Practice

[-Blu]

Anyone know when they will have an open practice.  They usually have one around this time.  Thought we'd hear a date by now.

[WorfHog]

Tomorrow morning.

http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/mens-basketball-to-hold-open-practice/

[Razorod]

Just wanted to bump this thread a bit in the hopes a getting a practice report or two from those who go this morning.

[chiefhawg]

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  39s39 seconds ago
Thompson looks good. Moving well and has more confidence.

[chiefhawg]

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  1m1 minute ago
Jabril is playing with a lot of confidence too. Making open shots and doesn't turn the ball over

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  4m4 minutes ago
The 30 second shot clock won't be an issue

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  4m4 minutes ago
The Razorback Basketball team WILL definitely be in shape. We don't have to worry about that.

[chiefhawg]

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  6m6 minutes ago
The interesting thing to watch will be the different lineups the Hogs put on the court. No positions. Bigs will play together. Guards too.

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  4m4 minutes ago
Meaning...multiple Point guards, Shooting guards or Centers could be on the court at the same time.

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  3m3 minutes ago
They Hogs will make teams adjust to their lineup and style.

[chiefhawg]

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  2m2 minutes ago
There are a few position battles to watch:
SF: Do the Hogs go with Whitt at that spot or Watkins?
PF: Do you go big w/Thompson or Miles?

[EngrHog]

Who is #12 at the open practice? Wasn't on the roster

[chiefhawg]

Nicholas Mason ‏@_Nick5000  14m14 minutes ago
Jabril, Bell, and Kingsley are all locks to start at the beginning of the season.

[Big Nasty 34]

Who is #12 at the open practice? Wasn't on the roster

One of 2 walk ons I'm sure.

[-Blu]

Who is #12 at the open practice? Wasn't on the roster

DaShaun Stark.  He's a walk-on.

[Razorod]

Thanks for the reports.

[-Blu]

So, just came from the practice.  Here's what I saw.  Keep in my this is just my opinion and it was just one practice.

Trey Thompson -  Looks like a completely different player.  I was pleasantly surprised in how much progress he's made.  He has some nice post moves and was being aggressive.  Easily the second best big man on the team behind Kingsley.  He's also surprisingly more athlete now that he's slimmer, he caught an alley-oop and dunked it in with ease.  From the looks of it, it's possible he could compete against Miles for a starting spot.

Keaton Miles -  He's also much improved.  After watching him today, I do believe he was injured last year.  He was much quicker and athletic than what we seen last year.  He also looks to have taken a leadership role, he was very vocal, and was actually leading the white team when they did a little mini scrimmage at the end.  He had a couple of glimpses of looking like Coty Clarke, he knocked down a 3 pointer, was aggressive around the rim, and was looking for his shot in the mid-range. 

Jabril Durham - Looked a lot more confident this year.  He started off very hot, think he hit like his first 5 three point shots.  By far the best ball handler on the team.  Only knock I seen on his game is he still has to learn to finish strong around the rim.  He missed 2 lay-ups and CMA got on to him about it.  If he can keep that confidence and be more aggressive around the rim, we'll be very pleased with his senior year.

Anthlon Bell -  Looks to be the leader of the team this year.  I heard him talking the most out of everyone.  He was the most consistent at practice, he hit his open shots, made open lay-ups, and continues to knock down those mid-range shots.  And I was surprised to see him actually attacking the rim more.  I wasn't keeping score, but he probably lead all scorers.  He should easily average 10+ PPG this year.

Jimmy Whitt -  Has a silent assassin type of game.  I can't really explain it. You really don't notice him too much, but he scores the ball and does everything right.  He hit a lot of those mid-range shots he likes, had some nice moves to the basket, and probably had the most deflections of anyone on defense.  Usually guys like him your like "wow" every time they touch the basketball, but Jimmy just does it quietly.  He's going to be a good player for us.  I think he'll end up being what most of us expect.

Dusty Hannahs -  Dusty started off really rough.  He took some really long 3 pointers that didn't go in and didn't really look that engaged to start.  CMA actually got on to him at one point, but near the end of the scrimmage, he caught fire really quick.  Think he hit like 5 or more 3's in a row in like a 5 minute time span.  I mean he just started nailing them out of no where.  Hopefully he can keep us in some games this year catching fire like that.  He will definitely be a long range threat for us.

