Post-game thoughts: SE Louisiana

[brewcity77]

The good:

• First thought, for all the morons that are going to pull out the "Wisconsin beat this team by 40" chestnut, just shut up. Remember last year when we beat Norfolk State by 31, only to beat them by 2 a week later, and then watching that same team we beat by 31 beat #2-seed Missouri in the tournament? Not all games are created equal. Teams don't match up the same. If you think this means Wisconsin will kick our butts by 29, you are basketball-retarded.
  
• The defense was much better this game. They shot 35% for the game. I've mentioned many times that Brandon Fortenberry is legit. He was averaging over 17 ppg before his injury last year and we shut him down in the second half. As bad as the offense was, the defense was excellent.
  
• Our bigs are very, very good. Yes, Gardner was a monster, but Otule has put up double-digit points in back-to-back games for the first time in his career. He's taking smart shots and has really improved his moves close to the rim.

.
The bad:

• We may not need a go-to scorer, but this will be a stressful way to run a season. In the second half, we needed someone to take over, and while Gardner was effective, it felt more like he was staving off SLU than really finishing them off.
  
• When they took the second-half lead, my thought was "how will we respond?" I didn't like the answer. We took the lead back, extended it, then let them right back in. When you have a deficit at home in the second half, an 11-point victory is fine, but it's more about how you get there than the result. We looked like we were trying to collect water in a sieve.
  
• Petrovcic had 11 rebounds. Our bigs need to be better at keeping the opposing big men off the glass.
  
• The refereeing, and not just for us, but both ways. The refs called a lot of ticky-tack stuff and never seemed to want to let either team play. Also a bit over-aggressive on the double-dribble and traveling calls. Both teams seemed to struggle to get into rhythm because of it.

.
Okay, lambast me for not being all negative. I've said all along I feel SE Louisiana could be a NCAA team and that was reinforced tonight. They aren't nearly as bad as the scoreline they put up in Madison. They'll be contenders in the Southland and it's very possible this isn't the last we've heard of Brandon Fortenberry.

[BCHoopster]

Offensively, MU will need more from Blue and Lockett, they were like 2-12, throw in Jamil at 2-7 or 8 not sure, will not get it done against respectable teams.
A little disappointed on what MU is running on the offensive end.  This team stands around to much when Gardner gets the ball, need to reverse the ball quicker.
Last year they had 2 players who could do something off the dribble.  Blue for sure is clueless, looks like he is trying to hard.  He has to let the game flow to him,
this could be a problem all year.  Still as not hit a jump shot, hopefully 3 games in Maui will get him going.  Anderson may take over his starting spot if not. That God
Buzz is signing  a few point guards next year.  Dawson and Wilson will get a great opportunity to play next year.  Johnson will to as well McKay and Burton, basically
MU will look alot different next year.  I expect MU to be a lot better in the future, but to many weak offensive players this year.

[ErickJD08]

Offensively, MU will need more from Blue and Lockett, they were like 2-12, throw in Jamil at 2-7 or 8 not sure, will not get it done against respectable teams.
A little disappointed on what MU is running on the offensive end.  This team stands around to much when Gardner gets the ball, need to reverse the ball quicker.
Last year they had 2 players who could do something off the dribble.  Blue for sure is clueless, looks like he is trying to hard.  He has to let the game flow to him,
this could be a problem all year.  Still as not hit a jump shot, hopefully 3 games in Maui will get him going.  Anderson may take over his starting spot if not. That God
Buzz is signing  a few point guards next year.  Dawson and Wilson will get a great opportunity to play next year.  Johnson will to as well McKay and Burton, basically
MU will look alot different next year.  I expect MU to be a lot better in the future, but to many weak offensive players this year.

How dare you say anything bad about Blue. You clearly are a hater.

[BM1090]

How dare you say anything bad about Blue. You clearly are a hater.

The issue is the singling out Blue when every player not named Gardner or Otule has struggled mightily on offense thus far

[augoman]

Maybe Buzz wasn't being facetious..., "we aren't very good but we play hard...".

[ErickJD08]

The issue is the singling out Blue when every player not named Gardner or Otule has struggled mightily on offense thus far

BCHoopster said Blue looks clueless. He clearly hates Blue.

[brewcity77]

BCHoopster said Blue looks clueless. He clearly hates Blue.

When you constantly troll one player for the better part of 2 years, people are going to call out your jackassery. Clearly BC hasn't earned the same troll reputation you've worked so hard to create. Everyone is given a certain amount of rope. You chose to hang yourself with it. I'm sure if others do the same they'll also be called out.

[seakm4]

Everyone needs to stop worrying.  This game reminded me a lot of the Bucknell game a few years ago.  We looked flat, but when it came down to it we pulled through in the end.  We responded and even though we didn't seal it the first time like we did 2 years ago we still did.  This game was a learning experience for the team not to look past an opponent.

We will be fine.

Don't single out Vander because everybody sucked tonight.

