Gonzaga vs BYU Post Game thoughts and analysis

[Birddog]

If the deep bench was jacking them up and they were going in we'd be all kudos.................but they aren't

[jazzdelmar]

If the deep bench was jacking them up and they were going in we'd be all kudos.................but they aren't

I assume you meant “if a deep bench was....” cuz we ain’t got one.

[CaliZag44]

One thing I don't think we are talking about enough is that BYU hadn't played since 12/23 and then had 48 hours to prepare for a road trip to face us, the #1 team in the nation.

The slow start was almost inevitable. After Gonzaga's 23-2 start the rest of the game was about even, and thanks to a late run BYU actually out scored the Zags from that point on, covering about 34 minutes of the game. Now, clearly you don't play the same when you have a 20-30 point lead all game and when you are in a tight one, but BYU showed it could make plays and could get stops (though inconsistently).

I think that when we face BYU in Provo they could actually give us some real trouble. I don't suspect Barcello to struggle nearly as much as he did yesterday. If they can avoid a double digit hole early they could give us a game.

Regardless, we played fantastic. Suggs and Kispert looked like they were able to score whenever they wanted to.

[TacomaZAG]

Yawn...First team to average 95 points per game in first dozen since 1990 LMU. You know. Hank Gathers.? Bo Kimble? (see link in my post above)

I mean yawn....just something any old team could do.....about once every 30 years.

Yawn.

MM - My apologies for not being more clear in my "Yawn" comment. The yawn was not to denigrate the talent and unique ability of this team. It was a response to the previous posts micro analyzing and criticizing the second half of another WCC blowout. The guys have a chance to do something that hasn't been done in over 40 years, absolutely no "yawn" there. Great fun watching these guys play and get better. Beautiful basketball.............

Go ZAGS

[zag67]

I think that we saw our bench running without a general. If Cook had been healthy and playing then I think that we would have seen a more organized group of players in the last ten minutes. The freshmen and returning players just need time playing and to understand scoring is not everything.

[Reborn]

Reborn - that is why I asked the question and posted the thread a couple of days ago regarding - "is anyone just a little worried about next year". I am not at all impressed with the subs yet. The 1st team is 2nd to none. But we will be losing a lot from this current team. From what I have seen so far - until and unless the subs begin to show a bit more I am a bit concerned for next year. But I sure am enjoying this year.

Thanks for your reply. I understand. However, it's just way too early for me to worry about next year. There are just many, many months before we need to worry about next year. We can identify some players off of this years team who will be back, as well as we know some of the recruits who will be on the team next year. But there will be others, that's for sure. And I am sure they will fill the needs that next year's team will have. The coaching staff has done an excellent job of recruiting, and it gets better every year. So I wouldn't worry about it. Really! Have faith my friend. Also Harris, Strawther, and Ballo will be WAY better next year. You can count on that.

Go Zags!

[ArchaeaBYU]

I think that we saw our bench running without a general. If Cook had been healthy and playing then I think that we would have seen a more organized group of players in the last ten minutes. The freshmen and returning players just need time playing and to understand scoring is not everything.

The fans are demoralized on the CB board. The most sober assessment is that BYU only has two to three players who might make your bench. Hopefully the next game is competitive for a longer period. The five players starting for Gonzaga are all better than any player BYU has ever had. Your talent level is that much superior to the rest of the league.

[zagdontzig]

- a pattern is taking shape, early leads of around 14-2, that balloon to 20 plus by halftime. then human nature kicks in and lead is down into the teens, more gas and up by 25 or more, then the subs whittle the lead back to below 20.
- gotta agree subs looked bad tonight, byu made their last 6 shots, all easy layin's.

- i do not believe there is a team that can beat gonzaga, except for gonzaga. by that i mean if on one night all the wheels fall off, nobody can make a shot, they get tight and turn the ball over. even then to lose they may need an assist from the referees.

