1. I really want to like Shepherd. He's got a sweet shot and is capable of creating on his own. But the ball moves around so much better when it's running through Joel and Makhale tonight.
2. Grant's long 2's are not worth it. Either drive to draw in the defense then look to dish, or move 2 feet farther back to make it a 3-point shot. Too many quick ctch and release from just inside the 3-point line.
3. Alajaki was the key, in that he shut down (enough) Knight and was enough of a presence onm the boards. I think he should be starting over Kuany. It'll be interesting to see his PT once Thorpe returns.
4. Not sure why Foreman got 25 minutes tonight over Hyder or others. His shot wasn't great tonight, he's not a great defender. He is a capable ball handler, I guess Fox wanted that with Shepherd in foul trouble.
5. That said, he was a champ tonight going to the free throw line when he knee was obviously hurting him.
6. I like Joel's attacking tonight, even if it didn't always work. I think he'll make a leap by years end.
Remember getting blown out by Dayton, USF, etc. under Montgomery? Those teams had a bunch of strong, explosive 6'7 wings that may not have been the most skilled, but just ran our guys out of the gym. That's what Alajiki brings.
Why do I still pay attention and go to games? The joy on Alajiki's and Foreman's faces as they left the arena. The smile from Andre Kelly despite his fatigue from a heroic effort. The personality of this team fighting to the end and staying supportive of one another even when adversity arose. These are kids who give their all for Cal, and while fans may not always show up, the players show up for the fans, their own pride, and the university. They are playing hard, playing together, making mistakes but growing. Games like this are worth it. The play is imperfect, but the game reveals the hard work and character of our team. Go Bears!
Well, as someone who is often critical of this program, that was a helluva game, v. the Big Sky favorites...Nice effort by the boys, and they ratcheted up the D and cut down on the TO's in 2H...major frustrations & lapses remain, and these guys have their clear limitations...
but....
Great win. The Andre Kelly game....and the game where Sam Alajiki established himself as a potential shutdown, defensive stopper.
Cal Men's Basketball vs. Southern Utah, Live Fan Chat: Bears earn second win of season
Observations:
1. I really want to like Shepherd. He's got a sweet shot and is capable of creating on his own. But the ball moves around so much better when it's running through Joel and Makhale tonight.
2. Grant's long 2's are not worth it. Either drive to draw in the defense then look to dish, or move 2 feet farther back to make it a 3-point shot. Too many quick ctch and release from just inside the 3-point line.
3. Alajaki was the key, in that he shut down (enough) Knight and was enough of a presence onm the boards. I think he should be starting over Kuany. It'll be interesting to see his PT once Thorpe returns.
4. Not sure why Foreman got 25 minutes tonight over Hyder or others. His shot wasn't great tonight, he's not a great defender. He is a capable ball handler, I guess Fox wanted that with Shepherd in foul trouble.
5. That said, he was a champ tonight going to the free throw line when he knee was obviously hurting him.
6. I like Joel's attacking tonight, even if it didn't always work. I think he'll make a leap by years end.
Alajiki is solid. Kelly is great. Grant Anticiveich is finding good ways to piss me off on many possessions
Hey Rob, we won last week. Gotta savor them when they happen.
Remember getting blown out by Dayton, USF, etc. under Montgomery? Those teams had a bunch of strong, explosive 6'7 wings that may not have been the most skilled, but just ran our guys out of the gym. That's what Alajiki brings.
Why do I still pay attention and go to games? The joy on Alajiki's and Foreman's faces as they left the arena. The smile from Andre Kelly despite his fatigue from a heroic effort. The personality of this team fighting to the end and staying supportive of one another even when adversity arose. These are kids who give their all for Cal, and while fans may not always show up, the players show up for the fans, their own pride, and the university. They are playing hard, playing together, making mistakes but growing. Games like this are worth it. The play is imperfect, but the game reveals the hard work and character of our team. Go Bears!
Victory!!!
Well, as someone who is often critical of this program, that was a helluva game, v. the Big Sky favorites...Nice effort by the boys, and they ratcheted up the D and cut down on the TO's in 2H...major frustrations & lapses remain, and these guys have their clear limitations...
but....
Great win. The Andre Kelly game....and the game where Sam Alajiki established himself as a potential shutdown, defensive stopper.
Alajiki!!! Stud.
TOO MANY F-ING TURNOVERS
Great D by Joel Brown there...2:03 - big play for the kid.
SUU has 3 players that would be the go-to, leading scorer this year at Cal....sigh. That's a Big South team.
This Southern Utah team is just too quick for Anticevich
ALAJIKI is giving good minutes for a FR!
AK22 having a career game...be nice to get this one.
This Southern Utah team should win the Big Sky.
Jordan Shepherd hurts this team.
Great to hear Buolomne but the play-by-play guy is subpar.
I may just watch a tape of the Duke/Cal NCAA tournament game with Jadon Kidd and co.
I thought attendance at SD was 421. How did they fit all 421 in those photos?
Go Bears!!!