Gary Bells defense

[zag buddy]

He is getting to be one of the best I've seen. When you can slow down another teams best player it throws the rhythm, timing, and execution off for the other team. It is hard for them to get into the flow of their offense. It makes them take bad shots that are not part of their sets. Gary is doing an outstanding job and it allows his team mates to be better by concentrating only on their man and not to be playing help defense all game. Gary is just going to quietly improve throughout his career here at Gonzaga. An outstanding player and young man that we are fortunate to have. Go Zags.

[Nevtelen]

From Meehan

in his Day After post:

Ditto for Gary Bell Jr. He scored just seven points to go with four rebounds and two turnovers. But his defense on Tu Holloway was exemplary, holding the All-American to 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting, and more importantly, keeping Holloway off the FT line. Holloway, who averages 10 FTs per game, was 1 of 3 at the stripe. He was 13 of 14 at the line while scoring 26 points against GU last season.

And to clarify, at least three of Holloway’s baskets didn’t come against Bell Jr. One was after Holloway picked David Stockton’s pocket in the backcourt. Another was after Holloway pilfered an outlet pass and scored. And another was a three-point play against Mike Hart, who actually played solid defense but was whistled for a foul on Holloway’s drive within 8 feet.

I hadn't known how many FTs Holloway averaged per game (though I do remember a bunch against us last season) and that definitely makes GBJ's D all that much better for me. Just an impressive outing.

[Jedster]

I'm excited to see him on Dellavadova and see how he controls him. I remember the game with Steven Gray on him and he was just way to physical and frustrated Dellie to no end. I think GBJ can play any style defense, so should be a good matchup! Now, what to do about Rob Jones.....

[DCZag]

Rewatched the game today - GBJ is for real!!! To quote the '80's song; "Future's so bright I gotta wear shades!"

Rob Jones - easy GL-E.

This Zag team is GOOD!

[LynetteG]

Love GBJ!!!!!!!

[TacomaZAG]

GBJ is the total package.....

He is getting known for his defense (made Tu all but disappear) but he is also a serious offensive threat. Great to see he is doing what is needed for the team at the moment, but he WILL have a breakout game (20+ points) some time during conference play. Even though he hasn't scored a bunch yet, he has been very efficient on the offensive end, and he continues to be good with the ball.

As I said in the KP thread, I love our Frosh backcourt. GBJ and KP compliment each other so well and share the ball so well that it is impossible to concentrate on either of them. Defenses have to play them both honestly, leading to either of them getting loose and going off. It has been fun watching them mature before our eyes, every game seems to bring new lessons that they learn and salt away for later use.

Speaking of our Frosh, Spangler is starting to get some minutes and is making the most of them. Too bad there is so little room for him this year, with Sam starting to go off on a regular basis and Elias and Rob playing well.

Can't wait for WCC play and the continued improvement of our backcourt and team overall.

Go ZAGS

[CDC84]

Mark Few could've easily put Hart on Mitrovic during the Portland game, and I'm sure Hart would've done a nice job. After all, Mitrovic is 6-5...he has four inches on Gary. But Few put Bell on him in the 1st half because he wants Gary to be known as the team's perimeter stopper. He wants for him to get used to having that responsibility. He's taken on that responsibility in just the way Few envisioned....with a great deal of enthusiasm.

[Baseline]

Bell had Tu shut down most of the game, Tu got going a little late in the game when Bell was getting a bit tired, but his efforts was the game difference to me.

Good to see Spangler get more time. He looks better each time he plays. Last night he didn't look lost on defense and actually started playing the angles and spacing much better. Looks like he is learning fast for a big guy.

[zaguarxj]

Was Bell's defense on Tu a little bit responsible for Lyons' poor game or does Lyons always take stupid shots all game?

[bballbeachbum]

Was Bell's defense on Tu a little bit responsible for Lyons' poor game or does Lyons always take stupid shots all game?

interesting question. I'd say a little bit just because the pressure on all the other X players goes up to score when their leader is getting shackled

GBJ is fun to watch, a player who gets off defending, and he gets off on it. His O is somewhat in and out at this point, space to grow and express that part of his game at this level which is fun to watch/will be fun to watch him develop

I think it was ZagManinPhilly who compared him to Joe Dumars. I see it more each time, without that rainbow jumper of Joe's (GBJs is flatter) or the dribble penetration excellence, yet

and his intensity is awesome, palpable