Thoughts on Matt Thomas

[DrShekelstein]

We lost so much with Babb, McGee, and Clyburn graduating this year. Thomas needs to adjust to our man coverage, or other teams will get easy open shots off of simple screens.

 

[NATEizKING]

We lost so much with Babb, McGee, and Clyburn graduating this year. Thomas needs to adjust to our man coverage, or other teams will get easy open shots off of simple screens.

Good news is we have the size to allow him to play D on their worst 1-3 player. Kane and Hogue at 6'4" and 6'6" play good defense and will not be outsized by any guards. Last year with McGee and Lucious on the floor, it was tough with the height difference and bad defense they played when both of those guys were out there at the same time.

 

[Cydkar]

Why does he have any reason to lie to the media about never playing man defense? Seems weird.

I never said it was a lie. It was hyperbole.

 

[acgclone]

Good news is we have the size to allow him to play D on their worst 1-3 player. Kane and Hogue at 6'4" and 6'6" play good defense and will not be outsized by any guards. Last year with McGee and Lucious on the floor, it was tough with the height difference and bad defense they played when both of those guys were out there at the same time.

Agreed. Everyone thought our problem was post defense the past couple of years, but out post players usually struggled mainly when opposing guards were getting into the lane at will. That's when you pick up fouls. @ K-State was the only game I feel like we really abused by posts in the paint by posts.

 

[DurangoCy]

Guessing the last two you listed would be the first two off the bench.

Nope, all starters.

 

[RustShack]

Here's my question:

Vaughn and McKay come here next year. Does Thomas start?

Morris-Thomas-Vaughn-Nader-Niang

 

[Snyder21]

Morris-Thomas-Vaughn-Nader-Niang

Agree. With Mckay and Hogue working into the front court and Percy if we're in foul trouble. And Custer, SDW, Long, and Bluford to make up the back court minutes somehow. Deep dream team

 

[Cincyclone]

Why does he have any reason to lie to the media about never playing man defense? Seems weird.

It's called an exaggeration.

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Seriously, I don't think the original comparison to Paige had anything to do with ability. Just on the fact that's he feels like he's been around for so long. Kind of like how Jess Settles played for Iowa for about 17 years.

But to compare, I was going to say Thomas is most like a combination of Hoiberg and Jesus, but since those two are the same, even the fails to compare.

 

[HoraceGrant]

Haven't read the whole thread but if Thomas puts up similar numbers this year to what Gatens did his freshman year I think almost everyone would be quite happy. 10PPG over 40% from 3

 

[BryceC]

I like how when trying to compare him to someone, it automatically has to be a white player.

Well give us a black player he reminds you of that played for Iowa State.

 

[Doc]

I've seen one complete game with him and think it's impossible to think of a good comp until he feels like he has to take more shots for us to win. There are a million comps right now because he just looks like a great spot up shooter with a better than average handle, nice size, and a floater...what I would love to see out of Matt is a Marcus Denmon type, but we'll see if he has the game inside of the 3 pt line that Denmon had. It really just depends on what kinds of shots he can get off as he develops -- you can't make a shot you don't take! :smile:

 

[Dingus]

If Thomas is able to stay with quicker, more athletic guards on D he's going to get all the minutes he can handle. Great stroke, great passer, good handles.

 

[rholtgraves]

Well give us a black player he reminds you of that played for Iowa State.

Willoughby, Justus Thigpen,

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Well give us a black player he reminds you of that played for Iowa State.

Jake Sullivan, clearly.

 

[drednot57]

I didn't watch the game, just listened to it on the radio. Sounded like Matt Thomas had some Freshman jitters in the 1st half, and that he really played well in the 2nd. He should be a great player for us. Georges Niang kind of struggled this game. Imagine if he plays like he is capable of and all of the other players play well, this team will be dangerous!

FIFY

 

[CoKane]

Thought this would be the best place to post this. My dad and I were talking about Matt Thomas recently, and we both noticed he seems to make more long 3s then the 3s he shoots right on the arc. Is it possible that he's just been too close the entire time and he needed to back up? Sort of a strange problem to have.

 

[CyTwins]

Thought this would be the best place to post this. My dad and I were talking about Matt Thomas recently, and we both noticed he seems to make more long 3s then the 3s he shoots right on the arc. Is it possible that he's just been too close the entire time and he needed to back up? Sort of a strange problem to have.

He doesn't get many open looks at 3's unless he's real deep.

 

[greatshu]

Thought this would be the best place to post this. My dad and I were talking about Matt Thomas recently, and we both noticed he seems to make more long 3s then the 3s he shoots right on the arc. Is it possible that he's just been too close the entire time and he needed to back up? Sort of a strange problem to have.

Just like Naz and Matt both stinks shooting free throws, but they are really good three point shooters. Maybe they should shoot free throw from three point range.

 

[Bigman38]

Thought this would be the best place to post this. My dad and I were talking about Matt Thomas recently, and we both noticed he seems to make more long 3s then the 3s he shoots right on the arc. Is it possible that he's just been too close the entire time and he needed to back up? Sort of a strange problem to have.

No, it's just indicative of his confidence level rising. Seeing him attack the basket shows that his confidence is going up too.