[MUfan12]

Everyone needs to stop worrying.  This game reminded me a lot of the Bucknell game a few years ago.  We looked flat, but when it came down to it we pulled through in the end.  We responded and even though we didn't seal it the first time like we did 2 years ago we still did.  This game was a learning experience for the team not to look past an opponent.

We will be fine.

Sure hope you're right. I do worry about their ability to make shots. A bit too much dribbling offensively as well, their halfcourt offense ground to a halt at times because of it.

[TallTitan34]

It reminded me of when it took overtime to beat Idaho State in overtime of the first round of the 2006 CBE, before beating #7 Duke a week later in the CBE Championship.

Hopefully we see a similar result next week!

[muhoops1]

How did Blue play?  I heard UW beat these guys by 40?  Did Aamot play?

[MU82]

My biggest concern about this year's team is the same as it was the moment last season ended: Who can hit mid-range and long-range shots with any consistency?

I hope like heck the guys prove me wrong, starting in Maui, but I don't see where the scoring is going to come from when better teams pack in their defense to shut down Gardner. This especially figures to be a factor down the stretch in close games, when you need to have somebody step up and hit a shot with the pressure on and the shot clock ticking down.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Lockett was concussed. Really need the backcourt to step into the scoring void.  Really need Mayo back.

[statnik]

The issue is the singling out Blue when every player not named Gardner or Otule has struggled mightily on offense thus far

Wilson has had one good offensive game and one poor offensive game.  Juan Anderson has played well on offense.  Cadougan has struggled like Blue, as has Lockett, but it's just as bad to defend Blue incessantly when he really hasn't shown anything different to his game this year.

[THEultimateWARRIOR]

I am the biggest Vander fan there is. However, things just aren't clicking for him on the offensive end and until he can shoot at a better rate (1-7) we will continue to be tested by weak teams. It has become very clear how vital Mayo's role is on this team. We need a scorer.

[john31]

Didn't see the game. There is a boat load of talent on this team and this talent will become apparent soon as the Warriors will soon take part in a tournament in Maui(about a mile south of where I'm sending this missive) and here you go, the Warriors will win in a modest fashion against the Butler Bulldogs and then roll the tarheels(no caps intentional) on the way win the Maui invitational. This win foreshadow an awesome season with the warriors playing well into March at they very least. I'm not saying... I'm just saying......

[JakeBarnes]

A win is a win.  I think the only real and pressing question we should have about this game is what flavor Jello was Buzz eating during the game!?

[MUHoopsFan2]

I am the biggest Vander fan there is. However, things just aren't clicking for him on the offensive end and until he can shoot at a better rate (1-7) we will continue to be tested by weak teams. It has become very clear how vital Mayo's role is on this team. We need a scorer.

I am concerned with Vander too. Some guys are good high school players and practice players and they lock up in games. He is wound up too tight. He has got to shoot the ball well or his game will not develop as it can. All kinds of ability as an athlete: Can run like a deer, jump, shift, wiggle, and elevate and defend, pass, rebound, but can't shoot worth a lick. His body timing is off. He has to pull it together quickly...

[MUHoopsFan2]

Everyone needs to stop worrying.  This game reminded me a lot of the Bucknell game a few years ago.  We looked flat, but when it came down to it we pulled through in the end.  We responded and even though we didn't seal it the first time like we did 2 years ago we still did.  This game was a learning experience for the team not to look past an opponent.

We will be fine.

Don't single out Vander because everybody sucked tonight.

That is besides the point...you single out Vander because he is the highest rated returning recruit and the highest ever at MU and a leader...so you do single him out. Especially without Mayo here.
You can't blame Trent Lockett he is new. You can't blame Junior we know he is not known to be a guy who is a scorer. So who else is there?

Being a leader is also taking the heat and the expectations and respondsibility when things don't go right not just the getting the glory.

The main thing I wanted to see the first 2 games is...who will be a true leaded and be accountable when you play below expectations. I said before the season in a poll that ask this question that Vander Blue would be that guy who would.

So for me, Vander is the FIRST PERSON I will blame if things get out of hand and head south because I expect the most from him and believe the most in him.

Hey, this is not personal...he is a great kid. That's my guy and one of my favorite players and an in-state baller too like Jamil Wilson. 

But now is time to go and get his game going. I wish they really could have played Ohio State on that ship. That might have helped alot of these cats get rolling more.

But Blue is a junior and upperclassmen. Lets go and get some wins. Time to turn it up. It's game time...knock down some shots! Is that too much to ask? 

[CTWarrior]

The issue is the singling out Blue when every player not named Gardner or Otule has struggled mightily on offense thus far

Seems odd to pick on Blue from last night's game, when just about everybody was terrible shooting the ball. 

We are not too good right now, but we will get better.  I don't agree we were flat.  We had energy.  Nobody could put the ball in the basket and when that happens, you are going to look bad.  Also, defensive rotations aren't there yet, but this is an annual issue early, I think. 

The lack of a scorer from the perimeter could be a major thorn in our side all year.

