'Cats Win Versis NAU -- A Few Observations

macormixxx · Post by **macormixxx** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 1:35 pm

Wow. What a GREAT job of preparation those MSU coaches did for the 3-point-gunning NAU boys. MSU's guards and small forwards hugged the permimeter and the big guys held their own 1-on-1 inside. Yeah, we had quite a few fouls, but the Jax didn't hit a ton of free throws and we most importently clamped down on the 3s.

Did you people SEE that pass from Miller to Dissly for the dunk? Miller was coming down the left side of the court towards the Bobcat bench and had just crossed half court. Three NAU players were running down the middle of court and were situatid at the top of the key and below. Dissly was looping in from the right side, almost coming strait in from the corner. Miller, OFF THE DRIBBLE with one hand, makes a BOUNCE pass that threads thru the NAU guys. Dissly picks it up perfectly and dunks from the side. Jeee-sis! (Miller, if you're reading this, don't get too cocky and try to do this all the time. Pick your moments.)

The MSU coaches must really be encouraging ball movement. Of MSU's 35 FGs, 23 were assisted. Roughly 5 more were from one-on-one moves (mostly by Marven Moss) and maybe 3 came from steals converted directly into baskets. These kids are listening to what the coaches are saying.

Those two consecutive trap-defense steals really killed NAU's rally early in the 2nd half. I think we scored either 3 or 4 points off of those.

Excellent role playing last night by Durr, Woodall, Durham & Pratt... and I think Holmes played byond his role. You first four, you don't need to score!! You need to play hard-ass defense, grab every rebound in sight, and use your fouls wisely and librally. We already have 3 or 4 solid scoring options. Don't ANY of you players (Alioune, you too) think you have to get too many points.

Our players were in MUCH better physical condition than NAU's were. Great job to the coaches for getting these guys into condition -- great job to the players for WANTING to be in such excellent condition. Near the end of the game, our guys were simply running up the court right past NAU's players. Miller, dribbling WITH the ball, often passed two or 3 defeners who were running as fast as they could to get back. CONDITIONING, boys. Don't let up.

I don't know if the Cats can win at PSU or EWU -- who do they play 1st?
I foresee a 2 or 3 team 9-and-5 logjam at the top of the league at year end.

MSU88 · Post by **MSU88** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:16 pm

macormixxx wrote:Excellent role playing last night by Durr, Woodall, Durham & Pratt... and I think Holmes played byond his role. You first four, you don't need to score!! You need to play hard-ass defense, grab every rebound in sight, and use your fouls wisely and librally. We already have 3 or 4 solid scoring options. Don't ANY of you players (Alioune, you too) think you have to get too many points.

I don't know if the Cats can win at PSU or EWU -- who do they play 1st?
I foresee a 2 or 3 team 9-and-5 logjam at the top of the league at year end.

Boy, what great role playing last night...especially Durr! 20+ minutes of hard defense and rebounding. He got a chance and made the most of it.

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:43 pm

I drove over from Billings to watch the Cats play NAU - sure am glad I decided to come over! I really had a good time at the game, these Cats are a fun team to watch. I won't get too much into the whole Durham debate, and although I don't think five good games should be enough to change anyone's mind, I have to give Mick and his staff a lot of credit for what they have been able to do with this team since conference play began. The improvement of this team since the Nebraska debacle is striking - these kids are seeing more and more how playing as a team, combined with hard-nosed in-your-face defense is a simple recipe for success.

Thoughts about the NAU game:

We played good, but there were still a lot of little things that we can do to play even better - this is a good thing! We didn't have to play amazing or out of mind to blow out NAU. I still think some players need to use better judgment (at times) with their shot selection. When we move the ball around and utilize more of an inside-outside offense, our team really looks good and we score points in bunches. When we casually pass the ball around the perimeter and then someone has to force a long 3 with a guy in his face, we let teams back in the game. I don't like the bad habit our team is in of taking 3's on the fast break - make a couple passes and take an easy lay-up, or take it to the hole and draw a foul. Our biggest area for improvement is that we are still getting killed on the boards - it just looks to me like we don't have the players in position down below to rebound well, they are too spread out around the perimeter. Mick just needs to tell these kids "anyone over 6'4" needs to stay within a few feet of the key, and hit those boards hard!"

The good news is that these are all small, easily correctable things.

Overall, I really liked what I saw out of the Bobcats last night. Our defense around the perimeter was absolutely tenacious, and lead to a ton of turnovers by NAU. For the most part, we played very unselfishly and worked the ball around really well. Marvin Moss looked really good down on the block - he really needs to keep it up and step up next weekend when he has to go against Boxley from PSU. I thought Ja'Ron Jefferson played great last night - he just does so many things well. Not only is he a solid offensive threat, but he plays great defense, rebounds, passes the ball well, and flat out hustles on every play. Same for Dissly, with the exception of being a consistent offensive threat. I think this will come with time for Nick, he just needs to learn that by taking it to the hole after he hits a couple shots will keep the defense guessing and will ultimately give him a lot more open looks. Miller played very well, made some great passes, hit some big shots, and played great D. Old habits die hard with some of his pull-up 3's, but he is definitely learning to tone those down. Holmes looked very impressive, especially in the first half - he will end up being a very good player for us.

