Ben Gold’s shot

[Daniel]

Ben needed this game.   Maybe it can get his confidence up. 

[DoctorV]

From a guy who was at the game.

Glad he made them, but Ben's shot still looks broke.

No arc, on a rope. Better when he has to shoot than when he's open to shoot, it seems, but still not a shot you want unless you are begging for someone that's open to make one.

He will be open to make one, often. So, hopefully he keeps working on a consistent, repetitive, good looking stroke from 3 cause despite 3 going in tonight ain't it

[BLWarrior91]

Meanwhile, Kam is setting the record for shots going in and out.  It's like the smallest of adjustment will have them falling again.

[wadesworld]

From a guy who was at the game.

Glad he made them, but Ben's shot still looks broke.

No arc, on a rope. Better when he has to shoot than when he's open to shoot, it seems, but still not a shot you want unless you are begging for someone that's open to make one.

He will be open to make one, often. So, hopefully he keeps working on a consistent, repetitive, good looking stroke from 3 cause despite 3 going in tonight ain't it

The shots were totally fine last night.  They aren't moonballs, but they aren't some line drive.

[MUfan12]

The shots were totally fine last night.  They aren't moonballs, but they aren't some line drive.

Yeah I thought his mechanics looked fine. Biggest change was he wasn't fading away when he shot 'em. So many front rim misses for him when he does that.

[Goose]

I am somewhat confused on all of the conversation on the arc of Gold's shots. Last year some on here commented on Kam having too big of an arc and now Ben having a flat arc. I am too lazy to dig into my memory, but I definitely remember taller guys that were good shooters having a flatter arc. There is no doubt in my mind that ben Gold can shoot the ball and I really am not that concerned about his lack of arc. My guess is Gold gets a ton of shots in on and daily basis and gets coaching on his shot as well.

[Viper]

We've had some fun at Viper's expense but he's a passionate MU fan who just wants the best and who happened to have a bad take there. Everyone's had those ... except you and me, of course!

bad take? Ok, I'll respectfully agree to disagree...on my post and on Ben rim bender Gold. In Viper's perfect world, I'd get 30 minutes with Ben, and I'd have him watch a Kevin Garnett highlight video. Study KG's moves on the blocks. Footwork. Getting to his spot rather than float behind the line for fade back 3's. Drawing contact. Forcing the D to guard him. Gold went 3-6, all from 3. Great! But, a 6'11" guy with no post game? Maybe it will develop. I realize he's a sophomore not a senior. But, imo we're in trouble at that position if Ben is our starting center next season w/o some semblance of a low post game. But, per News, I'm lost, so WTH. Thx for the vine.

[MU82]

bad take? Ok, I'll respectfully agree to disagree...on my post and on Ben rim bender Gold. In Viper's perfect world, I'd get 30 minutes with Ben, and I'd have him watch a Kevin Garnett highlight video. Study KG's moves on the blocks. Footwork. Getting to his spot rather than float behind the line for fade back 3's. Drawing contact. Forcing the D to guard him. Gold went 3-6, all from 3. Great! But, a 6'11" guy with no post game? Maybe it will develop. I realize he's a sophomore not a senior. But, imo we're in trouble at that position if Ben is our starting center next season w/o some semblance of a low post game. But, per News, I'm lost, so WTH. Thx for the vine.

We actually agree that it would be great if Ben learned to have more variety to his game and was able to become our Kevin Garnett. I mean, who wouldn't want us to have a Kevin Garnett clone?

Where we disagree is that you seem to think Shaka isn't in charge of Ben's role.

Gold took 6 wide-open 3s last night. Shaka 100% wants him to take those. Gold was involved in numerous pick-and-pops with his teammates last night. That is his role in the Shaka/Nevada offense.

You said:

...if Gold is doing what Shaka wants him to do, Shaka is an idiot.

And we have 1 1/2 seasons of evidence that Gold is doing EXACTLY what Shaka wants him to do.

