The Bobcat Nation

Cats up 75-54 late in the second half.

Cats win 84-60.

Just got back from the game - I noticed Brandon Miller was in street clothes in this game. Is he hurt? I didn't hear anything before this. It definetly got Holmes and Durham some more playing time but Wayland was too small and outmatched in this one. We had 10 players dressed and a couple times I saw the whole 2nd team on the floor. They played pretty well together.

Cat's have 4 of the next 5 on the road with some pretty good competition as well. Hopefully they will fair well.

CelticCat wrote:Cats win 84-60.

A win to be PROUD of

CATS2000 wrote:Just got back from the game - I noticed Brandon Miller was in street clothes in this game. Is he hurt? I didn't hear anything before this. It definetly got Holmes and Durham some more playing time but Wayland was too small and outmatched in this one. We had 10 players dressed and a couple times I saw the whole 2nd team on the floor. They played pretty well together.

Cat's have 4 of the next 5 on the road with some pretty good competition as well. Hopefully they will fair well.

Atteberry stated that Miller was out for discipline reasons. Mick said that he and Miller will meet on Monday to decide his future role on the team.

This team just might drive us all crazy. After a pretty solid first half with only 2 turnovers they reverted back to their Alaska form and turned it over 10 times in the second half.

It looks to me like they are playing too fast. They're trying to make the spectacular pass, forcing the fast break when it's not there, and doing too much free lancing on offense. Rebounding is also a concern. We tied an NAIA school in rebounds-that's never a good sign. I think if they slow it down a bit, play more within themselves, and quit throwing it away they'll be much better.

I hate our offense against a man to man. It's pretty much one guy working one on one and 4 standing around and watching. There's no patterns-no set plays-just playground ball. It's not pretty at times.

Moss isn't hitting those little jumpers and baby hooks he hit last year-he'll hopefully get it going.

Casey Durham does great on defense and running the floor-but he shouldn't be allowed to shoot it unless he's had a second or two to think about it. He's just not a consistent enough outside shooter at this level.

Morris and Beye both had their moments good and bad-when you're that tall how do you miss a one foot bunny?

Edmonds has a really nice looking stroke from outside. But Durham only gives him 10 minutes? I think we need him on the floor more often.

Brandon Miller was on the bench in street clothes. Durham said on the post game show that it was inside the team stuff. He and Brandon were having a meeting tomorrow to go over some issues. Durham would not say much more than that. It looks to me like Edmonds would fill Miller's roll nicely-Brandon better get his stuff together.

Wayland is a pretty good NAIA team-they had a couple of decent players. It was probably the right kind of game for us at this point in the season.

Durham said Thursday night's game at Northern Colorado will be televised on Altitude (channel 38 in Bozeman-Belgrade).

CelticCat wrote:Cats win 84-60.

I came late and only got to see the second half. They looked like crap. I don't know if they were just in cruise control because they were up by 30 but I was not impressed. There was a long period that the Cats did not score a fieldgoal. I am guessing they had a much better 1st half.

BelgradeBobcat wrote:It was probably the right kind of game for us at this point in the season.

I disagree. Can't we find a bad D1 school? The crowd cannot get into a game like this and it does not do anything for the teams record. (These games don't count in post season selection.) There is no reason for us to play NAIA schools in regular season games, that is what the exhibition games are for. (This includes the Frontier Confernce.) The next couple games are the type we should be trying to get and then add in some high mid major or major conference teams. It is always said that teams don't want to come to Montana but the ladies basketball team has had two great teams in Oregon St. and Marquete come through the last couple of weeks. We need to have this type of team come to town for the mens squad.
How are season ticket sales this year? I would not want to pay money to see this type of Mickey Mouse team.
With all that being said I am not a negative fan I just really expect more from this team.

I think the team was glad to be home. The first half was very sharp and it seemed like anything the Bobcats shot went in. It looked like the Cats were well on the way to scoring 100. The second half was a little more dicey, but I think they did put on the cruise control and there's no reason to run it up on a team (unless it's the Griz, of course ) and Wayland Baptist seemed to have a couple of prolific scorers. B grade overall. Not bad, but nothing spectacular.

I'd like to add a little about the schedule. I think instead of weak NAIA competition (the Carroll game on Tues. Dec. 6 will be tough), the Cats should schedule D-I competition and games with former Big Sky members. I don't think Boise St. has played here in men's ball since they left, and almost every game between MSU and Idaho is a fun, close game. The series they had with Nevada a couple of years ago was a good one. Even Northridge could come back and if they really wanted a tough contest, Gonzaga. The Griz play Gonzaga every year. It might end up as a loss, but it would be a great challenge for the Cats. Or if possible, get someone like Oregon St. or Washington St. to come here.

orsalak wrote:

CelticCat wrote:Cats win 84-60.

I came late and only got to see the second half. They looked like crap. I don't know if they were just in cruise control because they were up by 30 but I was not impressed. There was a long period that the Cats did not score a fieldgoal. I am guessing they had a much better 1st half.

