Blue Man wrote: ↑1 year ago
I'm ready to talk.
I mean like, I'm numb. I should be used to it. But ugh.
In the grand scheme of things - this is a young team that's trying to learn and has been dealing with an albatross of drama from their PG all year. To have that whole situation come to a head after a 3 game losing streak, and then come out and out play the best team in the conference - forcing them to hit a difficult 20 foot jumper with a hand in their face as time expired - is as admirable as you can get in a loss.
I was so ready to eat crow from Bassy. Two huge 3's - a literal warrior's effort in the first half. Getting hurt, coming off, but still playing 38 mins against one of the tougher defenses you'll see - was awesome.
Bassy not handling a pass (TO credited to Carey but IT HIT BASSY IN THE HANDS CATCH THE BALL), and then THROWING THE LITERAL BALL AND GAME 14 ROWS INTO THE STANDS, reminded me that while he shows glimpses of decent play, he's not ready to play at this level. He might get there, but there will be a lot of pain and I will grow a lot more gray hairs between now and then.
Regardless, it was one of his - if not his best game as a Ram.
The refs were a hot garbage sundae. Fuck them hard. Weston got called for...literally I have no idea what for. He went up for a rebound while making no contact with someone else - and I think the ref up the floor called him because he jumped so high that he thought he was using the defender that he wasn't even touching. The idea that you can play against VCU's defense, as a team who drives to the hoop more than anyone in the conference, and not even be in the bonus with 1 min to go in the 2nd half is bullshit. A10 refs should be required to have press conferences.
The defense as a whole was so much better. While Bassy is very obviously not my favorite player - at least he tries to play defense. He's a slightly above average defender - which is a lot more than I can say for our former point guard who went to the James Harden school of defense (but missed most of the James Harden school of offensive classes).
The Bray situation continues to get weirder. I think I feel bad for him. It's very obvious he's got a dogshit family situation and that might have been the thing that cost him his spot on the team. Supposedly his dad is all over twitter talking about how he's the one swearing at Archie and he doesn't give a shit about it, yada yada. Tough look. I can't even imagine how embarrassed I'd be if I was in that situation.
That being said, based on all the witnesses who were at the Mason game...I'm more inclined to believe all of their accounts (combined with what we've all seen of his behavior all year).
Either way, Bray being there last night to cheer on the team was kind of sad. Hopefully he learns a lesson that will make him change his behavior/shrink his circle.
While I'm gutted - I'm still more encouraged than discouraged. Year ONE people. This was another game where a couple of bounces didn't go our way. We don't need the bounces this year. I'll take em when it matters again. See you Saturday.
Good summary Blue Man.
Thomas played 38 minutes which was a game high. He came out when he injured his ankle in a scramble for a loose ball with about 2 minutes til halftime. He limped badly to the bench and then to the locker room. Had he not injured his ankle/foot Miller might have played him the entire 40 minutes.
When he left the arena he was limping and his ankle/foot was wrapped with clear tape and ice the size of a volleyball.
He had a team high 2 steals. I have not watched the game replay as yet but I can think of several plays where Thomas dove for loose balls, tipped or knocked balls loose but not enough to get credit for a steal. I plan to rewatch the game but I'm sure I'll count many times Thomas hit the floor for loose balls.
Miller talks foremost about effort and attitude. He got that from the team vs VCU.
Thomas had 1 Turnover in 38 minutes. It was a bad one throwing the ball way out of bounds. Miller called an immediate timeout. Nobody in the RC felt worse about that late game TO than Thomas. He sat on his chair for the Time Out discussion with his HC. Thomas was a bit gimpy having had the 1st half injury. Excuse for the Turnover? No.
The players and coaches were crushed by the way they lost as VCU hit the buzzer beater.
What an amazing drive to the hoop by Leggett as he got fouled with 4+ seconds to go. Everyone knew Rhody's best player would be getting the ball, yet Leggett still managed to drive through defenders and got off a shot that just missed going in as he was hacked. Then Leggett sinks the 1st to tie it. Time out by VCU to "ice" Leggett however Leggett with ice in his veins sinks the go ahead FT. 2 pressure FTs!!
The team went through the handshake line dejected then made their way to the locker room. Freeman came over to the bench smiling talking to some people. Nobody on the team was talking, just kind of in shock as would be expected. Seemed odd that he would come over.
Read attached from Friday PROJO by Bill Koch and what Leggett said about Thomas and the game.
The most important recruit for the 2023-2024 season is Leggett. Reading what Leggett said about the VCU effort gives hope that he returns to lead this URI team next season. Leggett's performance this season with effort, clutch plays, FT shooting, rebounding, defense and leadership has been All A10 Conference level.
A few games remaining that some wins could build confidence and Brooklyn could welcome a URI team that others may not want to face.
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