I too don't know if the Cats are likely to win both games next weekend, but I don't see why not. If they can manage to win at least one, they will really establish a hold on the driver's seat in the Big Sky. Idaho State really did us a big favor by beating Portland State last night. Who woulda thunk that these Cats would be 5-0 in league right now?! They can really go out and prove their mental toughness by going west and playing well next weekend. Keep it up, guys!

MSU01 · Post by **MSU01** » Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:11 pm

Wow....looking at the box score, Moss only played 19 minutes but had 18 points! He's starting to become a potentially great player offensively. Durr did have a very nice game. He, Pratt, and Woodall can contribute a lot without scoring a point.

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:18 am

Moss is very consistent in making a variety of inside shots; he has truly uncommon skill and touch. I felt like Landry was killing us in the first half, but when Beye came in more in the 2nd half, Landry was helpless. Beye totally shuts down the lane; if he can cut down the fouls, he'll be a big factor. I don't see this team ever rebounding well, so they'll need to continue to force turnovers and block shots. It should be no surprise that JaRon, Branden and Casey caused havoc inside; they have been doing that all season. Against the frontier teams, they could take the ball away at will and go the other way.

The bench did a great job against NAU; this was a game the Cats would not have won without the bench, as everyone was in foul trouble. Isn't it nice to know that all 4 guards will be back next year? Holmes certainly looks like he'll do the job for years, and Durham will be an asset as well. One more center/power forward type player could make this team very formidable next season.

This is the most entertaining Bobcat men's team in many years. They're smallish but with superior quickness and shooting wizardry.

Looks like EWU is not playing well this season, but they are very big. It will be interesting to see teams so different play. A split would be good this weekend, with EWU the more likely road win. I'm guessing the Stott center is a very tough place to play with the crowds being more enthusiastic this season, that tiny arena should be pretty noisy.

mslacat · Post by **mslacat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:42 am

velochat wrote: One more center/power forward type player could make this team very formidable next season.

FYI. Ted Morris a 6-10 center, is currently with the Bobcats and redshirting after transfering from Indiana State. He was poked in the eye earlier this season and suffered an detached retna, but was cleared to start practicing lastt week. He will be elligable next fall. I think one more inside JC guy , lets say an Owsley mode would be great. There are also a couple very talented High school folk Durham is after Tom Craddock for one that might be able to come in and contribute right away.

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:46 am

I forgot about him. It might be a good thing that he's not using any eligibility this season. I wonder if he can rebound.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:04 am

My what a few weeks can make in the transition of this team's play.

1) Unselfishness
2) Relentless Defense
3) Inside/Outside game

I think this team has the making of the Big Sky Conference Champions now. I agree with Bozone that they need to concentrate a little more on rebounding and then this team could get even BETTER. We have guards/small forwards that can get out on people and get in their face so we can always impose our WILL on the other team. I LIKE THAT A LOT!

P.S - Is it just me, or does Moss's inside moves remind you a certain Larry Johnson when he was at UNLV. Every inside move in the book on the block and the ability to create his own shot/soft touch at the end. He reminds me totally of LJ in college/early NBA career.

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:53 am

Gee...I wonder what is different this year that we have inside players with good post moves? Could the answer be Johnny Brown?

He came into the Hall of Fame room again before the NAU game and told us what the game plan was and answered questions. This is really a great pre-game idea. I hope they continue it next year. I heard he is supposed to do it the rest of this year.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:21 am

Helcat72 wrote:Gee...I wonder what is different this year that we have inside players with good post moves? Could the answer be Johnny Brown?

He came into the Hall of Fame room again before the NAU game and told us what the game plan was and answered questions. This is really a great pre-game idea. I hope they continue it next year. I heard he is supposed to do it the rest of this year.

I'm sure that has a LOT to do with is.. I think he was a great pickup and a very nice guy. He definately has a lot of experience working with inside players I think and you can really see it starting to show in the players. Some of the high/low rolling with Beye as well for the lob is some other stuff we are doing that has been working well. Kentucky does a lot of the same stuff with Alleyne (7'4) and he's been getting all kinds of dunks off the weak side by a good screen/roll play for the DUNK.

mslacat · Post by **mslacat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:26 am

CARDIAC_CATS wrote:
Helcat72 wrote:Gee...I wonder what is different this year that we have inside players with good post moves? Could the answer be Johnny Brown?

He came into the Hall of Fame room again before the NAU game and told us what the game plan was and answered questions. This is really a great pre-game idea. I hope they continue it next year. I heard he is supposed to do it the rest of this year.
I'm sure that has a LOT to do with is.. I think he was a great pickup and a very nice guy. He definately has a lot of experience working with inside players I think and you can really see it starting to show in the players. Some of the high/low rolling with Beye as well for the lob is some other stuff we are doing that has been working well. Kentucky does a lot of the same stuff with Alleyne (7'4) and he's been getting all kinds of dunks off the weak side by a good screen/roll play for the DUNK.

