K-State v. VATech - 69-61 (W) - Post-Game
by TheBigE on Dec 4, 2011 7:38 PM CST
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PrintWhile the nuclear armageddon that is BCS Bowl Snubbing gets underway, here's a real quick opinionated recap of the game tonight:
Frank Martin gets our Cats to go hard for 20 minutes yet again, for his 100th career win. K-State takes an early lead, falls behind to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute by 6 at half, then comes out HARD and follows through for the 8 point win. Congrats to HCFM and the team!
This game started off with more effort than we've been accustomed to seeing, but inconsistent officiating kept the Cats down. A very poor shooting first half (<30%FG, 33%FT), loose ball play and combined with some early foul-trouble landed the team behind the eight-ball in the first half. Despite the lackluster offense, the defensive intensity was greater than we've seen this year, keeping the score to 28-22 VATech at halftime.
Second half, as previous games would indicate, was much different. The Dobermans came out, and some good offensive possessions yielded a 12-2 run. K-State slowly pulled away to 10 clear, and kept the game at arms length for the most part. Some fouling at the end of the game (why? Please! WHY?) kept VATech hanging around, but Will Spradling made some clutch free throws in the last minute to keep the game in our court.
Good things to take away:
- Road win. This is a resume win - one that will be banked when it comes time for NCAA tourney selection. A quality team (win against OkSt on a neutral court) we put up a fight and came out victorious against.
- Jamar Samuels. Saddled with two fouls in the first two minutes, he came out with purpose in the second half, and clearly assumed the leadership role for this team in the second half.
- Conditioning. We kept up the defensive intensity the entire game with very little evidence of fatigue late. Conditioning coach Scott Greenawalt has apparently done his job. Good man.
Things to improve on:
- 40 Minutes. We still haven't played 40 minutes. From what I saw in the second half - if we could play 40 minutes at that level, we'd be very tough to beat. By anyone.
- Execution. Gotta leave this one in there. Much better in the second half, but our offensive execution, and more importantly - recognition - was suspect. And, while its very tough to not let it happen - our lack of prowess putting the ball in the hoop in the first half did affect our defense at times. Not drastically, but we did see some lapses and easy backdoor cuts by VATech.
- Poise. At the end of the game, we started playing a little hurried and sloppy on D - a mark of a young team on the verge of a big win. Gotta work on staying composed and play hard consistently, and not look ahead to 0:00.
- Will Spradling: B+. Played good D (2stls, drew a couple charges), made a couple of big threes when we needed them, and nailed clutch FTs at the end of the game. No TOs in 38 minutes, but only 3asts. Only thing holding him down from an A is 2-8 shooting from the floor.
- Martavious Irving: C-. Usually takes the hardest on-ball D assignment, but way too hand-check happy. 4 fouls, 3 TOs in 14 minutes. Did make all 4FTs he attempted, so stays out of the cellar (I won't completely fail anyone in this course).
- Jamar Samuels: INC (First Half), A (Second Half). Wow. If we could get this JamSam every night...well, let's just say it was the type of game that makes us all want him on the team. 17pts/14rebs in 28 minutes. 7-8 from the floor. Only committed two fouls - the two that took him out of most of the first half. Oh yeah - no TOs. What? Energy, production, good.
- Rodney McGruder: C+. Again, a very pedestrian game from Rodney. 7pts/5rebs in 28 minutes. 0-4 from 3Pt, 2-8 from the floor in all. Had a fantastic play on the first possession, but just kind of disappeared afterward. Played with decent energy all game, but just not getting the production on the glass and on the scoreboard. Hope he can snap out of his shooting funk.
- Thomas Gipson: B. Reality check. The Big Gip had a much tougher row to hoe tonight with a real Division 1 opponent. Only played 22 minutes - mostly because of some ineffectiveness on D - but still shouldered 9pts and 6rebs. His desire to use his left hand entirely wasn't necessarily exposed by VATech, but was certainly apparent. On the upside, he was the only player that has the girth to clear space on the block against taller players in a half-court set.
