Dave Bliss is continuing his trek toward a head coaching job.
Bliss recently joined the Knicks after spending several years with the Oklahoma City Thunder. I'm sure Bliss will spend a lot of time working with New York's big men.
Bliss was a fan favorite at UGA. Had a slew of back problems, but kept gritting it out. He, Sundiata Gaines and Terrance Woodbury were huge contributors for the Dawgs hoops squad. Bliss took the feed from Corey Butler and hit the key bucket to lead the Dawgs to its tornado triumph a number of years back.
Bliss finished his college degree in three years, graduating with honors. He also completed a degree in real estate during his stint in Athens (2005 to 2008). Here is some of the background information on Dave from Georgiadogs.com.
Happy for Dave.
Showing posts with label Corey Butler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corey Butler. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Sunday, January 27, 2013
KCP for Heisman!
Complete game for the Dawgs in the win over Texas A&M. Wow, it sure does feel good to get the W.
Congrats, too, to Coach Fox. He mixed in a little press, gave Kenny Gaines a few more minutes, and kept his guys from letting the game get away late in the second half.
I'm not a Larry Conley fan. Not by a long stretch. But he was right on target in his commentary that Kentavious is probably more valuable to his team than any other player in the SEC. We might have won a couple of games this season without KCP, but just a couple. Kentavious plays great defense, gets the team out on the break, rebounds the ball and this year has really increased his shooting percentage.
I can't think of any shooting guard that Georgia has ever had that brings more to the table than KCP. Kentavious is averaging 17 points and 6 boards a game and shooting a respectable 42 percent from the field. He also gets 2 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
In the last ten years we've had designated three-point shooters like Ricky McPhee who also did pretty well on the defensive end. Gerald Robinson could drive on anybody, but he was more of a second point guard. Corey Butler played some at the two-guard, but he was a defensive ace, rather than a scorer. Billy Humphrey could shoot, but he had hobbled wheels for a portion of his career, and I don't remember him rebounding the ball much.
Levi Stukes was a shooting guard in a point guard's body. Ezra Williams could shoot, but he didn't have much of a mid-range game. Jarvis Hayes was more of a small forward. D.A. Layne could score, but see my description of Levi Stukes above.
You'd have to go back to the era of Shandon and Willie Anderson to find Georgia's last big athletic two-guards, guys who could score, defend and rebound. But even then, the Anderson brothers were more scorers than shooters. If Kentavious is not the best ever UGA two-guard, then he's close. If basketball had a Heisman, KCP would get my vote.
Congrats, too, to Coach Fox. He mixed in a little press, gave Kenny Gaines a few more minutes, and kept his guys from letting the game get away late in the second half.
I'm not a Larry Conley fan. Not by a long stretch. But he was right on target in his commentary that Kentavious is probably more valuable to his team than any other player in the SEC. We might have won a couple of games this season without KCP, but just a couple. Kentavious plays great defense, gets the team out on the break, rebounds the ball and this year has really increased his shooting percentage.
I can't think of any shooting guard that Georgia has ever had that brings more to the table than KCP. Kentavious is averaging 17 points and 6 boards a game and shooting a respectable 42 percent from the field. He also gets 2 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
In the last ten years we've had designated three-point shooters like Ricky McPhee who also did pretty well on the defensive end. Gerald Robinson could drive on anybody, but he was more of a second point guard. Corey Butler played some at the two-guard, but he was a defensive ace, rather than a scorer. Billy Humphrey could shoot, but he had hobbled wheels for a portion of his career, and I don't remember him rebounding the ball much.
Levi Stukes was a shooting guard in a point guard's body. Ezra Williams could shoot, but he didn't have much of a mid-range game. Jarvis Hayes was more of a small forward. D.A. Layne could score, but see my description of Levi Stukes above.
You'd have to go back to the era of Shandon and Willie Anderson to find Georgia's last big athletic two-guards, guys who could score, defend and rebound. But even then, the Anderson brothers were more scorers than shooters. If Kentavious is not the best ever UGA two-guard, then he's close. If basketball had a Heisman, KCP would get my vote.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Coach Corey Butler?
Corey left the friendly confines of Athens and went all the way to San Francisco. That's right, Corey is now attending University of San Francisco, studying Sports Management.
Corey was quoted as saying that he has passions in two different fields. Though he loved biology and studying things in petri dishes, he also loved basketball. In the end, he believed that sports management should be his field for further study.
Corey has already experienced some of the benefits of his decision. He was brought on as an intern by the Stanford Cardinals.
Corey Butler
Corey would make a great sports agent or a coach for some program, so I'm looking forward to seeing how his career unfolds.
Corey was quoted as saying that he has passions in two different fields. Though he loved biology and studying things in petri dishes, he also loved basketball. In the end, he believed that sports management should be his field for further study.
Corey has already experienced some of the benefits of his decision. He was brought on as an intern by the Stanford Cardinals.
Corey Butler
Corey would make a great sports agent or a coach for some program, so I'm looking forward to seeing how his career unfolds.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Corey Butler Pre-Season Interview
I hadn't seen this before, but I listened to it this evening. Corey Butler does a great interview, except for his love of the Yankees. Unless you're a Yankee fan, skip the first 7 minutes or 7 minutes and 30 seconds. After that point, Butler starts to talk about basketball.
