Thomas and Nader

storycy

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Nov 4, 2014
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These two have been tremendous this year. We had heard rave reviews out of practice about Nader, but Thomas has been a great asset. For all the negative things that have been posted about him here in the past, I am so happy to see him succeeding. He is averaging 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover and 40% three point shooting so far not to mention a couple great blocked shots. Improved play like his is what we need to be a truly elite team this year. We know our 4 returning starters are special, but Nader, Thomas, Cooke and Burton will be the X factors to overachieving.
 

CysRage

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Oct 18, 2009
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2 most improved players and it isn't even close. Matt Thomas has been playing excellent defense. Nader is a freight train if he gets a lane to the hoop.
 

CloneinWDSM

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Aug 9, 2013
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Two most improved players in my eyes. Nader on the offensive end and Matt on the defense.
 

AMarner32

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Jul 11, 2013
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Pants off for me on this thread. Love me some Matt Thomas.

10 points, 3 boards, 3 steals against Illinois. BEST SHOOTER THIS SIDE OF THE MISSISSIPPI (@MattyIceFanClub on twitter)
 

acgclone

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Feb 21, 2007
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Matt has really come into his own. He is making an impact and influencing intensity on the glass and defensive end.

Fans usually appreciate the guys that do the dirty work, and so far that guy seems to be MT
 

BoxsterCy

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Sep 14, 2009
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These two have been tremendous this year. We had heard rave reviews out of practice about Nader, but Thomas has been a great asset. For all the negative things that have been posted about him here in the past, I am so happy to see him succeeding. He is averaging 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover and 40% three point shooting so far not to mention a couple great blocked shots. Improved play like his is what we need to be a truly elite team this year. We know our 4 returning starters are special, but Nader, Thomas, Cooke and Burton will be the X factors to overachieving.

That is mostly a small group of d-canoes here that "wash-rinse-repeat" and cannot let it go. Maybe the same d-canoes who tweeted **** to him last year that got Hoiberg's ire.

He is playing some all around damn solid basketball right now. Me like a lot.
 

jsb

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I honestly thought Matt was really good on defense last year, so that doesn't surprise me in the least.

Nader is really shining so far and it is fun to see.
 

ImJustKCClone

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We've been waiting for people to start realizing Thomas is better than they think...he got a bad rap from the fans who overhyped him, and put a lot of pressure on him as a freshman. Glad to see him becoming the player we thought he would be.

As for Nader, DAYUM! He has come out of nowhere this year and we are loving it! I told PapaLew he looks like a thinner Royce when he freight trains his way to the basket. Looking to see good numbers from him this year. :)
 

Dryburn

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Apr 3, 2006
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I have been impressed with the play of both of these guys, but especially Thomas.He seems to have improved every aspect of his game....at least so far. He is rebounding well for a guard and not afraid to go under the basket with the big guys to get a board, and I think his defense is much improved. His 3 point shooting still leaves a little bit to be desired in terms of consistency, but if he can get a shot off in rhythm, he is as solid as Naz. He seems to miss when he has to take a step back, forward, or off to the side to get the shot off. Those he misses more often than not.

I also have been really impressed with Hallice, especially given the limited minutes he gets. He is a solid shooter, and a extremely good defender who can harass the hell out of opposing guards. I hope his minutes continue to increase each game.

I can't wait to see what Burton adds to this team.
 
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BoxsterCy

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Oh, and Nader? Woot! Woot! Follows up maybe trying to do a little too much (those missed steels) by going totes shutdown D on the Illini dude. Nice.
 

cyclones12321

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Feb 21, 2009
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Nader and thomas are both playing with a ton of confidence and its showing. Think last year nader was playing not to screw up. This year he's got confidence from being a starter and its obvious
 

HFCS

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Aug 13, 2010
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Common element with both is that they have become complete all around players who can dominate their position physically (the 2 and 3). Hopefully Burton is the same when he becomes eligible and we have some serious mismatches on the wings. Naz has been man playing boys at times this year too.

Everyone knows we lack depth up front but if Burton is solid we really will be incredibly deep and talented at 2/3 with Nader/Burton maybe capable of d'ing up some 4s.
 

Lanny

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Apr 10, 2006
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I have been very impressed by Thomas's all around game. He is one of the better defenders on the team and at times has even had to defend post players and has held his own.
 

JustRedman

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Jul 10, 2009
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You could tell Abdel was on the verge of becoming a really good player at times last year. Nader's play doesn't surprise me at all.
Matt has been doing little things in a big way this year...plus he is shooting very well. I am very impressed with him so far! Great to see him contributing off the bench and really making a difference.

Both of them, as well as Cooke and Burton will be relied upon heavily at times. Great to get them confidence early in the year.
 

Sigmapolis

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Matty "Ice" Thomas...

[video=youtube;lGGHpsc7_N0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGGHpsc7_N0[/video]
 

Cyclonesince78

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Mar 8, 2012
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From the perspective of confidence and overall game, I think Thomas had his best game yesterday.
 

State43

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Nov 22, 2010
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That is mostly a small group of d-canoes here that "wash-rinse-repeat" and cannot let it go. Maybe the same d-canoes who tweeted **** to him last year that got Hoiberg's ire.

He is playing some all around damn solid basketball right now. Me like a lot.
If you didn't see the liabilities in years past, then you are the blind fool. I agree with OP however and thing him and Nader look far more improved this season so far.