Game 14: GMU (9-4 / 0-0) vs Davidson (10-3 / 0-0) on Tuesday, December 31, at 2:00 PM.

[Falco]

Worried about KD’s lack of minutes. Hope it doesn’t turn into a Keyson Hall situation. I can’t even blame him for being upset

I mean I thinks Begg is out performing him and has a better attitude.

KD is legit off the ball guard though. I wish he just had a better attitude

 

[psyclone]

Mr. D. Billups!

Connor Kochera (#23) scored 34 points in his last game and is shooting 63% on 2 pointers this year on high volume. Against Arizona and Providence, he was 7-13 and 7-10 on 2's, scoring 20 and 22 pts in those games, respectively.

Today, against JB mostly, he scored 2 pts in 36 minutes (1-3/0-2/didn't go to ft line)!

 

[Sport31]

Good win.All positive comments. My news years resolution. But can we please shoot free throws...oops maybe next year.

 

[gmujim92]

Worried about KD’s lack of minutes. Hope it doesn’t turn into a Keyson Hall situation. I can’t even blame him for being upset

He has nobody to blame but himself for getting outplayed by a freshman. Begg was terrific on both ends today and if he keeps earning those backup PG minutes so be it.

 

[MASONscott]

When the ball moves our offense moves. Love that we used the weave effectively. It keeps the defense honest, provides one-on-one match-ups for Haynes and gets a shooter or driver open (O’Connor the benefactor in this game).

 

[DRK331]

Attendance for the Davidson game was: 3,105

Getting better!

Box score:

GM vs. Davidson (PDF) - George Mason University Athletics

GM vs. Davidson (PDF)

gomason.com

 

[Falco]

Tony Skinn post game press:

https://fb.watch/wQ8hhQSWXN/

Does Haynes have prepared answers? Looked like he was reading his responses to the media

 

[GMUgemini]

Does Haynes have prepared answers? Looked like he was reading his responses to the media

He was just looking at the stat sheet they give everyone. I love how he walked out smiling saying “my block!”

 

[hoopsjunkie75]

Worried about KD’s lack of minutes. Hope it doesn’t turn into a Keyson Hall situation. I can’t even blame him for being upset

Can't be a Keyshawn Hall situation, he's a fifth year with nowhere to go.

He can either play for minutes, or sit. Don't care either way. I want him to succeed, but if he doesn't perform, there are always benches that need to be warmed.

As someone else said, you gotta play the hot hand.

 

[mkaufman1]

He has nobody to blame but himself for getting outplayed by a freshman. Begg was terrific on both ends today and if he keeps earning those backup PG minutes so be it.

Completely agree- KD is only hurting himself and his professional prospects by not having a solid senior year and looking to contribute.

The thing is, this team has enough talent that there can be someone new every night perform. I certainly hope that KD has his few nights where he chips in 10-15 points and plays a solid 20 minutes in conference play. He has shown glimpses at times much like Anderson has shown glimpses as well. While he hasn't had a huge output, the last few games its apparent he is settling into his role and contributing. I fully expect Anderson to have himself a night where he fills it up in a conference game.

Begg looked great when he came in, and if nothing more let KD help push Begg to be better considering Begg is the future in the backcourt for us. We still need KD's experience and ability even if its for a few minutes a game.

 

[NewPatriot]

Completely agree- KD is only hurting himself and his professional prospects by not having a solid senior year and looking to contribute.

The thing is, this team has enough talent that there can be someone new every night perform. I certainly hope that KD has his few nights where he chips in 10-15 points and plays a solid 20 minutes in conference play. He has shown glimpses at times much like Anderson has shown glimpses as well. While he hasn't had a huge output, the last few games its apparent he is settling into his role and contributing. I fully expect Anderson to have himself a night where he fills it up in a conference game.

Begg looked great when he came in, and if nothing more let KD help push Begg to be better considering Begg is the future in the backcourt for us. We still need KD's experience and ability even if its for a few minutes a game.

In the MSM post game presser, Tony said 2/3 of all the Mason's plays call for Jalyen Haynes as the 1st option. Everyone else plays off him.

 

[gmutom]

I think a lot of guys think they are going to transfer down and automatically start, play 35 minutes a game and average 18 points, and then they're shocked when their game doesn't easily translate to what they perceived to be a step down.

KD can still be a valuable member of this team, but he needs to adjust his attitude and expectations if he wants to be a contributor rather than "the guy." If he doesn't, good riddance. We'll ride with O'Connor, Begg and Quigley.

 

[GSII]

I think Anderson will thrive more in a catch and shoot situations. So verse man to man defense he may struggle to make shots. Which is going to be an issue bc nobody really plays us zone.

KD is getting a reality check in Fairfax. There aren't thousands of fans blowing up his ego here like there was at Auburn. The reality, which Pearl saw coming imo, was his attitude needs to be recalobrated b.c it has negitively impacted his play. Tony is alot of things, but Im not sure if he can right that boys mind.

 

[NewPatriot]

I think Anderson will thrive more in a catch and shoot situations.

This.

View: https://youtu.be/b9yLEQ20V3M?si=5guFgme5RvStIKv3


If you look at his transfer portal tape, the analytics feed show a break down of his catch at shoot %'s.

left side of the arc(16% of his fgas..45%), right side of the arc(11% of his fgas...59%)

Skinn also needs to post him up more...he's got a great turnaround jumper.

 

[Falco]

In the MSM post game presser, Tony said 2/3 of all the Mason's plays call for Jalyen Haynes as the 1st option. Everyone else plays off him.

I’m sure the A10 already knows that, but I was surprised to hear Skinn tip his hand

 

[NewPatriot]

I’m sure the A10 already knows that, but I was surprised to hear Skinn tip his hand

He's like Joe Gibbs..the skins ran 3 running plays..counter Trey left, counter trey right and gut 50. Everyone knew it was coming but no one could stop'em.

 

[gmujim92]

I think a lot of guys think they are going to transfer down and automatically start, play 35 minutes a game and average 18 points, and then they're shocked when their game doesn't easily translate to what they perceived to be a step down.

KD can still be a valuable member of this team, but he needs to adjust his attitude and expectations if he wants to be a contributor rather than "the guy." If he doesn't, good riddance. We'll ride with O'Connor, Begg and Quigley.

The problem is his body language often SUCKS when he’s not in the game and we don’t need that — feels like everyone else is bought in for what’s best for the team, then there’s one guy who stops the offense by dribbling way too much and sulks on the bench.

He’s not nearly good enough to be worth all of the BS, but I hope if he stays he figures out how to contribute in a positive manner.

 

[DRK331]

Full game vs Davidson here on Youtube

Full game vs Davidson here on Youtube

 

[GunstonsGhost]

For me, this was the most hype game since the Richmond game at the end of the last season. Even some of the grumps were grumbling with what could be perceived as excitement. I came in with a nice NYE buzz and we started out strong, which helped maintain my buzz. Then when I thought I was having too much fun someone (at first I thought this was Mason Police) came and asked if my grandson wanted to throw down some dunks at halftime. He had a blast with that. Although, I think he was more interested in the Masonettes than anything. Then in the second half the t-shirt gun shot me right in the chest. 2 swag shirts and a great performance of basketball made for a fun way to celebrate the new year.