Pick Up Games - July 21, 2010

[SB Shock]

No Stutz?

It was mentioned on another thread that he has summer coursework that has been keeping him busy, which is why he hasn't been at the pickup games recently.

I hope that is the reason (though I'm not sure how taking what 1-2 classes could dominate your summer). Summer session runs through July 30, so if that is the case we should see him back playing at a minimum in a week.

[Snapshot9]

Sounds like the team was playing 'slapball' instead of basketball.

No one answered my question on the other thread - When do 4 on 4 practices begin?

[shockerfan]

No Stutz?

It was mentioned on another thread that he has summer coursework that has been keeping him busy, which is why he hasn't been at the pickup games recently.

Another reason Stutz has been MIA during pickup games:

Submitted by Shox31 from Wichita, KS

Q: I've noticed Garrett Stutz hasn't been playing pickup ball for a while. Everything ok with him?

Answered 07/26/10 14:50:21 by Paul Suellentrop

A: He took some time off to deal with an illness. I've seen him lifting weights. When I talked to Gregg Marshall last week, he said everything was OK with Garrett.

Read more: http://www.kansas.com/qna/forum/paul...#ixzz0upmhk4aC

[forevershockerfan]

It has been said that "offense wins games and defense wins championships." The fact that we have quality depth should point to an improvement on team defense as well. I felt like losing David Kyles late in our games to injury last Season hurt us defensively. It also was interesting that Paul S. thought it was too ealy to think we are a top 25 team as of yet. However, maybe at the end of the Season? That sounds quite logical to me. Our rigid schedule will test us as to how good we really are. Discuss.

[Maggie]

I just wanted to write, I appreciate those of you that take time out of your day to watch the pick-up games and post your observations. Like many others who are not in Wichita, I read your posts with great interest and cautious optimism. Keep them coming as often as possible.

Thanks.

[Txlen]

I just wanted to write, I appreciate those of you that take time out of your day to watch the pick-up games and post your observations. Like many others who are not in Wichita, I read your posts with great interest and cautious optimism. Keep them coming as often as possible.

Thanks.

:good: :yahoo: :good: :yahoo:

[Maggie]

It has been said that "offense wins games and defense wins championships." The fact that we have quality depth should point to an improvement on team defense as well. I felt like losing David Kyles late in our games to injury last Season hurt us defensively. It also was interesting that Paul S. thought it was too ealy to think we are a top 25 team as of yet. However, maybe at the end of the Season? That sounds quite logical to me. Our rigid schedule will test us as to how good we really are. Discuss.

1. It is too early to talk about whether this squad deserves to be ranked nationally – it is possible they will receive a pre-season ranking but I wouldn’t put too much stock in it (and I hope the players don’t either);

2. For some reason, I am more concerned about defensive than I am about offense with this team; don’t ask me for I good reason why – I just am – defense biased I guess;

3. Kyles absence did hurt the team last season both offensively and defensively. He seemed to be coming around prior to the injury. I have always been a fan of Kyles and I expect a solid year from him;

4. Team depth could turn out to be a net positive for this team – we will see how it plays out. That depth coupled with experience will hopefully give CGM additional options on both ends of the floor;

5. Time will tell and the season can’t get here soon enough.

[SubGod22]

5. Time will tell and the season can’t get here soon enough.

:yes:

[ShockTalk]

HCGM has put together a team of quality athletes (who are also quality young men), that has excellent depth with all the positions covered. I think most of us would agree that we have confidence in HCGM and his staff's abilities as well.

For this team to enter the "next level", look toward floor leadership (from more than one source), team chemistry, consistency, and the tenacity of their resolution to make it happen.

:clap: :wsu_posters: :yahoo:

[Kung Wu]

2. For some reason, I am more concerned about defensive than I am about offense with this team; don’t ask me for I good reason why – I just am – defense biased I guess;

Hmm, seems like we are stacked at defense. We have two players that aren't offensive threats, per se, but are strong defensive weapons: Aaron Ellis and now E.O. When the cat and mouse end game begins, HC3G has some serious choices for defensive lineups versus offensive lineups.