One of the most intriguing parts of the interview was Butler's opinion of Gerald Robinson. Really good news for next year.
CB
Butler was one of my favorite players over his career, and I hope he and WUOG will team up in the future for other interviews as he moves on toward his medical career.
One of the most intriguing parts of the interview was Butler's opinion of Gerald Robinson. Really good news for next year.
CB
Butler was one of my favorite players over his career, and I hope he and WUOG will team up in the future for other interviews as he moves on toward his medical career.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Corey Butler Article
Again, I'm catching up from my time away from the Blog, and I wanted to preserve this great article on Corey Butler.
Especially meaningful, since his basketball career has now come to a close. Great guy. Wish him all the success.
Butler
Especially meaningful, since his basketball career has now come to a close. Great guy. Wish him all the success.
Butler
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What College Athletics is All About
I'm proud of UGA's basketball team. Sure, I'd like to have more wins. Hope that we get them soon.
But in my heart of hearts, I'd be dissatisfied with a winning team full of guys who have little to offer other than their jumpshot. There's a pride that comes from winning, but there is a bigger, longer lasting pride in being associated with something great.
Corey Butler is Georgia's starting 2-guard. I've written about his background before. He can really play the game. He's lifted weights enough to be able to defend the other team's toughest player. He can snare rebounds in traffic.
There are other basketball players that are more reliable shooters. Guys who have more developed skill sets. But at the end of the day, I'm glad that Corey is on our side.
I don't know if he'll cure cancer. I am sure, however, that he and his story are a good tonic for fan cynicism about college athletics. Great job, Corey.
Corey
But in my heart of hearts, I'd be dissatisfied with a winning team full of guys who have little to offer other than their jumpshot. There's a pride that comes from winning, but there is a bigger, longer lasting pride in being associated with something great.
Corey Butler is Georgia's starting 2-guard. I've written about his background before. He can really play the game. He's lifted weights enough to be able to defend the other team's toughest player. He can snare rebounds in traffic.
There are other basketball players that are more reliable shooters. Guys who have more developed skill sets. But at the end of the day, I'm glad that Corey is on our side.
I don't know if he'll cure cancer. I am sure, however, that he and his story are a good tonic for fan cynicism about college athletics. Great job, Corey.
Corey
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Thoughts from the Box Score
Interesting to look at the Box Score from today's game against UT.
Corey Butler had as many points and rebounds as Scotty Hopson. Butler was a walk-on, and Hopson, according to Rivals.com, was the #5 recruit in the country.
Hate to say it, but Albert Jackson was an "0-for" for the game. He had 0 points and 0 rebounds in 14 minutes. I'm sure he played some defense, but your starting center has to at least register something besides personal fouls in a big game. For comparison's sake, UT's starting center gave them 12 points and 7 boards.
Drazen Zlovaric did not play. I, for one, want to see what he can do. Maybe the main reason is that Georgia has strength on the wing, but Woodbury is a senior. Travis Leslie will inherit the starting position, I'm sure, next year, but I'm not sure who will be his back-up. When we play long, athletic teams without the bulky post players, Zlovaric can help us.
Only 3 turnovers from our point guards. Dustin Ware played a really nice game, I thought. He kept his head up on the drives, went at pretty much full speed, either going left or right, and showed a pretty decent shooting touch (4 for 9).
Tyler Smith was the player of the game. He had 24 points, 11 rebounds (4 on the offensive end), and 6 assists. The published report before the game was that he was "doubtful", and might not suit up, due to a bruised bone in his knee. Without Smith, UT loses today's game.
Corey Butler had as many points and rebounds as Scotty Hopson. Butler was a walk-on, and Hopson, according to Rivals.com, was the #5 recruit in the country.
Hate to say it, but Albert Jackson was an "0-for" for the game. He had 0 points and 0 rebounds in 14 minutes. I'm sure he played some defense, but your starting center has to at least register something besides personal fouls in a big game. For comparison's sake, UT's starting center gave them 12 points and 7 boards.
Drazen Zlovaric did not play. I, for one, want to see what he can do. Maybe the main reason is that Georgia has strength on the wing, but Woodbury is a senior. Travis Leslie will inherit the starting position, I'm sure, next year, but I'm not sure who will be his back-up. When we play long, athletic teams without the bulky post players, Zlovaric can help us.
Only 3 turnovers from our point guards. Dustin Ware played a really nice game, I thought. He kept his head up on the drives, went at pretty much full speed, either going left or right, and showed a pretty decent shooting touch (4 for 9).
Tyler Smith was the player of the game. He had 24 points, 11 rebounds (4 on the offensive end), and 6 assists. The published report before the game was that he was "doubtful", and might not suit up, due to a bruised bone in his knee. Without Smith, UT loses today's game.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Dawgs Win!!
Man, that was a great game against North Carolina A&T. Dawgs almost hit 100.
The game sure had enough offense. For those who like contests in which Georgia scores the basketball, it was a fun one to watch.
