The Arizona Wildcats present a bad match up for the now running offense of Oregon State. OSU won both contests last year by slowing the game down and frustrating Arizona, who prefer to play up tempo. Derrick Williams is the player to watch. He makes practically every shot he takes (~70%) from three point range, and ironically shoots a bit lower than that inside the arc. Arizona is solid all around, 50% from the field, 40% from three point range, and almost 80% from the line. Granted, Arizona was a more confident and refined team (than the Beavers) to the start of the season, and they've therefore been able put up these gaudy numbers versus poor teams. The one decent team they've played, BYU, beat the Wildcats.
I think the Beavers will try to play a 2-3 zone or match up zone, maybe even some man to man defense. Playing the 1-3-1 versus a team that shoots this well beyond the arc would be disaster.
I am trying to figure out where the Beavers have an advantage. The Beavs are bigger at every position, but they are not tougher or stronger. Perhaps their advantage lies in the intangibles: the home court advantage, the confidence from having won two straight, and the fact that the team plays with poise when the precocial, fledging Roberto Nelson is on the court. The team has definitely "gelled" and improved over the past few games. Being realistic, you have to figure it's going to be a one step forward, two back deal with the Beavers. But, being optimistic, you can definitely point to the glaring confidence they finished with in the ASU game. I'm somewhere in between. I can't ignore the fact this team is young and relatively immature (i.e. not knowing exactly what it takes to win), but I can't ignore the confidence and fire I saw building over the past two games, either.
Personally, I'm excited about what I've seen of late and can't wait for tip-off. Sure, the smart money is on 'zona, but this game has upset potential.
I say we win if Wallace and Haynes are limited to 15 minutes between the both of them.
I like the new guys…the Jay John boys have to go.
Definitely a measuring stick game.
I doubt this will be a high scoring affair. The Beavers will slow it down and make Arizona score in the half court and work for their scores. The 2-3 zone and the 2-3 matchup zone will be effective at times cause it will take away touches at times for Derrick Williams. Arizona will need a big time game from him to win this and if you take away where he is most effective(inside) then I expect Arizona to struggle at times cause they lean on him so much.
If the Beavers can limit Williams to 15 points and make other people beat them I think they can win this game.
I find it funny that the UA players have been focusing so much on the Princeton Offense since the Beavers swept them last season but the Beavers haven’t run it a great deal this year.
Any predictions as to how many people will be there tonight? I would like to see it over 5,000, Sunday night might not be a good time for some people though. Reported attendance for ASU was 4,574.
5,300
6,000 (I’m optimistic).
I’ll be one of them. I’m hoping for a good showing from the team and the fans.
5600.
I thought the team was in a great mindset for the 2nd half and end of 1st half against ASU. They were going for it and having some fun and playing really into it. If they keep doing that and if we pick up another good player or two next year I could see us taking another step forward. I like the effort and energy though. Positive mindset was on display against ASU. Lets hope it continues tonight. A win over Arizona would be fun!
Guys, see the forum regarding Moala–will not be a Beav most likely. Big strike out with the Grant 4, none looking to be Beavs.
You see Byron Moore is down to Tennessee, Ole Miss and Oregon State. Liking the Beavers chances on landing him.
I saw that too BB but I’m worried that the last impression is often the strongest for these kids, and he’s scheduled to visit south beach Miami a week after OSU… one week before the signing day I believe. I got my fingers crossed though!
Starting for the Beavers are Jared Cunningham, Calvin Haynes, Omari Johnson, Devon Collier and Angus Brandt.
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from Buker’s tweet yesterday. Coach Rob was unhappy with their practice on Dec 31. So they had two practices yesterday. One in the morning and one in the early evening
Have the Beavs won an opening tip this year?
Haynes two dumb turnovers already…wow.
