the good, the bad, and the ugly
By Jeff
first, the good. The team is 7-2. When you consider they team won only 10 games all of last year, its a very solid start. Most observers thought the team might be anywhere from 5-4 to 8-1 prior to the diamond Head Classic, so everyone should be happy.
also good, the contributions of some of the new players. Particular kudos to Bobby Miles, who has really stepped up as the " back-up" point guard. He is a pass first, smart player, and is giving UH something its has lacked the last two years.
Now, the bad. The cupcake part of the schedule is over. Starting Weds, the road gets much more difficult. The Bows open with Florida State on Weds, a team that maybe be offensively challenged, bit will probably be the best defensive team UH will face all year. Then, its possible UH will face Butler. Enough said. They start the WAC at Utah State. SO we will see if this team is for real very soon.
The Ugly. With Bill Amis out, and his chance of coming back soon in doubt, and now the injury to Hiram, UH has lost its two most experienced and talented players. You could not have a more difficult situation, and lets hope Hiram will be back the tournament.. The team is down to 8 players, with one on the way. There is little depth, particularly at the point.
By the way, Manoa Mist, let me take issue with your comment about my " " "negativity". I rarely respond to personal blog responses, good or bad, but you are dead wrong. I have dedicated 38 years to supporting UH basketball, thru thick and thin. But I try to be honest and tell it as i see it. You and others may disagree, and that"s fine. But try to base your opinions on the facts. Its our team, but sometimes things are not always perfect. Keep the comments and responses coming.
Hoops Talk
December 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Jeff,
We live in a nation that promotes the freedom of speech. From time to time, we should be able to hear the good,, the bad and the ugly. It's refreshing to hear all sides of a story instead of just sugar coating things.
We're fortunate that you can find the time to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you.
December 18th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Jeff...If Hiram is out for a while I'm concerned about the team moving forward. Do you feel comfortable with guys like Zane & Bo handling the ball or Miah with his lack of college experience?
December 18th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Jeff Portnoy is a longtime supporter of Warrior basketball, he calls it like it is, for the most part without sugar coating. Even Riley still loves Portnoy even though he got on Riley's nerves at times.
December 18th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Jeff,
I thought part of the point of a blog is have responsiveness to comments. The internet is interactive, and that is one reason newspapers are feeling the pinch. I recommend that you respond when and if you feel like it. That's what keeps the interest up.
I have a comment about using the backboard if you are a post player. Douglas Kurtz is coming on great, his numbers are improving. I am not being critical of him in a negative sense. But I believe he could add 4 to 8 points if he banked the basketball off the backboard. I've seen too many of his shots hit the back rim, bounce around and then pop out. Maybe he should take up playing pool to get the feel of banking his shots.
December 18th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
"Spot-on" observation...I've watched only a few games this year (internet) because of my geographic location. I will treat myself and travel to one game this year in the mainland. That being said, please answer the following questions:
1.) If this offense better than Nash's offense?
My observation: Yes...we wasted Flemings talents on his (Nash) offense.
2.) Does the team seem more motivated this year?
My observation: Yes...maybe that's because of better coaching? or Perhaps the absence of Fleming and a crybaby center?
3.) Is Hiram really the best PG we have?
My obersevation: Probably...since Miles and Mia O are rookies I guess Hiram would have the experience factor. However, he's weak (physically). He can't really handle the ball. Watch how he plays and he's out-of-control. That adds to his wear and tear. He also needs to learn how to fall. I'll give him this...he's smart and is a leader. Perhaps he can cheer from the sideline and get the team going. Too bad Salter transfered.
4.) Do you think our defense is better this year?
My oberservation: Yes. They press a lot more. They kinda remind me of Duke (a little bit at least).
BTW, LA doesn't stand for Los Angeles. More like Lower Alabama.
Aloha,
LA Warrior Fan
December 19th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Hiram on a hustle play jumped high for a steal, got tangled with an opponent and fell flat on his back/tailbone. Weak? I think anyone would have gotten hurt on that play. We need Hiram as he is very experienced and depth at the PG position is critical. Sooner or later foul trouble will be a factor and hopefully there will be no more injuries.
December 19th, 2010 at 8:42 am
The good thing is it's the beginning of the season and a good time to get the losses out of the way. I think it'll be like the football Warriors and will surprise a lot of people. GO WARRIORS!!
December 19th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
My observation of this past games is that the "REFEREES ARE OF POOR QUALITY." Letting the players play is fine, but if you let it get out of hand, the Players suffer from injuries, from poor officating. Is Hiram, another Michael Vicks case?? No just poor officating. It must improve or the better teams will not come to the tournaments. See you in Vegas in March!!
December 22nd, 2010 at 8:08 am
"Spot-on" observation...I've watched only a few games this year (internet) because of my geographic location. I will treat myself and travel to one game this year in the mainland. That being said, please answer the following questions: 1.) If this offense better than Nash's offense? My observation: Yes...we wasted Flemings talents on his (Nash) offense. 2.) Does the team seem more motivated this year? My observation: Yes...maybe that's because of better coaching? or Perhaps the absence of Fleming and a crybaby center? 3.) Is Hiram really the best PG we have? My obersevation: Probably...since Miles and Mia O are rookies I guess Hiram would have the experience factor. However, he's weak (physically). He can't really handle the ball. Watch how he plays and he's out-of-control. That adds to his wear and tear. He also needs to learn how to fall. I'll give him this...he's smart and is a leader. Perhaps he can cheer from the sideline and get the team going. Too bad Salter transfered. 4.) Do you think our defense is better this year? My oberservation: Yes. They press a lot more. They kinda remind me of Duke (a little bit at least). BTW, LA doesn't stand for Los Angeles. More like Lower Alabama. Aloha, LA Warrior Fan
December 28th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Jeff, We live in a nation that promotes the freedom of speech. From time to time, we should be able to hear the good,, the bad and the ugly. It's refreshing to hear all sides of a story instead of just sugar coating things. We're fortunate that you can find the time to share your thoughts with us. Thank you.