Revenge Match, Aztec attack: SDSU comes to the Huntsman 2015

[LA Ute]

The 2015-16 basketball season is upon us. This week marks the end of our preseason practice that we started back on Oct. 2nd, exactly 42 days before our first game. Of those 42 days, the NCAA allows us to practice 30 days. Needless to say our guys are ready to compete against another team....

After a quick turnaround we host San Diego St. on Nov. 16th. Tip off on Monday will be at 7:30 pm. Please get there early for it will be televised on ESPN2.

SDSUs strength will continue to be on the defense side of the ball where they ranked 4th in the country last year in defensive rating. They will press the majority of the game and try to control the tempo. Their defense leads to their offense with rebounding misses and creating turnovers from their pressure defense.

Personnel wise they are returning the majority of their frontcourt with 68 Winston Shephard leading them 11.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Alongside Shephard they have Malik Pope, Skylar Spencer, Angelo Chol and Freshman Zylan Cheatham. Their bigs are athletic, physical and attack minded. In the front court, they will lean on Trey Kell and Matt Shrigley.

San Diego St. has been a very good team in the past few years and will be a real challenge for us. We will have to take care of the ball and rebound the basketball to have a chance at winning.

Attached are stats from last year on our two upcoming opponents. We hope to see you at the Huntsman Center this upcoming week. Mondays game against SDSU is Stripe the Stadium so be sure and confirm the color section you are sitting in.

Go Utes!

Phil

2014 SDSU-Utah game stats (https://az388273.vo.msecnd.net/mailsystem/assets/793/attachments/0cbb58dc-5313-4d4c-bb30-ffe06f50687c/Game%202_SDSU%20Stats%5B1%5D.pdf)

[UtahsMrSports]

Looking forward to this one. Last year's game was ugly. Hoping that we can take them down this year. Will not be an easy task. We will know a little bit more about our team after tonight.

[U-Ute]

First one to 50 wins.

[Scratch]

First one to 50 wins.


Not this year. I think we see a lot more possessions this year, and to win today someone will have to score 60+.

[Utebiquitous]

I hope what I learned Friday about Bonham and Bealer was first game jitters. They were invisible - completely unable to find a way to contribute. Defensively they were matadors - of course, the whole team played like that in the first half. Our bigs (Poeltl and Kuzma) had an excuse for getting blown by with the size and speed differential at their positions and at least they simply posted up, rebounded and scored almost at will. I was surprised and disappointed by the rest of the team - Reyes doesn't look like he can play DI basketball anymore, Chapman had one or two moments but was otherwise ineffective and hopefully Brandon and Isaiah will never shoot that poorly again. At least they played harder in the second half. I've wondered if we even prepared for SUU. We played like there was no game plan. First games against opponents can be tough that way and SUU played with abandon so I should be a little more understanding; but there's just no other way to spin the new, supposedly impact players performance.

We better take a large step tonight.

[UtahsMrSports]

I hope what I learned Friday about Bonham and Bealer was first game jitters. They were invisible - completely unable to find a way to contribute. Defensively they were matadors - of course, the whole team played like that in the first half. Our bigs (Poeltl and Kuzma) had an excuse for getting blown by with the size and speed differential at their positions and at least they simply posted up, rebounded and scored almost at will. I was surprised and disappointed by the rest of the team - Reyes doesn't look like he can play DI basketball anymore, Chapman had one or two moments but was otherwise ineffective and hopefully Brandon and Isaiah will never shoot that poorly again. At least they played harder in the second half. I've wondered if we even prepared for SUU. We played like there was no game plan. First games against opponents can be tough that way and SUU played with abandon so I should be a little more understanding; but there's just no other way to spin the new, supposedly impact players performance.

We better take a large step tonight.

Larry had mentioned that some of the players would be disciplined for missing class. I assume Bonam was one of those guys. I absolutely agree though; Bonam did nothing at all in the 16 minutes he was out there. At least with Brekkott, its easy to see that the talent is there, he is just going through some struggles right now; he is going to be fine. Bonam needs to absolutely step it up tonight.

