Not really "One on One." That's just the title of the article. But Mobley and Francis have been guarding each other in "most scrimmages" during camp. Seriously pushing each other. Question: Does anyone else read this as Francis is practicing 2 guard? Or, is this just a case of switching positions between offense and defense. I guess it doesn't matter in certain motion systems. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/1602957 here's the quote that has me wondering. <blockquote><hr> Both players put on a show in Wednesday's night practice. Francis <b>moved back to point guard late in the scrimmage</b> and went through a spectacular stretch that had coaches and teammates talking. <hr></blockquote> Some motion systems do not distinguish between a 1 and a 2. If this is so with the Rox, it somewhat narrows the field of systems, if you're interested in guessing the system, like I am.
"We're going hard," Mobley, aka the Cat, said. "We always go hard against each other. It's a Cat-dog fight. That's how it is. So Cat is calling Wink a dog! Thats not nice at all.
I think the more interesting part is what is now bolded. Despite his highlight reel game, to me Francis has never beent he type to put on a prolonged spectacular run of plays that just make you sit there with your mouth open (and the one time I remember him specfically doing it against the Jazzholes he was ejected before the 2nd half started). From the early descriptions of the offense, though, it sounds like the type that should allow Francis to have more strings of just amazing play - whether it is at a defined position doesn't worry me.... ...unless we start having problems with turnovers, getting back on defense, etc.
This is a neat site about motion offenses. Check it out! Check out "43", think we'll see a variation of this play with the Rocks' brand new sweet-shooting, slick passing C?
Jay: I hear what you are saying, but that would impress me against a NBA Starter PG, not against Moochie or Tierre, as I read that as "late in the scrimmage" he moved away from being guarded by Mobley. Not to say Mobley is a great defender, just that Francis is way to big and strong for Moochie and Tierre. Oh, and that John Stockton guy, too. It does sound like the 5-man game might be trying to relieve Francis of primary playmaking chores, and allow him to run around picks, get low post position, and all around play without having to worry about everyone else. So, yeah, it sounds like the offense might have a goal of trying to allow him to score more within a team offense.
I think the staff just wanted to pit the two best guards against each other to increase competition and prepare them better. Why run your starters against the second team, that isn't challenging enough.
Good point. Imagine how effective Francis can be if he doesn't have to beat his man straight up. Coming off picks and beating a guy who is trying to recover his position is much easier than trying to beat a defender who has established his position and is D'ing up. Catch'em moving one direction and head the other way with that quick first step is how MJ abused so many people over the years. Now if that 7'6 guy can set a nice pick like I think he can our shooters should get some open looks this year.
Well....nevermind! Although it is a little dissapointing that our coaches ould get "blown away" by Steve doing some impressive stuff with Tierre guarding him. Just getting their (and our) hopes up, I guess.
A big part of it is that they generally split up into 3 separate teams and I don't think they have 3 separate 2 guards where the challenge would be as great. Putting Mobley and Francis on one another makes for a fun battle I'm sure.
Actually, I think you answered you own question with this statement. Steve matched up against Mobley may have more to do with Mobley being the only G big enough and experienced enough to give Steve a decent workout than any changing of roles specifically, though the new offense may relieve some of the primary play-making burden from Steve.
It's not surprising for Francis to be playing a little two guard, I mean he's does in every game when the 3 guard lineup comes out. This isn't a big deal in my opinion. I am excited about the stretch run he had during practice, regardless of who was guarding him because if the coaches and players were impressed, then you know it had to be good since those guys have PROFESSIONAL opinions.
Steve and Cuttino battling. Mooch, Tierre, Mickeal and Torres battling it out. KT vs. MT and EG. Rice and KT and Boki. Cato and and and um, well Cato... What great training camp battles are raging. Wait til Yao Ming gets here! By the way, is it politically correct (not that I give a rat's ass) to call Yao Ming - YM?
Just thinking... Am I the only one who would love to watch those two play against each other? Man, the trash talk must be priceless...
Each one would be scoring at will becaue neither of them has a clue about how to play man to man defense. DaDakota
