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M: vs UC Merced

If I wasn't working I'd be at this one. I think this is UC Merced's only second or third year as a program. I expect an easy win for our Hornets, but say it cautiously. We have a very short non-conference schedule this year, and I see us able to conceivably win 6 out of 8 of the contests. Winning this game might not be earth shattering, but it will be nice to start strong. I have high hopes for this season.
 
96-62 Final, Hornets win. I didn't tune in until the 2nd half and watched the Hornets pull away. Apparently this was a close one in the first half. Offense was fine, but they aren't playing a good team so it should look good. Defense was a step slow on the rotation which gave Merced had a lot of open shots. This will be an issue against the good shooting teams.

Barlett played the last few minutes so no redshirt for him. He did put up a ton of points in his limited playing time. Okwud isn't 100% and isn't good. When Veteto gets into foul trouble the Hornets will not have capable depth coming off the bench to fill that void. A lot of missed free throws by the Hornets. A lot of players put up big numbers. It will be interesting to see how that translates over against a good team.
 
Hornetsports Reacp: http://www.hornetsports.com/sports/mbball/release.asp?release_id=10786

Box Score: http://www.hornetsports.com/assets/sports/mbball/SACUCM.HTM

Katz played 12 players. Aside from the significant playing time from the players we know will be on the floor; Estrada and Salley didn't play, Barlett did (4 minutes), and Demps played 13 minutes. Not sure if that means Salley is being redshirted or not. Carbs played 17 minutes (looks like he is picking up where he left off last season), Quigley played 14 minutes, and McKinney played 18 minutes.

I honestly have no idea what goes through Katz' mind wrt roster moves. Groom played 5 minutes and and D'ville saw 20 minutes worth of play. If Katz isn't redshirting Barlett, why give more time to Groom and D'ville over Barlett and Demps? We all know Groom and D'ville are going to be buried on the bench this season. These newbs are going to need to see decent playing time if they are going to develop, otherwise redshirt them. I just don't get it.
 
The only redshirt this year is Tiffin, because of transfer rules. Minutes played last night had a little to do with foul trouble. Salley is not redshirting, they are going to need him in certain games when the big guys get in foul trouble.
 
Quigley started but didn't look good at anything; he actually appeared slow out there. I'd be surprised if he gets a start against Bakersfield. McKinney is super fast and isn't afraid to take it to the hoop, but he got into foul trouble. Veteto played better as the game went along, but needs to work on his free throws as do most of the team.

UC Merced played us real tough the first half and they took it to us with a lot of offensive rebounds and were able to keep it close. We adjusted the second half and kept them off the boards and wore them down. That 6'7" freshman they got from Kennedy High in Sacto, Ryan Edwards, is a good player; we could've used him.
 
SD, if you had seen the first half you would of seen that Demps picked up two fouls in his first 27 seconds of play. You cant blame Katz for that. As far as Barlett goes, I would like to see more of him too but I know Katz demands defense for playing time. I think Barlett may still be finding his way on D1 defensive basketball and he is sort of a tweener size wise. Hopefully he will continue to force his way on to the floor.
 
Well that explains it. However given the quality of the opponent (or lack thereof) I don't see why there would be a concern by Katz about Demps fouling out. Hell our starting 5 could have fouled out and we should still win that game by 20.

As far as Barlett goes, a redshirt year would give him plenty of time to grown and learn the D1 game...or get him on the court more so he learns that way. This was a glorified exhibition, I can't think of a better in-game opportunity than this one. Again I just don't get it. Katz did the same thing with Groom. Katz didn't redshirt him, and didn't play him. If Barlett has a lot of potential to develop, I don't see how not letting him get decent playing time in games like these even happens. IMO I just see a redshirt a lot more useful than a meaningless minute of playing time here and there.

Side note, SSS recap: http://sacstatesports.com/2012/11/09/five-hornets-in-double-figures-as-sac-state-downs-uc-merced/

SSS Photo Gallery: http://sacstatesports.com/2012/11/10/photo-gallery-uc-merced-at-sac-state-mens-basketball/
 
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