BelgradeBobcat wrote:It was probably the right kind of game for us at this point in the season.

I disagree. Can't we find a bad D1 school? The crowd cannot get into a game like this and it does not do anything for the teams record. (These games don't count in post season selection.) There is no reason for us to play NAIA schools in regular season games, that is what the exhibition games are for. (This includes the Frontier Confernce.) The next couple games are the type we should be trying to get and then add in some high mid major or major conference teams. It is always said that teams don't want to come to Montana but the ladies basketball team has had two great teams in Oregon St. and Marquete come through the last couple of weeks. We need to have this type of team come to town for the mens squad.
How are season ticket sales this year? I would not want to pay money to see this type of Mickey Mouse team.
With all that being said I am not a negative fan I just really expect more from this team.

from a basketball standpoint in the big sky, no wins count in post season selection. when was the last time, if ever that a big sky team got an at large? just not going to happen. so, i agree that this was a good game for us. if we played a team like oregon right now, after a poor performance in alaska, we are lookin' at 0-4. that is not good for morale which is already low. get a win, try a few different things that we wouldn't be successful trying against a mid-major type team, and just try to get better. in my opinion, in a conference such as the big sky, all the games played up until conference play are all exhibition games. we are just playing games trying to get better. we could win every game out of conference and lose the big sky championship and we are at home come march. on the same tolken, we could lose every game until conference, win just enough to make the conference tourney, get hot, and ya baby, a 16 seed somewhere! just my opinion of course.

I need some answers.
What's up with Moss? He looks like he's sleep walking out there. Especially on D. With his abilities he could be slashing or posting on most anyone.
What's up with the "jump in the air to make a silly pass" mode?
If we're going to play a zone this season it had best be agaist a NAIA school.
Can Morris and Beye say DUNK instead of leaving it short on a Mikan?
Maybe we should sit one or two guards each game.

In the second half, on one particular set play (a three man passing weave at the top of the stripe), I noticed Derrick Edmonds ran along the baseline, instead of coming out top to get the ball. At the same time, Coach yelled "Derrick", telling him to come out top. When Edmonds drove the baseline, Durham just shook his head.

At this point in the season, I'll chalk that up to a new guy in a new system, but if this type of thing is still happening during the conf. season, with any of our players, I will be peeved.

Overall, I think we played well, but we did lapse back into the quick shot routine, not settling into a half-court set and working the clock.

I really liked the double teams up top. They caused turnovers and timeouts.

Everything people have said about Ryan Holmes looked true to me tonight. He made good decisions with the ball and looks much improved over last year. I predict him to be the regular starter at the point this year. He also looks taller than last year. Did he grow some?

Edmonds did have a quiet 14 (I think) points, most on threes. I was impressed with his shot selection and release.

I like Ted's work ethic in the paint. He had a couple offensive rebounds after missed shots that he put back up for scores. Got called for a few sketchy fouls. He definately brings a toughness down low, and has a good release on his freethrows, just needs to work on his touch.

Ja'Ron keeps looking more and more like our clutch, go to guy, along with Dissly. Jefferson (IMHO) is probably our most consistent player.

Another note:

Every player that dressed for the game scored a fieldgoal.

I would love to see Dissly drive the lane, pull up with his phenominal jumping ability and shoot the 5-10 foot jump shot. He goes flying in there trying for the layup of looking for the pass. Most often he kicks it back out. Jump straight up and shoot down at the basket Nick! (easy for me to say).

I was surprised to see Moss not playing that aggressively on the offensive end. He used to dominate games last year. I have yet to see it this year from him.

Do Beye and Morris ever play together? I always see them subbing in for one another.

I was also impressed with Holmes. If he starts at point it will be nice having Miller coming off the bench as a spark for some quick points.

Also, Pratt played some good minutes in the 1st half as well on both sides of the floor - we will need him as a bench player as well this year in conference play.

Durham says he likes Edmonds play - but yet he only gives him 10 miuntes of playing time? 16 points in 10 minutes isn't bad if this is correct:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=253310147

whitetrashgriz wrote:from a basketball standpoint in the big sky, no wins count in post season selection. when was the last time, if ever that a big sky team got an at large? just not going to happen.

NIT

alasax wrote:I need some answers.
What's up with Moss? He looks like he's sleep walking out there. Especially on D. With his abilities he could be slashing or posting on most anyone.
What's up with the "jump in the air to make a silly pass" mode?
If we're going to play a zone this season it had best be agaist a NAIA school.
Can Morris and Beye say DUNK instead of leaving it short on a Mikan?
Maybe we should sit one or two guards each game.

This is why those key players get a chance off the bench who are consistent and fundamentally sound. The reserves played very well off the bench.....Edmonds, Pratt, Durr, Morris.....we need more of this to balance our "out of control" mode. The starters came out the second half and stunk as someone else mentioned....the subs got things settled down and back on track...Durham did well off the bench too, but his eratic shooting has killed the Cats in the past.

