BTO’s George Mason Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. Just about exactly what you’d have hoped for in this one…get back the guys who have been out, take control early and game never in doubt, play lots of guys, look good offensively, leave injury free…all check. George Mason is a solid mid major team, much better than the typical buy opponent you get this kind of year so great showing against a quality opponent.

2. Tennessee big men went through a stretch playing against elite big men that I’m not sure many players have ever faced…Edey, Dickinson & Bacot for 3 in a row in a week or so span is grueling, and our bigs didn’t play great. The hope though would be they learned some things and come out better for it, if tonight was any indication then it’s a great start…Aidoo and Awaka combined for 28 & 15 in 38 minutes on 11-17 shooting, that’s elite. I don’t think you can expect that every night, but you hope that gives those guys some confidence going forward, those 2 can be very good for us.

3. I mentioned it before that we likely would have to just endure some of the early struggles from Zeigler while he worked his way back, well he continues to look better and better each game he’s out there imo. 28 minutes tonight and gives 6 & 6 with just 1 turnovers, his shot looked much better and he looked like his old self most of the game defensively, great to see from him.

4. JJJ continues his really strong final season here, really playing within himself and enjoying his new role with the addition of offensive firepower around him. 15/6/6 on 6-9 shooting is elite level stuff and is great production from that small ball 4 position, just a do it all type who can absolutely stretch the 4, so far JJJ is playing the best ball of his career, for us and him you hope it continues.

5. It definitely still feels like this team is working to find roles and figure things out, which is absolutely ok, but I say that to say they aren’t anywhere near their ceiling imo. Santi while he looked better tonight imo continues to find his role offensively, Zeigler worming his way back also obviously, Dilione just now back and he looked good and like a guy who could bring something off the bench Zeigler doesn’t posses, Awaka is still young and developing, Aidoo hopefully growing confidence etc etc. lots of different things going on, you see flashes and potential, but still feels like they’re figuring it out…and again that’s ok, the goal is to keep working there and get there when it matters most, plenty of time.

6. With that said, huge upcoming game Saturday against Illinois…preseason that one didn’t raise too many eyebrows but they’ve started strong and just beat FAU tonight, they’re a good team. Wisconsin had another good win tonight and so that’s looking like a great road win, but winning this one at home would really help build that resume and again would set us up nicely to rattle off quite a few win in a row as we head towards conference play.



GBO!!!

 

[Stoked]

Solid postgame report as always BTO! Gonna be a good one Saturday in front of a sellout crowd likely!

 

[Volfan1000]

1. Just about exactly what you’d have hoped for in this one…get back the guys who have been out, take control early and game never in doubt, play lots of guys, look good offensively, leave injury free…all check. George Mason is a solid mid major team, much better than the typical buy opponent you get this kind of year so great showing against a quality opponent.

2. Tennessee big men went through a stretch playing against elite big men that I’m not sure many players have ever faced…Edey, Dickinson & Bacot for 3 in a row in a week or so span is grueling, and our bigs didn’t play great. The hope though would be they learned some things and come out better for it, if tonight was any indication then it’s a great start…Aidoo and Awaka combined for 28 & 15 in 38 minutes on 11-17 shooting, that’s elite. I don’t think you can expect that every night, but you hope that gives those guys some confidence going forward, those 2 can be very good for us.

3. I mentioned it before that we likely would have to just endure some of the early struggles from Zeigler while he worked his way back, well he continues to look better and better each game he’s out there imo. 28 minutes tonight and gives 6 & 6 with just 1 turnovers, his shot looked much better and he looked like his old self most of the game defensively, great to see from him.

4. JJJ continues his really strong final season here, really playing within himself and enjoying his new role with the addition of offensive firepower around him. 15/6/6 on 6-9 shooting is elite level stuff and is great production from that small ball 4 position, just a do it all type who can absolutely stretch the 4, so far JJJ is playing the best ball of his career, for us and him you hope it continues.

