Since FTF was benched....

[Coach34]

@MikeBBonner (https://twitter.com/MikeBBonner) 1h (https://twitter.com/MikeBBonner/status/444154154110697472)
Since being benched MT @davidbrandtAP (https://twitter.com/davidbrandtAP) Fred Thomas has been a much better player lately. Over past 5 games: 15 ppg, 55% FG, 39% 3ptFG.

[smootness]

The fact that he responded well to the benching rather than spiraling further downward is a credit first to him, but also to the respect the players have for Ray.

[msstate7]

The fact that he responded well to the benching rather than spiraling further downward is a credit first to him, but also to the respect the players have for Ray.

I agree. Coach ray catches a lot of hell from fans here, but that was a great coaching move

[BeardoMSU]

Over past 5 games: 15 ppg, 55% FG, 39% 3ptFG.[/FONT][/COLOR]

That's pretty damn good. We'll need that trend to continue if we want a shot at winning tonight.

[smootness]

And if Thomas puts up anything resembling that line next year, we're going to be pretty darn good. Ray might yet convince Newman he can develop players.

[mk1984]

FTF has definitely turned it around hopefully he can carry this into next year.

[BeardoMSU]

He's definitely been playing better, and I generally try not to be a prisoner of the moment, but last night was a good example of what this team needs to be good.

When we have guys who can make jump shots, it really opens up the middle for Gavin, and opens up the rim for Craig to drive. To take the next step next year, we'll really need some good post defense, and a PG that can score. I really like IJ's stroke, I'd like to see him more in the pick'n'roll. If Nadoye (sp?) can play D and rebound, I'd like him at the 5 and move Gavin to the 4 - that will depend on Gavin improving his jump shot, but when he does shoot it, it looks pretty good.

[thf24]

If Nadoye (sp?) can play D and rebound, I'd like him at the 5 and move Gavin to the 4 - that will depend on Gavin improving his jump shot, but when he does shoot it, it looks pretty good.

I believe I saw someone say that Daniels shoots pretty well, so another option would be to play him at the 4 and Gavin at the 5 if we need more firepower or to space the floor better.

[engie]

It's funny looking back -- given the meltdown it caused from the anti-Ray faction at the time.

http://www.elitedawgs.com/showthread.php?13262-Fred-Thomas-amp-Bear-Wilson-both-DNP


FTF was getting an attitude adjustment "per sources"...
You don't have any sources and are always wrong**

[Brad Stevens]

I believe I saw someone say that Daniels shoots pretty well, so another option would be to play him at the 4 and Gavin at the 5 if we need more firepower or to space the floor better.

I like the prospects of a 2-deep of Daniels/Roq and Gavin/Ndoye with a big body in Black for a spare minute or two if we get in severe foul trouble (where this year we would play Cunningham in the 4 spot at times). I also like Ready/Bloodman at the one, Sword and FTF at the 2/3 with Davis/Dunlap/Houston spelling them at times. It's amazing what one good looking game can do for me as an MSU basketball fan. I know most people aren't as optimistic as me, but I'm really looking forward to next season. Glad to know Ndoye and Daniels at least have a year of practice under their belt, too.

[Coach34]

It's funny looking back -- given the meltdown it caused from the anti-Ray faction at the time.

http://www.elitedawgs.com/showthread.php?13262-Fred-Thomas-amp-Bear-Wilson-both-DNP


You don't have any sources and are always wrong**

quote of the year:

"Flat top Fred was a pretty good shooter coming out of Highschool, now he can't throw it in the ocean. Everyone is drooling on this Daniel( can't pass algebra in two try's ) but the truth is he can't replace Borchert."

[esplanade91]

There's also the mythical 13th scholarship player and Staley. Next year is a huge question mark. Anything could happen. Hopefully the intrigue will bring fans to seats.

[smootness]

quote of the year:

"Flat top Fred was a pretty good shooter coming out of Highschool, now he can't throw it in the ocean. Everyone is drooling on this Daniel( can't pass algebra in two try's ) but the truth is he can't replace Borchert."

Well now that is indeed a gem. Though I'm guessing tc doesn't know why that's funny.

[BeardoMSU]

What type of build does Daniels have? Will he be an undersized 4? or does he have the body to bang around with other bigs?

I'd love to have another Rhodes type player; his turn-around step-back was butter.

[Dawg61]

@MikeBBonner (https://twitter.com/MikeBBonner) 1h (https://twitter.com/MikeBBonner/status/444154154110697472)
Since being benched MT @davidbrandtAP (https://twitter.com/davidbrandtAP) Fred Thomas has been a much better player lately. Over past 5 games: 15 ppg, 55% FG, 39% 3ptFG.

That's funny. Who bitched about him leading the team in minutes? Oh yea that was me. Then Ray benches him.

[engie]

What type of build does Daniels have? Will he be an undersized 4? or does he have the body to bang around with other bigs?

I'd love to have another Rhodes type player; his turn-around step-back was butter.

He's a much more athletic version of Borchert. Same size basically.

[engie]

That's funny. Who bitched about him leading the team in minutes? Oh yea that was me. Then Ray benches him.

You bitched about him being on the team period, let us not forget.

Nevermind him being the only true 3 on the roster, especially with Roquez having to split time at the 4 and play the 5 to spell Ware. So, naturally, the guy that is the only person that plays a given position is going to get the most minutes. Ware would be the same story if he could consistently stay out of foul trouble. NVM that he's the best defender on the team -- and was obviously talented and waiting to break through(that is, to those of us that actively look for and can see such things)...

[smootness]

What type of build does Daniels have? Will he be an undersized 4? or does he have the body to bang around with other bigs?

I think he's more of a 3 really. He's 6'8", but I think he's more of a slasher/shooter than Rhodes.