[Maggie]

2. For some reason, I am more concerned about defensive than I am about offense with this team; don’t ask me for I good reason why – I just am – defense biased I guess;

Hmm, seems like we are stacked at defense. We have two players that aren't offensive threats, per se, but are strong defensive weapons: Aaron Ellis and now E.O. When the cat and mouse end game begins, HC3G has some serious choices for defensive lineups versus offensive lineups.

I didn’t say my concern was based on any empirical evidence. ;-)

Sure, they have the talent to be a lock down squad. But I don’t care how athletic these guys are, what the expectations might be, or how they have performed in the past – until I see it on the court, against a quality opponent, I will still be concerned.

Defense is about effort and execution more than anything else. I hope you are right.

[Kung Wu]

2. For some reason, I am more concerned about defensive than I am about offense with this team; don’t ask me for I good reason why – I just am – defense biased I guess;

Hmm, seems like we are stacked at defense. We have two players that aren't offensive threats, per se, but are strong defensive weapons: Aaron Ellis and now E.O. When the cat and mouse end game begins, HC3G has some serious choices for defensive lineups versus offensive lineups.

I didn’t say my concern was based on any empirical evidence. ;-)

Sure, they have the talent to be a lock down squad. But I don’t care how athletic these guys are, what the expectations might be, or how they have performed in the past – until I see it on the court, against a quality opponent, I will still be concerned.

Defense is about effort and execution more than anything else. I hope you are right.

Well we wouldn't be good Shocker fans if we didn't worry about something. Ironically I am mostly worried about offense. LOL I just hope we have that Ogirri/Brauer 3 pt shooter to save the day when called upon to do so. We had several last shot opportunities last year on the road and were frustrated by not having that "dagger" guy.

JRag are you listening!? Hahaha

[wufan]

Although I hesitate to list a 6-5 SF that averaged double-digit rebounds a "perimeter player," the Shockers three new perimeter players (Richardson included) shot 45% (JR), 40% (BS), and 40% (TR). If we are going to improve as a perimeter team, that is good way to start. The defenses will be tougher to handle, and there is no D-I experience there, but if JT and Stutz can score it should open up the perimeter. An open perimeter will be helpful for the new guys as well as Williams, Murry, Kyles, and Hatch!

Well fellas, it's all there! height, weight, depth, experience, athleticism, and strength. There's basketball skills and IQ enough to spread it around. Leadership and mental toughness is all that stands between us and our opponent. That's not to say that there aren't teams out there that will be better than the Shockers, but damn it, this is our year!

[BostonWu]

Going into the season I'm going to assume this will be a physical and solid to spectacular defensive team. The big question in my mind is who can go out and get you a bucket when the moment shifts and you're staring at a 5 to 7 minute scoring drought. We have to cut that sort of doodoo out especially in the big games and I'm still not sure we have that critical go-to guy.

[SubGod22]

Going into the season I'm going to assume this will be a physical and solid to spectacular defensive team. The big question in my mind is who can go out and get you a bucket when the moment shifts and you're staring at a 5 to 7 minute scoring drought. We have to cut that sort of doodoo out especially in the big games and I'm still not sure we have that critical go-to guy.

If Garrett continues his progress I think he could be that guy. Same with JT if he really wants it. Those guys are capable of scoring at will if the guards will get them the ball.

But it's normally easier to find a perimeter type who can create for himself to fill this role. I get the feeling Rags may be that type of guy. Kinda like Clev. He's a pass first PG capable of putting up points.

I'm not sure if DWill is ready for that this year but I think he'll become that type eventually.

I'd like to say Toure but I sometimes wonder if he can be that guy or not.

DK could be if he ever gets that mindset.

I guess we'll find out this winter if any of this actually happens. But I feel pretty confident that it won't be a concern.