South Carolina defeats Florida, 77 to 70, and makes it to its first Final Four.
Kentucky loses to North Carolina and does not advance.
Great news for Georgia. Here's why:
1) The SEC is a pretty good league.
We got five teams in, and three advanced to the Elite Eight. If Georgia is competitive next year, we might get an invite, just because the SEC arguably over-achieved with results in March 2017.
2) Kentucky Loses
I would have loved for there to be two SEC teams in the Final Four-- as long as one of them wasn't Kentucky. Yeah, okay. Call it sour grapes if you want. At the same time, I really do have issues with their one and done strategy. It's legal, but at some point, churning guys through your squad and encouraging just about all your freshmen, some of whom aren't quite ready, to declare for the NBA, is bad for the kids, and bad for college basketball.
3) Hard-Nosed Defense Works
South Carolina got it done with defense. Don't know whether they will win the championship, but they are two games away, and they have made it thus far by being who they are.
The Florida game was an excellent example. Florida was hot in the first half, ripping three-pointers. For the game, South Carolina shot 10 three-pointers and only made 2. But they kept going to the hole, getting fouled and going to the line.
In the second half, the fool's gold corroded. Believe I saw that Florida went 0 for 15 from three-point range. Meanwhile, South Carolina marched again and again to the free throw line. Florida shot 30 three-pointers, and the Gamecocks shot 30 free throws. Frank Martin's strategy won.
4) Recruit the best you can
The Gamecocks don't have a bunch of five-stars. Sindarius Thornwell was a four-star recruit. Chris Silva was a three-star. Maik Kotsar, the guy from Estonia, was a three-star. Same for Duane Notice.
They don't have a bunch of seven-footers, either. But they recruit to their system, and have enough guys in that 6' 4" to 6' 10" range who are wired in to giving it their all on the court.
Now, Frank Martin churns players, too. I don't know if he intentionally pushes guys off the team, but he had a ton of players leave the program after a year or two. I think the truth is that not everyone thrives under Frank Martin's in-your-face coaching style, and guys sometimes would rather go elsewhere.
In any case, my point is that Frank Martin has not been getting top-ranked recruiting classes. He gets enough talented guys so that by the time they are juniors and seniors, they are very competitive.
So, there is hope for Georgia. Frank Martin is the same coach that UGA beat three times in a row last year. We knocked them out of the NCAA Tournament, it is widely believed.
This year, we lost by two at their place, and by six at ours.
If Maten stays and we get production from Mike Edwards, Derrick Ogbeide, and Rayshaun Hammonds, that front-court rotation, supported by Wilridge and Claxton, should be stout enough to make the NCAA's.
On the perimeter, we will have Turtle Jackson, Tyree Crump, and Jordan Harris, likely supported by Juwan Parker, Pape Diatta, and Teshaun Hightower.
Hopefully, we will bring in another contributor, a guy like Avery Wilson to play minutes at point guard, or Isaiah Miller (or even Isaiah Banks) on the perimeter.
We may actually be close to having the kind of team that we all want, one that can make it to the NCAA's, and even, advance.
Showing posts with label Juwan Parker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Juwan Parker. Show all posts
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Dawgs Lose
to Arkansas. Final score: 85 to 67.
J.J. shot 5 of 15 from the floor. He was pretty gassed, and battled foul trouble.
No other back court player picked him up. Juwan Parker was 2 for 10. Tyree Crump was 2 for 10. Turtle Jackson was 2 of 7. Throw in Jordan Harris at 0 for 1, and Pape Diatta at 0 for 2, and Georgia's other guards were 6 for 30 (20 percent).
Derek Ogbeide played well, and Mike Edwards was effective off the bench, but when they shoot 55 percent as a team compared to our 31 percent, a twenty-point loss or thereabouts is what you expect.
Sure could have used Yante Maten.
Can't see Georgia getting to the NCAA's unless we win the SEC Tournament.
J.J. shot 5 of 15 from the floor. He was pretty gassed, and battled foul trouble.
No other back court player picked him up. Juwan Parker was 2 for 10. Tyree Crump was 2 for 10. Turtle Jackson was 2 of 7. Throw in Jordan Harris at 0 for 1, and Pape Diatta at 0 for 2, and Georgia's other guards were 6 for 30 (20 percent).
Derek Ogbeide played well, and Mike Edwards was effective off the bench, but when they shoot 55 percent as a team compared to our 31 percent, a twenty-point loss or thereabouts is what you expect.
Sure could have used Yante Maten.
Can't see Georgia getting to the NCAA's unless we win the SEC Tournament.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Dawgs Edge Auburn: DaugMan's Ten Take-Aways
Dawgs beat Auburn by 1 last night. Huge win for the team. Proud of the guys.
Here are my 10 Take-Aways:
1. J.J. Frazier is the Man!
31 points, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Hit 5 of 9 three-pointers. Clutch game on senior night. Averaged 31 points a game in our last four contests. He's the biggest little man in the country.
Loved the quote from Coach Avery Johnson at Alabama, who, at 5' 11", just an inch taller than J.J., and also left-handed, played for 15 years in the NBA. Speaking of Frazier, Coach Johnson remarked, "He's the chef for the team. He cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the Georgia Bulldogs."
Frazier has stated that he has sought to vindicate Mark Fox for giving him a scholarship. And lest we forget, Fox gave Frazier second and third chances, after J.J. got arrested for driving without a license in March of 2014, and driving with a suspended license in August of 2015.
Well, I had my doubts, too, about how effective J.J. would be at finishing at the rim against SEC competition. Had my doubts about whether he fully appreciated the opportunity to play basketball for the University of Georgia. Thought he had some potential, but also saw that he shot 35 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the line (same percentage as center, Donte Williams) his freshman year.
No one doubts much about J.J. any longer. He's improved as a basketball player and matured as a man. Frazier loves Fox, loves to compete, and loves the University of Georgia. Bravo, J.J.!
2. Mark Fox is UGA's Coach
I posted previously that if Fox could pick up wins in more than half of our remaining games, he would be rightfully credited with doing his best coaching, and most assuredly would be back next year. The Dawgs have gone 3 for 3 since.
Sure, there are those who would give the credit for the victories solely to J.J., but Fox correctly noted that for the Dawgs to have a chance to win after Yante Maten went down, UGA would have to play differently against each team. We have, and we have won.
3. Tyree Crump is pretty good
Didn't get to see the game on t.v., but the Box Score tells a compelling story. Crump went 2 of 3 from behind the arc, and 2 of 2 from inside it. He beat his man off the dribble in one of the highlights, and converted off the glass.
I have pushed for Fox to play Crump more. Don't see how Fox can keep him on the bench with the production Crump is giving.
4. Jordan Harris is okay
Not "okay" as a player, but "okay" as in reference to his health. Fox had commented that Harris has had a chip in a bone, but he refused to say which bone, when the injury occurred, or for how long Jordan would be out.
Well, lo and behold, Harris played last night. Hit a three, and converted two opportunities from the line. His health is apparently fine, and even more mysteriously, he's not playing like a guy coming off an injury.
What went on? We may never know. All I can say is that Jordan Harris is okay.
5. Georgia is not just Yante Maten
E'torrion Wilridge has picked up all the minutes from Yante's absence. I don't think I've ever credited Fox for a personnel decision, but I'll do it now. Playing Wilridge makes better sense than starting Mike Edwards. Nothing against Mike, but Wilridge is able to defend better against quicker players, and we need to save Edwards as a guy who can give us "big man" minutes, in case Derek Ogbeide gets in foul trouble.
6. Derek Ogbeide is a horse
Dude had 10 points and 15 boards last night. Can't even remember when a Georgia player last got 15 rebounds.
7. Dynamic Duo still not seen
J.J. has played his best basketball while Yante has been out. He has carried the team because he's had to do it.
Early in the season, it was Yante having the huge games, and J.J.'s shooting seemed off. Remember that Kansas game from back in November? Georgia had a chance for a huge statement win. Yante had 30 points and was killing them on the inside. Kansas went to a zone and the Dawgs fell behind and lost by 11.
If J.J. had played big in that game, we would have destroyed Kansas. However, Frazier fizzled. He played 33 minutes, but never really got on track, achieving just 2 points and 3 turnovers, going 1 for 10 for the floor and 0 for 6 from behind the arc.
Or take our first game against Kentucky. The Dawgs lost in overtime at Rupp. Yante went 8 of 15. J.J. went 8 of 21. Not a terrible game, but had J.J. played up to his standards, Georgia would have taken that game.
When the Cats came to Athens, J.J. played huge. Scored 35 points on 11 for 22 shooting. Problem? Yante had gone down earlier in the game with a knee injury.
Don't know if Yante can come back this season, or if he does, how effective he will be. If J.J. and Yante both play dynamically, we can beat anybody in the country.
8. Everybody Else
Georgia got contributions from up and down in the roster. Sure we've got a Dynamic Duo, but it's great to see we've got a Justice League, too. I mentioned Crump, Harris and Ogbeide already. Juwan Parker didn't shoot that well, going 4 for 12 from the field, but he grabbed 8 rebounds.
9. Momentum
Georgia finally seems to have it. Momemtum and even karma seems to be trending our way.
Didn't expect to be able to say that when Yante got hurt in a freak accident. Everything that could go wrong was seeming to happen.
