Texas @ WVU 01/06/2024

[flash34]

I’m a little surprised with the ball handling skill of Muhammad in the open court. Appears she’s been working hard and more comfortable. She definitely is an asset to breaking the press and getting the ball back to Booker around mid-court. As Mooo articulates regarding passing is better than dribbling through the press, it’s hard to see exactly what’s happening down court with Holle and Gonzalez. It appears as when the full court double team occurs, Holle and Gonzalez are clearing into a side opening to receive an over the top pass. Worst thing to do is for down court players standing still and two Horns players being guarded by one. So moving is paramount. I think attacking the pressure will get better and better as they experience more and adjust. I get stressed when Booker initiates the offense on one side almost at mid-court. Harmon could easily do that; however, Booker has different skills. I don’t know the answer on any adjustment to that….that’s Schaefer’s job. I think some of Booker’s turnovers are due to starting so far out and mid-to-late in the clock against pressure. Will be watching with interest any adjustments there and elsewhere.

 

[WCBBNUT]

Personally, I thought Booker was outstanding. She is being targeted (appropriately so) because she is a true freshman playing point guard which is not her natural position. Opposing coaches are hoping she will crack under the pressure of a press. Entire game plans seem to be focused on stopping her. And it’s not working. The fact that she ONLY had 8 turnovers considering that was a Top 25 team targeting her is pretty astonishing. Trial by fire is only going to make her better.

Yes. That alley-oop was odd/silly/ugly for sure, but I applaud her for thinking outside the box to overcome the press. If she tries it again, I bet it would be highlight worthy. Last year our veteran player, Shaylee Gonzales, was targeted similarly when Rori was injured and the outcome was not good at all. Gonzales and the rest of the team are benefitting greatly from this freshman’s efforts.

Vic says Booker has an excellent work ethic, is very coachable, and has a fantastic basketball IQ. These opponents are doing us a huge favor.

While the turnovers might be maddening in the moment, every announcer (national and local) have gone out of their way to compliment her play. The announcers for the WV game called her elite several times and truly could not heap enough accolades on her.

I remain heartbroken for Rori, truly saddened, but this WV game has renewed my confidence that this team is going to have a stellar season. I kind of felt that way after the Tech game, but I also knew they were a poor opponent to make that determination.

In my opinion, the team and especially Vic were in a state of shock/mourning for the Baylor game. I even thought Vic might have needed some professional therapy. The man was questioning God in a presser.

The fact that under those mental conditions and not having Jones we only lost by 6 to a top 10 team… just wow. Two games later we absolutely destroyed a top 25 team. Destroyed them from beginning to end. Just remarkable. To the poster who said every game is a potential loss.. you are correct.. for the other team.

Bring on TCU and Hook ‘Em!

 

[UTSUgrad]

I guess Mulkey doesn’t like nice things.

IIRC, KM was publicly and loudly opposed to the location of the new arena, which did not endear her to a BU administration already tiring of her. It is a multi-purpose center, like Moody, that Waco Bidness Community supported. She wanted a new facility on campus, closer to student foot traffic. New center looks good on TV - ya'll give us a review after we kick Bear butt there.

 

[flash34]

Schaefer showing his vulnerabilities is refreshing and encouraging to me. I’ve never questioned his affection for his players but Harmon’s injury has taken it to a new level. Schaefers comments/feelings are identical to mine at times. Essentially Schaefer saying he couldn’t understand how God lets bad things happen to good people. That’s an age old question that I’ve heard multitude explanations from very smart theologians and others. I’m always searching and trying to understand better or differently. Obviously Schaefer is as well. His saying he is a big sinner and “other”, just affirms his and all our predicaments. He’ll get coaching on this and he’ll be alright. Unfortunately he has to experience this in the spotlight where I can cover up my head and hide. I’m always look for a silver lining so here’s my opinion. Booker will explode on the scene for the rest of the season due to being forced into this load. When Harmon comes back the team will be better for it.

 

[UTSUgrad]

Worry that Madison will be exhausted by tournament time .. yeah, I know she and the Shays are young and healthy, but I would like to see backups in the game in the 4thq. Maul, Codio? We need her to be mentally and physically sharp later in the season ... when I am boldly assuming that we will be B12 champs advancing in the playoffs.

 

[brnkj]

Worry that Madison will be exhausted by tournament time .. yeah, I know she and the Shays are young and healthy, but I would like to see backups in the game in the 4thq. Maul, Codio? We need her to be mentally and physically sharp later in the season ... when I am boldly assuming that we will be B12 champs advancing in the playoffs.

I totally understand what you're saying! Fortunately for us, the "lighter" portion of our conference schedule is (for the most part) the last half. Hopefully that stretch will allow some much needed rest for players who are having to play so much during the front half, allowing for fresher legs going into the B12 Tourney and beyond.

 

[Ellis21d]

What the other side have to say! I like this guy!

 

[flash34]

I like Kellogg. He comes across well. He has coaching experience at West Texas A&M and others and was very successful at SFA. He’s native of Richardson, TX and since I have two daughters living in Richardson I’m gonna say good folks live in Richardson. I hope….and I think….he’ll do well at WV.