Howard Thompkins gets my award for Player of the Game. He had 22 points with 12 rebounds. He had 4 steals and 2 blocks, too. He could have scored a lot more points, had Coach Felton kept him in longer. As it was, he shot 8 of 10 from the field.
Corey Butler is a close runner-up for Player of the Game. He had 19 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. He was just shy of a triple-double. I don't know if Georgia has ever had a player get a triple-double, but it would be neat if Corey did it.
Jeremy Price had a good game. Played within himself. He still is not getting off the floor with the kind of elevation that I expected him to have. But his game is around the bucket, getting rebounds and stick-backs. And for the most part, that's what he did during this game. He did have a three-pointer, but that was a banker, and I doubt he called it.
Travis Leslie played a decent game. He had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Only shot 4 of 12, according to the stat sheet I saw.
Good interview, by the way, by Howard Thompkins. He credited the other guys, was very modest about his own production and his need for improvement. He will be one of the great ones at University of Georgia.
The game sure had enough offense. For those who like contests in which Georgia scores the basketball, it was a fun one to watch.
Howard Thompkins gets my award for Player of the Game. He had 22 points with 12 rebounds. He had 4 steals and 2 blocks, too. He could have scored a lot more points, had Coach Felton kept him in longer. As it was, he shot 8 of 10 from the field.
Corey Butler is a close runner-up for Player of the Game. He had 19 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. He was just shy of a triple-double. I don't know if Georgia has ever had a player get a triple-double, but it would be neat if Corey did it.
Jeremy Price had a good game. Played within himself. He still is not getting off the floor with the kind of elevation that I expected him to have. But his game is around the bucket, getting rebounds and stick-backs. And for the most part, that's what he did during this game. He did have a three-pointer, but that was a banker, and I doubt he called it.
Travis Leslie played a decent game. He had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Only shot 4 of 12, according to the stat sheet I saw.
Good interview, by the way, by Howard Thompkins. He credited the other guys, was very modest about his own production and his need for improvement. He will be one of the great ones at University of Georgia.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I Gave Up. You Did, Too
Stunning win for Georgia. Not that it was an upset. It's that Georgia snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. And then, we snatched it back again.
Georgia defeated Wofford by a score of 74 to 73. I haven't seen a box score, but it can't be pretty. We had way too many turnovers. Way too few rebounds.
They out-scrapped us, beat us to loose balls, executed better. Played with more poise. We missed free throws from our guys who normally sink them. I was not looking forward to reading the message boards.
Hats off to Ricky McPhee and Zac Swansey. Howard Thompkins and Corey Butler were also key to the victory. Corey did not shoot particularly well, but he had some good rebounds.
We don't look good without Thompkins. Woodbury sat out the game. Georgia is not a good team right now. But I'll take the victory.
We're 7 and 3. Let's win a few more.
Georgia defeated Wofford by a score of 74 to 73. I haven't seen a box score, but it can't be pretty. We had way too many turnovers. Way too few rebounds.
They out-scrapped us, beat us to loose balls, executed better. Played with more poise. We missed free throws from our guys who normally sink them. I was not looking forward to reading the message boards.
Hats off to Ricky McPhee and Zac Swansey. Howard Thompkins and Corey Butler were also key to the victory. Corey did not shoot particularly well, but he had some good rebounds.
We don't look good without Thompkins. Woodbury sat out the game. Georgia is not a good team right now. But I'll take the victory.
We're 7 and 3. Let's win a few more.
Georgia against Wofford
Game is at 2:00 in Athens.
Georgia should win this one, but you never know. The key, I think, will be exploiting our size advantage on the inside.
Wofford does have a guy who is 6' 9", but other than that, they are truly undersized, compared to Jackson, Thompkins, Price and Barnes.
Wofford will likely try to get Junior Samples, er, rather Salters going. I never did like Hee-Haw very much, so let's have Corey Butler shut this guy down.
Wofford Roster
I'd like to see Georgia get a comfortable lead, enough so that we can see some more of Drazen Zlovaric and Troy Brewer.
Georgia should win this one, but you never know. The key, I think, will be exploiting our size advantage on the inside.
Wofford does have a guy who is 6' 9", but other than that, they are truly undersized, compared to Jackson, Thompkins, Price and Barnes.
Wofford will likely try to get Junior Samples, er, rather Salters going. I never did like Hee-Haw very much, so let's have Corey Butler shut this guy down.
Wofford Roster
I'd like to see Georgia get a comfortable lead, enough so that we can see some more of Drazen Zlovaric and Troy Brewer.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
How Corey Butler Came to Play at Georgia
But for some astute judging of talent by Mike Mercer and Billy Humphrey, UGA would not have its starting shooting guard.
Mercer and Billy Humphrey competed against Corey Butler on the AAU circuit, and they convinced him to try out for UGA's team. Channing Toney also played a role in building Butler's confidence.
Butler Joins Team, Helps Out
Although Channing Toney, Mike Mercer and Billy Humphrey are now playing for other teams, UGA fans are still grateful for their one contribution that keeps on giving: Corey Butler.
