Grades vs Marq.

[tupacbiff]

Just another dominant performance. Hopefully Murphy (back?) and Wilbekin (knee?) are ok. Onto the grades...

Rosario, 4: Typical Mike game. Some good and some bad. 6-6 from the foul line

KB, 3: 5 asst were the positive but couldn't get much going offensively. Defensively he was sub par as he was beat off the dribble a few times which is unlike him. No reb and didnt really try in the 1st half.

Murhpy, 5: Was looking to have a very nice game but then left w/ an injury

Yeguete, 7: A pure beast defensively. Nice reb effort and looked good offensively

Wilbekin, 3: Nice def effort but was not great on offense. Made some nice plays and took care of the ball. Typical ball hawking defense. Seemed to rush some shots.

Prather, 7: Extremely efficient and could not be stopped off the bounce. Its clear the game has really slowed down for him. Did not miss but seemed lost on the def glass.

Frazier II, 8: Outstanding shooting from deep all game. He was our spark in the 1st half. What I really like about this kid is his ability to read the def and know where to spot up. He has a veteran savy on where to slide offensively to give him the catch and shoot ability. He really reminds of Lee Humphrey in that respect. However, his game is starting to remind me of Ronnie Henderson of LSU fame.

Young, 6: Great overall effort. I thought at times running he looked like he was dealing with a knee or hip bruise. Incredible post D along w/ murphy. Just denied the marq big good pos and ability to catch all night. Classic run back to block them on a break.

Coaching: First off Pelphrey's shirt/tie combination was beyond vile. Did he look in the mirror? As for Billy, I want to hear the story behind Patric's benching. I am not sure I believe Franchilla's version. I loved that our FT shooting was great and that despite being up 30 our def was still really competing. I also liked that he stuck w/ Frazier on the hot streak.

Refs, 9: They were simply put outstanding. Why? Well they allowed Murphy and Young to play legal but tough post D. Most refs would have blown the whistle a few times on their D incorrectly. Both Young and Murph battled hard with their lower body and it was clean. Sure they missed some calls and got some wrong but it is so rare to see refs call actual fouls and not anticipate what they think is usually a foul and blow the whistle early.

Announcers, 1: I dont think 30 sec went by without Franchilla mentioning Young's benching and his lack of motor/fatigue issues. It was beyond beating a dead horse it was OCD like. For a guy with such knowledge about players you would think he would have something interesting to say but never did.

Team Off: Despite the blow out I dont think we executed very well especially in the 1st 10 min.

Team D: Outstanding. The post D was just pure domination and our zone was very active and eliminated the passing lanes.

[Go2gtr]

Young sitting at the start was Billy's message to him that he isn't giving full effort. Young responded, big time. Billy used the bench to get his attention and he responded. It was intentional and it worked. I never saw Young play as hard and as passionate as he did tonight.

[MiracleMax]

It's an indictment of Young that he might require this kind of discipline in order to be fully motivated. He needs to grow up.

[akaGatorhoops]

"First off Pelphrey's shirt/tie combination was beyond vile."

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Just another dominant performance. Hopefully Murphy (back?) and Wilbekin (knee?) are ok. Onto the grades...

Rosario, 4: Typical Mike game. Some good and some bad. 6-6 from the foul line

KB, 3: 5 asst were the positive but couldn't get much going offensively. Defensively he was sub par as he was beat off the dribble a few times which is unlike him. No reb and didnt really try in the 1st half.

Murhpy, 5: Was looking to have a very nice game but then left w/ an injury

Yeguete, 7: A pure beast defensively. Nice reb effort and looked good offensively

Wilbekin, 3: Nice def effort but was not great on offense. Made some nice plays and took care of the ball. Typical ball hawking defense. Seemed to rush some shots.

Prather, 7: Extremely efficient and could not be stopped off the bounce. Its clear the game has really slowed down for him. Did not miss but seemed lost on the def glass.

