Open Game Day Thread: Iowa State vs. Texas (Big 12 Tournament)
by awiggo on Mar 10, 2010 7:27 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns Basketball
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PrintIowa St. Cyclones at Texas Longhorns, Mar 10, 2010 8:30 PM CST
Texas opens post-season play not as the favorite to win the Big 12 and a favorite to cut down the nets in Indianapolis, but instead in the No. 6 vs. No. 11 opening round game of the Big 12 Tournament and as a long shot to win multiple games in Kansas City or their NCAA destination. Oh, how far we've fallen!
However, and I'm not pointing to anything we've seen in last the last seven weeks of play, but to a hypothetical and to last fall, this team still has a chance to do real damage in both tournaments.
In theory, this team, even with an injured Dogus Balbay, shaky point guard play, and declining team defense, could still put it together and make a run in either this tournament or the next one.
Texas still has the talent. Most mock-NBA drafts have Damion James and Avery Bradley as first rounders and Dexter Pittman as a second rounder. I'll also add that once Jordan Hamilton figures how team basketball, he may have the most pro upside of any Longhorn. However, as we've all seen in the race to a 9-7 conference mark, talent means nothing if you don't play as a team. Talent means nothing if no one is playing defense. And talent means nothing when ridiculous line ups, turnovers, and missed opportunities at the line squash any potential momentum.
I am not holding my breath any longer for deep runs in either tournament and have positioned myself to either accept the likely disappointing end (I predicted that we'd win the national title before the season started.) or be pleasantly surprised by a magical run that allows me to remember 17-0 and forget losing to OU, being swept by Baylor, and getting blown out by a coachless-UConn team.
What does Texas need to do to advance? We've talked ad nauseum about this over the last four months, so here are some bullet points.
- Play through Damion James. He is our most complete and dominating player who is also usually a tremendous match-up problem for our opposition. The more DaMo touches the ball on offense, the better.
- Pittman must play with fire. This means that Sexy Dex needs to be calling for the ball on offense and cleaning the glass on defense. He needs to punish defenders with his body and make quick enough decisions to either score or create open jumpers with diagonal passes from the low block. Staying out of foul trouble wouldn't hurt either.
- Protect the basketball and Play Smart. Sadly our entire repertoire of guards is flawed. Some can score, some can pass, and some can play defense, but there isn't a backcourt player on our roster who can all three well and all three consistently. So, Rick Barnes needs J'Covan Brown to play smart, make the efficient not the spectacular pass, and look for his spots with the three ball. Texas needs Avery Bradley to be the lock-down defender that Varez Ward had the chance to be and the lock-down defender that Dogus Balbay was for much of the season. Bradley also needs to look for his offense more and not just settle for mid-range jumpers.
- Solid play from Hamilton. Jordan Hamilton has the chance to be the X factor for this team in the post-season. Hamilton should be getting 10 points, eight boards, and four assists in his sleep. If James isn't the biggest mismatch for our opponents, then it's Hamilton. At a legit 6-7 he can shoot over smaller defenders and easily take smaller, slower ones off the bounce.
- Make free throws. Games get tighter in March and possessions matter even more. Texas has improved from the line recently, so this is less fo a concern now than it was a month ago. Close games will come down to free throws in March.
- Play November/December defense and remember scouting reports. Against weaker competition, Texas dominated the defense end of the court. Since moving into league play, it has been a different story. Quick guards have been able to easily collapse the defense off the dribble; shooters have inexplicably been left open; and our domination on the glass has diminished considerably.
I could go on but those are the high points: play smart and efficient basketball through James on offense and regain our defensive intensity on defense.
It's lose and go home now. Time to show up.
Hook 'em.
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Point Guard roulette again
Mason gets the start
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Understanding through football...yo comprendo
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Are the fans barking?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
360
the game hasnt even started yet on that stream
I think ISU wore their McDonalds uniforms just to taunt Dexter
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Missed FT, Dex bails out ISU
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Good sign for Texas, refs not letting Clown hack Dexter and get away with it
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Horns up 11-9, under 16
Quick pace so far. Texas failing in transition D but playing through their posts, which is a good sign.
--AW--
With the Fat Lady
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
at work right now. how my horns doin?
is mason really getting the start?
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Mar 10, 2010 8:42 PM CST reply actions
Damo...smooth
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
He took the stairs to block that one
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Terrible shooting from ISU
do they normally shoot this many 3s?
try that justin.tv link
if a good connection, usually more live
by Infield Elephant on Mar 10, 2010 8:49 PM CST up reply actions
Poor anticipation
just basketball insticts missing sometimes
Exactly its effort
gotta do the little things to Win
15 all, under 12 timeout
More of the same in those four min. Good play inside and awful transition D.