[Applejack]

Larry had mentioned that some of the players would be disciplined for missing class. I assume Bonam was one of those guys. I absolutely agree though; Bonam did nothing at all in the 16 minutes he was out there. At least with Brekkott, its easy to see that the talent is there, he is just going through some struggles right now; he is going to be fine. Bonam needs to absolutely step it up tonight.

Is this the same Bonham that I was assured would start over Brandon Taylor?

I'll be interested how we respond defensively without Delon. He could fill a lot of holes. We'll need guys to give better defensive efforts if we are to make the tourney this year.

[Ma'ake]

I cringe a little when I see Taylor and I.Wright on the floor at the same time... having one really small guard is OK, but two at a time?

Easy to see why the coaches are depending on Bonam to put things together, soon. Delon just made everything look so easy, from the day he arrived.

This team could really use Ogbe, or rather, what Ogbe might have become.

[Mormon Red Death]

Kuzma!

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[LA Ute]

Watching this on Gamecast. Are we having trouble hitting the ocean with the ball?


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[LA Ute]

3-8 from the line.


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[LA Ute]

3-12 from three point range.


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[LA Ute]

SDSU has 5 blocks? We have 1?


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[LA Ute]

We lead in TOs 3-1. This all looks ugly.


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[LA Ute]

We are 9-25 from the field.


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[LA Ute]

Looks like halftime adjustments are in order.


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[LA Ute]

Doesn't look like we are on our own floor.


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[Redbird]

what a run to finish the half. Excellent shooting from Love and Taylor.

[LA Ute]

Things looking better just before halftime.


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[Ma'ake]

Kuzma and Chapman will finish better at the hoop, Tucker eventually will hit a shot, and Bonam has the jets and offensive creativity.

[Diehard Ute]

Interesting reading this at halftime. Bonam had played well. Kuzma looks like the real deal and Poeltl owns the glass.

Shooting had been the big issue but even Taylor has hit one now


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[LA Ute]

Interesting reading this at halftime. Bonam had played well. Kuzma looks like the real deal and Poeltl owns the glass.

Shooting had been the big issue but even Taylor has hit one now


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I just thought it was interesting how things looked when only the stats are available. That's all you can see on GameCast. I hope we heat up and blow them away in the second half.

[Mormon Red Death]

Had bealer played?

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[Mormon Red Death]

Interesting we have bonham bringing the ball up

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[Mormon Red Death]

It'd be nice if tucker could actually make a shot

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[Jarid in Cedar]

Interesting we have bonham bringing the ball up

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Offensively, Taylor is better off the ball

[Mormon Red Death]

What a sequence. .. kuzma misses a wide open layup and they come down and hit a 3 <shakes head>

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[LA Ute]

Fouling a 3-point shooter near the end of the game with a 4-point lead. Ouch.


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[LA Ute]

I finally got out of my meeting and heard the last 50 seconds on the radio. Good, gritty win.


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[UtahsMrSports]

I wanted to go high five Brekkott Chapman so hard. So proud of that kid.

After two games, I think id rather see Kuzma and Chapman on the court at the 4 and 5 rather than Reyes when Jakob has to leave. I guess it depends on hte matchup, but man Reyes has a tough time out there.

Need more from the bench. Besides Brekkott, nobody did a darn thing.

[Ma'ake]

I was a little worried about Brekkot, not making the US junior team, then Kuzma getting the start, but Brekkot makes things happen, and ended the game with clutch FTs.

[Scorcho]

for the 2nd game of the season that was very excited and overall pretty well played by both teams

[SoCalPat]

We might have had three games last year as entertaining and as well-played as this one. Given how last year's game at SDSU played out, the rules changes should be a huge hit throughout the game. Which is good, because outside of Utah last year, I could've cared less about the college game. It was borderline unwatchable. Tonight was a treat.

