U of Minnesota Game Thread

[Jacks#1Fan]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

Since I was at the game, I'm always late on game thread posts...but a couple of thoughts (some echoing earlier posts but with exclamation points of my own):

1) I believe the referees were fine down to crunch time. But I was sitting 30 feet away (and the entire student section, which is very active was at the same end) when Callahan was called for the charge. It was the most bulls&&t call I saw all night...and it broke our backs. The team had worked very, very hard to get back into the game after a tight, terrible start. From the first media timeout (just under 4 minutes into the game), we had outscored the Gophers 48-42 over the next 29 minutes of play to get back into it. On the next trip down the floor, Kai was PUSHED out of bounds (right in front of me) on the end line, and no foul was called and Minnesota got the ball. I'm "calling out" the Big 10 refs who changed the game completely at that point.

2) Minor points: Casey was a walk on...I agree with other comments that he gives it everything he has...which may not be good enough in playing the likes of the Gophers. Engen did fine...remember we recruited him when we were trying to make the transition...we didn't get a lot of choices in recruiting big men at that time. Mark made a great block on Sampson and recovered the ball at the same time, which added to the four points and three rebounds he had in limited time.

3) Finally, I agree with the poster that said he thought the Gophers got "almost every" rebound...but it was basically they got a LOT of offensive rebounds. On at least five or more occasions, we had players blocked out, but the rebunds were tipped back (some awfully close to over the back) to the outside players and the Gophers got another shot attempt. Overall, we outrebound them through tough, aggressive play under the basket.

Moral victory...no...but did our team lay it all out on the line...absolutely! I know that if we had gotten a better start...it would have been a heck of a game (and for what it is worth, the Gophers started out 14-1 on NDSU at The Barn).

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I was wondering what we'd get out of him this year. Nagy said he would have won us 4 more games last year. He's only had 3 turnovers three times this year and 2 once so he's been protecting the ball well. His assists have been 4(2), 3(2), 2(4), 1(1) and 0(1).
The main drawback on him I see is his shooting. He was 5-5 against Oral Roberts, 1-1 against Upper Iowa and 2-2 against Centenary but other than those 3 games, he's struggled. He's shot 0-4, 0-1, 3-12, 1-3, 1-5, 3-9 and 1-8. Those aren't good numbers. 0-1 and 1-3 are fine but the others aren't. He's a average player and he does cut back on our TO's which is important.
I just wish Dale, Michael and he could hit the outside jumper consistently.

Was reading through the posts and was about to post something similar. Well said.

I think we could all go a little easier on the guys, especially when sitting at home watching the games on the radio. I was at the game, and other than starting out in an 11 point hole and giving up too many offensive rebounds thought we played pretty well.

Mark is averaging over 2 points and 2 rebounds per game in just over 7 minutes of action. Those are fairly productive numbers, especially when considering the fact that he is playing as a reserve. That is his role, and some of our 15 scholarships every year will go to role players like Mark (just like they did when we were Division II) or practice players (Lord No!). His toughness has been much better this year, but I fear he is not built for Summit League play with quicker, smaller big men than we faced against Minnesota.

Mac's biggest job is to manage the game. He has been doing that fairly well so far keeping us in most games. He isn't going to win us many games, but that's not his role--its the role of Clint, Garrett, and Kai. He isn't athletic enough to either create his own shot or get himself into position to make passes that turn into assists against bigger more athletic guards. He will do just fine in league play as a game manager, and he is the best one we have. He is extremely tough and only had 3 turnovers against some very athletic guards for Minn.

Kai needs to play better, and I'm pretty confident that he will, he is just too good not to. He seems like the kind of player who needs to let the game come to him (and there is nothing wrong with that) and the more he thinks about things and force the issue, the more he is going to struggle. He got some good looks (16 shots) and made some pretty nice plays last night, the shots just weren't falling.

