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Vermont at MD 2006 Coaches Vs. Cancer Round 2
College Park, MD: By Chris B. Well I was interested in seeing how the boys would bounce back less than 24 hours vs. Hampton. I was wondering if they would come out and play hard, or just go through the motions. Well early on, things were going ok, Vermont was probably happy playing at a bit slower pace, and then all of the sudden, the light went on. Mike Jones went off. Made 5 straight shots in about a 4 minute span to end the half that gave MD an 11 point lead. Well to start the half, he made a few more in a row and along with DJ were part of a 22-13 run in which DJ and MJ were the only ones who scored. MD kept a nice lead through out, and several reserves got some early playing time. I am really starting to like the way Vazquez plays. It is nice to have a 2 guard, that can truly play the point, and still score. He made some nice passes. I have also been impressed with Bambale Osby to this point. He flat out hustles, runs hard, actually puts a body on someone when a shot goes up. He has been scoring, but I really wonder how long we can count on this scoring he has shown in the first two games. He didn't have impressive numbers in JC, but anything we get from him is a bonus! It is apparent that Ibekwe is going to spend a lot of time on the pine with foul trouble, and Osby may very well be the first big off the bench. Not only has he been a pleasant surprise, but he has a nice touch from the FT line. Vazquez is the first guard off the bench, and I am happy with that. Hayes played steady, which is more than we got last year. I think he is going to be fine, and gain confidence with every minute on the floor. I don't know what this team is going to bring, but I like the way they are playing. It seems like there is a new attitude and they are having fun playing together. DJ seems motivated, and Jones looks like he belongs out there on both ends. He may not be all acc defensive team, but he is not the total liability he was in the past. If we could just get Ibekwe and Gist to actually shoot at the rim instead of just heaving it in the general direction of the rim, we might be able to get back to the big dance. Report Card: Gist: C- 8 points, 5 boards, 5 fouls ehh Ibekwe D- early foul trouble drops him down then throw in 2-9 shooting and 3 boards. DJ B+ A stupid 3 toward the end of the half stopped him from having an A. 19 points 6 steals Hayes B- We don't really need scoring, but 0-3 is not going to help, but an 8-3 assist/to ratio not bad. Jones A- Got hot, and boy did he ever (19 points). I have no problem with him taking a lot of shots, as long as there are not forced. Milbourne C- 7 minutes, but seems to be getting accustomed to the level, but I think he will be a key contributor as the season progresses. Vazquez B - only 3-9 shooting, but he has an air of confidence, and looks like he LOVES being in the gym. Brown C nothing good, nothing bad. Solid back up, but I think he is going to lose minutes due to the amount of guards. Wilbo D 1 board in 10 minutes??? nuff said Neal C 3 points 6 boards. Looks to me like he should have gone to Vermont! Osby A+ Grade may be high, but he plays like you should. 4-4 from the field, 3-4 from the line. Keep scoring big man! Like I said it looks like you are going to be forced to play A LOT of minutes the way Ibekwe and Gist like to foul |