Marcus Britt Improving

[The_Iceman]

I was very impressed with how Marcus Britt played last night. He out-performed Welsh by a mile. He played unselfish, team ball and was an impact the defensive side of the ball as well.

He also looks good out there at 6'3" and long arms. His shot is getting better and he seems to be making quicker moves with the ball. He is definately someone we can project into the mix next year in terms of depth.

[jry04]

Britt has always been able to shoot, but he doesn't take the shot that much. He has probably the 2nd best shot on the team behind Clarke. I wish Pel would tell him to relax and shoot more. He plays great defense.

[midwestcityhog]

yeah

i always forget that britt is so much taller than fort/clarke.  he's probably more like 6'2", but that's still taller than welsh (his actual height, not his listed).    i like the way he moves on offense. he has that weird thing where he drags his foot sometimes and i always think he'll be called for a travel, but i guess its legal. 

i also like his shot.  when he misses, it's not ugly, and he shoots the ball up like an actual arc

[hawgsav1]

Britt has the ability to get his own offense, but he's often too timid to do so.  I think Pelphrey got in his ear and told him that he needs to make other people respect his offense as well as his defense.  Unfortunately, his defense (along with the rest of the team) wasn't very good last night.

[ErieHog]

Britt is perhaps the best unheralded story on this year's squad.   He has grown as a sophomore, and hopefully will be a greater part of the offense in the years to come.  We certainly could use his defensive acumen on the court more than we have it now.

[dougieritch]

yeah

i always forget that britt is so much taller than fort/clarke.  he's probably more like 6'2", but that's still taller than welsh (his actual height, not his listed).    i like the way he moves on offense. he has that weird thing where he drags his foot sometimes and i always think he'll be called for a travel, but i guess its legal. 

i also like his shot.  when he misses, it's not ugly, and he shoots the ball up like an actual arc

Both Welsh and Britt are 6'3".  Britt has a longer wingspan and plays under control.

I remember watching Welsh warm up for the KY game, he would hit one shot then the next one would hit the backboard and not even touch the rim!  Most shooters are consistent either off a little bit, but not Welsh.

Bottom line is Arkansas needs a lot things, but really needs another ball handler to give Fortson a break and not turn Welsh into the primary ball handler.  Hate to say it I would take Ervin over Welsh.

[jst01]

Britt is very coachable imo. He didn't come to the UofA as a star and had to work to improve, which he did.

[The_Iceman]

he will be a very big asset if we start pressing more next year, which i hope we do.

you know, Clarke wasn't bad this year pressing. His basketball IQ helps alot to make up for his lack of size and athletism.

[akp4105]

He is a coachable young guy that will do what he's told. He's a good defender but he's not an SEC player. He will get minutes again next year and help with depth. I'm glad he has improved some over the season but we'll never see him produce a lot over the next couple of years. He'll give us 12-15 minutes a game next year. Great attitude and work ethic.. talent is just not on the SEC level.

[ErieHog]

He is a coachable young guy that will do what he's told. He's a good defender but he's not an SEC player. He will get minutes again next year and help with depth. I'm glad he has improved some over the season but we'll never see him produce a lot over the next couple of years. He'll give us 12-15 minutes a game next year. Great attitude and work ethic.. talent is just not on the SEC level.

Not an SEC player?

WTH?

[stchane]

Britt is very coachable imo. He didn't come to the UofA as a star and had to work to improve, which he did.

While were at it, I think Clarke really improved from SEC game 1 to SEC game 17.  He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in the 1st few games, and then started to light it up the past two weeks.  I'm glad to see him improve and get used to the college game.  We're going to need him in the coming years. 

As for Britt, I was thrilled to see him start over Welsh.  I thought it brought stability to the starting lineup and Welsh also provided a spark off the bench.  Too bad we weren't going with that lineup all season.  I hope we can get some guys in the late signing period to go with Powell, Farmer, & Borden.  If we do we might not be as bad as many think...hopefully anyway...

