Oso

[Elonsmusk]

Rough loss for the way we ended up losing but the improvement of Oso is amazing. High ceiling kid.

[tower912]

High ceiling, high character.    He was directing traffic on offense at times, directing traffic on defense in dead ball situations. Only 6'9, so from time to time, guys like Kalkbrenner are going to go right through him.     Still, a lot of improvement.    I prefer him on the floor to Kuath right now.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

He's getting better every game. If he develops an outside shot, he could be a real force.

[Goose]

If Oso develops a 15 footer he is going to be a big-time player. I'll say it again, he and Omax can become a very tough duo to defend down the road. IMO, they are the two guys to build around. They are awfully big, awfully athletic and have basketball skills. They definitely have my attention.

[gorush]

I watched Oso in high school and he has the shot - probably just needs the confidence to take it. 

[BM1090]

If Oso develops a 15 footer he is going to be a big-time player. I'll say it again, he and Omax can become a very tough duo to defend down the road. IMO, they are the two guys to build around. They are awfully big, awfully athletic and have basketball skills. They definitely have my attention.

OMax has really flashed his potential the past two games. He's improved a lot since game one.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Oso needs to start. The half court offense is much better when he is in (Read: we have a half court offense then).

Thought Stevie and Ellis gave great minutes at PG when Kolek wasn't.

[GoldenEagles03]

Best performer on the team this season, no doubt about it.

Was shooting 77% this year before today's game in which he went 10-12 (83.33%).

He defends well, he can dribble and drive, and he's an excellent passer.

He is our star.  Sky is the limit in his next 3 seasons here. Need to get him some surrounding talent. Kolek is a great compliment to Oso's game and I believe Sean Jones will be as well.

[DoctorV]

Agreed that Oso has been the biggest revelation so far this season, and that is probably the biggest "guaranteed" bright spot going forward.

In a world where nothing is guaranteed, Oso seems like the type of kid that will build a great rapport with Shaka and his system and be a great 4 year player at MU. He will likely credit Shaka for his huge step up this season.

I expected an improvement but it is very surprising to me that at this point in this season I consider him our biggest bright side "lock" going forward.

Also, he has a very nice rapport with Kolek, they play very well with each other. Shaka seems to really like Kolek so that's good for Oso this season and going forward. If Kolek ever figures the rest of his game out that combo can be fruitful for several seasons- I'm just not sure if Kolek fully will or someone else will step into a similar role.

[tower912]

We need to pin this.   It will be interesting to see what happens the next time he gets bullied down low by a Big East brute.     Which will happen.     But his progress so far has been impressive.   

[Dr. Blackheart]

We need to pin this.   It will be interesting to see what happens the next time he gets bullied down low by a Big East brute.     Which will happen.     But his progress so far has been impressive.

You bring in Kur or Lewis to guard him. Right now, MU needs his offense and versatility.

[tower912]

Kur has the length and experience.    Lewis.... seriously?

[Dr. Blackheart]

Kur has the length and experience.    Lewis.... seriously?

Lewis played post defense often last year and in spots this year. And he did it effectively with the right match-ups.  Who are these Big East brutes?

[lostpassword]

Was shooting 77% this year before today's game in which he went 10-12 (83.33%).

One thing I've observed with Oso is that he has a real knack for finding the open space and (reasonably) soft hands - putting him in position for a ton of easy lay-ins and dunks.  He's avoided getting bullied around by bigger players with some craftiness.  Anyone have any stats regarding how many of his shots have been assisted?

[Golden Avalanche]

Lewis played post defense often last year and in spots this year. And he did it effectively with the right match-ups.  Who are these Big East brutes?

Good test coming in tomorrow night.

[Bo Ryan's Massage Therapist]

Oso was fantastic offensively but was getting abused by Kalkbrenner defensively.  he literally couldn't stop him for 3/4 of the game.  He needs to keep getting stronger.  I love his potential

[Jay Bee]

Oso has a usage & %Shots of 13%. He can get that into the mid-teens, but let's slow down on the "star" talk for now

PS - had some strong games on the d-boards  vs lesser opponents, but has been weak agss against tougher competition. Sub-10% (9.4%) vs BEast teams. That's lower than all others except Morsell (9.0%) & Kam (8.4%)

Kur better at 14.5% but can't discount his blk% in Conf (13.3%!! Vs Oso 1.6%)

Kur also not fouling. Oso is a lot. #Age

[SaveOD238]

Oso needs to start. The half court offense is much better when he is in (Read: we have a half court offense then).

Thought Stevie and Ellis gave great minutes at PG when Kolek wasn't.

Agreed that Oso makes our offense miles better.  The Kolek to Oso pick and roll was unstoppable in the Creighton game.  Other teams will adjust for sure, but there's a reason why the P&R never goes out of style.

I'm still ok with Kuath starting, so long as Oso is getting the majority of the minutes.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Oso has a usage & %Shots of 13%. He can get that into the mid-teens, but let's slow down on the "star" talk for now

PS - had some strong games on the d-boards  vs lesser opponents, but has been weak agss against tougher competition. Sub-10% (9.4%) vs BEast teams. That's lower than all others except Morsell (9.0%) & Kam (8.4%)

Kur better at 14.5% but can't discount his blk% in Conf (13.3%!! Vs Oso 1.6%)

Kur also not fouling. Oso is a lot. #Age

Oso's usage was up to 21% last game with a 155 Ortg. This offense needs him in the half court. That said, I am not so sure Watson is a great defensive match up for him.

[dgies9156]

The improvement in Oso gives me hope. I'm amazed the difference a year -- and a coach -- can make in a player.

I suspect that had the previous coach stayed, Oso would have transferred. He was lost in our program and on the surface, appeared to be what Mike Ditka once called, "a wasted draft pick." Oso is Peoples Exhibit "A" why a change was needed.

[tower912]

Oso has a usage & %Shots of 13%. He can get that into the mid-teens, but let's slow down on the "star" talk for now

PS - had some strong games on the d-boards  vs lesser opponents, but has been weak agss against tougher competition. Sub-10% (9.4%) vs BEast teams. That's lower than all others except Morsell (9.0%) & Kam (8.4%)

Kur better at 14.5% but can't discount his blk% in Conf (13.3%!! Vs Oso 1.6%)

Kur also not fouling. Oso is a lot. #Age

He isn't a star.    He has made a really nice year-to-year improvement that gives me hope.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

The improvement in Oso gives me hope. I'm amazed the difference a year -- and a coach -- can make in a player.

I suspect that had the previous coach stayed, Oso would have transferred. He was lost in our program and on the surface, appeared to be what Mike Ditka once called, "a wasted draft pick." Oso is Peoples Exhibit "A" why a change was needed.

I mean...he was also hurt a lot of the season and playing behind a McDonald's All American and a 4-year senior

[panda]

Oso's usage was up to 21% last game with a 155 Ortg. This offense needs him in the half court. That said, I am not so sure Watson is a great defensive match up for him.

He'll be "better" than Kalkbrenner. Watson likes to step out too which plays in to Oso's mobility a bit more than Kur's.

[Jay Bee]

He'll be "better" than Kalkbrenner. Watson likes to step out too which plays in to Oso's mobility a bit more than Kur's.

FWIW, Watson has 1 career 3FGA over the course of a bazillion minutes played. He will eat w strength tonight. #Pray

[panda]

FWIW, Watson has 1 career 3FGA over the course of a bazillion minutes played. He will eat w strength tonight. #Pray

Pick and pop in the midrange game.