Where's the beef!?

[coereg]

It would appear to me, since their losing badly (more often than not) on the boards and overall in the paint, that it may be time to change your paradigm just a bit and start finding some minutes for your big-boys, Eckloff, Beckley, most importantly, and Harris-Tunks, collectively.

Look, you've got plenty of scoring. Your not losing much by taking away minutes from Harris-Tunks or Dufault. In fact, by doing this, you may free up some options for Dufault so he can then go back and play a more natural position. He's a scorer, plays decent defense, and is not much for banging in the middle.

I totally understand the potential mismatch that Dufault presents (when he's hitting long shots, which he's not) for the other teams bigs. But since that isn't working, and Dufault isn't quite the long-range threat you originally thought he was, you need to change schemes a bit. Especially in Big 12 play, if you plan on being competitive at all.

I think if you put emphasis and importance on being stronger on the boards and not focusing so much on offensive scoring and passing, you can train your three BIGS to be stronger in the paint, holding their positions, and playing more aggressive on the glass. Plus, by playing three, you have 15 fouls, you can be more aggressive in the paint.

It appears to me that the Buffs would benefit more from this style of play. You can still run a similar style of offense (cutting, passing, backdoor looks) but you keep your bigs rotating down low more and play stronger in the post, that's all.

 

[coereg]

I still believe in Beckley although he hasn't played much, he looks the part and something tells me that he might be able to help, and that Bzdelik is just being stubborn to some extent.

We all know that Eckloff showed some good flashes last year, in conference play mind you, and that he's probably the better option of the two.

I just don't understand why they're losing all minutes to Harris-Tunks? He's not been very impressive, only having brief stints of good play. I can't imagine, having watched the freshman, that Eckloff and Beckley are just going to be far worse. I find that hard to believe.

I think it's ONLY because H-T is more of an offensive threat, and I don't agree that that's how you should view this particular situation. You need your bigs, you need to start rebounding and playing more physical in the paint. It appears to me that that would only help you more.

 

[Saulbadguy]

This is what i've been waiting for, a coereg update on the bball team. :thumbsup:

 

[coereg]

This is what i've been waiting for, a coereg update on the bball team. :thumbsup:

What's up brotha'!?

 

[dyemeduke]

Coe, you know I respect you, but I disagree with you on some points. First off - I must admit I've only seen the bball team play on TV - not in person...it's just hard to get up to Boulder at night. Anyway, excuses aside, I'll try to make it sometime and let you know.

Dufault needs to be in there, because he's one of our best players. Sure, he's not an inside presence, but nobody on this team really is. Taking away his minutes for a Beckley and Eckloff (both of whom I've never really been that high on), because of their potential inside ability, would be a mistake. I'm sure Bz in practice notices if they're able to contribute to the team. Size does not translate to performance on the court. Yes, the Big 12 is physical, and we need to get tougher inside. However, putting two big guys that have limited offensive skills and interior presence in place of a guy that has scoring ability...I just don't see how that helps. As for HT getting playing time - I understand, as he's not all that great, but I willl just have to trust Bz on that one.

Also, I highly doubt that Bz is failing to emphasize defense and rebounding in order to execute the offense more. Bz has always preached good defense, and this team has shown it many times this season...just not consistently. Simply put, I don't think he has the personnel to really be strong on the boards.

I know Bz hasn't taken the bball team to where we all hoped it would be by now, but I still think his track record speaks for itself. He's still highly thought of as a coach, and if he gets his recruiting together, he'll take the bball team to new levels - maybe not elite levels, but better levels.

 

[coereg]

I disagree - what I saw of Trey last season is enough to tell me that he can certainly play inside with a lot of confidence, against some premier programs. Beckley I'm not sure about but am still high on the kid.

The issue with this team is not offensive production, it's not foul shooting, and their 3-point shooting is fairly good; It's defense, primarily down the lane and inside, and production on the glass.

Yes, coach BZ is someone we can trust to know what he's doing, but also know that he can be a little stubborn. All i'm saying is why not give it a shot? You got two bigs, TWO (HT and Eckloff) who we know can play a little bit. Harris-Tunks has played some good minutes at times this year and Eckloff proved productive w/defense and rebounding against some pretty highly regarded opponents last year.

Is it that these kids (Beckley & Eckloff) just can't play, or is it coach Bz being stubborn (something he's been known for, he's said it himself)? I think it's a little more of the latter. Neither of the two (Beckley or Eckloff) are speedy, neither pass all that well, nor are they major offensive threats. That's what you've got HT for, a offensive presence on the inside, but that still doesn't solve the main issue.

