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Post by ALioninWinter on Jan 6, 2023 17:06:41 GMT -5
This is the least talented BYU team I’ve seen in many years. I don’t want to take anything away from what our guys did last night. They played tough and consistently took it to one of the “big boy” teams. They deserve credit for a good win.
But Coach Price has seemingly not adjusted to the new norms in Div I BB. While it’s been FOREVER since BYU has seen the need for a true, pass first PG; they’ve succeeded because they’ve had a bevy of shooters and slashers. This team doesn’t have much of that. There’s not a shooter on the team that I worry about. George is a good offensive player but there’s not much behind him. Hall plays hard and makes his own plays but doesn’t do much to help the team. Like Leaupepe, Traore is a beast to handle inside but they don’t have a true “5.” They’re a middle-of-the-road WCC team.
Good luck to them next year.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Jan 6, 2023 20:23:28 GMT -5
I agree with Winter that this is the weakest BYU team I've seen since following WCC basketball. Nonetheless, they did bring a notable 7-game win streak and 12-6 record into Gersten so they are not that weak by many standards.
I was pleased to see the Lions show character by not folding at the end game pressure when the Cougars were closing the gap. Yes, poor play from BYU was a factor but the Lions now expect to win close games, which is a big plus for the team.
BYU's coach is the latest to note the Lions' physical play. We play tough and, significantly, without fouling for the most part. This is a plus in today's game.
Issanza's defensive play is now a notable contribution to team wins, especially his play against the Cougars. Without the big man's presence on defense, I don't think we would have won the BYU game. Kudos to him and the coaching staff for positive development during the season. And I like his competitive nature as demonstrated when he rallied the fans after a late game block!
Also I have to give a big shout out to the development and improved play of Alex Merkviladze who has won a starting roll. A few games back, one announcer who follows Big West games said he saw Alex play while with Northridge and "he wasn't that strong, but now he is a man." That's a nice compliment to Coach Johnson's physical fitness training in the weight room. Even the players are proud of their development as you can see when they are flexing their biceps in the Lions' promotional videos. In short, Alex has become a key contributor to the team's success. Way to go Alex and it is noted.
Finally, I am not that fond of Snipers play as a starter. Being a starter perhaps put too much pressure on the young man before he is ready. In the Coach's decision, if it's a combination of Sniper's shooting (which hasn't been too good as a starter) and using Anderson as a "spark" when coming in off the bench, OK. But Anderson is the better player at this point in their careers. Anderson says he is OK as a sub so that's good. And he handles the ball just OK at point while Cam gets a rest. In any case, playing time is important to player development and Sniper will be a major player in the coming years as he matures.
Hopefully, as others noted, USF will have a "let down" after dropping a close game to the Zags when they visit Saturday. A win by the Lions might just get us into the Mid-Major top 25 in next week's poll,
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Post by lmu2008 on Jan 8, 2023 1:10:33 GMT -5
BYU is leaving the conference in all sports starting next year?!
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Post by ALioninWinter on Jan 8, 2023 1:28:44 GMT -5
Yes. Have you been taking an overly long nap? 🙄
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