Is It Worth It?

I cannot watch much more of this garbage. I do not even want to call it basketball.

We have injuries. We are young. There is turmoil with the AK and the injuries have deflated team.

These arguments are valid but I do not care about them. The watchability meter for this game hovered somewhere around the Vanderbilt game or Deal or No Deal. There was no passion in this game, at least in what I watched. The play that sticks in my mind is when USM scored on an easy fast break created by no one getting back and Huertas loafing around in the paint allowing his man to beat him to the hoop for an easy basket. Story of the game.

Rebounding? Reality check here after the FAMU game, I hope no one got too optimistic after that game by the way. This stat actually was the reason I turned the game off and subjected myself to an NBA game: USM - 15 Ole Miss - 5. That was the rebounding mark in the second half with about 10 minutes left to play.

Cannot wait for SEC play! And I'm ready for Dallas.

P.S. I know I sound like one of the Woe is me fans and jumping off the bandwagon people. It has been a long week.

FAMU Preview

Ole Miss is set to usher in the Will Bogan era tonight against Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, an era that Rebel fans hope is not going to last any longer than necessary. 

FAMU (2-8) has faced three other SEC opponents this season and have not fared too well.  They lost by significant amounts to Florida, Alabama, and what should be a hapless Arkansas team.  The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. and if you want to listen to it find it on the radio or sign up for RebelVision, I’ll probably stick to MNF.

Ole Miss Notes

It is going to be interesting to see how the staff handles the point guard position tonight.  I read some quotes from Michael White claming that Will Bogan had been having some good practices and it helps that he has been going against Chris in practice.  However, the staff also said I would be pleased with Kevin Cantinol, I am not.  Needless to say my expectation for Bogan are minimal right now.  

It is definitely going to have to be a point guard committee operation.  I know Terrico White played some point in high school, so he’ll get an opportunity, but beyond him and Bogan I don’t know who else is going to be running the point. 

Huertas has never impressed me with his ball control or handles, so I don’t know if we will see him bringing the ball up, but I guess Zach Graham is an option?  It is tough to say what the point guard rotation will be when your three-deep at the position is out for the season. 

These next few games will show us just how good of a shooter David Huertas is.  Kennedy is claiming he is the best shooter he has coached, and I will believe that if Huertas is able to maintain his numbers while fending off the double teams that are undoubtedly coming his way.

I thought the post game showed some improvement against Louisville.  Malcolm would have contributed if it weren't for foul trouble the entire game, Murphy Holloway was active on the boards and efficient from the floor, and Terrance Henry showed some good effort rebounding. The front court can also breathe a sigh of relief because with new weakness at point guard, they will no longer be the sole focal point of criticism regarding the team.

The Rebels need this game in the worst way.  The matchup against FAMU should allow the Rebels to do some experimenting with the lineup, while still being able to come away with an easy victory.  (I am knocking on wood)  Kennedy and his staff will use this game to figure out the point guard position and also hopefully continue the process of getting Malcolm White to multi task (think and play) while he's in the game.

Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University

FAMU holds a special place in my heart because it is one of my earliest memories of a live sporting event, when I witnessed them lose to Memphis State in basketball by 50 points and saw the infamous Scientific Mapp man the point guard for the Rattlers.

FAMU has become famous for its marching band, known as the “Marching 100” that has been featured at the Grammy's and played with Prince at the Super Bowl.

Scouting the Rattlers

Lamar Twitty, another good name, leads FAMU with 11.8 points per game and Brandon Bryant who is averaging just less than 10 ppg is another key player for the Rattlers.  FAMU, as a team, has shot poorly from the field and behind the arc shooting 37% from the field on the season and in the high 20s from beyond the arc.  They are also awful from the free throw line at 53.4% on the season.  Defense has not been much better as opponents are averaging around 77 points against the Rattlers defense.

