I think part of his not getting steals early on was the new no hand checking rule. His hands, literally, were always raised so as not to be called for a foul. Cronin must have really drummed that into his mindset. Now, watch him play D. Hands are up, but he's cat-like quick with his hands. Similar to Cash. So he's starting to swipe a few if his man is sloppy. He'll pick up a few fouls, but he'll get some take aways, too. Keep up the good work, GG!The most interesting thing about that whole article to me is that it took 18 games into the season to notice that someone was very low on steals. And GG was shocked to hear about it? Now come on. A defensive minded coach which one of his love affairs is with deflections and NEITHER was aware of this?
Hell I was aware of this back then!! Caupain was outstealing GG by a large margin...even if GG was better at staying in front of his man.
I am glad this was finally addressed...because it seems like GG has responded in a big way. They said the first 18 games he had 4 steals...and since he's had 13 in 8 games. Night and day. It seems like GG is really growing in confidence in shooting and rebounding as well. I can recall two rebounds in particular that I could NOT believe how high off the ground he was.
If he was a little better at getting to the rim or making great passes we could really have a nice tandem at PG. Kudos to GG for stepping up to the plate.
I think part of his not getting steals early on was the new no hand checking rule. His hands, literally, were always raised so as not to be called for a foul. Cronin must have really drummed that into his mindset. Now, watch him play D. Hands are up, but he's cat-like quick with his hands. Similar to Cash. So he's starting to swipe a few if his man is sloppy. He'll pick up a few fouls, but he'll get some take aways, too. Keep up the good work, GG!
Go Cats!
I think part of his not getting steals early on was the new no hand checking rule. His hands, literally, were always raised so as not to be called for a foul. Cronin must have really drummed that into his mindset. Now, watch him play D. Hands are up, but he's cat-like quick with his hands. Similar to Cash. So he's starting to swipe a few if his man is sloppy. He'll pick up a few fouls, but he'll get some take aways, too. Keep up the good work, GG!
Go Cats!
Sometimes the guy who gets the steal isn't the guy who created the steal. GG can play great D and force a bad pass that SK or Rubles or Shaq, etc. can get. Same in rebounding, you can do a good job boxing out an opposing team's rebounder and in doing so a guard can crash the glass or you can tip a rebound to another player because you can't secure it cleanly. That happens all the time with this team and I love seeing it. Unselfish play. Stats don't always tell the whole story sometimes.
I think Guyn is a great example of why I love this team so much. Everyone has a role, and everyone embraces that role. Guyn could have been mad when a freshman was playing more than him, but he didn't let it get him down. He just helped the team in every way he could. There's been games where Kevin Johnson hasn't even gotten on the floor, but he is still going crazy on the bench for his brothers. Thats a big reason I love these guys so much. They are a TEAM and individual stats mean nothing to them as long as they get the win together.
Hope they score 100 tomorrow for you! Don't get mugged.I don't know CaptD. I think someone had to make GG aware that he NEVER went for the ball. I doubt his fouls have changed a lot because he was already known for picking up fouls. Caupain has been doing the hands up thing too but he just has a natural instinct to go for a steal every now and then (and we all know GG is better at keeping his man in front).
I am just glad he is focused on it now. Adding 1.25 steals/game for an already great on ball defender is HUGE. If he can pop a couple 3's per game and Thomas can add 10 we could be on our way to a deep run.
Look at our defenders. JJ...definitely defensive POY in AAC and should be up for national recognition. TR...definitely one of the best defenders in the country. GG...is capable of locking down almost any guards as we have seen. SK..the unsung defensive hero has not only been given the task of scoring but also to be put on the best guard for the other team. Thomas...when he doesn't have to think too much about where to be is also a very good defender. Sanders is solid all around. TC can steal. KJ is so athletic. JL is all over the court and provides length and deflections.
On any night we put up 70 points I expect to win. I wouldn't trade our D for any D in the country...not a single one.
He still needs to get to the hoop. THEN we have our new threat, but not until he can do it a la Napier.Update on his 3 point stats:
First 18 games: 13/50 (26%)
Last 8 games: 11/28 (39%)
Hope they score 100 tomorrow for you! Don't get mugged.
Wear your colors/UC Bearcats shirtHaha...I just don't want to jinx. I will be there with a couple UCF fans...but I was able to buy some great box seats. I will be in with UCF fans big time...but I am ready.
I just can't wait to see this team play in person really. I am stoked.