Penn State Game Thread (@Palestra) 12/5/12

[calsufan]

It sounds like I missed one of their best played games in awhile. Unfortunately I had a sleep study test scheduled for last night, so I couldn't watch it, follow it online or even check the score.

I just read the thread and it sounds like we pretty much cruised to the win. Any thoughts on Wright? Just a bad game for him?

[luhoopsfan]

Wright picked up a ticky-tack foul to give him 2 early. When he was in the game, PSU was packing it in on zone and Wright seems to play best when teams go man-to-man on us and we can work the pick & Roll better. Zack is a much better passer than Wright and becomes extremely valuable in the zone offense as he can move the ball quickly to the open man or work to back his man down. a little from the foul line area. If Steve could really develop a move around the foul line, this team could become really special.

It helps that the guys shot it well last night, but Zack had a big part in them getting some really wide open looks. Wright sort of becomes irrelevant in the zone offense and they are really better suited to go Galloway, Duren, Mills, Petersen with Zack in that scenario and work the inside/outside game with him. I was really surprised PSU didn't get out of that zone defense to try and slow down the outside shooters, especially with Wright in foul trouble and losing the pick & roll option with him most of the night.

[lasallescreamer]

JW is very strong, but he is indecisive once he catches the ball and it just seems that he has trouble jumping from a standstill position. He either has to catch it low and go right up or develop a 12-15' shot so defenders have to honor that instead of just worrying about him around the basket.I am concerned bec we need him and do not want to see him frustrated.

[sweat83]

Dec 6, 2012 13:12:21 GMT -5 luhoopsfan said:

Wright picked up a ticky-tack foul to give him 2 early. When he was in the game, PSU was packing it in on zone and Wright seems to play best when teams go man-to-man on us and we can work the pick & Roll better. Zack is a much better passer than Wright and becomes extremely valuable in the zone offense as he can move the ball quickly to the open man or work to back his man down. a little from the foul line area. If Steve could really develop a move around the foul line, this team could become really special.

It helps that the guys shot it well last night, but Zack had a big part in them getting some really wide open looks. Wright sort of becomes irrelevant in the zone offense and they are really better suited to go Galloway, Duren, Mills, Petersen with Zack in that scenario and work the inside/outside game with him. I was really surprised PSU didn't get out of that zone defense to try and slow down the outside shooters, especially with Wright in foul trouble and losing the pick & roll option with him most of the night.

Best thing about this...Zack is only a sophomore. Learning, maturing and getting better. Knows what his role is, and accepts it. It'll be interesting to see how he develops the next 3 years. We don't need big numbers from him, just court presence and a feel for the game.

[gymratlsc72]

Dec 8, 2012 6:45:27 GMT -5 sweat83 said:

Dec 6, 2012 13:12:21 GMT -5 luhoopsfan said:

Wright picked up a ticky-tack foul to give him 2 early. When he was in the game, PSU was packing it in on zone and Wright seems to play best when teams go man-to-man on us and we can work the pick & Roll better. Zack is a much better passer than Wright and becomes extremely valuable in the zone offense as he can move the ball quickly to the open man or work to back his man down. a little from the foul line area. If Steve could really develop a move around the foul line, this team could become really special.

It helps that the guys shot it well last night, but Zack had a big part in them getting some really wide open looks. Wright sort of becomes irrelevant in the zone offense and they are really better suited to go Galloway, Duren, Mills, Petersen with Zack in that scenario and work the inside/outside game with him. I was really surprised PSU didn't get out of that zone defense to try and slow down the outside shooters, especially with Wright in foul trouble and losing the pick & roll option with him most of the night.

Best thing about this...Zack is only a sophomore. Learning, maturing and getting better. Knows what his role is, and accepts it. It'll be interesting to see how he develops the next 3 years. We don't need big numbers from him, just court presence and a feel for the game.

This is totally how I think of Steve Zack, too. He's already contributing in more ways this year than I had anticipated and is growing more comfortable and confident with each game. I am really looking forward to what he can become through the rest of this year and the next two. His great attitude and work ethic are a big part of his growth.

[Gnocchi]

Dec 6, 2012 13:12:21 GMT -5 luhoopsfan said:

Zack is a much better passer than Wright and becomes extremely valuable in the zone offense as he can move the ball quickly to the open man or work to back his man down a little from the foul line area.

It helps that the guys shot it well last night, but Zack had a big part in them getting some really wide open looks.

Nice piece of analysis.

Stan Van Gundy was right on top of this and liked Zack a lot. SVG is the best college BB TV analyst since Majerus. No big-timin' ex-NBAer attitude and came in very well-prepared.