he will get it soon though.

[Shocker Mama]

Probably because he's 5'5.

And I doubt he's ever gone off like that. I'd attribute a lot of it to the Koch Effect.

That's a guy who could have benefitted from a generous application of Cotton.

[Stickboy46]

That's a guy who could have benefitted from a generous application of Cotton.

Our guards really struggled with getting around screens. That's one thing that Baker did great

[pie n eye]

Looked pretty good until coach started playing some goofy line ups after the big run. Starters came back in and took care of business despite that kid hitting like 8 in a row? When the rotations tighten up I think we'll look much better for 40 minutes.

Willis will contribute sooner rather than later.

I'm going shopping for sunglasses.

[proshox]

My breakdown:

CF was great when at PG. He moves the ball so quick compared to everyone else. Sometimes he may surprise guys by hitting them early - especially after four years of deliberate basketball. The only thing missing was aggressive shooting - finding the right mix between facilitating offense and scoring will be the key for him.

DS refused to shoot inside out threes and was reluctant to use the left hand (this will be an issue once the scout gets out). Still has quickness on both ends and it will be interesting to see how he pans out, because I have trouble getting a sense for his upside.

AR does a lot well. Experience will be huge for him and it would be reasonable for investors to buy a lot of stock in AR now!

LS was good all around. He reminds me a lot TM and RB. Just consistently doing the right things to help the team win.

ZB and RK are role players. It would be nice if one could take a big step forward. As it stands, I think one starts and one if first off the bench for the foreseeable future.

MM couldn't get anything going. Hopefully big expectations for the sophomore don't mess with his head... I would like to see him at the four, because dynamic fours are a huge advantage in college basketball.

SM was great other than the stretch that was the beginning of the wheels falling off.

RN was serviceable, but not the answer.

EH continues to be tantalizing, if he can be part of the rotation my overall expectations for this team rise.

[forevershockerfan]

Here is where CF will really help. He is for sure our best shooter so I am sure that will be utilized. Today, CF had some nice moments too on the Defensive side which the 'Marshall Plan' demands.

[pie n eye]

Keyser and Reaves were both impressive for Freshmen.

[1972Shocker]

I thought Shaq, Landry and Conner (except for missing the wide open alley oop to Shaq) played well.

Eric Hamilton was probably the 2nd best 5-man for the Shocks today. I did not think Rauno played that great. Had trouble catching the ball and allowed his man to beat him on a missed Augusta free throw late in the game.

Marquis, Zach and Darral were pretty much no shows. Doubt we can be successful without meaningful contributions from those guys.

Austin had the Delivery of the Game with his nice pass to Eric for a reverse layup. Austin also did a really nice job setting up Landry for an end of shot clock 3. Rashard also had a very nice kick-out to Conner for a 3.

3G said on his radio show Monday that Augusta would be the best exhibition opponent the Shocks have played during his WSU tenure. Although I doubt that he was expecting Keshun Sherrill to go off like he did in the 2nd half but you have to tip your hat to that young man.

3G probably got a few questions answered, but he has quite a few that remain unanswered and perhaps a couple of new questions to deal with.

[another shocker]

Conner is no Fred, but he played a nice overall game today. He was the leader at the end of the game when it was close. He handled the ball when he went in toward the end of the game well and made some nice passes that weren't handled by Willis that should have turned into points. He had several assists that weren't converted by the shooter in close during the game. He also dug down on the post to help our posts when on defense several times.

Shaq was great. Shamet was good too. Hamilton showed some ability to play the 5 in a back up role.

Willis and MM did not have good games but Gregg said that Willis doesn't play that way during practice. MM will get it going.

i don't mean his ballhandling or passing will be missed. i mean his leadership, vocal and otherwise. toughness from your pg.

[wusphlash]

Would be interested in takes on AR's defense.

I thought he was solid. Stayed low and used his length to keep his guy corralled.

[Kel Varnsen]

Willis is a good player, but today it seemed like he melted butter and rubbed it all over his hands before the game.

[wusphlash]

Willis is a good player, but today it seemed like he melted butter and rubbed it all over his hands before the game.

Gregg said he was very nervous. He looked it. I remember Cle's first exhibition game. Similar hands.

[forevershockerfan]

Willis is a good player, but today it seemed like he melted butter and rubbed it all over his hands before the game.

Coach Marshall was surprised, stating he may have been nervous at his first game for the Shocks. After all, MM and Brown will be solid most of the time but were flat today. That is why 3G goes at least 10 deep with solid players. However, we go deeper than that this Season but it will be a work in progress with all the new players and Coach Marshall talked about that very subject after the game today. The roller coaster ride will level out as we move forward but it will take time with this tough schedule. I think Willis is a playa and by Valley time, watch out!!!!!!!