This is a completely different team when Boatright plays well

[champs99and04]

This team is just so much harder to defend when he's assertive, confident, and playing well. Nigh and day, whatever other analogy you want to use. We desperately needed somebody else to step up and alleviate some of the ball-handling duties from Napier and Boatright (and also Kromah) rose to the occasion.

 

[aceboon]

Yup, been saying it since the Stanford loss, too much focus on the frontcourt and not enough attention being paid to the struggles of our guards/wing players to score other than Bazz. When Boat(and in today's case Kromah as well) steps up like that and puts points on the board it takes alot of weight off Bazz's shoulders.

 

[Kitaman]

I think Kromah stepped up more than Boat. Boat played much better but had to redeem himself a couple of times. As for Kromah, I saw him as the difference maker,

He played the game of his season on both ends, and it became contagious.

 

[Chin Diesel]

You're correct but it's true of almost every team.

Just about every team plays better when their 2nd or 3rd option is playing well.

 

[SixRings]

Boat played very good and deserves credit. He had 16 pts, 5 boards, perfect from the line and 2 very nice steals.
I won't say haters but doubters should observe he has stepped up. He is probably the single most important key to us beating any type of zone if he can penetrate without turning the ball over to allow the shooters to get good looks.

 

[upstater]

When Boat and Bazz are stepping up and hitting 3s, I'm not sure what an opposing defense can do.

 

[Brochacho]

Bazz, Boat, Calhoun, DD, Kromah, Giffey: If we can get at least 4 of those guys in double figures, look out opponents.

 

[UConn3432]

Bazz, Boat, Calhoun, DD, Kromah, Giffey: If we can get at least 4 of those guys in double figures, look out opponents.

we're undefeated when the walk-ons play well

 

[Dogbreath2U]

Boat played very good and deserves credit. He had 16 pts, 5 boards, perfect from the line and 2 very nice steals.
I won't say haters but doubters should observe he has stepped up. He is probably the single most important key to us beating any type of zone if he can penetrate without turning the ball over to allow the shooters to get good looks.

I think that Boat played well overall, but he gets more notice when the mistakes he makes are often the unforced or unnecessary variety. But, he is showing progress and that's what we need. The hope for the Kemba quantum leap has not occurred, but it is probably really hard in the heat of the battle to continue to throttle yourself back as Boat needs to do. He often gets open on his first or second move, then moves himself back into being covered with the third move. On the other hand, how about that rainbow floater that almost brought down rain, nothing but net? Boat could just be so good if he can continue to slow his game down.

Speaking of controling speed to get open, what did you guys think about that move when Bazz was dribbling up the left center of the court with speed, did a slight hesitation, then jetted forward into the lane? That was something to behold. The tiniest bit of hesitation gave him the advantage. If Boat could learn that kind of control and awareness, watch out.

 

[freescooter]

Boatright has been here 3 years now and I think he is what he is. A solid college shooting guard who has a tendency to let the game get away form him sometimes. When he is on he can hit from anywhere. When he gets away from the game or it from him, he can look ugly. This team is going to go as far as Shabazz Napier can carry it, though. FWIW, very few players have quantum leap comparable to the one Kemba had. You can probably count them on 1 had without using all the fingers.

 

[upstater]

Bazz, Boat, Calhoun, DD, Kromah, Giffey: If we can get at least 4 of those guys in double figures, look out opponents.

You really think Boatright's good shooting from the outside is out of the realm of possibility?

 

[aceboon]

I think that Boat played well overall, but he gets more notice when the mistakes he makes are often the unforced or unnecessary variety. But, he is showing progress and that's what we need. The hope for the Kemba quantum leap has not occurred, but it is probably really hard in the heat of the battle to continue to throttle yourself back as Boat needs to do. He often gets open on his first or second move, then moves himself back into being covered with the third move. On the other hand, how about that rainbow floater that almost brought down rain, nothing but net? Boat could just be so good if he can continue to slow his game down.

Speaking of controling speed to get open, what did you guys think about that move when Bazz was dribbling up the left center of the court with speed, did a slight hesitation, then jetted forward into the lane? That was something to behold. The tiniest bit of hesitation gave him the advantage. If Boat could learn that kind of control and awareness, watch out.

Kara Lawson actually pointed this out during the game, that the next step in the evolution of Boat's game is developing the hesitation and change of pace tricks that Bazz has in his game to get himself free for easier shots. Bazz isn't the fastest guy in the world, but he's able to get the shot he wants the majority of the time because of his footwork, ballhandling, and hesitation moves.

 

[Tenspro2002]

I agree with those who say that Boat is who he is (and has been the last few years). He's gotten incrementally better at cutting down on the obvious bonehead plays, but he's not going to all of a sudden develop the basketball IQ necessary to become a guy like Bazz.

Let's be honest, from his freshman year we knew Bazz was an extremely intelligent player in the mold of Kemba, even though he didn't have all the experience and tricks. Boat has never shown any of those tendencies.

I'm actually concerned that our point guard play is going to take a major step backwards next year with a bunch of scoring-oriented guards (Boat, Purvis), but nobody with the PG savvy of Bazz.

