Ode to #34 on Rutgers

D_C_B

Redshirt
Aug 10, 2016
663
21
0
I don't know Rutgers that well at all, but for some reason I really like the big guy on Rutgers #34.

Gettys is his name.

He runs the floor hard, goes after boards, alters shots, boxes out, decent hands for a big guy (as opposed to Haas).

Yes, he looks likes a 40 year old who likes his regular steak dinners at Gibson's with lots of extra sour cream on his twice-baked potato, is not one bit afraid of a good fetticini alfredo on the side and doesn't care a whit if Miller Lite has 1/3 less calories than their regular beer - but he plays every other night in a YMCA Men's league or church league and is a legend because he knows every trick in the book!

I love this guy and find myself rooting for him.
 

ubercat

Senior
Dec 9, 2005
4,539
448
83
His game reminds me of Tom Boerwinkle's. Good blue collar skills. And he would have a better chance of playing in the NBA than Haas, imho. He does look like he enjoys his Gettys-burgers, though.

Slightly OT-- a new instant classic Shon-ism from the first half after an ugly Buckeye missed shot: "You have to join the mason's union to throw up stuff like that."
 
Last edited:

NURoseBowl

Junior
Jun 16, 2009
8,137
319
58
His game reminds me of Tom Boerwinkle's. Good blue collar skills. And he would have a better chance of playing in the NBA than Haas, imho. He does look like he enjoys his Gettys-burgers, though.

Slightly OT-- a new instant classic Shon-ism from the first half after an ugly Buckeye missed shot: "You have to join the mason's union to throw up stuff like that."
Interesting Boerwinkle comparison, Uber. I'd largely agree, but add that Boerwinkle was - at least as I remember it - a better passer. Think Boerwinkle also holds the Bulls record for rebounds in a game; an absurd number, like 37 or something.
 

SimpsonElmwood

Sophomore
Nov 20, 2004
1,819
138
63
Interesting Boerwinkle comparison, Uber. I'd largely agree, but add that Boerwinkle was - at least as I remember it - a better passer. Think Boerwinkle also holds the Bulls record for rebounds in a game; an absurd number, like 37 or something.
100% accurate on the rebound count! Quote from his NY Times obituary from 4 years ago (if they reported this, it must be accurate, right?):

"Tom Boerwinkle, a stalwart center for the Chicago Bulls in the 1970s who once used his 7-foot frame to grab 37 rebounds in a game known both for that feat — a team record that still stands — and for the frigid conditions in which it was played, died on Tuesday at his home near Chicago. He was 67."
 

NURoseBowl

Junior
Jun 16, 2009
8,137
319
58
100% accurate on the rebound count! Quote from his NY Times obituary from 4 years ago (if they reported this, it must be accurate, right?):

"Tom Boerwinkle, a stalwart center for the Chicago Bulls in the 1970s who once used his 7-foot frame to grab 37 rebounds in a game known both for that feat — a team record that still stands — and for the frigid conditions in which it was played, died on Tuesday at his home near Chicago. He was 67."
So I knew that goofy stat . . . but didn't even know he'd died. Sheesh.
 

Sec_112

Sophomore
Jun 17, 2001
6,598
195
63
I don't know why Pikiell is so conservative about Gettys' time versus the Cats. I think he's a real match-up problem. But then suddenly in both games, he's pulled out and the Cats go on a run.
 

NJCat

All-Conference
Mar 7, 2016
21,326
1,501
113
I don't know why Pikiell is so conservative about Gettys' time versus the Cats. I think he's a real match-up problem. But then suddenly in both games, he's pulled out and the Cats go on a run.

He probably wears down quickly if the pace is high.....guy is a LOAD......
 

Medill90

Junior
Jan 30, 2011
6,910
321
0
He moves better than you'd think. Pretty effective on D against big, agile guys. He can shoot and he's a bit of a ball hawk on the boards.

He's a lot of fun to watch.
 

