Saw zip, zero, zilch of tonight's win. Only learned of it when my MU grad daughter (Nursing '11) let her old man know what he wanted to hear as I returned home from another commitment.
First thing I did was go to ESPN to read not the recap but to look at the box score. Vander stuffed it, though I did note the tough night from the line. Then I went to Scoop to see if there were any Blue-centric threads there. Surely I wouldn't want to be scolded for starting one that already existed. Though I did see a lot of love for Vander on the SOG thread I thought I'd launch this one with my thoughts.
I think the kid might have turned the corner. Those free throws against 'Nova were the most clutch moments to date in his MU career. And then he followed that up with this evening's performance--by all accounts, save a few late game hiccups--HUGE in securing the win. Maybe DWade offered his own encouragement.
Some frequently refer to him as Boy Blue. Let's give him BLUE MAN for his performances of late. He has stepped up like a man, and not acted like a boy. And maybe someday he'll lead this team. And then of course they would be called: the BLUE MAN GROUP. ;)
I know no box score will confirm it, but being at the game and just watching the game, I promise you VB had at least 10 rebounds.
Changed the outcome of the game, scored 5 straight to give MU the lead. Hit a three, I think about the second biggest of the year, first was against Wisconsin and the ally-hoop
dunk was great. He is getting out on the break and that is showing his speed, really fast down the court. The points are great, but his rebounding and D are getting better every
game. I think he knows his place on the team, but other teams know where MU is going with the ball. The 4th scorer is critical, the game changer. If it is Mayo or Blue, you need
a 4th. With Gardner normally being the third, Vander getting his confidence has to help. This can only help during there stretch run.
My only concern is getting behind all the time early. You can not do that against certain teams, and Notre Dame is one of them. MU has much more talent, but if you do not shoot
the ball early you are not going to get the opportunity later in the game as ND plays like Wisconsin. If you speed them up, you win. Syracuse was horrible against ND and struggled
against there zone, Mayo and DJO are key.
Quote from: karavotsos on January 31, 2012, 11:20:23 PM
I know no box score will confirm it, but being at the game and just watching the game, I promise you VB had at least 10 rebounds.
Ya I really thought I had counted like 6 when he was listed at 4.
Agree on the rebound totals. My eye saw more than one assist, too. He had that no-look underhand dish, which I assume is the only one the scorer counted, but I saw at least one or two more drive-and-dishes and entry passes that I'm stunned weren't counted as assists. He easily could have had 3 or 4 assists.
Great all-around game for a guy that has worked hard for it. I'm loving what I'm seeing out of him right now. He even showed some confidence from behind the arc!
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on January 31, 2012, 11:59:11 PM
Ya I really thought I had counted like 6 when he was listed at 4.
We were actually talking about this during the game. We figured the box score would not reflect it, but he created many more rebounds than he actually came down with. I know there's no "rebounds created" stat, but Vander did work tonight when we most needed it.
After the tip, I said to my buddy, "yikes, I'm pretty sure they have height on us at every position on the floor right now." Blue did wonders tipping rebounds to his teammates and seemed to be buying-in to the "scrappy style" we desperately needed tonight. I'll admit that I'm the first to abandon the SS Blue when he's struggling, but he showed heart tonight.
I think Vander performs when the heat is on and the limelight is turned to high.
With Bron and DWade in the house, kid had to show 'em up.
Even if all Lebron saw was past the edges of his phone that was glued to his face. I tweeted at him to put the phone away...no reply...yet.
;D Count me into the Blue Man Group. Vander Freaking Blue. Did all the haters notice VB does NOT smile even when he goes off? He plays an intense and serious game. That's his style. So get off his back and let's go into South Bend and steal one from the Domers. Tough, tenacious, scrappy, never out, always fighting WARRRRIORS!!!
Quote from: RideMyBuycks on February 01, 2012, 01:23:50 AM
Blue did wonders tipping rebounds to his teammates and seemed to be buying-in to the "scrappy style" we desperately needed tonight.
Blue's rebounding last night and for the rest of the year, will be the X factor for this team. With Otule done, The Big Sheesh hurting, It is paramount that everyone rebounds their position.
I thought Blue was incredible last night at either tipping the ball to himself or positioning himself for rebounds. We're probably going to be undersized in most of our remaining games (shocking), and therefore, how guards like Blue rebound, will truly dictate how far this team goes.
Awesome game by Vander.
The kid can ball it. He is playing with more and more confidence and his play reflects it. Mike Kelly gave him a ton of praise last night and Kelly knows his stuff.
Quote from: karavotsos on January 31, 2012, 11:20:23 PM
I know no box score will confirm it, but being at the game and just watching the game, I promise you VB had at least 10 rebounds.
Could have had more assists as well. Some really nice passes. On a couple, the shot was missed as the player was fouled. Some others, the shot was missed. Very nice game for him tonight. MU needed it badly. His run of 7 consecutive points to take the lead was a HUGE momentum boost.
Hopefully the Nova game was a turning point. MU could use the VB we saw tonight.