Frazier II, 8: Outstanding shooting from deep all game. He was our spark in the 1st half. What I really like about this kid is his ability to read the def and know where to spot up. He has a veteran savy on where to slide offensively to give him the catch and shoot ability. He really reminds of Lee Humphrey in that respect. However, his game is starting to remind me of Ronnie Henderson of LSU fame.

Young, 6: Great overall effort. I thought at times running he looked like he was dealing with a knee or hip bruise. Incredible post D along w/ murphy. Just denied the marq big good pos and ability to catch all night. Classic run back to block them on a break.

Coaching: First off Pelphrey's shirt/tie combination was beyond vile. Did he look in the mirror? As for Billy, I want to hear the story behind Patric's benching. I am not sure I believe Franchilla's version. I loved that our FT shooting was great and that despite being up 30 our def was still really competing. I also liked that he stuck w/ Frazier on the hot streak.

Refs, 9: They were simply put outstanding. Why? Well they allowed Murphy and Young to play legal but tough post D. Most refs would have blown the whistle a few times on their D incorrectly. Both Young and Murph battled hard with their lower body and it was clean. Sure they missed some calls and got some wrong but it is so rare to see refs call actual fouls and not anticipate what they think is usually a foul and blow the whistle early.

Announcers, 1: I dont think 30 sec went by without Franchilla mentioning Young's benching and his lack of motor/fatigue issues. It was beyond beating a dead horse it was OCD like. For a guy with such knowledge about players you would think he would have something interesting to say but never did.

Team Off: Despite the blow out I dont think we executed very well especially in the 1st 10 min.

Team D: Outstanding. The post D was just pure domination and our zone was very active and eliminated the passing lanes.

amazing that we can win by 30 and only one starter WY, scored above his Tupac average

[akaGatorhoops]

I gotta ask... what did you find unbelievable about Fran's story relating to Young? We know he was benched for reasons other than injury or illness. We also know that he has had issues with energy and effort in the past.... issues that Coach has openly questioned, and issues that nearly boiled over last season. We know that Donovan referenced it again this season when he said:
"When he plays really hard with great passion and great energy, there's no way that he should not score 15 to 20 points and he should not grab between 11 and 15 rebounds every game."

So why would you doubt a story in which he was benched for similar reasons?

[dailydoublecat]

You guys have to be thrilled here it is November and you guys are way ahead of schedule!! I'm very happy for the Gator basketball fans on this site. I absolutely love Donovans style of play, the unselfishness, and the shooting ability of nearly the whole team. Kudos on a great start. Hold on to your hats your going onto big things with this group.
Jeff

[akaGatorhoops]

You guys have to be thrilled here it is November and you guys are way ahead of schedule!! I'm very happy for the Gator basketball fans on this site. I absolutely love Donovans style of play, the unselfishness, and the shooting ability of nearly the whole team. Kudos on a great start. Hold on to your hats your going onto big things with this group.
Jeff

thanks, jeff.
more than just the results... i love the way the team plays the game. i really like seeing a team committ to defense.
i am becoming a bigger will yeguete fan by the day.

[ETGator1]

ESPN said:

1. Indiana
2. Duke
3-8. Florida

I have it:

1. Florida
2-8. You name them

This team is special in a way I haven't felt since the back to back teams.

Given that we won by 32 against a 5-1 Big East team whose lone loss was by one at home to Butler, the grades seem harsh tonight.

[akaGatorhoops]

ESPN said:

1. Indiana
2. Duke
3-8. Florida

I have it:

1. Florida
2-8. You name them

This team is special in a way I haven't felt since the back to back teams.

Given that we won by 32 against a 5-1 Big East team whose lone loss was by one at home to Butler, the grades seem harsh tonight.

I agree in the sense that I could not put Florida in any group other than the top tier. The suggestion that Duke and IU are at another level right now. . . nah, I disagree with espn.

[tommyuf21]

I've watched only 1 and half games so far this season. We look like we're much further along in our development this season. Everyone has elevated their game and Frazier has been a nice suprise.

We have a really good chance of a very special season. I think we have a fair shot at regular and post season championships.