I think if we can get 3 guys scoring more than 15 ppg on a consistent basis we will be a pretty good team this year. We've seen glimpses of really good games from 4-5 guys, so we know they can do it, they just need to do it on the same night. Last night we had 2 guys do that and still competed pretty well. If Kai goes 6 of 16 instead of making just 2 shots, we may have even won the game. His shots will start falling soon enough, and if Clint and Garrett keep playing well I think we will finish in the top half of the league. The guys defend fairly well and rebound amazing considering their size disadvantages.

Also people who think we are going to get recruits like Colton Iverson are a little bit delusional, IMO. Even Gonzaga has a hard time recruiting a solid big man, and we are quite a bit off from being a Gonzaga. We might get a Colton Iverson 1 out of 50 times, so we should still go after them, but expecting to compete with BCS schools for the cream of the recruiting crop year in and year out is fairly unrealistic.

With all that being said, I hope the players keep their heads up, keep playing tough, and start believing in themselves more. If they do, they'll earn themselves a spot at the Summit Tourney and we'll all get to see some pretty entertaining basketball.

[bballfan54]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I enjoyed watching the game on TV first time I have seen the Jacks play a game which was televised.

I agree with the above post about the two fouls on Garrett and Kai, what I noticed more than anything was the body language, by the players and the coach on time out's, as they say the camera does not lie...

I am trying to remain positive but it is hard, When I see not only my son but other players get down about their performances on the court.

I did not think the Gophers played that well either, when the score was within 5 I thought we had a chance but it was not to be.

[rabidrabbit]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I enjoyed watching the game on TV first time I have seen the Jacks play a game which was televised.

I agree with the above post about the two fouls on Garrett and Kai, what I noticed more than anything was the body language, by the players and the coach on time out's, as they say the camera does not lie...

I am trying to remain positive but it is hard, When I see not only my son but other players get down about their performances on the court.

I did not think the Gophers played that well either, when the score was within 5 I thought we had a chance but it was not to be.

Those two "poor calls" really took the momentum away from the Jacks. Overall, a fair performance, and I look forward to fewer moral victories and more actual wins this year.

[JimmyJack]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I enjoyed watching the game on TV first time I have seen the Jacks play a game which was televised.

I agree with the above post about the two fouls on Garrett and Kai, what I noticed more than anything was the body language, by the players and the coach on time out's, as they say the camera does not lie...

I am trying to remain positive but it is hard, When I see not only my son but other players get down about their performances on the court.

I did not think the Gophers played that well either, when the score was within 5 I thought we had a chance but it was not to be.

I hope the guys understand that there are a lot of fans out here who appreciate the effort we've seen from them this year and feel like things are definitely getting better. It can't be fun to lose, but I think they're going to win quite a few Summit League games this year and they have the tourney to play for.

[filbert]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I enjoyed watching the game on TV first time I have seen the Jacks play a game which was televised.

I agree with the above post about the two fouls on Garrett and Kai, what I noticed more than anything was the body language, by the players and the coach on time out's, as they say the camera does not lie...

I am trying to remain positive but it is hard, When I see not only my son but other players get down about their performances on the court.

I did not think the Gophers played that well either, when the score was within 5 I thought we had a chance but it was not to be.

I suspect it's a bit past time for the players and the coaches, and all of the rest of us who care deeply about our men's basketball program to lighten up a bit and try to have some fun with this. It ain't brain surgery, after all.

Hey, we're South Dakota's only championship-qualified D-I school, we're in a league with an automatic bid, and we've got a team that can be competitive in that league. What's not to like?

I'm sure all of us reading this board spend time most every day wondering what we could have done differently, what we could have done better. That's a big part of what makes a good person a good person. And there are an awful lot of good people in the Jackrabbit Nation--starting with our players and our coaches.

So, let's all encourage the coaches, players, and ourselves to lighten up and have some fun with where we are, and where we're going, while continuing to encourage the team to leave their absolute best efforts out there on the court.

It's a game, after all. Just a game.

Go Rabbits! Beat Denver!

[JimmyJack]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I suspect it's a bit past time for the players and the coaches, and all of the rest of us who care deeply about our men's basketball program to lighten up a bit and try to have some fun with this. It ain't brain surgery, after all.

