Friday, January 31, 2014
Kirk practiced on Friday
A Friday tweet from Geoff Grammer: "No word on Lobo C Alex Kirk playing Saturday vs San Jose St, but he
returned to practice Friday. They'll see how it feels in the morning."
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Interesting look at USU's troubles in league
Utah State is finding the Mountain West Conference a zebra of oh so different stripes from the Western Athletic Conference as John Oglesby details, looking at each Aggie conference loss.
Ranking the MWC coaches
Andrew Murawa ranks the Mountain West Conference coaches:
Any
time you get around to comparing one coach to another, it’s a shaky
situation. Isn’t the real decision about who is the better coach decided
on the court? Sure, one coach may have more talent than another, but
then again, isn’t pulling in talent part of the job description? So,
prior to unveiling my rankings of the coaches in the Mountain West, lets
offer up some criteria. For the most part, recruiting is excluded from
this analysis. The question that we’ll attempt to answer instead is
this: Pick any random team in the country — you don’t know its roster or
its strengths and weaknesses — which Mountain West coach would give you
the best chance over this and the next couple of seasons to get the
most out of those players and leave the program in the best possible
place at the end?
Well, here’s one man’s take, feel free to disagree.
- See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2014/01/30/ranking-the-mountain-west-coaches/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter#sthash.FGyR7XqR.dpuf
Well, here’s one man’s take, feel free to disagree.
- See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2014/01/30/ranking-the-mountain-west-coaches/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter#sthash.FGyR7XqR.dpuf
Any
time you get around to comparing one coach to another, it’s a shaky
situation. Isn’t the real decision about who is the better coach decided
on the court? Sure, one coach may have more talent than another, but
then again, isn’t pulling in talent part of the job description? So,
prior to unveiling my rankings of the coaches in the Mountain West, lets
offer up some criteria. For the most part, recruiting is excluded from
this analysis. The question that we’ll attempt to answer instead is
this: Pick any random team in the country — you don’t know its roster or
its strengths and weaknesses — which Mountain West coach would give you
the best chance over this and the next couple of seasons to get the
most out of those players and leave the program in the best possible
place at the end?
Well, here’s one man’s take, feel free to disagree.
- See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2014/01/30/ranking-the-mountain-west-coaches/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter#sthash.FGyR7XqR.dpuf
Well, here’s one man’s take, feel free to disagree.
- See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2014/01/30/ranking-the-mountain-west-coaches/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter#sthash.FGyR7XqR.dpuf
Any time you get around to comparing one coach to another, it’s a shaky situation. Isn’t the real decision about who is the better coach decided on the court? Sure, one coach may have more talent than another, but then again, isn’t pulling in talent part of the job description? So, prior to unveiling my rankings of the coaches in the Mountain West, lets offer up some criteria. For the most part, recruiting is excluded from this analysis. The question that we’ll attempt to answer instead is this: Pick any random team in the country — you don’t know its roster or its strengths and weaknesses — which Mountain West coach would give you the best chance over this and the next couple of seasons to get the most out of those players and leave the program in the best possible place at the end?Head here for the remainder of an exercise that is akin to nailing jello to the wall.
Well, here’s one man’s take, feel free to disagree...
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
It's The Pit on Saturday
Opposing teams don't win in The Pit (37 feet below street level), home of the New Mexico Lobos and the location of Saturday's night's game for San Jose State University.
But the Spartans played Coach Craig Neal's team tough a short while ago at home and New Mexico center Alex Kirk may be sidelined. Click here for that game report.
However, the Lobos are coming off a 78-65 triumph over host Utah State -- this without Kirk due to a foot ailment -- so don't look at them as a wounded crew. That game report can be read here.
Because, as Jon Rothstein recently tweeted: "Would have a hard time believing that New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow isn't worthy of All-American consideration. Not a lot of PF's better."
Barstow is averaging 20.4 points plus 6.9 rebounds while point Kendall Williams is posting 18.0 points an outing with a total of 107 assists.
But that's it for consistent impact players or stars if you will.
Hugh Greenwood, Cleveland Thomas, Deshawn Delaney, Cullen Neal and Obij Aget are peripheral talents, guys who can make solid contributions but not necessarily every night out.