- Jordan Henriquez: A-. Could be the best performance JO has had all year. 9pts/4rebs, with 5 blocks, and many more shot pressures. Has had better statistical games, but not against this level of competition. Made some great reads in the high post (passing, shooting, driving), only committed 2 fouls. Rebounds should have been 7 or 8, save some no-calls on over-the-back by VATech. If we can get this out of JO on a consistent basis against good competition, I'll be happy.
- Angel Rodriguez: C. Lots of energy. We know we're getting quite the smoking pistol when he's on the court - this can be good (lots of hustle plays, 3stls, 4asts) and bad (2 fouls, 2TOs) for his 19 minutes. His nonchalant ballhandling gets under my skin. I really want to see this guy shoot better. Took good shots, but missed every dang one of them.
- Shane Southwell: B-. Officially dubbed "The Shane Effect", he had a habit tonight of following a bad play (missed layup) with a much-needed play (cashed a 3 on the next possession). Makes you scratch your head and high-five your buddy at the same time. Still a stat-stuffer, with 11pts/3rebs/1ast/1blk in 20 minutes.
Thanks for reading my opinion, you may now go lynch the bowl selection committees. Give me a second, I'll be there in a sec.
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I wasn't able to watch the game at all, so I really appreciate your analysis
I understand it’s a pretty close game against a good foe, but I’m a little sad to only see 8 players used. Jones not ready?
Anyway, thank you for the recap!
Great win Cats!
"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain
We saw this last year, too.
A team loaded with players good enough to see the floor, but Frank tightens his rotation way down as the season goes on. The rest of the team will be used mostly in situations with weird matchups and when the guys in the rotation are in deep foul trouble.
by AMS on Dec 4, 2011 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
And Victor only comes in when the team is playing like crap
"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain
I actually don't think there was much reason to get too far into the bench.
We weren’t really looking for any additional players tonight. Also, I think it was very important for this team to get a truly meaningful win leading into the WVU game on Thursday.
JJ, Vic and Nino all did enter the game, but for no more than a minute or two. That was enough time for JJ to put up one good look from about 18 feet, but didn’t go in.
I wasn’t paying particular attention to any of these three guys – didn’t even notice that Vic made it in the game – so maybe Frank saw something in JJ he thought he wasn’t ready to go tonight or something. I know Nino in the 2 minutes he was in was not impressive.
Sometimes those 9-10-11-12 guys, their role is simply to spell a player for a minute or two. That’s OK, because as I said, there wasn’t any reason to really go to them. Felt like there was a good rotation among the guards and posts alike tonight, and no one seemed to have fatigue issues.
I would expect it will be like this for quite a while this year, especially with how evenly spread the minutes were (only Will was over 30 minutes).
Just my two cents.
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
Oh okay
Derp, I missed that you didn’t bother with the guys who were only in for a few minutes.
I really appreciate your analysis of the bball games. I’ve never understood the tactics of the game like I understand football, so it helps reading someone who does.
"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain
I'm a little disappointed
that you failed to mention the behind the back “pass” Spradling made while sliding on the court on his chest while diving for a loose ball.
That was impressive.
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 4, 2011 11:23 PM CST up reply actions
I'd also like to thank TheBigE for these basketball posts
Good to see some analysis.
I think the play of the game might have been that behind the back pass from Spradling while he was lying on the floor.
I also really liked that we started dunking the ball.
Good Jamar Samuels made an appearance! He has the ability to take over the game, now if only he could play all the time.
What I’m concerned about – mostly our jump shooting. It felt like an awful lot of our offense was rebounding the ball and laying it back in. That’s not going to fly if we can’t start hitting some of those open shots.
The other thing i noticed was a lot of tipped rebounds rather than going up and just grabbing them. It seemed like we did fine on the boards, but I’m not sure how good Va Tech is at rebounding. In the B12 we’re going to have to grab those on the first touch, though, rather than tipping them around and eventually coming down with them.
the tv guys were mentioning
that our front line is second to none in the Big 12 in terms of length. They seem to think we will have no problems controlling the boards in league play.