It was important for JC to hit that 3 so the deficit didn’t grow and it could get the crowd into it a little bit. Omari and Calvin have been awful
Beavers would probably be ahead right now if it wasn’t for bad mistakes. Can Omari do anything? Him and Calvin just aren’t being productive. You can see the young guys are a bit excited and are playing out of control a little bit.
Beavers have to sit Omari the remainder of this game. He is killing this team on both ends. He just can’t handle it when there is the slightest pressure.
Agreed. Him and Haynes are liabilities with the ball. As a fan you wind up crossing your fingers they don’t mess up while anticipating the bad pass to the other team.
Calvin seems to be playing a little better now but still he does some things that is just confusing. Jared and Collier seem to be the most ready for this type of game.
Omari Johnson just getting eaten alive in P-10 play. Looked decent in the preseason but it’s the same ol’….
What does Craig see in Omari? he just gets worse as the game goes.
Anyone hear the attendance number?
What’s the score at half time? I’ve been watching the Seahawks vs. the Rams. I don’t much care for NFL, but college basketball isn’t my thing to watch on tv unless I want to fall asleep.
Tied at 28. Beavers would be up by 6-10 points I believe if it wasn’t for so many turnovers and missed shots(Johnson, Starks)
At least they aren’t being blown out at halftime.
The 1-3-1 zone works on UA more than any other team I can remember. When these guys see the Beavers do it they just get confused and aren’t sure what to do. At least it is working for once.
Arizona sneezes and they get to the foul line unbelievable.
How was that a jump ball? Nice shot!
Is this the NBA?! Any time the Beavers breath on Derrick Williams he gets free throws
Just awful officiating tonight. The Beavers aren’t getting any breaks.
Well, that last set of substitutes haven’t done much good.
UA scores 6 straight.
Nelson is playing a little bit too wildly for my taste. He’s almost too aggressive and they don’t like passing more than 3-4 times on each possession. It’s kinda weird.
Roberto Nelson has been invisible. He hasn’t even looked to score and has just been standing around. This is a problem.
He’s feeling his way through the games. Guy hasn’t played much…he’s selfless as well so looks to pass. This will change over time. They’re still better with him in there. He’s given them some nice second chance shots and good passing.
I hate this juncture of the game. Beavers always shrink here. Need to have the best lineup out there now. NO Johnson, Wallace, or Haynes!
Agree, rough time of the game; Johnson should be sittin’, Haynes not so much.
Disagree. They NEED Haynes on the floor. He has been the best player on the floor in the 2nd half. He’s been making some good plays and keeping them in front.
LAY IT UP!!!! ANY Chance you get on a 2 on 1 LAY IT UP!!!!
Mike Parker calls for Johnson to sit.
Why is McShane in there?!?!
I need this explained as well. Not sure why Craig thought that is a good idea.
Energy for the top of the 1-3-1. Not sure I like him in there either but that is Coach Rob’s reason for sure.
That was an Awesome dunk!
This might be an emotional statement being caught up in the last few minutes, but Cunningham’s game reminds me of Jordan when he was at UNC. Crazy how good he can be if he finishes layups and plays under control.
I know the NBA scouts are going to start salivating soon enough. I like how we can see how he has improved and developed his game and he is starting to get the calls. Gary Payton part deux with even more athleticism.
5218 = attendance per Parker, good guess earlier Angry.
Dang. Nice.
Haynes coming up small there. Gotta make both/focus. That is a win versus loss free throw. Dammit.
Oh man, big free throws. I do not trust Haynes. Prove me wrong, buddy.
Niice. Really fun game. Should build a lot of confidence.
HUGE win. Calvin is actually the one guy I have complete confidence in when it is in the clutch. Look forward to the Beavers hitting the road to face WSU. It will be quite the challenge.
Wow, really? I have no faith in the guy. He did the job tonight. How quickly you forget the game he dribbled around and didn’t even get a shot off at the buzzer…
The best thing I can say about him is that he is the best of the terrible trio (Johnson, Wallace, Haynes).