Butler is the "glue guy" on Georgia's team. Best defender, articulate spokesman, reliable three-point shooter, good from the free throw line. I would love for him to shoot more and to develop his mid-range game, but other than that, he has done a fantastic job this year. He contributes in so many ways, it's hard not to have him on the floor.
I'm glad he decided to stick with it and keep playing basketball.
Mercer and Billy Humphrey competed against Corey Butler on the AAU circuit, and they convinced him to try out for UGA's team. Channing Toney also played a role in building Butler's confidence.
Butler Joins Team, Helps Out
Although Channing Toney, Mike Mercer and Billy Humphrey are now playing for other teams, UGA fans are still grateful for their one contribution that keeps on giving: Corey Butler.
Butler is the "glue guy" on Georgia's team. Best defender, articulate spokesman, reliable three-point shooter, good from the free throw line. I would love for him to shoot more and to develop his mid-range game, but other than that, he has done a fantastic job this year. He contributes in so many ways, it's hard not to have him on the floor.
I'm glad he decided to stick with it and keep playing basketball.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Corey Butler Stats (Historical, Dekalb County)
Part of the purpose for the Blog is to create a database of information about current and former UGA basketball players.
I may have posted some of this information on the Rivals message board, but since message board posts are deleted every couple of weeks or so, I wanted to re-post it here, in a semi-permanent place.
Here is a link to some of Corey Butler's stats from his high school days at Cross Keys. As the information indicates, Butler was #2 in scoring for Dekalb County (higher than Cameron Tatum, a current UT player; Jeremy Price of Georgia; Anjuan Wilderness at UNC-Charlotte; and Alade Aminu at Georgia Tech), #11 in free throw shooting, #8 in steals, #7 in assists, and #11 in rebounding.
Dekalb County Basketball Stats for 2005
The fact that Butler was the only player in Dekalb who appears in 5 of the 7 categories kept by the the County, strongly suggests that Corey Butler was the top all-around player in the County.
I may have posted some of this information on the Rivals message board, but since message board posts are deleted every couple of weeks or so, I wanted to re-post it here, in a semi-permanent place.
Here is a link to some of Corey Butler's stats from his high school days at Cross Keys. As the information indicates, Butler was #2 in scoring for Dekalb County (higher than Cameron Tatum, a current UT player; Jeremy Price of Georgia; Anjuan Wilderness at UNC-Charlotte; and Alade Aminu at Georgia Tech), #11 in free throw shooting, #8 in steals, #7 in assists, and #11 in rebounding.
Dekalb County Basketball Stats for 2005
The fact that Butler was the only player in Dekalb who appears in 5 of the 7 categories kept by the the County, strongly suggests that Corey Butler was the top all-around player in the County.
Dawgs Win!
Huge win by the Dawgs against Virginia Tech. The Dawgs are now 6 and 3. Not bad for a team with young point guards.
There was a lot to like about this game.
1. Play of the Point Guards
Dustin Ware and Zac Swansey were much better. I like Dustin's confidence. He still settles for the long-distance jumpshot too much, but he will be a consistent scorer one of these days.
Zac Swansey played his best game of the year, in my opinion. He fought over the top of screens, defended with energy and purpose against a quick point guard for Tech. Distributed the basketball to shooters.
Zac did not shoot particularly well. There were a couple of drives to the basket in which he missed lay-ups. Not easy lay-ups, mind you, but ones that he normally converts. And he missed two critical free throws down the stretch. But the bottom line was that Swansey defended, passed well, and didn't turn the ball over. On balance, a good game.
2. Corey Butler
Corey Butler. My player of the game. He led the team in scoring with 11 points. He went 4 of 8 from the field, and made the assist late to Albert Jackson. The key to the entire game, however, was the job Butler did against Tech's shooter, Vasallo, in the second half. Butler defended like crazy. Fantastic game.
3. Chris Barnes
I keep saying that Barnes can give us "Trevor Booker-like" play down in the post. Booker is the fantastic power forward for Clemson. Well, against Tech, Barnes showed Dawg fans a glimpse of the player he can become. He went 4 of 4 from the field.
And let's face it. Teams are intimidated by a big guy who goes strong to the basket and dunks the ball with authority. Barnes did that last night. But in addition to his power game, Barnes also demonstrated improved fundamentals, scoring at least one basket with his off hand, a skill he developed while he was recovering from surgery on his right wrist.
Barnes can put up big numbers. Great hands. Fantastic leaping ability. Decent-enough shooting touch. He missed a couple of free throws, but other than that, a great job.
4. Dennis Felton
Coach Felton just seems a lot more relaxed this year. Guys on the message boards calling for his job and saying things that don't bear repeating. Meanwhile, Coach Felton was interviewed by Rivals, recently, and I was impressed.
Felton was just calm. Said that even in the loss to Illinois, he saw some things that he was pleased with-- such as the team's defensive intensity. Way too many turnovers, of course, but rather than calling his team out publicly, he praised them. That's what a good coach does with a young squad.
I have a feeling that Felton will make UGA very happy this year. This year. Sure, he has a 13-man roster with 9 freshmen and sophomores. Members of his team have had injuries, this season and last, that have hurt player development. But UGA basketball is growing, and as his players improve, Felton will look smarter and smarter.