I hope they are right.
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 12:38 AM CST up reply actions
This game should be dubbed "The Return of the Dobermans".
Awesome rebounding and defense. A lot of dunks. Really liked what we saw tonight.
Great write-up, E. Particularly agree re: JO. Sort of inverse to the previous games where he had pretty good numbers but really didn’t play that well. He had lesser stats but was really good.
One would assume this team will eventually figure out how to play with energy and efficiency in the first half. Once that happens, look out. This team will be a contender in the Big 12.
I don't want to say this too loudly (for fear of jinxing things)
but as good as last season was for KSU sports in general, this season could be even better. Football is going to end with a higher ranking (and win total) than last year. Volleyball has already made it further than they did last year. Basketball has the makings of a team that will make a difficult opponent for anyone if we can put a complete game together. The Lady Cats are off to a good start. I think our track stars are returning, as well as tennis.
Do I smell another season of KU domination in the works?
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Ha, the Cats are already dominating little brother
When was the last time KSU lost to KU in anything? When was the time before that?
"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain
well,
to be fair, we haven’t met them in the sport they are actually decent in. But, oh, can you imagine what the fallout on the Kaw will be like if we go 14-0 this year? Not saying we will beat them in Allen Fieldhouse (or OOD for that matter), but if we beat them twice in basketball…oh lawdy!
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
On KU...
I’ve seen probably 4 KU games this year, and my overwhelming feeling is that if we’re going to beat them in AFH, this is the year. They just aren’t much more than a Thomas Robinson double-double and whatever Tyshawn Taylor can create on his own. This isn’t anywhere close to the KU teams of the past…they’ve got two legit ball players on the squad, and one is very TO prone.
They weren’t on the same level with Kentucky, and stayed with Duke because Duke is tremendously overrated this year. (completely predicted their blowout loss to OhioSt after seeing them play KU)
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
by TheBigE on Dec 5, 2011 1:05 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
I agree
but it is still KU. Much like Nebraska still beat us several times even when we were (IMO) the better team,, mainly because they are Nebraska and there is just something about them that messes with out juju.
I think we can do it (we’ve done it before), and I hope we do it. The fact that it will be the first conference game is what I am worried about.
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Hey don't forget rowing and equestrian.
Coach Snyder says, “No Chocolate Chip Cookies for You!”
The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will. - Vince Lombardi
I didn't include these
because I wasn’t positive of the results (does KU even compete in equestrian? I don’t think they do.)
And I wasn’t certain what all was included in the 13-1 last season. I know football, men’s basketball (2), women’s basketball (2), volleyball (2), baseball (3?), and I guess men’s and women’s crew (2)…so, what’s the one I’m missing?
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
Tennis, maybe?
I’m not sure how the tennis competitions work anyway. Do we play schools, or tournaments with multiple schools? Same with Track and Field. I’m not sure how that works.
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
Sometimes there is dual competitions I think
And I think in the past K-State, KU, and Mizzou have done dual track meets where their the only ones in it. But I’m not sure.
Bobby Hill: What's a meat examination team?
Hank Hill: It's like a debate team, only instead of doing something useless you get to grade the cut and quality of meat!
Don't forget Baseball
We’re essentially a lock for the NCAA regionals these days.
Bobby Hill: What's a meat examination team?
Hank Hill: It's like a debate team, only instead of doing something useless you get to grade the cut and quality of meat!
Yes I know...
but since the baseball season hasn’t even started, I didn’t want to get too boastful.
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
When you have a coaching talent like Brad Hill
You can afford a tidbit of boasting…
Bobby Hill: What's a meat examination team?
Hank Hill: It's like a debate team, only instead of doing something useless you get to grade the cut and quality of meat!
fair enough
The Sunflower Domination is on!