My mind can be changed real quick, and Kuzma's doing that for me. Tonight's game was no accident, and even if he gives us inconsistent efforts on the road, it's nice to count on him as a legit scoring and rebounding threat at home. And if we're bringing Chapman off the bench, lord have mercy. He might've been our best player in the second half.

Bonam is a perfect replacement for Delon as far as the new rules are concerned. He's not afraid to shoot early in the clock and he's not afraid to attack the basket with the intent of scoring. And as far as attacking goes, we attacked, both in transition and when SDSU tried pressing us. If Larry is serious about being up-tempo, he's gotta be thrilled with tonight. We were 331st in tempo last year, SDSU 334th, and we score 81 points on 54 FGA and 36 FTA. Last year, we scored 53 points on 50 FGA and 16 FTA.

Poeltl, JLove and Taylor all gave us what we needed. Just wind those guys up and let them go. Bealer must've been the aforementioned guilty one, since he didn't play.

I still can't get over how fun this game was. Only 18 turnovers combined. Both teams used all their timeouts, but they came in the flow of the game and also eliminated a TV TO or two along the way. The shorter shot clock puts more of the game in the hands of the players, which is what basketball is supposed to be.

All in all, tonight raised my expectations a snidge, which means I was pleasantly surprised at the result. I thought we would win, but scoring 80-plus against SDSU never crossed my mind. If our offense really is that good, we very well just might be better this year.

[Old Standing ute]

Chapman looked like he grew up tonight. He really battled underneath. And he hit a shot.
With he & Kuz at 4 we are in nice shape.
Bonam showed that he is a player.
Taylor finally started the season---he had some really niced steals.
Jakob hitting FTs & they had to double him----he is a very good passer.

What is wrong with Tucker??

Loveridge was a stud---hitting 3's like crazy & clutch at the line. Plus he battled bigger players & held his own. he just looks like a senior--comfortable.

Ogbe suited up----first time, but did not play. He could help at some point.

Fun game to watch-----although hard to take SDSU driving into the defender & getting the call---should be no calls.

[Utebiquitous]

Sure was terrific to see Bonham and Chapman play much better tonight against much better competition. Sancho - start believing in Kuzma. Yes, his free throw shooting was frustrating tonight but he played well. I agree with the thought above that we're better playing Chapman and Kuzma together when Poeltl leaves rather than Reyes. I really want to like Reyes and believe in him but he's giving us nothing right now. Hopefully, the Puerto Rico trip will give Reyes, Tucker and Bealer opportunities to contribute and get their confidence going. I'd like us to be as deep as we look like on paper.

[DrumNFeather]

This was a good win. I look forward to seeing how they do in the PR Shootout.

[Applejack]

I wanted to go high five Brekkott Chapman so hard. So proud of that kid.

After two games, I think id rather see Kuzma and Chapman on the court at the 4 and 5 rather than Reyes when Jakob has to leave. I guess it depends on hte matchup, but man Reyes has a tough time out there.

Need more from the bench. Besides Brekkott, nobody did a darn thing.
Reyes has done nothing to convince me he's d1 material.

[UtahsMrSports]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

[Utebiquitous]

Good thoughts Sancho. I'm with you on Kuzma's outside shot; but if he takes a page from Loveridge he can improve it. You'll recall that Jordan came to Utah shooting the ball directly over and almost behind his head. Last year he moved to mid head and this year he's even closer to the top/front of his head. He's getting the shot away quicker and smoother. The hitch that he had his freshman and sophomore years is all but gone. I have other issues with Jordan but I love what he's done as a shooter.

That said, if I was to prioritize what Kuzma should work on offensively I'd start with post game moves and one- and two-dribble moves in and around the key followed by shooting threes. I think he can do damage in the post both as a back to the basket and face up big man.

[Slim]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

Wouldn't surprise me, David Hall was a douche 10 years ago when I was in the MUSS and was very close to being thrown out myself.

[LA Ute]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

And you guys thought I was in California last night.

[Diehard Ute]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

Someone on the court side row about 10 seats down from Jon Huntsman Sr's seat.

Steve Pyne went and talked to him briefly with UUPD. UUPD escorted him out. It was late in the game.


