The official pound the beaver thread.

[COUGinNCW]

7 pm on Pac-12.
Looking forward to some Pac-12 hoops in December when the students are on campus. Oops, scratch the students piece but like the concept nonetheless.

Defensively I think the Cougs will be fine. If Binton doesn’t try try to do it, or have to do it all himself on O I like our chances.

 

[SaveFerris]

Against Eastern the 2 shots I remember Bonton making were an open 3 and another 3 where Vova' created some space for him. It's about as obvious a point as can be made and Bonton needs to learn. He's a much better shooter when he doesn't have to rush the shot and can actually see the hoop at some point when he shoots. He's 80%+ free throw shooter! Sometimes we will need him to force up a shot but not to the extent he's done the first 2 games.

Lots to see beyond Bonton though.

 

[acgcoug]

 

[triscuit one]

I think we need an efficient, yet strong showing from Bonton along with a couple of returns have very solid offensive game (10-15ppg which is above anyone not named Bonton 2019 or 2020 season average) and a freshman or two also have a good game. My hope is that William continues what he started against EWU, Kunc is more assertive on the offensive end and hits some open jumpers and Abogodi can give us 20-25 minutes. Throw in a similar to slightly better line from EWU game for Jakimoviski or Bamba and I like our chances. The pieces are there, but might be too much to ask at this time of the season.

 

[cougcowboy]

Against Eastern the 2 shots I remember Bonton making were an open 3 and another 3 where Vova' created some space for him. It's about as obvious a point as can be made and Bonton needs to learn. He's a much better shooter when he doesn't have to rush the shot and can actually see the hoop at some point when he shoots. He's 80%+ free throw shooter! Sometimes we will need him to force up a shot but not to the extent he's done the first 2 games.

Lots to see beyond Bonton though.

yes, I clearly remember the Vova' created three. A clean look is so important.

Part of me thinks smith needs to not focus on all the things Vova' can't do; and instead focus on the ways he can help you, and create problems for your opponents.

 

[SaveFerris]

I think we need an efficient, yet strong showing from Bonton along with a couple of returns have very solid offensive game (10-15ppg which is above anyone not named Bonton 2019 or 2020 season average) and a freshman or two also have a good game. My hope is that William continues what he started against EWU, Kunc is more assertive on the offensive end and hits some open jumpers and Abogodi can give us 20-25 minutes. Throw in a similar to slightly better line from EWU game for Jakimoviski or Bamba and I like our chances. The pieces are there, but might be too much to ask at this time of the season.

Good start for Noah. Hoping on Jakimovski and Kunc's shots starting to fall as well. More court time for Bamba and Vova'.

 

[COUGinNCW]

There seems to be better flow to the O so far.

 

[kougkurt]

Sharing the ball

 

[COUGinNCW]

Bonton is playing under control.
It will be interesting to watch who emerges as a top 7-8. Lots of choices.

 

[kougkurt]

If these freshman and sophomores stick around they’ll be dancin

 

[kougkurt]

Blocks no longer exist

 

[SaveFerris]

I like the way Jackson moves. He just needs the weight room and to grow into his body. Not a surprise at only 17.

 

[Coug1990]

I like the way Jackson moves. He just needs the weight room and to grow into his body. Not a surprise at only 17.

Bonton and mostly freshman and sophomores. Of course there is Kunz and when he is healthy, Miller. Looking forward to when the team gets confidence.

 

[Coug4life34]

Such horrible shots at the most important parts of the game.. Very confusing for what I consider to be such a well coached team.

 

[Coug4life34]

Bonton and mostly freshman and sophomores. Of course there is Kunz and when he is healthy, Miller. Looking forward to when the team gets confidence.

The whole team needs the weight room... Tgey are young so their is time, but it will have to be a priority to talk full potential.. I think it is priority number 1...

 

[Dusty.Hooper]

in the first 3 games, is there anyone in the nation with more missed shots, more forced shots, lowest FG %, more turnovers than our PG ? Good game by Rodman though.

 

[SaveFerris]

in the first 3 games, is there anyone in the nation with more missed shots, more forced shots, lowest FG %, more turnovers than our PG ? Good game by Rodman though.

It was bad but he was better on turnovers tonight. Almost fouled Reichle at the end. Shot 4-18 and I'm saying he played better. Wow!

 

[Coug1990]

in the first 3 games, is there anyone in the nation with more missed shots, more forced shots, lowest FG %, more turnovers than our PG ? Good game by Rodman though.

Seriously? They just won a game against another P12 school. Do you remember last year what happened when our point guard, Isaac Bonton, missed games with an injury? If there was someone better, they would be playing. He had seven assists and two turnovers. Plus, three steals and four rebounds.

 

[Glad Cougar]

Thank you DJ Rodman! It was Noah with the offensive burst last game, DJ came through this game. If this team can just get incrementally better on offense each game, they'll have a decent season. They play really good defense and that should keep them in a lot of games. As young players like Abogidi, Bamba, and Jakomovski and Jackson get more experience, the future looks good. That's a big win for WSU. And despite the concerns, this team is 3-0 (not to mention in first place by themselves in the Pac-12! )

Glad Cougar

 

[CougPatrol]

I’m losing my patience with Bonton as well. I can live with the fact that he turns the ball over and forces shots, but his decision making in crunch time was horrendous tonight. He’s a senior. He’s a PG. He has to make better decisions down the stretch.

