To add insult to injury

[oSuJeff97]

How about put your best perimeter defender on him? It still remains to be seen if he can be "the guy". The things he needs to improve on his game in order to expand from being a role player to being the guy, I just don't see happening (i.e. beating each opponents' best guards off the dribble, creating his own shot). Not a knock on Page, I think he's a good player and I wish OU had him. Just that I don't think he can elevate his game and fill the same role as Anderson and Eaton have.

I guess putting your best perimeter defender on him might work, but then I guess you just have to hope that OSU doesn't have someone else on the perimeter who can hurt you, right?

And anyway, as Dig said, I don't think we expect Page to be "the guy" in the same way that Anderson or Eaton were.

So you're proceeding from a false assumption.

Your undervaluing how much Anderson's game opens up for the other guards. Those offensive sets and double-screens will still be there, but not nearly to the same extent as this season. Defenses can not only mitigate by just putting a better defender on Paige (which will happen) but traps, etc.

And again... the exact same thing was said last year about the loss of Eaton... how he "opened up the game" for Anderson, Page, Moses and everyone else. How his ability to get into the lane was the key reason why all of the other players on the team were successful.

I have faith that Travis Ford can come up with something that will get Page and everyone else their looks at the basket.

You're right, and I said that as well. But can he do that on a consistent basis? That's what I doubt.

I guess it matters what your definition of "consistent" is?

I don't think it's reasonable to expect him to average 24 points per game next year, but again - he won't need to do that.

In his last 10 Big 12 games through last night, he's averaged 14.4 points per game, which is a higher average than Obi Muenelo's season average. If he can get close to that next year, I think that will be about the right amount of contribution from him.

And again I would say that one of things that he brings to the table is that you have to guard him out to about 23 feet. Even if he's not scoring, he's moving the defense further out onto the floor and opening up lanes for other players.

Finally - and this is the last thing I'll say about him... From this OSU fan's perspective, Page already wildly exceeded my expectations. It seems the more that people doubt him, the more he contributes. My personal expectations for him was that he could contribute coming off the bench and making some 3s by his sophomore year... but it's looking like he's going to be a 4-year starter with at least two of those years being on NCAA-Tournament teams.

I think Pilgrim has the potential to have a breakout year, Moses will be solid. I just don't see enough from the returning guards to help Page out, and as I previously stated I don't see Page expanding his game to the point of being an effective lead-guard. Averaging 10-12 ppg is about where I see him as. A lot of this depends on how the recruits shape up, but at this point in time I see Ok. State as NIT/on the bubble.

I think that's a totally reasonable prediction, and I tend to agree. And let me say that if Travis Ford can get us into the NCAA Tournament discussion this time next year, in what will be somewhat of a rebuilding year, I will be totally happy.

I do think that you're underestimating the talents of Ray Penn and Fred Gulley. Both have shown a lot of talent and toughness this year. In fact I think Penn's injury may end up being a blessing in disguise, as it's given Gulley valuable development time that he wouldn't have had otherwise.

The team's ultimate success next year will be dependent upon how much the newcomers contribute and how much guys like Penn, Gulley, Franklin and Shaw develop their games and improve.

 

[HoHum]

Everyone is underestimating The Dork.

 

[stoops4pres]

I guess putting your best perimeter defender on him might work, but then I guess you just have to hope that OSU doesn't have someone else on the perimeter who can hurt you, right?

That remains a possibility for next year if Penn doesn't recover and if Olukemi isn't ready.

And anyway, as Dig said, I don't think we expect Page to be "the guy" in the same way that Anderson or Eaton were.

So you're proceeding from a false assumption.

How is that a false assumption? Because I disagree with you and Dignon? Whatever you say, I guess...

If he can get close to that next year, I think that will be about the right amount of contribution from him.

If other players can step up like you mentioned (Gulley, Franklin, Shaw, etc), then I agree with this. It'll be interesting to see. On paper, I don't think there are enough effective returning players to say Page can put up 14 ppg and Ok. State will be in the tournament. I think he will have to put up more, and I don't know if he has the skill set to do so. Again, we will see.

I do think that you're underestimating the talents of Ray Penn and Fred Gulley. Both have shown a lot of talent and toughness this year. In fact I think Penn's injury may end up being a blessing in disguise, as it's given Gulley valuable development time that he wouldn't have had otherwise.

Of course I'm underestimating Gulley... What has he done to prove otherwise? At this point... Nothing.

And your right about Penn, I didn't mean to underestimate him. I should have prefaced that I don't know how Penn will bounce back from his injury. I do think he is good; however, you never know how a player comes back from a season-ending knee injury. That's why I'm skeptical of him.

Bottom line: For OK. State to ensure themselves a tourney bid, I think Page will have to elevate his game. I don't think Page can be the guy, and I don't see him improving much on what he already is-a good supporting role. And for him as a solid role player I don't think Ok. State has enough additional pieces to get them to solidify a tournament bid. If the recruits come in and step up, Penn comes back full-form, and Gulley, Shaw, etc improve, then I agree with you; Page can put in 14 or so ppg and they'll be fine. But that remains to be seen. We'll have to see when next season comes around I suppose.

 

[stoops4pres]

because it's pretty goofy when the team that plays if fairly experienced.

Exactly. That's why its misleading, and really is silly when Ford uses it as his go-to line when pimping up his team. Because in all reality the players that see meaninful playing time--how you define a team's youth--aren't the youngest in the conference.