[jhsgator]

I'm glad you don't grade my exams.

[tupacbiff]

amazing that we can win by 30 and only one starter WY, scored above his Tupac average

So point out where u disagree.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

So point out where u disagree.

Interestingly, I don't necessarily disagree, maybe Rosario I'd give a 6 or so, I am loving his energy and effort, he still forces too many and maybe deserves only a five for not giving the ball up on a couple of fast break efforts, maybe Kenny Boynton a 5 but when he scores so far below his average it is hard to argue with you. What we have is a team where guys like Prather, Frazier and last night Young, can come off the bench and really contribute, score above their Tupac average and we roll a pretty good team.

[GreenGatorGuy6218]

"First off Pelphrey's shirt/tie combination was beyond vile."

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That was my favorite part of the report too. LOL

[fox]

It's an indictment of Young that he might require this kind of discipline in order to be fully motivated. He needs to grow up.

Young has been extremely mature and level headed from the day he stepped on campus. His work ethic and sincerity has been awesome, with a humility rarely seen for such a strong big man. DO we all need a nudge now and again - yes!

He's a beast, BD knows he can be beastier. The ploy says a lot more about BD than it does about Young.

[rserina]

It's an indictment of Young that he might require this kind of discipline in order to be fully motivated. He needs to grow up.
Donovan essentially did the same thing to Lee as a senior against FSU. It happens.

[rserina]

I agree in the sense that I could not put Florida in any group other than the top tier. The suggestion that Duke and IU are at another level right now. . . nah, I disagree with espn.
It is so hard to assess anything at this point. Media outlets are mostly just trying to legitimate their preseason rankings. A weak 2012 recruiting class has made it a weak season in college hoops, but neither Indiana nor Duke have an unbelievably high talent level. Maybe their chemistry will make them better than they are. What I can tell about our team is that the chemistry is definitely there. Donovan knows that Young's energy and consistency in the post is the only thing lacking.

[tegator80]

I agree in the sense that I could not put Florida in any group other than the top tier. The suggestion that Duke and IU are at another level right now. . . nah, I disagree with espn.

At this stage of the season, no question we are a top tier team. The other is just corporate blather because they know they get good viewership touting traditional basketball schools, especially when football is still ticking.

[ApexNC]

I absolutely LOVE that we're ticked off for being thrown into the 3-8 group!

[ArtVandelay]

Buzz disagrees with Tupac...

"I've never been beat this bad in my entire career," fifth-year Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. "In 179 games as a head coach, that's the worst loss. Not close."

[akaGatorhoops]

Young has been extremely mature and level headed from the day he stepped on campus. His work ethic and sincerity has been awesome, with a humility rarely seen for such a strong big man. DO we all need a nudge now and again - yes!

He's a beast, BD knows he can be beastier. The ploy says a lot more about BD than it does about Young.


I agree with all of the above, with exception to the highlighted area. As recently as last week, Billy has made comment beginning with the preface . . . "when he plays hard". Last year, clashes over his intensity and practice efforts boiled over and culminated in Tony Dungy calling PY. He is a nice kid, a talented player and a physical beast.... but if we are being truthful, he has not shown a strong, sustained work ethic. That is not a component of his game or makeup that I can honestly call "awesome".

[tupacbiff]

Buzz disagrees with Tupac...

"I've never been beat this bad in my entire career," fifth-year Marquette coach Buzz Williams said. "In 179 games as a head coach, that's the worst loss. Not close."

Am I missing something? How is he disagreeing?

[oxymoron]

The bench is a coach's best friend according to John Wooden.

[GeauxGators05]

There isn't any team in the country we would be unable to match up with. Defense wins championships in all sports. College basketball is no exception. This Marquette team lost a buzzer beater to Butler. That is a team which competes with the top tier teams well and showed evidence by beating North Carolina by 11 a day after beating Marquette by 1 on the last shot. This Gator group has intensity and focus and brings it on the defensive side. If we stay out of foul trouble and avoid injuries, this team will have a final four destiny.

