NBC Sports Big Sky Preview and Weber Article

[SWeberCat02]

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspo...wont-lack-for-challengers-in-big-sky/related/

PREDICTED FINISH

1. Weber State
2. Northern Arizona
3. Sacramento State
4. Eastern Washington
5. Montana
6. Northern Colorado
7. Portland State
8. Idaho
9. North Dakota
10. Idaho State
11. Montana State
12 Southern Utah

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspo...ans-will-lead-the-way-at-weber-state/related/

 

[SWWeatherCat]

I know Joel hit a few 3's last year (or at least I think I remember that) and having heard how he has the green light to shoot them, I worry that it might become a focus that it shouldn't. Kanter has gotten the green light for the Jazz and is something like 1-18 from behind the arc. It's not all the missed shots that is the worst part to me, it's that he's not playing enough in an area on the floor where he's needed and most effective. Can any who have seen him play lately say he's a legitimate 3pt threat? If Rahe allows him to frequently step out, how much of offensive rebounding liability does that become? Am I worrying for no good reason?

 

[ZonaCat]

I know Joel hit a few 3's last year (or at least I think I remember that) and having heard how he has the green light to shoot them, I worry that it might become a focus that it shouldn't. Kanter has gotten the green light for the Jazz and is something like 1-18 from behind the arc. It's not all the missed shots that is the worst part to me, it's that he's not playing enough in an area on the floor where he's needed and most effective. Can any who have seen him play lately say he's a legitimate 3pt threat? If Rahe allows him to frequently step out, how much of offensive rebounding liability does that become? Am I worrying for no good reason?

With Bolomboy's skills rebounding the ball I don't think it is good strategy to have him setting up on the 3-line firing 3's. I want Joel underneath going after those offensive rebounds... He's a vacuum cleaner in the paint! Plus he needs to continue to develop his offensive game close to the basket and with his back to the basket. If Bolomboy develops his offensive game, sky is the limit, he's unstoppable, especially in the Big Sky. Having said that, possessing any kind of skill with an outside jumper makes him that much more difficult to guard. I think he showed improvement in his mid-range jumper last season. But it doesn't have to be 3 pointers...

 

[sacstateman]

I say take another step back and fire away Joel.....if you miss the first one fire and fire and fire till you've got a sore arm....lol

 

[oldrunner]

Joel probably won't be taking a ton of them, but he hits a high percentage of them in practice. The day I watched him practicing them he was hitting about 50% with his left hand and about 60% with his right hand. He hits a higher percentage than the rest of the 4s and 5s. He is about even with Gittens and Hunter. The only guys better were Senglin, Golden, Richardson, and Jefferson, in that order. I agree partially, about the rebounding thing. However, you must remember that he would also be pulling the other teams rebounder away from the rim as well. Having a big who shoots as well as Joel does, can change the dynamics of a game. We want the other teams big to be forced to follow him out on the perimeter when he goes to set a pick. Also, if teams are going to play 3 or 4 guards, and try to play zone on us, He can shoot over all of those guards any time he wants. This isn't something new with Joel. he has always had this ability. If the other team's big does chase him, he has the ability to put it on the floor and drive in for the dunk. I don't think we will see him taking 20 a game, but one or two would be OK. The other team just needs to respect it. I think it will be harder for teams to zone us this year. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[n.ogdencat]

Joel is a really good shooter and is really improving his game. He is getting pushed and challenged in practice. The walkons this season are far better than they have been in the past and are really making a difference for our players. Joel, from what I have heard, is improving his ball handling and become far more apt at hitting the outside shot, most importantly he is getting beat up. One aspect of his game that needs to improve is that he has to out tough guys. A few too many times last season he didn't show up and got pushed around. He got intimidated. He can't do that. He needs to be the tougher guy. When he finds his toughness he is a monster.

 

[Midmajor??]

They're asking a lot of him this year. I think he's a fantastic player, but going to wait and see on the new offensive skillset. I don't see him being able to play the 5 position. I'd rather see Hajek and allow Joel to face the basket.

I thought there were times last year that he looked mechanical. Wondering if moving him to 5 could negatively impact his development. If he does have a NBA future its at 4, not 5. Also have to consider how to keep him out of foul trouble.

 

[oldrunner]

There is almost no difference in the way 4s and 5s play in Rahe's system. Joel would be guarding slower players at the 5 spot and probably be less inclined to get in foul trouble. The majority of the 4s in the NBA played 5 in college. It's not about what specific position you played in a system, it's about your skill set and how it applies to the system you are being put in. I think we are getting too hung up on specific positions. Joel is the best big on the team. Kyndahl is next in line, and then James or Jaelyn. Foul trouble is always an issue, but we have the depth to handle it.

 

[3Wildcats]

You are so right Olds. If look at some of the guys that have come out of college the past few years they were in that quote/unquote 5 position and are playing the PF in the NBA. Examples would be Davis in New Orleans, McGary from U of Michigan, the guy that played at Georgetown and now is the PF in Detroit and so many more. In college they're not that many legit centers anymore so they are use athletic 6'8 to 6'10 guys at what we know as the 5 spot and then teams move them around to open the floor a lot more.