Willy Kouassi -  He's pretty much what we'd thought he'd be, which is a defensive specialist.  He doesn't have much of an offensive game at all and not that quick at running the floor.  Had some nice rebounds, some put backs, and a couple of blocks.  He will give us some good minutes on the defensive end.

Moses Kingsley - He looked really athletic, he may be the most athletic guy on the team now.  You can tell he knows it's his year, he was really aggressive, and taking a lot of shots.  He hit a couple mid range shots, and was aggressive around the rim and got fouled a lot.  Only thing I didn't like was he was trying to handle the ball on the fast break way too much, and that's just not his game, he got the ball taken a couple of times.  Other than that, he looked really good, and looks like he's ready to have a breakout year.

Lorenzo Jenkins -  He was a little timid, but you can tell he has talent.  His lefty shot looks beautiful every time he shoots it, it looks like it should go in nothing but net.  Right now he's really skinny, needs to add some weight.  He had a couple of nice fast break finishes, and he hit a pretty good looking 3 pointer.  This will definitely be a learning year for him, but if he can get in the weight room and continue to shoot the ball well, he could be a guy we are really happy with in the future.

Manny Watkins -  Same ole Manny.  Hit some really nice floaters, got after it on the defensive end, and didn't make any mistakes.  Not much else you can say.  He's going to probably have a bigger role this year, and looks like he'll be ready for it.

Walk-ons - We had 3 walk-ons.  2 of the kids I wasn't able to get their name.  But the 3rd kids name was Dashaun Stark, he's from Spingdale.  He actually was pretty solid, led some fast breaks, and played some solid defense.  I didn't get to watch the other 2 enough to really form an opinion.

Kikko Haydar -  Yes, he was out there giving guys breathers, same ole Kikko.

[Letsroll1200]

So, just came from the practice.  Here's what I saw.  Keep in my this is just my opinion and it was just one practice.

Trey Thompson -  Looks like a completely different player.  I was pleasantly surprised in how much progress he's made.  He has some nice post moves and was being aggressive.  Easily the second best big man on the team behind Kingsley.  He's also surprisingly more athlete now that he's slimmer, he caught an alley-oop and dunked it in with ease.  From the looks of it, it's possible he could compete against Miles for a starting spot.

Keaton Miles -  He's also much improved.  After watching him today, I do believe he was injured last year.  He was much quicker and athletic than what we seen last year.  He also looks to have taken a leadership role, he was very vocal, and was actually leading the white team when they did a little mini scrimmage at the end.  He had a couple of glimpses of looking like Coty Clarke, he knocked down a 3 pointer, was aggressive around the rim, and was looking for his shot in the mid-range. 

Jabril Durham - Looked a lot more confident this year.  He started off very hot, think he hit like his first 5 three point shots.  By far the best ball handler on the team.  Only knock I seen on his game is he still has to learn to finish strong around the rim.  He missed 2 lay-ups and CMA got on to him about it.  If he can keep that confidence and be more aggressive around the rim, we'll be very pleased with his senior year.

Anthlon Bell -  Looks to be the leader of the team this year.  I heard him talking the most out of everyone.  He was the most consistent at practice, he hit his open shots, made open lay-ups, and continues to knock down those mid-range shots.  And I was surprised to see him actually attacking the rim more.  I wasn't keeping score, but he probably lead all scorers.  He should easily average 10+ PPG this year.

Jimmy Whitt -  Has a silent assassin type of game.  I can't really explain it. You really don't notice him too much, but he scores the ball and does everything right.  He hit a lot of those mid-range shots he likes, had some nice moves to the basket, and probably had the most deflections of anyone on defense.  Usually guys like him your like "wow" every time they touch the basketball, but Jimmy just does it quietly.  He's going to be a good player for us.  I think he'll end up being what most of us expect.