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by Jeremy Sharp on Dec 5, 2011 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
Big picture, what I liked about this game ...
was that KSU went on the road to what has been a pretty tough place to get wins the last 6 or 8 years and ground out a solid win without having shot the lights out. This was a physical domination, Doberman-style. Protect the rim and dominate the boards on defense … attack the rim and get second-chance points on offense.
The ceiling might not be really high, but you can win a lot of games with a team that’s as physical and athletic as this team is when the effort is there. And this team isn’t lacking effort.
by Itchy n Scratchy on Dec 5, 2011 12:06 PM CST reply actions
"This team isn't lacking effort in second halves."
That’s better.
"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain
BOYCOTT ESPN!
He's not nearly as good a scorer.
Southwell is a good player on his way to being extremely good. He’s a good defender, will get some rebounds, and has great vision (despite occasional lapses in judgment). His offense is noticeably improved thus far this year. If he can continue to shoot better he’s going to be scary. Hubert Davis said yesterday if Shane can hit jumpers with any consistency he’ll be one of the best players in the Big 12.
I'm glad others are noticing the trends, too.
I’ll be quick – typing on the iPhone right now…
This team – the way it’s playing – is very parallel to the football team. Gritty, gutsy wins; we have no idea just how good they are, all we know is they’re good enough to be up on the scoreboard at the end of the game. It’s not a matter of how, it’s just a matter of if.
And I am also disappointed in my lack of mention in the write up of Sprads awesome play. I’ll see if I can’t find a clip of it somewhere.
On a side note, I want to try. And find some footage of the offense that I can break down…to help explain what it is exactly we are trying to do on offense.
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
by TheBigE on Dec 5, 2011 12:58 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
We really only have one set play, from what I can tell.
But there are variations of it. The “Pinch-post” that we run is actually a variation of the Triangle, with a single high post and a lot of backside cuts and ball reversal.
I personally don’t think we run it fluidly enough – it looks too mechanical at times.
Also, the one gripe I have is that it appears that there’s really only three people involved in the play at any given time – duh, TRIANGLE – but the other two are just flat out standing there. Which (hello!) gives a 5-on-3 advantage to the defense if you don’t execute the attack quickly.
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
Who did the video breakdowns of the football games?
Was that TB? Maybe he could help get the footage, or screenshots.
This would be extremely helpful, as I don’t really know what I am looking at when I watch basketball other than a jump shot, layup, dunk, and screen.
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I can grab some ... depends on the game and such
HD screen shots work best … SD resolution from the computer don’t have enough detail to see things.
The time for calm and rational discourse is past, now is the time for senseless bickering -Anonymous the Younger
BOTC - Read the Adventures of the BigXII if you doubt our serious attitude towards sports.
by Anon_the_younger on Dec 5, 2011 7:21 PM CST up reply actions
record on PC through TV tuner
Cable is SD
Antenna is HD or SD
If I had a DVR I could input through the TV tuner to the computer.
The time for calm and rational discourse is past, now is the time for senseless bickering -Anonymous the Younger
BOTC - Read the Adventures of the BigXII if you doubt our serious attitude towards sports.
by Anon_the_younger on Dec 5, 2011 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
Do you have any of the games this year recorded?
Can you mpeg and Dropbox them or something? I’ll try to capture the WVU game directly from my DVR…it’s in HD, so hopefully…
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
None recorded at this point
The time for calm and rational discourse is past, now is the time for senseless bickering -Anonymous the Younger
BOTC - Read the Adventures of the BigXII if you doubt our serious attitude towards sports.
by Anon_the_younger on Dec 7, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions
I have some of them recorded.
Want me to mail you my Directv box so you can do what you need to with them?
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I almost said "Yeah, if you don't mind..."
then I realized you mean mailing me your actual DVR.
That’s probably a little excessive. I’ll get the WVU game tomorrow night.
Oh, come on now. That's just stupid.
Twitter - @BigE_29er
Yeah. Wondered if you would catch that.
I’ll be at the game tomorrow. Hopefully you have plenty of good things to break down, and not so many things we need to improve on.
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