[ArtVandelay]

Am I missing something? How is he disagreeing?

I'm guessing Buzz would have given some 8's and 9's for the worst beating he has ever taken...

[themistocles]

I absolutely LOVE that we're ticked off for being thrown into the 3-8 group!

An astute observation Apex.

[rserina]

I agree with all of the above, with exception to the highlighted area. As recently as last week, Billy has made comment beginning with the preface . . . "when he plays hard". Last year, clashes over his intensity and practice efforts boiled over and culminated in Tony Dungy calling PY. He is a nice kid, a talented player and a physical beat.... but if we are being truthful, he has not shown a strong, sustained work ethic. That is not a component of his game or makeup that I can honestly call "awesome".
Nitpicking here, but I would probably distinguish work ethic from Young's problem, which has more to do with intensity. He works incredibly hard. Just recall some of those training videos from the offseason. His ability to sustain intensity, in part because of his fairly sanguine personality and in part because at his size he has never needed to play with consistent intensity to dominate a game, has been the real issue. That is what inhibits him from fighting through fatigue, not his ability to work hard. Odds are that you don't look like a defensive end in a basketball uniform without a willingness to work.

We've had a mix of bigs over the years who because of their natural competitiveness were able to play consistently hard (Haslem, Bonner, Noah, Horford) and we've had others for whom it was a struggle (Lee, Richard, Speights, Macklin his first year). Young is definitely in the latter group to date, but I see no reason he can't climb out of it the way Lee did the second half of his senior year, when he averaged over ten boards in league play and earned himself a spot in the first round, or Richard did when he shot 85% (!) in league play his senior year or Macklin did when he shot 77% the second half of his senior season. It comes as nor surprise that those three teams all improved (immensely so in the case of the Lee and Macklin years) right along with they more consistent effort of those bigs on the court. I am optimistic we see the same thing this year.

[don23lucia]

You guys have to be thrilled here it is November and you guys are way ahead of schedule!! I'm very happy for the Gator basketball fans on this site. I absolutely love Donovans style of play, the unselfishness, and the shooting ability of nearly the whole team. Kudos on a great start. Hold on to your hats your going onto big things with this group.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff, the effort on D and the fact that we have been able to sub in so far without really missing a beat has been huge hopefully we can sustain this kind of effort throughout and it will be a special season.

[GatorRade]

So point out where u disagree.

Personally, I'd say Young deserves better than a 6. He was an enforcer, flashed some nice moves, forced steals, passed well, and denied the post with authority. If that is his 6, his 10 must be a sight to behold.

[rserina]

Personally, I'd say Young deserves better than a 6. He was an enforcer, flashed some nice moves, forced steals, passed well, and denied the post with authority. If that is his 6, his 10 must be a sight to behold.
I believe a "10" is Tupac raining threes at the local YMCA (not implying anything with the YMCA part, of course).

[demosthenes]

It's actually refreshing to see someone not throwing around 8s and 9s and 10s all the time. Collectively I'd day the grades are a bit low for a 30 point thrashing but can understand most of the individual scores.

[philnotfil]

Rosario, 4: Typical Mike game. Some good and some bad. 6-6 from the foul line

I thought that the scoring system gave a 5 for the typical game?

Announcers, 1: I dont think 30 sec went by without Franchilla mentioning Young's benching and his lack of motor/fatigue issues. It was beyond beating a dead horse it was OCD like. For a guy with such knowledge about players you would think he would have something interesting to say but never did.

I would have given them a lower score. Not only was there the repetitive talking about Young, then there were the large stretches where they were just sitting around talking college basketball, instead of talking about the game they were watching.

[GatorRade]

I believe a "10" is Tupac raining threes at the local YMCA (not implying anything with the YMCA part, of course).

