Gabe Blair

[Aargh]

I think Gabe deserves his own thread. He's made huge strides this year. I don't know how he compares to Ramon as far as leadership, but he's done a fine job of replacing Ramon's stats. I think Blair is playing better than we should have expected based on his stats from a lower-level conference and school.

He's about Ramon's equal for fun to watch in a game. He's a game-changer. You know the front court play is going to be different when Blair comes in for Ellis. I think Blair will be able to dictate the style of front court play in the Valley when he's in the game.

7.3 points and 6.1 boards per game are really nice numbers for a PF who comes off the bench.

[ShockBand]

I'm not sure if he is quite to Ramon's defensive intensity, but Gabe sure has some suh-weet moves with the ball on offense. He will be one of those guys that saves our bacon at least once this year with a big scoring game when the others are having a tough night, leaving the other team wondering where the heck he came from.

He also look like he is getting more comfortable on the court each game, which is big coming off the sitout year.

[ShockerKhan]

Gabe is really the total package...not sure what his weakness would be.
He has quick feet, can put the ball on the floor, nice moves inside, can board and shoot the ball.
Our four man rotation of JT, GS, AE and Gabe has got to be the best in the MVC.

[ShockTalk]

Re: Gabe Blair

I think Blair is playing better than we should have expected based on his stats from a lower-level conference and school.

Since when is C-USA considered a lower-level conference (compared to MVC)? Nevertheless, he did play for a school that's been second division within C-USA. That should make the stats he had for ECU and C-USA even more impressive.

I did have pretty good expectations for Gabe and, so far, he's meeting them.

:good: :wsu_posters: :clap:

[tropicalshox]

Our four man rotation of JT, GS, AE and Gabe has got to be the best in the MVC.

Yes indeed and Hannah, Murry, Hatch and Kyles aren't bad. There is no reason for Shocker basketball to wait til next year. It can be this year.

[Shoxfan11]

Not to mention how freaking scary the guy has to be when you're going against him on the court. Not a guy that I'd want to mess with.

[newshock1234]

Gabe is "Da Beast from the East"

[jocoshock]

Re: Gabe Blair

I think Blair is playing better than we should have expected based on his stats from a lower-level conference and school.

Since when is C-USA considered a lower-level conference (compared to MVC)? Nevertheless, he did play for a school that's been second division within C-USA. That should make the stats he had for ECU and C-USA even more impressive.

I did have pretty good expectations for Gabe and, so far, he's meeting them.

:good: :wsu_posters: :clap:

At worst, Gabe's transfer to WSU was considered a lateral move, given our position in the Valley rankings at the time.... 8)

[shockball]

Mr. Blair brings more tp the table than I thought he could. Perhaps some of the difference between his performance here and ECU is coaching. I think Gregg and the assistants usually gets a lot out of what they've got. The chemistry seems good.

[ShockerFever]

Blair is a balla, plain and simple.


And I, for one, am glad we have him.

[WuDrWu]

Blair is a balla, plain and simple.

I hear ya' hummin'.....for the first time in a LONG time, we have some ballas on this team.

[ShockerFever]

Blair is a balla, plain and simple.

I hear ya' hummin'.....for the first time in a LONG time, we have some ballas on this team.

:good:

[SubGod22]

Mr. Blair brings more tp the table than I thought he could. Perhaps some of the difference between his performance here and ECU is coaching. I think Gregg and the assistants usually gets a lot out of what they've got. The chemistry seems good.

I think a lot of it has to do with him almost exclusively playing with his back to the basket at ECU. Here he gets to face up more. Even Gregg has said he needs a lot of work in the post but if he can face up and use what he's got he's much better. Hopefully he continues to work on his post moves though and keep doing everything else like he has been.

[Maggie]

Blair is a more “seasoned” player than RC was while he was at WSU. If I recall correctly, RC only recently started playing organized ball before going JUCO – to RC effort was vital if he was to have any success.

As for Blair’s attitude – he appeared aggressive to me (I only have watched the Pitt game). He may never be Clemente’s equal with regard to intensity but I’ll take 60%-70% -- for now.

[MTXE]

Gabe Blair is one of the most mobile, active, athletic, post men we've had in a long time. He has a soft touch within 10 feet, is a VERY aggressive rebounder, he can slash, finish strong around the rim, and ice his free throws. He may not have all the post moves of J.T. but he is definitely quicker. Gabe Blair could be a contributor on any Big 12 team he wanted to play on. Yeah, and I'm including that one...

I cannot think of one Shocker post man from 1990 to the present that has all the attributes that Gabe Blair seems to have. No way does a player come off a transfer year playing as well as this guy does.. no way...

I'm just waiting for Gabe to swish a three some day.. I wouldn't be surprised.