Purple and White Game

[WeberSki]

Maybe 3 pt. shooting by committee? a few from Berry, Williams, Hill, Rich, Senglin. We don't have a go to like we've had the last 5 years with Nick Hansen, Lillard, and Bamforth.

 

[UtahPirate]

The trouble with an intra sqaud game is that the players usually know what the other player is going to do, before they even do it. They have practiced the same offense, the same defense and played plenty of pick-up against each other. So it is hard to expect too much. So just a couple of my observations.

Richardson has to be really big for us. We don't have the same long-range ability with Bam gone, and hitting 3's will free up our inside game (obviously our team strength). Richardson hits his shots with consistency, but doesn't shoot enough. I was pleased as we repeated time running out type plays at the end that he calmly hit a 3 after not having shot for a very long time. His defense is really good. Senglin struggled in the first half because Richardson pretty much wore his jersey. When they were teamed together Senglin seemed to get into his game better.

Bolomboy needs to hit the 10 to 12 foot jumper consistently. He did that a couple of times last night and it frees him up to make the inside moves that get him to the basket. I thought he had really improved on offense. You still see his raw ability, but the edges are sure getting smoother.

Where did we get Gittens? Wow, I was unbelievably impressed. And not necessarily by his ability to get to the basket, but just with the confidence he showed when playing within the offense. I thought there might be a few more freshman mistakes but I thought when he had the ball he worked flawlessly. It is going to be really fun watching him develop.

Defense will be this team's mantra. I think the obvious athleticism that we have will be pushed hardest on the defensive end. I expect us to be an exceptional defensive team as long as we can keep our bigs out of foul trouble. It seemed that the younger players were concentrating harder in the first half on their defensive rotations than worrying about their offensive contributions. I actually think that we'll see that Senglin has an outside shot, but our guard defense was really tight. Randy's boys were working like maniacs on defense.

It's Tresnak and Berry's team. Most of the plays flowed through those two. They are our obvious leaders and both looked ready to lead. Tresnak has seemed to raise his offensive game another notch and seems a little stronger and more chiseled physically (also a bit meaner when he has the ball). I think we'll see a steady and focused Berry.

Randy Rahe is a great coach and we have a solid coaching staff. You have seen it game after game in how hard we play. And you see us incrementally getting better each year in different areas. Our athleticism is so superior to a few years ago. Randy is a man with a plan and hopefully we'll see some breakthrough big game wins from this squad this year.

I would love to beat the Y at their place, but they are pretty excited in Provo and bring some real offensive explosiveness to a arena where we have never won a game. We better beat down the Aggies. I want blood spilt on the court! Eff the Utes...

Really good preseason schedule with some patsies and some tough road trips. I think come Big Sky time we'll be ready to breakthrough and claim the prize this year. I sure want to dance!

 

[n.ogdencat]

One of the guys who looked a lot better was Royce Williams. He isn't the flashiest player, nor is he a "big" name, but he is solid and will do the little things to help the team win games. He could start some games and other's come off the bench, but he is the guy that the Cats need year in and year out. The Glu guy. He is the guy you can count on to do the same things every game: play solid defense, hustle, and provide an offensive spark or bucket when needed. He has improved his game a ton, was quicker, and you could tell his knees where not bugging him as much. Maybe another reason why Gelaun isn't here??

Another guy I was impressed with and from everyone else, he didn't do much for them, was Fuller. The dude's offense is going to take some time to come back. He was on a mission 4 months ago. He isn't going to suddenly be all-world, but for where he was four months ago to where he is now, is a great sign of his work ethic and toughness. He is 6-6 playing against guys who will both be 1st teamers and could be POY candidates. He is new to our program and didn't looked lost to me. What I really liked was his willingness to help the team succeed and his toughness. He fought for rebounds, attacked the rim, and most importantly, is a wall on the court. He had some killer screens that really opened up lanes for other guys. Also, I like his enthusiasm and excitement. He is also a Glu guy.

 

[oldrunner]

Couldn't agree with you more, Tal. I've seen a few practices now and I can honestly say that all of our freshmen will show much better as the season goes on. I loved what they did last night, but I have seen them do so much more. This team probably won't peak until March. As these underclassmen become more comfortable and confident in our system, watch out. I think Senglin will turn out to be just as good a shooter as Bamforth and he is a very good ball handler and passer. Gittins is a thoroughbred with a huge up side. Hill is the same deal. Fuller is extremely intelligent, highly athletic and has a nice shooting touch out to the three point line. Our up side, as a team, is huge. :nod:

 

[SWWeatherCat]

G/F Davion Berry, Senior

Q: What were your thoughts on your performance, tonight?

A: "I thought I needed to rebound more and I thought I needed to make more plays for my teammates. Other than that, work on my defense."

F/C Joel Bolomboy, Sophomore

Q: What's been the biggest advancement in your game since last year?

A: "I have two. One, I put on weight- so, that helps a lot because I'm going to have to play a lot more five

. I'm more offensively skilled, so that helps a lot more too.

"I have a couple more moves, and the ball is going into the net more."

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