Some thoughts on yesterday's odyssey.
-If we had lost that game it might have been the single worst loss since I started rooting for the Orange as far as the actual game (obviously not taking into account what was at stake, just the actual way the game went). It was incredible to watch, blowing a 16 point halftime lead in under ten minutes, blowing a 9 point lead with around 4 minutes to go and then blowing a three point lead in the final second. and then blowing another three point lead in the OT by fouling a three point shooter. Why do we deserve such agony, especially considering we already have the football program?
-I was livid when Frank jogged back and gave up that layup, as was the announcer for that matter who killed him in an unlike espn manner (which is a good thing as ESPN is awful). But give him credit for making those free throws. Overall I thought he was active and he did not panic when he got a board and was pressed.
-I think this board is way too ref obsessed, but on a few occasions it was more than warranted. They were not good, especially the phantom call on Buddy on the left corner three that was all air. I also didn't think Jackson-Davis was fouled at he end of regulation. But I also thought we got the benefit of some poor calls most notably on Cole's three point shot.
-Cole got killed on the game thread. I don't get the hate. The kid is absolutely engaged out there. He is adapting to a bigger and different role in a new environment. 14 points and 4 boards on 3/8 shooting and 7/9 from the line isn't bad. The three to tie it at 94 showed major stones as did the late free throws. He deflected some balls on defense and with one exception was aggressive going for loose balls.
-We lost the halftime lead in the second half in large part due to poor shot selection early in the shot clock by Joe and Buddy and to a lesser extent Jimmy. I can't fathom why we didn't make more of an effort to drive and dish or toss the ball in to Jesse who was getting good looks every single time.
-Buddy went cold at times but give the kid credit to want the ball late in the second ot and deliver the goods. His conditioning and hard work paid off and he had the legs to score despite going all 50.
-i find JG3 frustrating because his turnovers are avoidable and he still takes bad shots. If he took better care of the ball and only shot when he was open and not off balance he would be such an asset. My guess is that when he has a good shot his percentage is close to fifty and when he fades or steps back it is close to 20%. But he also came up big and his numbers were tasty last night. I wouldn't mind JB shifting him to the 2 and having symir run the point and getting Buddy some rest in the first half. Or putting Cole at the 2 to rest Buddy.
-I thought last night might have been Symir's best game moving and taking care of the ball. There was no need for JB to throw him under the bus at his presser. I hate it when he does that, not sure what it accomplishes.
-Benny looks like he has lost his confidence out there and we do need more from him to say the least. On a lighter note, my son at SU met him at an early morning class today and he seemed upbeat and excited about the win. Credit him for not skipping after that experience and tough night.
-Did any of you guys sit there for a few minutes after the game in a daze not knowing whether to laugh or cry? Onwards to FSU.