[akp4105]

Not an SEC player?

WTH?

He's not an SEC caliber player. He wouldnt play for any other team in the league this year except for maybe Georgia, especially the extended minutes he got for us. But you play with what you've got. We beat out Lousiana Tech for Britt. He is a good defender.. but not a great shut down defender. The speed of the game is a little too quick for him. He would be a good player at UCA, Ark State, La Tech... He does not belong in the SEC. I was glad to see him improve and he got some good minutes this year because he did what he was told and didnt get in trouble like the guys who were in front of him. Hopefully the players can stay out of trouble for next year. Fortson, Clarke, Welsh, Henry, and Farmer are all more talented than Britt and hopefully will all be eligible and stay out of trouble next year. We need to sign one more long guard, and hopefully they have someone in mind.

[donewithdale]

While were at it, I think Clarke really improved from SEC game 1 to SEC game 17.  He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in the 1st few games, and then started to light it up the past two weeks.  I'm glad to see him improve and get used to the college game.  We're going to need him in the coming years. 

As for Britt, I was thrilled to see him start over Welsh.  I thought it brought stability to the starting lineup and Welsh also provided a spark off the bench.  Too bad we weren't going with that lineup all season.  I hope we can get some guys in the late signing period to go with Powell, Farmer, & Borden.  If we do we might not be as bad as many think...hopefully anyway...

Considering opponents knew Clarke was our best shooter and most consistent backcourt scoring option I am very pleased with the way he played.  To often give up size, strength and quickness, he has a good offensive basketball iq and knows how to get to where he wants to be to get a shot off.  He is also an underrated passer as well. 

[rude1]

Considering opponents knew Clarke was our best shooter and most consistent backcourt scoring option I am very pleased with the way he played.  To often give up size, strength and quickness, he has a good offensive basketball iq and knows how to get to where he wants to be to get a shot off.  He is also an underrated passer as well. 

I think Clarke is a good role player to have. On a team that had more talent where he could fit into that spot up shooters role, he could be a deadly asset. But he isn't the type of talent who would log major minutes on a more talented team, because he gets abused when he is on defense. I watched Walter Hodges eyes light up every trip down the court when Clarke was trying to defend him. I have been pleasantly surprised with his expansion of his offensive game though, to faking the three and putting it on the floor to get into the lane for that little floater of his.

[donewithdale]

I think Clarke is a good role player to have. On a team that had more talent where he could fit into that spot up shooters role, he could be a deadly asset. But he isn't the type of talent who would log major minutes on a more talented team, because he gets abused when he is on defense. I watched Walter Hodges eyes light up every trip down the court when Clarke was trying to defend him. I have been pleasantly surprised with his expansion of his offensive game though, to faking the three and putting it on the floor to get into the lane for that little floater of his.

No, if we were a top level SEC team he would be an off the bench scorer.  Or we would have a big SF/SG and big PG that could make up for what Rotnei lacks.  Travis Ford only avg 6.4 pts and 3.5 apg as a Fr at Mizzou.  Ford also shot over 50% from 3 one season at UK too so RC has a little ways to go there.  Just thought its an optimistic comparison for what he might resemble if we are lucky.

[athunt]

I dont think it is that Marcus Britt improved, but just his minutes improved. Pel would put him in for a minute or two at a time before the last few games. Hopefully Pel realized that some players cant come in cold and be expected to pick up the pace of the game right away. Hopefully Britts break out game will open Pels eyes and help him see that he needs to be doing the same thing for Clark and Moore.

[WilsonHog]

Let's look at some of Britt's numbers before we judge him "not SEC-calibre."

Marcus was 40 of 85 (.471) from the field including 15 of 30 (50%) from three point range. Had he taken three more 3-pointers and hit two of them he would have established the single-season record for 3-point FG%. He also hit 17 of 20 from the free throw line (85%).

