I was right behind the bench. My son learned some new words. The team played as well as can be expected last night. What was most exciting was how well they played when Simmons was on the bench. Epps had a really good night. A guy with his frame that can step back and drain a 3 is a nightmare. Victor was a massive presence. He completely changes the way we operate on both sides of the court. I expected him to be good, but he is a true difference maker and has to be accounted for at all times. Bruce's boy was his solid self, and Quarterman was lights out all night. Two bad threes were the only blemishes on him all night. Gray only had one bad possession. When he stays within his limits he is fun to watch. Patterson played big as well. What will this team look like if Blakeney can ever become the scorer he was advertised to be? Played 12 guys last night, and there was never a fall off. Fantastic to see. Win 11 more conference games and beat Oklahoma and we are a tournament lock.
And that loss could have been a win if LSU hits free throws. I was really impressed with the way they played late in the first half with Simmons on the bench with 2 points.
Everyone wants to call Simmons the next Lebron, but I see him as much more like Magic Johnson, in that he has a point guard's mentality. He seems more interested in elevating the game of those around him than trying to go one-on-one and win by himself.
Getting Hornsby (back) and Craig has been huge, but against Vandy and UK, the real difference maker was Quarterman. He's starting to play like he did down the stretch last year.
lebron has magics mentality. tis better to give than receive. thats been talked about his entire career. hes more magic than michael. so same thing.
You must have watched it on ESPN too. That's what they were saying, even showing pictures of Simmons and LeBron and Magic at 19. LeBron was already built like as power forward while Magic had the same body type as Simmons. Ben should take not if he doesn't want to look like Magic at 50.
Now what we need from Simmons is some outside shooting. If he wants to handle the ball, he needs to develop a perimeter game. Then he will be unstoppable.
