Comments on: Stanford Recap

By: dick

dick — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:30:40 +0000

When that list is spelled out like that, Barnes around 16-22 is about right. He has the opportunity to move up but he needs some final four success first. I have faith he’ll get there.

By: Kafka

Kafka — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:43:53 +0000

Sailor,

I got it from the same SI article that you linked to. Rick was in a group of coaches that occupied ranks 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 which makes for an average rank of 19.5. I rounded to 20.

By: longhornmatt

longhornmatt — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:51:29 +0000

“Additionally, Wright (who credits all of his success to Madden - who he considers his mentor) has learned an incalculable amount of wisdom regarding improving flexibility, coordination, and other skills required for high-level athletic performance.”

You can make your fancy satirical jokes about Mad Dog all you want, but I guarantee he would have had Kevin Durant benching 185 pounds last year even if it meant that Durant couldn’t lift his arms above his head.

By: Sailor Ripley

Sailor Ripley — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:26:18 +0000

We all continue to marvel at the Dex metamorphosis.

Can you find me the link that ranks college coaches or was it only print?

I found this: SI

By: Kafka

Kafka — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:51:12 +0000

Dex had no turnovers because he was shooting quickly (typically a jump hook). This is a big improvement by Dex. The next step is to sometimes fake the jump hook immediately when he gets the ball and then shoot the jump hook after his defender leaves his feet. With Dex’s huge hands, he can easily control the ball with one hand while faking the shot and just keep his shooting arm extended (i.e. after faking, shoot the jump hook strictly with his hand). The advantage of this approach is that the foot work is ultra simple (i.e. no footwork required) and it takes advantage of Dex’s amazing hands. It will also cause uncertainty for the defender.

SI rated Barnes about 20th in the country. That sounds about right to me. There are better coaches than Barnes but not a bunch. I thought Barnes having Connor try to guard Brook Lopez one on one without any help was pretty stupid. Connor is just too light to deny B. Lopez position.

Dex had Brook Lopez upset and definitely got into his head. I just hope Dex will get into really good shape next season so we/he can see just how explosive he can be.

By: Trips Right

Trips Right — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 01:39:55 +0000

Whiskey or wine tonight Huck Daddy?

By: Huckleberry

Huckleberry — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 01:28:09 +0000

A large portion of that development can be credited to Jeff “Mad Dog” Madden. Although not well-publicized, it’s interesting to note that Todd Wright leans heavily on Madden for advice on individualized S&C programs best-suited for each player on a one-by-one basis.

Additionally, Wright (who credits all of his success to Madden - who he considers his mentor) has learned an incalculable amount of wisdom regarding improving flexibility, coordination, and other skills required for high-level athletic performance.

By: srr50

srr50 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:53:34 +0000

I have had my worries about his gameday actions, but he has to be one of the best if not the best at developing players. I don’t care if it is a Ford or a Durant or an Ivey or a Atchley — they all get better under his watch.

By: Trips Right

Trips Right — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:29:59 +0000

Barnes pulled all the right levers in a game with a bunch of moving parts. And as one of his early detractors, I’m happy to say I was dead wrong. We’re lucky to have him.

By: zizzybalubah

zizzybalubah — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:54:09 +0000

Sheer Genius! Pulling Pittman off the bench and having him lean all over the Lopez brothers to wear them down was one of the most creative moves I’ve seen Rick come up with. From a guy full of great strategy, this one was — brilliant!

It is a pity that a “football school” can be so full of basketball strategy and yet so devoid of creativity on the gridiorn.

Hey Deloss — instead of cramming Mack’s pockets at every mediocre turn, how ’bout channeling some of those funds to the new Rick Barnes School of Brains & Balls (aka large testicles). Mack and Davis could ride the short bus to the remedial class where they can water paint, dot-to-dot, go potty, and drink Kool-aid from a paper cup while Devo’s “Mongoloid” plays in the background.