As is being repeated, Coach Neal's guys are not going to physically wear down an opponent. That gives SJSU a chance. But anyone currently residing at 16-4 overall, 7-1 in conference play is definitely solid and the Spartans are lacking in weapons and consistency.
Plus, 15,400 fans will be at their loudest and not on the side of San Jose State University.
But the Spartans played Coach Craig Neal's team tough a short while ago at home and New Mexico center Alex Kirk may be sidelined. Click here for that game report.
However, the Lobos are coming off a 78-65 triumph over host Utah State -- this without Kirk due to a foot ailment -- so don't look at them as a wounded crew. That game report can be read here.
Because, as Jon Rothstein recently tweeted: "Would have a hard time believing that New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow isn't worthy of All-American consideration. Not a lot of PF's better."
Barstow is averaging 20.4 points plus 6.9 rebounds while point Kendall Williams is posting 18.0 points an outing with a total of 107 assists.
But that's it for consistent impact players or stars if you will.
Hugh Greenwood, Cleveland Thomas, Deshawn Delaney, Cullen Neal and Obij Aget are peripheral talents, guys who can make solid contributions but not necessarily every night out.
As is being repeated, Coach Neal's guys are not going to physically wear down an opponent. That gives SJSU a chance. But anyone currently residing at 16-4 overall, 7-1 in conference play is definitely solid and the Spartans are lacking in weapons and consistency.
Plus, 15,400 fans will be at their loudest and not on the side of San Jose State University.
UNLV wins easily
UNLV arrived at Walt McPherson Court on an upswing of sorts, with a sense of gelling as a team. If that wasn't cemented Wednesday night, if was at least reinforced as the Running Rebels took down the Spartans 70-46. San Jose State University managed 25 points in the first 20 minutes, then just 21 in the second half. The initial period had Coach Wojcik's guys finishing with an impressive 18 points in the paint and a measly pair of turnovers.
Roscoe Smith had 12 points plus 15 boards for the Sin City-ites while big man Khem Birch was quiet except for six blocked shots.
The Spartans shot 29% for the game, 3-21 from long distance and took a paltry 11 free throw attempts -- all nails in the proverbial coffin, as well as being out-rebounded 40-31.
SJSU junior forward Jaleel Williams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds -- both numbers team-leading on the night -- but his wasn't really a strong performance despite its approach to a double-double.
Like other teams San Jose State University has faced, UNLV was not a dominator and could have been taken with the right opponent team composition. But that isn't this season's Spartans who are finding advanced scouting and preparation in league play is so much more on-target. The Washington Square-ites are simply too young right now, not strong enough upfront and overall. The promising looking attempts at going to the hoop are more often than not becoming Hail Mary attempts as defenders rotate and converge.
It's a learning season.
Roscoe Smith had 12 points plus 15 boards for the Sin City-ites while big man Khem Birch was quiet except for six blocked shots.
The Spartans shot 29% for the game, 3-21 from long distance and took a paltry 11 free throw attempts -- all nails in the proverbial coffin, as well as being out-rebounded 40-31.
SJSU junior forward Jaleel Williams finished with 16 points and nine rebounds -- both numbers team-leading on the night -- but his wasn't really a strong performance despite its approach to a double-double.
Like other teams San Jose State University has faced, UNLV was not a dominator and could have been taken with the right opponent team composition. But that isn't this season's Spartans who are finding advanced scouting and preparation in league play is so much more on-target. The Washington Square-ites are simply too young right now, not strong enough upfront and overall. The promising looking attempts at going to the hoop are more often than not becoming Hail Mary attempts as defenders rotate and converge.
It's a learning season.
Rashad Muhammad with some press
Matty Youmans looks at Rashad Muhammad who apparently chose from among SJSU, Utah State and Wyoming.
Transfers & the MWC
Dan Hinxman digs into the effects of transfer into the Mountain West Conference.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
UNLV is the Wednesday home opponent
The Runnin' Rebels of UNLV were having their xollective heart questioned earlier this season but, of late, all seems fairly copacetic in Sin City college hoops.
There was that 21-point homecourt loss to UC Santa Barbara followed by two quick defeats in conference to Air Force and then Nevada.