ISU can’t shoot at all, so if Texas could make them go against a set D, we’d be fine.
--AW--
Any chance we Zone?
they look terrible shooting
We could be killing them
but… but we’re not.
by Infield Elephant on Mar 10, 2010 8:53 PM CST reply actions
Matt Hill, not helping
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
And then he did
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Hill and Jai
Must work awful hard in practice to get these minutes.
I see Barnes has gone back to 6th Grade everybody gets to play rules...
Andrew Dick, get ready
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Weird sequence
those keep biting us in the ass this year… every awkward play ends up bad for us
Good Hamiliton
The WEASEL gettin it done on the glass
Put it down big fella
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
It will next year for him
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
27-21 Texas, under 8
Good min from Hill and good min from Hamilton too.
Put Dex back in and go back inside, please.
--AW--
Jolly Roger Day
I miss Leach, how’s he doing?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Damo, leading the Big XII in beard
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Glimpse of the future...oh boy
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Matt Hill
Maybe Barnes is channeling his inner Augie in bringing in Hill
Are you saying he's been drinking?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Like our Chances
at least this game fits the mold of Winning Texas
Arby's Roast Beef Sale
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
5 for 5 is a good deal, no judging here
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Lucas looks 5'10", 150 out there
what’s that?
by Infield Elephant on Mar 10, 2010 9:08 PM CST reply actions
Jordan ice cold
Still no J’Covan. Don’t think he’s the kind of kid who responds well to tough love.
--AW--
Lord knows hes had a lot of it
Kicked off the High school team… Not qualifying
J'Covan looks J'Cozy on the bench
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
29-25 Texas, under four
Good look by Gary but too high and hard. Don’t know about that call, though.
Turnover Texas.
Horns should easily be up double digits right now. ISU can’t shoot or rebound.
--AW--
We just saw why JBrown is sitting
Didn’t even try to get that loose ball.
by Dawnpatrol on Mar 10, 2010 9:11 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Brown looks like DaMo
when he was younger and would get criticized…. He just shuts down
Dex needed all 4 inches of that vertical
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Matt Hill is just waiting for the right time to explode
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Feels good to see Hamilton getting it.
His shot’s not falling, but he’s making up for it on D and in other ways on offense.
Eeees looney tunes
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Not sure what to make of that half.....
Didn’t play poorly, but not exactly knocking anyone’s socks off.
Some unique lineups, too. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
And....
Wow
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground.
31-28 Texas at half
Horns play well in stretches but go cold late and let ISU get too many looks in transition.
When Dex and DaMo touch the ball, Texas looks great.
--AW--
lucky we're playing ISU
otherwise we would be down by our usual 10 points
Strange Lineups for Sure
I understand that we need to give some guys rest if we expect to win four games in four days but let’s win the first one Rick.
Lucas with minutes, Hill with minutes, and J’Covan sitting almost the entire half.
Don’t want to see any of that in the second half.
--AW--
The Big XII network is bush league
I don’t know that I want espn and that annoying lady calling our games, but at least I could watch it in HD and know who the announcers and analysts are that I’m bitching about…
Lighting is bad too
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
ISU Missing Hamilton
with foul trouble hurt them. He can score some and is a very good off rebounder. He’ll see more PT in the second half but starts with three fouls.
--AW--
Wingman's back
Where’s Chappy?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
We're Benjamin Button
Every game we get a little less mature
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
How did that movie end?
Did he finally turn into a fetus?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Choked on a nipple
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Watching the last 8 minutes of the half...
I could have sworn I heard the theme music for Benny Hill in the background!
L.M.A.oooooooooooooooooo
winner, end thread
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Mar 10, 2010 9:25 PM CST up reply actions
just start replaying that music in your head when we play badly...
takes the sting out of watching them meltdown.
man vs. food is in Austin
he’s at Juan in a Million trying to eat 8 Don Juan Tacos to break the restaurant record. Don’t remember that place from my time there.
