Matt Thomas

[cyclones500]

The way things played out, it's hard to argue that MT's last second shot didn't take Iowa's will. And he was so cool. You often see players panic in that spot and shoot it far too early. He took it as far down court as he could, set his feet, and nailed it. Best play of the game, in my opinion.

Yes.

As I posted in the game thread, I thought he was being too non-urgent and wouldn't beat the clock. He seemed to sense he had just enough time to dribble up and fire a 3 in rhythm.

Thomas has had some inconsistency with his shooting, perhaps he's more effective when he plays more on instinct. I'm excited to see his game develop. (It's like Ejim or Homan, with different details).

 

[Guetterdone1]

Yes.

As I posted in the game thread, I thought he was being too non-urgent and wouldn't beat the clock. He seemed to sense he had just enough time to dribble up and fire a 3 in rhythm.

Thomas has had some inconsistency with his shooting, perhaps he's more effective when he plays more on instinct. I'm excited to see his game develop. (It's like Ejim or Homan, with different details).

More Mcthree. No conscious.

 

[IcSyU]

His biggest development is on the defensive end of the floor. Last year he was a total liability. This year he understands positioning much better. Does he still get beat sometimes? Yes, every defender does, but he looks like an athlete now and not just a shooter.

 

[jbindm]

The game definitely turned on the buzzer beater. It took the crowd out of the game and gave our guys a much needed boost. The way the team reacted you can just tell that they know what he's capable of. Once he develops a little more consistency he'll be a guy that must be accounted for at all times. Good young player and I'm pumped to see how his career at ISU unfolds.

 

[Sigmapolis]

From a purely eye test perspective, Matt looks completely different than last year.
I followed him on a few defensive possessions and he played very solid defense. I agree that some point this year he'll break out for a huge game.

If if he doesn't, I still think he's a solid rotation player that gives huge minutes. He was borderline a liability at times last year. No where near that this year.

Some advanced stats out of Matty Ice...

Season	School	Conf	G	MP	PER	TS%	eFG%	ORB%	DRB%	TRB%	AST%	STL%	BLK%	TOV%	USG%	PProd	ORtg	DRtg	OWS	DWS	WS	WS/40
2013-14	Iowa State	Big 12	36	763	9.6	.506	.489	0.9	9.5	5.4	8.2	1.5	0.9	8.0	13.6	182	106.7	106.3	0.7	0.9	1.5	.080
2014-15	Iowa State	Big 12	6	118	13.5	.543	.529	1.1	16.2	9.0	12.2	1.0	0.0	5.3	16.1	36	117.5	100.7	0.2	0.2	0.4	.137

He's still not a world-beater, but that's definitely more a solid rotational guy and not somebody who has to see his minutes concentrate on the other guards last in the season as it happened.

 

[Thomasrickj]

Did anyone notice he was also very good on defense last night? He spent a ton of time getting himself into great shape in the offseason and he is cut now.

Was anyone else sitting there thinking "this idiot isn't going to get his shot off in time!" and then he just BARELY got it off. That was sweet.

 

[SerenityNow]

Awesome shot, rest were quite a bit off. But I'm not worried...so much more confidence out of him this year. I'm confident the there where be more nights where he goes off with 4 of 6 from three than what he did last night.

 

[Cyclonepride]

His biggest development is on the defensive end of the floor. Last year he was a total liability. This year he understands positioning much better. Does he still get beat sometimes? Yes, every defender does, but he looks like an athlete now and not just a shooter.

I agree, and it seems like most of the time where he's getting beat, it's because he was helping off and rushing back. McKay's arrival should allow us to play straight up with most, which should improve our overall defense greatly.

 

[Bestaluckcy]

Matt is a little ahead of where Naz was last year at this time. Naz didn't hit his huge clutch shots until conference play. Great to see his progress.

 

[heitclone]

He just had 20 a couple games ago, we're built like an NBA team, some nights its another guys turn to step up. Tonight it was Nader, next game could easily be Matt. When McKay is eligible, we'll have 9 guys who I'm totally comfortable on the floor at any time during the game. If one or two of the guys off the bench step up on any given night, we will be really tough to beat.