[skip75]

I agree with most, if not all of the post-mortem comments above.  Facing their toughest opposition in a weak pre-season schedule, Stanford came up short in a competitive & winnable game.  Disappointing that only 3 players seemed to be "ready for prime time".

Gealer has disappeared in the last 2 games after feasting on the first 5 cupcake opponents.  He needs to step up to the level of bigger, quicker, more athletic opposition. Agarwal has impressed me this year with his improved defense & rebounding, but it seems to have come at the expense of his 3-pt shooting.  As a freshman he led the Pac-12 in 3-pt pct. (47.5%) for players with at least 15 3s.  I don't have much problem with his shot selection, but we desperately need him to get back to being the sharpshooter he is supposed to be.  Cammann is young and will experience growing pains, like his foul problems yesterday which limited his effectiveness.  But I am optimistic that he will evolve into a reliable force at both ends of the court.  Not sure what to make of Okpara at this point - need to see much more consistency from him.

Beyond that, Coach Smith needs to develop some depth from among Batson, Saran, Toure, & Thompson and figure out how to mix any of them in when guys beyond the "Big 3" are struggling.

Finally, big thanks to martyup and SkiBum80 for acknowledging the pre-game notes from VB Card and me.  Hopefully the team will continue to improve & be competitive and I'll continue to be inspired to try to stir up some interest.

https://tenor.com/view/elvis-presley-kin...7343986845

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

[skip75]

I agree with most, if not all of the post-mortem comments above.  Facing their toughest opposition in a weak pre-season schedule, Stanford came up short in a competitive & winnable game.  Disappointing that only 3 players seemed to be "ready for prime time".

Gealer has disappeared in the last 2 games after feasting on the first 5 cupcake opponents.  He needs to step up to the level of bigger, quicker, more athletic opposition. Agarwal has impressed me this year with his improved defense & rebounding, but it seems to have come at the expense of his 3-pt shooting.  As a freshman he led the Pac-12 in 3-pt pct. (47.5%) for players with at least 15 3s.  I don't have much problem with his shot selection, but we desperately need him to get back to being the sharpshooter he is supposed to be.  Cammann is young and will experience growing pains, like his foul problems yesterday which limited his effectiveness.  But I am optimistic that he will evolve into a reliable force at both ends of the court.  Not sure what to make of Okpara at this point - need to see much more consistency from him.

Beyond that, Coach Smith needs to develop some depth from among Batson, Saran, Toure, & Thompson and figure out how to mix any of them in when guys beyond the "Big 3" are struggling.

Finally, big thanks to martyup and SkiBum80 for acknowledging the pre-game notes from VB Card and me.  Hopefully the team will continue to improve & be competitive and I'll continue to be inspired to try to stir up some interest.

https://tenor.com/view/elvis-presley-kin...7343986845

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

[SkiBum80]

Yes, thanks VBCard & Skip for the detailed previews and analyses.
Yes, I'm enthused to follow this team.
Yes, I think Coach Smith moving them in right direction.
But some disclaimers:
Gealer and Agarwal started season hot but have cooled off precipitously of late.
Not just in their shooting % but in quality of shots taken, turnovers, etc.
Okpara remains an enigma and a bit disappointing compared to the high expectations I had.
He often seems confused and out of touch with the game plan of rest of team, committing too many fouls and too many turnovers.
He is a big strong talent though, so hope it comes together better.
Sellers and Blakes remain as best guys for quick moves and for driving inside.
This is valuable in breaking down the defense, and even if only draws a foul, as can get other team in foul trouble.
But is frustrating like last night in so many drives not resulting in a basket, and if got free throws, not making em (or only making one).
Thompson might be able to step into this role too though haven't seen too much of him yet.
Cammann doing passably well for a young big.  But like many young big's, he tends to foul too much.
Needs get smarter with that quickly, to play tough defense yet not foul as much.
Raynaud is thriving under Coach's team direction.
Has stepped up to best all around play of his career.
I think there is a lot of upside potential for this team.
Significantly more than last year's.
But when have a game like last night where shooting 4-22 on threes, and when turnovers outnumber assists, that's a big gap in our game, and very hard to overcome for a win.

[SkiBum80]

Yes, thanks VBCard & Skip for the detailed previews and analyses.
Yes, I'm enthused to follow this team.
Yes, I think Coach Smith moving them in right direction.
But some disclaimers:
Gealer and Agarwal started season hot but have cooled off precipitously of late.
Not just in their shooting % but in quality of shots taken, turnovers, etc.
Okpara remains an enigma and a bit disappointing compared to the high expectations I had.
He often seems confused and out of touch with the game plan of rest of team, committing too many fouls and too many turnovers.
He is a big strong talent though, so hope it comes together better.
Sellers and Blakes remain as best guys for quick moves and for driving inside.
This is valuable in breaking down the defense, and even if only draws a foul, as can get other team in foul trouble.
But is frustrating like last night in so many drives not resulting in a basket, and if got free throws, not making em (or only making one).
Thompson might be able to step into this role too though haven't seen too much of him yet.
Cammann doing passably well for a young big.  But like many young big's, he tends to foul too much.
Needs get smarter with that quickly, to play tough defense yet not foul as much.
Raynaud is thriving under Coach's team direction.
Has stepped up to best all around play of his career.
I think there is a lot of upside potential for this team.
Significantly more than last year's.
But when have a game like last night where shooting 4-22 on threes, and when turnovers outnumber assists, that's a big gap in our game, and very hard to overcome for a win.

[martyup]

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

[martyup]

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

[skip75]

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

Thanks for the assist!

[skip75]

(Maybe someday I'll be smart enough to insert a GIF rather than just a link)

Thanks for the assist!