Serbia vs. Russia on now (MozGod)

[Rasho Brezec]

He had a lovely spin move just now, but blew a wide open layup then.

Okay, and another nice post move. This one was textbook stuff.

[can o peas]

Lol, I'm not sore about anything, I'm well aware of their limitations.The fact of the matter is, Russia plays very unattractive style of basketball. Combine that with Slovenia's lack of organized system and you've got an ugly game.

Couple of things about Mozgov: his awareness really is poor. One of the Russian guards went in for a layup and instead of clearing out the lane, he stopped right underneath the basket so Brezec who has the vertical of an elephant blocked his weak layup.

On another occasion, he couldn't outmuscle Brezec for a post up because he positioned himself badly.

Just now, he goaltended a shot that had no chance of going in.

are you in slovenia? you should have went even though it's an exhibition.

anyway mozgov in now, had a nice move to the basket but missed the finger roll and then had a nice move for a basket. four fouls though, dang.

[Rasho Brezec]

I'm going tomorrow.

[K_ick_God]

Good looking post move from Moz in the paint. Up-fake and put it up softly with the left hand off the glass. He has a good feel for the rim.

He just had another nice fake in the paint and drew the foul. Nothing but the bottom of the net on both FT's.

His defensive awareness does not look there.

[K_ick_God]

The Slovenian coach is chubby and should be wearing a looser fitting shirt.

I'll keep coming with my observations

[Rasho Brezec]

You leave Fred Flinstone alone.

[K_ick_God]

Good pick and roll by Moz just now, draws the foul. He moves well around the basket.

My initial feeling is that he seems like more of an offensive player because he has not yet learned to use his size to defend. Hopefully it can be taught.

But pretty comfortable scoring the ball.

Just hit two more FTs perfectly - definitely has good motion on his release.

He just had a big block at the rim.

[K_ick_God]

He doesn't always seem to know where to be -- definitely a bit lost at times, sets unnecessary picks, etc. But very good motor -- always moving.

My take on it is if he keeps it very simple, he shines.

For instance, he doesn't have good help instincts but if he zeroes in on you defensively and bears down, he can use his size/agility to erase your shot usually.

If he gets the ball darting to the rim, he's going to finish or draw the foul. But if the play becomes too complicated, he can get lost.

Russia on a late frantic run. Mosgov is key to the rally.

[K_ick_God]

Just grabbed an offensive board. He doesn't seem to be a great rebounder though, that one kind of fell into his lap.

He seems to fit 7SOL because he's good in quick strike situations.

[can o peas]

I couldn't find the Team USA thread but there's a Blue vs. White scrimmage on NBATV right now.

[duetta]

Sounds like the Knicks really need to hire a legit big-man coach.

[gavran]

Sounds like the Knicks really need to hire a legit big-man coach.

This is more important than ever. Mozgov can be a legit NBA center with some tutoring. Boxing out properly, positioning on court, timing on his blocks are things that he needs to learn, and those don't require talent, just proper teaching. The Engine doesn't seem to have a good amount of god given talent, but some of his post moves, his shooting form, his pick and roll plays is textbook stuff. That shows that he's not only willing to learn, but is succesful in it too. He'll never wow you with creativity, but if you follow what's in the book, you'll be efficient, and that's what The Engine is. The question is that will he be efficiend for 3 minutes, or 30, and that's on the coaching.

[Stuckey-man]

Sounds like the Knicks really need to hire a legit big-man coach.

I always ask this question and no one ever answer.

How do you know the Knicks don't have a "legit" big-man coach when the coach they have has never had a legit big-man?

[Rasho Brezec]

He hit two threes in a row during halftime warm ups today. He better not try that **** next season.

[K_ick_God]

He hit two threes in a row during halftime warm ups today. He better not try that **** next season.

Moz sunk two threes in a row, is what you are saying?

He has a feel for the rim from the perimeter -- that's borderline shocking to me.

He can be huge in 7SOL if he does three things:

1. PNR and finish or draw fouls where he can evidently hit his FT's.

2. Use his size and mobility to challenge shots in the paint.

3. Hit a jumper once in a while.

He probably has 1 done.

2 is going to be a challenge, taking time and coaching.

3 would be gravy but seems to hold surprising promise.

[can o peas]

He hit two threes in a row during halftime warm ups today. He better not try that **** next season.

was that for the third place game? who did they play and how did he do?

[K_ick_God]

He hit two threes in a row during halftime warm ups today. He better not try that **** next season.

Also can you give us his statline and your scouting report on today's performance from Mozgov?

[GnarlesOakley]

With the proper coaching Mozgov could be huge in this system. Too bad we have Herb.

[K_ick_God]

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/basketball/n ... one-russia

The Tall Blacks fell into foul trouble during the second period while consecutive three-point plays from Vitaliy Fridzon and Timofey Mozgov gave Russia a six-point advantage which was trimmed to two by the halftime break.

[Rasho Brezec]

He played two and a half minutes, got 7 points and one steal. Also, he looked like slow motion running the court.