My question is can the other two (Beck & Eck) provide some size, toughness, and defense in the lane? Yes. Not to mention a potential boost in rebound production. I'm not saying they have to split 30 minutes a night, but it would be good to see them in there at least part of the time.

 

[Buffnik]

Trey got backed down pretty bad by a D2 Center during his brief time in the game against Colorado Christian. Shane actually does a better job fighting for defensive post position. I do think Trey's a better help defender, though. Neither is doing a good job on the defensive glass. Shane fights harder, in general, though.

 

[dyemeduke]

This kid can't really shoot, so I'm not sure if Bz would be interested in him. However, there's a kid transferring from Duke named Olek Czyz. He's an athletic PF that is pretty raw basketball wise. Still, he has a lot of energy and adds some interior activity.

...I have no idea how to suggest this of course to Bz, as it's not like I'm connected into the program.

 

[Buffnik]

This kid can't really shoot, so I'm not sure if Bz would be interested in him. However, there's a kid transferring from Duke named Olek Czyz. He's an athletic PF that is pretty raw basketball wise. Still, he has a lot of energy and adds some interior activity.

...I have no idea how to suggest this of course to Bz, as it's not like I'm connected into the program.

He was shooting 58% for the Dukies, so he's at least an efficient player at the offensive end. At 6'7" 240 lbs and enough skill to earn a Duke scholly in the first place, I'm sure CU would take him in a heartbeat. Hopefully Bzdelik is already on this.

Anyone know with the CBB rules whether Czyz would have to sit out all of next season, or if he was a January transfer would he only sit for the non-conference 2010 part of next year's schedule?

 

[InTheBuff]

 

[dyemeduke]

He was shooting 58% for the Dukies, so he's at least an efficient player at the offensive end. At 6'7" 240 lbs and enough skill to earn a Duke scholly in the first place, I'm sure CU would take him in a heartbeat. Hopefully Bzdelik is already on this.

Anyone know with the CBB rules whether Czyz would have to sit out all of next season, or if he was a January transfer would he only sit for the non-conference 2010 part of next year's schedule?

I do think CU should take him if Czyz was in any way interested, and at the very least, CU should get in contact with people to let him know we're interested.

He shot 58%...but trust me, he is not a great offensive player. I'm one of the biggest Duke fans you'll know (hence the name). Most of his points will come within 10 feet of the basket, and he primarily played against weaker teams. He didn't see regular minutes, and that's why he's transferring. He's still athletic and provides some brawn. He went to a HS in Reno if I remember correctly, but the school I think was more of a Findlay Prep or Oak Hill (none of the kids are from the area). He was a national recruit, as are all Duke kids, so he has the potential to play well.

 

[coereg]

This kid can't really shoot, so I'm not sure if Bz would be interested in him. However, there's a kid transferring from Duke named Olek Czyz. He's an athletic PF that is pretty raw basketball wise. Still, he has a lot of energy and adds some interior activity.

...I have no idea how to suggest this of course to Bz, as it's not like I'm connected into the program.

Good look Dyeme ... I just posted a thread on the BB Recruiting link. Looks like Nevada is already on-board and talking w/him (he's from Reno, NV of course), but I think CU should get in on this no doubt.

 

[coereg]

He shot 58%...but trust me, he is not a great offensive player.
Most of his points will come within 10 feet of the basket, and he primarily played against weaker teams. He didn't see regular minutes, and that's why he's transferring. He's still athletic and provides some brawn. He went to a HS in Reno if I remember correctly, but the school I think was more of a Findlay Prep or Oak Hill (none of the kids are from the area). He was a national recruit, as are all Duke kids, so he has the potential to play well.

Yeah but with that said, CU's schedule will consist of much the same. They will never play a consistent rolling list of AZ State, UCONN, Wisconsin, St. John's, Gonzaga, and so on. Plus he's JUST a Soph. with limited playing experience.

Like you said, he was recruited on the Nat'l scene pretty heavy, so he must have some game to him. He was rated as a 92 by ESPN recruiting, and chose Duke over Fla & Louisville, with many other high level teams taking a look.

BZ is a smart coach and recruiter, I would imagine he's in line w/what's going on here and would chat with him if he has the chance to.

 

[coereg]

Anyone know with the CBB rules whether Czyz would have to sit out all of next season, or if he was a January transfer would he only sit for the non-conference 2010 part of next year's schedule?

He was released Dec. 17th, and as long as he signs w/someone else within 30 days, he would NOT have to sit out the entire year next season, would be eligible to play the 2nd half portion of the schedule.