That’s 1 instance Angry. How many times as he hit free throws to ice games or hit game winning or game typing shots? It’s been a lot. When it isn’t in the final 2 minutes he does a lot of things that drive us fans insane, but he does do things that are positive. Without him tonight the Beavers don’t win that game.
Angry, stop being a hater lol
I would hold off on saying complete confidence, however those free throws to ice the game were quite impressive. Why did Jared inbound the ball with three seconds remaining? I guess he thought he was cold since he had just missed…. after tying the OSU all-time record for consecutive free throws made!
For all of is questionable decisions in the course of games, Calvin has always had a nice rotation on this foul shots. I feel pretty good when he is on the line at the end of games.
Hopefully the Beavers don’t get too confident after getting a win like this. Their trip to Washington this week to play the Cougars and Huskies is gonna be tough. I for one, would be quite happy with a split. Being 3-1 and heading back home to play the LA schools? couldn’t ask for much more.
This is probably the first time since David Lucas’ senior year that I am really excited for Beavers basketball.
Jared’s one handed followup dunk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRInedrReIs
Great win Beavers!!! 2-0 in the Pac-10 is a great start! I really think this team can do well and continue getting better this year!
I also liked the win because I do not think that the Beavs even played up to their capabilities. Lots of turnovers, missed lay-ups and questionable shot selection and they still gutted it out at the end. I do like how Calvin stepped up in the clutch, but geez Omari almost cost them the game. I am going to have to take back the bad things I said about Burton, he was tough tonight.
I’ve been waiting for Joe Burton to play like this. He’s capable of playing like this consistently. He no longer is trying to make highlight reel passes and is just trying to make the best decision possible.
Omari actually did make a positive play by hitting a tough hook shot against Williams but later in the game missed an easy dunk. I just would like to see his minutes shrink quite a bit. He’s an incredible liability.
You’re right about the team and it’s capability. They could have been a lot better than they were yet they still got the win, impressive to say the least.
Yeah, that Omari jump hook was nice. The team needs his length and I know he gives a strong effort, but when CR talks about the old Beavs who do not know how to win, I think Omari more than anyone else. CR needs to shut down his 3 point attempts also.
Wow! What a great game to be at. Loved the energy in the building just need to get the word out and fill the place up. That put-back dunk by Cunningham should be in ESPN’s top 10.
Excellent energy by the team and overall effort was great. Great team defense. I really liked how they threw different looks at UA with the 2-3, match-up zone and 1-3-1. I hope they continue to use the different looks and feel out the game and what defenses to run instead of approaching the game with a rigid game plan like it seemed they did in the non-conference games.
Seemed like there was a lot more 2 guard line up then I had seen at any time in the past which was interesting because UofA played Williams at the 4 a lot. It helped with the rebounding though and the Beavers posted a high shooting percentage with that line-up. The ball didn’t move as much but Burton, Omari, and Collier all could post whoever had the miss match. I like it in certain instances although I felt like the game could have opened up more at the time with a 3 guard line-up. Although the Beavs won so I can’t really question that one.
I think some of the past criticism of Burton is somewhat unfair. Well I guess the criticism isn’t that unfair but he is the best option in the post most nights. Very savvy player especially against the 7′ stiffs.
I too find Omari’s play painful at times. I love his energy and commitment on D though. If the 1-3-1 is working I think he should play decent minutes and if it is not maybe he shouldn’t play so much. Even though Omari didn’t have a steal he was responsible for a ton. He should also recognize he is the 4th or 5th scoring option and learn how to run a break.
I still am missing the Haynes hate. He jacks up a few ill-advised shots but he is not the worst offender on the team. His poise makes him an asset and until the young guys can find their consistency I will not call for his minutes. It is nice to see Lathan’s minutes shrink though.
Jared Cunningham… continues to impress.
This Washington trip will be a real test. Going to need to hit a lot of 3’s.