I think we were seeing the same thing, but this put some statistical context to the our dominance in comparison to the final box score, calling the game "Analytically Final" with 11:44 left to play:

https://twitter.com/haslametrics/sta...01059829731329

[TexasZagFan]

I think that we saw our bench running without a general. If Cook had been healthy and playing then I think that we would have seen a more organized group of players in the last ten minutes. The freshmen and returning players just need time playing and to understand scoring is not everything.

If Aaron is the General for the bench, then Dom is the 2nd LT Platoon Leader for the bench.

Quick quiz, what is the Army's most dangerous weapon? Answer: a 2nd Lieutenant with a map.

No worries, Dom will advance to Captain over the next two months.

[tinfoilzag]

I assume you meant “if a deep bench was....” cuz we ain’t got one.

I'd pick our bench (with Cook healthy) to win the WCC.

We have a very deep bench but the drop off from guys like Suggs, Kispert, Timme, and Ayayi is pronounced. To have a deep bench would we need 6 or 7 all-American candidates?

[bballbeachbum]

the blowouts are great to see the bench play in some lineups with the main group. Dom ran with a group of starting four and looked lost on O especially off the ball, but with that video in that situation he will learn a lot more than the video from the end of game stuff. That's why Few put him out there in that situation last night, my opinion. Dom has also shown well in some situations earlier this year, he's a freshman, still getting comfy in everything. we'll see but no rush to judgment from me and looking forward to his next performance and opportunities for growth from this. Sucks Cook is out but reps for Dom

there were other interesting player groupings with AW in the post alone where he has shown pretty well so far this season, and also out there with Ballo at the same time for for periods, the blowout allowing the minutes distribution? idk, would guess yes that it affected those decisions, and great to take advantage.

On Ballo, he can get up and down, and he's active for stretches and shows desire on both ends imo. Nitpick coming...his box out is better, lower on the initial battle, but he stops moving after that as the opposition keeps working so Oumar ends up reaching for the ball with players underneath him and beside him smacking the ball away. Can be learned to be aware of this and address, feel the defender and keep the feet moving to keep the seal so the rebound is with the shoulders and not just the hands

This team is SUPER FUN to watch and root for. The Zags have always brought a lot of joy to my life, this vicarious super ride, but the joy they have been bringing to my life this season I've never so appreciated, whatever happens

Go Zags

[Hogan]

Is it just me, or is anyone else concerned with our low post defense, especially from Timme?

[Therunner]

Is it just me, or is anyone else concerned with our low post defense, especially from Timme?

His defense isn't bad, he actually fronts very well and knows when to drop into the paint, yet he must show he isn't a liability at the next level. If you combine unknown outside shooting, its the reason he'll likely be in a Zag jersey next year.

That said, id say it wasn't the highest lvl of effort we've seen from Timme this season. His 2 rebs and early fouls are indicative of that...he still played very well in limited mins, as always.

[jazzdelmar]

The fans are demoralized on the CB board. The most sober assessment is that BYU only has two to three players who might make your bench. Hopefully the next game is competitive for a longer period. The five players starting for Gonzaga are all better than any player BYU has ever had. Your talent level is that much superior to the rest of the league.

Jimmer?

[MickMick]

MM - My apologies for not being more clear in my "Yawn" comment. The yawn was not to denigrate the talent and unique ability of this team. It was a response to the previous posts micro analyzing and criticizing the second half of another WCC blowout. The guys have a chance to do something that hasn't been done in over 40 years, absolutely no "yawn" there. Great fun watching these guys play and get better. Beautiful basketball.............

Go ZAGS

It's all good. I don't pretend to know your line of thinking, but I do know that we should not underappreciate what we have here. Check out some blueblood forums for some real anguish and from that experience, understand that we have no room to feel entitled as fans. Success can be fleeting. I'm guilty of this myself, but it comes with a stark realization. We may never see a better GU team than this one. It is very possible. So we should really savor every moment.

