Paul, “Last night I played a game of, “which players right now are most critical to Huskies success?” and realized that after Q-pon and I.T., Venoy is the clear-cut #3.”

I agree, and that’s kind of scary. I mean Venoy’s great when he’s under control, but when he’s not… Venoy’s definitely one of those guys you can live and die with.

Go Dawgs, I totally disagree w/ you about Gaddy. Venoy had some serious technical flaws in his J when he came to UW. His footwork was all wrong, his release point was too far out in front, his release was too slow, he had a hitch in his motion, and his shot was totally flat. Some of this has gotten better, but he’s still only a threat from the outside if you leave him totally wide open.

I have not noticed these types of problems in Gaddy’s shot. It’s just not falling for him. I suspect that will change as he gains confidence. I’m not saying he’ll be a great shooter, but I think he’ll be adequate.

As far as his speed, no, he’s not cat-quick like Isaiah and Venoy, but he’s 6-3. And when he shows it, he’s got mad handles and a crossover like no one I can ever remember at UW. And he’s got an excellent first step, great reaction time, and tremendous court vision. I think he’s more than fast enough to take it to the rack, drive and dish, or penetrate and kick it out to the shooters.

Unfortunately we haven’t seen much of that yet. But we will, mark my words.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=200912280017

One other thing: yeah, MBA did some nice things – especially when the game got out of reach, but he still plays way too small. Why does it seem like Breshers is 5 inches taller than MBA? Probably because Breshers goes to the hole strong and MBA tries to dribble around and look for a crazy layin.

I’m fired up for Pac-10 play!

1. Suggs. I’ve been meaning to go back and check, because I may be wrong, but haven’t his best games and moments come against the best opponents and at the most critical times? Maybe I haven’t double-checked because I don’t want to be wrong, but I’m wondering if Suggs has a little bit of ‘big time’ in his DNA. It’s got my hopes up at least.

2. MBA. I’ve personally committed to not ‘trash’ MBA because he is receiving plenty of that and I’m growing to really appreciate what he is bringing defensively and each game he does at least one thing that makes me think, “now THAT was awesome” (like his no-look pass to Q-Pon). BUT…I did have an epiphany on him yesterday…I think he mistakes “taking it up strong” with “throwing it down strong”.

3. Agree with you on Venoy…after Q-Pon, I think Venoy is actually becoming the most consistent and reliable player. Last night I played a game of, “which players right now are most critical to Huskies success?” and realized that after Q-pon and I.T., Venoy is the clear-cut #3.

Regarding the lapses by the Huskies – I’m not quite as concerned. I do absolutely believe Huskies still win that game against A & M if the injury had never occurred…and though I wish they wouldn’t relax against teams they know they can beat, I also think it is a sign of how good they are – they were fully aware yesterday they could turn on the jet engines at any time and run away with it…which they proved.

Their poor shooting bothers me, that may end up haunting them. But I’m feeling pretty confident about their chances as we head into conference play. May I still feel this way a week from now.

A Don is a title of respect or even nobility in Spain, Portugal and Italy(think Godfather).

I will agree with your Venoy makes us go comment for this game. Maybe the best I’ve seen him play. ONE turnover. If he can string three or four in a row without a five turnover game then I’m a believer. The problem with Venoy in the past is that you win with him and you lose with him- look at the Purdue line score and report back.

I think Gaddy deserves real credit for an under the radar game. NO turnovers and he could easily have had five or six assists. MBA’s missed dunk and two dimes to Brehsers not converted were really good passes. Six points and three boards. The question mark is the competition.

I think the ‘bad’ stretches are just part of the game for every team. Sort of like business cycles-they just are and defy explanation. A slow down set up offense may not seem to have them but they go long periods of time without a bucket or give up five or six in a row. It’s just more obvious with a high scoring running team. Without Venoy going train wreck and IT going gauntlet we had only 7 turnovers. If we had a standard Husky rebounding game we woulda won by forty.