The Return of the Six Gun Six Seniors

[forevershockerfan]

This is the TRUTH!!!

Since Marshall Law has an emphasis on rim-protecting, I would like to expound on this by saying we should be improved in this area with so many developing and experienced returning players. In terms of blocked shots last Season, Shaq led us with 35, followed by Willis with 29, RN with 15, MM with 11, Austin with 10 (yes AR), and Kelly with 9. Add A.M. to that and the Browns' and I say this is an area of sure fire improvement. Will Willis and Shaq have an improved Senior Season as did Carl Hall and not foul so much as last Season to gain more floor minutes which begets more blocks?

Next, this bunch does not have to always "return to sender" as Elvis would sing, but rather alter our foes inside shot attempts and go get that rock. We could call this process "Alterations by Rim Protecting Angry Shockers."

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks certainly have the experience, depth, athleticism and length to do a lot of different things especially on the defensive end. If Darral and CJ can step up there games a coupe of notches (and no reason to thing they won't) we could be a very unpleasant team to face. We should be able to make our opponents earn everything they get.

I guess what I am most interested at this point in seeing what kind of strides Darral and CJ will have made. Will Austin be ready and able to function at a high level. What will Samajae, Asbjorn and Rod be able to contribute. I am assuming that Rod will be in a Shocker uniform this coming season.

[WSUwatcher]

By the way, FSF, speaking of shot blockers -- doesn't Frankamp also block more shots than Doug McDermott used to?

[ShockAzs]

If Shaq gets calls like the American conference, he'll be All Conference.

If he gets whistled up like he does in the Valley, he'll have similar numbers to last year.

[another shocker]

We have a team of shot blockers although no one dominant shot blocker. Duff, Shaq, Darryl, Kelly, CJ, and Brown can fly and reject shots.

we'll see how it all adds up. hopefully, it's all shockers favor in this new setting.

one thing- on the flip side, they will contend against a major shot-blocker next year in tacko fall, so maybe when they see, maybe, say, a louisville/kentucky/north carolina in the ncaa tournament next year, they won't be so flummoxed by it.

[forevershockerfan]

By the way, FSF, speaking of shot blockers -- doesn't Frankamp also block more shots than Doug McDermott used to?

This is what I remember about D.M. He made mention that Carl Hall defended him the best. MM and ZB did good slowing down key players last Season, even guards. The 2 star guards of Kentucky only scored 14 apiece against us. I think it was the next game Fox scored 39.

[ShanShock]

This is the TRUTH!!!

I'm sure the Shaq-Wall and Asbjorn Midtgaard with be excellent shot blockers. The new bookends are ready to suit up!

[ShockerPrez]

I think I am most curious to see what Kelly does next year.

[Shocker Mama]

We have a team of shot blockers although no one dominant shot blocker. Duff, Shaq, Darryl, Kelly, CJ, and Brown can fly and reject shots.

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[pogo]

By the way, FSF, speaking of shot blockers -- doesn't Frankamp also block more shots than Doug McDermott used to?

My Grandmother who passed away at the age of 99 and had a fused hip blocked more shots than DM.

[pogo]

Nothing like picking the low hanging fruit:)

[forevershockerfan]

So to further examine these high and mighty predictions these experts are giving us, I went back today to watch the Kentucky game. from last Seasons Dance. It seems we often win a game or two against the likes Dayton, KU, Arizona, Vandy, etc. However, the Season we went to the Final 4, we got a huge win versus the Zags, etc. too. Since then, we have met Kentucky twice, Miami, etc. in the 2nd or third round and was very close, but no cigar.

The Shocks were very respectable in the Kentucky loss and were led LS who was outstanding with 20 pts, followed by Shaq with 11 and Brown with 9. We kept their bigs to a mild roar the 1st half and it was nip and tuck and a defensive showcase for both teams. Both teams rarely turned over the ball the first half. At halftime, I was reminded they had our Shaq say hello to Big Shaq who told him "I know who you are."

The overall stats were close. For example, we scored 28 points in the paint and they had 24. However, in the 2nd half, Adebayo asserted himself and hurt us inside more, especially when Shaq was not in the game and ended up with 13 points. Our bench scored 11 and theirs had 10. We outrebounded them 38-36. Both teams had 5 blocks and Shaq had 3 of our blocks. There was around 11 lead changes and 5 ties. However, I don't believe we ever led again after the 5 minute mark. Our D versus their guards was about as good as you could ever expect but both of them scored big baskets towards the end.

When came within a whisker of winning and this game could have went wither way. LS made some awesome shots to give us a chance. Two things on the stat sheet reached out and grabbed me. We had 11 turnovers and they had only 7. Next, We were 6-9 on throws and they were 12-18. Then the 2 blocked shots and the rest is history. I do think this squad this Season will be improved and these correctable things can be fixed.

[DJShocker10]

My Grandmother who passed away at the age of 99 and had a fused hip blocked more shots than DM.

Did your grandfather ever mention her shot fake???

[ShockingButTrue]

After a year of new guys having played together, sans Fred and Ron, I look for the offensive execution to possibly reach '14 levels. I repeat, possibly. It's not out of the question to think that could happen. Plus, this team 1-10 looks to have more firepower.

[forevershockerfan]

Remember Shaq at the Orlando tourney sitting on the bench in the dawg house with an injured Fred-Van-Smooth right by his side and in his ear mentoring him because he knew his potential and that it could help both Shaq and the Shocks? Likewise, let's hope Shaq and our Seniors all set a great example of hard work in preparation for this Season including taking younger players under their wing being positive examples and influences.