 

[Itiger]

There is almost no difference in the way 4s and 5s play in Rahe's system. Joel would be guarding slower players at the 5 spot and probably be less inclined to get in foul trouble. The majority of the 4s in the NBA played 5 in college. It's not about what specific position you played in a system, it's about your skill set and how it applies to the system you are being put in. I think we are getting too hung up on specific positions. Joel is the best big on the team. Kyndahl is next in line, and then James or Jaelyn. Foul trouble is always an issue, but we have the depth to handle it.

Olds..... you still red shirting Braxton? :kisswink:

 

[WSUfan1]

There is almost no difference in the way 4s and 5s play in Rahe's system. Joel would be guarding slower players at the 5 spot and probably be less inclined to get in foul trouble. The majority of the 4s in the NBA played 5 in college. It's not about what specific position you played in a system, it's about your skill set and how it applies to the system you are being put in. I think we are getting too hung up on specific positions. Joel is the best big on the team. Kyndahl is next in line, and then James or Jaelyn. Foul trouble is always an issue, but we have the depth to handle it.

Olds..... you still red shirting Braxton? :kisswink:

Olds is accurate in his assumption of Braxton getting redshirted. I heard it straight from Coach Rahe' mouth yesterday that he really wants to redshirt Zach. He said that Zach needs the redshirt to develope and grow. He really wants Zach to redshirt so he can be a 3 year starter when Joel graduates. Rahe really expressed his desire to redshirt Zach yesterday.. :twocents:

 

[Webergrad02]

The real reason is that Olds is so close to coach that he told coach if Braxton redshirts someone on the fan forum is going to buy him a nice steak dinner.

 

[Itiger]

There is almost no difference in the way 4s and 5s play in Rahe's system. Joel would be guarding slower players at the 5 spot and probably be less inclined to get in foul trouble. The majority of the 4s in the NBA played 5 in college. It's not about what specific position you played in a system, it's about your skill set and how it applies to the system you are being put in. I think we are getting too hung up on specific positions. Joel is the best big on the team. Kyndahl is next in line, and then James or Jaelyn. Foul trouble is always an issue, but we have the depth to handle it.

Olds..... you still red shirting Braxton? :kisswink:

Olds is accurate in his assumption of Braxton getting redshirted. I heard it straight from Coach Rahe' mouth yesterday that he really wants to redshirt Zach. He said that Zach needs the redshirt to develope and grow. He really wants Zach to redshirt so he can be a 3 year starter when Joel graduates. Rahe really expressed his desire to redshirt Zach yesterday.. :twocents:

I was talking to some players yesterday afternoon and they thought Braxton was killing it! I wonder if Rahe talked to Him yet? He scored 12 in the top secret scrimmage. I heard some bigs didn't even get in the game. When I talk to the players they can't get over his slick his moves. Is it his defense or just saving him for the future? Could we lose him?

 

[oldrunner]

I'd settle for a Jake's Over the Top milkshake.

I'm still not 100% sure yet on the red shirt situation. The only thing I don't like to see is a talented freshman burning a year of eligibility for less than 5 minutes a game PT. Now, if he wasn't talented enough to keep around for the next 4 years, then, by all means, play him and send him off to a JC next year. Braxton has true potential. I would like to see him here for the next 4 years.

I think that all freshmen should red shirt, unless they make the top 8 in the rotation.

 

[Da Bears]

I'd settle for a Jake's Over the Top milkshake.

I'm still not 100% sure yet on the red shirt situation. The only thing I don't like to see is a talented freshman burning a year of eligibility for less than 5 minutes a game PT. Now, if he wasn't talented enough to keep around for the next 4 years, then, by all means, play him and send him off to a JC next year. Braxton has true potential. I would like to see him here for the next 4 years.

I think that all freshmen should red shirt, unless they make the top 8 in the rotation.

If coach is telling others that he wants to redshirt Braxton there's no doubt in my mind he's already talked to the kid. Randy isn't the type of Coach to talk publicly without the kid already knowing. There has to be a certain level of trust with the player. I'm not sure if he stays or decides to transfer, but Coach Rahe knows what he's doing. Maybe the kid is all hype. From what I'm seeing that doesn't seem to be the case, but I've noticed that publicly the coaches never talk about him.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I'm not going to act like I know what is happening. But, I do know that Braxton is perhaps our best big recruit since Rahe has been the coach, which is saying a lot. Every 5 Rahe has recruited, with the exception of Hajek have played automatically. Only reason why Braxton should consider being red shirted is playing time and development. Hajek came back ready to play this Fall. From everything I have heard he is stronger, faster, and far better on offense. That totally could affect Braxton's playing time. I don't know. I haven't seen enough to weigh in one way or the other.

 

[Midmajor??]

I'm not going to act like I know what is happening. But, I do know that Braxton is perhaps our best big recruit since Rahe has been the coach, which is saying a lot. Every 5 Rahe has recruited, with the exception of Hajek have played automatically. Only reason why Braxton should consider being red shirted is playing time and development. Hajek came back ready to play this Fall. From everything I have heard he is stronger, faster, and far better on offense. That totally could affect Braxton's playing time. I don't know. I haven't seen enough to weigh in one way or the other.

The red shirting decisions are made right after the purple and white game. Braxton is the only big that is eligible to redshirt. Something has to give since we are already over one scholarship next year.