Indeed it would be a sight to behold. :)

[akaGatorhoops]

Nitpicking here, but I would probably distinguish work ethic from Young's problem, which has more to do with intensity. He works incredibly hard. Just recall some of those training videos from the offseason. His ability to sustain intensity, in part because of his fairly sanguine personality and in part because at his size he has never needed to play with consistent intensity to dominate a game, has been the real issue. That is what inhibits him from fighting through fatigue, not his ability to work hard. Odds are that you don't look like a defensive end in a basketball uniform without a willingness to work.


I would agree, other than Billy's criticisms of practice habits would point to a "work ethic" component. Still . . . it is semantics.

[gatorump]

I have coached basketball for about 6 years now and I must say that I was blessed/cursed with player that only comes around once in a small town like this. This player led our team in points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks yet I never felt I was able to reach the full potential. I have said it was like I was running a dairy farm and all the cows were capable of only giving like one gallon a day. Some days I would get a gallon and some I would get a little more or a little less, but I could count on it being close. Then I had a super cow who was capable of between 5-7 gallons yet all they ever gave me was 2 or 3. Now it was still more than all the other cows, yet I knew there was more milk to be had. It was very frustrating seeing the potential not being met. So I understand BD's dilemma, yet unlike BD I didn't have any other options.
That being said I am loving this team, I think we are very well balanced and poised to make a run.

[g8tr82]

I have coached basketball for about 6 years now and I must say that I was blessed/cursed with player that only comes around once in a small town like this. This player led our team in points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks yet I never felt I was able to reach the full potential. I have said it was like I was running a dairy farm and all the cows were capable of only giving like one gallon a day. Some days I would get a gallon and some I would get a little more or a little less, but I could count on it being close. Then I had a super cow who was capable of between 5-7 gallons yet all they ever gave me was 2 or 3. Now it was still more than all the other cows, yet I knew there was more milk to be had. It was very frustrating seeing the potential not being met. So I understand BD's dilemma, yet unlike BD I didn't have any other options.
That being said I am loving this team, I think we are very well balanced and poised to make a run.

Love the analogy, and great for our sponsors

[g8rboy]

as long as they aren't getting kicked out of the practice facility things are good

[ArtVandelay]

I would have given them a lower score. Not only was there the repetitive talking about Young, then there were the large stretches where they were just sitting around talking college basketball, instead of talking about the game they were watching.

You usually get that in a 30 point blowout...

[akaGatorhoops]

I have coached basketball for about 6 years now and I must say that I was blessed/cursed with player that only comes around once in a small town like this. This player led our team in points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks yet I never felt I was able to reach the full potential. I have said it was like I was running a dairy farm and all the cows were capable of only giving like one gallon a day. Some days I would get a gallon and some I would get a little more or a little less, but I could count on it being close. Then I had a super cow who was capable of between 5-7 gallons yet all they ever gave me was 2 or 3. Now it was still more than all the other cows, yet I knew there was more milk to be had. It was very frustrating seeing the potential not being met. So I understand BD's dilemma, yet unlike BD I didn't have any other options.
That being said I am loving this team, I think we are very well balanced and poised to make a run.

Great analogy!!!

Though to date this season, I am not sure PY has been producing 2-3x more than his "single gallon" teammates.

[gymgator]

Young will answer potential vs production after this season.

What is just embarrassing is the development of depth. Our starters legs are shot come tourney time because Billy refuses plays starters 30+ minutes every game.

I am fine with keeping the foot on the gas and demanding 1000% intensity, but the difference in reserves playing 1-2 minutes vs 6-8 over a season of blowouts is huge. No, I don't think the FR, with the exception of MF2, is ready to be in the regular rotation, but make them put their time in now, so we don't wear out our starters and maybe they will also improve over the season with more PT.

You also have to PROVE to FR what they need to get better at and wear they are weak. Game experience is the greatest teacher.

[gatorump]

Great analogy!!!

Though to date this season, I am not sure PY has been producing 2-3x more than his "single gallon" teammates.

I agree, but anyone who follows Gator basketball will tell you we all know he can. And if his teammates are going to keep out performing BD's expectations and tupac's well then I think he will have no choice but to produce or suffer the consequences of sitting on the bench with swollen teats :awkward::happy:

[akaGatorhoops]

Young will answer potential vs production after this season.