It's fun to do bad things. -Latarian Milton
ya, its a re run
he cant even make it past 4 of em
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Mar 10, 2010 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
dude
hadn’t seen this one
It's fun to do bad things. -Latarian Milton
by TexasGarcia37 on Mar 10, 2010 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
Those things don't look like tacos
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Nothing special
Overall, I’m not seeing anything different with the team. No one seems to be elevating his game. Of course, James has been playing at the high level all along, but none of the others have stepped up. Cinderella, we ain’t.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
i find it suprising that im the only one who thought we would look like this
im actually kinda shocked isu isnt up by 10
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Mar 10, 2010 9:27 PM CST reply actions
Half full
An optimist says the glass is half full
A pessimist says the glass is half empty
An engineer says the glass is twice as big as it needs to be
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Dude, are you gonna pay us all $100 if we win by 20?
by SneezyBeltran on Mar 10, 2010 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
We've put a lean on his Pokemon collection
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
That's why he was late to the thread.....
Pokemon convention in Houston.
by SneezyBeltran on Mar 10, 2010 9:33 PM CST up reply actions
You can win $100 on Nebraska over at Big 12 Basketball
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Embarrassing
I don’t see how we can beat a much talented Baylor team tomorrow. Very disturbing the Brown/Barnes saga continues even in the post-season. Lucas getting minutes at PG? Yikes.
Positives are Barnes starting Gary Johnson (how do you not after the Baylor game?), Pittman and James playing well, Hamilton’s rebounding, solid but short production from Matt Hill. That’s all I can think of.
Negatives? We’re up 3 points on the 2nd worst team in the Big XII. Enough said.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:30 PM CST reply actions
worry about Baylor after this game
It's fun to do bad things. -Latarian Milton
by TexasGarcia37 on Mar 10, 2010 9:35 PM CST up reply actions
BREAKING NEWS: Matt HIll to grow his hair out again
Hill says, “I just remembered that my strength is in my hair”
Lucas/Brown
Lucas actually looked good… Went under screens to force shots and moved the ball around
Brown is obviously better, but he looks like he doesnt care
Back to back jumpers, AB and Gary
probably our best two midrange jumpers other than Damo
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:36 PM CST reply actions
Nice drive Bradley
don’t remember the last time he made a layup, but driving gets Pittman a chance to put it back.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:36 PM CST reply actions
The 100 dollar bet:
Me: we wont make it past the 2nd round of the ncaa tourney
yall: ya we will
Still think we will make it to the sweet 16? lol hell nah, ill make it $100000000 if we make it that far. we cant even go up on a team thats 15-16!
"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"
by greenspointexas on Mar 10, 2010 9:36 PM CST reply actions
Why don't you put your money where your mouth is and shove it up your ass
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Wow, embarrassing Hamilton
not exactly 1st round draft pick type of a play there.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:38 PM CST reply actions
39-33
…bring back very painful memories.
by ElMariachiLoco on Mar 10, 2010 9:42 PM CST up reply actions
Here we go giving up wide open threes again
now just a 1 point game
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:40 PM CST reply actions
We've been playing pick-up basketball all season it seems
the difference between now and 17-0 is we lost our swagger and our depth with injuries.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
And other teams have film now and scout us .....
and come to the game with a plan……and we have five guys ready for some one one hoops. Who needs open jumpers generated by movement and passing
Come on Rick, call a TO...obviously, we need to regroup here
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Don't worry, Rick is just saving Brown for the Big XII CG against KU
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:42 PM CST up reply actions
He's granting NBA dreams
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
43-40 Texas, under 16
Still a three point game after first four minutes.
Defense is going to have to step up to win this game.
--AW--
I don't like that we're living and dying with jumpshots
Gary and AB can’t stay hot all game, and definitely won’t for consecutive days.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
Nice James
but wow, that’s his SIXTH three point attempt. Get him and Pittman the ball inside.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:45 PM CST reply actions
Note he had the ball inside for once
wasn’t roaming around the perimeter.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
Get me, Matt Hill
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Nice pass Jordan to Hill, can he make FTs?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:49 PM CST reply actions
I think Hill should get an assist for that missed FT
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Anyone going to guard James?
Amazing what happens when you drive. Good things usually happen.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:50 PM CST reply actions
Matt Hill cleared the way...he's on fire
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
52-46 Texas, under 12
James at the line for two more.
Give the ball to Damion and Dexter and attack the paint. Our jumpers aren’t falling tonight.
D: show up.
--AW--
Let's go Horns, Matt Hill can't do it all by himself
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Matt Hill is giving 110%, but his hair is only giving 20%
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Matt Hill carrying us now
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Wow. Props to Iowa St for answering
last three was over Jai Lucas. I don’t understand the consistency with Barnes. I guess while Lucas can’t play D, at least he tries, so therefore he deserves to play over Brown?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 9:59 PM CST reply actions
Barnes is trying to give him confidence ....
his development as a human is more important than winning
Damo-argiagato
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Sexy 2 times
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
DEXY!!!!