However, after the overtime loss at Florida, the overtime loss at Kentucky, and the clock debacle at Texas A&M, we're actually coming out ahead in close games. We won by 1 at Tennessee, by 2 against LSU, by 5 at Alabama, and by 1 against Auburn. We're 5 out of our last 6.
Who's to say that we couldn't go into Arkansas and win? If so, Georgia would have huge momentum going into the SEC Tournament.
10. NCAA Tournament
The win at Auburn and the victories accomplished in this stretch run all strengthen the possibilities of Georgia going to the NCAA Tournament. If we win the SEC Tournament, of course, then we punch our own ticket to the Big Dance. But if we fall short of the SEC tourney title, there's still a slim chance of an at-large bid.
Win at Arkansas, and get a couple of victories in the SEC Tournament, then perhaps the NCAA Selection Committee will look at all the above: J.J. Frazier as one of the most exciting players in America. A recovering Yante Maten. Other guys doing just enough in support. Momentum. Playing Kentucky, Kansas and Florida and giving them all they could handle. Overcoming the odds.
Sure, we're an underdog, but what better feeling is there than seeing a Cinderella dance? Than seeing an underdog win? Than the Dynamic Duo and the Justice League vanquishing their foes at the end?
I'm a hoops fan. Hope you are, too. Go Dawgs, beat Arkansas!!!
Here are my 10 Take-Aways:
1. J.J. Frazier is the Man!
31 points, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Hit 5 of 9 three-pointers. Clutch game on senior night. Averaged 31 points a game in our last four contests. He's the biggest little man in the country.
Loved the quote from Coach Avery Johnson at Alabama, who, at 5' 11", just an inch taller than J.J., and also left-handed, played for 15 years in the NBA. Speaking of Frazier, Coach Johnson remarked, "He's the chef for the team. He cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the Georgia Bulldogs."
Frazier has stated that he has sought to vindicate Mark Fox for giving him a scholarship. And lest we forget, Fox gave Frazier second and third chances, after J.J. got arrested for driving without a license in March of 2014, and driving with a suspended license in August of 2015.
Well, I had my doubts, too, about how effective J.J. would be at finishing at the rim against SEC competition. Had my doubts about whether he fully appreciated the opportunity to play basketball for the University of Georgia. Thought he had some potential, but also saw that he shot 35 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the line (same percentage as center, Donte Williams) his freshman year.
No one doubts much about J.J. any longer. He's improved as a basketball player and matured as a man. Frazier loves Fox, loves to compete, and loves the University of Georgia. Bravo, J.J.!
2. Mark Fox is UGA's Coach
I posted previously that if Fox could pick up wins in more than half of our remaining games, he would be rightfully credited with doing his best coaching, and most assuredly would be back next year. The Dawgs have gone 3 for 3 since.
Sure, there are those who would give the credit for the victories solely to J.J., but Fox correctly noted that for the Dawgs to have a chance to win after Yante Maten went down, UGA would have to play differently against each team. We have, and we have won.
3. Tyree Crump is pretty good
Didn't get to see the game on t.v., but the Box Score tells a compelling story. Crump went 2 of 3 from behind the arc, and 2 of 2 from inside it. He beat his man off the dribble in one of the highlights, and converted off the glass.
I have pushed for Fox to play Crump more. Don't see how Fox can keep him on the bench with the production Crump is giving.
4. Jordan Harris is okay
Not "okay" as a player, but "okay" as in reference to his health. Fox had commented that Harris has had a chip in a bone, but he refused to say which bone, when the injury occurred, or for how long Jordan would be out.
Well, lo and behold, Harris played last night. Hit a three, and converted two opportunities from the line. His health is apparently fine, and even more mysteriously, he's not playing like a guy coming off an injury.
What went on? We may never know. All I can say is that Jordan Harris is okay.
5. Georgia is not just Yante Maten
E'torrion Wilridge has picked up all the minutes from Yante's absence. I don't think I've ever credited Fox for a personnel decision, but I'll do it now. Playing Wilridge makes better sense than starting Mike Edwards. Nothing against Mike, but Wilridge is able to defend better against quicker players, and we need to save Edwards as a guy who can give us "big man" minutes, in case Derek Ogbeide gets in foul trouble.
6. Derek Ogbeide is a horse
Dude had 10 points and 15 boards last night. Can't even remember when a Georgia player last got 15 rebounds.
7. Dynamic Duo still not seen
J.J. has played his best basketball while Yante has been out. He has carried the team because he's had to do it.
Early in the season, it was Yante having the huge games, and J.J.'s shooting seemed off. Remember that Kansas game from back in November? Georgia had a chance for a huge statement win. Yante had 30 points and was killing them on the inside. Kansas went to a zone and the Dawgs fell behind and lost by 11.
If J.J. had played big in that game, we would have destroyed Kansas. However, Frazier fizzled. He played 33 minutes, but never really got on track, achieving just 2 points and 3 turnovers, going 1 for 10 for the floor and 0 for 6 from behind the arc.
Or take our first game against Kentucky. The Dawgs lost in overtime at Rupp. Yante went 8 of 15. J.J. went 8 of 21. Not a terrible game, but had J.J. played up to his standards, Georgia would have taken that game.
When the Cats came to Athens, J.J. played huge. Scored 35 points on 11 for 22 shooting. Problem? Yante had gone down earlier in the game with a knee injury.
Don't know if Yante can come back this season, or if he does, how effective he will be. If J.J. and Yante both play dynamically, we can beat anybody in the country.
8. Everybody Else
Georgia got contributions from up and down in the roster. Sure we've got a Dynamic Duo, but it's great to see we've got a Justice League, too. I mentioned Crump, Harris and Ogbeide already. Juwan Parker didn't shoot that well, going 4 for 12 from the field, but he grabbed 8 rebounds.
9. Momentum
Georgia finally seems to have it. Momemtum and even karma seems to be trending our way.
Didn't expect to be able to say that when Yante got hurt in a freak accident. Everything that could go wrong was seeming to happen.
However, after the overtime loss at Florida, the overtime loss at Kentucky, and the clock debacle at Texas A&M, we're actually coming out ahead in close games. We won by 1 at Tennessee, by 2 against LSU, by 5 at Alabama, and by 1 against Auburn. We're 5 out of our last 6.
Who's to say that we couldn't go into Arkansas and win? If so, Georgia would have huge momentum going into the SEC Tournament.
10. NCAA Tournament
The win at Auburn and the victories accomplished in this stretch run all strengthen the possibilities of Georgia going to the NCAA Tournament. If we win the SEC Tournament, of course, then we punch our own ticket to the Big Dance. But if we fall short of the SEC tourney title, there's still a slim chance of an at-large bid.
Win at Arkansas, and get a couple of victories in the SEC Tournament, then perhaps the NCAA Selection Committee will look at all the above: J.J. Frazier as one of the most exciting players in America. A recovering Yante Maten. Other guys doing just enough in support. Momentum. Playing Kentucky, Kansas and Florida and giving them all they could handle. Overcoming the odds.
Sure, we're an underdog, but what better feeling is there than seeing a Cinderella dance? Than seeing an underdog win? Than the Dynamic Duo and the Justice League vanquishing their foes at the end?
I'm a hoops fan. Hope you are, too. Go Dawgs, beat Arkansas!!!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Georgia Beats Texas: Ten Good Signs
Georgia beat Texas by 2 yesterday evening. Boy, did we ever need that win. Fox needed that win. Not sure he would have survived a third consecutive loss. Since some UGA fans have wanted UT coach, Shaka Smart, to come to Athens, it was good to see Fox get the W.
There were numerous good signs in the game.
1. J.J. Frazier has good second half
Frazier didn't shoot the ball well. If memory serves me, he was 0 for 5 from the field in the first half.
His stats for the game weren't great. I think he ended up shooting 5 for 16. The key, however, is that he came back in the second half and hit some key buckets. Frazier also resisted the urge to do it all by himself, passing up at least one long-range jumper and getting the ball to Maten.
2. Maten had a good game
Yante seems to play well against big physical line-ups. Shaquille Cleare, the Texas center, is a huge man at 6' 8", 275. Jarrett Allen is 6' 11", 235, and they bring Georgia native, James Banks, off the bench at 6' 10", 240.
Yet with all of their physicality, Maten was able to post up and still not get knocked out of position by the Texas front line. Yante finished with 21 points and 7 boards, outscoring the combined total of their big guys.
3. Georgia won the turnover battle
Texas had 14 turnovers. UGA had just 12. That's huge.
4. We broke the press
Late in the game, when the Longhorns threw their press against us, Georgia maintained composure.
The way we played against A&M, you would think that we never practice against the press. Well, we did enough this game, using J.J. as a decoy, getting the ball in to Turtle and having him attack from one side, then J.J. from the other. We narrowly avoiding a J.J. Frazier turnover toward the end, but we didn't give the ball back to them, and they didn't have any fast-break opportunities off of our sloppiness. I don't think they got a single turnover off of their press. Good work, Dawgs.
5. Turtle Jackson played well
His stats won't overwhelm you, but he had 2 points, 2 steals, 2 assists and 0 turnovers. I like Jordan Harris and his athleticism, but late in the game when you need someone to bring the ball up court, Turtle Jackson is a better option.
6. Fox gave Tyree Crump some time
Crump has to get used to playing. We'll need him before the year is out, and he will absolutely have to play major minutes next year. No sense for Fox to keep sitting him at the end of the bench. Granted, Crump played only 4 minutes, but that's more than he's been getting, and the experience will help him later on.
7. Enough contributions from other guys
Jordan Harris hit two long-range shots. Juwan Parker scored 9, including two huge buckets late in the game. Derek Ogbeide and Mike Edwards were physical enough against their guys. Derek needs to learn to set screens, though.
8. Fans showed up
Well, the Steg didn't look full from what I could tell, but there was enough of a crowd. The commentators said that all the tickets were sold.
9. The clock issues continued, but...
When the officials went to the monitor to check on whether Derek Ogbeide got the ball up before the shot clock expired, I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, Derek's bucket was disallowed. Yet up two, Georgia tightened up on defense and found a way to win.
10. Georgia got lucky
Looked like the shot by their guy was going in. The refs could have called a foul on Yante. But neither happened. The shot went in, then twisted out. Lady Luck smiled on us instead of her usual scowl. Dawgs won by 2.
Georgia is now 13 and 8, heading into a tough stretch of opponents, including Kentucky, South Carolina, and Florida. Would be amazing if Fox can win two out of these next three. It can happen.
Go Dawgs!
Friday, December 30, 2016
Recruiting (Derrick Walker and Teshaun Hightower)
Teshaun Hightower and Derrick Walker are visiting Athens in January.
Hightower will come to Athens next week. Georgia should have a good shot at securing Teshaun's commitment, since Hightower is from the Atlanta area and prior to his prep year at Mt. Zion, played high school ball at Collins Hill. Our competition at this point is Middle Tennessee, La Salle, and Western Kentucky.
Walker will be on an unofficial on January 28th. He was reported as having a final three of Tennessee, St. John's, and UGA. Maybe Jonas and crew can get him committed. Of the three finalists, Georgia may be the only school with definite scholarship room. Besides, UGA is scheduled for his last visit, and Walker will have Yante Maten's big scoring outputs as examples.
Walker is a guy that could be a cross between Jeremy Price and Chris Barnes, power forwards recruited back in the Dennis Felton era. Derrick impresses me as someone who is not super-athletic, but has good hands, is a willing rebounder, and has developing post moves. There's a lot to work with, and he could end up as being a skilled big like Yante Maten.
If Yante stays for his senior year, we could have a starting front court of Maten, Derek Ogbeide, and Rayshaun Hammonds. The second unit front court would be Nicolas Claxton, Mike Edwards, and Derrick Walker. That rotation would be fun to watch, and Coach Fox would be able to substitute to his heart's content without huge drop-offs in talent.
As for the back-court, Georgia is not in as good shape. We will lose J.J. Frazier to graduation this year. That's huge. Frazier is our primary ball-handler and scoring guard.
So, we'd have Turtle Jackson and Jordan Harris as the likely starters at the point guard and shooting guard positions. Fox won't be able to keep Tyree Crump on the bench next year. Unless Turtle improves his shooting, we probably need Crump to improve his point guard skills so that Turtle can continue to come in as a back-up point guard.
I suppose Juwan Parker will stay for his second medical red-shirt year. That makes four guards who can be counted on as a reasonable rotation. Pape Diatta is more of a small forward, in my mind. I am focused on guys who can be counted on to bring the ball up the floor.
Per the Prep Showcase article above, Teshaun Hightower sees himself as a big point guard. One site has Hightower at 6' 4". Although Prep Showcase says he's 6' 6", I think the shorter of the two measurements is closer to reality. Either way, Georgia has recent history with a big point guard, Charles Mann, and that experience should be a selling point to Hightower.
Teshaun looks to have a pretty good handle and shoots the ball with confidence and arc. Don't know if he could run the point guard at the college level, but I'm satisfied enough that he can contribute and a give us a fifth quality guard. Hightower scored 31 against a pretty talented Norcross High team last year.
The good news is that Walker and Hightower are enough under the radar that Georgia can potentially sign them. They would likely stay all four years, too. Kind of guys we need.
Recruiting seems to be on an upswing. Jordan Harris, Tyree Crump and Pape Diatta were good additions for 2016, and I like the addition of Rayshaun Hammonds and Nicolas Claxton, the two signees for next year. Although Hammonds would be the only highly ranked guy, if we add Hightower and Walker, to Hammonds and Claxton, the 2017 class would arguably be the best ever for Coach Fox.
Let's get it done.
Hightower will come to Athens next week. Georgia should have a good shot at securing Teshaun's commitment, since Hightower is from the Atlanta area and prior to his prep year at Mt. Zion, played high school ball at Collins Hill. Our competition at this point is Middle Tennessee, La Salle, and Western Kentucky.
Walker will be on an unofficial on January 28th. He was reported as having a final three of Tennessee, St. John's, and UGA. Maybe Jonas and crew can get him committed. Of the three finalists, Georgia may be the only school with definite scholarship room. Besides, UGA is scheduled for his last visit, and Walker will have Yante Maten's big scoring outputs as examples.
Walker is a guy that could be a cross between Jeremy Price and Chris Barnes, power forwards recruited back in the Dennis Felton era. Derrick impresses me as someone who is not super-athletic, but has good hands, is a willing rebounder, and has developing post moves. There's a lot to work with, and he could end up as being a skilled big like Yante Maten.
If Yante stays for his senior year, we could have a starting front court of Maten, Derek Ogbeide, and Rayshaun Hammonds. The second unit front court would be Nicolas Claxton, Mike Edwards, and Derrick Walker. That rotation would be fun to watch, and Coach Fox would be able to substitute to his heart's content without huge drop-offs in talent.
As for the back-court, Georgia is not in as good shape. We will lose J.J. Frazier to graduation this year. That's huge. Frazier is our primary ball-handler and scoring guard.
So, we'd have Turtle Jackson and Jordan Harris as the likely starters at the point guard and shooting guard positions. Fox won't be able to keep Tyree Crump on the bench next year. Unless Turtle improves his shooting, we probably need Crump to improve his point guard skills so that Turtle can continue to come in as a back-up point guard.
I suppose Juwan Parker will stay for his second medical red-shirt year. That makes four guards who can be counted on as a reasonable rotation. Pape Diatta is more of a small forward, in my mind. I am focused on guys who can be counted on to bring the ball up the floor.
Per the Prep Showcase article above, Teshaun Hightower sees himself as a big point guard. One site has Hightower at 6' 4". Although Prep Showcase says he's 6' 6", I think the shorter of the two measurements is closer to reality. Either way, Georgia has recent history with a big point guard, Charles Mann, and that experience should be a selling point to Hightower.
Teshaun looks to have a pretty good handle and shoots the ball with confidence and arc. Don't know if he could run the point guard at the college level, but I'm satisfied enough that he can contribute and a give us a fifth quality guard. Hightower scored 31 against a pretty talented Norcross High team last year.
The good news is that Walker and Hightower are enough under the radar that Georgia can potentially sign them. They would likely stay all four years, too. Kind of guys we need.
Recruiting seems to be on an upswing. Jordan Harris, Tyree Crump and Pape Diatta were good additions for 2016, and I like the addition of Rayshaun Hammonds and Nicolas Claxton, the two signees for next year. Although Hammonds would be the only highly ranked guy, if we add Hightower and Walker, to Hammonds and Claxton, the 2017 class would arguably be the best ever for Coach Fox.
Georgia Beats Auburn (Seven Lessons Learned)
Great job by the Dawgs.
1. Bruce Pearl ain't all that
Lots of people love Bruce Pearl, and think that he's a terrific coach. If Georgia had lost the game, fans would have rushed to praise him.
Pearl has his merits, but he's not the kind of coach I would look for to coach up my team. His system, drive and kick basketball on offense and the press on defense, works when he has the players. He will eventually get players. With that said, I wouldn't trade him for Fox. He's just not the right guy.
2. Maten and Frazier
Enough said. When those two guys are on, Georgia is a tough out for anybody. Tonight, they were definitely on.
3. Use the Chuck Mann Strategy
Charles Mann used to keep Georgia in games by getting to the free throw line. He wasn't a great foul shooter, however, and he sometimes had too many turnovers.
The point still remains. Drive the ball to the basket and good things happen. Maten, J.J. and Jordan were terrific.
4. J.J. is one tough hombre
He got bowled over a couple of times tonight. He got back up and finished the drill. Plus, he had five steals. His defense was the catalyst that led the Dawgs to victory.
5. Juwan is knocking the rust off
Hit a couple of key baskets tonight.
6. Supporting cast came up big
We were one point shy of having all of our starters score in double figures. Derek Ogbeide scored nine for the game. We had five guys shoot 50 percent or better from the field.
Proud of KPG and Kessler for hitting two key baskets.
Turtle was off for the game. See point 3, above. I have mentioned his shooting form before, so I won't post anything about it now.
Turtle will contribute for us in future games. With that said, I'd love to see Tyree Crump get some minutes, just to see what he has.
7. The zone and press are tools
We might not want to be Syracuse, constantly in the zone, or Arkansas, trying to press all game. But these tools help us win. Fox went into the shed tonight and brought out the right equipment. He needs to do it more
Again, great game for the Dawgs. May have to watch that one again.
1. Bruce Pearl ain't all that
Lots of people love Bruce Pearl, and think that he's a terrific coach. If Georgia had lost the game, fans would have rushed to praise him.
Pearl has his merits, but he's not the kind of coach I would look for to coach up my team. His system, drive and kick basketball on offense and the press on defense, works when he has the players. He will eventually get players. With that said, I wouldn't trade him for Fox. He's just not the right guy.
2. Maten and Frazier
Enough said. When those two guys are on, Georgia is a tough out for anybody. Tonight, they were definitely on.
3. Use the Chuck Mann Strategy
Charles Mann used to keep Georgia in games by getting to the free throw line. He wasn't a great foul shooter, however, and he sometimes had too many turnovers.
The point still remains. Drive the ball to the basket and good things happen. Maten, J.J. and Jordan were terrific.
4. J.J. is one tough hombre
He got bowled over a couple of times tonight. He got back up and finished the drill. Plus, he had five steals. His defense was the catalyst that led the Dawgs to victory.
5. Juwan is knocking the rust off
Hit a couple of key baskets tonight.
6. Supporting cast came up big
We were one point shy of having all of our starters score in double figures. Derek Ogbeide scored nine for the game. We had five guys shoot 50 percent or better from the field.
Proud of KPG and Kessler for hitting two key baskets.
Turtle was off for the game. See point 3, above. I have mentioned his shooting form before, so I won't post anything about it now.
Turtle will contribute for us in future games. With that said, I'd love to see Tyree Crump get some minutes, just to see what he has.
7. The zone and press are tools
We might not want to be Syracuse, constantly in the zone, or Arkansas, trying to press all game. But these tools help us win. Fox went into the shed tonight and brought out the right equipment. He needs to do it more
Again, great game for the Dawgs. May have to watch that one again.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Lost in all the Commotion
over the poor substitution patterns was this fact:
The Dawgs starters and key reserves had a pretty good outing against Oakland. I was particularly pleased that Juwan Parker seems to have his springs back. He shot 5 for 11 from the field, and 5 of 5 from the line, for 15 points, which was by far his best performance of the year.
J.J. had 18 points in the first half, if memory serves me. He was on target until Fox pulled him. When Oakland took the lead in the second half, he went iso-J.J., and started missing from long distance. The point is that J.J. found his touch, at least for a half.
Yante Maten didn't score much, and fouled out without hitting double figures, but Dawgs fans already know what he can do.
Derek Ogbeide is on a bit of a roll. Had a double-double for the game, 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, and 12 rebounds. Will be a bit harder as he is matched with bigger players during the conference portion of the season, but Ogbeide is a force in the paint.
Turtle Jackson did a good job at the point. He looked fantastic, in fact, except for that air-ball three-pointer he shot when the Dawgs were trying to catch up late in the game. Still think he needs to work on his mechanics and focus on locking his elbow in tight and going straight up with his shot. Firing across his body will lead to bad misses to the left or the right.
In any case, Jackson had 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting. He was 2 of 4 from behind the arc, and had zero turnovers. That's great work for a back-up point guard.
Jordan Harris scored 9 points. Still turns the ball over too much. He needs to focus on scoring when he drives the ball. He is still getting used to added muscle, so as the season goes on, he will get better and better.
Mike Edwards had 4 points and 6 boards. Tyree Crump was only given one minute of PT.
Diatta, KPG, Kessler, and Wilridge did not play well. Thirty minutes between them, and zero points.
Bottom line: If J.J. follows the Oakland game with regained scoring ability, Yante has his normal outing, and Jordan, Derek, Juwan, Mike and Turtle keep giving solid contributions, Georgia may overcome the Fox crazy substitutions and still win its share of SEC games.
The Dawgs starters and key reserves had a pretty good outing against Oakland. I was particularly pleased that Juwan Parker seems to have his springs back. He shot 5 for 11 from the field, and 5 of 5 from the line, for 15 points, which was by far his best performance of the year.
J.J. had 18 points in the first half, if memory serves me. He was on target until Fox pulled him. When Oakland took the lead in the second half, he went iso-J.J., and started missing from long distance. The point is that J.J. found his touch, at least for a half.
Yante Maten didn't score much, and fouled out without hitting double figures, but Dawgs fans already know what he can do.
Derek Ogbeide is on a bit of a roll. Had a double-double for the game, 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, and 12 rebounds. Will be a bit harder as he is matched with bigger players during the conference portion of the season, but Ogbeide is a force in the paint.
Turtle Jackson did a good job at the point. He looked fantastic, in fact, except for that air-ball three-pointer he shot when the Dawgs were trying to catch up late in the game. Still think he needs to work on his mechanics and focus on locking his elbow in tight and going straight up with his shot. Firing across his body will lead to bad misses to the left or the right.
In any case, Jackson had 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting. He was 2 of 4 from behind the arc, and had zero turnovers. That's great work for a back-up point guard.
Jordan Harris scored 9 points. Still turns the ball over too much. He needs to focus on scoring when he drives the ball. He is still getting used to added muscle, so as the season goes on, he will get better and better.
Mike Edwards had 4 points and 6 boards. Tyree Crump was only given one minute of PT.
Diatta, KPG, Kessler, and Wilridge did not play well. Thirty minutes between them, and zero points.
Bottom line: If J.J. follows the Oakland game with regained scoring ability, Yante has his normal outing, and Jordan, Derek, Juwan, Mike and Turtle keep giving solid contributions, Georgia may overcome the Fox crazy substitutions and still win its share of SEC games.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Almost There
Well, I've wanted Georgia to be able to compete against the "big boys", and we have the team to do it now. Georgia gave Kansas a run, but we aren't quite there yet. Dawgs lose by 11, Final score, 65 to 54.
This game was right there for the taking. Yante Maten played an incredible game. He dominated their big men for 30 points and 13 rebounds. Shot 11 for 23 from the floor, which isn't great, but it was more than enough. He missed a few in the second half because the Kansas zone collapsed on him.
Meanwhile, their three big guys, Udoka Azubuike, Landon Lucas, and Dwight Coleby, went 1 for 2 from the field, for a combined two points and seven rebounds.
Georgia out-rebounded Kansas, 39 to 36. We had their big guys in foul trouble all night.
Georgia would have won easily had we gotten any scoring from our 1, 2, and 3 positions. Let's face it: if J.J. Frazier goes 1 for 10 from the field, we're in trouble.
And tonight, no one else picked him up. Juwan Parker shot 2 for 9. He needs to change his release point and make it a split-second earlier. Right now, he is trying to guide the ball in.
Jordan Harris was 1 for 4. Tyree Crump was 0 for 1. Turtle Jackson was 2 for 5, making two three-pointers. However, Jackson shoots across his body, which results in some very bad misses. I think on two of his shots, he didn't even hit the rim.
It's not even that their defense was that great. We just couldn't put it in. Our perimeter players went 6 for 31. If our guards can't reach 20 percent shooting, we will lose a ton of games.
Jordan Harris played plenty of minutes. I have argued for more playing time for him. Well, in the key sequence of the game, Georgia was down 8 and we battled for an offensive rebound. Jordan had the ball with a chance to reset the offense, and he dribbled the ball off his foot out of bounds.
As readers know, as a general rule, I don't criticize the players. But Jordan can play better, and he has to get it done. The game will slow down for him, and he will score a bunch of points for Georgia in his career.
Well, we played hard on defense, our zone was effective enough. The good news is that J.J. won't always shoot poorly. The other guards will have better games.
Georgia is improving. We competed, and if we start getting complete games from our guards and bigs, we're going to make some noise.
This game was right there for the taking. Yante Maten played an incredible game. He dominated their big men for 30 points and 13 rebounds. Shot 11 for 23 from the floor, which isn't great, but it was more than enough. He missed a few in the second half because the Kansas zone collapsed on him.
Meanwhile, their three big guys, Udoka Azubuike, Landon Lucas, and Dwight Coleby, went 1 for 2 from the field, for a combined two points and seven rebounds.
Georgia out-rebounded Kansas, 39 to 36. We had their big guys in foul trouble all night.
Georgia would have won easily had we gotten any scoring from our 1, 2, and 3 positions. Let's face it: if J.J. Frazier goes 1 for 10 from the field, we're in trouble.
And tonight, no one else picked him up. Juwan Parker shot 2 for 9. He needs to change his release point and make it a split-second earlier. Right now, he is trying to guide the ball in.
Jordan Harris was 1 for 4. Tyree Crump was 0 for 1. Turtle Jackson was 2 for 5, making two three-pointers. However, Jackson shoots across his body, which results in some very bad misses. I think on two of his shots, he didn't even hit the rim.
It's not even that their defense was that great. We just couldn't put it in. Our perimeter players went 6 for 31. If our guards can't reach 20 percent shooting, we will lose a ton of games.
Jordan Harris played plenty of minutes. I have argued for more playing time for him. Well, in the key sequence of the game, Georgia was down 8 and we battled for an offensive rebound. Jordan had the ball with a chance to reset the offense, and he dribbled the ball off his foot out of bounds.
As readers know, as a general rule, I don't criticize the players. But Jordan can play better, and he has to get it done. The game will slow down for him, and he will score a bunch of points for Georgia in his career.
Well, we played hard on defense, our zone was effective enough. The good news is that J.J. won't always shoot poorly. The other guards will have better games.
Georgia is improving. We competed, and if we start getting complete games from our guards and bigs, we're going to make some noise.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Season Ends
Congrats to the guys, particularly Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines. You represented us well.
I know that Juwan is frustrated that his bad wheel wouldn't let him get on the court this year. If he has to hang up the sneakers and move on due to his injury, he's got a bright future.
1. Basketball when played well, is a fantastic sport
Not just to play, but to watch. As Georgia gets better, the crowds will show up. Jordan Harris plays an exciting brand. So does J.J. Frazier.
2. UGA will be a better squad next year
Yante Maten will only get better. This year's freshmen will mature and improve over the summer, and next year's freshmen are SEC-ready athletes.
3. Still don't understand the sub patterns
Didn't watch the game, but from all I could tell, Derek Ogbeide was doing great. Predictably, he was yanked right at what seemed to me to be the three-minute mark. I don't think he scored another point all game. Fort those of you who watched the game, let me know if I'm wrong. I think we were leading or tied with St. Mary's when he was pulled. We had an advantage with Ogbeide and the substitution broke his rhythm.
4. Yante Maten
Sad that he had to close out the season with a poor performance. If he shoots under 30 percent for the game, Georgia will lose nine times out of ten.
5. Wacky Gyms
Unfair advantage for the home team. Hopefully, UGA will make the NCAA Tournament next year and it won't be as big an issue. Still is a bit of one every time we go play at Vandy.
6. Recruiting
Hopeful UGA can pick up another Derek Ogbeide or Mike Edwards in the spring recruiting cycle.
As I have posted previously, I would like to see us bring in Bruno Fernando, Harold Baruti or Deshaun Corprew. It's frustrating to not see Georgia mentioned prominently by any of the top remaining recruits.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
William Jarrell is a Player
If things turn out the way I think they will, UGA will have up to three additional scholarships to offer recruits from the 2016 class.
Georgia started out with three 2016/2017 scholarships open, since Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann are set to graduate this year and do not have any further eligibility. Incoming freshmen Jordan Harris and Tyree Crump have already signed to take two of those slots.
That leaves one scholarship remaining. However, two more scholarships would open up if Juwan Parker and Houston Kessler do not play next year due to injury and graduation, respectively.
William Jarrell is making a case for consideration for at least one of the UGA scholarships. Jarrell's Crawford County squad whipped Seminole County last night winning 95 to 64. Jordan Harris played big for Seminole County, scoring 37 points, to go with 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. But William Jarrell was not too far behind, finishing with 27 points and 10 boards.
Jarrell is a rangy athlete who does a little bit of everything. Defends like crazy, takes it to the rack, hits free throws and still averages six assists per game. He's currently unsigned, and Georgia could probably lock up his commitment if we move soon.
What do you think, Coach Hayes?
Georgia started out with three 2016/2017 scholarships open, since Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann are set to graduate this year and do not have any further eligibility. Incoming freshmen Jordan Harris and Tyree Crump have already signed to take two of those slots.
That leaves one scholarship remaining. However, two more scholarships would open up if Juwan Parker and Houston Kessler do not play next year due to injury and graduation, respectively.
William Jarrell is making a case for consideration for at least one of the UGA scholarships. Jarrell's Crawford County squad whipped Seminole County last night winning 95 to 64. Jordan Harris played big for Seminole County, scoring 37 points, to go with 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. But William Jarrell was not too far behind, finishing with 27 points and 10 boards.
Jarrell is a rangy athlete who does a little bit of everything. Defends like crazy, takes it to the rack, hits free throws and still averages six assists per game. He's currently unsigned, and Georgia could probably lock up his commitment if we move soon.
What do you think, Coach Hayes?
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Watched what I could of the live practice
Enjoyed seeing Jarvis Hayes again. Good to have the interviews, but I would have preferred to see the team do more drills. It was much more "Media Day" than "Live Stream of Practice." Guess we won't know about much about how the guys look until the exhibition game.
With that said, here are a few observations:
Kenny Gaines looks thicker. Without seeing him move around, it's hard to tell if he's put on good weight, or whether he has gained weight because he hasn't been able to participate fully in conditioning drills.
Juwan Parker has a brace on his leg. Likely means he won't play much at the beginning of the year.
Fox has Turtle Jackson learning the point. Great to be three-deep at the point guard position, especially in light of the two recruits scheduled to come in next year, but it makes me wonder what we will do this year if Kenny and Juwan don't heal completely. I guess that by learning the point, Jackson should be able to know where the two-guard is supposed to go, so it stands to reason that he could play the shooting guard position if needed.
E'Torrion Wilridge does indeed have a nice stroke. Elbow is locked in tight and good follow-through.
Derek Ogbeide is a man in the post. Once again, I am reminded of Cordy Glenn, a guy who got better and better every year on the O-line for the football Dawgs. It's rare to get a stocky guy who also plays above the rim. Jeremy Price and Takais Brown were two former Dawgs hoops players who had the beef, but lacked the explosiveness. Chris Barnes of a few years ago is probably the best comparison.
Fox seems to think that Kenny Paul Geno took a significant step forward in the off-season. KPG is such a "tweener" that I really don't expect him to get a lot of minutes. He can jump and has a fairly reasonable shooting motion if he gets his feet set. However, he doesn't seem big enough for the power forward position, nor quick enough for the wing. If he scores 5 points a night, I would be surprised. I would love to be wrong.
They are referring to Mike Edwards as being 6' 10". Is that right? Whether he's 6' 9" or 10", if he runs the floor like they say he can, he will be a load for other teams to handle this year.
Looking forward to the season.
With that said, here are a few observations:
Kenny Gaines looks thicker. Without seeing him move around, it's hard to tell if he's put on good weight, or whether he has gained weight because he hasn't been able to participate fully in conditioning drills.
Juwan Parker has a brace on his leg. Likely means he won't play much at the beginning of the year.
Fox has Turtle Jackson learning the point. Great to be three-deep at the point guard position, especially in light of the two recruits scheduled to come in next year, but it makes me wonder what we will do this year if Kenny and Juwan don't heal completely. I guess that by learning the point, Jackson should be able to know where the two-guard is supposed to go, so it stands to reason that he could play the shooting guard position if needed.
E'Torrion Wilridge does indeed have a nice stroke. Elbow is locked in tight and good follow-through.
Derek Ogbeide is a man in the post. Once again, I am reminded of Cordy Glenn, a guy who got better and better every year on the O-line for the football Dawgs. It's rare to get a stocky guy who also plays above the rim. Jeremy Price and Takais Brown were two former Dawgs hoops players who had the beef, but lacked the explosiveness. Chris Barnes of a few years ago is probably the best comparison.
Fox seems to think that Kenny Paul Geno took a significant step forward in the off-season. KPG is such a "tweener" that I really don't expect him to get a lot of minutes. He can jump and has a fairly reasonable shooting motion if he gets his feet set. However, he doesn't seem big enough for the power forward position, nor quick enough for the wing. If he scores 5 points a night, I would be surprised. I would love to be wrong.
They are referring to Mike Edwards as being 6' 10". Is that right? Whether he's 6' 9" or 10", if he runs the floor like they say he can, he will be a load for other teams to handle this year.
Looking forward to the season.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Tevin Mack Speaks Recruiting
Says he doesn't have a top five. UGA has been talking to him. Plans on visiting UGA, South Carolina and Texas.
Watch the video linked below. But in case the link ever is taken down, here are a few tidbits:
Mack wants to go somewhere where the coaching staff is stable, and where he gets to play right away.
He knows he can score the ball, but he wants to work on defense and rebounding, getting stronger and being more explosive in his leaping ability.
Also says that his mother is heavily involved with the decision, although his college choice is ultimately his decision. Lots of teams talking to him, but he has five actual offers on the table.
Sounds to me like Texas is in first place (relationship with Shaka Smart), then South Carolina (hometown hero possibility), then UGA (close to home, can play right away).
If I'm Ms. Mack, I wouldn't want my son playing for Coach Martin. He's in a bit of a hot seat situation, Even if he weren't, Martin is an in your face screamer. South Carolina's version of Andy Landers. Some guys need that, but I wouldn't entrust my son to that kind of treatment.
In UGA's favor, we really don't have a wing on the roster. Fact is, we haven't had a scoring wing in a long, long time. Only guy that comes to mind right now is Jarvis Hayes.
For the present, Georgia can make do with hybrid 3/4 guys, like Wilridge and Geno, or we can stick out there a combo guard, like Mann and Parker (assuming Parker comes back healthy). Bottom line is that if Tevin Mack comes to Athens, he starts right away.
Mack's eyes must light up a bit when he considers UGA. We're offensively challenged. We need a maker. When we have guys that can score the ball, we can get them to the League. Don't remember anybody recent from South Carolina who has made it.
Interview with WISTV
Part Two
We're in the mix, but can we close?
Watch the video linked below. But in case the link ever is taken down, here are a few tidbits:
Mack wants to go somewhere where the coaching staff is stable, and where he gets to play right away.
He knows he can score the ball, but he wants to work on defense and rebounding, getting stronger and being more explosive in his leaping ability.
Also says that his mother is heavily involved with the decision, although his college choice is ultimately his decision. Lots of teams talking to him, but he has five actual offers on the table.
Sounds to me like Texas is in first place (relationship with Shaka Smart), then South Carolina (hometown hero possibility), then UGA (close to home, can play right away).
If I'm Ms. Mack, I wouldn't want my son playing for Coach Martin. He's in a bit of a hot seat situation, Even if he weren't, Martin is an in your face screamer. South Carolina's version of Andy Landers. Some guys need that, but I wouldn't entrust my son to that kind of treatment.
In UGA's favor, we really don't have a wing on the roster. Fact is, we haven't had a scoring wing in a long, long time. Only guy that comes to mind right now is Jarvis Hayes.
For the present, Georgia can make do with hybrid 3/4 guys, like Wilridge and Geno, or we can stick out there a combo guard, like Mann and Parker (assuming Parker comes back healthy). Bottom line is that if Tevin Mack comes to Athens, he starts right away.
Mack's eyes must light up a bit when he considers UGA. We're offensively challenged. We need a maker. When we have guys that can score the ball, we can get them to the League. Don't remember anybody recent from South Carolina who has made it.
Interview with WISTV
Part Two
We're in the mix, but can we close?
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Ugly Game
Wish we would have put up more of a fight against Arkansas. UGA loses 60 to 49.
We needed something from Nemi and Yante. I think they each hit a bucket, but that was it. As a team we shot 32 percent from the field and around 55 percent from the line. Just won't get it done.
Maybe it's best that we lost and didn't go up against Kentucky with a depleted squad. With our offensive woes, UK would have whupped us by 60.
I am extremely happy, however, for
1) Taylor Echols
Great game for him. The highlight of his college playing career, no doubt. National t.v., hits three threes and scores in double figures.
2) Cameron Forte
Played a good game. Didn't give us much in the second half, but he was all we had early in the first. Finished 5 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from the line.
3) Juwan Parker
Strongly disagree with the decision to send him back out there after his ankle injury. He is done for the year. No matter who we play. No matter who else is injured. Don't jeopardize a guy's future like that.
I am happy that he didn't injure the ankle again.
4) UGA Squad
As bad as we played, I am happy that no one else was injured.
5) UGA Squad
We played well enough this year to make the Big Dance. 21 and 11 is a good season. Not what could have been, but I think we represented ourselves well. Let's win at least one in the tourney.
We needed something from Nemi and Yante. I think they each hit a bucket, but that was it. As a team we shot 32 percent from the field and around 55 percent from the line. Just won't get it done.
Maybe it's best that we lost and didn't go up against Kentucky with a depleted squad. With our offensive woes, UK would have whupped us by 60.
I am extremely happy, however, for
1) Taylor Echols
Great game for him. The highlight of his college playing career, no doubt. National t.v., hits three threes and scores in double figures.
2) Cameron Forte
Played a good game. Didn't give us much in the second half, but he was all we had early in the first. Finished 5 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from the line.
3) Juwan Parker
Strongly disagree with the decision to send him back out there after his ankle injury. He is done for the year. No matter who we play. No matter who else is injured. Don't jeopardize a guy's future like that.
I am happy that he didn't injure the ankle again.
4) UGA Squad
As bad as we played, I am happy that no one else was injured.
5) UGA Squad
We played well enough this year to make the Big Dance. 21 and 11 is a good season. Not what could have been, but I think we represented ourselves well. Let's win at least one in the tourney.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Proud of the Dawgs!
Great season. 20 wins. Will make the NCAA Tourney.
Great game. Beat a tough Auburn team at home. Shot 90 percent from the free throw line. If we made 90 percent against Kentucky, we would have beat them, if you count the second end of the one-and-ones that would have followed. Would have won a number of the other games, too.
Great coaching. Fox kept the team together despite all the energies. Sure, we could have won a couple more, here and there, but on the whole, I say, good job, Coach Fox!
How about Charles Mann! Hit 3 for 5 from the field and an amazing 9 for 9 from the free throw line. That's what we've been hoping for from him.
Yante has come along nicely. J.J. Frazier, Marcus Thornton and Nemi Djurisic made huge strides this year. Kenny Paul Geno, Juwan Parker and J.J. Frazier have given incredible effort, considering their injuries. Same for Kenny Gaines.
Let's make some noise this month!
Great game. Beat a tough Auburn team at home. Shot 90 percent from the free throw line. If we made 90 percent against Kentucky, we would have beat them, if you count the second end of the one-and-ones that would have followed. Would have won a number of the other games, too.
Great coaching. Fox kept the team together despite all the energies. Sure, we could have won a couple more, here and there, but on the whole, I say, good job, Coach Fox!
How about Charles Mann! Hit 3 for 5 from the field and an amazing 9 for 9 from the free throw line. That's what we've been hoping for from him.
Yante has come along nicely. J.J. Frazier, Marcus Thornton and Nemi Djurisic made huge strides this year. Kenny Paul Geno, Juwan Parker and J.J. Frazier have given incredible effort, considering their injuries. Same for Kenny Gaines.
Let's make some noise this month!
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Ten Questions for UGA Basketball (Post Double OT Loss to LSU)
1. Can Marcus Thornton appeal for another year?
There has to be some rationale for an appeal, given his health issues and knee surgeries, right?
Sure hope so. A UGA squad with sophomore Yante Maten, freshman Derek Ogbeide, and a returning Marcus Thornton in the post would be formidable.
Thornton might have played one of his best games against LSU. Missed key free throws, but he was a warrior against a tough LSU front court. Finished the night with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Bad foul against Quarterman in the first overtime, but their guys were fouling him and he wasn't getting the calls. He's won more games for us than he's lost.
2. With Charles Mann on the free throw line, why pull potential offensive rebounders from the lane?
Fox knows that Mann is not a good free throw shooter. As might be expected, Mann missed two foul shots late, and the second miss bounced off the rim and up the lane some. Marcus Thornton or even Kenny Gaines might have been able to corral it if Fox had not pulled them away.
3. Is it time to bring Nemi Djurisic off the bench?
He did have 15, and I know Nemi is a senior, but Georgia might hit the ground running better if Maten becomes a starter in Nemi's stead.
4. Did Cameron Forte just earn a start at the 3 position?
Played well last night. I said in a previous post that if Forte changes his shooting stroke, he can put up big numbers. Good hands, crafty with the ball, good enough defense. Liability away from the basket. Clean that up, and Georgia has its small forward for the rest of the season. Had 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting. I say, start him next game.
5. Why not press?
Arkansas does it, LSU does it. So does Kentucky. Gets you a few turnovers as guys get rattled.
6. Did Fox make a serious effort to recruit Tim Quarterman?
I know I asked that question a couple of years ago, and I guess it's a moot point now, but I sure would like to know the answer. Some fans argued back in 2013 that by signing Frazier, Fox had successfully recruited the best point guard recruit in the state. Problem is that Fox hadn't. Tim Quarterman was better, and UGA fans now see why.
Frazier had an off-night, and that's allowed, but the fact remains that he was 0 for 7 from the floor and finished with 2 points. Meanwhile, Quarterman was 10 for 16, with 27 points, hitting clutch baskets, one after the other. Quarterman will be a star in the league. He lets the game come to him, but when LSU needs a big basket, Quarterman has become the guy.
Quarterman delivered for LSU last night. Would have been nice to have him at UGA, but from what I could tell, Fox never seemed interested.
7. What's up with Juwan Parker?
Is it a confidence thing? Maybe he just needs to get in the gym and shoot. He's not looking for his shot these days. Defends and rebounds well, but if he's going to be our starting small forward, it would be nice to see him attempt a shot every now and then. With his free throw stroke, one would think that that would translate into a nice mid-range game. That's not happening. Just wondering whether Fox told him not to shoot.
8. Can we expect anything from Osahen Iduwe this year?
Didn't get any minutes. Could be a communication barrier. He's not a native English speaker, and even guys born here take a while to learn where to be in the Fox offense. All the same, if he isn't going to play, why didn't we red-shirt him? And I guess the bigger question is whether we can expect him to contribute at any point, this year or next. I'm not familiar with his game, but you have to hope that Jonas Hayes is working with him to get him ready.
9. Will Charles Mann learn a floater?
He's a 6' 5" point guard who has some muscle. I get that. I also get that he does not shoot free throws that well, and he turns the ball over on charges. Can he keep his head up and use a floater or jump stop to shoot the ball? Would love to see him add that to his arsenal.
10/ How will Georgia fare in a much tougher SEC?
We're 0 and 2 in the SEC and 9 and 5 on the season as a whole. Hate to judge based on just a couple of games, but it's hard to see Georgia ending up in the top 5 of the SEC this year. Our competition is tougher.
Alabama seems much improved. They stomped Tennessee. Missouri has talent. LSU is better this year, even without Johnny O'Bryant. Florida started slow, but they are improving. South Carolina has taken a step forward. Kentucky is a beast. Texas A and M gave them trouble. Arkansas has already beaten us.
There are no easy victories on the schedule. If we're not careful, the season could get away from us.
There has to be some rationale for an appeal, given his health issues and knee surgeries, right?
Sure hope so. A UGA squad with sophomore Yante Maten, freshman Derek Ogbeide, and a returning Marcus Thornton in the post would be formidable.
Thornton might have played one of his best games against LSU. Missed key free throws, but he was a warrior against a tough LSU front court. Finished the night with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Bad foul against Quarterman in the first overtime, but their guys were fouling him and he wasn't getting the calls. He's won more games for us than he's lost.
2. With Charles Mann on the free throw line, why pull potential offensive rebounders from the lane?
Fox knows that Mann is not a good free throw shooter. As might be expected, Mann missed two foul shots late, and the second miss bounced off the rim and up the lane some. Marcus Thornton or even Kenny Gaines might have been able to corral it if Fox had not pulled them away.
3. Is it time to bring Nemi Djurisic off the bench?
He did have 15, and I know Nemi is a senior, but Georgia might hit the ground running better if Maten becomes a starter in Nemi's stead.
4. Did Cameron Forte just earn a start at the 3 position?
Played well last night. I said in a previous post that if Forte changes his shooting stroke, he can put up big numbers. Good hands, crafty with the ball, good enough defense. Liability away from the basket. Clean that up, and Georgia has its small forward for the rest of the season. Had 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting. I say, start him next game.
5. Why not press?
Arkansas does it, LSU does it. So does Kentucky. Gets you a few turnovers as guys get rattled.
6. Did Fox make a serious effort to recruit Tim Quarterman?
I know I asked that question a couple of years ago, and I guess it's a moot point now, but I sure would like to know the answer. Some fans argued back in 2013 that by signing Frazier, Fox had successfully recruited the best point guard recruit in the state. Problem is that Fox hadn't. Tim Quarterman was better, and UGA fans now see why.
Frazier had an off-night, and that's allowed, but the fact remains that he was 0 for 7 from the floor and finished with 2 points. Meanwhile, Quarterman was 10 for 16, with 27 points, hitting clutch baskets, one after the other. Quarterman will be a star in the league. He lets the game come to him, but when LSU needs a big basket, Quarterman has become the guy.
Quarterman delivered for LSU last night. Would have been nice to have him at UGA, but from what I could tell, Fox never seemed interested.
7. What's up with Juwan Parker?
Is it a confidence thing? Maybe he just needs to get in the gym and shoot. He's not looking for his shot these days. Defends and rebounds well, but if he's going to be our starting small forward, it would be nice to see him attempt a shot every now and then. With his free throw stroke, one would think that that would translate into a nice mid-range game. That's not happening. Just wondering whether Fox told him not to shoot.
8. Can we expect anything from Osahen Iduwe this year?
Didn't get any minutes. Could be a communication barrier. He's not a native English speaker, and even guys born here take a while to learn where to be in the Fox offense. All the same, if he isn't going to play, why didn't we red-shirt him? And I guess the bigger question is whether we can expect him to contribute at any point, this year or next. I'm not familiar with his game, but you have to hope that Jonas Hayes is working with him to get him ready.
9. Will Charles Mann learn a floater?
He's a 6' 5" point guard who has some muscle. I get that. I also get that he does not shoot free throws that well, and he turns the ball over on charges. Can he keep his head up and use a floater or jump stop to shoot the ball? Would love to see him add that to his arsenal.
10/ How will Georgia fare in a much tougher SEC?
We're 0 and 2 in the SEC and 9 and 5 on the season as a whole. Hate to judge based on just a couple of games, but it's hard to see Georgia ending up in the top 5 of the SEC this year. Our competition is tougher.
Alabama seems much improved. They stomped Tennessee. Missouri has talent. LSU is better this year, even without Johnny O'Bryant. Florida started slow, but they are improving. South Carolina has taken a step forward. Kentucky is a beast. Texas A and M gave them trouble. Arkansas has already beaten us.
There are no easy victories on the schedule. If we're not careful, the season could get away from us.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Derek Ogbeide
The guy that Ogbeide reminds me most of is not a hoops player. It's Cordy Glenn from UGA's football team a few years back. The first time I saw Glenn, I said, "this guy is going to be a player."
Sure enough, Glenn later starred on the offensive line for Georgia. Cordy is now in the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
In the same way, I am projecting good things for Ogbeide. He has a large frame, big hands and feet, and for a big man, good athleticism. Catches the ball well. Is a true post player. Doesn't float around on the perimeter.
I liked what I saw of Ogbeide in Pebblebrook's game against Laney of Augusta. Pebblebrook doesn't run many plays, and Ogbeide rarely gets passes. However, in an up and down, guard-oriented game, Ogbeide had 16 points, 18 boards and 7 blocks.
I wouldn't call Ogbeide skilled. Not in the same way that Tony Parker was skilled at the same point in high school. However, if Ogbeide continues to grow physically and athletically, he may end up as the better NBA prospect.
Next year could be a good one for UGA basketball. Charles Mann, J.J. Frazier, and Turtle Jackson playing point; Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker at the shooting guard spots, Iduwe (here's hoping he bulks up and learns a few moves), Yante Maten, and Ogbeide in the post, and Kenny Paul Geno and E'Torrion Wilridge on the wing. If we somehow bring in Jaylen Brown, that looks like a definite NCAA team to me.
Sure enough, Glenn later starred on the offensive line for Georgia. Cordy is now in the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.
In the same way, I am projecting good things for Ogbeide. He has a large frame, big hands and feet, and for a big man, good athleticism. Catches the ball well. Is a true post player. Doesn't float around on the perimeter.
I liked what I saw of Ogbeide in Pebblebrook's game against Laney of Augusta. Pebblebrook doesn't run many plays, and Ogbeide rarely gets passes. However, in an up and down, guard-oriented game, Ogbeide had 16 points, 18 boards and 7 blocks.
I wouldn't call Ogbeide skilled. Not in the same way that Tony Parker was skilled at the same point in high school. However, if Ogbeide continues to grow physically and athletically, he may end up as the better NBA prospect.
Next year could be a good one for UGA basketball. Charles Mann, J.J. Frazier, and Turtle Jackson playing point; Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker at the shooting guard spots, Iduwe (here's hoping he bulks up and learns a few moves), Yante Maten, and Ogbeide in the post, and Kenny Paul Geno and E'Torrion Wilridge on the wing. If we somehow bring in Jaylen Brown, that looks like a definite NCAA team to me.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
May the Best Man Win at Small Forward
I decided to edit my post about the dismissal of Brandon Morris, and keep it fairly short, meanwhile adding to my post about the line-up for the fall.
So, now that Morris will no longer be around to hold down the starting position at small forward, UGA's options going into the 2014/2015 season appear to be:
Yante Maten, 6' 8" freshman.
Kenny Paul Geno, 6' 6" sophomore.
Juwan Parker, 6' 4" sophomore.
Nemi Djurisic, 6' 8" senior.
Cameron Forte, 6' 7" junior.
Maten has talent and appears to be very versatile, having played some point guard in high school. His issues are learning the offense and getting in shape. I had Maten replacing Donte Williams at the power forward position, helping out Marcus Thornton, who is an under-sized post.
Kenny Paul Geno, a late recruiting pick-up last season after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opted for the NBA, played some last year against Mississippi State and actually looked pretty good, scoring six points. Otherwise, Geno averaged a point and a rebound per game over the course of the year. Is he ready to start at the small forward position? I don't think so, but he'll get his share of minutes.
Juwan Parker can play. The problem is that he is our one option behind Kenny Gaines at the two-guard. I say, keep bringing Parker off the bench.
Nemi has played a lot. When he's hot, he's fun to watch. When he's not, not so much. I wouldn't regard him as an elite defender or ball-handler, which is what you want from a small forward. I like Nemi providing a spark as sixth man.
Forte has good hands and is crafty around the basket. He led Georgia in field goal percentage, almost shooting 60 percent from the floor (.591). The only team members who came close to that percentage were Donte Williams and John Cannon, both of whom moved on. Forte's biggest issue is that he can't shoot (Sounds harsh, but anyone who shoots 30 percent from the free throw line for a D-1 team, can't shoot, okay?). Fox was quoted once as saying that Forte "has an ugly game, but good instincts."
Result? Who's our best man for the job?
If Forte's game goes from ugly to decent-looking, he is the best option. He doesn't need to be a three-point ace, but he simply must get to the point where he can convert from as far out as 15 feet, and at least shoot better than 60 percent from the line. Forte, who looks more like 6' 5" than his listed 6' 7", is a decent rebounder, averaging 2 boards per game in 9 minutes. He is not an explosive leaper, and probably won't ever be, but I would hope that he can increase his vertical a few inches over the summer.
If Forte doesn't improve, then Parker probably gets the start. A lot of teams use three-guard sets, and Parker is probably the best match-up for those situations. Fox hopefully is scouring the AAU circuit looking for a late-blooming two-guard, with size. I'd rather save the ship than save the 'ship at this point.
So, now that Morris will no longer be around to hold down the starting position at small forward, UGA's options going into the 2014/2015 season appear to be:
Yante Maten, 6' 8" freshman.
Kenny Paul Geno, 6' 6" sophomore.
Juwan Parker, 6' 4" sophomore.
Nemi Djurisic, 6' 8" senior.
Cameron Forte, 6' 7" junior.
Maten has talent and appears to be very versatile, having played some point guard in high school. His issues are learning the offense and getting in shape. I had Maten replacing Donte Williams at the power forward position, helping out Marcus Thornton, who is an under-sized post.
Kenny Paul Geno, a late recruiting pick-up last season after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opted for the NBA, played some last year against Mississippi State and actually looked pretty good, scoring six points. Otherwise, Geno averaged a point and a rebound per game over the course of the year. Is he ready to start at the small forward position? I don't think so, but he'll get his share of minutes.
Juwan Parker can play. The problem is that he is our one option behind Kenny Gaines at the two-guard. I say, keep bringing Parker off the bench.
Nemi has played a lot. When he's hot, he's fun to watch. When he's not, not so much. I wouldn't regard him as an elite defender or ball-handler, which is what you want from a small forward. I like Nemi providing a spark as sixth man.
Forte has good hands and is crafty around the basket. He led Georgia in field goal percentage, almost shooting 60 percent from the floor (.591). The only team members who came close to that percentage were Donte Williams and John Cannon, both of whom moved on. Forte's biggest issue is that he can't shoot (Sounds harsh, but anyone who shoots 30 percent from the free throw line for a D-1 team, can't shoot, okay?). Fox was quoted once as saying that Forte "has an ugly game, but good instincts."
Result? Who's our best man for the job?
If Forte's game goes from ugly to decent-looking, he is the best option. He doesn't need to be a three-point ace, but he simply must get to the point where he can convert from as far out as 15 feet, and at least shoot better than 60 percent from the line. Forte, who looks more like 6' 5" than his listed 6' 7", is a decent rebounder, averaging 2 boards per game in 9 minutes. He is not an explosive leaper, and probably won't ever be, but I would hope that he can increase his vertical a few inches over the summer.
If Forte doesn't improve, then Parker probably gets the start. A lot of teams use three-guard sets, and Parker is probably the best match-up for those situations. Fox hopefully is scouring the AAU circuit looking for a late-blooming two-guard, with size. I'd rather save the ship than save the 'ship at this point.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Gaines not playing
Dawgs can't win, in my opinion.
What other guards do we have, other than a gimpy Juwan Parker?
Ughh. No JP either, just heard.
What other guards do we have, other than a gimpy Juwan Parker?
Ughh. No JP either, just heard.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Dawgs Lose to Nebraska
Final score: Nebraska 73, Dawgs 65.
We're 1 and 4 on the year and dead last in the SEC.
We're inventing ways to lose now. This time we couldn't hit our free throws.
I keep thinking that Georgia is going to put it all together and beat some team by double digits. I thought we would get a W in at least one of the three contests. Didn't happen. We came in last place in the tournament, not winning a single game.
Not sure what to make of this team. We have some possibilities. We could go on a run and win the next six games. It could happen.
There are possibilities, but there are also problems.
Wing players. Brandon Morris is playing pretty well. Meanwhile, Cameron Forte seems to have taken a step back (Mark Fox needs to work on Forte's shot. Make him shoot one-handed until he starts getting good arc on the ball and learns to use his off-hand as a guide, only).
Post players. We still don't have the production we need in the post. Marcus Thornton is doing better, but he has no lift off of his surgically repaired legs. Sad to see, since he had so much bounce in high school. By the way, he and Donte don't need to be shooting three-pointers.
Shooting guards. We got next to no production from our 2-guard position. Kenny Gaines went 3 for 9 and Juwan Parker shot 0 for 3. A combined 3 for 12 won't get it done. If our shooting guards don't manage better than 25 percent from the field, we will lose every time.
Offense. Our offense doesn't seem to get us any good shots. Or maybe the shots are there, but our guys just can't hit'em. All too often, however, we run the weave 25 feet or more from the basket, pass it into the short corner and try to angle a guy toward the basket.
If the game under the new rules is to drive the ball to the basket and get fouled, then let's design an offense that will do just that. Scrap the triangle, or at least try an alternative during part of the game. Charles Mann is good at driving the ball, but we need to have more players who can do it. Reminds me of Sundiata Gaines driving the ball on almost every possession back when Felton was coaching. We can do better. Coach Fox has to make it so.
I think Mark Fox's record at UGA is now into negative territory at 66 and 67. If we don't pick up a string of wins during the non-conference part of the schedule, Fox will likely have yet another losing season, notching losing seasons in 4 out of his 5 years. All of our momentum seems to be backwards, and it's hard to argue with the guys who point out that Georgia basketball has degraded under his stewardship.
They have a point. Multiple losing seasons, no recruits, poor defense and a stagnant offense spell disaster for a basketball program. Like I've said before, I like to see our guys graduate, but if that's the only criteria for successful coaching, hire one of the academic advisers to coach the team. Sure wouldn't cost us $1.7 million a year.
Gotta have some wins and quick. We really need a good run over these next few games. Fox, make it happen!
We're 1 and 4 on the year and dead last in the SEC.
We're inventing ways to lose now. This time we couldn't hit our free throws.
I keep thinking that Georgia is going to put it all together and beat some team by double digits. I thought we would get a W in at least one of the three contests. Didn't happen. We came in last place in the tournament, not winning a single game.
Not sure what to make of this team. We have some possibilities. We could go on a run and win the next six games. It could happen.
There are possibilities, but there are also problems.
Wing players. Brandon Morris is playing pretty well. Meanwhile, Cameron Forte seems to have taken a step back (Mark Fox needs to work on Forte's shot. Make him shoot one-handed until he starts getting good arc on the ball and learns to use his off-hand as a guide, only).
Post players. We still don't have the production we need in the post. Marcus Thornton is doing better, but he has no lift off of his surgically repaired legs. Sad to see, since he had so much bounce in high school. By the way, he and Donte don't need to be shooting three-pointers.
Shooting guards. We got next to no production from our 2-guard position. Kenny Gaines went 3 for 9 and Juwan Parker shot 0 for 3. A combined 3 for 12 won't get it done. If our shooting guards don't manage better than 25 percent from the field, we will lose every time.
Offense. Our offense doesn't seem to get us any good shots. Or maybe the shots are there, but our guys just can't hit'em. All too often, however, we run the weave 25 feet or more from the basket, pass it into the short corner and try to angle a guy toward the basket.
If the game under the new rules is to drive the ball to the basket and get fouled, then let's design an offense that will do just that. Scrap the triangle, or at least try an alternative during part of the game. Charles Mann is good at driving the ball, but we need to have more players who can do it. Reminds me of Sundiata Gaines driving the ball on almost every possession back when Felton was coaching. We can do better. Coach Fox has to make it so.
I think Mark Fox's record at UGA is now into negative territory at 66 and 67. If we don't pick up a string of wins during the non-conference part of the schedule, Fox will likely have yet another losing season, notching losing seasons in 4 out of his 5 years. All of our momentum seems to be backwards, and it's hard to argue with the guys who point out that Georgia basketball has degraded under his stewardship.
They have a point. Multiple losing seasons, no recruits, poor defense and a stagnant offense spell disaster for a basketball program. Like I've said before, I like to see our guys graduate, but if that's the only criteria for successful coaching, hire one of the academic advisers to coach the team. Sure wouldn't cost us $1.7 million a year.
Gotta have some wins and quick. We really need a good run over these next few games. Fox, make it happen!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Georgia will beat Davidson
Here's why:
1. Tech beat us
I imagine that practice this week was rigorous. Not wanting to start the season at 1 and 2, the Dawgs will hunker down early and play to win.
2. Morris will play
Brandon Morris won't start, but he'll see action. Anything more than a 3-game suspension would have been in the news.
Brandon will spell Cameron Forte and Morris will remind Dawg fans what he can do: play above the rim, score in the post, get to the free throw line.
3. Georgia is bigger in the post
There's a reason they're 0 and 3. Davidson was really good last year, but they have played this year against schools with bigger athletes and have yet to win. Georgia will have an advantage on the boards. When we out-rebound a team, we will win.
4. Kenny Gaines will have a good game
He didn't shoot well against Tech. Neither did Parker. Expect both to bounce back.
5. Charles Mann is a stud
As I have said previously, Mann will likely finish his career as Georgia's best point guard ever. Mann has the size of Vern Fleming, the willingness to drive of Sundiata Gaines, and the intangibles of Rashad Wright. He has changed the release on his shot, which makes him a threat to score from deep. He'll have 18 or 19 points this evening.
This one won't be as close as the experts have predicted. Dawgs win by 14. Game starts at 5:00.
Oops. Game starts when it starts. Double-overtime game pushes back the start.
1. Tech beat us
I imagine that practice this week was rigorous. Not wanting to start the season at 1 and 2, the Dawgs will hunker down early and play to win.
2. Morris will play
Brandon Morris won't start, but he'll see action. Anything more than a 3-game suspension would have been in the news.
Brandon will spell Cameron Forte and Morris will remind Dawg fans what he can do: play above the rim, score in the post, get to the free throw line.
3. Georgia is bigger in the post
There's a reason they're 0 and 3. Davidson was really good last year, but they have played this year against schools with bigger athletes and have yet to win. Georgia will have an advantage on the boards. When we out-rebound a team, we will win.
4. Kenny Gaines will have a good game
He didn't shoot well against Tech. Neither did Parker. Expect both to bounce back.
5. Charles Mann is a stud
As I have said previously, Mann will likely finish his career as Georgia's best point guard ever. Mann has the size of Vern Fleming, the willingness to drive of Sundiata Gaines, and the intangibles of Rashad Wright. He has changed the release on his shot, which makes him a threat to score from deep. He'll have 18 or 19 points this evening.
This one won't be as close as the experts have predicted. Dawgs win by 14. Game starts at 5:00.
Oops. Game starts when it starts. Double-overtime game pushes back the start.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)