But Coach Dave Rice's guys followed up by beating New Mexico by three in The Pit plus hanging a 20 point loss on visiting Utah State.
But on Saturday, it took overtime before Fresno State was downed by a bucket so was that an anomaly or a regression?
Regarding personnel, there are no players of Larry Johnson's or Stacey Augmon's calibre calling Vegas home -- no behemoths or speedburners --but lots of promise dots the current Rebel roster.
* 6-foot-9 Khem Birch is the third leading scorer at 11.3 points (50% shooting) but the best shotblocker by far with 71 rejections and #2 in rebounding with 9.5.
* Roscoe Smith at 6-foot-8 is tops in the boards in the country with 12.2 alongside 12.0 points an outing and 54% shooting. He possesses 13 double-doubles in 2013-14.
* 6-foot-5 Bryce Jean-Smith is the best scorer with 14.4 points per game but quite streaky at 42% and 25% respectively. His 63/29 assist-to-turnover ratio is best on the team.
Each is a junior and a transfer from Pittsburgh, Connecticut and USC respectively.
* 6-foot-1 senior Kevin Olekaibe at 10.2 points each night has moved over from Fresno State with 125 of his 183 shots being beyond the arc attempts and a 37% connectivity rate.
UNLV is allowing opponents to shoot 39% overall and just 27% on treys while connecting on just 32% themselves from long distance. Let's see what San Jose State University can manage on treys.
You will not be witnessing the Jerry Tarkanian teams of yesteryear. These Rebels can be taken down.
There was that 21-point homecourt loss to UC Santa Barbara followed by two quick defeats in conference to Air Force and then Nevada.
But Coach Dave Rice's guys followed up by beating New Mexico by three in The Pit plus hanging a 20 point loss on visiting Utah State.
But on Saturday, it took overtime before Fresno State was downed by a bucket so was that an anomaly or a regression?
Regarding personnel, there are no players of Larry Johnson's or Stacey Augmon's calibre calling Vegas home -- no behemoths or speedburners --but lots of promise dots the current Rebel roster.
* 6-foot-9 Khem Birch is the third leading scorer at 11.3 points (50% shooting) but the best shotblocker by far with 71 rejections and #2 in rebounding with 9.5.
* Roscoe Smith at 6-foot-8 is tops in the boards in the country with 12.2 alongside 12.0 points an outing and 54% shooting. He possesses 13 double-doubles in 2013-14.
* 6-foot-5 Bryce Jean-Smith is the best scorer with 14.4 points per game but quite streaky at 42% and 25% respectively. His 63/29 assist-to-turnover ratio is best on the team.
Each is a junior and a transfer from Pittsburgh, Connecticut and USC respectively.
* 6-foot-1 senior Kevin Olekaibe at 10.2 points each night has moved over from Fresno State with 125 of his 183 shots being beyond the arc attempts and a 37% connectivity rate.
UNLV is allowing opponents to shoot 39% overall and just 27% on treys while connecting on just 32% themselves from long distance. Let's see what San Jose State University can manage on treys.
You will not be witnessing the Jerry Tarkanian teams of yesteryear. These Rebels can be taken down.
Thoughts on SJSU hoops
* To have a successful team, one of the integral components is possessing enough of the players winning their position on a nightly basis. For the current SJSU crew, that's possibly two when the stars are in alignment. Although he's been muzzled of late, Rashad Muhammad has that capability. It's also within Jalen James too but more as potential at this point. Once in a great while, Jaleel Williams bursts out but that doesn't happen on a consistent enough basis. Next season, redshirt guard Jordan Baker will carry that trait if he has shown the requisite improvement. Also add Jeremiah Ingram to the list, giving the Spartans the opportunity to win at the power forward spot
although he isn't any sort of physical behemoth who will bulldoze opponents out of
the way.
* Go big or go home -- for the obvious impaired, a big is desperately needed. At this point, just someone who is a rebounder/defender and capable of offensive putbacks would be acceptable but a well-rounded man in the middle, someone who demands defensive attention, would help create better looks offensively for the others.