 

[Coug1990]

I’m losing my patience with Bonton as well. I can live with the fact that he turns the ball over and forces shots, but his decision making in crunch time was horrendous tonight. He’s a senior. He’s a PG. He has to make better decisions down the stretch.

If Bonton is so bad as you believe. Why do you think a very good coach like Smith continues to play him?

 

[Glad Cougar]

I’m losing my patience with Bonton as well. I can live with the fact that he turns the ball over and forces shots, but his decision making in crunch time was horrendous tonight. He’s a senior. He’s a PG. He has to make better decisions down the stretch.

Any comment about winning the game?

Glad Cougar

 

[SaveFerris]

Thank you DJ Rodman! It was Noah with the offensive burst last game, DJ came through this game. If this team can just get incrementally better on offense each game, they'll have a decent season. They play really good defense and that should keep them in a lot of games. As young players like Abogidi, Bamba, and Jakomovski and Jackson get more experience, the future looks good. That's a big win for WSU. And despite the concerns, this team is 3-0 (not to mention in first place by themselves in the Pac-12! )

Glad Cougar

I really liked the way Abogidi responded after getting blocked from behind. He started to finish quicker the rest of the game even though I thought he was fouled on that block (off-hand in his back). Rodman knocking down shots was a great sign. I'm waiting for Kunc's shot to drop more often but he's taking good shots. Then there was Jackson in his first action.

The better they play I really think will lead to improving Bonton's decisions. There will still be times he forces things and try to do things he shouldn't do. There was a lot to like for such a young team tonight.

 

[CougPatrol]

I didn’t say Bonton was bad, nor did I question Smith. What I am saying is that Bonton’s game management during crunch time is poor. Is that observation out of bounds on a D1 men’s basketball forum?

Forget about the out of control shots and sloppy passes. The last play of the game. We’re up 4 with less than 4 seconds left. The only way we blow it is if we foul on a 3. Sure enough, Bonton flies at the shooter and nearly fouls.

Why does Smith continue to stick with him? Because he’s a skilled player, a good ball handler, and he shoots well at the line. He’s also our only option at the #1.

 

[bogusto]

I didn’t say Bonton was bad, nor did I question Smith. What I am saying is that Bonton’s game management during crunch time is poor. Is that observation out of bounds on a D1 men’s basketball forum?

Forget about the out of control shots and sloppy passes. The last play of the game. We’re up 4 with less than 4 seconds left. The only way we blow it is if we foul on a 3. Sure enough, Bonton flies at the shooter and nearly fouls.

Why does Smith continue to stick with him? Because he’s a skilled player, a good ball handler, and he shoots well at the line. He’s also our only option at the #1.

Bonton is still afflicted with that most corrosive of all young man diseases: too emotional at critical times.

 

[roses04]

They won, lets be happy about that, if they keep improving and start hitting a few more shots, this team will be much better than the preseason prediction of 11th in the conference. They are very young, several promising Freshman, how quickly than can improve will dictate how this team goes. Bonton drives me nuts at times, however if we can count on a few more points from the rest of the team, maybe Bonton will eliminate the quick shot with hands in his face. Turnovers and rebounding are a bigger issue, giving up too many offensive boards, and not boxing out at the FT line needs to be fixed. Let's see how they do at Colorado, first road game, tougher opponent.

 

[7ICoug]

Probability of Colorado game is quite low. They cancelled one already and the other is likely to go as well.

 

[walzuu]

Probability of Colorado game is quite low. They cancelled one already and the other is likely to go as well.

That was my thought as well. BUT Smith and Chun both said otherwise last night. They said after talking to the CO folks their players who were out due to contract tracing have been cleared.

 

[SaveFerris]

Really want to see this game happen heading into the rest of the ooc schedule. I think they can get a lot out of it moving into the rest of the December schedule. The more court time the better.

 

[Coug-Vandal]

[QUOTE="rose They are very young, several promising Freshman, how quickly than can improve will dictate how this team goes. Bonton drives me nuts at times, however if we can count on a few more points from the rest of the team, maybe Bonton will eliminate the quick shot with hands in his face.



A lot to like about this young team. It will be fun to see the young guys develop. Overall I thought Bonton played a good game last night. We can live with him having a bad shooting night. Like others, what drives me crazy is when he drives into the lane and ends up forcing up an underhanded desperation shot that he would be lucky to make 50% of the time in a game of horse. He needs to be looking for a pass to set someone up not an underhanded prayer.

 

[CougEd]

I didn’t say Bonton was bad, nor did I question Smith. What I am saying is that Bonton’s game management during crunch time is poor. Is that observation out of bounds on a D1 men’s basketball forum?

Forget about the out of control shots and sloppy passes. The last play of the game. We’re up 4 with less than 4 seconds left. The only way we blow it is if we foul on a 3. Sure enough, Bonton flies at the shooter and nearly fouls.

Why does Smith continue to stick with him? Because he’s a skilled player, a good ball handler, and he shoots well at the line. He’s also our only option at the #1.

And truth is Bonton got it going late last two games and was key to the win . It is a different role with ellerby not here. If he was team would be dancing .

But what is truly impressive the lengths they have gone to get players . And players that have length . We haven’t had this since dick Bennett ...

 

[kayak15]

Bonton drives all of us crazy at times but we need to remember what the team looked like last year after he went down.