Anyway, Felton has kept up the guys' spirits, has them believing in themselves, and I'm betting that a lot of UGA fans will get on board in the not too distant future.
There was a lot to like about this game.
1. Play of the Point Guards
Dustin Ware and Zac Swansey were much better. I like Dustin's confidence. He still settles for the long-distance jumpshot too much, but he will be a consistent scorer one of these days.
Zac Swansey played his best game of the year, in my opinion. He fought over the top of screens, defended with energy and purpose against a quick point guard for Tech. Distributed the basketball to shooters.
Zac did not shoot particularly well. There were a couple of drives to the basket in which he missed lay-ups. Not easy lay-ups, mind you, but ones that he normally converts. And he missed two critical free throws down the stretch. But the bottom line was that Swansey defended, passed well, and didn't turn the ball over. On balance, a good game.
2. Corey Butler
Corey Butler. My player of the game. He led the team in scoring with 11 points. He went 4 of 8 from the field, and made the assist late to Albert Jackson. The key to the entire game, however, was the job Butler did against Tech's shooter, Vasallo, in the second half. Butler defended like crazy. Fantastic game.
3. Chris Barnes
I keep saying that Barnes can give us "Trevor Booker-like" play down in the post. Booker is the fantastic power forward for Clemson. Well, against Tech, Barnes showed Dawg fans a glimpse of the player he can become. He went 4 of 4 from the field.
And let's face it. Teams are intimidated by a big guy who goes strong to the basket and dunks the ball with authority. Barnes did that last night. But in addition to his power game, Barnes also demonstrated improved fundamentals, scoring at least one basket with his off hand, a skill he developed while he was recovering from surgery on his right wrist.
Barnes can put up big numbers. Great hands. Fantastic leaping ability. Decent-enough shooting touch. He missed a couple of free throws, but other than that, a great job.
4. Dennis Felton
Coach Felton just seems a lot more relaxed this year. Guys on the message boards calling for his job and saying things that don't bear repeating. Meanwhile, Coach Felton was interviewed by Rivals, recently, and I was impressed.
Felton was just calm. Said that even in the loss to Illinois, he saw some things that he was pleased with-- such as the team's defensive intensity. Way too many turnovers, of course, but rather than calling his team out publicly, he praised them. That's what a good coach does with a young squad.
I have a feeling that Felton will make UGA very happy this year. This year. Sure, he has a 13-man roster with 9 freshmen and sophomores. Members of his team have had injuries, this season and last, that have hurt player development. But UGA basketball is growing, and as his players improve, Felton will look smarter and smarter.
Anyway, Felton has kept up the guys' spirits, has them believing in themselves, and I'm betting that a lot of UGA fans will get on board in the not too distant future.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dawgs Win!!
UGA beats Santa Clara 54 to 48. Georgia is now 4 and 1. Not a bad start for the year, especially with the injuries we have had and the young point guards.
Still want to see Leslie get more time, but we'll have to see how it goes. Woodbury didn't shoot well from the field. But he was money from the free throw line.
Trey Thompkins didn't shoot for a good average, but you can tell the guy has game. He had 10 points and 5 blocks in just 17 minutes.
Chris Barnes was 2 for 2 from the field.
Corey Butler did not score much, but he had his usual key contributions.
Ajax was named the player of the game. He had 12 points and hit two big free throws down the stretch. He also grabbed 5 rebounds and had a block. Coming off of injury, and playing against their big guy, Bryant, I think it was great for Jackson's confidence.
Still want to see Leslie get more time, but we'll have to see how it goes. Woodbury didn't shoot well from the field. But he was money from the free throw line.
Trey Thompkins didn't shoot for a good average, but you can tell the guy has game. He had 10 points and 5 blocks in just 17 minutes.
Chris Barnes was 2 for 2 from the field.
Corey Butler did not score much, but he had his usual key contributions.
Ajax was named the player of the game. He had 12 points and hit two big free throws down the stretch. He also grabbed 5 rebounds and had a block. Coming off of injury, and playing against their big guy, Bryant, I think it was great for Jackson's confidence.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Dawgs Win!!!
Actually, it's more relief, than excitement...
But I'll take it.
Proud of Corey Butler. Great game for him. Shot 4 of 5 from three-point land. He was the key to Georgia's come-back.
Travis Leslie didn't score well. He still is the x-factor. He rebounded and had a blocked shot or two.
Bravo! Big ups for the point guards. They missed the last two 1 and 1's, but on balance, they played well.
Jeremy Price played better. We need something from down low. Nothing much from Albert Jackson today.
Believe it or not, I expect our big men to play better in SEC play, where they will be going up against other big players, as opposed to the tall three-position guys that the smaller schools have.
Kudos to the guys for not giving up after the team got down by 11.
Georgia is 2 and 1 on the year. If we can win a few games and keep our confidence up while Howard Thompkins is healing, and our point guards gain experience, we might find a way to have a good year.
But I'll take it.
Proud of Corey Butler. Great game for him. Shot 4 of 5 from three-point land. He was the key to Georgia's come-back.
Travis Leslie didn't score well. He still is the x-factor. He rebounded and had a blocked shot or two.