5. It definitely still feels like this team is working to find roles and figure things out, which is absolutely ok, but I say that to say they aren’t anywhere near their ceiling imo. Santi while he looked better tonight imo continues to find his role offensively, Zeigler worming his way back also obviously, Dilione just now back and he looked good and like a guy who could bring something off the bench Zeigler doesn’t posses, Awaka is still young and developing, Aidoo hopefully growing confidence etc etc. lots of different things going on, you see flashes and potential, but still feels like they’re figuring it out…and again that’s ok, the goal is to keep working there and get there when it matters most, plenty of time.

6. With that said, huge upcoming game Saturday against Illinois…preseason that one didn’t raise too many eyebrows but they’ve started strong and just beat FAU tonight, they’re a good team. Wisconsin had another good win tonight and so that’s looking like a great road win, but winning this one at home would really help build that resume and again would set us up nicely to rattle off quite a few win in a row as we head towards conference play.



GBO!!!

I hope that the Illinois game is free flowing and not a foul fest like the Purdue game was.

Good to see Estrella and Phillips play together on the court.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Nice performance tonight. It’s great to see so many guys not named Dalton Knecht scoring. You basically covered everything, so I’ll just say this team continue to be handicapped by Vescovi deciding to NOT take shots. He was just 2-4 tonight, all from 3. That’s 50%. Meanwhile, Gainey followed up his 1-9 from 3 performance with 1-4 tonight.

We need Santi to be more aggressive and to attack again. He inexplicably passed up several open shots tonight. I hope he figures things out. I want him to go out on top and not with a whimper. He still has all of the offensive talent he did last year. He just needs to use it.

Gainey, maybe less so. He’s struggled recently. I know he’s a “streak shooter” as you said. But he’s had some really putrid perimeter performances lately. I’d like to see Maschack get some of those minutes back. Just my opinion.

Big opportunity on Saturday. Really need this win. Been a lot of disappointment early in this season and it feels like a lot of it would go away with a win against a quality opponent at home. Need it.

 

[The Tall Gguy]

I for one am thrilled when our bigs are dominant!

 

[Chaz-Vol]

Solid win, bigs played really well, and JJJ apart from Knecht has been most consistent contributor this season. Him coming back really has elevated the ceiling of this team when they start to mesh a little better. As above Vescovi still passed up shots in first half but looked more aggressive in the second. ZZ also rounding into into shape and playing a better.

Mashack looked at times electric on defense and total liability/out of control on offense. This season is basically going be certain games Mashack and Gainey take turns who's going to get bulk of 7th man minutes. Against Illinois Mashack will be greatly needed to help guard Terrence Shannon and Domask as opposed to Gaineys offense.

 

[Col_Cathcart]

3 steals for JJJ too. Really did it all tonight.

 

[wmcovol]

Offense seems to incorporate more “dribble drive” this yr than the motion offense in years past. I understand with Knecht and that being his game more. It may have helped JJJ also but the man guarding Vesco still never leaves him to double so he’s rarely left open on the “kick out” pass.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I **** you not - I saw a UT defender box out his man and grab a rebound.

 

[BACKDOC]

I thought everyone played well tonight. ZZ played under control, and didn't throw it to the other team; great to see. Santi had some nice passes late. Tobe continues to impress. Just wish Gainey could find his stroke again; that's a head scratcher. Luckily Santi has found his stroke from three lately. I guess the only complaint was the FT shooting; especiallly from JJJ.

 

[PandamoniumReigns]

I **** you not - I saw a UT defender box out his man and grab a rebound.

They'll probably be benched for such an atrocity

 

[Volfan1000]

I **** you not - I saw a UT defender box out his man and grab a rebound.

Awaka boxed out 3 George Mason players to snare a defensive board per Kesling on the radio broadcast.

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

1. Just about exactly what you’d have hoped for in this one…

Spot on! Thanks for giving us your thoughts and making the time for us fellow fans!

 

[Namorto1]

Much like Zeigler was the most important player on the floor last year, I think Awaka is the most important player for our success this year. He gives us some ruggedness and grit that can be contagious. 7 boards in 11 minutes is ridiculous. As well as 11 pts. He just needs more minutes once he is fully healthy.

