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1. They lack depth. Only 6 guys scored and only 7 guys played double-digit minutes.
2. They weren't able to handle a not very good team.
3. They have some guys who can shoot the 3 ball. DJ Gay and James Rahon went 4-5 and 4-7 respectively. We traditionally aren't good at defending the 3, so this could hurt us.
I attended the game. Leonard didn't have a particularly good game (missed several easy shots), but he was a hoover on the boards and played good defense. Rahon (transfer from SCU) is a great addition for the Aztecs... he hit some clutch 3s and gives the Aztecs what they really lacked last season. Long Beach is a very competitive team... no slouch. If the Aztecs play similar defense against the Zags, it will be a long night for them. Leonard will definitely get his points and rebounds on Tuesday, but a lack of depth will hurt the Aztecs. Gray should have a field day against that defense. The Zags better be up for hitting the boards, because the Aztecs really pound the boards. Should be a fun game to watch. The Leonard-Harris matchup will be one of the best of the season... they are by far the two best forwards on the west coast.
One opposing coach described the Aztecs this way: “They are Noah’s Ark. They’ve got two of everything.”
And they do. The second unit — LaBradford Franklin, James Rahon, Tim Shelton, Mehdi Cheriet and Brian Carlwell — could probably finish in the upper half of the MWC by itself. It’s that talented, that experienced.
But you can play with only five at a time in basketball, and how effectively Fisher utilizes his embarrassment of riches could determine whether this is a great or merely very good team. To that end, look for the Aztecs to push and press more, making it a 94-foot instead of a 47-foot game.
“They go to school. They do their homework. They shake hands. They say please and thank you. But once you throw that ball up, they will rip your heart out and watch you bleed.” -- Jay Bilas
From the article, Joe Lunardi has the Aztecs projected as a 6th seed in the NCAA tourney and I believe he has the Zags projected as a 3 seed and winning it all. San Diego State should be very good this year, but based on Lunardi's projections we are better. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
It's not the size of the Bulldog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the Bulldog!
For more Long Beach sports coverage go to: http://www.gazettes.com
On the comments above, don't be fooled by one game. One of the major strengths of the Aztecs this year is our depth. Very deep and the deepest in Aztec History.
And these same 5 starters played very good defense last year.
I can't wait for Tuesday night. It should be a barn burner.
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