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[chrisrenrut]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

I don't remember seeing anything like that. I was on Row 9, near the band. If they ejected someone, they did it without much fanfare.

[Diehard Ute]

I don't remember seeing anything like that. I was on Row 9, near the band. If they ejected someone, they did it without much fanfare.

See my post above yours


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[311ute]

Someone on the court side row about 10 seats down from Jon Huntsman Sr's seat.

Steve Pyne went and talked to him briefly with UUPD. UUPD escorted him out. It was late in the game.


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Yup, I saw the same thing, but wasn't able to see what he said or did. It was in the last minute or so of the game.

I sit up above Utah's bench, and about halfway through the second half there was a very strong smell coming from that area of what smelled like an electrical fire. Not sure if it was coming from the advertising board below, or from the vents below the basket, but everyone around us including the sections behind the hoop smelled it. Someone down below grabbed one of the JMHC crew people, and they came over to have a look but couldn't find anything. After a few minutes, the smell slowly went away. Anyway, it was odd to say the least. I wonder what it was.

[UTEopia]

I saw a report saying that a fan got ejected from the game last night by the officials. Can anyone confirm or share any details?

With about 7 minutes left in the game, the police escorted a guy who was sitting on the floor, row 1. It was unclear what he did. He left without incident.

[SeattleUte]

We might have had three games last year as entertaining and as well-played as this one. Given how last year's game at SDSU played out, the rules changes should be a huge hit throughout the game. Which is good, because outside of Utah last year, I could've cared less about the college game. It was borderline unwatchable. Tonight was a treat.

My mind can be changed real quick, and Kuzma's doing that for me. Tonight's game was no accident, and even if he gives us inconsistent efforts on the road, it's nice to count on him as a legit scoring and rebounding threat at home. And if we're bringing Chapman off the bench, lord have mercy. He might've been our best player in the second half.

Bonam is a perfect replacement for Delon as far as the new rules are concerned. He's not afraid to shoot early in the clock and he's not afraid to attack the basket with the intent of scoring. And as far as attacking goes, we attacked, both in transition and when SDSU tried pressing us. If Larry is serious about being up-tempo, he's gotta be thrilled with tonight. We were 331st in tempo last year, SDSU 334th, and we score 81 points on 54 FGA and 36 FTA. Last year, we scored 53 points on 50 FGA and 16 FTA.

Poeltl, JLove and Taylor all gave us what we needed. Just wind those guys up and let them go. Bealer must've been the aforementioned guilty one, since he didn't play.

I still can't get over how fun this game was. Only 18 turnovers combined. Both teams used all their timeouts, but they came in the flow of the game and also eliminated a TV TO or two along the way. The shorter shot clock puts more of the game in the hands of the players, which is what basketball is supposed to be.

All in all, tonight raised my expectations a snidge, which means I was pleasantly surprised at the result. I thought we would win, but scoring 80-plus against SDSU never crossed my mind. If our offense really is that good, we very well just might be better this year.

Can someone provide a brief update on the rules changes SoCal is referencing? Thanks.

[UtahsMrSports]

Can someone provide a brief update on the rules changes SoCal is referencing? Thanks.

30 second shot clock versus 35. Also, media timeouts go away if a timeout is used within a certain amount of time prior (dont know exactly). As Pat said, last night's game was much more enjoyable as a result.

[SoCalPat]

30 second shot clock versus 35. Also, media timeouts go away if a timeout is used within a certain amount of time prior (dont know exactly). As Pat said, last night's game was much more enjoyable as a result.

It's a 30-second window where a called timeout can replace a media timeout. Also, if a 30-second timeout is called before the first media timeout of the second half, it automatically becomes a media timeout, eliminating the 16-minute media timeout.

In addition to the shot clock, the charge-block arc in the key has been expanded by a foot. (On a semi-related note, Brandon Taylor flat-out flopped on that second-half call the refs debated before whistling SDSU for an offensive foul. Flopping is now a foul.)

