As much as we would like to speed up the process, we really won't know much about this year's BB team until late January/early February. It does seem, however, to have the potential to be a very good defensive team, perhaps one of the best since the (Bruce) Parkhill era.

Watching Terry Tarpey play actually reminds me a whole lot of one of the stalwarts of that era, Mike Strayhorn. Both really dominate the "possession" statistics (rebounds, steals, loose balls, etc.) which allow the defense to end the other team's possessions.

Too many W&M teams have fought for an entire defensive possession to stop the opponent, only to allow a putback on the second or third opportunity. And too often have past W&M teams lost close games to more physically gifted teams because of loose ball situations going the wrong way at the end.

Combined with Dixon, who seems to evolving into a shutdown defender guard, the Tribe might actually have something going on the defensive end.

There are no obvious defensive liabilities on this team (first 8 or 9 off the bench) like there have in past years. Every one of these guys appears to be an average or better defender and possess adequate size and athleticism to get the job done on defense.

Gotta have Thornton's offense, but Tarpey would be an easy and close second choice for MVP because of all the things he does well. Coach's dream.

I got a chance to see TT up close after a hard workout. This guy is a man.

Reminds me more of Kevin Richardson. Same type of player out of high school. Same body type. Same work ethic and hustle. Similarly, Kevin showed his best improvement in his junior year.

Strayhorn was more of a post player in a guard body. More like Billy Barnes. Strayhorn was smart, played great defense and handled the ball well. Not a great shooter, but awesome around the basket and on defense. He made most of his points around the basket and from 15 feet.

(11-25-2014 03:27 PM)tribeinexile Wrote:  As much as we would like to speed up the process, we really won't know much about this year's BB team until late January/early February. It does seem, however, to have the potential to be a very good defensive team, perhaps one of the best since the (Bruce) Parkhill era.

Watching Terry Tarpey play actually reminds me a whole lot of one of the stalwarts of that era, Mike Strayhorn. Both really dominate the "possession" statistics (rebounds, steals, loose balls, etc.) which allow the defense to end the other team's possessions.

Too many W&M teams have fought for an entire defensive possession to stop the opponent, only to allow a putback on the second or third opportunity. And too often have past W&M teams lost close games to more physically gifted teams because of loose ball situations going the wrong way at the end.

Combined with Dixon, who seems to evolving into a shutdown defender guard, the Tribe might actually have something going on the defensive end.

I didn't look at the postgame stats after last night, but going in, Tarpey had 15 assists to 1 TO, good for top 5 (2nd?) in the nation in A/TO ratio.

Had three more assists and one TO, which brings him to 18 assists and 2 TO's on the year.

Loved to watch Mike Strayhorn (aka Doctor Stray) play for the Indians (not yet the Tribe). Big difference physically between Strayhorn and Tarpey, though. Tarpey looks well put together, we used to refer to Strayhorn as "concave chest." I am not sure if hoops players hit the weight room back in those pre-shot clock, pre-three point line stall ball days.

The nightmare of the stall ball blown lead at Robbins Center against the Dukes will continue to haunt me until the memory is expunged this March in Baltimore. That's it, I'm all in, I'm bringing my dancing shoes to Charm City!!!!!!!