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Coming into the season, we didn't quite know what to expect. Like HCGM spoke about, we did know it would have some ups and downs as this team found its identity. Now, 7 games in, I think most of us are pleasantly surprised.
Through the first 5 games, WSU was playing some of the most beautiful basketball It could possibly play. It seemed like the options were endless and everyone has a good argument for a starting spot. Then, once WSU hit some adversity (playing two Top 25 teams and programs will do that for you) some players stepped out while others seemed to shy away.
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Some things I noticed were:
ZB needs to work on his FTs. Every time he misses, he misses LONG. At least try shorting up your shot and miss short for once. Just don't keep making the same mistake over and over. His shooting stroke and drives are a bit off at the moment too. I hope he finds his confidence very soon, because he has the ability to be a big part of this team's success.
Frankamp, and Landry have been so streaky on this young season. I just hope they settle in and find some consistency. WSU need both of them to play majors role this season, as it lead to the Shox to being either a good team or a great. They are simply too important and too skilled to continue this steaky play. I expect that to level off very soon.
Shaq is a physical specimen, but he sometimes looks like the Hulk out there; brute strength but no mental awareness. He has the potential and ability to dominate the MVC, but not if he is only playing 5 minutes a half. He may need to start coming off the bench for awhile, until he can get his fouls in check.
Dashion reminds me of Knight and Washpun from ISUr and UNI respectively; quick, decisive, with the ability to drive and shoot. He will probably find himself starting before too long if he keeps it up. We've had tremendous success with JUCO (and transfer) PGs and DK looks to just keep that streak going.
Willis and Nurger have been solid down low and look to have earn some significant playing time going forward. Willis just has to keep his head on straight and Ranuo has to keep those pistols holstered! Nurger also needs to improve on catching the ball in the post. Perhaps it's hard to catch the ball when your also holding those pistols! Willis is use to being the guy, so it's nice to see him look to attack the basket. He just needs to make sure he works hard on defense.
MM is special and I understand wanting to keep him grounded with all the media hype he is getting, but you can't keep him off the floor for very long. He just makes stuff happen. I expect the James Harden 6th Man role to be stripped sooner rather then later.
I hope what is being said about AR is true and he can still play a big role this season. The kid is special. He just sees the game in a way most don't or just can't. He truly does look like a Pistol Pete.
RK is a wonderful athlete and rebounder, but he continues to look like a role player and not a starter. Granted, an important and needed role player. He will contribute in a big way at some point this season, but I think it will be from the bench rather than in the starting lineup.
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If I was picking the starting line up for next game. It would look like this
PG - Smith
SG - Shamet
SF - McDuffie
PF - Willis
C - Nurger
First Three Off - Frankamp, Shaq, Reaves (assuming health)
Situational/Role Players - Brown, Kelly
(Granted. I don't make $3M nor am I the winningest coach in Shocker history, but that's my Monday Morning QB opinion.)
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All this being said, even though The Shox had some poor stretchs, they were a few bad stats away from winning, or being in the prime position for winning, both games:
- If the Shox shoot even close to what they normally average from the FT line, then they are right in it and it's a whole different ball game.
- If WSU just made two more 3s against MSU, they would have won and still shot a poor percentage, but won the game by 1 (CF won't go 0-4 very often)
If either of those things happened, we would all have a completely different mindset and attitude about this week.
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In conclusion, it's still VERY early in this season and it looks to have the potential to be a VERY exciting one. I very much look forward to see how this team and the individual players continue to improve and develop. I very much expect this team to be in position to make a run come March.
If you stuck around for this long, thank you for you time and enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend.
Go SHOX!
Through the first 5 games, WSU was playing some of the most beautiful basketball It could possibly play. It seemed like the options were endless and everyone has a good argument for a starting spot. Then, once WSU hit some adversity (playing two Top 25 teams and programs will do that for you) some players stepped out while others seemed to shy away.
---------
Some things I noticed were:
ZB needs to work on his FTs. Every time he misses, he misses LONG. At least try shorting up your shot and miss short for once. Just don't keep making the same mistake over and over. His shooting stroke and drives are a bit off at the moment too. I hope he finds his confidence very soon, because he has the ability to be a big part of this team's success.
Frankamp, and Landry have been so streaky on this young season. I just hope they settle in and find some consistency. WSU need both of them to play majors role this season, as it lead to the Shox to being either a good team or a great. They are simply too important and too skilled to continue this steaky play. I expect that to level off very soon.
Shaq is a physical specimen, but he sometimes looks like the Hulk out there; brute strength but no mental awareness. He has the potential and ability to dominate the MVC, but not if he is only playing 5 minutes a half. He may need to start coming off the bench for awhile, until he can get his fouls in check.
Dashion reminds me of Knight and Washpun from ISUr and UNI respectively; quick, decisive, with the ability to drive and shoot. He will probably find himself starting before too long if he keeps it up. We've had tremendous success with JUCO (and transfer) PGs and DK looks to just keep that streak going.
Willis and Nurger have been solid down low and look to have earn some significant playing time going forward. Willis just has to keep his head on straight and Ranuo has to keep those pistols holstered! Nurger also needs to improve on catching the ball in the post. Perhaps it's hard to catch the ball when your also holding those pistols! Willis is use to being the guy, so it's nice to see him look to attack the basket. He just needs to make sure he works hard on defense.
MM is special and I understand wanting to keep him grounded with all the media hype he is getting, but you can't keep him off the floor for very long. He just makes stuff happen. I expect the James Harden 6th Man role to be stripped sooner rather then later.
I hope what is being said about AR is true and he can still play a big role this season. The kid is special. He just sees the game in a way most don't or just can't. He truly does look like a Pistol Pete.
RK is a wonderful athlete and rebounder, but he continues to look like a role player and not a starter. Granted, an important and needed role player. He will contribute in a big way at some point this season, but I think it will be from the bench rather than in the starting lineup.
--------
If I was picking the starting line up for next game. It would look like this
PG - Smith
SG - Shamet
SF - McDuffie
PF - Willis
C - Nurger
First Three Off - Frankamp, Shaq, Reaves (assuming health)
Situational/Role Players - Brown, Kelly
(Granted. I don't make $3M nor am I the winningest coach in Shocker history, but that's my Monday Morning QB opinion.)
----------
All this being said, even though The Shox had some poor stretchs, they were a few bad stats away from winning, or being in the prime position for winning, both games:
- If the Shox shoot even close to what they normally average from the FT line, then they are right in it and it's a whole different ball game.
- If WSU just made two more 3s against MSU, they would have won and still shot a poor percentage, but won the game by 1 (CF won't go 0-4 very often)
If either of those things happened, we would all have a completely different mindset and attitude about this week.
---------
In conclusion, it's still VERY early in this season and it looks to have the potential to be a VERY exciting one. I very much look forward to see how this team and the individual players continue to improve and develop. I very much expect this team to be in position to make a run come March.
If you stuck around for this long, thank you for you time and enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend.
Go SHOX!
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