Coaches cannot call timeouts during live-ball play. Only players can.

[UBlender]

It's a 30-second window where a called timeout can replace a media timeout. Also, if a 30-second timeout is called before the first media timeout of the second half, it automatically becomes a media timeout, eliminating the 16-minute media timeout.

In addition to the shot clock, the charge-block arc in the key has been expanded by a foot. (On a semi-related note, Brandon Taylor flat-out flopped on that second-half call the refs debated before whistling SDSU for an offensive foul. Flopping is now a foul.)

Coaches cannot call timeouts during live-ball play. Only players can.

Also, one fewer timeout per game for each team.

[Old Standing ute]

Good thoughts Sancho. I'm with you on Kuzma's outside shot; but if he takes a page from Loveridge he can improve it. You'll recall that Jordan came to Utah shooting the ball directly over and almost behind his head. Last year he moved to mid head and this year he's even closer to the top/front of his head. He's getting the shot away quicker and smoother. The hitch that he had his freshman and sophomore years is all but gone. I have other issues with Jordan but I love what he's done as a shooter.

That said, if I was to prioritize what Kuzma should work on offensively I'd start with post game moves and one- and two-dribble moves in and around the key followed by shooting threes. I think he can do damage in the post both as a back to the basket and face up big man.

In the SUU game he scored in the paint & against the zone attacked from the FT line---worst thing for him is when his first 3 attempt goes in; then he falls in love with it. Last night it took until the second half for him to give it up & work down low. Too bad he missed that uncontested layup in the last minute--or he would have been a hero.

[chrisrenrut]

In the SUU game he scored in the paint & against the zone attacked from the FT line---worst thing for him is when his first 3 attempt goes in; then he falls in love with it. Last night it took until the second half for him to give it up & work down low. Too bad he missed that uncontested layup in the last minute--or he would have been a hero.

I was watching Kuzma in warm ups, and he seemed to mostly just put up 3 pointers. It worried me a bit, because he wasn't hitting a lot of them. But then he hit his first one and I figured it would extend the defense a bit and hopefully open up the low post and driving lanes.

[SeattleUte]

Also, one fewer timeout per game for each team.

thanks guys. I appreciate efforts to avoid 4 hour games like we get in football and baseball. It's interesting that you guys see Kodiak tailoring the team's style to the new rules.

[U-Ute]

I was waiting to see how Kuzma fared against the big, physical front line of SDSU before becoming a believer, and he passed the test for me. I think he is going to be a big factor this year. I am starting to think that he can be the backup to Poeltl, although I really like how it works when those guys are on the floor together so I'm not exactly sure how that rotation would work. But Kuzma showed me he can be physical enough on the defensive glass to be a "stretch 5". He really did well on boxing out.

Chapman also finally showed me something against SDSU. He finally brought an effort that was lacking in the first two games. He just needs to be more consistent.

Bonham also finally showed what people were so excited about. His ability to dribble into the lane will be very helpful this year. Had some defensive lapses and some defensive moments. I'm encouraged by what I saw.

There is still some work to be done on the defensive end, but it has improved a lot in the first couple of games here. Having guys like Loveridge and Taylor getting after people will help immensely.

Here's a great stat: The rebounds against SDSU were tied 38-38 and we out rebounded them on the offensive glass by 1: 13-12.

We were constantly shredded on the glass last year, so this bodes really well for us.

Poeltl is a lottery pick right now today. His ability score in the post and to pass out of it was nothing short of sensational.

[Scratch]

I was waiting to see how Kuzma fared against the big, physical front line of SDSU before becoming a believer, and he passed the test for me. I think he is going to be a big factor this year. I am starting to think that he can be the backup to Poeltl, although I really like how it works when those guys are on the floor together so I'm not exactly sure how that rotation would work.


There are 80 minutes per game at the 4 and 5. That means if Kuzma is good enough to handle the 5 then you just divide up those 80 minutes between those 3 with them all getting 25-20 minutes per game. Heck, if you're comfortable with Brekkot or Kuz at the 3 then you can expand that out to the 3 and basically have Poeltl, Kuz, Chapman, and Loveridge all play about 30 minutes per game for those 3 positions.