Bravo! Big ups for the point guards. They missed the last two 1 and 1's, but on balance, they played well.
Jeremy Price played better. We need something from down low. Nothing much from Albert Jackson today.
Believe it or not, I expect our big men to play better in SEC play, where they will be going up against other big players, as opposed to the tall three-position guys that the smaller schools have.
Kudos to the guys for not giving up after the team got down by 11.
Georgia is 2 and 1 on the year. If we can win a few games and keep our confidence up while Howard Thompkins is healing, and our point guards gain experience, we might find a way to have a good year.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Snow Storm?
Let's hope we don't need it. But if it takes one to win the whole tournament, then I'll sing a few bars of "Let it snow" early this year.
Dawgs Head to West Lafayette
Dawgs Head to West Lafayette
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Red and Black on Senior Leadership
The Red and Black has a good article on Dennis Felton and the senior leadership on this year's basketball squad.
R&B
It will be hard to replace Sundiata Gaines and David Bliss. Add to that, the loss of Billy Humphrey, and the team is very young again.
Good to see the Red and Black step up and put out some articles on basketball.
R&B
It will be hard to replace Sundiata Gaines and David Bliss. Add to that, the loss of Billy Humphrey, and the team is very young again.
Good to see the Red and Black step up and put out some articles on basketball.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Video on UGA Basketball
A couple of good pre-season videos are on the Net. The Athens Banner Herald has one with clips of Dennis Felton, Zac Swansey, Howard Thompkins and Corey Butler.
Pre-Season
Rivals has video as well.
Corey Butler has to be my favorite in terms of ability to field questions. He looks and sounds like a seasoned pro. If he doesn't go to medical school, maybe he should seriously investigate a career as a broadcaster.
It's good to have some quality pre-season information out there. We'll see how the team rounds into shape.
Pre-Season
Rivals has video as well.
Corey Butler has to be my favorite in terms of ability to field questions. He looks and sounds like a seasoned pro. If he doesn't go to medical school, maybe he should seriously investigate a career as a broadcaster.
It's good to have some quality pre-season information out there. We'll see how the team rounds into shape.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
News from Felton's Press Conference
Lots to like about Coach Felton's recent press conference. A lot of the good news had to do with players recovering from injury.
Jeremy Price. I had heard previously that he has lost a good bit of weight. That's great. He was too heavy last year. It wasn't just the matter of the total weight, but where it was located. He needed, in my opinion, to build up his upper body, while trimming down his trunk.
Price will never be skinny. In that sense, he is almost an ideal player for power forward in the SEC. You need enough beef to wrestle down in the post. But you still need to be athletic.
So, as welcomed as the news was that he has improved his conditioning, I appreciated even more the chance to learn from the press conference that Price played last year with a good bit of ankle pain or weakness, stemming from injuries suffered in high school. Basketball lends itself to a lot of ankle punishment. Coming down on someone else's foot is the usual cause. No surprise there. But the fact that Price's injuries were significant enough to require surgery, sheds some light on why Price did not move as well last year as he could have.
It is the combination, then, of Price's weight loss and the off-season surgery that increases my hopes that he will be more explosive this year. He already dunks with authority. Has good hands. He could do so much more, though, if he could run a little faster, elevate a few inches higher.
Chris Barnes. The good news on Barnes is that Coach Felton said that he might be the most improved player on the team. Barnes has big-time athleticism. I more than once have mentioned that Barnes could give Georgia contributions like Trevor Booker does at Clemson. Unfortunately, injuries never allowed Barnes to play much last year.
Well, Barnes' knee is now healed. And other problems with his wrist were cleared up by surgery. Felton added that the surgery caused Barnes to have to use his left hand exclusively during individual work-outs.
Being forced to use the left hand, and growing in skill because of it, reminded me of Greg Oden's situation. Oden got much better at his off-hand while injured. Ohio State never got the full benefit of Oden's improved talent, since he opted for the pro's. I look forward to Barnes going around and over guys with either hand this year, and two more years after that.
Albert Jackson. Felton sounded really pleased with the development of Albert Jackson. I did not know that Jackson had dislocated his shoulder three times. Multiple injuries can definitely slow a player's progression.
Jackson will have to be the man in the middle this year. He will not be stuck behind Dave Bliss or Rashaad Singleton. There are no other upper classman big men. As the junior, he has to lead. There is plenty of playing time. Jackson, show us your improvement.
There wasn't much in the press conference on Travis Leslie or Drazen Zlovaric. I wish that there had been more questions. I wanted much more information on the team. Judging from what Albert Jackson and Corey Butler said during the player interviews, Dustin Ware seems to be a really good athlete. I am a lot more optimistic on Travis Leslie than others who have posted on UGA-related message boards. I think he will be a huge addition to the team.
Basketball season is upon us and I am psyched.
Jeremy Price. I had heard previously that he has lost a good bit of weight. That's great. He was too heavy last year. It wasn't just the matter of the total weight, but where it was located. He needed, in my opinion, to build up his upper body, while trimming down his trunk.
Price will never be skinny. In that sense, he is almost an ideal player for power forward in the SEC. You need enough beef to wrestle down in the post. But you still need to be athletic.