What is just embarrassing is the development of depth. Our starters legs are shot come tourney time because Billy refuses plays starters 30+ minutes every game.

I am fine with keeping the foot on the gas and demanding 1000% intensity, but the difference in reserves playing 1-2 minutes vs 6-8 over a season of blowouts is huge. No, I don't think the FR, with the exception of MF2, is ready to be in the regular rotation, but make them put their time in now, so we don't wear out our starters and maybe they will also improve over the season with more PT.

You also have to PROVE to FR what they need to get better at and wear they are weak. Game experience is the greatest teacher.

I dont understand this. . . our legs are shot come tourney time?
We have made the elite 8 the past 2 years, and did not look fatigued doing so.
I also would like to see more minutes allocated in blowouts, but this has ALWAYS been Billy's approach... and that includes a few Final Four runs and two titles. I don't think there is much merit to the additional late minutes wearing out our starters.

[rserina]

I dont understand this. . . our legs are shot come tourney time?
We have made the elite 8 the past 2 years, and did not look fatigued doing so.
I also would like to see more minutes allocated in blowouts, but this has ALWAYS been Billy's approach... and that includes a few Final Four runs and two titles. I don't think there is much merit to the additional late minutes wearing out our starters.
And those two titles were also won with short benches and a point guard playing well over 30 mpg. The whole "too many minutes" thing is just plain silly. We had plenty of early exits with deeper benches and deep runs with short benches. Some coaches approach it differently, but much depends upon the group, too. We are going eight deep this year, with Ogbueze the possible ninth guy. That is perfectly deep, especially considering the versatility we have and mismatches we can create.

It is also ridiculous to suggest getting a few extra minutes in a blowout win is a great "teacher." Give me two extra minutes in the first half of a tightly contested game any day over six minutes in an easy game where the opponent has quit. Sometimes I am surprised we don't criticize what our coaches wear on the sidelines. Oh, wait...

[tommyuf21]

Personally, I'd say Young deserves better than a 6. He was an enforcer, flashed some nice moves, forced steals, passed well, and denied the post with authority. If that is his 6, his 10 must be a sight to behold.

One of his best all around games. At both ends of the floor, he was a difference maker. He made hustle plays, including that steal at half court. Every one of his blocks were well timed.

Last night was an indication of what Patric can be every night.

[InstiGATOR1]

I think that Young appears to be a guy who could be a 20/10 guy. Much of this is due to his build rather than his play.

People should keep in mind that Horford, Noah, Lee etc. were not 20/10 guys in the Donovan system. Also I think the empirical issue with Young has been a lack of production against lower level/less talented foes. So I am most encouraged at the start of this season by him grabbing 11 rebounds against Savannah State the type of team he would let up against in the past. I am convinced he will be solid against the UKs in the SEC, I want to see him play with similar intensity against say Auburn or Mississippi State this season.

[tommyuf21]

It is also ridiculous to suggest getting a few extra minutes in a blowout win is a great "teacher." Give me two extra minutes in the first half of a tightly contested game any day than six minutes in an easy game where the opponent has quit. Sometimes I am surprised we don't criticize what our coaches were on the sidelines. Oh, wait...

I didn't see any problems with our substitution patterns last night.

If you look at how balanced the scoring was, you saw really good contributions from a number of guys. Now I know that Boynton's off game had something to do with it, but when a true freshman in his 6th game comes off the bench and lights it up, that says something.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

And those two titles were also won with short benches and a point guard playing well over 30 mpg. The whole "too many minutes" thing is just plain silly. We had plenty of early exits with deeper benches and deep runs with short benches. Some coaches approach it differently, but much depends upon the group, too. We are going eight deep this year, with Ogbueze the possible ninth guy. That is perfectly deep, especially considering the versatility we have and mismatches we can create.