[real chili 83]

Hoops fan 2, you are really on a roll this morning.  First your post that trashed next years recruitment class.  Really?

Now you come out swinging at Blue.  Really?

Buzz is the guy that put 4 guys into the NBA recently.  2 sweet 16's.  I think he knows talent.  Blue starts for Buzz for a reason.

If you and I were smart enough, or good enough to assess talent like Buzz does, we'd be D1 coaches.  But were not.  Buzz gets paid millions because he is that good.

You post like a troll.

Did you see vander's defense? Did you notice his ft shooting?  Ya, his shooting wasn't great, but that's only part of the story.  

[mileskishnish72]

Let's just hope that they played this one with visions of grass-skirted wahinis in their minds. There was enough lethargy to go around.

They will have to pick it up against better competition or it will be a long winter.
So far it hasn't been pretty. Who wouldn't have been happy to get 28 points out of the 5-spot, though? If they can hold Butler to 47 like Xavier did, they should be able to advance to NC, but there looked like quite a difference between those two programs the last time they met and what evidence have we seen so far to make one think that gap has closed?


They're kids, they're still a work in progress - GTST!

[StillWarriors]

Hoops fan 2, you are really on a roll this morning.  First your post that trashed next years recruitment class.  Really?

Now you come out swinging at Blue.  Really?

Buzz is the guy that put 4 guys into the NBA recently.  2 sweet 16's.  I think he knows talent.  Blue starts for Buzz for a reason.

If you and I were smart enough, or good enough to assess talent like Buzz does, we'd be D1 coaches.  But were not.  Buzz gets paid millions because he is that good.

You post like a troll.

Did you see vander's defense? Did you notice his ft shooting?  Ya, his shooting wasn't great, but that's only part of the story.  

Your reference to Vander's free throw shooting, which has become reliable, raises a good point. I wish he would develop/utilize a set shot from the perimeter. Jerel hit a lot of set shot 3s his last year, Jae did the same and Wes makes a nice living off of it in the NBA. The high elevation jump shot is very difficult to hit consistently. I always thought DJ would benefit from that as well in spot-up situations.

That said, Buzz will bring the guys along. Have faith.

[brewcity77]

That is besides the point...you single out Vander because he is the highest rated returning recruit and the highest ever at MU and a leader...so you do single him out. Especially without Mayo here.

Highest ever at MU? Maybe if you're 20. Doc Rivers, Kerry Trotter, and just about everyone Al recruited in the 1970s were rated higher (some much higher) than Blue.

You can't blame Trent Lockett he is new. You can't blame Junior we know he is not known to be a guy who is a scorer. So who else is there?

So Junior is not known to be a guy who is a scorer, but Blue is? And who else is there? How about anyone else on scholarship? How about Buzz and the staff?

Being a leader is also taking the heat and the expectations and respondsibility when things don't go right not just the getting the glory.

Who said Vander was going to be the leader on this team? Was that ever the expectation? Everything I've heard is that we should expect leadership from the seniors (Lockett & Cadougan) and that Jamil has been stepping into that role. In the offseason, when asked about who would lead the team, Vander himself seemed to defer that role. And now you feel the need to put it on him? Why?

The main thing I wanted to see the first 2 games is...who will be a true leaded and be accountable when you play below expectations. I said before the season in a poll that ask this question that Vander Blue would be that guy who would.

Oh, now it comes out. Because YOU checked the box next to Vander's name in a poll. Now YOU feel betrayed by the guy you predicted would be the breakout leader of the team. So really it's all about YOU checking the wrong box, not any failing of Vander's.

So for me, Vander is the FIRST PERSON I will blame if things get out of hand and head south because I expect the most from him and believe the most in him.

Yes, "I will blame", "I expect", so this really has nothing to do with Vander and everything to do about your po' widdle damaged feewings.

Hey, this is not personal...he is a great kid. That's my guy and one of my favorite players and an in-state baller too like Jamil Wilson.

If he was really your guy, you'd stand behind him when things were good and when things were bad. Your character has been revealed.

But now is time to go and get his game going. I wish they really could have played Ohio State on that ship. That might have helped alot of these cats get rolling more.

We all wish they could have played Ohio State. They didn't. Move on, everyone else has.

But Blue is a junior and upperclassmen. Lets go and get some wins. Time to turn it up. It's game time...knock down some shots! Is that too much to ask?

To live up to the expectations of your prediction? Probably.

[tower912]

It was a tale of two halves for our bigs.    Otule was great in the first half, Gardner was dreadful.   I wanted Otule in the game in the first half and dreaded having Gardner on the floor.    Gardner was the bleeping man in the second half.    No getting around it.    It looks like Blue, Lockett, and JWilson are all finding their way and trying to figure out when to be aggressive and when to share the ball.    They haven't figured out their roles.     Defensively, the same thing.   It looks like they are all trying to figure out their rotations again.    Hopefully, these things get worked out.    Figuring out how to shoot would be nice, too.