Bird-like?

[mug644]

Despite the hellacious result.

And despite Hauser's mediocre output...

I thought more than once tonight that Sam could be a Larry Bird-type player. Not so quick, but crafty and smart. And able to hit lots of different kinds of shots. Shot fake from the outside, back his main into the lane; come off a screen and for a three; smart passing; anticipating defense, even if not a great defender one on one.

I'm not comparing Sam to Larry (he's a long, long way from Bird), but just commenting on the potential.

[GooooMarquette]

Sam has great skills and plays a smart game. He was visibly limping a couple of times tonight, so his hip must still be hurting.

Hope he heals quickly, because he could be the difference maker on this team.

[Wade for President]

Larry's shot and bball IQ were among the greatest this game has ever seen.  But what truly separated Larry from his peers, was that he wanted to rip your heart out and step on it.  He was the fiercest competitor this side of MJ.  He talked a TON of trash and backed it up. 

I want to see more of an edge or scrappiness from Sam.  With two years as a starter under his belt, he should come into his junior year with more confidence...and more importantly (IMO) a bit of a swagger.

[MUBigDance]

He will be in big brother mode. Not the swagger you're talking but a sense of leadership and ownership. It will be good.