By Jason Taylor
RebelReign Contributor
(rebelgrad95)
Are We Runnin’?
The most obvious difference in tactics came as 6’8” Power Forward Mike Moser, and 6’8” Small Forward Chace Stanback brought the ball up after their respective rebounds. The guards were running ahead on the wings. After made baskets, the Point pushed it up with tempo.
Regardless of who brought the ball up, the offensive set was in motion very quickly. The flurry of movement was evidenced as both teams huffed and puffed in fairly short order during a break.
“Sub, Please.”
Fortunately we’ll have plenty, as we likely will see a 9-10 man rotation, which will include Massamba, I believe, but probably not much from Mashour (dang’it). Smith is definitely worthy, so we’ll see him after December 17th, when he becomes eligible after his transfer from Marquette.
The only fast breaks came after steals in a 20-minute scrimmage, but you can definitely see a difference in offensive pace. There was no evidence of a zone defense. Imagine combining Kruger’s intense defense with an equal offensive effort.
“Another Sub, Coach. Please.”
A Myth, Tested
One myth was tested, and confirmed. Reggie Smith is a highlight waiting to happen.
Reports of a 44” vertical are a little hard to believe. However, I stood on the court at 6’1” after the event and looked down at Reggie. I had to check his calves for evidence of Pogo Sticks, because this kid is ridiculous. He brought oooh’s and aaah’s dunk after dunk in “warm-ups”, and as a finale he threw himself a rainbow pass off the floor, jumped up to rim height, grabbed the ball, slung it through his legs and tomahawked it, bringing the crowd to its feet (see the “Part 1” video @ about the 2:50 mark).
The Worst Best News of the Night
#15 is a game changer. He provided some of the more exciting dunks in warm-ups. He is confident, athletic, and can score in multiple scenarios inside, and outside of the arc. He is Bryce Jones. The worst thing about Bryce – under transfer rules, we have to wait a year before he hits the court.
The Best Thing Wrong
UCLA transfer Mike Moser (#43) has been described as another Chace Stanback. Fans welcomed that idea.
However, the description is WRONG. From what he showed tonight, he’s different, and better.
Imagine a combination of Quintrell Thomas (but more athletic) and Chase Stanback (but more energetic). This is very likely the multi-talented big guy we’ve been missing for years. And years. And years.
Prediction: Mike Moser - Leading rebounder and scorer for UNLV, 2011-12.
Another Prediction: He will be in the running for “MWC Newcomer of the Year”.
Found on the web, the big video is the pre-scrimmage dunking, smaller ones are in order, left to right, top to bottom. If you wish to view these bigger, please go to the scrimmage video tab.
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