 

[kirbysmartsbowlcut12]

Is it just me, or has this pre conference schedule this year been perhaps a bit too much? I totally get the need & importance of playing some tough games for your team's sake & overall resume sake, but, my goodness this stretch has been unbelievably brutal. The fact we're playing ANOTHER top-20ish team(probably top-10), this weekend seems insane to me. I'd have preferred to ride into SEC play with a string of layup games. I think playing at MSU, at Wisconsin, KU, Syracuse, & Purdue, all in the first few weeks would have sufficed, no? Oh, & just remembered after Illinois, we have NC State on a neutral court.

 

[tennesseeduke]

Awaka boxed out 3 George Mason players to snare a defensive board per Kesling on the radio broadcast.

Yes but he pronounced his name wrong!

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Is it just me, or has this pre conference schedule this year been perhaps a bit too much? I totally get the need & importance of playing some tough games for your team's sake & overall resume sake, but, my goodness this stretch has been unbelievably brutal. The fact we're playing ANOTHER top-20ish team(probably top-10), this weekend seems insane to me. I'd have preferred to ride into SEC play with a string of layup games. I think playing at MSU, at Wisconsin, KU, Syracuse, & Purdue, all in the first few weeks would have sufficed, no? Oh, & just remembered after Illinois, we have NC State on a neutral court.

I kind of like the twist. Front load the schedule. Let everybody on the roster know what needs to be fixed and what expected of them EARLY. Hopefully have some good momentum happening down the home stretch. I think that the SEC isn’t going to be loaded at the top and maybe a lot of wins can be added to the résumé.

I’m also not too concerned about missing out on a high seed this year. It didn’t work out so great drawing Oregon State and Michigan. They were both seeded below how good they actually were. They didn’t pile up great résumés during the regular season and were therefore really difficult first and 2nd round matchups. We just need to win 3 games in the NCAAT. It doesn’t matter in what order.

 

[feathersax]

Thanks BTO & VN. I had a rehearsal last night & couldn't watch/listen to the game. Good win.

 

[BruisedOrange]

Is it just me, or has this pre conference schedule this year been perhaps a bit too much? I totally get the need & importance of playing some tough games for your team's sake & overall resume sake, but, my goodness this stretch has been unbelievably brutal. The fact we're playing ANOTHER top-20ish team(probably top-10), this weekend seems insane to me. I'd have preferred to ride into SEC play with a string of layup games. I think playing at MSU, at Wisconsin, KU, Syracuse, & Purdue, all in the first few weeks would have sufficed, no? Oh, & just remembered after Illinois, we have NC State on a neutral court.

If you were building a program--yes. But if you anticipate your team has the ability to go Final Four, then you want to face the best teams early so your team has a benchmark against which to improve through the season.

 

[NighthawkVol]

1. Just about exactly what you’d have hoped for in this one…get back the guys who have been out, take control early and game never in doubt, play lots of guys, look good offensively, leave injury free…all check. George Mason is a solid mid major team, much better than the typical buy opponent you get this kind of year so great showing against a quality opponent.

2. Tennessee big men went through a stretch playing against elite big men that I’m not sure many players have ever faced…Edey, Dickinson & Bacot for 3 in a row in a week or so span is grueling, and our bigs didn’t play great. The hope though would be they learned some things and come out better for it, if tonight was any indication then it’s a great start…Aidoo and Awaka combined for 28 & 15 in 38 minutes on 11-17 shooting, that’s elite. I don’t think you can expect that every night, but you hope that gives those guys some confidence going forward, those 2 can be very good for us.

3. I mentioned it before that we likely would have to just endure some of the early struggles from Zeigler while he worked his way back, well he continues to look better and better each game he’s out there imo. 28 minutes tonight and gives 6 & 6 with just 1 turnovers, his shot looked much better and he looked like his old self most of the game defensively, great to see from him.

4. JJJ continues his really strong final season here, really playing within himself and enjoying his new role with the addition of offensive firepower around him. 15/6/6 on 6-9 shooting is elite level stuff and is great production from that small ball 4 position, just a do it all type who can absolutely stretch the 4, so far JJJ is playing the best ball of his career, for us and him you hope it continues.