Dusty Hannahs -  Dusty started off really rough.  He took some really long 3 pointers that didn't go in and didn't really look that engaged to start.  CMA actually got on to him at one point, but near the end of the scrimmage, he caught fire really quick.  Think he hit like 5 or more 3's in a row in like a 5 minute time span.  I mean he just started nailing them out of no where.  Hopefully he can keep us in some games this year catching fire like that.  He will definitely be a long range threat for us.

Willy Kouassi -  He's pretty much what we'd thought he'd be, which is a defensive specialist.  He doesn't have much of an offensive game at all and not that quick at running the floor.  Had some nice rebounds, some put backs, and a couple of blocks.  He will give us some good minutes on the defensive end.

Moses Kingsley - He looked really athletic, he may be the most athletic guy on the team now.  You can tell he knows it's his year, he was really aggressive, and taking a lot of shots.  He hit a couple mid range shots, and was aggressive around the rim and got fouled a lot.  Only thing I didn't like was he was trying to handle the ball on the fast break way too much, and that's just not his game, he got the ball taken a couple of times.  Other than that, he looked really good, and looks like he's ready to have a breakout year.

Lorenzo Jenkins -  He was a little timid, but you can tell he has talent.  His lefty shot looks beautiful every time he shoots it, it looks like it should go in nothing but net.  Right now he's really skinny, needs to add some weight.  He had a couple of nice fast break finishes, and he hit a pretty good looking 3 pointer.  This will definitely be a learning year for him, but if he can get in the weight room and continue to shoot the ball well, he could be a guy we are really happy with in the future.

Manny Watkins -  Same ole Manny.  Hit some really nice floaters, got after it on the defensive end, and didn't make any mistakes.  Not much else you can say.  He's going to probably have a bigger role this year, and looks like he'll be ready for it.

Walk-ons - We had 3 walk-ons.  2 of the kids I wasn't able to get their name.  But the 3rd kids name was Dashaun Stark, he's from Spingdale.  He actually was pretty solid, led some fast breaks, and played some solid defense.  I didn't get to watch the other 2 enough to really form an opinion.

Kikko Haydar -  Yes, he was out there giving guys breathers, same ole Kikko.

Thanks Blu

[JIHawg]

Appreciate it Blu.

[chiefhawg]

Dashaun Stark

http://www.drurypanthers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1591

[yraciv]

Was anyone there other than Blu?  Thanks for the report! Like to know the names of the other 2 walk ons because I know who Deshaun is.

[Letsroll1200]

Does the Arkansas media report anything regarding the basketball program ?

[chiefhawg]

Does the Arkansas media report anything regarding the basketball program ?

No

[nwahogfan1]

Thanks Blu.  Nice job.

Just curious who do you think will be our top 3 scorers and will they average over 10 PPG? 

I think Bell will lead our team with 11 or so ppg but then I get fuzzy on the rest.

[Razorod]

I think Hannahs and Whitt will also provide some consistent scoring.

[OS2 (SW) Razor Back]

Thank you Blu.

+1

[-Blu]

Thanks Blu.  Nice job.

Just curious who do you think will be our top 3 scorers and will they average over 10 PPG? 

I think Bell will lead our team with 11 or so ppg but then I get fuzzy on the rest.

I don't want to draw too much from one practice.  But, I still think Bell, Whitt, and Hannahs will be the top 3 scorers (If there is no Beard).  Although I would throw Kingsley as an honorable mention.  He was really looking to score when he got the ball on the offensive end, and he has a nice mid-range shot.  Wouldn't surprise me at all if he averaged 10 PPG this year, especially since it looks like he's going to be playing a lot of minutes.

Also, I think everyone is going to be pleased with the progress Trey Thompson has made.  It's like a completely different player.  I didn't even know he could dunk until today, and he was doing it with ease.  Also ran the court well.  He could be the x-factor this year.

[Hogimus Prime]

I'm excited about this season. I think the Hogs will surprise some teams.  They won't be world beaters, but will play with a lot of heart, hustle and fight. They will be fun to watch.

[Biggus Piggus]

The other for-sure walk-on is Jake Mosiman.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/dec/17/jake-mosiman-unsung-hero-lhs/

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jake-mosiman/H6PDrvTuEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/basketball-stats.htm

They are auditioning a third. Not going to take him unless the suspended players aren't allowed back.

