ISU MBB 1-0 (Idaho State Post Game)

[isucyfan]

Is having too much depth going to hurt us at times? Its going to be very tough to choose who to play some nights and I know we'll have to leave some guys on the bench who could maybe be helping us. Probably thinking about this too much, too early but there is a reason coaches generally rely on only 7 to 9 players to cover most of the minutes in each game.

I think that will be one of Mac's biggest challenges, and the players' biggest one, too. Some nights they won't get the minutes they want, but they have to be ready to come in and perform when called upon. If everyone buys into their role, we'll be very good.

I love to see 4 guys in double figures and during the game, not really knowing who the leading scorer is until they announce it. Total team effort. I bet Brackins won't mind a bit if he doesn't put 42 on KU and we win because we're balanced!

 

[CycloneErik]

I disagree. Lucca stretches out the defense. If you put Brackins on the same side of the floor as Lucca, you either give Lucca a free look trying to double team Craig, or you give Craig 1 on 1 and an easy pass on a cut if the double team comes. DG can drive at will, someone needs to stretch it out so teams can't pack in a 2-3 zone and force us to shoot outside all day because of doubles on the inside.

I didn't even mention that Lucca was one of the best passers last season and doesn't look like he's any worse this season. I honestly think him and Craig on the same side of the floor is a beautiful thing for us. He can drive just enough that you have to respect it, But he can hit from 24' so you have to respect that.

What you said. Lucca just looks like a player this season.

What revkah and I were talking about was the defensive game planning that our opponents have to do this year. If you want to shut down Brackins (somehow), you've got a lot of problems. If you don't go to shut down Brackins, you've got a lot of problems.

 

[Clone5]

I think that will be one of Mac's biggest challenges, and the players' biggest one, too. Some nights they won't get the minutes they want, but they have to be ready to come in and perform when called upon. If everyone buys into their role, we'll be very good.

I love to see 4 guys in double figures and during the game, not really knowing who the leading scorer is until they announce it. Total team effort. I bet Brackins won't mind a bit if he doesn't put 42 on KU and we win because we're balanced!

Carving out roles and getting used to pushing the ball will be the two most important areas of these first few non-conference games. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this team comes together!

 

[CYEATHAWK]

From where I sit.....this Idaho State team would have beat last year's ISU offering. I think we were at 70 points with 10 minutes left. Last years group could hardly get 70 against air. I know it is easy to get all pumped, but this group scores so easily. It kind of reminds me of the 87-88 team.....but with more depth. A top tier finish in conference and bid to the dance is no longer just a dream. As one of the biggest critics of Mac the last three years.....I am officially retiring. Good job out of you coach!

 

[Clone5]

What you said. Lucca just looks like a player this season.

What revkah and I were talking about was the defensive game planning that our opponents have to do this year. If you want to shut down Brackins (somehow), you've got a lot of problems. If you don't go to shut down Brackins, you've got a lot of problems.

Basically if you want to shut down Brackins you need to run a zone. In the past when teams have done this we haven't been very good because we've solely relied on making 3's against the zone. This year, we are able to push the tempo and get easy baskets in transition AND hit 3's against the zone. It's nice having options.

 

[isucyfan]

Basically if you want to shut down Brackins you need to run a zone. In the past when teams have done this we haven't been very good because we've solely relied on making 3's against the zone. This year, we are able to push the tempo and get easy baskets in transition AND hit 3's against the zone. It's nice having options.

This is exactly right, and now we can throw Christopherson and Lucca out there to bomb away. Anyone want to bet they are both off on the same night? And, JVB can fill that same role, and he's not even in the picture yet.

Pick your poison.

 

[Bobber]

Is having too much depth going to hurt us at times? Its going to be very tough to choose who to play some nights and I know we'll have to leave some guys on the bench who could maybe be helping us. Probably thinking about this too much, too early but there is a reason coaches generally rely on only 7 to 9 players to cover most of the minutes in each game.

It didn't in 2000....

 

[cyclone1975]

I agree with pretty much all that was said above. I am so excited about this team!!!

 

[isucyfan]

Another thing I would like to see down the road, due to our depth and increased quickness, is us slapping on a full-court press every once in a while to catch teams off-guard. I think it would be highly effective, and I bet we'll see it one of these games.

 

[The_Architect]

I wouldn't say he's ready to be our defensive stopper and we were playing a Big Sky Team but he really was doing a nice job. Usually he stumbles around out there on D but tonight he was really getting after it. Maybe the threat of Christopherson taking some of his minutes got him going or maybe hes just healthier.

Agreed, I was mostly impressed with his defensive improvement from where he was at a year ago.

 

[The_Architect]

As long as we beat Drake on Tuesday.

 

[helechopper]

And the best part is we get to do it all again this Sunday night :smile:

 

[Clone5]

As long as we beat Drake on Tuesday.

We're going to run them out of the Knapp Center.

 

[isucyfan]

Didn't see if it was mentioned elsewhere, but the unsung hero of tonight for me was Diante Garrett. He's seemed to embrace the floor leader role. He hasn't taken a bad shot all year so far, and you know he can drive to the basket at will, but he's running the show and getting people involved instead.

It's hard to take a backseat sometimes, but he's doing it, and doing it well.

 

[IcSyU]

I think DG understands his role. I think Craig understands his role. Gilstrap is figuring his out, Lucca knows what's expected, as do other players who have been around. That's not something we've had in the past. We can break Colvin in instead of throwing him in the fire like DG got. This is going to be a fun year.

 

[CYEATHAWK]

Is it me.......or has this issue with Mr. Barnes today actually accomplished for ISU fans in respect to mens basketball what nothing else has since the LE debacle in the summer of 03'.....and that is....bring Cyclone Nation back together? Group hug!!!!!!

 

[CloneIce]

With Christopherson and Colvin's performance tonight, anyone think that they'll be taking Lucca's spot soon. I just think that with DG at the point, we need someone at the 2 that can drive.

They looked good, Lucca looked pretty good too. Good shooting and he is one of our better passers.

When we get to Big 12 play, Lucca will be our big shooting guard and SC our quick one. SC will have trouble with some of the bigger guards but his quickness is impressive. Lucca will have a good year too.

 

[CycloneErik]

I am so proud to be able to watch and cheer for this team!!!!

Now, if they could avoid putting IcSyU on the video screen, that would be a nice improvement.

And if they could get the Cyclone Alley kids to do one pickle at a time. Cheating in Build-A-Burger destroys the integrity of this incredible game!

 

[Bobber]

Didn't see if it was mentioned elsewhere, but the unsung hero of tonight for me was Diante Garrett. He's seemed to embrace the floor leader role. He hasn't taken a bad shot all year so far, and you know he can drive to the basket at will, but he's running the show and getting people involved instead.

It's hard to take a backseat sometimes, but he's doing it, and doing it well.

That wide open air ball he had right before the end of the half was pretty bad....

 

[usedcarguy]

I was really impressed by Lucca's lateral movement. I thought he was playing great man to man defense.

Two good knees seems to really help.