It's been Gold's role for 1 1/2 seasons, and I'd bet it will continue to be Gold's role for the rest of this season -- especially (but not only) when he and Oso are on the court together. Would you bet otherwise?

[Dr. Blackheart]

I am somewhat confused on all of the conversation on the arc of Gold's shots. Last year some on here commented on Kam having too big of an arc and now Ben having a flat arc. I am too lazy to dig into my memory, but I definitely remember taller guys that were good shooters having a flatter arc. There is no doubt in my mind that ben Gold can shoot the ball and I really am not that concerned about his lack of arc. My guess is Gold gets a ton of shots in on and daily basis and gets coaching on his shot as well.

His release point has been inconsistent. Besides squaring up and not fading (great last night), you can almost tell if it's in or not by just watching the release. That also has improved. He'll be good going forward IMO.

[Viper]

We actually agree that it would be great if Ben learned to have more variety to his game and was able to become our Kevin Garnett. I mean, who wouldn't want us to have a Kevin Garnett clone?

Where we disagree is that you seem to think Shaka isn't in charge of Ben's role.

Gold took 6 wide-open 3s last night. Shaka 100% wants him to take those. Gold was involved in numerous pick-and-pops with his teammates last night. That is his role in the Shaka/Nevada offense.

You said:

And we have 1 1/2 seasons of evidence that Gold is doing EXACTLY what Shaka wants him to do.

It's been Gold's role for 1 1/2 seasons, and I'd bet it will continue to be Gold's role for the rest of this season -- especially (but not only) when he and Oso are on the court together. Would you bet otherwise?

firing 3's, ok, ok. But I'm not convinced Shaka isn't looking for some post action, at least when Oso is out for a breather.

[tower912]

Then watch where he sets up.   Does he set up in the post?  If so, then that is where Shaka wants him.   If he sets the high screen and flares to the 3 pt line, that is where Shaka wants him.   Watch the game.  Assume the players are going where coached.  If they don't, it will be obvious.

[Goose]

I did love Shaka's quote on Ben Gold. I get why many on here are down on him, but I think he will prove a lot of doubters wrong before he hangs up his college jersey. The thing about Gold that first caught my eye was against ND last year when he caught a pass outside the three and took to the basket for a big dunk. The kid knows the game, imo, and is playing a role Shaka wants him to play.

[Hards Alumni]

I did love Shaka's quote on Ben Gold. I get why many on here are down on him, but I think he will prove a lot of doubters wrong before he hangs up his college jersey. The thing about Gold that first caught my eye was against ND last year when he caught a pass outside the three and took to the basket for a big dunk. The kid knows the game, imo, and is playing a role Shaka wants him to play.

Unfortunately, I think he lateral quickness is lacking.  The game should slow down for him sooner rather than later.

Also, playing Ben alongside Joplin seems to be a recipe for disaster defensively.  I do like his offensive game, and his willingness to shoot, but I am hoping for more of the drive play you mentioned. 

[wadesworld]

We need an aircraft carrier down low.

[Shooter McGavin]

Ben last night on defense forced the offensive player (who inevitably was quicker) right into a waiting help defender (usually Oso) and it worked really well.  He does need to work on his lateral quickness and he may never get it but he is a good positional defender, at least he was last night.  And those threes were big.

It is my contention that DePaul played really well for their squad.  A couple more things go wrong (DePaul making a few more guarded threes) or a few more empty possessions by MU and this could have been a much closer game. 

I'll take the win any day of the week and look for  DePaul to get their win first BE win against someone else.  The new coach will be good for them.

[Goose]

Hards

I think Ben's D weakness are very obvious at some points during the game and that is when he is chasing a much smaller guy 20+ feet from the basket. Like the young guys being compared to the top players, it is unfair to Ben to some degree because Oso is beyond good at defending all five positions.

[Hards Alumni]

Hards

I think Ben's D weakness are very obvious at some points during the game and that is when he is chasing a much smaller guy 20+ feet from the basket. Like the young guys being compared to the top players, it is unfair to Ben to some degree because Oso is beyond good at defending all five positions.

