Is this a fair assessment of Poythress?
- Thread starter EvilMD
- Start date
Poy had 6 points in the 2nd half...if he could give us an average of 6 points a half I'd be happy. 12 per would be amazing. We do not need 25 per game and no one expects that but he needs to be more consistent.
MSU started in a Zone defense. Alabama played Man-to-Man and the pick and roll worked because Bama decided to shut off Tyler and let Alex go.
A Zone defense makes it hard on Alex because he can't create his own shot. He needs to be set up.
A Zone defense makes it hard on Alex because he can't create his own shot. He needs to be set up.
He's an enigma for sure. What's sad he is our key to a deep run. You're going to get what's expected at money time from Ulis, Murray, Briscoe and Lee by seasons end (I think at least).
I can't see Alex stringing together more than 3 good games in a row at best. In hoping we get a good draw and he shows out deep in the tourney.
He could seriously be a no show in a second round loss or a FF MVP in a magical run. He's that kind of inconsistent.
I can't see Alex stringing together more than 3 good games in a row at best. In hoping we get a good draw and he shows out deep in the tourney.
He could seriously be a no show in a second round loss or a FF MVP in a magical run. He's that kind of inconsistent.
Only explanation for Poy in my mind is that he plays when he wants to. I don't think it's intentional at all, it's just some game he can't get engaged. It's like a pickup game where he may go out and be the dominant guy for a game and then may take the next game or two off and just cruise. It's really unfortunate because we all obviously love the guy, but his inability to produce game in and game out has cost him a lot of money and looks as though may result in a career outside the NBA. That's fine for him because he's a bright kid and will do good for himself, but he has all the tools to be a solid NBA player, just lacks the mentality.
If we haven't figured Poythress out midway through his senior season, we never will. On any given night he could give you 25 and 12 or 2 and 4.
He's averaging 10 a game, I didn't think he would score more than that. His average of 10 and 7 is about what I expected heading into the season
Alex is very intelligent and will be a success in life but not on a professional basketball court.
Don't expect Alex to be a big time scorer. But just play hard every game and hustle. Play good defense. Get after it on the glass. If he could handle that game in and game out, Cal would take that anytime.
Agree with you and unfortunately as a bball player he is just not hungry and focused every game; otherwise, how else would you explain it -- maybe he just is overthinking things some games!
I've never bought into the idea that Poythress is mentally distracted or not "into" the game. However, I do think you make an excellent point about getting him involved in the offense. We have excellent guards but I think one area of improvement is working the ball into the interior. That packed zone last night made that job tough which contrasted with AL leaving the middle pretty much wide open. The effect on the front line and in particular Poythress was pretty obvious.
Its really early to throw the baby out with the bath. This is not the first team to have trouble working the ball into the interior against a packed zone.
It's called gameplan. It's no secret that some teams will choose to shut down AP. Pick and roll and post play would not have worked for Alex last night because MSU was keying against that. Thankfully we were hitting outside shots.
He is always hungry and focuses. When you don't get the ball you can't score, period!! And when you catch it outside your comport area you aren't going to score much or be effective. Just roll the Alabama tape!!
This is how I see Alex...when teams play man-to-man or a zone that extends on out shooters...Alex can get the ball and explode in 1-2 dribbles/steps. But a zone that lays back...he can't dribble or shoot from deep well enough to score much.
So I'm fine with him being our muscle on the boards and occasional shot blocker. When teams man up...he can be part of game to score. He is what he is...a non skilled awesome athlete that is 6'8...he's can't get his own like Murray/Tyler and even Briscoe at times.,
