I’m just not sure what people expect from him. Offensively, he is never going to be a lead guard. He is a secondary ball handler who takes care of the ball (lowest TO rate of all our guards, by far), is our best press breaker, gets to the rim at will, and defends three positions at a high level. Isn’t a confident shooter and sometimes gets trapped in the paint by help, but that’s about all I could say negatively about him. Kid is an outstanding complementary player to three high level scorers. It’s a shame we can’t recognize it.
what a great still shot of Martin - the dog wagging his tongue when was the last time are defense was this good? Definitely not since BD days
My favorite play of the game might have been when we were going on one of our runs, Clayton jumped up to try to strip the ball from their big outside the arc. He got called for a foul but we would never have seen that kind of defensive aggression from him last year. As another poster said, Martin's "dog" is rubbing off on the other players. We really do smell blood when we're going on one of our signature runs. Those 3 straight steals were a thing of beauty too
Yeah, those were fantastic plays by the defense. They weren't just offensive mistakes. It was right after that that I noticed it took all the life out of Hurley. Not much arguing and whining from that point on.
The team too. I felt like that run with the steals just made ASU start pressing on O. Hero ball. Bad shots. Etc. they knew at that point they were outgunned.
I hate the term because it’s over used, but the ball just sticks in his hands ever so slightly. If 2 dribbles and a pass would have gotten it done, he dribbles 3 times and passes. He is absolutely a great complementary option though. And I do think he is so so, so close to it all clicking. He’s a true four year guy.
I haven't had this much fun watching Gator basketball since the '04s and 2013-14. This team has so many players that can contribute in so many ways. It seems that all of our players are jacks-of-all-trades. Very versatile and deep. I feel this team will go far in March/April.
An article on ASU vs UF game from Arizona ASU's offense lags behind as No. 9 Florida guards shoot lights out
If Richard is consistently aggressive like yesterday we can hit the next level. I am looking forward to seeing how we handle the upcoming SEC buzz saw. UNC in Charlotte is going to be fun.
That steal Clayton had on the fast break for ASU was a thing of beauty. He lets that go last year and most players don't even try. This team has bought into the defensive mind set. Props to Golden for making adjustments and changes from last year.
I am sure you noticed, but all Hurley’s complain about reffing. They figure, just like yesterday, if they get called out on it, the refs will consider in their heads, if the coach is right. Notice all the Ricky tat calls on us afterwards. they were hitting us everytime we went to the basket. They could have called a few and some and +1. Nope. They couldn’t beat us because of Elijah would block it, steal it or rebound it almost every time down the court. Elijah has turned out to be everything we needed. as a scorer, you have to try to stop him, good luck, the energized mean hyena, another wide right hand layup from two to 10 ft out. his three point shooting when he gets set, well last night a couple of daggers when we needed them. he compliments the whole team and let’s Walter do more this year then before. My MVP so far far.