So, as welcomed as the news was that he has improved his conditioning, I appreciated even more the chance to learn from the press conference that Price played last year with a good bit of ankle pain or weakness, stemming from injuries suffered in high school. Basketball lends itself to a lot of ankle punishment. Coming down on someone else's foot is the usual cause. No surprise there. But the fact that Price's injuries were significant enough to require surgery, sheds some light on why Price did not move as well last year as he could have.
It is the combination, then, of Price's weight loss and the off-season surgery that increases my hopes that he will be more explosive this year. He already dunks with authority. Has good hands. He could do so much more, though, if he could run a little faster, elevate a few inches higher.
Chris Barnes. The good news on Barnes is that Coach Felton said that he might be the most improved player on the team. Barnes has big-time athleticism. I more than once have mentioned that Barnes could give Georgia contributions like Trevor Booker does at Clemson. Unfortunately, injuries never allowed Barnes to play much last year.
Well, Barnes' knee is now healed. And other problems with his wrist were cleared up by surgery. Felton added that the surgery caused Barnes to have to use his left hand exclusively during individual work-outs.
Being forced to use the left hand, and growing in skill because of it, reminded me of Greg Oden's situation. Oden got much better at his off-hand while injured. Ohio State never got the full benefit of Oden's improved talent, since he opted for the pro's. I look forward to Barnes going around and over guys with either hand this year, and two more years after that.
Albert Jackson. Felton sounded really pleased with the development of Albert Jackson. I did not know that Jackson had dislocated his shoulder three times. Multiple injuries can definitely slow a player's progression.
Jackson will have to be the man in the middle this year. He will not be stuck behind Dave Bliss or Rashaad Singleton. There are no other upper classman big men. As the junior, he has to lead. There is plenty of playing time. Jackson, show us your improvement.
There wasn't much in the press conference on Travis Leslie or Drazen Zlovaric. I wish that there had been more questions. I wanted much more information on the team. Judging from what Albert Jackson and Corey Butler said during the player interviews, Dustin Ware seems to be a really good athlete. I am a lot more optimistic on Travis Leslie than others who have posted on UGA-related message boards. I think he will be a huge addition to the team.
Basketball season is upon us and I am psyched.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Final Results of the "Favorite Felton-Era Buzzer Beater" Poll
Well, the deadline for participating in the poll ran out. I had extended it already once, since this was just the second poll I've done, and I figured that it would be good to let the word get out about the Blog. But after a couple of days had passed and voting slowed down to barely a trickle, I thought it was time to allow the buzzer to sound on the poll itself.
I took the poll down today, but I wanted to record the results and make a few comments of my own.
Poll Results
There were 28 votes altogether, and Zac Swansey's shot to beat Kentucky took top place with 12 votes (42%).
There was a tie for second, between Steve Newman's long distance shot to beat Arkansas at Arkansas, and the three from Levi Stukes against LSU in the "Do it for Broph" game. Each got 6 votes (21%).
Levi Stukes's shot to beat South Carolina got 3 votes (10%).
And coming in last place, but very significant nonetheless, was the Bliss bankshot to win the first game of the SEC Tournament, Georgia over Ole Miss (3%).
Thoughts
We have had some moments of a lot of joy, haven't we? It was a great run, from the times of not having enough players to even practice, to building up little by little. Sure, we had our share of setbacks along the way. Just when we were on the cusp, it seemed like something else would happen to throw a wrench in things and dampen our spirits. Our highest profile recruit went to the pro's. We've had injuries to key players, sudden decisions to transfer, academic suspensions, law enforcement issues, and dismissals. We've known the tragedy of losing a student athlete, and the pride of honoring his memory.
"Snake-bit," some might call Georgia's program. And try as we might, it was hard to disagree. The cards did seem to be stacked against us, as if fate itself resisted Georgia in our efforts to build a successful basketball program.
But ah, the buzzer beaters. The buzzer beaters were "atta-boys" to give us hope along the way. Although it's true that there are some things that cannot be changed, the buzzer beaters were noisy reminders of another truth: Fate cannot trump our individual and collective efforts, the hard work of a team. Not in basketball. And not in life.
Each time the improbable happened, each time that Georgia stuck around long enough to win at the final horn, we started to change our opinion. Slowly at first, perhaps. But after a few giddy hugs and high fives, a quiet confidence emerged. We sensed that Georgia could do it. We can cobble together a team of gritty competitors. We can win. We can make our mark in the SEC. And in the most unlikely of ways, in the most unusual of times, when not just Fate, but Mother Nature, opposing teams and SEC Officials' decisions seemed to team up against us, Georgia went on a remarkable run to claim the SEC Tournament Championship.
So voting for one buzzer beater, when all were important, was difficult for me. In the end, the Zac Swansey 3-pointer got my vote. UGA so rarely beats UK that I had to acknowledge it. Bunch of 3-stars beating a team of 5-stars, especially after Gaines had fouled out? Unlikely as a tightly defended last second 360 degree three-pointer. Great moment seeing Swansey walk off the court with his fist raised. That, and the photograph of those three Kentucky fans who registered their shock with wide eyes and covered mouths.