[TacomaZAG]

It's all good. I don't pretend to know your line of thinking, but I do know that we should not underappreciate what we have here. Check out some blueblood forums for some real anguish and from that experience, understand that we have no room to feel entitled as fans. Success can be fleeting. I'm guilty of this myself, but it comes with a stark realization. We may never see a better GU team than this one. It is very possible. So we should really savor every moment.

Well put................"We may never see a better GU team than this one. So we should really savor every moment."

Go ZAGS

[GrizZAG]

I have noticed that when Joel is not on the floor the team is very different and not as effective. He brings more to this team than some realize. We are not as solid without him for certain IMO.

[MickMick]

I have noticed that when Joel is not on the floor the team is very different and not as effective. He brings more to this team than some realize. We are not as solid without him for certain IMO.

There is a very distinct difference when Kispert or Ayayi are not on the floor. Ayayi tracks down every 50/50 ball and Kispert's dependable scoring insures that chipping away at a big Zag lead is damn near futile. Nembhard is such a quality player, that the drop off from Suggs' absence isn't quite as noticeable as they both make Timme (or anyone for that matter) look like an All American with their outlet passes in transition.

[krozman]

I have noticed that when Joel is not on the floor the team is very different and not as effective. He brings more to this team than some realize. We are not as solid without him for certain IMO.

On that note, would you instruct Ayayi to never shoot the ball? Because, comon, he's not rebounding if he's shooting!


I kid!!

[katman50]

Ayayi is a Zag treasure. He has come so far the past year. We are blessed to have him. Gosh, how many years has he been in the program? He has paid his dues and is finally thriving.

[zag67]

I agree that Ayayi is a treasure. He does so many things offensively and defensively. But it is his hustle on the boards and steals that really empresses me. He is a Hart that has many more extras.

[Malastein]

I have noticed that when Joel is not on the floor the team is very different and not as effective. He brings more to this team than some realize. We are not as solid without him for certain IMO.

Joel is our Draymond Green. He’s the key to making everything fit together.

[DZ]

I agree that Ayayi is a treasure. He does so many things offensively and defensively. But it is his hustle on the boards and steals that really empresses me. He is a Hart that has many more extras.

I don't know that there's any good comparison. I cannot think of a player who does the things he does.

As I've said, his ability to catch a tough pass and make anything driving is just stunning to me.

I trust his 3 point shot more and more, whether that makes statistical sense or not, I don't know.

[GonzaGAW]

I compared this team to 1990 LMU a week ago (just check my post history). Some of you probably thought I was reaching.

Well here is some statistical reinforcement for that argument......

https://twitter.com/jeffborzello/sta...85633539567619

Mark Few has evolved into Paul Westhead. Guess what? There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that could have more impact to lure top talent in the future.

Kids dream of playing in this type of offense.

- did some research that lmu 90-91 team could score for sure but they were a 'bad' team.
- they were only 14-15 (not counting div. 2 games) and sure they scored 103 a game, but get this their opponents scored 105 a game!
- yes they were a scoring maching, but only because they would put up a shot 8 seconds into the shot clock, then let their opponent take a shot in another 8 seconds.

- incidentally they twice scored less than 85 points, in games 13 and 15, hopefully the zags will surpass those numbers.

[zagsfanforlife]

- did some research that lmu 90-91 team could score for sure but they were a 'bad' team.
- they were only 14-15 (not counting div. 2 games) and sure they scored 103 a game, but get this their opponents scored 105 a game!
- yes they were a scoring maching, but only because they would put up a shot 8 seconds into the shot clock, then let their opponent take a shot in another 8 seconds.

- incidentally they twice scored less than 85 points, in games 13 and 15, hopefully the zags will surpass those numbers.

You guys have your LMU teams mixed up. The LMU team that was dominant was the 1989-1990 team with hank and bo. The next years team didnt. 89-90 was the best scoring offense ever. Averaged 122 PPG, gave up 105....