"Bird's" New Look

[AdaSooner]

I liked what Steven Pledger brought to the game last night. It helped that he was making his threes. But I was equally impressed with the aggressiveness he demonstrated in becoming more of a slasher than we have seen at anytime in the past.

I have a feeling he was doing what Coach told him to do before the game started. But putting his seven turnovers (which are way too many for a point guard) aside for the moment, he had one heck of a nice game, finishing with 23 points, 4 rebs, 4 assists, 1 block and 2 steals.

I still think he's playing out of position at the one. But mixing drives down the lane to score, pulling up for short range jumpers, and taking open shots when they're available is a lot better suited to Bird's game than setting up his teammates. That's closer to the role he played on his high school and AAU team, and it's one I would like to see continue, only from the two, not at the point. Hopefully, Blair and/or Newell will step up and take over that spot soon.

 

[p230]

Yes it was nice. You can tell he is not used to it though because he really should have dumped it off on some of those. All in all though a nice addition to his game.

 

[campbest]

I liked what Steven Pledger brought to the game last night. It helped that he was making his threes. But I was equally impressed with the aggressiveness he demonstrated in becoming more of a slasher than we have seen at anytime in the past.

I have a feeling he was doing what Coach told him to do before the game started. But putting his seven turnovers (which are way too many for a point guard) aside for the moment, he had one heck of a nice game, finishing with 23 points, 4 rebs, 4 assists, 1 block and 2 steals.

I still think he's playing out of position at the one. But mixing drives down the lane to score, pulling up for short range jumpers, and taking open shots when they're available is a lot better suited to Bird's game than setting up his teammates. That's closer to the role he played on his high school and AAU team, and it's one I would like to see continue, only from the two, not at the point. Hopefully, Blair and/or Newell will step up and take over that spot soon.

Spot on Ada, just another example why we need a game ready PG in the spring period. That way we can keep Pledge at the 2, Clark 3 and Osby 4.

 

[scrybe]

Agree with everything you said, Ada. Like to add that I was very impressed with Blair running the point. I realize that many of our posters believe he's a defensive liability (and it's likely true, at the present, at least), but I don't remember when I've seen such great passing from the point guard position. This kid can be a big contributor if he can learn to play defense, IMO.