He had 36 assists and only 14 turnovers (2.57:1), the highest assist/turnover rate on the team. Fortson's was 1.34:1, Clarke's was 1.33:1, and everyone else had a negative assist/turnover ratio.   

Marcus was second on the team with 32 steals (Fortson had 33 in far more minutes).

Looking at the final numbers, Britt is the one person who could go into Pel's office and argue legitimately that he should have been given more minutes.

Oh, one other thing. Last time I checked Marcus hadn't managed to be arrested or suspended for anything.

Nice season, Marcus. 


 

[sirhog]

Let's look at some of Britt's numbers before we judge him "not SEC-calibre."

Marcus was 40 of 85 (.471) from the field including 15 of 30 (50%) from three point range. Had he taken three more 3-pointers and hit two of them he would have established the single-season record for 3-point FG%. He also hit 17 of 20 from the free throw line (85%).

He had 36 assists and only 14 turnovers (2.57:1), the highest assist/turnover rate on the team. Fortson's was 1.34:1, Clarke's was 1.33:1, and everyone else had a negative assist/turnover ratio.   

Marcus was second on the team with 32 steals (Fortson had 33 in far more minutes).

Looking at the final numbers, Britt is the one person who could go into Pel's office and argue legitimately that he should have been given more minutes.

Oh, one other thing. Last time I checked Marcus hadn't managed to be arrested or suspended for anything.

Nice season, Marcus. 


 

Agree 100%. One thing I notice about Britt is that he doesn't have many negative plays (turnovers, man shooting layups, etc.) He does a lot of things that don't show up in the box score. Get back on defense, make the extra pass to setup the open man or force his man into a turnover. I would like to see him get more minutes next year.

[akp4105]

Let's look at some of Britt's numbers before we judge him "not SEC-calibre."

Marcus was 40 of 85 (.471) from the field including 15 of 30 (50%) from three point range. Had he taken three more 3-pointers and hit two of them he would have established the single-season record for 3-point FG%. He also hit 17 of 20 from the free throw line (85%).

He had 36 assists and only 14 turnovers (2.57:1), the highest assist/turnover rate on the team. Fortson's was 1.34:1, Clarke's was 1.33:1, and everyone else had a negative assist/turnover ratio.   

Marcus was second on the team with 32 steals (Fortson had 33 in far more minutes).

Looking at the final numbers, Britt is the one person who could go into Pel's office and argue legitimately that he should have been given more minutes.

Oh, one other thing. Last time I checked Marcus hadn't managed to be arrested or suspended for anything.

Nice season, Marcus. 


 

He has good numbers.. thanks for the stats. He's still not an SEC player. His minutes will stay the same or go down from this year. If all our guards, including Henry, stay with the team.. and Farmer gets to campus, Britt's role on the team will diminish. He is a GREAT kid who has an outstanding attitude and stays away from trouble. He is a smart player.. But is not up to par athletically to play in the SEC at a high level. He will continue to work his hardest for this team and will deserve the minutes he gets.. but the talent is not as high like it is for the other guards. He started and played more towards the end of this season because other, more talented guards couldnt stay out of trouble. He was headed to LA Tech before Pel offered him a scholly.. a scholly that was offered to make sure the Wings AAU organization knew Pel wanted the kids in the future from their organization. It was about the lack of numbers, and thats why he's played more minutes lately.. lack of numbers. He had a great game last night.. I wont take that away from him.. but he is not an SEC basketball player and will be a reserve guard with limited minutes the rest of his days at the U of A.

[ErieHog]

He has good numbers.. thanks for the stats. He's still not an SEC player. His minutes will stay the same or go down from this year. If all our guards, including Henry, stay with the team.. and Farmer gets to campus, Britt's role on the team will diminish. He is a GREAT kid who has an outstanding attitude and stays away from trouble. He is a smart player.. But is not up to par athletically to play in the SEC at a high level. He will continue to work his hardest for this team and will deserve the minutes he gets.. but the talent is not as high like it is for the other guards. He started and played more towards the end of this season because other, more talented guards couldnt stay out of trouble. He was headed to LA Tech before Pel offered him a scholly.. a scholly that was offered to make sure the Wings AAU organization knew Pel wanted the kids in the future from their organization. It was about the lack of numbers, and thats why he's played more minutes lately.. lack of numbers. He had a great game last night.. I wont take that away from him.. but he is not an SEC basketball player and will be a reserve guard with limited minutes the rest of his days at the U of A.

