Jameel McKay: From "miserable" to "happy"

[isutrevman]

I think people need to pump the breaks a bit on Jameel's performance last night, he played with great energy but UT still scored baskets on 3 of the shots he blocked and chasing the ball instead of boxing out gave them a few easy buckets. His energy lead to about 10 points worth of mistakes. We all like to see him flying around but does it really make him a better player? Offensively he played within himself but defensively, I think he was a little too eager to make plays last night and gambled, when you look at the actual plays he made vs numbers on paper, a few of those gambles were more like bad plays.

Watching teams get the to rim at will over and over for uncontested lay-ups during the 2 games he was out make me believe his shot blocking helps A LOT. Other players need to help rebound when he goes for the block though because we have been horrible at that all year.

 

[jbhtexas]

I think people need to pump the breaks a bit on Jameel's performance last night, he played with great energy but UT still scored baskets on 3 of the shots he blocked and chasing the ball instead of boxing out gave them a few easy buckets. His energy lead to about 10 points worth of mistakes. We all like to see him flying around but does it really make him a better player? Offensively he played within himself but defensively, I think he was a little too eager to make plays last night and gambled, when you look at the actual plays he made vs numbers on paper, a few of those gambles were more like bad plays.

I agree with alot of this. There are different ways to block shots. One way is for the blocker to hold his defensive position for the most part; of course, the shooting opponent has to be within appropriate proximity of the blocker for a block to occur. Another way is for the blocker to totally give up his defensive position and go for the block.

Whenever McKay does the latter, and doesn't get the block (which is most of the time), it's pretty much an automatic offensive rebound and easy putback for the opponent. ISU just doesn't rotate well enough to make that work. This happened twice last night towards the end of the game. For the night, UT ended up with 15 offensive rebounds and 20 second chance points.

McKay needs more discipline as a shot blocker. Some of that just comes from playing experience, but some also needs to come from coaching. Or, if the plan is to turn McKay loose for shot blocking, ISU needs to work alot harder on rotating into McKay's vacated spot. I hope ISU can shore this up a little bit, but at this stage of the season, it probably is what it is.

 

[CyFamilyMom]

Before last night, his threat as a shot blocker had decreased. It was better last night. When shooters have to adjust their shots to avoid him, we will know he is back!

 

[Doc]

I agree with alot of this. There are different ways to block shots. One way is for the blocker to hold his defensive position for the most part; of course, the shooting opponent has to be within appropriate proximity of the blocker for a block to occur. Another way is for the blocker to totally give up his defensive position and go for the block.

Whenever McKay does the latter, and doesn't get the block (which is most of the time), it's pretty much an automatic offensive rebound and easy putback for the opponent. ISU just doesn't rotate well enough to make that work. This happened twice last night towards the end of the game. For the night, UT ended up with 15 offensive rebounds and 20 second chance points.

McKay needs more discipline as a shot blocker. Some of that just comes from playing experience, but some also needs to come from coaching. Or, if the plan is to turn McKay loose for shot blocking, ISU needs to work alot harder on rotating into McKay's vacated spot. I hope ISU can shore this up a little bit, but at this stage of the season, it probably is what it is.

Regarding your last paragraph, I think McKay has been coached hard on his discipline as a shot blocker, and that is why people have been ******** about why he doesn't block more shots. He's been trying to avoid the easy dump off dunk rather than move over and block the penetrating guard's shot.

 

[Clone_12]

Watching teams get the to rim at will over and over for uncontested lay-ups during the 2 games he was out make me believe his shot blocking helps A LOT. Other players need to help rebound when he goes for the block though because we have been horrible at that all year.

Obviously in the long run, we're a better defensive team with Jameel, but Okie State and Texas Tech didn't even come close to 'getting to the rim at will over and over for uncontested layups'...our defense was better in both of those games than it was last night.

I'm assuming you didn't watch those games from your comment.

 

[CycloneBBFan]

I'll tell you if he is "happy" after four more games. Wait and see first......but do think he had a serious "wake up" call.