Notable Alumni

Some of FAMU’s notable alumni in sports include Andre “The Hawk” Dawson, Marquis Grissom (one of the oddest looking players in baseball), Quinn Gray, Jerome James* (one of the signings that highlighted Isiah Thomas debacle with the Knicks), and Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

Politically, the oft-troubled mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick is an alumnus. 

Another alumnus that caught my eye is Cannonball Adderley.  If you are into jazz at all you probably know who he is, but if you do not get the Somethin’ Else album.

**Here are a few Jerome James quotes I was able to gather from Wikipedia.  If you are a follower of the NBA, you know James does not exactly have a sterling reputation and is better known for his laziness and the fact that he is a walking personal foul than he is for his basketball prowess. 

 James, when asked about his legacy with the Knicks, replied, "that’s not me. I’ve always had a passion for basketball and unfortunately, due to me not getting playing time, I wasn’t able to show ‘em that side of me. I want to show them that side and then I’ll get my ass out of here. I’ll leave. But y'all still gotta pay me though."

Once, when asked if he was concerned about his former coach commenting that he has a selfish attitude, replied, "I don't even know what he's talking about, I just worry about Jerome."

Not Very Brief Louisville Preview

Ole Miss is set to face what will more than likely be its toughest opponent of the year Thursday as it faces off against #9 Louisville in Cincinnati. The game tips at 8 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN, hooray!*

Louisville is 6-1 on the season with their lone loss coming to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, which shows that this team is definitely fallible. With the loss of Courtney Lee to the NBA, the Hilltoppers are not the upset threat that they were last season so their win against Louisville should provide a small glimmer of hope for the Rebels.

The game is going to be a homecoming of sorts for Rebels head coach Andy Kennedy as he spent a few years under West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins in Cincinnati and served as the Bearcats interim coach for the 2005-2006 season and developed strong support from the Bearcat faithful. The fans in Cincinnati have not forgotten the run Kennedy had in the 05-06 season where he nearly (read: should have but was looked over by the selection committee) put the Bearcats in the Tournament after its rocky start due to suspensions, injuries and controversy. This could provide the Rebels with a few more fans than expected in Cincinnati.

It’s also helpful that Louisville, traditionally, plays its worst basketball at the start of the season. It seems that Louisville starts every season around the top 10 in the nation because they are consistently overrated, and then fades until they make some noise in Big East play. I am sure someone can correct me on that stat because I put zero research into it and am just going on what I have seen over the past few seasons.

If the Rebels want to be competitive against Louisville they are going to have find a way to rebound the basketball. Malcolm White showed promise against Alabama State collecting 9 rebounds for the Rebels, and Deaundre Cranston has shown he can be a capable rebounder at times (see 12 rebounds against UCF). It’s the freshmen that will have to step it up for the Rebels. Holloway and Henry are undersized, but they have to increase their aggression on the glass, Huertas is 6’5” and is out rebounding those two.

They also have to establish a post game offensively. Louisville is going to have an answer for the Warren/Huertas combination, they’re too good of a team not to: a) be able to scheme around those two. b) have a player capable of hanging with them on the perimeter

Holloway has come on as of late and put it in 15 against Alabama State. His athleticism and knack for finishing around the basket when necessary could be beneficial for the Rebels against an athletic Louisville team. Malcolm White will also have to go above and beyond his 12-point output against Alabama State. White needs to establish himself early and realize that he can back down defenders. He is too complacent offensively and really needs to gain confidence on the blocks. The third player the Rebels need to break out is Terrance Henry. Henry is rail thin so I see why he is having trouble adapting to Division 1 basketball, but he needs to put his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor to more use. Down the road, if he bulks up, Henry can be a Wayne Chism type player, but right now the Rebels need him to increase his tenacity on the boards and take players off the dribble.

Defensively, the Rebels need to hope for a poor shooting night by the Cardinals. I have not seen anything from the Rebel defense that leads me to believe that they have an answer for anyone’s offense, especially after they just let Alabama State put up 81 points.

