Gator Country

bakaduin · 01-19-2013, 10:47 PM

I know many were skeptical that Mike Rosario would be the player we were hoping for when he transferred. Last season he seemed to get more often caught up in getting his shot out of the offense and wasn't totally committed on D.

I have to say this season he has exceeded me expectations and ESPECIALLY in SEC play.

In the SEC he is shooting 52% from the field, 53% form three, and best of all has 6 assists and 2 steals to go against only 2 turnovers. He also hasn't been a liability on D. It seems defensive intensity really is infectious.

Props to Mike and I hope he keeps up his high level of play.

gatorfansrule · 01-19-2013, 11:13 PM

His defense has improved. He still occasionally has lapses where he falls asleep and his guy gets an easy one on him, but when he focuses and puts forth 100% effort, he is very good on defense.

gatorbogey · 01-19-2013, 11:49 PM

totally integrated into donovan's system, both ends of the court;
love his enthusiasm for the team too; he's a head cheerleader from the bench.

HALLGATOR · 01-19-2013, 11:52 PM

I think last year was a big transition season for him but kudos to him for sticking with it and adjusting tow what Billy wants his players to do.

gatordavisl · 01-20-2013, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorbogey

totally integrated into donovan's system, both ends of the court;
love his enthusiasm for the team too; he's a head cheerleader from the bench.

Yep. He has totally bought in, esp. in terms of defensive effort and shot selection. I am surprised to see Bak's #s, so thanks for those. It doesn't feel like his percentages are that high, but I'm glad to know they are.

**wci347** · 01-20-2013, 01:50 AM

Team has fantastic chemistry, and they are one of the most coachable teams Billy has ever had.

madgator · 01-20-2013, 01:51 AM

we go as far as Rosario takes us when it comes down to the crunch

the one thing this team is lacking is the "go-to" guy. he is the one possibility to bring that.

I have been saying since the beginning that a disciplined offensive effort mixed with a stout defense will get us far. While that is proving to be true, we are going to have a close game or two where we need a play made. I don't see any real inherent mismatch makers (ok Murphy is but he is still a role player and not by any means a go to guy).

If only we had Beal this year

My opinion is that the teams from both two years ago as well as last years team had a better overall make up to win a title. While this years team is a lot more pleasurable to watch from a basketball standpoint, the high side is limited unless we play flawless team basketball on both sides of the floor.

BLING · 01-20-2013, 02:12 AM

I was thinking the same thing today. It's amazing the turnaround for last year to this year with him.

He was a guy that always seemed to have a great attitude during games (i.e. when he was sitting out 2 seasons ago, and when he wasn't playing last year he appeared to have a great attitude and be one of the biggest "cheerleaders" for the team...at least he wasn't one of those guys that had no interest pulling for his teammates.)

But I always wondered whether there was something going on last year behind the scenes, it almost seemed like he was in the doghouse and would never get out. I was worried even at the very beginning of this season. He has definitely stepped it up this year though. Big time.

gatorbogey · 01-20-2013, 05:16 AM

there are getting to be some pretty good weapons on the floor for the gators. guys that aren't afraid to drive - SW is getting to be that way. KB for sure and Rosario too, very experience from his time at rutgers and this season for UF. when you drive you do create problems for the defense and can take it to the rim or dish to a big for a dunk or pass to the wing for an open 3. and you have erik and mike and kb that can hit from the outside. MF2 too.

NoahBeanBizzel · 01-20-2013, 05:42 AM

So, can all of Rosario's haters who labeled him "The Disaster" after last season just come forward and officially apologize? He's been very good this season.

tupacbiff · 01-20-2013, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoahBeanBizzel

So, can all of Rosario's haters who labeled him "The Disaster" after last season just come forward and officially apologize? He's been very good this season.

Why would those people apologize when they were right last yr?

NorthCaptivaGator · 01-20-2013, 07:11 AM

I am so happy for him because he seems like a genuinely nice kid who loves to play hoops he is finally showing us how he scored 1000 points at Rutgers, seems almost effortless on offense, just floats around and finds his shot.

GatorRade · 01-20-2013, 07:31 AM

I love his sneaky offensive rebounds/putbacks.

tupacbiff · 01-20-2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorRade

I love his sneaky offensive rebounds/putbacks.

He has done this for what the past 3 games?

GatorRade · 01-20-2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tupacbiff

He has done this for what the past 3 games?

Yes, and I think some earlier ones. I can't tell if you are saying "Amazing he has done this three games in a row!" or "Look, he only started doing this a couple games ago.", but I am with the former.

rserina · 01-20-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorRade

Yes, and I think some earlier ones. I can't tell if you are saying "Amazing he has done this three games in a row!" or "Look, he only started doing this a couple games ago.", but I am with the former.

Uh, I think you can tell.

GatorRade · 01-20-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rserina

Uh, I think you can tell.

Probably right, but people change.

rserina · 01-20-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoahBeanBizzel

So, can all of Rosario's haters who labeled him "The Disaster" after last season just come forward and officially apologize? He's been very good this season.

Seriously? On these boards? There are some things I will never understand. The kid was lost on the depth chart behind some very good guards and he was too inconsistent at times on the floor to gain the staff's confidence. I also wouldn't underestimate the role Burno has played. NJ guy, Hurley guy, an unselfish, defensive-minded guard in his own day.

**gatorrick1** · 01-20-2013, 10:24 AM

I don't know if Mike would have had the opportunity for playing time he has had if not for SW suspension. Billy was pretty frustrated with him before the season began, but with SW out Billy had no choice but to stick with him and Mike did a great job on building Billy's trust by having better shot selection and playing defense more consistently then he ever has. He is still on a shorter leash then most of our guy's but you can see Billy's trust in him growing by leaps and bounds. Congrats to Mike for staying focused and playing within his role.

demosthenes · 01-20-2013, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoahBeanBizzel

So, can all of Rosario's haters who labeled him "The Disaster" after last season just come forward and officially apologize? He's been very good this season.

He was a disaster last year. I think everyone can agree that it's a great thing he's finally settled in and playing to the expectations when he transferred. It had to be a difficult transition for him moving from a less structured offense where he was the main man and wasn't as committed to playing defense.