[QUOTE=GraffZ06] Those weren't bad calls on Jason - those were all fouls.

He got taken to school and used like a rented mule by Hall last night. It was the striking difference between a senior and a baby-faced freshman. For the first time all year Jason looked and played the part.

Jason needs to learn how to play more physical 1-on-1 post defense WITHOUT fouling when the other team is running their O through the post every possession. Some of it is he just needs to add some physical strength to push the guy off his spot and be able to hold ground without visibly reaching/pushing. Some of it is he needs to work on his defensive footwork and positioning so he isn't playing D with his hands and bumping with his chest/upper body.

He can fix the strength in the off-season (hopefully). The footwork piece I don't think he'll ever be great at, nor will he ever be a quick and explosive leaper for shot blocking/contesting - but he can try to overcome those deficiencies with hustle (something he already has in spades) technique and experience. Those things can only come in time.

He is a freshmen that has not faced this type of talent, we should cut him some slack. I saw Lebron come into the NBA and get humiliated by players like Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Lebron later became an all NBA defender.

Of the 5 fouls, I truly only thought one was a foul. The first foul 20 seconds in and that was bad luck falling down and guy falling on him, but that had to be called. As for the other 4 fouls (especially the last), they all could not have been fouls. To me, this was classic Senior getting calls over Freshman.

I never mind getting beat by the ones that win it all.

Kent was a different team when we saw them a few weeks back. Sendy is not really having to Coach em up. The players are killing it. I would not be surprised if they get a first round win.

I saw very little OHIO hoops this year. I turned on the game vs. Kents on Friday with 13 minutes to go. We were down about 2 (49-47, I think) and Carter was on the bench with four fouls.

That said, my observations:

We played that last 13 minutes with great spirit and tenacity...as did Kent.

With TC, we're dancing. Without him, we are moderately talented at best. Not enough 'unstoppable' on offense without Tony.

GraffZ--I don't agree with all of your thoughts. But I agree with most of them and respect your posts because they contained lots of specific, detailed analysis.

Alans is right about players whining when called for fouls. It is the most basic psychology: When someone barks at you for what you do, are you inclined to treat them better, to give them benefit of the close calls? The way to handle it is to calmly discuss it with the ref, probably waiting until the next stop in play to do so.

LeBron, for one, rarely gets heated over foul calls. That would be the LeBron who was the best player on the court in the first NBA game that he played in--by far. I saw the replay recently (against Sacramento, I think). So, Allen, LeBron may have gotten beaten some early on defense. But he's an unbelievable player and was from his first minute in the NBA.

To continue off track, you go for it CA Bobcat. Flaunt your wealth. Rake me even if it's totally off thread. Get into it.


Carter. To look at him walking, I see no athletic talent. Then, watch him play. He's decently athletic and, as at least Alan and GraffZ pointed out, he has terrific footwork. Dude really understands angles in small spaces.


Why would anyone not want us to get in a post-season tourney and play more games (if it's not at large financial cost)?



I know it's way too early and I can't give detailed analysis on it, but OHIO wins the MACC BASKETBALL next year.