Hey, we're South Dakota's only championship-qualified D-I school, we're in a league with an automatic bid, and we've got a team that can be competitive in that league. What's not to like?

I'm sure all of us reading this board spend time most every day wondering what we could have done differently, what we could have done better. That's a big part of what makes a good person a good person. And there are an awful lot of good people in the Jackrabbit Nation--starting with our players and our coaches.

So, let's all encourage the coaches, players, and ourselves to lighten up and have some fun with where we are, and where we're going, while continuing to encourage the team to leave their absolute best efforts out there on the court.

It's a game, after all. Just a game.

Go Rabbits! Beat Denver!

That post is just rep-tastic.

[Flatland Stater]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

Sorry for the late post, but I too was at the game. It was exciting to get within 5 in the second half - not like last year within 5 with 2 min to go.

A couple of thoughts:
Iverson had a fantastic game (20pts) vs. E. Washington 2 weeks ago when I was there. I was expecting another blowout like that since they were a similar team skill & size wise. I thought he'd want to showup his Dakota breathern. He was really a non-factor.

Hoffarber's absence was missed for the Gophers. It could have been ugly with him out there.

Sargent's 3-pointers kept us in emotionally. It was nice to see cheers throughout Williams Arena. I talked to at least 10 former Jackrabbits who were wearing maroon & gold (as I was wearing Jackrabbit blue) who spent the last 20+ years in the cities. We have support (in theory) up there.

The view from the Club Room over to the Gophers football stadium was fantastic. I can't wait for the drive back to Mpls for that game this fall! Their season tickets are already sold old for next year. Hmmm.

[astat32]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

The negative one has returned to offer my thoughts on the squad thusfar into the season.

I am very encouraged with the intensity the guys put forth every game. I am confident that the Jacks will never, ever get blown out of a game due the tremendous Defense that is played every game. With that said it also brings me to my greatest worry about this team.

It just seems that there aren't enough "scorers" on the squad to put us over the humph in any of the battles with teams slightly better then us. It is like in many games we battle equally with squads for about 35 of the 40 minutes, but it is the other 5 mintues were teams go on little runs that put us in 10-15 points holes that end up just being to big to overcome.

I feel it is a little discouraging to be a D1 Summit League team and really only have 2 (maybe 3 with Kai) guys that can consistently put the ball in the basket. The aforementioned Engen, Casey, Moss, Palarca and basically everyone else on the squad are only role players. They play great D but can not score consistantly for the life of them. Then you look at almost all the other schools we play and it is I would say all but maybe 2 guys that see the court can consistantly score if need be.

Maybe Nagy focuses a little too much on defense when recruiting? I mean I don't think it would hurt to go grab a guy who may be a little lackluster on Defense but has an offensive mindset. It just seems like something this team needs .

All in all this isn't a negitive message, but a positive one, for the Jacks have battled thusfar and have Griffen's return looming, which means an offensive threat the Jacks most definately need. I feel when he comes into the mix the Jacks will immenslely improve and most definately will battle for a conference tourny bid

[Jacks#1Fan]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I think you are being a little narrow on your take on our scorers astat32. I think we have several people you didn't mention who aren't or won't be scorers. First, let me say, that we have three go-to people, although I know Kai has been struggling. But I don't think anybody would write him off as a non-scorer. Even with some problems this year, he scored 20 (Central Ark), 16 (Central Florida), 13 (San Jose) and 13 (Drake).

In addition to our go-to players,Garrett, Clint and Kai, I think we have some other emerging possibilities. Remember that Josh Cassaday hasn't had a lot of playing time due to injuries, but he is really coming on and had 14 points against Oral Roberts, and I think will only get better. In addition, Anthony Cordova is improving rapidly and had 13 against San Jose, and 8 points and 5 rebounds against Central Florida. With Griffan Callahan joining us soon, I think we will have another shooter as he gets into the flow.

And I know Mackenzie takes some knocks, but in addition to his low turnovers, he did score 12 points against Oral Roberts. Add in "role" players, who will get a few points and I think we're not in bad shape. Not many teams have more than three "prolific" scorers, and I think for the others, additional playing time is/will result in others chipping in.

