K-State Postgame Review

Hello Followers. Welcome to Apple Cup Saturday.

Well, as the picture suggest, last night showed what we all should have known: If you let MacGruber stick around, he’s sure to blow everything up.

And, per that universal truth, Kansas State’s Rodney MacGruber did just that last night–hitting 5 of 7 threes to keep our improbable comeback at bay. As a result, Kansas State escaped Beasley last night with a gritty 63-58 victory.

Couple of quick notes from my post-midnight sojourn into Cougar Hoops (the game ended about 1:30 last night):

1) Best Coaching Performance BY FAR that we have seen from Kenny B.

If any of you caught the Zags game against KSU, you knew about those brutal K-State substitution patterns. But last night, Kenny B was masterful not only in keeping our bodies fresh, his defensive play calling was also out of sight. Although MacGruber busted our zone in the last seven minutes, Bone’s decision to intermittently sit Klay and Casto between the 10 and 5 minute mark while switching to a zone was brilliant. Simply put, the schemes put forth by Kenny B and his staff were noteworthy–and THAT portends well for us the rest of the year.

2) Abe was a Babe

And I’m not talking about an infant among men. Abe played his best game–outside of last year’s game at home against USC–as a Cougar. He was everywhere last night on the hustle plays–drew a couple of nice charges–and showed tremendous grit. Anyone who knows what it truly means to be a Cougar could see that Abe is a court leader this year. Good for him.

3) We’re Going to Figure This Out–THIS YEAR

In the last five minutes, we got a nice reminder about how damn good Reggie Moore is. Had he been healthy–and had he played the previous five games–we would have won last night. On top of that, it was obvious that Casto’s foot was still bothering him. When he’s right, we’re much better in the middle than what last night’s rebounding total suggested. And, where Klay and Aden are concerned, consider this: We actually beat KSU off the dribble most of the night. So, while Aden in particular still needs to learn how to square up against fast/quick competition, last night was truly his first experience against upper level competition. He’ll get better. And as Moore returns to form–particularly around the glass–then look out.

4) This group can win the Pac-10/12.

But not this year. There’s been a whole lot of speculation about Casto and Klay leaving at the end of this year. And to them, I say simply: Don’t. Last night, Klay showed tremendous improvement on the defensive end, as well as with his handle, and driving to his left. But, he needs another year of development before he is ready to play (e.g. score) against NBA-Caliber defenders. Meanwhile, Casto showed the beginning of some versatility taking the ball off the dribble. Personally, I see Casto fitting the Carl Landry mold of power forward. With another year of learning how to play facing the basket, he will be able to make money in Europe. And perhaps, on the right NBA team.  But even when healthy, he’s just not there yet–and leaving early would be a tremendous mistake.

5) In search of Caleb Forrest.

For the past year, I’ve found myself watching Cougar Hoops wishing that we had a 2010 version of either Ken Critton or Caleb Forrest. Last night, Motum played with remarkable poise and toughness on the defensive end. Patrick Simon, though over-matched, showed some nice resilience–including hitting a three in the second half (following a brick on the previous possession) that ignited our first spurt to bring the game within five. While neither of these guys looks like they’ll put it all together this year, they should be solid for the stretch run. And looking toward next year, they may become more than workmanlike.

6) Our Best Line-Up

Watching Capers’ activity on the offensive glass down the stretch, I can’t help but thinking that our best line-up is Casto, Capers, Klay, Aden, and Moore–with Capers and Klay playing at the bottom of a 2-3 zone. Once Moore returns to health, we need more activity on the offensive glass. And, unfortunately, neither Motum, Simon, or Abe are athletic enough to (a) challenge the boards for put-back opportunities, and (b) challenge the glass in ways that limits quit transition opportunities for the other team.

Hopefully, we’ll start to tinker with that group over the next few games.

Finally, in view of last night’s loss and the continued struggles of the Pac-10 to beat elite competition, the Gonzaga game looms HUGE for our NCAA hopes. So, we better get that one.

Enjoy the rest of your day. We’ll be back pre-game in preparation for tonight’s epic battle between the Cougs and the Defeateds.

Go Cougs