 

[gtcam]

Boat played very good and deserves credit. He had 16 pts, 5 boards, perfect from the line and 2 very nice steals.
I won't say haters but doubters should observe he has stepped up. He is probably the single most important key to us beating any type of zone if he can penetrate without turning the ball over to allow the shooters to get good looks.

I agree BUT boat always seems to cough up the ball or make a bonehead pass that leads to points for the opposition. He needs to play in control a minimum of 95% of the time and look to involve teammates 70% of the time. If not, he is a liability and has zero chance of even sniffing the league. The league is full of slashers and speedsters who are bigger and stronger

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I agree BUT boat always seems to cough up the ball or make a bonehead pass that leads to points for the opposition. He needs to play in control a minimum of 95% of the time and look to involve teammates 70% of the time. If not, he is a liability and has zero chance of even sniffing the league. The league is full of slashers and speedsters who are bigger and stronger

So he's allowed to play out of control 5% of the time? Stuff like "boat always seems to" is just anecdotal. Boatright played very well against UW. To the extent he makes more mistakes than a guy like Kromah it's because he's asked to do a hell of a lot more than Lasan is.

 

[mauconnfan]

So he's allowed to play out of control 5% of the time? Stuff like "boat always seems to" is just anecdotal. Boatright played very well against UW. To the extent he makes more mistakes than a guy like Kromah it's because he's asked to do a hell of a lot more than Lasan is.

That is very true and i agree on that…….he is asked to do a lot more. I like his game when he pulls up for a mid range jumpers and doesn't take it too deep to the hole……he was much more efficient Sunday and they are much better for sure when he plays like that.

There is one thing that worries me though and it may be way too early to be thinking this, I don't have any faith in him being our PG next year if he returns. He is a 2G in a PG's body………part time no issues but he can't, at least from my perspective, handle the position like Bazz does and the minutes logged there. We will need Samuels, Purvis and Cassell Jr to be able to handle the duties also.

 

[Rico444]

I agree with those who say that Boat is who he is (and has been the last few years). He's gotten incrementally better at cutting down on the obvious bonehead plays, but he's not going to all of a sudden develop the basketball IQ necessary to become a guy like Bazz.

Let's be honest, from his freshman year we knew Bazz was an extremely intelligent player in the mold of Kemba, even though he didn't have all the experience and tricks. Boat has never shown any of those tendencies.

I'm actually concerned that our point guard play is going to take a major step backwards next year with a bunch of scoring-oriented guards (Boat, Purvis), but nobody with the PG savvy of Bazz.

Obviously our PG play is going to take a step back next year; Shabazz is going to be a first-team all american. Boatright will be more than fine as the starting point guard if he comes back next year.

 

[mauconnfan]

Obviously our PG play is going to take a step back next year; Shabazz is going to be a first-team all american. Boatright will be more than fine as the starting point guard if he comes back next year.

I'm not sure about that one……he has to turn into a much more controlled player to run the team and create the chemistry necessary……..you notice we can't keep Bazz out long and there's a reason!

Cassell Jr will be our PG next year, just a hunch!

 

[Rico444]

I think we've been spoiled by having back-to-back POS candidates at the point. Boatright will be a much better point guard than Cassell next year.

 

[Kitaman]

I'm not sure about that one……he has to turn into a much more controlled player to run the team and create the chemistry necessary……..you notice we can't keep Bazz out long and there's a reason!

Cassell Jr will be our PG next year, just a hunch!

If Samuel is taking notes, he may in position to garner some serious minutes. He's 6'4" and learning from an NBA PG Coach and AA PG player. Our point guard position will again be our strength for the next 3 years.

 

[mauconnfan]

I think we've been spoiled by having back-to-back POS candidates at the point. Boatright will be a much better point guard than Cassell next year.

I'm sorry Rico and I don't really know how good Sam Jr will be but from what I've seen of Boat at the point one can only hope Sam Jr is better…….not being spoiled just needing a real PG is all and Boats not close thus far. If he can't improve on what he would bring now as a PG (I hope he can) we would be in trouble. No stability possession to possession, no consistency for a guy who we need to have the ball as much as Bazz does!

 

[mauconnfan]

If Samuel is taking notes, he may in position to garner some serious minutes. He's 6'4" and learning from an NBA PG Coach and AA PG player. Our point guard position will again be our strength for the next 3 years.

I hope you are right I am very scared as we speak about that important spot next year……….I'm still thinking Sam Jr may be our savior

 

[David 76]

That is sad for Boat because he is not a great point guard and with his lack of height that is his only option for the NBA. I guess, even if he was 6"5" he hasn't shown enough to make it as a 2 either.

 

[Chief00]

I have been asked by couple people and I plan to post some thoughts on Boatshow. I plan to post tomorrow night; once things slow down a little. Stay tuned.

 

[imno1]

Boat's biggest issue is defense. He is not tall enough or strong enough to stop the players he is defending. And not crafty enough to stay in front of them. I think his offense has been ok and I expect it to be better next year. Just not sure what he can do to improve on the defensive end.