Fortunately, I unexpectedly got to attend this game. Thanks to work moving my start time to Sunday Morning.
Despite inconsistent shooting from both teams, I really enjoyed the competitiveness of the teams, and an epic OT game. It was good to see the GRIZ win a tight contested game, with the defense having to come up BIG!!!
Michael Oguine is impressing me more and more. I posted a few times that I needed to see him establish a consistent 3 pt shot, and show the ability to play PG, when needed. Well, he has proven to me he can do both, at least from the college 3 point line, and beginning to learn how to create for others. With another year to build his skills, I honestly will not be surprised to see him get a legitimate chance at the NBA. His defense and athleticism are already NBA caliber. If he adds a little more range, with consistency, and continues to progress his passing abilities, he very well could make the NBA.
As for his running mate at guard, Ahmad Rorie is just fine, despite some 3 point struggles. I really am not going too concerned with his 3 point inconsistency. Mechanically, his shot still looks good and smooth. His misses are rimmers and in then outs, for the most part. He is not forcing his shots. He needs to continue shooting the shots he gets. That threat is important to keep his penetrating and dishing at a high level. I honestly would not put restraints on him. He is too good of a player to not break out of the slump. He is also a very hard working dedicated player. He has a lot of pride in his game and leadership. To his doubters, I see why you are doubting his shooting. However, from coaching standpoint, you have to believe in him, being his shot is still looking good, and his misses are not terrible. I am expecting him to break out of his shooting slump soon.
As much as I love Akoh in the post and rebounding, he needs to convert more often inside with this opportunities. I actually think he can easily do just that. I don't why or how, but he has gotten into the habit of often shortarming/shotputting his shots from inside 7 feet, that are not lay ins or dunks. He appears to be in a hurry to get his shot off (could be as a result of wanting to beat double teams and the banging). He needs to get back to extending his shooting hand fully, and keep the ball coming off his fingertips. Too many of his shots appear to be coming off the middle of his fingers, or even his palm. Again, nothing to get too worried about. Being he has a good touch from the FT line, I feel the coaches will take care of this pretty easily. He just needs a lot of shooting reps with all types of shots.
Speaking of post players, Krslovic has really developed a nice feathery touch with his jump hooks. It looks to me that he actually can be called on to score more, if and when needed. His help defense and defensive awareness is top notch. I've heard many commentators and coaches mention that he is the best post defender in the conference as for holding position and being in the right places. He just isn't a true shotblocker.
Bobby Moorehead continues to amaze me. The kid has become a defensive stopper, good rebounder, and really doesn't care what role he plays offensively. His attitude has to be contagious for his team. He is an unsung leader, that leads by example. Keep in mind, he is so much more capable of scoring more. I'd love to see him have another breakout scoring game, with 15+ points and 4+ 3 pt shots. I wonder if Travis will run more plays for him, being he has been pretty consistent from 3 this season?
Why were the UND and Sac games closer than expected? (1) Rorie stuggling offensively has accounted for about 10 less points per game. (2) Falls and Nicholas are showing some typical Freshman inconsistencies. In tight games, a coach has to have a shorter leash with letdowns. Being those games were close, it had to be hard for Travis to give the time to get through some struggles. Falls seems to be having a few careless turnovers and fouls of late. Nicholas, seems to be a little tentative on offense. I have not seen either struggling in defensive responsibilities. Then again, I have no idea what DeCuire is calling for in the defensive responsibilities. Little things like that are also common for Freshmen players.
Defensively, the steals by Krslovic (end of regulation), then Rorie (OT sideline deflection to Oguine) were as huge of defensive plays the GRIZ have had all season. Granted, the team has had so many key defensive plays this season, it is hard to not credit them for that. Due to the blow out nature of Wins, many of those plays can get lost in the shuffle. Those 2 steals really reminded me of the clutch steals Will Cherry would come up with time and time again, throughout his career. He seemed make those kind of steals most every game. I feel Oguine and Rorie are each capable of those kind of defensive plays every game. Yet, the gambling mentality does not pay off with the questionable officiating in this conference.
This fan is becoming more and more convinced in the potential of this team for this and next season. I am so proud of this team. Especially how hard they play and the pride they take in their performance every damn second of every game. Here is to a successful road trip against EWU and Idaho this weekend. Keep it going, GRIZ!!!!!!
