AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStopping Visser the key
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry I don’t have a lot of time today, but I’m writing, tying up loose ends while getting ready to head to Tampa and searching frantically for a dog that’s been lost since 8:30 last night. Kids left the back gate open, and poof! Gone.
The single biggest key to Tech’s game against Wake Forest, in my opinion, is Kyle Visser. He killed them in Wake’s win over Tech with 26 points and nine rebounds, and when Tech beat Wake he had 16-8.
When he’s got it going, the defense starts collapsing that much more and it opens the floor for teammates.
I think he’s the most improved player in the ACC this season, and not just because he’s improved his scoring and rebounding from 5.0/4.3 to 16.9/7.2 between his junior and senior seasons (and that’s a huge bump). He sees better, and draws fouls on purpose several times per game.
In fact, he gets to the free throw line more than anybody in the ACC except UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough (8.4 apg to 7.4 apg). He’s a 64.4 percent free throw shooter, which is neither great nor terrible.
Wake, though, is 11th in the ACC in free throw shooting (63 percent), and the way Tech’s been willing to foul to prevent quality shots lately, that would seem to favor Tech. This is the lowest FT percentage by Wake since 1952. Senior reserve Michael Drum is an exception, hitting 85.7 percent of his free throws.
I shouldn’t say this, but I think Tech’s going to drill Wake. Other than defending Visser (and nearly everbody else) better the second time around, the Jackets seemed to figure out Wake’s lightning-quick point guard, freshman Ishmael Smith. Add the two together, and if you step on the snake’s head and tail, that snake’s hurting.
More from Tampa to come …
Comments
By YELLAR JACKET
March 7, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Tech is on a roll nobody is playing better right now Tech will win at least2 ACC Tournament games. And then who knows? TECH DRILLS WAKE
By dbo
March 7, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
I think your right on Matt. Jeremis Smith will shut down Visser.
By GT
March 7, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
They were so much more physical with him the second time. Tech has discovered they can use up some fouls guarding key players and still have some left at the end of the game. Plus once they start the physical play the refs seem to let them play like they do Duke and Carolina.
By 3 Rivers jacket
March 7, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I think we are rready to do some good in the ACC tourney. We will not be seeded high enough probably to go deep in the NCAA. But this is a little like 2004 when Jarrett Jack took over the team as Crittendon has done. The much sought after chemistry seems to be there. Somebody tell me about the redshirt that was mentioned a day or so ago-Matt Causey- is this Lefty’s grandson. Can he really play. Also do the math for me again on how we shoehorn in our recruits under the 13 limit unless there are whlesale transfers. I do not think you can use the Hope but i could be wrong.
By Burdell's Brother
March 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
I am cautiously optimistic about the game tomorrow. I large part of me wants to get excited and star looking to a V. Tech match up, but then the other part of me remembers previous let downs. I do find it interesting Morrow is starting instead of West. The energy and defensive pressure he brings is like sticking a match to kerosene. But after what Hewitt has done with this bunch, far be it from me to question him. I hope they come out punch WF in the mouth, and can let the guys rest by the end of the ball game so they will have their legs the remainder of the way.
By David
March 7, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Burdell’s Brother. Morrow has been starting every game recently except Sr day b/c West was a SR, why wouldn’t he be starting in the ACC tourney?
By BlackJacket
March 7, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
And we have been getting down in pretty much every game. We should start West to set the tone and bring Morrow in quickly afterward.
By Matt Winkeljohn
March 7, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Dog found. Details tomorrow.
By legendary hoopsjonesman
March 7, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
from offical Tech site
By Scuzz
March 7, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Matt, glad to hear you found your dog! I too think we whoop Wake. We match up great against them. Va Tech however will be a challange. First thing first, take care of Wake. Go Jackets!
By Scuzz
March 7, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
3 Rivers Jacket, freshman Ty Anderson is the grandson of Charles “Lefty” Driesell.
By yeller jacket
March 8, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Well, we haven’t stopped Visser and everytime we seem to get it rolling, we give them a 3 pt play. This team has been waiting ALL day and seem lathargic. Hopefully, the jets crank up in second half.
By yeller jacket
March 8, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
another dang 3 pt play for Wake. Can we stop fouling?????????????????????? 29-25 w/ Wake scoring on consecutive 3 pt foul plays.
By yeller jacket
March 8, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Ok. last post. play by play. we are not setting screens and we are reverting back to mid season form. Come on Paul. Get some life into these kids on offense. On a positive note, Smith is playing with AUTHORITYYYYYY