I have not been able to watch nearly as many games this year as season's past. So my observations reflect that lack of history. Having said this, I was really happy for Eilert, his staff and the players for this victory. You could see the hunger in their faces and their actions on the sidelines. I suspect some fans thought they might not see a Big 12 win this season, that is how dire the circumstances. We benefitted from some great post play and from a UT squad that, except for one or two players, could not shoot (or dribble/pass) straight.
Suemnick - I was very wrong about this young man. I thought he was a recruiting mistake. A man without a position. Josh has thrust him into the 5 spot out of sheer desperation. And what a find he has been. Tough for his size. Very active. And a nice shooting touch around the rim. He is not a rim protector, but he bodies up and rebounds it decently. We will have a nice one-two punch when Edwards comes back in a few weeks. Still, it will take the team time to gel as the season begins to wind down. We have to hope that Suemnick continues his fine play.
Kerr - A few very, very sloppy turnovers. Still, he is a very good catch and shoot guard. I was very surprised to see him play off the ball as much as he did. A pass first PG playing off the ball. Interesting.
Battle - He really tries, at times, to do too much. Very athletic. Can get his own shot. Does not always settle for outside shots. Is pretty good defensively. When he beings to let the play come to him in our offense, he will be much better. I had heard that he is NBA material. Not sure about that.
Farrakhan - Good defensively. Likely our best on ball defender at the guard position. Ran the point quite a bit. Athletic. A nice addition. I hope he settles into the position and becomes a bit more of an offensive threat. I still wonder why he is playing PG over Kerr?
Slazinski - Had a good night while breaking out of his slump. Is a nice catch and shoot option, with size, on the perimeter. Lacks physicality and elite athleticism. Smart player that, like Battle, tries to do too much at times. Nice puzzle piece coming off the bench. I hope the reports of his being kicked out of practice are not true and that he plays within a system that does not have him as the first option.
Akok - Give this man enormous credit for playing. I am a bit queasy when I see him on the floor, praying that nothing happens. Very courageous young man. Very good rim protector. Obviously not a physical specimen. Still, he is not afraid of contact. Not afraid to shoot the 3 but not the threat you need from the 4.
Kobe, Harris and Wilson - Pretty disappointing recruiting results. Kobe is the best of this group. But we are not getting nearly enough out of them. I guess a new coach will not be as infatuated with Ohio as Huggs has been.
This team has some talent. The defensive effort seems to be improving. We were actually even on the boards, which was very nice to see. The fan support was outstanding. I am very skeptical that this team can make any kind of run. But this coaching staff is easy to root for.