5. It definitely still feels like this team is working to find roles and figure things out, which is absolutely ok, but I say that to say they aren’t anywhere near their ceiling imo. Santi while he looked better tonight imo continues to find his role offensively, Zeigler worming his way back also obviously, Dilione just now back and he looked good and like a guy who could bring something off the bench Zeigler doesn’t posses, Awaka is still young and developing, Aidoo hopefully growing confidence etc etc. lots of different things going on, you see flashes and potential, but still feels like they’re figuring it out…and again that’s ok, the goal is to keep working there and get there when it matters most, plenty of time.

6. With that said, huge upcoming game Saturday against Illinois…preseason that one didn’t raise too many eyebrows but they’ve started strong and just beat FAU tonight, they’re a good team. Wisconsin had another good win tonight and so that’s looking like a great road win, but winning this one at home would really help build that resume and again would set us up nicely to rattle off quite a few win in a row as we head towards conference play.



GBO!!!

The three guys I was happiest with last night were Aidoo, Zeigler, and Dillione. Honorable mention to Awaka.

-Aidoo because we need that inside presence to open everything up for others. His biggest problem has been ability to finish and he did that last night. If he's a legitimate threat down low, that makes this team so much better offensively.
-As you said, Zeigler is rounding into form. This was he first time he really looked like his old self. He's been a streaky shooter his whole career, but has a great shot. Go from streaky to consistent this year and that's a great way to address UT's recent history of dry spells.
-Dillione wasn't great from a production standpoint, but he looked SO much more comfortable than before. He was smooth with the ball in his hands, seemed to play faster and more confident. He looked lost in the early games, to the point I was wondering what all the hype was about. But now he looks like a guy with a lot of ability who is going to get there.

Awaka, I think, is a better offensive player than he's given credit for, including by himself. I sometimes wish he'd force the issue more.

But the main thing I'm happy about is the health of our team. Seeing Knecht, Awaka, Dillione, and even ZZ out there playing full speed with no limitations, was really encouraging. Didn't expect that after the UNC game.

 

[JCP201]

Team looked good tonight. Seemed after too many missed three shots, our coach told them to go inside more and the results were great. Awaka and Aidoo--standing ovation.

 

[BruisedOrange]

[...] Dillione wasn't great from a production standpoint, but he looked SO much more comfortable than before. He was smooth with the ball in his hands, seemed to play faster and more confident. He looked lost in the early games, to the point I was wondering what all the hype was about. But now he looks like a guy with a lot of ability who is going to get there.

Agree with all your statements, but especially on the level of improvement from Dillione. It was as if during his injury hiatus he progressed a full season's worth. His play appeared a year more experienced, and executed with confidence and ease. Even when he was aggressive and initiated individual offense, it was based on a good read of the defense, his teammates positions, and the game situation. Very different player than the one we saw in Europe and at the beginning of the season.

You know, we've got a lot of young guys playing good ball this season! Are there some assistant coaches who deserve credit for how these young men have been prepared for this season?

 

[walkenvol]

Last night might be an outlier if your seeing big improvements in our post play as GM didn’t have any height.

 

[b_gann]

The three guys I was happiest with last night were Aidoo, Zeigler, and Dillione. Honorable mention to Awaka.

-Aidoo because we need that inside presence to open everything up for others. His biggest problem has been ability to finish and he did that last night. If he's a legitimate threat down low, that makes this team so much better offensively.
-As you said, Zeigler is rounding into form. This was he first time he really looked like his old self. He's been a streaky shooter his whole career, but has a great shot. Go from streaky to consistent this year and that's a great way to address UT's recent history of dry spells.
-Dillione wasn't great from a production standpoint, but he looked SO much more comfortable than before. He was smooth with the ball in his hands, seemed to play faster and more confident. He looked lost in the early games, to the point I was wondering what all the hype was about. But now he looks like a guy with a lot of ability who is going to get there.

Awaka, I think, is a better offensive player than he's given credit for, including by himself. I sometimes wish he'd force the issue more.

But the main thing I'm happy about is the health of our team. Seeing Knecht, Awaka, Dillione, and even ZZ out there playing full speed with no limitations, was really encouraging. Didn't expect that after the UNC game.

Great to see on Dillione for sure. Those first few games of the season were very rough. Hoping he can get healthy and right. We'll need a bigger body PG at times this season.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Yes but he pronounced his name wrong!