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground.
Oh yes
He’s a big target, just feed him if there’s only one man on him!
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:01 PM CST reply actions
Just keep your hands inside the car
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
He must be roommates with Matt Hill
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
James saved us 2 points with that rebound
could’ve been a putback dunk
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:06 PM CST reply actions
Lucas tried to draw a charge
when was the last time we actually drew one?
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:06 PM CST reply actions
Thats part of why hes in there for Brown
Brown woulda moved out of the way
by HornsUpInLA on Mar 10, 2010 10:07 PM CST up reply actions
James taking the ISU cheerleaders to the gun show
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
10 pt game
finally
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground.
Hooah!
DEXY
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground.
He's a cereal killer
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
No!
Its never over.
Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground.
rambo?
It's fun to do bad things. -Latarian Milton
by TexasGarcia37 on Mar 10, 2010 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
I heard his ph balance is off the charts too
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Texas frontcourt the story
DaMo and Gary have double-doubles and Dexter has been a beast in limited minutes.
--AW--
Gilstrap running out of elastic
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
The Jai Logic???
Since Big 12 play started Jai has shot 17% – he has all of 5 more assists than turnovers and is a defensive liability – what is Barne’s logic in playing him 20+ minutes in this game – he sure hasn’t earned these minutes?
I'm no basketball genius
but to my novice eyes he seemed to play well tonight
It's fun to do bad things. -Latarian Milton
by TexasGarcia37 on Mar 10, 2010 10:18 PM CST up reply actions
Do you think the crowd is chanting...beat Baylor, beat Baylor, beat...
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Somewhere Scott Drew tosses a Baby Ruth at Lomers to see if the chains can hold him
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Damo MVP...Matt Hill was robbed
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Mark lays a Turgeon
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Best 11 seed team ever?
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
earlier in the season I worried about the FT time of the game
We have really improved. Not perfect. but much better
The Barnes/Brown war nowhere close to being over
Great job recruiting Barnes!
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:27 PM CST reply actions
I think Barnes is resting J'Covan for tomorrow
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Highly doubtful
the player that actually needs rest is Bradley and he’s played a lot today.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:28 PM CST up reply actions
I was being ironical
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Saved by Zero
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
anything but the dreaded 8/9
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
I'll take a 7
We can take on some of these 2 seeds… Purdue lost their best player. Ohio St is beatable if we can contain Turner. New Mexico is well… a mid-major school, so it’s unknown how good they really are. We can take on Villanova as well, and even Kansas St.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:35 PM CST up reply actions
Over/under 15 minutes for Brown?
I think I’ll take the under tomorrow. Lucas playing a decent game didn’t help him.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:32 PM CST up reply actions
I don't get what happened with Brown...
Quick explanation anyone?
by ElMariachiLoco on Mar 10, 2010 10:32 PM CST reply actions
doesn't try on defense, doesn't hustle
pretty much the exact opposite of a player Barnes wants to put on the court.
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:33 PM CST up reply actions
Of course they hit the 3 to beat the spread
I hate ISU!!!
Cyclones blow
Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.
Not that I'm saying it will happen, but if we ran the big 12 tourney, what seed would be our ceiling?
I’m thinking probably a 4 at this point.
Texas frontcourt >>> backcourt
62 of our 82 points came from Pittman, Johnson, James, and Hill.
Matt Hill = 3 points.
Lucas + Mason + Brown = 3 points. LMAO
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:41 PM CST reply actions
Baylor guards too much for us
If you think Jai played well, then your standards are awfully low. Yes, he avoided turnovers, but his defense was weak – he had 3 assists – but no points from the field and 2-4 fromm the line. Good teams need production and defense from that position – not just a body (and a very small, defense-challenged body at that).
I like the kid, don’t take me wrong – but he’s no answer and part of the problem – how does he handle Dunn or Carter tomorrow?
Post-game press conference
Wow. Someone asked Rick, “Is Jai officially ahead of J’Covan?” (in his rotation). Clearly the question was more aimed to how Barnes is going to deal with Brown instead of Lucas. In his answer, Barnes complimented Lucas, stating he was a good matchup for Iowa St. and did some positive subtle things. Did not mention Brown at all in his answer!
by goingforthecorner on Mar 10, 2010 10:56 PM CST reply actions
Damion was a beast
Pittman and Johnson were awesome. And Matt Hill represented quite nicely.
Just finished watching a delayed broadcast of the game and I am very encouraged. Forget about the past – this is a good freaking team. Hook ’em and Beat Baylor!
Right on! No more sandbaggin', Rick.
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