Degaz-RU

Heisman
Dec 19, 2002
21,825
25,498
88
I don't know why Pikiell is so conservative about Gettys' time versus the Cats. I think he's a real match-up problem. But then suddenly in both games, he's pulled out and the Cats go on a run.

He's not really made to play 30+ minutes a game, as he's so big that he gets winded. I think the goal is about 22-24 minutes, give or take. There's matchup issues, too, as he has trouble guarding athletic/quick Centers, so he'll come out for those reasons as well.

The guy has been a godsend for our team this year, as he provides a credible post threat and is a really good rebounder and leader.

Good luck after tonight. Your pending entry into the Dance means that Rutgers now has (I think) the longest streak of any team without an NCAA tournament bid (26 years and counting). I'll be rooting for the 'Cats in the tourney.
 

CatManTrue

All-American
Oct 4, 2008
16,003
5,311
97
This guy is a Bryant "Big Country" Reeves clone.
Agreed. Huge fan of #34 here: Big Country part 2 is deceptively athletic and he can even handle the ball well for a big man. I'm hoping he enjoys the final half of his college career as the Cats put this away.
 

ricko6543211

Junior
Nov 15, 2006
4,222
207
47
He moves better than you'd think. Pretty effective on D against big, agile guys. He can shoot and he's a bit of a ball hawk on the boards.

He's a lot of fun to watch.
Okay I agree Gettys is fun to watch. But "he moves better than you'd think"?? He does have nice touch around the basket, but I have no idea what mental maneuvers you are engaging in to convince yourself that any part of his movement could possibly described as quick.
 

Medill90

Junior
Jan 30, 2011
6,910
321
0
Okay I agree Gettys is fun to watch. But "he moves better than you'd think"?? He does have nice touch around the basket, but I have no idea what mental maneuvers you are engaging in to convince yourself that any part of his movement could possibly described as quick.

....from watching him in the OSU game the night before....he was effective against Trevor Thompson. There really wasn't much of a gap between the two players. And I don't think I used the word "quick."

Last night, I noticed that in addition to wearing the black tights, Gettys was the only player on the court wearing low tops. In addition to being decent at basketball, he's a Beau Brummell.
 

ricko6543211

Junior
Nov 15, 2006
4,222
207
47
....from watching him in the OSU game the night before....he was effective against Trevor Thompson. There really wasn't much of a gap between the two players. And I don't think I used the word "quick."

Last night, I noticed that in addition to wearing the black tights, Gettys was the only player on the court wearing low tops. In addition to being decent at basketball, he's a Beau Brummell.
Watching him once made me wonder what would happen if someone asked Gettys do the "chop your feet" / fast feet drill thing you do in football between up downs. I think his maximum pace is barely more than 1 step per second.

It is a long loping 1 stride per second though!!
 

RUDutch

Senior
Nov 17, 2006
879
417
0
Congrats on an impressive win last night. I thought it would be a close game till that 31-0 run. Good luck in both tournaments.

No ode to Gettys would be complete without this link.
 

NJCat

All-Conference
Mar 7, 2016
21,326
1,501
113
Congrats on an impressive win last night. I thought it would be a close game till that 31-0 run. Good luck in both tournaments.

No ode to Gettys would be complete without this link.


Love that kid!
 

Max_Power

Junior
May 29, 2001
2,947
214
51
Have you seen Gonzaga's center Przemek Karnowski? He is a bigger Gettys with all sorts of ugly game and the worst beard in sports. Looks like he should not be able to get up the floor but averages about 14ppg on 60% shooting.
 

NJCat

All-Conference
Mar 7, 2016
21,326
1,501
113
Have you seen Gonzaga's center Przemek Karnowski? He is a bigger Gettys with all sorts of ugly game and the worst beard in sports. Looks like he should not be able to get up the floor but averages about 14ppg on 60% shooting.

Karnowski isa beast. Big Countryski.