(Official) Hoops Post-Season Tourney Watch Thread

For hoops fans in general, this is a good read from SI's writer Seth Davis. He's not as big of a SEC guy, but he's generally pretty good with this hoops observations. Some interesting thing in here about coaching changes, RPI and other musings...

Fans too quick to condemn coaches, Huskies' top player, more mail - Seth Davis - SI.com

 

I somehow get the feeling he doesn't like Travis in Ypsilanti.

 

With the youth showing on this team you kind of wonder how things may have been different if Bo Spencer had kept his grades up.

 

Yeah, although the woulda, shoulda, coulda phenomenon, could be said about alot of things. Every team has its share of mishaps, injuries, player issues and defections, and certainly Trent has too, but I'm not sure whether Bo's head was right on this team, and with Trent. It wasn't just his grades (although that was certainly part of it), but I think more so, it was just the sort of leash that Brady held vs Trent. Bo was always a kid that sort of had a longer leash... I mean this is the kid that hurt his wrist carrying pizza up to his apartment, didn't pay attention in school, and sort of at times was a malcontent on the team, when his shot wasn't falling. When you hear some of the talk from the players this year, they really talk about the "chemistry" and feeling of the team being more like a "family" this year than ever before.

So, when folks sort of poo poo the recruiting job that Trent has done, let's all remember that a lot of things go into recruiting... especially the player cohesiveness and team setting.

As for Bo transferring, wouldn't Bo have helped last year's team, and not this one? I think he's only playing this year for Nebraska, b/c he sat out last year. I do give him credit though, he's one of the best players on a 12-15, 11th place Big10 team. He's shooting and scoring well, like he always has, but he's averaging 3.4 As to 3.1 TOs. Not great as a PG. Both Hickey and Stringer have better A-TO ratios. Not sure I cry about Bo Spencer being gone.

I do wonder what would have happened frankly if Dotson and Derenbecker were still here. Or even Garrett Green. I think that Green's departure was a non-factor, but let's remember that at times, he was our best post player last year. I think Derenbecker's transfer, which some folks will debate, was actually pretty big, which was why Trent really worked on the Derenbeckers to see if he could stay. His 3 point shooting would have been very helpful this year with O'Bryant and Hamilton down low, especially during Turner and Stringer's cold spells. It would also not make recruiting a 3/4 this year as critical (funny how it works out though, Shavon Coleman was also being recruited the same year Matt was). I think Matt also would have benefited from being stronger and having another year in the offseason. Certainly, his getting a transfer year to sit out, work on school and focus on it, is good for him at Dayton. But, I still think he'll be a pretty good player when it's all said and done.

 

w/ ole miss beating arky on the road tonight at least it makes the rebels record look a little better and not as bad we lost to them.

 

The wondering of transfer of Bo (channeling Les) was just out loud thinking. Anyone of those personnel losses could have made significant difference in several games this season. He came to mind because I happened across the stat that he is the leading scorer for Nebraska. Regardless of the weaknesses of the team surrounding him he has done quite well in a D1 program since he left here.

That said I hope that Johnson's recruits stay around and contribute for multiple seasons instead of the "one and done" revolving door that seemed to be Brady's forte'. And I'm not talking NBA prospects.

 

Agreed. I think the underestimated part of "building a program" by many fans who focus on W-Ls is program stability, and the "intangibles" of a program. We soon forget some of the things that frankly led to Brady's demise was the perceived issues with player atmosphere, player retention and just plain "want to" be there. Now, we overcame a lot in certain spots of his era... the "band of brothers" era with Tas', T-Train, Glen Davis, and GTIII--this was a team of guys who had frankly played together since they were in grade school.

What Trent has done has been underrated in terms of recruiting. First, although folks will quickly point to the Gathers thing, he went into New Orleans and signed some kids. Ludwig, Derenbecker, and now Morgan. Then, he went OOS and signed top flight kids from Mississippi, AL, WA. Then, he actually had to build a cohesiveness amongst a more diverse set of backgrounds--I believe an understated part of the last couple of years frankly was "comfort" of the team and "cohesiveness" of the team. How does a transfer from Iowa State get along with a freshman from Kentucky, and a McD AA from Mississippi. Say what you will about Trent not landing All-American talent, but there's still work in making sure that when talented kids play together, that well, they can play together. If you build that cohesiveness and success, kids are less likely to bolt. You also have kids like Bass, Warren and White, who despite in some cases getting diminished roles, in some cases, fans badgering why Trent "wasted" a scholarship for them, who stuck it out, will graduate on time, and played for LSU. There are always going to be needs for guys like that on a team.

I do think some of the bumpier road of building program stability is behind us. I think it's safe to say that Justin Hamilton's drastically improved play is encouraging, but his last couple of games have been humbling--he needs to stay one more year and get more double teams, see more defenses designed to stop him and have to be become a better passer--that will make him even more prepared for the NBA. Likewise, JOB needs a lot of skill development, despite showing flashes of talent. Obviously Turner needs another year or two, to work on his defense and make his shooting more consistent. And, Stringer, I think you can say is going to get more touches at point next year, but will continue to need to improve his ballhandling and decision making--someone like him would not be leaving early and would do well by continuing to improve--especially since his path to the NBA will be at point. The good news with building a program around top players who are maybe not lottery picks are, that assuming they continue to work hard and improve, they're around your program for 3-4 years. With a fairly young team moving forward, I think you'll see a lot less of the Bo Spencer, Garrett Green sort of thing. Players being recruited into this team know what they're getting for the next few years, and if they want to be part of the rising tide, then they presumably will be making a better choice when they come.

 

in defense of Hamilton, and it was pointed out in the paper, is that he got double teamed a lot in the Ole Miss. If Hickey and Stringer are on their game then that goes away. I think we will see that more in the last few games. The outside shooting needs to heat up and get him open again.

 

Bubble watch continues.

Wow the line between Miss State and LSU... how thin is it?

March Madness is just around the corner - men's college basketball - ESPN

College Basketball Bubble Watch - What do we mean when we say 'every game counts'? - NCAA Men's Basketball - ESPN

:geaux: :bball: :geauxtige

Geaux Gamecocks!!!!

 

Ugh. Ugh. No other way to put it than tonight was a disappointment. Had the halftime lead, let it slip away, and could not hold on. I feel bad for the seniors, and really, TigerNation.

Tryin' to keep it in perspective. Tennessee has been a really hot team, on a roll, and playing well. If you look back at this particular match-up, Tennessee has oddly had LSU's number, too. But, this is the kind of game LSU has to be able to win, if they want to take that next step forward.

On the one hand you can look at Miss St and their narrow overtime win vs an even more pathetic South Carolina, 69-67. The opportunity for LSU to seize was there! Alabama barely squeezing by Auburn, 55-49.

So, losing to Tennessee in an overtime close game? Well, it's not the end of the world, but it's pretty disappointing given where this team had come.

Pick yourself off the mat, and try to bring against Auburn this weekend on the road. Redeem yourself, and try to get your head on right for the SECT. An 18 win season and a NIT birth is still in reach. A 8-8 SEC team still deserves a NIT bid.