[Scratch]

There are 80 minutes per game at the 4 and 5. That means if Kuzma is good enough to handle the 5 then you just divide up those 80 minutes between those 3 with them all getting 25-20 minutes per game. Heck, if you're comfortable with Brekkot or Kuz at the 3 then you can expand that out to the 3 and basically have Poeltl, Kuz, Chapman, and Loveridge all play about 30 minutes per game for those 3 positions.

By the way, I kind of suspect that if Ogbe can't get healthy we'll pretty much see those 4 holding down those three spots, and Taylor, Wright, and Bonam getting most of the time at the guard spots, especially in big games. You might see some Tucker, Reyes, or Bealer if there are foul or injury issues, but at this point I would not be surprised to see us tighten things up to something approaching a 7-man rotation for conference and post-season games.

[U-Ute]

There are 80 minutes per game at the 4 and 5. That means if Kuzma is good enough to handle the 5 then you just divide up those 80 minutes between those 3 with them all getting 25-20 minutes per game. [b]Heck, if you're comfortable with Brekkot or Kuz at the 3 then you can expand that out to the 3 and basically have Poeltl, Kuz, Chapman, and Loveridge all play about 30 minutes per game for those 3 positions.[b]

I am very comfortable with any of Loveridge, Chapman, or Kuzma at the 3. They seem largely interchangeable in either the 3 or 4 spots, depending on if you want to go big or small. But it hinges largely on Kuzma's continued physical play on the defensive end and on Chapman giving a consistent effort. BTW, I will definitely concede that Chapman's first week may have been largely impacted by his loss and wouldn't blame him in the least.

Big front line: Loveridge/Kuzma/Poeltl
Small front line: Loveridge/Chapman/Kuzma
Miniature front line: Tucker/Loveridge/Chapman

That small ball could be a reasonable lineup with all the shooters.

[U-Ute]

By the way, I kind of suspect that if Ogbe can't get healthy we'll pretty much see those 4 holding down those three spots, and Taylor, Wright, and Bonam getting most of the time at the guard spots, especially in big games. You might see some Tucker, Reyes, or Bealer if there are foul or injury issues, but at this point I would not be surprised to see us tighten things up to something approaching a 7-man rotation for conference and post-season games.

I believe that when conference time comes, we'll see a pretty consistent 8-man rotation of: Taylor, Bonham, Wright, Tucker, Loveridge, Chapman, Kuzma, Poeltl.

There's a lot of flexibility there, plus if Bealer improves and Ogbe returns, that gives us some depth.

[U-Ute]

I agree, but Bealer is a still a wildcard, and I think Reyes will still see a few minutes per game.

I hope we see Bealer come on. We are losing a ton next year in Taylor, Tucker, and Loveridge. I don't know how we replace them.

[Applejack]

I hope we see Bealer come on. We are losing a ton next year in Taylor, Tucker, POELTL and Loveridge. I don't know how we replace them.

Fixed it for you. We lose a TON next year.

[U-Ute]

Fixed it for you. We lose a TON next year.

Hey, let a guy have some hope now won't you! Maybe he really REALLY enjoys college life.

I didn't forget Poeltl, but I think people sometimes forget about those other 3. How many times last year did JLove step up when nobody else could score? Next year is going to hurt. Badly.

So enjoy this year!

[LA Ute]

Hey, let a guy have some hope now won't you! Maybe he really REALLY enjoys college life.

I didn't forget Poeltl, but I think people sometimes forget about those other 3. How many times last year did JLove step up when nobody else could score? Next year is going to hurt. Badly.

Don't you mean BADLY?

[LA Ute]

We'll be fine. We don't rebuild anymore. We reload now.

You mean RELOAD.

[chrisrenrut]

Link for the 360 Gigapixel taken at the SDSU game:
http://gigapixel.panoramas.com/utah/basketball/20151116/