[goon]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I think you are being a little narrow on your take on our scorers astat32. I think we have several people you didn't mention who aren't or won't be scorers. First, let me say, that we have three go-to people, although I know Kai has been struggling. But I don't think anybody would write him off as a non-scorer. Even with some problems this year, he scored 20 (Central Ark), 16 (Central Florida), 13 (San Jose) and 13 (Drake).

In addition to our go-to players,Garrett, Clint and Kai, I think we have some other emerging possibilities. Remember that Josh Cassaday hasn't had a lot of playing time due to injuries, but he is really coming on and had 14 points against Oral Roberts, and I think will only get better. In addition, Anthony Cordova is improving rapidly and had 13 against San Jose, and 8 points and 5 rebounds against Central Florida. With Griffan Callahan joining us soon, I think we will have another shooter as he gets into the flow.

And I know Mackenzie takes some knocks, but in addition to his low turnovers, he did score 12 points against Oral Roberts. Add in "role" players, who will get a few points and I think we're not in bad shape. Not many teams have more than three "prolific" scorers, and I think for the others, additional playing time is/will result in others chipping in.

I agree. It seems we are just a few pieces short. We have 3 players on any given night could be the leading scorer and all getting 15 or more a game. No I don't expect one of them to constantly put up 25 plus point outings but atleast 3 players on this team should be able to do so. The role players are still factors. just getting into a flow with everyone and role players knowing what shots to take and how to score will only help. This team has had no where to go but up for the last several years and I feel that they have less depth this year and experience but yet i think they are a better team. Not writing off this year yet but next year with the additions we are getting compared to what we are losing is only going to make even better strides. We are getting more athletic and skilled players along with Davis hopefully, and a full year of experince and confidence for the returning players. I think the team next year will surely make a name for themselves in confrence and even OOC play, That is if they don't start making that progress this year which i think is totally possible.

[RabbitinTea]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

Some may disagree, but I was pleased to see Kai get some more shots up last night. Sometimes it seems like he could be a little more aggressive and he showed he could be aggressive last night. In the past, my philosophy was that a "bad" shot by Kai was better than a "good" shot by almost everyone else...save a couple. So, I was always frustrated that he didn't shoot more and last night he forced the issue a bit more. I thought it was very encouraging because we all know he's going to have more shots start falling sooner or later. I believe Kai needs to keep his shot volume up and we will start to see more falling...then, look out 'cuz he's going to start putting up some numbers. It's nice to see us compete with ORU and Minnesota with Kai having an off game. It gives me some confidence that the team has made some strides in the last couple of years.

[RowdyRabbit]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

Some may disagree, but I was pleased to see Kai get some more shots up last night. Sometimes it seems like he could be a little more aggressive and he showed he could be aggressive last night. In the past, my philosophy was that a "bad" shot by Kai was better than a "good" shot by almost everyone else...save a couple. So, I was always frustrated that he didn't shoot more and last night he forced the issue a bit more. I thought it was very encouraging because we all know he's going to have more shots start falling sooner or later. I believe Kai needs to keep his shot volume up and we will start to see more falling...then, look out 'cuz he's going to start putting up some numbers. It's nice to see us compete with ORU and Minnesota with Kai having an off game. It gives me some confidence that the team has made some strides in the last couple of years.

I agree. It was great to see Kai shoot the ball 16 times, even if only 2 went in. As stated, they will start to go in more and more. I remember one play as well where Kai drove the lane behind the UM defense (can't remember if it was a give and go or not) but the pass to Kai was to far ahead of him and went out of bounds. That would have been a huge dunk.

[Nidaros]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

I am convinced that I have nothing to say on this topic that has not been said more than once. Still early in the season, and if Coach Nagy can get his guys to believe in themselves, the whole program will improve.

[bballfan54]

Re: U of Minnesota Game Thread

So the team are on their way to Denver for the game after having a few hours of relaxation and shopping for Christmas Presents at the "mall of america" they get to go to a NBA game too, later in the evening on Saturday so hoping they come back relaxed and ready to have a great game at Frost next week.