That's the thing about Oso, is he sees everything that is going on around him and knows where to be.  He rarely gets beat, though I think 25 from DePaul slipped him last night.  That young man looks a lot like a younger version of Oso.  Jeremiah Oden.  I expect big things from him in the future for DePaul.

[tower912]

Ben's footspeed and lateral quickness is fine.  Better than most 6'10 players.  Quit comparing him to Oso the unicorn.   Think about Theo, Luke, Joey, Henry, Otule, Merritt.   Start thinking about where he came from, and the interruptions to his development.  COVID overseas leading to a lack of game play.   Shin splints  over the summer costing two months.   
   He is in his second year of competing every day against high level opponents.   And here we are.    If you can't see him improving, then I don't know what to tell you.   Other than to echo what Shaka said in his presser last night.   And hopefully he sticks around two more years.

[MarquetteDano]

Ben's footspeed and lateral quickness is fine.  Better than most 6'10 players.  Quit comparing him to Oso the unicorn.   Think about Theo, Luke, Joey, Henry, Otule, Merritt.   Start thinking about where he came from, and the interruptions to his development.  COVID overseas leading to a lack of game play.   Shin splints  over the summer costing two months.   
   He is in his second year of competing every day against high level opponents.   And here we are.    If you can't see him improving, then I don't know what to tell you.   Other than to echo what Shaka said in his presser last night.   And hopefully he sticks around two more years.

Had great seats last night and was impressed with Golds D.  He has reallly improved from even the start of this season.

[Shooter McGavin]

Ben's footspeed and lateral quickness is fine.  Better than most 6'10 players.  Quit comparing him to Oso the unicorn.   Think about Theo, Luke, Joey, Henry, Otule, Merritt.   Start thinking about where he came from, and the interruptions to his development.  COVID overseas leading to a lack of game play.   Shin splints  over the summer costing two months.   
   He is in his second year of competing every day against high level opponents.   And here we are.    If you can't see him improving, then I don't know what to tell you.   Other than to echo what Shaka said in his presser last night.   And hopefully he sticks around two more years.

Yep

[JakeBarnes]

Had great seats last night and was impressed with Golds D.  He has reallly improved from even the start of this season.

Agree

[PGsHeroes32]

That's the thing about Oso, is he sees everything that is going on around him and knows where to be.  He rarely gets beat, though I think 25 from DePaul slipped him last night.  That young man looks a lot like a younger version of Oso.  Jeremiah Oden.  I expect big things from him in the future for DePaul.

Ummmmm they are both in their 4th year of college basketball. And considering Oso is young for his year

Its likely Oden is older in age as well.

[MU82]

firing 3's, ok, ok. But I'm not convinced Shaka isn't looking for some post action, at least when Oso is out for a breather.

I'll give you the last word. Have a good one.

Ben's footspeed and lateral quickness is fine.  Better than most 6'10 players.  Quit comparing him to Oso the unicorn.   Think about Theo, Luke, Joey, Henry, Otule, Merritt.   Start thinking about where he came from, and the interruptions to his development.  COVID overseas leading to a lack of game play.   Shin splints  over the summer costing two months.   
   He is in his second year of competing every day against high level opponents.   And here we are.    If you can't see him improving, then I don't know what to tell you.   Other than to echo what Shaka said in his presser last night.   And hopefully he sticks around two more years.

Well said, tower.

[Uncle Rico]

Then watch where he sets up.   Does he set up in the post?  If so, then that is where Shaka wants him.   If he sets the high screen and flares to the 3 pt line, that is where Shaka wants him.   Watch the game.  Assume the players are going where coached.  If they don't, it will be obvious.

You're arguing with someone that don't know ball

[Hards Alumni]

Ummmmm they are both in their 4th year of college basketball. And considering Oso is young for his year

Its likely Oden is older in age as well.

LOL I saw F next to his name and assumed it was Freshman... not Forward.

What a maroon.