I, for one, have been critical of some of Ray's decisions, especially with the way I thought he has managed his roster. I still think that it would have benefited both Ray and the team if Daniels had played this semester even if it meant he lost a year's eligibility. But, he is the coach and gets to make those tough decisions. I grew up in Columbus and started going to State games when I was about ten ... and that was a looo'ng time ago. I just want MSU basketball to get back to winning.
I have also pointed out when good things happen ... and last night's game was a lights out GREAT game. Ray's up-tempo game came out to perfection. Ray had the guys playing with energy and purpose. Each made shot seemed to spread and inspire confidence in the other players. Any win is a good win but, no matter the outcome tonight, Ray and this team will have 'something' positive to point to for next season. Every State fan and player 'knew' that FTF could shoot but he still needed a game like last night to 'know' that he could do it himself.
This game showed to me that Ray 'can' get the job done at State. We outhustled Vandy, we had a good offensive gamplan, developed and made some easy buckets, found and knocked down shots with confidence, made fewer mistakes than we caused, were never shaken even when Vandy made a late run.
Ray has a great nucleus of players to build on next year:
- Ware had his best game as a bulldog and showed 'glimses' of the force he can be next year when he can get some help. Who knew that he had a baby hook? He has had to do so much alone for the past two years.
- Sword has the inate ability to get to the basket which can't be taught. And, he is one of the best at it. We saw the short jumpshot last night that, once developed, will make him way more dangerous.
- Thomas showed the long ball we all saw him shoot in high school and had been hoping to see at State. And, it's been coming over the last couple of games. No team will be able to go tight zone as long as he is the threat he was last night.
- Johnson plays with so much effort and somtimes he just 'overplays' ... but he has made huge strides and has been tasked to guard 5s while spelling Ware. Another 'high ceiling' when he can concentrate on playing his natural position.
- Ready has come a long way this year and the experience showed last night. It's hard to believe he is a freshman. When your PG leads the team in rebounds, you know he is playing with effort but I cringe every time he goes airborne.
- Bloodman has improved game after game. He is taking much better care of the rock and with a little more work on his shot, will only improve.
- Davis get's cut some slack due to his injury in my book. Potential is there, work on execution will hopefull come.
Ray will finally have the depth he needs for the up-tempo next fall. Have read good reports on Daniels and Ndoye. With a summer of S&C, they should fill a huge void when Ware is spelled. Black, Dunlap and Houston will have the opportunity to learn and contribute without the absolute 'need' to play immediately like the past two years.
Ray 'won' back a large group of State fans with last night's win. Not just 'because' he won but because 'how' he won. Wishing him luck tonight and next year.
I have also pointed out when good things happen ... and last night's game was a lights out GREAT game. Ray's up-tempo game came out to perfection. Ray had the guys playing with energy and purpose. Each made shot seemed to spread and inspire confidence in the other players. Any win is a good win but, no matter the outcome tonight, Ray and this team will have 'something' positive to point to for next season. Every State fan and player 'knew' that FTF could shoot but he still needed a game like last night to 'know' that he could do it himself.
This game showed to me that Ray 'can' get the job done at State. We outhustled Vandy, we had a good offensive gamplan, developed and made some easy buckets, found and knocked down shots with confidence, made fewer mistakes than we caused, were never shaken even when Vandy made a late run.
Ray has a great nucleus of players to build on next year:
- Ware had his best game as a bulldog and showed 'glimses' of the force he can be next year when he can get some help. Who knew that he had a baby hook? He has had to do so much alone for the past two years.
- Sword has the inate ability to get to the basket which can't be taught. And, he is one of the best at it. We saw the short jumpshot last night that, once developed, will make him way more dangerous.
- Thomas showed the long ball we all saw him shoot in high school and had been hoping to see at State. And, it's been coming over the last couple of games. No team will be able to go tight zone as long as he is the threat he was last night.
- Johnson plays with so much effort and somtimes he just 'overplays' ... but he has made huge strides and has been tasked to guard 5s while spelling Ware. Another 'high ceiling' when he can concentrate on playing his natural position.
- Ready has come a long way this year and the experience showed last night. It's hard to believe he is a freshman. When your PG leads the team in rebounds, you know he is playing with effort but I cringe every time he goes airborne.
- Bloodman has improved game after game. He is taking much better care of the rock and with a little more work on his shot, will only improve.
- Davis get's cut some slack due to his injury in my book. Potential is there, work on execution will hopefull come.
Ray will finally have the depth he needs for the up-tempo next fall. Have read good reports on Daniels and Ndoye. With a summer of S&C, they should fill a huge void when Ware is spelled. Black, Dunlap and Houston will have the opportunity to learn and contribute without the absolute 'need' to play immediately like the past two years.
Ray 'won' back a large group of State fans with last night's win. Not just 'because' he won but because 'how' he won. Wishing him luck tonight and next year.