You couldn't be more wrong;  his +/- numbers were some of the best in the league, actually--- the only Hog to crack the Top 20.

Throw in his outstanding Efficiency numbers, and Brit is one of the most effective SEC players out there, despite the limited role.   The numbers auger that he and Michael Washington are our 2 most 'legit' SEC players.

[akp4105]

You couldn't be more wrong;  his +/- numbers were some of the best in the league, actually--- the only Hog to crack the Top 20.

Throw in his outstanding Efficiency numbers, and Brit is one of the most effective SEC players out there, despite the limited role.   The numbers auger that he and Michael Washington are our 2 most 'legit' SEC players.

We'll agree to disagree. His high numbers are a product of his low minutes coupled with wide open shots because he's the least of any teams worries on defense. He will be a reserve guard with limited minutes the rest of his time at Arkansas.. and in a couple years.. if I'm wrong.. you can scream "I told you so".. But I highly doubt you'll be correct.

[stchane]

Let's look at some of Britt's numbers before we judge him "not SEC-calibre."

Marcus was 40 of 85 (.471) from the field including 15 of 30 (50%) from three point range. Had he taken three more 3-pointers and hit two of them he would have established the single-season record for 3-point FG%. He also hit 17 of 20 from the free throw line (85%).

He had 36 assists and only 14 turnovers (2.57:1), the highest assist/turnover rate on the team. Fortson's was 1.34:1, Clarke's was 1.33:1, and everyone else had a negative assist/turnover ratio.   

Marcus was second on the team with 32 steals (Fortson had 33 in far more minutes).

Looking at the final numbers, Britt is the one person who could go into Pel's office and argue legitimately that he should have been given more minutes.

Oh, one other thing. Last time I checked Marcus hadn't managed to be arrested or suspended for anything.

Nice season, Marcus.   

Like he said, he should have gotten more minutes (Welsh's minutes to be more exact).  If he can knock down the open shot and play good defense, he'll be our "glue" player that every team needs.   

I think Clarke is a good role player to have. On a team that had more talent where he could fit into that spot up shooters role, he could be a deadly asset. But he isn't the type of talent who would log major minutes on a more talented team, because he gets abused when he is on defense. I watched Walter Hodges eyes light up every trip down the court when Clarke was trying to defend him. I have been pleasantly surprised with his expansion of his offensive game though, to faking the three and putting it on the floor to get into the lane for that little floater of his.

This is why we need to be playing man.  If Clarke had help on the drive, then he could play a lot closer man-to-man and get up in his man's grill (sorry for the cliche).  Playing zone with his being so short makes it hard to close out shots.  I hope we find one of these guys in the late signing period to fill this need.

[cerdomen]

I think you'll see big improvements from everybody next year. Britt will go from not only a defense stopper to a 10-12 point man next year. They need to just turn him loose. But we need help from our new recruits.

[40MINSOFHELL]

I noticed it too when he was dribbling up the court...TURNOVERRRRRRRRRRRR

[hawgsav1]

I don't see why people say he's "not an SEC caliber player".  What on earth does that mean?  Why would anyone say that?  Just because he was rated a 2* coming out of high school?  Just because he was a backup option when it came to giving out scholarships?

1.  He has the best 3P shooting percentage on the team.

2.  He was probably the most consistent defender on the team.

3.  He has all the physical skills but he's just timid, but he's finally beginning to come out of his shell.

4.  He's done whatever the coaching staff has asked him to do without any complaint.

5.  I'm sure there are other reasons as well.