 

[WCBBNUT]

Schaefer showing his vulnerabilities is refreshing and encouraging to me. I’ve never questioned his affection for his players but Harmon’s injury has taken it to a new level. Schaefers comments/feelings are identical to mine at times. Essentially Schaefer saying he couldn’t understand how God lets bad things happen to good people. That’s an age old question that I’ve heard multitude explanations from very smart theologians and others. I’m always searching and trying to understand better or differently. Obviously Schaefer is as well. His saying he is a big sinner and “other”, just affirms his and all our predicaments. He’ll get coaching on this and he’ll be alright. Unfortunately he has to experience this in the spotlight where I can cover up my head and hide. I’m always look for a silver lining so here’s my opinion. Booker will explode on the scene for the rest of the season due to being forced into this load. When Harmon comes back the team will be better for it.

Just to clarify my comments, I agree with you. I was being sincere when I said he might have needed professional therapy. It was clear his heart was broken for Rori. Honestly, I think his and the team’s spirit was shattered and it was capitalized on by Baylor in the first quarter. That’s when we seemed to have gotten it under control. Vic’s comments after both Tech and WV made it clear that he and the team are working through it.

 

[Moooooo]

Like others, I listened to both post-game interviews Vic did on the radio with Craig Way (at Tech) and Roger Wallace (at WVU). Vic was clearly emotional after the Tech game (on account of Rori's injury); his comments were definitely those of someone who was struggling to move forward, but knows he must as he has 14 other players who are depending on him and looking at him for guidance. It was as if getting that one win in Lubbock lifted some of the (emotional) weight from his shoulders.

Two games in a row where his jacket remained on the entire time; he discussed that with Roger Wallace. He's been very complimentary of his team in both post-game interviews. I think he's almost there where he realizes the sun will come up the next day as this team needs him even though Rori is out for the season.

As players on the court return to the bench for a (TV) timeout, I've watched him be much more encouraging and applauding his players efforts. He definitely seems more positive and has accepted that more mistakes and turnovers are gonna be par for the course for this team with no Rori and lack of ball handlers.

 

[brnkj]

Like others, I listened to both post-game interviews Vic did on the radio with Craig Way (at Tech) and Roger Wallace (at WVU). Vic was clearly emotional after the Tech game (on account of Rori's injury); his comments were definitely those of someone who was struggling to move forward, but knows he must as he has 14 other players who are depending on him and looking at him for guidance. It was as if getting that one win in Lubbock lifted some of the (emotional) weight from his shoulders.

Two games in a row where his jacket remained on the entire time; he discussed that with Roger Wallace. He's been very complimentary of his team in both post-game interviews. I think he's almost there where he realizes the sun will come up the next day as this team needs him even though Rori is out for the season.

As players on the court return to the bench for a (TV) timeout, I've watched him be much more encouraging and applauding his players efforts. He definitely seems more positive and has accepted that more mistakes and turnovers are gonna be par for the course for this team with no Rori and lack of ball handlers.

Let's talk about Booker's turnovers as you have shed a much more positive light on the situation... and rightfully so. I went back and checked our box score vs Arizona, because they too are a very quick, athletic team that plays really tough defense. Rori had 4 turnovers in that game. LSU's Van Lith had 7 against a defensively scrappy Ole Miss today. That said, like you, I think Booker is doing a good job!

When you play against a team that plays overly aggressive defense, there are going to be more turnovers than normal. The key is making them pay more for their overly aggressive style than they gain from it. I think we have proven we're capable of that.

The turnovers should get better over the next several games as we settle in. If the other EXPERIENCED players will value possessions more and stop turning the ball over by trying to do things that are beyond their skill sets we'll be okay.

 

[CreakyHorn]

Let's talk about Booker's turnovers as you have shed a much more positive light on the situation... and rightfully so. I went back and checked our box score vs Arizona, because they too are a very quick, athletic team that plays really tough defense. Rori had 4 turnovers in that game. LSU's Van Lith had 7 against a defensively scrappy Ole Miss today. That said, like you, I think Booker is doing a good job!

When you play against a team that plays overly aggressive defense, there are going to be more turnovers than normal. The key is making them pay more for their overly aggressive style than they gain from it. I think we have proven we're capable of that.

The turnovers should get better over the next several games as we settle in. If the other EXPERIENCED players will value possessions more and stop turning the ball over by trying to do things that are beyond their skill sets we'll be okay.

During one of his interviews Vic was asked about Booker's turnovers. He mentioned that she's young, she's new and she'll get better. He also then mentioned that it will be up to her teammates to help her out. Someone posted a few days ago wondering why Maddie has to always bring the ball up herself. I've noticed that when Amina's in there she is not afraid to take the ball upcourt when it's available. Others could do the same. And don't pick up your dribble short of mid-court!

 

[Moooooo]

Oh, Amina. This might have been my favorite scoring play from Saturday's game. Glad it was captured here.