Guys, I don’t know what to think of Burton. He has that one baseline move, makes bad passes, etc. He’s done this most of his career. But the last two games he’s been great. So, what do you conclude from that? I really don’t know.
I’d say if he plays like he did the past two nights he’s a great 6th man, but Brandt, Collier, Nelson, Cunningham, Starks might be the better lineup. I used to think Johnson was important to have in there, but the Pac-10 players’ inside body strength is eating him alive, and therefore he is useless in conference play. For that reason, maybe you just have to play Burton as the PF/C since he takes up space, though he isn’t a very good rebounder.
Tough decisions. I can see why Robinson struggles with lineups sometimes. It’s too bad Goomis isn’t on this squad, or that Brown/Moreland haven’t developed at all. Guess Burton is the best option, I begrudgingly have to admit.
Even the announcers were questioning how the Arizona players should have been anticipating Joes baseline move after the third or fourth time. I guess with that big body he gets quick position.
There are (many) nights when Burton is horrible. Fans are gushing right now and forgetting the past. He’s a liability on the line, too, which nobody is discussing because the team won.
I guess I’d classify the Beavers by IQ. Players I feel comfortable handling the ball. They would include:
Nelson
Cunningham
Starks
Collier
These guys always seem to make the right pass, never turn the ball over, hit free throws, etc.
Then there are the low IQ players who make terrible decisions, miss free throws, turn the ball over, etc:
Johnson
Wallace
Haynes
I don’t trust them at all with the ball.
Brandt and Burton are somewhere in between.
That’s how I see it.
Hard for Moreland to develop due to being out for the season. I agree that it is hard for Craig to be set o a certain lineup cause of the inconsistent play of guys.
If Joe Burton continues to play like this the Beavers will have quite the inside-out 1-2 punch with him and Jared.
For the rest of the season though, I would like to see Roberto not defer to his teammates so much and just be a scorer we know he is capable of being. Once he does that look out! they will be pretty damn good.
I see Johnson as more of a wing than a post.
So it’s looking like:
Cunningham
Nelson
Collier
Brandt
Burton
Haynes, Starks, and Johnson off the bench. That seems the most reasonable. It’ll be nice when these seniors graduate and the bench has better talent. Next year they could be great.
Unless they pick up another recruit, it looks like OSU only has three returning guards next year (Cunningham, Nelson, and Starks). If one goes down with injury/foul trouble they could be in trouble. We might regret being able to play Haynes and Wallace for short stretches in games next year.
Am I missing anyone that would be able to bring the ball up?
I wouldn’t freak out just yet. They’ll get a PG in the 2011 class.
Agree with you Angry, next year’s team could be special. Next year’s team without any doubt in my mind will be in the NCAA Tournament. The Year I was born unfortunately is when the drought started and I just finally wanna see them in the tournament it’s been too damn long.
Reasonable, but I just do not see CR pulling Calvin out of the starting line-up unless he really goes into a slump. As inconsistent as he can be, Calvin is the one senior who has actually won games for Coach Rob.
I think CR feels he as made his statement about seniors by drastically reducing Lathans minutes and taking Deane down to persona non gratta.
I think CR should bring Calvin in as a 6th man not as a demotion but because he is much better being a 6th man. He usually starts out slow and when he has been a 6th man in the past he usually comes in with energy and just seems to shoot better for whatever reason.
I dont disagree, I just do not think it is going to happen if it has not happened already. CR and Calvin have that relationship for better or worse and Calvin is his senior starter. Roberto had his worst game against the toughest competition and Calvin had one of his better games for what that is worth.
I think Calvin has to stay the starter. Maybe less minutes but he has to play as we only have 3 other guards (4 counting Wallace but I’ take Haynes over Wallace). Maybe he should be the first guy out of the game but taking away his starting roll could mess with his head and he can be given less minutes while still starting. I guess what I am saying is it is not worth the risk for a gain that would be marginal.
