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Kruger era getting started against Northeastern State [The Oklahoman]
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thebigabd
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Agreed, and IMHO this bodes well for a nice rotation that can compete in the B12.
PG: Grooms [Blair] = To me Blair is a high end back up PG at the D-1 level and I think that he can really help this team in that role.
SG: Newell [Pledger] = Pledger is going to be on the court a bunch, not comparing the skill level, but could be similar to a Morris Peterson situation at MSU.
SF: Clark [Pledger] = See above, I'd be shocked if Pledger doesn't log "starter" minutes even if he is coming off the bench.
HF: Osby [Neal, Clark] = Not going to call this position "power forward" anymore because none of these guys fit that description in the traditional sense. I'm just going to say "hybrid forward" from now on and hope that these guys can board and specifically as to Osby, block and alter shots from a help position.
Post: Fitz [Arnt] = Fitz is what he is, a below the rim player that has learned to use his body to create limited offense and has an above average mid-range game. Defensively, he cannot go up and get rebounds and under Capel he never really learned to use his body on defense. I'm sure that he will be improved, but I just see limits, still a solid B12 player IMHO. Arnt = Based on practice notes, etc., a guy that you'd expect to see as the big at TT or NU over the years.
Overall, CLK definitely has some athletes/depth to work with at 1-4 and that sounds like what he had at UNLV and to me that bodes well for an improved team and that should mean an improved record. Excited for the season to start.
AdaSooner
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Indeed! I'll admit that I'm a little surprised that Grooms is starting, and I'm shocked to see Newell as a replacement for Pledger.
On the other hand, this signals a positive change from before, in that LK plans to reward players who perform well in practice. That will only intensify the competition to earn, and keep, a spot in the starting lineup. Good for you, Coach!
Unless Pledger is suspended for tonight's game :facepalm on analysis above! And not yours Ada, but mine.
AdaSooner
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Yikes! Made me do a double, Mr. B!!! :facepalm :facepalm
Question is, does that explain why Newell is starting tonight? Either way, Pledger may find it more difficult to get his spot back if Calvin plays well.
thebigabd
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Why are you shocked Grooms is starting?
AdaSooner
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I said surprised not shocked in Groom's case.
Despite Blair's obvious weaknesses, namely in ball handling and on defense, he does a lot of things well. Sam's reports seemed to suggest that he has improved since last year, although he continued to call attention to his ball handling woes.
I thought Blair's experience at the D-1 level might win out in the end. As I said a couple of days ago, Carl lost any advantage he had in knowing Capel's offense (that's assuming he actually ran one) when Kruger arrived. Obviously, Grooms proved to be better in the areas where Blair sometimes struggles.
I'm not at all unhappy with this decision. I think Blair will be a more than adequate back up at the point. Last year we didn't have a back up. This is definitely a huge step forward!
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