clarkwgriswold

I just thought he's a little over the top. I prefer a simple informational announcer without flair. I also don't care for blaring hip hop. Oh, and get off my lawn.

I bet you were a lot more relaxed with the t-shirt cannon still in storage. What did everyone think of the new announcer?

So, we're their Malone? ?

I'd be very surprised if that's the starting 5 going into the "real" games.

This game should be a much better barometer of what the Zips have than the Malone game. You got the sense with Malone that they played down to the competition and thought they could just turn it on when needed. They won't have that luxury at West Virginia.

As far as guys we haven't seen before, X, Reece, Ali and Tribble. As far as vets, we saw LCJ, Banks, Cheese, Riak, Roscoe and Sayles. I think they'll be better than last year. They'll certainly score more points as they're pushing the ball much more. As for the new guys, X is really a stretch 4. He shot quite a bit from outside, though he was able to put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. Reece was strong inside. I think we'll grow to like him as he's a real blue collar guy. Tribble and Ali did a good job of assimilating themselves and didn't hurt themselves by trying too hard. On the down side, they could be in trouble on the nights the 3 point shot isn't falling and the rebounding was really sketchy. Each team ended up with 26 rebounds, which shouldn't happen given the disparity in talent.

The victim or the perp? I was not impressed with the rebounding. Recce seems to be the only person at this point getting his body on someone when the ball goes up. We also see the continued decay of the mid-range game in college hoops. Everything is at the basket or at the 3 point line.

The Zips head to Morgantown Friday night to face our old friend Bob Huggins. Here are a couple of previews for the Mountaineers: https://247sports.com/college/west-virginia/LongFormArticle/WVU-basketball-preview-2019-20-137467595/ https://wvsportsnow.com/west-virginia-mens-basketball-2019-20-preview/

I see Ali playing as similar to Deji starting for KD early in his career in a first game years back. Not a permanent thing but more of a test. I thought they looked sloppy and disjointed at times, but they looked to be trying a lot of things out. X and Reece look like they will be welcome additions. Banks seems to have his shot back. Riak is the same player as last year. Surprised by the lack of time for Sayles.

Some awful sloppy play right now. 66-51, 5:34.

Sayles finally got in.

I like how Reece always goes up strong with the ball.

X now leading scorer with 13.

Very raw but not afraid while not pressing. Good showing.

63-43, 9:10.

58-39, 11:53 left.

Nobody really, but X and Reece seem to be the real deal. Cheese is leading scorer.

My kingdom for a mid-range jumper.

No Sayles in first half.

Amen. He is awful.

Zips 39-30 at half. Roscoe was last sub in. So far played 10 players. LCJ, Banks, Reece, Ali, X, Cheese, Roscoe, Riak and Tribble. Poor rebounding technique so far. Only up 19-17 in boards.

29-22 Zips. 3:55 left in half.

16-12 Malone, 11:30 left in half.

Pushing the ball but a little sloppy so far. 7-6 Malone with 15:55 left.

Cheese for Ali. Tribble for lcj.