CATS2000 wrote:Durham says he likes Edmonds play - but yet he only gives him 10 miuntes of playing time? 16 points in 10 minutes isn't bad if this is correct:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=253310147

He is one of many guards who like to shoot......fortunately he was on yesterday...but this team continues to "live by the 3 and die by the 3!"

whitetrashgriz wrote:

orsalak wrote:

CelticCat wrote:Cats win 84-60.

I came late and only got to see the second half. They looked like crap. I don't know if they were just in cruise control because they were up by 30 but I was not impressed. There was a long period that the Cats did not score a fieldgoal. I am guessing they had a much better 1st half.

BelgradeBobcat wrote:It was probably the right kind of game for us at this point in the season.

I disagree. Can't we find a bad D1 school? The crowd cannot get into a game like this and it does not do anything for the teams record. (These games don't count in post season selection.) There is no reason for us to play NAIA schools in regular season games, that is what the exhibition games are for. (This includes the Frontier Confernce.) The next couple games are the type we should be trying to get and then add in some high mid major or major conference teams. It is always said that teams don't want to come to Montana but the ladies basketball team has had two great teams in Oregon St. and Marquete come through the last couple of weeks. We need to have this type of team come to town for the mens squad.
How are season ticket sales this year? I would not want to pay money to see this type of Mickey Mouse team.
With all that being said I am not a negative fan I just really expect more from this team.

from a basketball standpoint in the big sky, no wins count in post season selection. when was the last time, if ever that a big sky team got an at large? just not going to happen. so, i agree that this was a good game for us. if we played a team like oregon right now, after a poor performance in alaska, we are lookin' at 0-4. that is not good for morale which is already low. get a win, try a few different things that we wouldn't be successful trying against a mid-major type team, and just try to get better. in my opinion, in a conference such as the big sky, all the games played up until conference play are all exhibition games. we are just playing games trying to get better. we could win every game out of conference and lose the big sky championship and we are at home come march. on the same tolken, we could lose every game until conference, win just enough to make the conference tourney, get hot, and ya baby, a 16 seed somewhere! just my opinion of course.

Weber State, four or five years ago

grizzh8r wrote:In the second half, on one particular set play (a three man passing weave at the top of the stripe), I noticed Derrick Edmonds ran along the baseline, instead of coming out top to get the ball. At the same time, Coach yelled "Derrick", telling him to come out top. When Edmonds drove the baseline, Durham just shook his head.

At this point in the season, I'll chalk that up to a new guy in a new system, but if this type of thing is still happening during the conf. season, with any of our players, I will be peeved.

Chalk it up to a lack of respect . . as many of our guards display at times.

cornbreadfred wrote:

whitetrashgriz wrote:

orsalak wrote:

CelticCat wrote:Cats win 84-60.

I came late and only got to see the second half. They looked like crap. I don't know if they were just in cruise control because they were up by 30 but I was not impressed. There was a long period that the Cats did not score a fieldgoal. I am guessing they had a much better 1st half.

BelgradeBobcat wrote:It was probably the right kind of game for us at this point in the season.

I disagree. Can't we find a bad D1 school? The crowd cannot get into a game like this and it does not do anything for the teams record. (These games don't count in post season selection.) There is no reason for us to play NAIA schools in regular season games, that is what the exhibition games are for. (This includes the Frontier Confernce.) The next couple games are the type we should be trying to get and then add in some high mid major or major conference teams. It is always said that teams don't want to come to Montana but the ladies basketball team has had two great teams in Oregon St. and Marquete come through the last couple of weeks. We need to have this type of team come to town for the mens squad.
How are season ticket sales this year? I would not want to pay money to see this type of Mickey Mouse team.
With all that being said I am not a negative fan I just really expect more from this team.

from a basketball standpoint in the big sky, no wins count in post season selection. when was the last time, if ever that a big sky team got an at large? just not going to happen. so, i agree that this was a good game for us. if we played a team like oregon right now, after a poor performance in alaska, we are lookin' at 0-4. that is not good for morale which is already low. get a win, try a few different things that we wouldn't be successful trying against a mid-major type team, and just try to get better. in my opinion, in a conference such as the big sky, all the games played up until conference play are all exhibition games. we are just playing games trying to get better. we could win every game out of conference and lose the big sky championship and we are at home come march. on the same tolken, we could lose every game until conference, win just enough to make the conference tourney, get hot, and ya baby, a 16 seed somewhere! just my opinion of course.

Weber State, four or five years ago

i could be wrong, but i dont think so. i'd have to see it. i have been thinking about this and this is what i came up with. this is all in my head so everyone feel free to correct me! 98 was montana from the big sky. i remember because they played eventual national champs kentuck pretty well for a half. 99 was "the show" arceneaux(sp) and weber. i think 2000 nau got in there but i dont remember weber getting an at-large. 2001 was cs northridge and they were tough. 02 i think was montana again and i think they lost to oregon. weber again in 03. eastern in 04 and montana again last year. i know weber wasn't in all these tournaments for a fact except for 2000 and 2001. can anyone confirm weber got an at-large these years. pretty sure they didn't. maybe weber just stands out because of the big win against carolina. i dont know.