* What has started, at least to a degree, is the landing of talent with the potential of getting better. For far too long in recruiting, it has been what you see is what you generally get the next year and the next year and the next year... Player improvement was a missing element. So getting guys who haven't peaked AND who will do what is necessary for annual betterment must became the norm.
* Connected to the point above is also the matter of landing Mountain West Conference level recruits possessing the capability or eventual capacity of competing with who and what other teams are bringing in for replenishment. In some cases, this must include beating out other MWC teams for this or that prospect whether that be in California or elsewhere..
* Go big or go home -- for the obvious impaired, a big is desperately needed. At this point, just someone who is a rebounder/defender and capable of offensive putbacks would be acceptable but a well-rounded man in the middle, someone who demands defensive attention, would help create better looks offensively for the others.
* What has started, at least to a degree, is the landing of talent with the potential of getting better. For far too long in recruiting, it has been what you see is what you generally get the next year and the next year and the next year... Player improvement was a missing element. So getting guys who haven't peaked AND who will do what is necessary for annual betterment must became the norm.
* Connected to the point above is also the matter of landing Mountain West Conference level recruits possessing the capability or eventual capacity of competing with who and what other teams are bringing in for replenishment. In some cases, this must include beating out other MWC teams for this or that prospect whether that be in California or elsewhere..
The best student section in the MWC
From Mark Ziegler who covered the Sam Diego State - Utah State game on Saturday:
The best student section in the Mountain West no longer belongs to San Diego State, or New Mexico or Colorado State or UNLV or any of the old guard. It’s Utah State, no contest.
There have been rumblings this season about “The Hurd” students losing their fastball, but the 4,000-strong Mountain West newcomers flat brought it Saturday. They were loud. They were organized. They were creative. They were relentless. They were venomous. They were infectious.“My first trip in here: incredible atmosphere,” Coach Steve Fisher said. “This is an atmosphere that everyone in America should witness. I was immensely impressed how they stayed engaged and involved, and without question it helps their team. It’s a big reason why they win about 90 percent of their games here...”
Idaho Statesman game summary
Dave Southern/Idaho Statesman serves up a game summary of the Boise State win yesterday over SJSU.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
BSU 76, SJSU 55
Boise State put this one to bed early on, leading 46-28 at the half and there weren't necessarily bright spots for the Spartans to write home about. Let's take 24 free throw attempts (and 18 made), a decent effort on the boards, Boise State shooting 43% but that's about it. 12 turnovers looks okay but 10 took place in the first 20 minutes.
For the hosts, center Ryan Watkins put up another double-double (18 points, 16 rebounds) as BSU's lone inside big is making a run for All-MWC consideration with his perked-up play of late. But no other plus BSU performances were on display.
A telling note: "The Spartans went without a field goal in the second half from the 13:45 mark all the way until there were just 35 seconds left in the game."
The downsides:
Rashad Muhammad was shut out in 17 minutes of play.
Three assists on 16 baskets were credited to SJSU alongside 36% overall shooting.
In a way (although most would argue with this), the game was actually winnable if San Jose State University had brought their best game but credit must be given to the Broncos for preventing that possibility.
Can there be a positive takeaway for SJSU? Yes, if it's a continued learning of the practice and effort individually and collectively that is mandatory in order to have a chance for a victory in the Mountain West Conference.
For the hosts, center Ryan Watkins put up another double-double (18 points, 16 rebounds) as BSU's lone inside big is making a run for All-MWC consideration with his perked-up play of late. But no other plus BSU performances were on display.
A telling note: "The Spartans went without a field goal in the second half from the 13:45 mark all the way until there were just 35 seconds left in the game."
The downsides:
Rashad Muhammad was shut out in 17 minutes of play.
Three assists on 16 baskets were credited to SJSU alongside 36% overall shooting.
In a way (although most would argue with this), the game was actually winnable if San Jose State University had brought their best game but credit must be given to the Broncos for preventing that possibility.
Can there be a positive takeaway for SJSU? Yes, if it's a continued learning of the practice and effort individually and collectively that is mandatory in order to have a chance for a victory in the Mountain West Conference.
Can you go home again?
Dave Southern, the Boise State athletics beat reporter for the Idaho Statesman, writes about Coach Wojcik's return to Idaho.
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