Pledger's improvements

[Section31]

Anyone else think his game looks FAR superior than at any other time in his career?

His post-up game and what appears to be a much quicker shooting release have REALLY impressed me. There have been times where he just looks like he's on another level to me.

 

[brumFTW]

His post game has been a huge surprise to me.

 

[seniorsooner]

As I said in another thread I hope his conditioning is on another level because we need him to play about 35 minutes a game now.

 

[AdaSooner]

Steven has been solid in the four games he's played in this year. He're averaging 17.5 ppg, while shooting 52% from the field and a little over 42% from three. He's also contributing 3.5 rpg and 1 steal per game. That's a good season so far by any measurement. I think it should also be noted that he is a better defender as well as a more versatile offensive player than he was last year.

Clearly not everyone has bought into his improvements just yet. Most want to see it on a consistent basis and they want to see him do it against better opponents. I understand that. But I like what I have seen of him to this point in the season.

 

[garyeb2]

Pledger's play on both ends of the court have gotten alittle better. I am just curious to see if that new found intensity was a result of having a perfectly capable replacement ready to come in. I hope that wasn't the case.

 

[DenverSooner]

I think Pledger is playing well. If he continues to improve I think he has a chance to be an All-Conference player. 17.5 a game would almost certainly make 2nd team but I suspect his numbers will drop a bit in conference play. I would really like to see Pledger become an All-conference player. I like to see kids realize their dreams and I know he and all of the guys are working hard.

 

[Section31]

I just couldn't get over how smooth he looked...almost pro-like. There were some things he did of the bounce that I wasn't sure he could do. Forget the competition...the skill level and grace in which he moved on the floor kind of took be back.

On a side note, does it also look like every shot he takes appears to be going in...even when he misses? I think the guy must've done some serious work in the off-season.

 

[AdaSooner]

I just couldn't get over how smooth he looked...almost pro-like. There were some things he did of the bounce that I wasn't sure he could do. Forget the competition...the skill level and grace in which he moved on the floor kind of took be back.

On a side note, does it also look like every shot he takes appears to be going in...even when he misses? I think the guy must've done some serious work in the off-season.

Pledger's stroke has always looked good to me...that is, when he takes good shots, in rhythmn, with his body squared to the basket. The shots he misses are usually forced or not executed in the flow of the offense. I haven't seen nearly as much of that this year, which hopefully is a sign of maturity.

I especially like the fact that he is showing progress to be more than a spot-up shooter. With Newell no longer available, he may have to expand that part of his game even further.

 

[campbest]

Need to see him against some stiffer competition and more athletic guards before I pencil him in as an All-Conference player, but he has played very well. It's amazing what happens when someone is played in their natural position with pieces that fit.

This time last year Capel had Pledger playing point guard...haha...let that sink in for a second.

 

[WTSooner]

It was easy to see Pledger's abilities, even with the poor coaching he had the last two years. I had no doubt the Pledger you see today would emerge under LK.

I worry now though that he'll get tired having to play too many minutes, and that his shooting will suffer b/c he is essentially all we have from behind the three point line at this point. I'm sure he'll feel the pressure to carry the guards, and I expect that to become a negative at some point.

Too bad.....I really think this team would have surprised this year. Gonna be tough to do that with what we have left.

 

[OKURanger]

In tonight's game, one Pledger scored seven of the first like twelve team points, Coach took him out for a rest. I could see that napping a lot this season if only to keep him fresh.

I'll have to say that Steven looks quicker to me. I think he may have turned a corner this season.

 

[AdaSooner]

Need to see him against some stiffer competition and more athletic guards before I pencil him in as an All-Conference player, but he has played very well. It's amazing what happens when someone is played in their natural position with pieces that fit.

This time last year Capel had Pledger playing point guard...haha...let that sink in for a second.

Man, you're a tough sell!

Seriously, this is a much different Steven Pledger than the one we saw last year. Case in point, a drop-off to Drew for a dunk in the first half when he had an open shot from the wing. He would have taken that shot last year. Another example of his maturity as a player occurred in the second half. He had a wide open three from left wing, but made a sweet touch pass to Tyler for a three from the corner.

Steven is letting the game come to him this year. He is vastly improved, and I believe he will only get better.

 

[BoulderSooner]

He did score 38 in a game last year

 

[JBaker]

Pledger's play on both ends of the court have gotten alittle better. I am just curious to see if that new found intensity was a result of having a perfectly capable replacement ready to come in. I hope that wasn't the case.

Nah. Pledger shouldn't even be starting.

 

[Soonerman]

Pledger's play on both ends of the court have gotten alittle better. I am just curious to see if that new found intensity was a result of having a perfectly capable replacement ready to come in. I hope that wasn't the case.

Fan-freaking-tastic analysis, as usual.

 

[BigTime]

His post game has been a huge surprise to me.

Really is nice to see. With his size and strength, he can use that in the Big 12.

 

[DenverSooner]

Need to see him against some stiffer competition and more athletic guards before I pencil him in as an All-Conference player, but he has played very well. It's amazing what happens when someone is played in their natural position with pieces that fit.

This time last year Capel had Pledger playing point guard...haha...let that sink in for a second.

Who is penciling him in as All-Conference? Stating that he has a chance to become an all-conference player (I mean first, second or third team) is a fairly long way from penciling him in as all-conference. He obviously needs to prove it on the flloor but I think he has legitimate shot to do it. I also want him to do it. I want these kids to realize their dreams.

 

[campbest]

Who is penciling him in as All-Conference? Stating that he has a chance to become an all-conference player (I mean first, second or third team) is a fairly long way from penciling him in as all-conference. He obviously needs to prove it on the flloor but I think he has legitimate shot to do it. I also want him to do it. I want these kids to realize their dreams.

Well I would if he was facing some tougher competition...just like I "pencil" in Thomas Robinson as an All Conference player. Not knocking Steven at all.

 

[NormanPride]

Pledge looks to be a lot more comfortable in the offense that Kruger wants to run. I don't know that he is confident in himself enough to really shine yet, but give it time. He just needs that one game where he realizes he can really do it, then watch out...