It is also ridiculous to suggest getting a few extra minutes in a blowout win is a great "teacher." Give me two extra minutes in the first half of a tightly contested game any day over six minutes in an easy game where the opponent has quit. Sometimes I am surprised we don't criticize what our coaches wear on the sidelines. Oh, wait...

Agreed and I think Billy is on record as saying that in fact getting a few extra minutes in a blowout win is the opposite of what freshman or inexperienced players need. He hates the way it creates sloppy play therefore he is loath to do it.

[tommyuf21]

I think that Young appears to be a guy who could be a 20/10 guy. Much of this is due to his build rather than his play.

People should keep in mind that Horford, Noah, Lee etc. were not 20/10 guys in the Donovan system. Also I think the empirical issue with Young has been a lack of production against lower level/less talented foes. So I am most encouraged at the start of this season by him grabbing 11 rebounds against Savannah State the type of team he would let up against in the past. I am convinced he will be solid against the UKs in the SEC, I want to see him play with similar intensity against say Auburn or Mississippi State this season.

He had a monster game against Davis last year. He has never had a problem rising to the occasion in the big games.

I agree that he needs to bring it every night. In order to make it in the league, he will have to do it, so he might as well start now.

[qwghlmgator]

I dont understand this. . . our legs are shot come tourney time?
We have made the elite 8 the past 2 years, and did not look fatigued doing so.
I also would like to see more minutes allocated in blowouts, but this has ALWAYS been Billy's approach... and that includes a few Final Four runs and two titles. I don't think there is much merit to the additional late minutes wearing out our starters.

This. The only thing shot in the Butler game was the officials' sense of honesty and fair play.

[gatorbogey]

that game was a joy to watch last night!

loved the 'adjustment' young obviously made. message from BD received loud and clear. great effort.

prather was at time brilliant on the offensive side of the court. finally living up to what we sorta expected. he's a spark. as was frazier. ...et.al.

fun team to watch and cheer for! fantastic!

[tupacbiff]

FYI - ap is reporting young was benched due to attitude at practice

Nothing about conditioning.

[akaGatorhoops]

FYI - ap is reporting young was benched due to attitude at practice

Nothing about conditioning.

Isn't this what was stated during the game telecast?
Yes, they talked about conditiuoning battles, but said that he was benched b/c of poor practice efforts/issues.

[tupacbiff]

Isn't this what was stated during the game telecast?
Yes, they talked about conditiuoning battles, but said that he was benched b/c of poor practice efforts/issues.

They harped on fatigue and conditioning as part of the issue a lot.

[tupacbiff]

They harped on fatigue and conditioning as part of the issue a lot.

Glad to see everyone thinks I'm right

[akaGatorhoops]

Everyone thinks you are right that they haped on fatigue and conditioning??? I guess I am not following . . .
Was that disputed?
"Harping" aside, the announcers did specifically state that Donovan told them PY had a bad practice and would not start as a result. That seems to have been accurate.

[tupacbiff]

Everyone thinks you are right that they haped on fatigue and conditioning??? I guess I am not following . . .
Was that disputed?
"Harping" aside, the announcers did specifically state that Donovan told them PY had a bad practice and would not start as a result. That seems to have been accurate.

Yes, they said that. Then spent tge majority of the broadcast talking about fatigue and conditioning. When I questioned tge accuracy of their statements people said the announcers were 100% right. Well tge ap seems to disagree.

[HALLGATOR]

"Harping" aside, the announcers did specifically state that Donovan told them PY had a bad practice and would not start as a result. That seems to have been accurate.

This is what I recall. Lack of effort was mentioned, or either I read it somewhere.

[akaGatorhoops]

Yes, they said that. Then spent tge majority of the broadcast talking about fatigue and conditioning. When I questioned tge accuracy of their statements people said the announcers were 100% right. Well tge ap seems to disagree.

your "h" key seems to be malfunctioning.

[LabraGator]

your "h" key seems to be malfunctioning.

The "humble" key?

[philnotfil]

You usually get that in a 30 point blowout...

Looks like I'm just going to have to suffer through this. I'm willing to keep suffering :)