[Biggus Piggus]

I am pleased that Jimmy Whitt is on track to be a factor on defense this season. He really fits into MA's system.

[Biggus Piggus]

I'm thinking right now Arkansas is going to rotate all the guards at three positions. On defense, on offense, within even the same possession, three guards will rotate through every role. Then two bigs, with the main question there whether they have two post players on court, or one + Miles. Both will happen. Sometimes they can go two bigs + Miles and two guards.

[TomBigBeeHog]

The other for-sure walk-on is Jake Mosiman.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/dec/17/jake-mosiman-unsung-hero-lhs/

http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/jake-mosiman/H6PDrvTuEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/gendersport/basketball-stats.htm

They are auditioning a third. Not going to take him unless the suspended players aren't allowed back.

I wish we had gotten his teammate, Buffalomeat. Just would like to hear, "Buffalomeat for three!!!". Houston Nutt always said there is only one Razorback and I'm betting there is only one Buffalomeat. Could help us in recruiting. Couldn't hurt.

[PonderinHog]

I wish we had gotten his teammate, Buffalomeat. Just would like to hear, "Buffalomeat for three!!!". Houston Nutt always said there is only one Razorback and I'm betting there is only one Buffalomeat. Could help us in recruiting. Couldn't hurt.

Beefalo, for short

[TomBigBeeHog]

Beefalo, for short

Ok, "Beefalo short on the three but Turducken grabs the rebound and powers it up and in". Thanks Ponderin, works even better.   

[TomBigBeeHog]

Did Jenkins look like he would play any at all this year? Was said he seemed to need some development physically.

[opineonswine]

So, just came from the practice.  Here's what I saw.  Keep in my this is just my opinion and it was just one practice.

Trey Thompson -  Looks like a completely different player.  I was pleasantly surprised in how much progress he's made.  He has some nice post moves and was being aggressive.  Easily the second best big man on the team behind Kingsley.  He's also surprisingly more athlete now that he's slimmer, he caught an alley-oop and dunked it in with ease.  From the looks of it, it's possible he could compete against Miles for a starting spot.

Keaton Miles -  He's also much improved.  After watching him today, I do believe he was injured last year.  He was much quicker and athletic than what we seen last year.  He also looks to have taken a leadership role, he was very vocal, and was actually leading the white team when they did a little mini scrimmage at the end.  He had a couple of glimpses of looking like Coty Clarke, he knocked down a 3 pointer, was aggressive around the rim, and was looking for his shot in the mid-range. 

Jabril Durham - Looked a lot more confident this year.  He started off very hot, think he hit like his first 5 three point shots.  By far the best ball handler on the team.  Only knock I seen on his game is he still has to learn to finish strong around the rim.  He missed 2 lay-ups and CMA got on to him about it.  If he can keep that confidence and be more aggressive around the rim, we'll be very pleased with his senior year.

Anthlon Bell -  Looks to be the leader of the team this year.  I heard him talking the most out of everyone.  He was the most consistent at practice, he hit his open shots, made open lay-ups, and continues to knock down those mid-range shots.  And I was surprised to see him actually attacking the rim more.  I wasn't keeping score, but he probably lead all scorers.  He should easily average 10+ PPG this year.

Jimmy Whitt -  Has a silent assassin type of game.  I can't really explain it. You really don't notice him too much, but he scores the ball and does everything right.  He hit a lot of those mid-range shots he likes, had some nice moves to the basket, and probably had the most deflections of anyone on defense.  Usually guys like him your like "wow" every time they touch the basketball, but Jimmy just does it quietly.  He's going to be a good player for us.  I think he'll end up being what most of us expect.

Dusty Hannahs -  Dusty started off really rough.  He took some really long 3 pointers that didn't go in and didn't really look that engaged to start.  CMA actually got on to him at one point, but near the end of the scrimmage, he caught fire really quick.  Think he hit like 5 or more 3's in a row in like a 5 minute time span.  I mean he just started nailing them out of no where.  Hopefully he can keep us in some games this year catching fire like that.  He will definitely be a long range threat for us.