Better athletic players does not hurt either!

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:33 am

Yes, Moss and Beye have the touch. It's not often a coach can develop that late in college. Didn't Brown coach Beye in JC? I attribute Moss' productivity more to talent than anything, it's a matter of coaching the other players to throw him the ball. He has so many moves that he can get a shot off against just about anyone and the soft touch that let's it go in.

macormixxx · Post by **macormixxx** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:06 pm

I think Bobcats signed Moss before they hired Brown. Maybe Brown is helping get the most out of the inside guys, but he is also on the road a lot recruiting. Brown brings as many recruiting connections as he brings inside coaching skills. Not to take anything away from Coach Brown -- hes a stud -- but I heard the Bobcats were persuing Moss because he ALREDY had the killer inside-outside-combo ggame. Johnny must surely be helping Marven hone his game. Same for Al Beye, too.

mslacat · Post by **mslacat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:42 pm

velochat wrote:I forgot about him. It might be a good thing that he's not using any eligibility this season. I wonder if he can rebound.

Velo got me curiuos so i did a little research.

From Bob Gibbons allstar recruiting service

All Star Report has learned that the Indiana State Sycamores have received their second commitment from the class of 2002 in the form of 6-9, 215 lbs. C/PF Ted Morris, who attends Chaminade H.S. in St. Louis. Morris chose Indiana State over Rice, Lehigh and St. Louis.

Morris visited the Indiana State campus in Terre Haute last weekend and came away quite impressed with both the ISU coaching staff and players. It was at that point that he was able to make his final decision.

Morris has shown immense improvement this spring and summer playing for the St. Louis Eagles traveling program. Above everything else, he is a physical presence in the low post and plays with great intensity. In addition, Morris can also score consistently when he gets the ball in the paint and is adept at getting to the free throw line.

Last season at Chaminade Morris averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, numbers which we expect to increase this upcoming season as Morris becomes the focal point of the Chaminade team both offensively and defensively. All Star Report ranks Ted among the Top 250 seniors nationally.

This is Indiana State's second commitment. Morris joins 6-5 Russell Trudeau from Lafayette Catholic H.S. in Indianapolis.

9-1-01

Ted Morris Has Several Offers
Russ Blake

Ted Morris, a developing 6-9, 215 pound center from Chaminade H.S. in St. Louis, Mo., turned in a strong finale at the Nike Memorial Day Classic in Bloomington, Ind., this past weekend.

Morris scored 16 points on Sunday evening, but it was not enough to prevent the St. Louis Eagles from bowing out of the tournament in a 61-52 loss to the Emerald City Pioneers.

Morris is at his best when he attacks the basket offensively. He has good mobility, and although he sometimes plays a bit hunched over (somewhat negating his height advantage), he has good hands and excellent touch around the tin. Like most young post players, he will need to continue adding strength to his frame, but if he continues to play aggressively, he should have a fine summer with the Eagles.

Morris told the Insiders Report that he has been offered scholarships by Wake Forest, Marquette, St. Louis and Indiana State. He has already unofficially visited Illinois and has also seen interest from New Mexico. Ted Morris -- St. Louis Eagles

Morris played alongside Florida recruit David Lee this past season at Chaminade, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds and three blocks per contest. He said he has a 3.6 GPA and scored an 1150 on the SAT.

Morris will tour the Nike circuit this summer with the St. Louis Eagles, and IR will keep you abreast of his progress.

Last year At ISU Morris Started 5 of 24 games Avg 11 min per game, .479% from the field, 2.2 rbs, 3.7 pts, He started at the beginnning of the season but was getting very few minutes by the end. High Games 16 pt in one game, 9 rbs in another

As a high school senior Morris averaged about 20 pts and 13 rbs.

MSU01 · Post by **MSU01** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:13 pm

Morris was offered a scholarship by Wake Forest and visited Illinois?

We're talking two #1 seeds there!

mslacat · Post by **mslacat** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:23 pm

MSU01 wrote:Morris was offered a scholarship by Wake Forest and visited Illinois? We're talking two #1 seeds there!

I am taking the comment about him being offerd by WF and Ill with a little bit of grain of salt.

MSU88 · Post by **MSU88** » Mon Jan 24, 2005 7:09 pm

mslacat wrote:
MSU01 wrote:Morris was offered a scholarship by Wake Forest and visited Illinois? We're talking two #1 seeds there!
I am taking the comment about him being offerd by WF and Ill with a little bit of grain of salt.

Me to......and three!

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Tue Jan 25, 2005 9:49 am

http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_i ... yID=102305

'Cats Win Versis NAU -- A Few Observations

'Cats Win Versis NAU -- A Few Observations

Re: 'Cats Win Versis NAU -- A Few Observations

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