Gus was a good friend of mine Went to elementary school and on up with him. Lost him several years ago unfortunately. Believe he was the first Spider to score a basket at the then new Robins Center.
Grace
- Thread starter KE Spider
- Start date
Year ain’t over yet…Sorry but this moves down to 2nd biggest shot of the year!
And yes, want Grace back next year. He has just improved so much and is playing with such confidence. He has earned the starting nod for this team next year.
Just wait until Matt Grace wins an NCAA game for us…
He got absolutely hammered on that play, the guy tries to half-nelson his arm but he has the wherewithal to keep going and finish. And then hit the FT. Great play.
He’s improved so much this year. The fact that he’s keeping Grant or Cayo on the bench at times is a testament to how well he’s playing.
And damn, does he have a set of stones on him… Someone officially name him Mr. Clutch!
And damn, does he have a set of stones on him… Someone officially name him Mr. Clutch!
I want a Matt Grace bobblehead. I see the Kevin Anderson one sitting on my desk every day.
They changed his jersey number to 8675309
For a good time call his number...in the huddle...
Perhaps I have watched this too many times tonight, but as a long time Spider fan, I will never forget it. Queuing it up again, to bed, and making travel plans in the morning.
This day has been so long in coming. Let's make the most of it.
And the dude was a stone cold killer at the foul line. Just as impressive as the shot.
what a great tournament he had.
safe to say we all desperately want him back next year. if he leaves to study astro physics or whatever he's interested in, then his phone will ring off the hook. he's a player, and his confidence is through the roof now.
safe to say we all desperately want him back next year. if he leaves to study astro physics or whatever he's interested in, then his phone will ring off the hook. he's a player, and his confidence is through the roof now.
Have watched video of Grace banging in that 2 pointer under heavy pressure and 1 so many times feel like he scored 40 points. Damn, that is some good stuff. Love the way Grant came over and grabbed his jersey as if to say, you are da man.
Iowa is very good, but Spiders will not be an easy out.
Iowa is very good, but Spiders will not be an easy out.
I was probably the biggest Grace doubter on here. His 3 against Dayton was clutch, was huge, was the game winner. Super impressive shot but Grace has always shown the confidence to take the 3 ball.
However, the play he made against Davidson, that is new Grace right there. This year, Matt has developed the confidence to use his 6'10 frame and bang inside like a good big man should. But just the confidence he has to not just take, but make that shot with the season on the line. You could write an ESPN 30 for 30 on that almost.
LEGEND. He has etched himself forever in the annals of UR basketball history.
However, the play he made against Davidson, that is new Grace right there. This year, Matt has developed the confidence to use his 6'10 frame and bang inside like a good big man should. But just the confidence he has to not just take, but make that shot with the season on the line. You could write an ESPN 30 for 30 on that almost.
LEGEND. He has etched himself forever in the annals of UR basketball history.
Yeah, I love that but according to Grant he told him to make the effing FT.
S-man. I have railed on you for a while now on your rosy prognostications of some of Mooney's recruits over the years. Feel free to take a well deserved victory lap on my ass with Grace.
Matt's come a long way. you weren't wrong early on. he's a really solid player now.
Last year's NIT went a long way to boost his confidence
Postgame Grant was asked about grabbing Grace and said he told him to "make the free throw". He laughed but I don't think he was joking.
I was going to post this same sentiment. It's why saying we should pack it up and go home if we don't make the NCAA Tourney is really, really misinformed.
Spider Fan thanks for picking this up...I knew Mennenga was #3 and still referenced Luka who I think is #35...I blame it on age, or Championship celebration hangover, but it's probably a bit of both...
Go Spiders!
Mennenga is a big strong guy and Grace just over powered him. Interestingly, my pre game scout I mentioned just stay between Mennenga and the basket and he can't hurt you, and he nails 3 3's. Coming out of half time,, The announcers said Mooney's plan was to guard the other 4 at the line and let Mennenga shoot them. It seemed like a good plan to me too, but he had other ideas.
I could use that entire video as a clinic for young players.
before Grant even starts the pass, Matt sees the potential for the pass and gets his hands and feet ready.
and on the drive, talks about "burying" the defender under the rim. that's not a cocky saying. that was a tactical plan. get the guy that deep. then you've got him. great stuff.
Matt seems like a really good guy. a humble winner.
before Grant even starts the pass, Matt sees the potential for the pass and gets his hands and feet ready.
and on the drive, talks about "burying" the defender under the rim. that's not a cocky saying. that was a tactical plan. get the guy that deep. then you've got him. great stuff.
Matt seems like a really good guy. a humble winner.
The video interview with Grace is great. 2 things that stood out to me from the video and his A10 tourney.
1) Corner Three - he recognized his guy cheating to Grant, so he spaced to corner, and he was thinking ahead. He said - my guy is so far off me, if I get this I am shooting it. He was prepared.
2) Drive on Davidson - I would love to hear Mooney's take on it, but I wonder what play call was. Grace fakes a screen and pops out to three point line. Catches pass from Gilyard. Goose cuts back door, but its pretty worthless as his man is way off him. There is really no action on the right side - everyone is just looking at Grace, so Grace says - I see I have the whole side to myself and decide, I am going to take my man and "bury" him under the basket.
These were both great plays by Grace, no doubt. But I can't help but imagine - if he missed that 3 pointer in the corner - we would be killing Grant for passing and not making a play, or Grace for shooting a 3 and not getting it to our better players - Gilyard and Burton. Or killing Mooney for not getting a play designed for a shot for Burton or Gilyard.
Same with Davidson drive - if that drive doesn't work, we are killing Mooney and staff for terrible play design, or why are our playmakers not handling the ball and letting them drive.
This just goes to show how much credit and blame coaches get for little things. I am happy Grace made the plays, happy they won, and happy they get the bid - but this just shows how close this was to being a bad day on the message boards.
Overall - I think this success helps Grace stick around at UR for next season. He got the NCAA bid. He has shown he can play and will likely start next season. Sure - he could go elsewhere and chase another NCAA bid, but with that in his back pocket - next season could be a chance for him to show how good he is or can be, and who knows - maybe he makes an all A10 team and surprises everyone.
1) Corner Three - he recognized his guy cheating to Grant, so he spaced to corner, and he was thinking ahead. He said - my guy is so far off me, if I get this I am shooting it. He was prepared.
2) Drive on Davidson - I would love to hear Mooney's take on it, but I wonder what play call was. