over #6 Miami.
Miller had 17 and 5, shooting 67 percent from the floor. When's the last time we've had a post player step up like that against a top ten team?
Sure hope Dixon and Cannon live in the weight room during the off-season.
Showing posts with label Tim Dixon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Dixon. Show all posts
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Dave Bliss
I was informed that one of the basketball message boards responded to my mentioning of Dave Bliss as part of a good haul of big men for UGA during the Felton years. Bear in mind that I said that Dave was part of the mix. In any case, a more detailed look at Dave's individual production may help explain my reasoning.
It's been a while, given that Bliss graduated five years ago. Let's review the stats to refresh our memories.
In his senior year Dave averaged 8 points and 6 boards, shooting 54 percent from the field and 71 percent from the line.
Bliss vs. UGA Current Posts
Sad to say, but UGA's current team doesn't have a big man anywhere near Dave's stats. Here are the averages, scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage, for our post players. I include this year's partial season and full season production from last year to capture the impact of SEC competition.
Dave Bliss: 8 and 6 (54 percent)
John Florveus: 3 and 3 (57 percent). 2 and 2 last year (43 percent).
Tim Dixon: 2 and 2. 0 and 1 last year (43 percent).
Donte Williams: 5 and 5 (47 percent). 40 percent from the line. 8 and 5 last year (47 percent).
John Cannon: 4 and 2 this year. 1 and 1 last year (38 percent).
Nemanja Djurisic: 8 and 4 (37 percent). 7 and 4 last year (40 percent).
Marcus Thornton: 4 and 4 (36 percent). 3 and 5 last year (28 percent).
Out of our six post players, the guy wirh production closest to Dave's is Nemi. Keep in mind that Nemi shoots a lot poorer percentage and and does not defend as well. For example, Nemi had 7 blocks for the full year last year. Dave had five times as many (34).
Bliss vs. Today's SEC Bigs
To not make the post too long, I'll spare readers the details, but suffice it to say that if you examined Dave's production against the 25 or so other post players in the SEC today, Dave would arguably be somewhere near the top five. He would trail Nerlens Noel and Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky), Robert Chubb (Auburn), Reginald Buckner (Ole Miss) and Patric Young (Florida),-- but not by much.
For example, compare Patric Young, starting center for an elite Florida team. Young gets 11.5 and 6 so far in this young season. He averaged 10 and 6 for the full season last year. That's just one bucket more per game than Dave.
Bottom Line
Was Dave as skilled as Trey Thompkins? No. Thompkins would get you 17 points and 8 rebounds a game, while shooting close to 50 percent. Thompkins not only scored twice as much, he also was more versatile. Trey hit 79 3-pointers in three years, shooting 36 percent from behind the arc. Dave didn't shoot any. Thompkins and Jeremy Price were better finishers and rebounders. Was Bliss the best post player that Felton recruited? The answer is obviously, no.
However, when you look at Dave's production and compare it to the other guys on our team now and around the league this season, it's clear that Dave was a quality big. Especially so when you add in the fact that Dave achieved his production while battling chronic back issues (herniated disc) that limited him to around 20 minutes a night. Throw in the intangibles (co-captain, graduated with honors in three years) and his leadership when UGA was coming off of NCAA sanctions, hitting key buckets to help UGA win the SEC Tournament championship, and you have yourself one heck of a player.
It's been a while, given that Bliss graduated five years ago. Let's review the stats to refresh our memories.
In his senior year Dave averaged 8 points and 6 boards, shooting 54 percent from the field and 71 percent from the line.
Bliss vs. UGA Current Posts
Sad to say, but UGA's current team doesn't have a big man anywhere near Dave's stats. Here are the averages, scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage, for our post players. I include this year's partial season and full season production from last year to capture the impact of SEC competition.
Dave Bliss: 8 and 6 (54 percent)
John Florveus: 3 and 3 (57 percent). 2 and 2 last year (43 percent).
Tim Dixon: 2 and 2. 0 and 1 last year (43 percent).
Donte Williams: 5 and 5 (47 percent). 40 percent from the line. 8 and 5 last year (47 percent).
John Cannon: 4 and 2 this year. 1 and 1 last year (38 percent).
Nemanja Djurisic: 8 and 4 (37 percent). 7 and 4 last year (40 percent).
Marcus Thornton: 4 and 4 (36 percent). 3 and 5 last year (28 percent).
Out of our six post players, the guy wirh production closest to Dave's is Nemi. Keep in mind that Nemi shoots a lot poorer percentage and and does not defend as well. For example, Nemi had 7 blocks for the full year last year. Dave had five times as many (34).
Bliss vs. Today's SEC Bigs
To not make the post too long, I'll spare readers the details, but suffice it to say that if you examined Dave's production against the 25 or so other post players in the SEC today, Dave would arguably be somewhere near the top five. He would trail Nerlens Noel and Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky), Robert Chubb (Auburn), Reginald Buckner (Ole Miss) and Patric Young (Florida),-- but not by much.
For example, compare Patric Young, starting center for an elite Florida team. Young gets 11.5 and 6 so far in this young season. He averaged 10 and 6 for the full season last year. That's just one bucket more per game than Dave.
Bottom Line
Was Dave as skilled as Trey Thompkins? No. Thompkins would get you 17 points and 8 rebounds a game, while shooting close to 50 percent. Thompkins not only scored twice as much, he also was more versatile. Trey hit 79 3-pointers in three years, shooting 36 percent from behind the arc. Dave didn't shoot any. Thompkins and Jeremy Price were better finishers and rebounders. Was Bliss the best post player that Felton recruited? The answer is obviously, no.
However, when you look at Dave's production and compare it to the other guys on our team now and around the league this season, it's clear that Dave was a quality big. Especially so when you add in the fact that Dave achieved his production while battling chronic back issues (herniated disc) that limited him to around 20 minutes a night. Throw in the intangibles (co-captain, graduated with honors in three years) and his leadership when UGA was coming off of NCAA sanctions, hitting key buckets to help UGA win the SEC Tournament championship, and you have yourself one heck of a player.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Cannon and Dixon Article
Maybe these guys can give us some good minutes. We've started slowly at USF.
Cannon is in early after Donte Williams picked up an early foul.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Dawgs Visit Coliseum, Conclude Italy Trip
The UGA basketball squad wrapped up their tour in Italy, visiting the Roman Coliseum and playing their final game of the trip.
Coliseum Visit and Victory Over All-Star Italy
Hard to get much in the way of specifics from the footage of the last game, but here are some of my general impressions:
1) Georgiadogs.com has stepped up its game
Have to give the official site and the sports marketing department some props. Georgiadogs.com is much improved. I wanted to see more video, but I was impressed that we had any in the first place. The music was a nice touch. Gave a real feel of Italy.
Would be good to have box scores posted, if they exist.
2) Player Development
Tim Dixon got a chance to play major minutes. I don't think he will challenge for a starting slot, but he'll be needed at some point during the season. I'd like to see him put on 10 more pounds this year, and 10 or more next year. With his frame, he can do it, and the added muscle will improve his game.
Houston Kessler hit a long-range jumper during the last game. He's bound for a red-shirt year, according to Fox. If he hits the weights and the track so that he can really run the floor, he can be a contributor.
Saw that Sherrard Brantley hit a three. Looked like his footwork has improved. Hope that Fox is really working with him so that Brantley will put the ball on the floor and drive effectively.
Can really tell the difference in philosophy in the games. Tennessee beat All-Star Italy by close to 50 points, if memory serves me. Best I can tell, though, they were playing their starters for a good portion of the game. Mark Fox focused more on building the skills and confidence of his bench.
3) Offensive Sets
Now that Fox has a deeper roster and more time for his team to learn and practice running the triangle offense, he has the opportunity to add in different concepts to the offense. I'd like to see him experiment with a dribble-drive element, ways to set up lobs to his leapers and big men, schemes to attack zone defenses, and the like.
In any case, the Italy trip was no doubt a fantastic educational and team-bonding experience. Hope it leads to a special year.
Coliseum Visit and Victory Over All-Star Italy
Hard to get much in the way of specifics from the footage of the last game, but here are some of my general impressions:
1) Georgiadogs.com has stepped up its game
Have to give the official site and the sports marketing department some props. Georgiadogs.com is much improved. I wanted to see more video, but I was impressed that we had any in the first place. The music was a nice touch. Gave a real feel of Italy.
Would be good to have box scores posted, if they exist.
2) Player Development
Tim Dixon got a chance to play major minutes. I don't think he will challenge for a starting slot, but he'll be needed at some point during the season. I'd like to see him put on 10 more pounds this year, and 10 or more next year. With his frame, he can do it, and the added muscle will improve his game.
Houston Kessler hit a long-range jumper during the last game. He's bound for a red-shirt year, according to Fox. If he hits the weights and the track so that he can really run the floor, he can be a contributor.
Saw that Sherrard Brantley hit a three. Looked like his footwork has improved. Hope that Fox is really working with him so that Brantley will put the ball on the floor and drive effectively.
Can really tell the difference in philosophy in the games. Tennessee beat All-Star Italy by close to 50 points, if memory serves me. Best I can tell, though, they were playing their starters for a good portion of the game. Mark Fox focused more on building the skills and confidence of his bench.
3) Offensive Sets
Now that Fox has a deeper roster and more time for his team to learn and practice running the triangle offense, he has the opportunity to add in different concepts to the offense. I'd like to see him experiment with a dribble-drive element, ways to set up lobs to his leapers and big men, schemes to attack zone defenses, and the like.
In any case, the Italy trip was no doubt a fantastic educational and team-bonding experience. Hope it leads to a special year.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Dawgs lose to Lithuanian team
Final score: Atletas Kaunas, 94, Dawgs, 90.
A few snippets from the game are up on the georgiadogs.com web site.
Looks like Donte Williams and KCP aren't playing much at all. Not much in the way of minutes for Florveus either, if the video is any indication.
Tim Dixon is grabbing his share of rebounds. He also is seen on the video hitting a face-up jumper. Anything we get during the year from Dixon is gravy, IMO.
Would love to see an unofficial box score. Kenny Gaines hit a couple of threes. Maybe georgiadogs.com will give us all the stats when the trip is over.
Very valuable trip for the Dawgs.
A few snippets from the game are up on the georgiadogs.com web site.
Looks like Donte Williams and KCP aren't playing much at all. Not much in the way of minutes for Florveus either, if the video is any indication.
Tim Dixon is grabbing his share of rebounds. He also is seen on the video hitting a face-up jumper. Anything we get during the year from Dixon is gravy, IMO.
Would love to see an unofficial box score. Kenny Gaines hit a couple of threes. Maybe georgiadogs.com will give us all the stats when the trip is over.
Very valuable trip for the Dawgs.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Red and Black Hoops Practice Video
The Red and Black combined its coverage of the Mark Fox press conference with video of the team practicing. Pretty good stuff.
Begins at 1:37 mark
A few things that stood out to me:
Tim Dixon looks taller. Could be the camera angle, though.
Donte Williams is definitely bigger. He has put on a good bit of weight in his upper body.
Looks like KCP still lets his arm drift right on his shooting motion. When he keeps his elbow in, he's a terrific shooter.
May have to adjust my conclusions on Marcus Thornton. He is moving slowly in the first part of the video, but right at the end he participates in a drill and seems to be able to run and cut pretty well. He may be healed enough by the time the season comes around to get over the physical and mental hurdles of his injury.
Begins at 1:37 mark
A few things that stood out to me:
Tim Dixon looks taller. Could be the camera angle, though.
Donte Williams is definitely bigger. He has put on a good bit of weight in his upper body.
Looks like KCP still lets his arm drift right on his shooting motion. When he keeps his elbow in, he's a terrific shooter.
May have to adjust my conclusions on Marcus Thornton. He is moving slowly in the first part of the video, but right at the end he participates in a drill and seems to be able to run and cut pretty well. He may be healed enough by the time the season comes around to get over the physical and mental hurdles of his injury.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ten Questions for the 2012 Hoop Dawgs
Questions, questions.
1) Will Fox Become a Wolf?
Apparently N.C. State wants to talk to Mark Fox. If I'm Fox, I listen. Why? State can pay a lot more than UGA, and to be honest, that's why coaches have agents. The coaches can offer up polite denials, saying that they haven't spoken with anyone from such and such college, while they and their representatives are discussing details several times a day. The rep's try to get things lined up so that if the offer does have the kinds of terms that an up and coming coach wants, the coach can sign quickly.
2) Will Trey and Travis Test the Waters?
My best guess is that Trey is gone, but Travis will stay. Thompkins ended the season with a 26 and 9 game, in which he shot almost 80 percent from the floor, 100 percent from behind the arc, and 100 percent from the free throw line. He also showed that he had great hands and could even bring the ball up against the press.
With the injuries that Thompkins suffered this year, he might want to protect himself and his family. Travis, on the other hand, went 4 of 14 from the floor against Washington. If I'm not mistaken, all of his made shots were right at the basket, and he didn't hit a single jump-shot. He has enough to work on that the smart money says that he will take one more year to improve his handle and his mid-range game.
Of course my guesses about Trey and Travis assume that Fox stays in Athens and that the NBA season ends and begins as normal. The League's collective bargaining agreement ends in June. If things break down, then the best thing to do might be for both to stay for their senior seasons.
3) Can John Florveus and Tim Dixon Play?
Hate to say this, but from all I can tell, both will need a lot of work before they're big enough and strong enough to score consistently against SEC competition.
4) Who Will Man the Post?
If Trey leaves, Georgia will have a big void in the middle. With no JP, no Chris Barnes and no Thompkins, Georgia may wind up with the Bermuda Triangle Offense. If you throw the ball into the post, no one knows what will happen.
5) What's up with Recruiting?
Will Phillip Jurick sign? Anyone else? Who is this guy from Montenegro, and is he really better than the available kids from right here in Georgia?
6) Can Georgia Attract a Transfer?
If Sidney Lowe and Bruce Pearl are let go, Georgia may be able to pick up a guy like Marcus Thornton. Either a guy who decommits and asks for his release from the letter of intent, or a person who wants to find a new place to play, even if he has to sit out a year.
7) Will Georgia be Good Enough to Escape the Lower Half of the SEC East?
Florida and Kentucky are in the Sweet Sixteen again. Georgia, again, is not. They will have a deep bench next year. Vandy will be good again and so will Tennessee. I know it's early yet, but we all hope that we can close the gap some between those guys and Georgia.
8) Can Thornton and Williams Step Up?
Marcus Thornton and Donte Williams will be the only post players with any experience. They both did quite well in high school, and they have a good bit of athleticism. They'll have to show it next year.
9) How well will Kentavious Caldwell Play?
He'll be a freshman, and he'll have to learn the triangle offense. But can Caldwell-Pope give Georgia the kind of size and shooting ability that the team needs?
10) Will 2012 be a Year of Stability and Steady Improvement, or Transition and Rebuilding for the Dawgs?
What do you think?
1) Will Fox Become a Wolf?
Apparently N.C. State wants to talk to Mark Fox. If I'm Fox, I listen. Why? State can pay a lot more than UGA, and to be honest, that's why coaches have agents. The coaches can offer up polite denials, saying that they haven't spoken with anyone from such and such college, while they and their representatives are discussing details several times a day. The rep's try to get things lined up so that if the offer does have the kinds of terms that an up and coming coach wants, the coach can sign quickly.
2) Will Trey and Travis Test the Waters?
My best guess is that Trey is gone, but Travis will stay. Thompkins ended the season with a 26 and 9 game, in which he shot almost 80 percent from the floor, 100 percent from behind the arc, and 100 percent from the free throw line. He also showed that he had great hands and could even bring the ball up against the press.
With the injuries that Thompkins suffered this year, he might want to protect himself and his family. Travis, on the other hand, went 4 of 14 from the floor against Washington. If I'm not mistaken, all of his made shots were right at the basket, and he didn't hit a single jump-shot. He has enough to work on that the smart money says that he will take one more year to improve his handle and his mid-range game.
Of course my guesses about Trey and Travis assume that Fox stays in Athens and that the NBA season ends and begins as normal. The League's collective bargaining agreement ends in June. If things break down, then the best thing to do might be for both to stay for their senior seasons.
3) Can John Florveus and Tim Dixon Play?
Hate to say this, but from all I can tell, both will need a lot of work before they're big enough and strong enough to score consistently against SEC competition.
4) Who Will Man the Post?
If Trey leaves, Georgia will have a big void in the middle. With no JP, no Chris Barnes and no Thompkins, Georgia may wind up with the Bermuda Triangle Offense. If you throw the ball into the post, no one knows what will happen.
5) What's up with Recruiting?
Will Phillip Jurick sign? Anyone else? Who is this guy from Montenegro, and is he really better than the available kids from right here in Georgia?
6) Can Georgia Attract a Transfer?
If Sidney Lowe and Bruce Pearl are let go, Georgia may be able to pick up a guy like Marcus Thornton. Either a guy who decommits and asks for his release from the letter of intent, or a person who wants to find a new place to play, even if he has to sit out a year.
7) Will Georgia be Good Enough to Escape the Lower Half of the SEC East?
Florida and Kentucky are in the Sweet Sixteen again. Georgia, again, is not. They will have a deep bench next year. Vandy will be good again and so will Tennessee. I know it's early yet, but we all hope that we can close the gap some between those guys and Georgia.
8) Can Thornton and Williams Step Up?
Marcus Thornton and Donte Williams will be the only post players with any experience. They both did quite well in high school, and they have a good bit of athleticism. They'll have to show it next year.
9) How well will Kentavious Caldwell Play?
He'll be a freshman, and he'll have to learn the triangle offense. But can Caldwell-Pope give Georgia the kind of size and shooting ability that the team needs?
10) Will 2012 be a Year of Stability and Steady Improvement, or Transition and Rebuilding for the Dawgs?
What do you think?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Festus Ezeli, Exhibit A for Projects
Ezeli's performance against Georgia is both good news and bad news for the Dawgs.
It's bad news because Festus is a player. He has rounded into a key contributor for Vandy, and they don't need any help. Their court is help enough. Add to that the fact that they apparently got all the foul calls, then their home court advantage should win them two or three extra games this year.
Ezeli is a physical post player. He'll get rebounds and block shots. Now he has some decent moves around the bucket, too.
The good news is that Georgia is apparently bringing in two Festus Ezeli-type players this year. Tim Dixon is a lanky player that needs to build muscle. He has some shot-blocking skill already. John Florveus is a 7-footer that might just end up anchoring the middle for the Dawgs in future years.
Big men develop slowly. Hopefully, UGA will have enough success in recruiting to allow our incoming post players to bulk up physically and develop their talent.
It's bad news because Festus is a player. He has rounded into a key contributor for Vandy, and they don't need any help. Their court is help enough. Add to that the fact that they apparently got all the foul calls, then their home court advantage should win them two or three extra games this year.
Ezeli is a physical post player. He'll get rebounds and block shots. Now he has some decent moves around the bucket, too.
The good news is that Georgia is apparently bringing in two Festus Ezeli-type players this year. Tim Dixon is a lanky player that needs to build muscle. He has some shot-blocking skill already. John Florveus is a 7-footer that might just end up anchoring the middle for the Dawgs in future years.
Big men develop slowly. Hopefully, UGA will have enough success in recruiting to allow our incoming post players to bulk up physically and develop their talent.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Dawgs Ink Three
Georgia has signed letters of intent from the three hoopsters who committed earlier. John Florveus, Tim Dixon and Kentavious Caldwell are all on board.
Welcome, guys!
Welcome, guys!
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