The Bliss buzzer beater was an incredible moment- the court-length drive by Corey Butler, the beautiful bounce pass, and the "get it up quick as you can barely over the rim" bankshot by Dave Bliss. The aftermath was my favorite Jeremy Jacob memory. Even though he was still on medical redshirt, Jacob had enough hops in his stress fracture-repaired legs to leap up on the back of Dave Bliss for an impromptu piggy-back ride. Dave Bliss' shot started Georgia's run to last year's championship in the SEC Tournament.
The Steve Newman jumper was special, if for no other reason because of Scott Howard's "holy schmokes" call that accompanied it. It also cemented Newman's place in UGA's basketball special moments.
And the Kevin Brophy-related shots by Levi Stukes. The first, to beat South Carolina, with Brophy and Stukes at the bottom of a pile of Dawgs players, celebrating the moment. The second, without Brophy on the floor, but everywhere in the memories of the team and of the fans. How special was it for UGA to "Do it for Broph" over LSU with Kevin Brophy's family in the audience?
We've had tragedy, joy, disappointments, hope-restoring buzzer beaters, even a tornado and a true "two-a-day."
And we have an SEC Tournament Championship.
Snake-bit? Nah. We're tenacious. We're competitors. We're overcomers. We're champions.
Go Dawgs!
I took the poll down today, but I wanted to record the results and make a few comments of my own.
Poll Results
There were 28 votes altogether, and Zac Swansey's shot to beat Kentucky took top place with 12 votes (42%).
There was a tie for second, between Steve Newman's long distance shot to beat Arkansas at Arkansas, and the three from Levi Stukes against LSU in the "Do it for Broph" game. Each got 6 votes (21%).
Levi Stukes's shot to beat South Carolina got 3 votes (10%).
And coming in last place, but very significant nonetheless, was the Bliss bankshot to win the first game of the SEC Tournament, Georgia over Ole Miss (3%).
Thoughts
We have had some moments of a lot of joy, haven't we? It was a great run, from the times of not having enough players to even practice, to building up little by little. Sure, we had our share of setbacks along the way. Just when we were on the cusp, it seemed like something else would happen to throw a wrench in things and dampen our spirits. Our highest profile recruit went to the pro's. We've had injuries to key players, sudden decisions to transfer, academic suspensions, law enforcement issues, and dismissals. We've known the tragedy of losing a student athlete, and the pride of honoring his memory.
"Snake-bit," some might call Georgia's program. And try as we might, it was hard to disagree. The cards did seem to be stacked against us, as if fate itself resisted Georgia in our efforts to build a successful basketball program.
But ah, the buzzer beaters. The buzzer beaters were "atta-boys" to give us hope along the way. Although it's true that there are some things that cannot be changed, the buzzer beaters were noisy reminders of another truth: Fate cannot trump our individual and collective efforts, the hard work of a team. Not in basketball. And not in life.
Each time the improbable happened, each time that Georgia stuck around long enough to win at the final horn, we started to change our opinion. Slowly at first, perhaps. But after a few giddy hugs and high fives, a quiet confidence emerged. We sensed that Georgia could do it. We can cobble together a team of gritty competitors. We can win. We can make our mark in the SEC. And in the most unlikely of ways, in the most unusual of times, when not just Fate, but Mother Nature, opposing teams and SEC Officials' decisions seemed to team up against us, Georgia went on a remarkable run to claim the SEC Tournament Championship.
So voting for one buzzer beater, when all were important, was difficult for me. In the end, the Zac Swansey 3-pointer got my vote. UGA so rarely beats UK that I had to acknowledge it. Bunch of 3-stars beating a team of 5-stars, especially after Gaines had fouled out? Unlikely as a tightly defended last second 360 degree three-pointer. Great moment seeing Swansey walk off the court with his fist raised. That, and the photograph of those three Kentucky fans who registered their shock with wide eyes and covered mouths.
The Bliss buzzer beater was an incredible moment- the court-length drive by Corey Butler, the beautiful bounce pass, and the "get it up quick as you can barely over the rim" bankshot by Dave Bliss. The aftermath was my favorite Jeremy Jacob memory. Even though he was still on medical redshirt, Jacob had enough hops in his stress fracture-repaired legs to leap up on the back of Dave Bliss for an impromptu piggy-back ride. Dave Bliss' shot started Georgia's run to last year's championship in the SEC Tournament.
The Steve Newman jumper was special, if for no other reason because of Scott Howard's "holy schmokes" call that accompanied it. It also cemented Newman's place in UGA's basketball special moments.
And the Kevin Brophy-related shots by Levi Stukes. The first, to beat South Carolina, with Brophy and Stukes at the bottom of a pile of Dawgs players, celebrating the moment. The second, without Brophy on the floor, but everywhere in the memories of the team and of the fans. How special was it for UGA to "Do it for Broph" over LSU with Kevin Brophy's family in the audience?
We've had tragedy, joy, disappointments, hope-restoring buzzer beaters, even a tornado and a true "two-a-day."
And we have an SEC Tournament Championship.
Snake-bit? Nah. We're tenacious. We're competitors. We're overcomers. We're champions.
Go Dawgs!
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