Man, this was a great game, a great test for us, and a great response to a hot team, on the road. We need these types of progressive tests in order to be primed an best prepared for what will hopefully be a deep tourney run during money time, (i.e. when it really counts). I'm just enjoying the heck out of the season, and wish we could play every other day. 
It was a game of runs, and Ole Miss came out smoking hot. You knew they weren't likely keep shooting it at that blistering clip from deep, but they found a way to keep bringing it, and they kept making runs, even after it seemed we had put them away and thwarted the threat for good. We may as well get used to this, because we'll get everyone's best shot from here on out, as long as we stay on top.
Ole Miss did a great job defending us, and kept our guards from turning the corner and getting downhill. Once we started league play the strategy came out, and Frank Martin brought some twists that worked a little bit, then bammer did some things that worked. Well, we can expect other teams to see film, and try to incorporate pieces that build up across the season, but thus far, we have responded to every twist and turn, along with everything else teams have thrown at us. We did the same last night and adapted, and wore them out, feeding our big man with a steady diet of lobs for a long stretch when we needed critical baskets. This team is just too versatile. Can't work the pick and roll?, no problem, CBP will adapt, and we'll go with other intelligent options that were left open. Jabari or Wen is a bit off, someone else will step up and pick up the slack. Last night, it was Walker Kessler's turn to step in and be the star/difference maker. Every game, it's someone else stepping up. We have shown over an over that we have multiple ways of getting it done.
KD Johnson was KD, straight big dog energy, tenacity and never-say-die attitude, and he and chipped in with some key steals, buckets and such. He had a pretty good shooting night too.
They managed to speed up Jabari Smith for the first time this year, but I'm not worried about him. He just wasn't relaxed, confident and flowing the way he usually is. He was rushing his shots juuuuust a bit, and had some turnovers where he seemed to not be as sure of himself due to them getting him playing and thinking just a tad faster than he typically does. Just flow young man and do ya thang, and you'll be good. He still added some really critical buckets for us.
Al Flanigan seemed to be pressing and trying to do a bit too much. He probably wants to get in and do his part right off of the bat, and I get it, but he just needs to relax and let his game slowly come back to him. Once he's fully back, there will be times he'll need to step up and take his turn carrying us. He brings some things to the table that this team really needs, and he could be HUGE after he's 100% back to normal down the stretch, (and for hopefully what is a deep tourney run).
Lastly, I know it's probably just me with my preferences and quirks, but those stupid announcers were getting on my nerves with the non-stop yapping that we "could be #1 with a win" every other statement. Good grief. It would be great from a publicity point of view, but we were still trying to win a tough game, and I just want us to take one game at a time, stay focused, and walk rather softly while swinging big stick. War Eagle, and I can't wait until we suit it up again!!!
It was a game of runs, and Ole Miss came out smoking hot. You knew they weren't likely keep shooting it at that blistering clip from deep, but they found a way to keep bringing it, and they kept making runs, even after it seemed we had put them away and thwarted the threat for good. We may as well get used to this, because we'll get everyone's best shot from here on out, as long as we stay on top.
Ole Miss did a great job defending us, and kept our guards from turning the corner and getting downhill. Once we started league play the strategy came out, and Frank Martin brought some twists that worked a little bit, then bammer did some things that worked. Well, we can expect other teams to see film, and try to incorporate pieces that build up across the season, but thus far, we have responded to every twist and turn, along with everything else teams have thrown at us. We did the same last night and adapted, and wore them out, feeding our big man with a steady diet of lobs for a long stretch when we needed critical baskets. This team is just too versatile. Can't work the pick and roll?, no problem, CBP will adapt, and we'll go with other intelligent options that were left open. Jabari or Wen is a bit off, someone else will step up and pick up the slack. Last night, it was Walker Kessler's turn to step in and be the star/difference maker. Every game, it's someone else stepping up. We have shown over an over that we have multiple ways of getting it done.
KD Johnson was KD, straight big dog energy, tenacity and never-say-die attitude, and he and chipped in with some key steals, buckets and such. He had a pretty good shooting night too.
They managed to speed up Jabari Smith for the first time this year, but I'm not worried about him. He just wasn't relaxed, confident and flowing the way he usually is. He was rushing his shots juuuuust a bit, and had some turnovers where he seemed to not be as sure of himself due to them getting him playing and thinking just a tad faster than he typically does. Just flow young man and do ya thang, and you'll be good. He still added some really critical buckets for us.
Al Flanigan seemed to be pressing and trying to do a bit too much. He probably wants to get in and do his part right off of the bat, and I get it, but he just needs to relax and let his game slowly come back to him. Once he's fully back, there will be times he'll need to step up and take his turn carrying us. He brings some things to the table that this team really needs, and he could be HUGE after he's 100% back to normal down the stretch, (and for hopefully what is a deep tourney run).
Lastly, I know it's probably just me with my preferences and quirks, but those stupid announcers were getting on my nerves with the non-stop yapping that we "could be #1 with a win" every other statement. Good grief. It would be great from a publicity point of view, but we were still trying to win a tough game, and I just want us to take one game at a time, stay focused, and walk rather softly while swinging big stick. War Eagle, and I can't wait until we suit it up again!!!