Willy Kouassi -  He's pretty much what we'd thought he'd be, which is a defensive specialist.  He doesn't have much of an offensive game at all and not that quick at running the floor.  Had some nice rebounds, some put backs, and a couple of blocks.  He will give us some good minutes on the defensive end.

Moses Kingsley - He looked really athletic, he may be the most athletic guy on the team now.  You can tell he knows it's his year, he was really aggressive, and taking a lot of shots.  He hit a couple mid range shots, and was aggressive around the rim and got fouled a lot.  Only thing I didn't like was he was trying to handle the ball on the fast break way too much, and that's just not his game, he got the ball taken a couple of times.  Other than that, he looked really good, and looks like he's ready to have a breakout year.

Lorenzo Jenkins -  He was a little timid, but you can tell he has talent.  His lefty shot looks beautiful every time he shoots it, it looks like it should go in nothing but net.  Right now he's really skinny, needs to add some weight.  He had a couple of nice fast break finishes, and he hit a pretty good looking 3 pointer.  This will definitely be a learning year for him, but if he can get in the weight room and continue to shoot the ball well, he could be a guy we are really happy with in the future.

Manny Watkins -  Same ole Manny.  Hit some really nice floaters, got after it on the defensive end, and didn't make any mistakes.  Not much else you can say.  He's going to probably have a bigger role this year, and looks like he'll be ready for it.

Walk-ons - We had 3 walk-ons.  2 of the kids I wasn't able to get their name.  But the 3rd kids name was Dashaun Stark, he's from Spingdale.  He actually was pretty solid, led some fast breaks, and played some solid defense.  I didn't get to watch the other 2 enough to really form an opinion.

Kikko Haydar -  Yes, he was out there giving guys breathers, same ole Kikko.

Thanks for the great report Blu.  However, something I've noticed while watching intrasquad practices with this team....players tend to look better than they do when they get to REAL action.  I thought the same thing last year about Miles.  Then zilch.  Looked like a totally different player after the Red/White game.  Maybe he got hurt after that? 

I also noticed the same thing about Dusty last year.  In the Red/White game he was a no-show for a good part of the game and then, bingo, got going.  Maybe that's his style?

It's always good to be hopeful.  I just think we're going to be outmatched most of the year. Sincerely, hope I'm way wrong.

[-Blu]

Thanks for the great report Blu.  However, something I've noticed while watching intrasquad practices with this team....players tend to look better than they do when they get to REAL action.  I thought the same thing last year about Miles.  Then zilch.  Looked like a totally different player after the Red/White game.  Maybe he got hurt after that? 

I also noticed the same thing about Dusty last year.  In the Red/White game he was a no-show for a good part of the game and then, bingo, got going.  Maybe that's his style?

It's always good to be hopeful.  I just think we're going to be outmatched most of the year. Sincerely, hope I'm way wrong.

I agree completely, guys can look like all-stars at practice/red-white game then do nothing when the real season starts.  That's why I was cautioning before my post that it's just one practice.

Also, I noticed you mentioned Miles, one thing I left out was CMA got onto him more than any other player.  That's either a good thing or bad thing.  Could be good because he sees a lot of potential and trying to get it out of him, or could be bad and he's messing up a lot. We'll learn here in less than a month.  I'm really rooting for him to have a good year, he's the last of the hybrid forwards that's left on the team.  If he can give us some good minutes I think we'll be a much better team because of it.

[PonderinHog]

Ok, "Beefalo short on the three but Turducken grabs the rebound and powers it up and in". Thanks Ponderin, works even better.   

Our roster will be complete!   

[chiefhawg]

I agree completely, guys can look like all-stars at practice/red-white game then do nothing when the real season starts.  That's why I was cautioning before my post that it's just one practice.

Also, I noticed you mentioned Miles, one thing I left out was CMA got onto him more than any other player.  That's either a good thing or bad thing.  Could be good because he sees a lot of potential and trying to get it out of him, or could be bad and he's messing up a lot. We'll learn here in less than a month.  I'm really rooting for him to have a good year, he's the last of the hybrid forwards that's left on the team.  If he can give us some good minutes I think we'll be a much better team because of it.

