carolinaspider
Bench player
Will he keep the quicker pace going? We are doing good with TOs and rebounding overall.
I want to root for this team so badly
- Thread starter Spideralways
- Start date
Yes. No signs to me that there will be any change and the team construction supports this play style. There is no “top guy” and the players are more or less interchangeable. Of course, the Spiders haven’t played a quality schedule so we have to see how the system fairs in A10 play, but I expect it will at least be the way the first 6 games are played. The only thing that could force a change is a flurry of injury surprises like Tyne last night.
even if we lost last night, I'd have felt better about this team than I have all OOC.
that Belmont team is good. love McClain, who has hands like Gilly.
defense - we love to complain about our defense. every time we switch a guard onto a big or aren't right in the face of a 3 point shooter it's criticized as awful defense ... yet we're supposed to get open looks. everyone does!
but that was a heck of a job on Lundblade (and Orme). I don't even know who to give the credit to. probably multiple defenders. but Lundblade is a real shooter and we never gave him much space. I of course hated that switch where Johnston ended up on the rolling big man. but it only happened once. Belmont has a good coach, but I don't know how you don't keep going back to that. make us defend it.
shooting - Johnston's a heck of a shooter. love his midrange game. time for me to believe in Thomas and Lopez too. we're a much better shooting team than last year.
Daughtry struggled, but those were 2 big boy baskets he gave us. JRob's drive was so pretty. interesting to hear the announcer comment on Tanner as such a strong perimeter defender. never noticed. will have to going forward. that would explain his consistent minutes.
that Belmont team is good. love McClain, who has hands like Gilly.
defense - we love to complain about our defense. every time we switch a guard onto a big or aren't right in the face of a 3 point shooter it's criticized as awful defense ... yet we're supposed to get open looks. everyone does!
but that was a heck of a job on Lundblade (and Orme). I don't even know who to give the credit to. probably multiple defenders. but Lundblade is a real shooter and we never gave him much space. I of course hated that switch where Johnston ended up on the rolling big man. but it only happened once. Belmont has a good coach, but I don't know how you don't keep going back to that. make us defend it.
shooting - Johnston's a heck of a shooter. love his midrange game. time for me to believe in Thomas and Lopez too. we're a much better shooting team than last year.
Daughtry struggled, but those were 2 big boy baskets he gave us. JRob's drive was so pretty. interesting to hear the announcer comment on Tanner as such a strong perimeter defender. never noticed. will have to going forward. that would explain his consistent minutes.
*23*
All A-10 player
Agree, good defense over all. But don't know what you were watching sman, I saw Johnston trying to guard the big about 5 times at least. Walz could not guard anyone last night. He did have one nice contest where he blocked or changed a shot. But they were playing absolute bully ball against him.
Love Lopez game. Even on that T, when they showed the replay - he was not jawing. He must have just uttered one key word before the cameras caught him. Seemed like the ref could have just warned at that point. Anyway, not a smart foul, but if justified I love coming out of the gate with that bad intention. Love his aggression and confidence. And hit a bunch of FT's down the stretch.
One think I really did not like - and I know its the offense - but when Jrob was playing the four he was constantly 25 feet from the basket floating around. He is not a Justin Harper type 4, at this point in his development he needs to get a post move and be a Nate Cayo type post up and put back 4. Was not inside much at all. Did have that one nice drive and finish. Another offensive rebound - if he just turned around had an easy dunk but kicked it out. Hoping he can be used more and more effectively. We will need him in A10 play.
Love Lopez game. Even on that T, when they showed the replay - he was not jawing. He must have just uttered one key word before the cameras caught him. Seemed like the ref could have just warned at that point. Anyway, not a smart foul, but if justified I love coming out of the gate with that bad intention. Love his aggression and confidence. And hit a bunch of FT's down the stretch.
One think I really did not like - and I know its the offense - but when Jrob was playing the four he was constantly 25 feet from the basket floating around. He is not a Justin Harper type 4, at this point in his development he needs to get a post move and be a Nate Cayo type post up and put back 4. Was not inside much at all. Did have that one nice drive and finish. Another offensive rebound - if he just turned around had an easy dunk but kicked it out. Hoping he can be used more and more effectively. We will need him in A10 play.
*23*
All A-10 player
I heard that too. Disagree. Going to have to watch as well. He is not big enough to guard a big forward, and still struggles to keep guys in front of him IMO. I do feel lilke he is giving good effort on D, but will need to take a closer look. THink Mooney gave them those notes. They were not too familiar with our roster. I think they called Johnston "Jones" once or twice? Unless Belmont has a Jones.
97spiderfan
Bench player
Thomas has been the most pleasant surprise of our transfers. He reminds a bit of Tyler Harris from our team 2 years ago. Not so much his play, but in terms of both were kind of the after thought transfer. But they both are going to end up playing key roles in the team. They are both glue guys, they are gamers that make plays.
Yeah, I don't expect 6 three balls from Thomas on the regular, but if you watch him play, even if he is not scoring, he is out there impacting the game by being in the right place at the right time.
Yeah, I don't expect 6 three balls from Thomas on the regular, but if you watch him play, even if he is not scoring, he is out there impacting the game by being in the right place at the right time.
he may not have the 3 point shot, but I'm actually impressed with his handle out there. looks pretty comfortable. plus makes nice cuts where he can finish, get fouled, or catch the alley-oop.
yes, any time he gets a board inside he should be looking to score. especially with his quick hops.
and he should shadow Daughtry for tips on the inside power game.
*23*
All A-10 player
Agree completely, he should be studying Daughtry's game. Similar size (under sized PF's) but more athleticism. If he can find a go to move and counter he can be really tough.
Kneepad McKinney
Walk-on
Regarding Walz, I agree he struggled defensively last night. But Beagle did too, and I think it's a function of Belmont being a very, very good offensive team with very good ball movement. I think both Walz and Beagle got caught position wise, more than it was simple "didn't guard the guy in front of you" stuff. I think overall he's been pretty good this year defensively, and certainly has been rebounding well.
I think you are confusing the new “Forum Life” with OOC game enjoyment
I have liked seeing the new additions and think the team has potential. Loved last nights game and actually liked the JMU exhibition as my intro to the new team. W&M game was also good. The only good thing about the other games is the opportunity to throw in my $0.02 on the game threads. Now I have to hope that the Spiders keep winning all these games that they are supposed to win until the next big game vs GW.
Urmite
Bench player
January 17 to February 18 should be an interesting month…I think you are confusing the new “Forum Life” with OOC game enjoyment
I have liked seeing the new additions and think the team has potential. Loved last nights game and actually liked the JMU exhibition as my intro to the new team. W&M game was also good. The only good thing about the other games is the opportunity to throw in my $0.02 on the game threads. Now I have to hope that the Spiders keep winning all these games that they are supposed to win until the next big game vs GW.