The Matchups:

Chris Warren versus Jerry Smith

OM – Warren is second on the team in scoring and third in the SEC in scoring so far this season. A lot has been demanded of Warren with the injuries to Polynice and Gaskins and he is doing more than his fair share in trying to get the Rebels back on track. Warren is still one of the best point guards in the SEC and should prevent some problems for Louisville.

UL – Smith has been platooning the point guard spot with senior Andre McGee. Smith is averaging eight points a game and is shooting over 40 percent from beyond the three-point line this season. The other potential starter at point for Louisville, McGee, is averaging nearly five points a game and is second on the team in steals, but has a less than stellar assist to turnover ratio.

Advantage Ole Miss

David Huertas versus Preston Knowles

OM – Huertas is tearing up the league right now averaging 21 points per contest, which puts him second in the SEC and in the top 20 nationally. Huertas isn’t compiling these numbers by putting up 20 shots a game, but rather by hitting everything he puts up. Huertas is scorching the net shooting 47% from long range, 54% overall and 80% from the charity stripe

UL – The two spot is another area where the Cardinals have been rotating starters, at least that’s the way it seems from the box scores and season stats. Knowles will probably get the start here after putting up 21 points on 8-11 shooting in their last game against Austin Peay. One advantage the Rebels could have is that both Knowles and his counterpart Edgar Sosa are a bit undersized for the two guard and will give up four inches to David Huertas.

Advantage – Ole Miss

Terrico White versus Terrence Williams

OM – Terrico White seems to be slowly adapting after a rocky start to his college career. He has posted 6, 8 and 11 in his last three games and is averaging 7 points per game on the season. White has been inconsistent from the free throw line, but has been respectable from beyond the arc shooting near 40%. The Rebels will need him, or Graham, to step up on both ends to shut down Terrence Williams and neutralize him with a strong offensive showing.

UL – Terrence Williams is a 6’6” senior who is averaging nearly 11 points and nine rebounds per game thus far. Williams has the ability to stretch the floor, but has struggled mightily with his jump shot and from the foul line this season. He is a player who plays bigger than his listed height and could cause some problems for the Rebels with his strong defensive presence. Ole Miss need to contain Williams’s production offensively and cannot let him get lost while they focus on shutting down the Cardinal big men.

Advantage – UL

Murphy Holloway versus Earl Clark

OM – Holloway has been playing very well lately for the Rebels and will probably get the starting nod Thursday, whether it is at the four or the three in place of Terrico/Graham. Holloway scored 15 against Alabama State and collected 6 rebounds by doing a little bit of everything for the Rebels. The freshman from Irmo, SC is third on the team in points per game and could use his athleticism to create mismatches offensively if he plays at the four.

UL – Earl Clark is as solid as they come. Clark is a 6’9” tweener who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per contest. He is second on the team in blocked shots and will be handful for whomever the Rebels throw at him.

Advantage – UL

Malcolm White versus Samardo Samuels

OM – The good news is that White had his best game as a Rebel against Alabama State. The bad news is that it was against Alabama State and it was nothing too eye popping. White has to grow up quickly before Thursday. Samuels is one of the best centers in the NCAA and is showing that on the stat sheet, albeit against not so great competition. White has to stay out of foul trouble and find a way to keep Samuels out of the paint, I know that sounds obvious but it is just what has to be done. I expect White to be in foul trouble early and often trying to handle Samuels and you will see Cranston, Henry, Cantinol (unfortunately) get a shot at limiting UL’s freshman phenom.

UL – Samuels has been exactly what Cardinal fans expected when they inked the 6’8” freshman from St. Benedict Prep (who has produced players like J.R. Smith, Corey Stokes and Lance Thomas). Samuels is putting up 17 ppg while shooting a ridiculous 63% from the field. Samuels should have a field day with our post defense and should be the reason the Cardinals beat us. That and our inability to defend/rebound.

Advantage – UL

Interesting note:

A player that Ole Miss fans are familiar with, Reginald Delk, is seeing playing time for the Cardinals. Delk is one of the Delk brothers from Rick Stansbury’s squad that transferred a year or so ago.

*indicates sarcasm