This may help in interesting why CMA was getting on Keaton

http://thesportblogger.sportsblog.com/posts/2307091/interview--6-keaton-miles-q---a.html
Note the second question and Keaton's answer.

[UNCLE BACK]

Blu,

I thought that Big Willy looked a little better than you described. He had a few nice post moves and he dominated Moses on Defense down low. Moses didn't score on him except on Fast breaks. I agree with most everything else you said though...

[Dominicanhog]

Blu,

I thought that Big Willy looked a little better than you described. He had a few nice post moves and he dominated Moses on Defense down low. Moses didn't score on him except on Fast breaks. I agree with most everything else you said though...

I wonder if BP even ranks 3rd on his list of best player to play with?

Never mind.. wrong thread...

[-Blu]

Hogs have another open practice this Saturday 11am-1pm.

[ErieHog]

I cringe when I hear about all the mid-range shooting they are doing.

That's a recipe for basketball failure.

[-Blu]

Blu,

I thought that Big Willy looked a little better than you described. He had a few nice post moves and he dominated Moses on Defense down low. Moses didn't score on him except on Fast breaks. I agree with most everything else you said though...

To be honest I didn't see much from Willy on the offensive end.  I seen one nice post move on Moses, but that was about it.  I liked what I seen on defense though, he grabbed some nice boards and was in good positions, and that's exactly what we need from him.  We will be able to get a better feel for what all he can do in the next couple of weeks.

[-Blu]

I cringe when I hear about all the mid-range shooting they are doing.

That's a recipe for basketball failure.

I would agree when your talking about Moses Kingsley.  I didn't like him taking as many mid-range shots as he was doing.  But, Whitt and Bell (who are probably the only other guys that take a lot of mid-range shots) are both pretty consistent, especially Whitt.  He's really good at getting to spots he likes, he's also good at drawing those "NBA type of fouls"  you know when guys reach on you and you kinda use you arms to draw the foul.  I think he'll draw a lot of those with his mid-range game.

[mhuff]

I cringe when I hear about all the mid-range shooting they are doing.

That's a recipe for basketball failure.

It's a recipe for failure if don't get the ball inside and hit a high percentage of midrange shots.

[ErieHog]

It's a recipe for failure if don't get the ball inside and hit a high percentage of midrange shots.

No, its pretty well always a recipe for failure.

Mid-range jump shots are the death of efficiency in basketball.    There is a reason why they're leaving the game-- they're bad for offense.

This team can't afford to be inefficient.

[rude1]

No, its pretty well always a recipe for failure.

Mid-range jump shots are the death of efficiency in basketball.    There is a reason why they're leaving the game-- they're bad for offense.

This team can't afford to be inefficient.

It's inefficient because nobody seems to able to make them any more, which would also explains why it's leaving the game.

[warriorlion]

Went to practice today: 15-17 record is my prediction.
The good:
Bell, Durham, both looked solid.  Bell is going to have to have a great year on offense for us to finish above 500.
Moses is Moses: played hard, rebounds, struggles to score.
Hannah can shoot, but doesn't do well off the dribble.  I hope he had an off day but I don't see him having a big impact.
Whitt has some good upside but not sure he is consistent on offensive end enough to be full time threat.
Miles is an athletic freak. He needs to decide to lead the sec in rebounding.
Willy will be good enough to foul a lot of shooters and is very weak on offense.  He is long.
Thompson hit the top of backboard twice on 8 ft shots. 
Watkins will do the little things but not impact player. 
If we don't turn people over we could have serious scoring problems. 
Practice facility is great!
Girls program has some serious young talent and is moving towards being a big time program.
Hope I am wrong on the record but afraid this could be a long year.

[ErieHog]

It's inefficient because nobody seems to able to make them any more, which would also explains why it's leaving the game.

Actually, the shot is being converted at a higher rate than just about ever before-- because bad shooters are punished by coaches for taking them.

The problem is, that its still the least efficient way to play offensive basketball;  if you indulge mid range shooting, you're playing long odds every game.