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Message: [QUOTE="reedny, post: 300305, member: 1423"] I can remember games (this past year) when Scoop (UConn) hit a couple of 'dagger' 3's , when KJ hit a couple (GT) and some games when BT wielded the stiletto (L'Ville and Wisconsin). Putting the Wisconsin game aside (which was a huge game, in which all three of our guards were fearless driving the ball into the lane), BT also saved our bacon at fried chicken U. At a time when neither team was able to score, he came up with a nice penetration (call it a "slash") move to the basket and a high-arching shot over Denghe to seal the win. I think CJ might have had the final bucket, but you get the idea. As an aside, I think Vt was perfectly within bounds to say that, at times even late in his career, Scoop played like a train wreck (i.e., had some What moments well below expectations for a player of his talent/experience level). Even as recently as February -- well into the season -- JB had to pull him because he was just not getting it done on offense, or would miss a simple defensive assignment (e.g.., failing to get back to prevent a fast break, which is PG 101). Even more troubling, in many EOG situations, Scoop just couldn't come up with a clutch shot to save his life and, shockingly, couldn't even hit a clutch free throw (KJ was probably worse). As the year wore on, Scoop earned more late-game minutes with ball security and his knack for setting up Dion or penetrating (rather than trying to win the game with a jumper). He figured it out. None of this means I "hate" Scoop, or think that BT is a flawless player who can't be guarded. Quite the contrary, if you read my earlier thread post, I don't see Brandon getting drafted if he were announcing right now. Next year... who knows (and yes, I still like his slash game). As to Scoop, fantastic kid who turned himself around, gave his all to the program, and in his senior year became a reliable team leader and playmaker. The fact that he is not a clutch jump shooter doesn't mean he's not a talented player ... (hello, Rondo). Instead of forcing jumpers, he improved by cutting his TO's way down despite being the primary ball handler. He relied more on his crafty (Eidelin-like) inside moves, shot his patented elbow jumper (often with someone hanging on his elbow), and showed a capacity to finish inside that BT has yet to match. We all love our guys but have to be realistic about their failings. [/QUOTE]

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