Don’t be so sure Robinson signs another player this year; the 2012 class is so deep I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hold those scholies ’till then.
Where is Rhys Murphy? Is he hurt? I don’t think I saw him on the bench even. He had a lightning fast baseline take earlier in the season and I thought someone said he could shoot pretty well from deep. He might be able to play some SG in stretches if we don’t take another PG in this class.
Also anyone have any updates on Gomis? I saw earlier in the season he hadn’t been putting up big numbers but that is somewhat expected when you have good guards and have been killing opponents.
Rhys Murphy hurt his wrist. Not clear when he’ll be back this season.
As for Calvin Haynes, I don’t think he should be starting. Haynes is a playground player — selfish and undisciplined. When he’s hot, he can score points in bunches (he was, after all, OSU’s leading scorer last year). But when he’s not hot, Calvin’s selfish play hurts the team badly. If I were Coach Robinson, I’d only use Calvin as a last resort (or in garbage time, or where the better/younger guards were in foul trouble). Give playing time to the younger/better guards who deserve and need it — don’t waste valuable playing time on Calvin or the other seniors.
+1.
I thought I heard Murphy was done for the year, btw.
Did he break his wrist (non shooting arm) or am I dreaming that? Poor kid has had a lot of injuries already and burned the red-shirt last year. CR was not using him much before the injury, so I think next year is where he will start getting his minutes.
Maybe your right. Haynes does some good things too though. Also Nelson didn’t impress last night and can get into that playground mentality at times too. I just think that even if Haynes doesn’t start he would still be the 4th guard and need to play. That is why I think they should start him then bring him out after like 3 minutes. Almost like a token start.
Nelson was horrible last night, but played poised and the team as a whole played well with him in there. He saved/stole that one second chance rebound from ‘zona. Who knows, maybe they put that back and it’s the difference in the game. He makes nice passes, etc. Even though he getting the rust off, he does little things and is selfless–the opposite of Haynes.
I thought Roberto passed and rebounded well. It is going to be hard on him some games as a scorer if he is only playing in the 15-18 minute range this year. He probably took five shots in the first five minutes when he was in high school and five is all he got last night. He forced a couple of shots. He wants to score points. I think that is a good mentality to have, but it is not always going to happen in the current rotation.
Let’s see that amazing dunk by Cunningham again! And again, and again, I still can’t get enough of it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRInedrReIs
Here’s the OSU release:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX_yAi_M1Y8
It made #6 on ESPN’s Top 10 for the weekend, but it got the biggest “Oooh!” from the SportsCenter announcers when they first saw it. A couple hours later, and they’re now calling Jared Mr. C.
The play also got overnight play on ESPNews during the “No He Didn’t” segment at the end of Highlight Express (which played every half hour from 8pm last night until noon today). Only two plays made the segment–Blake Griffin’s alley-oop was the other play.
Even with CR and his national recognition OSU still seems to be a hoops backwater. A lot of the pundits seemed shocked by the win last night with a lot of RPI anguish out there. Did any of the experts even notice that CR has recruited some good players the last couple of years? Seems like they left in droves after the first season feel good story. A little annoying, but I guess not totally unexpected/undeserved based on recent history.
Burton came through again. Jared is a monster. Collier is a weapon. Omari was a liability but with Collier in foul trouble OSU has few other options. Nelson struggled but didn’t cost the team too badly by forcing his game. Haynes made some good moves, they weren’t all falling but he is starting to look like the Haynes that carried this team two years ago. Angus was solid once again, looking much more comfortable out there. Wallace has officially dropped off the map but isn’t in the “doghouse.” Starks may want to lay off a little on the forced three point shots. He has a very nice mid range game.
And let me clarify: Omari is still a solid asset to this team. Its just he really struggled last night from fast breaks to 3s. Great size, good D, great effort, very versatile. Just very inconsistent.
Luckily with Moreland coming back next season it looks like long term OSU will have some length to replace Omari and perhaps more consistent play.