ZZ since the bad start at Mississippi State

#1
Freak

Freak

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#1
Clearly Z wasn't himself at the start of the Mississippi State game, but I thought this stat was pretty amazing.

Zakai Zeigler had five turnovers in the first 12 minutes at Mississippi State. He had one turnover over his next 65 minutes. His last two games: 36 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds
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#2
#2
Yeah an improvement since the terrible start against MSU but he played bad against Kentucky too. Both were surprising given how good of a ball handler he is. Also, 1 1/2 games are not enough to know if he's flipped a switch just like JJJ teasing us with a good offensive game after disappointing efforts.
 
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#3
#3
I attributed it to his first start in some time. He mentally had to get over that hurdle as even he has said he liked coming off the bench. When they tried to start him earlier in the year is wasn't that great for him.
 
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#4
#4
Two huge performances in two big road wins. We need to get healthy though so we can take some minutes off of ZZ in the coming weeks. His workload is a bit concerning right now, although I know his smaller frame means the minutes aren’t as straining as in a big man. Still, he needs some rest.
 
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#5
#5
BreatheUT said:
Yeah an improvement since the terrible start against MSU but he played bad against Kentucky too. Both were surprising given how good of a ball handler he is. Also, 1 1/2 games are not enough to know if he's flipped a switch just like JJJ teasing us with a good offensive game after disappointing efforts.
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I look at it the other way. Based on how he's played all year, it's clear that stretch where he struggled was the outlier.
 
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#7
#7
bigorangepoppa said:
Sadly, if he had made all the layup attempts against Kentucky, that alone would have been enough points for the win. Atrocious free throw shooting didn't help the cause either.
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And KY uncharacteristically shooting lights out from the charity stripe. Pretty much everything that could’ve worked against us in that game, did. Games like that rarely repeat though; makes me feel like we may get the Dub at Rupp.
 
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#8
#8
ZZ has continued to amaze despite the crazy Miss Mistake start. That is the kind of player every coach wants. Bad game, or half? Clear it and move on.
 
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#9
#9
BreatheUT said:
Yeah an improvement since the terrible start against MSU but he played bad against Kentucky too. Both were surprising given how good of a ball handler he is. Also, 1 1/2 games are not enough to know if he's flipped a switch just like JJJ teasing us with a good offensive game after disappointing efforts.
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That was uplifting.
 
#10
#10
It's been said that the team has been dealing with illness as well as injury. ZZ may have been dealing with some sort of physical difficulty that led to his bad stretch.
 
#11
#11
Freak said:
Clearly Z wasn't himself at the start of the Mississippi State game, but I thought this stat was pretty amazing.
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They started him against MSU with both Key and Vescovi were not suited up. That lineup had not even practiced together. MSU immediately crowded the middle, with the 3 point shooters out, and UT was trying to force the ball inside. Once they stopped that strategy he was fine. Impressive young man and tough as nails. His brand of toughness wins championships.
 
#12
#12
All Vol! said:
And KY uncharacteristically shooting lights out from the charity stripe. Pretty much everything that could’ve worked against us in that game, did. Games like that rarely repeat though; makes me feel like we may get the Dub at Rupp.
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Seems like that was our bottom of the barrel performance and Kentucky's best effort. It just tastes bad because it was at home.
 
#13
#13
All Vol! said:
And KY uncharacteristically shooting lights out from the charity stripe. Pretty much everything that could’ve worked against us in that game, did. Games like that rarely repeat though; makes me feel like we may get the Dub at Rupp.
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I have that same vibe.
 
#15
#15
Just hope he is not getting worn out with so much playing time, need him fresh come tourney time. GBO!!!
 
#16
#16
TVOL71 said:
Just hope he is not getting worn out with so much playing time, need him fresh come tourney time. GBO!!!
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I think this is a valid concern. He is obviously the straw that stirs the drink, but I worry that any athlete will reach a point of diminishing play if they see too many minutes during the season. I sure hope someone on the coaching staff observes that he could benefit from some rest, especially at the end of games when we are up 15 or 20 points. That's not to argue that any other particular player should be getting more time. It just seems obvious that Zakai might benefit, long-term, from getting a little less.
 
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#17
#17
Lurker said:
I think this is a valid concern. He is obviously the straw that stirs the drink, but I worry that any athlete will reach a point of diminishing play if they see too many minutes during the season. I sure hope someone on the coaching staff observes that he could benefit from some rest, especially at the end of games when we are up 15 or 20 points. That's not to argue that any other particular player should be getting more time. It just seems obvious that Zakai might benefit, long-term, from getting a little less.
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There was another person who said the same thing yesterday, and a person who is deeply involved in the program. I do believe Rick talks and discusses with his staff those scenarios. I also believe he is wise enough to accept good counsel and will do whatever he deems best going forward. I will say that after the MSU game, someone asked ZZ if he was tired after playing 40 minutes. He said “no” basically, that he was good. I think Barnes is astute enough to listen to both staff and players, then use his own “eye test” to determine the best path for ZZ moving forward.
 
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#18
#18
cardvolfan said:
I will say that after the MSU game, someone asked ZZ if he was tired after playing 40 minutes. He said “no” basically, that he was good.
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Given what we've seen of this young man, I wouldn't have expected anything different if he was literally passing out. He's a player and we are lucky to have him!
 
#19
#19
Lurker said:
Given what we've seen of this young man, I wouldn't have expected anything different if he was literally passing out. He's a player and we are lucky to have him!
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Yes sir. Sometimes players give their all and need a break. I am very curious as to how that plays out against Georgia. I think it’s going to be score-dependent, but if we’re ahead by 20 with 4-5 minutes left, I think ZZ comes out.
 
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#20
#20
Does ZZ plan on keeping #5 after this season? Might need to take another in case they need to retire his number as well. Still has 2.? years to make his case.
 
#21
#21
GUNTERSVOL said:
Does ZZ plan on keeping #5 after this season? Might need to take another in case they need to retire his number as well. Still has 2.? years to make his case.
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I think they retired the jersey name, not the number with Lofton. someone correct me, please, if I am wrong.
 
#24
#24
cardvolfan said:
What is the criteria for retiring the jersey name vs. the jersey number? I know they are two separate and different entities, so where is the separtion?
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Not sure I’ve seen separate criteria, but regardless I know there’s an asterisk that basically says they can make an executive decision to retire any number they want to.
 
#25
#25
bleedingTNorange said:
Not sure I’ve seen separate criteria, but regardless I know there’s an asterisk that basically says they can make an executive decision to retire any number they want to.
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I think somewhere I’ve seen there’s a difference between a retired jersey and a retired number. I don’t think a retired number can ever be worn again by a player, but I think a retired jersey (ie. name) can be worn again going forward. Lofton specifically had a retired jersey as designated by the powers-that-be. I would assume that #5 can be worn again into the future.
 
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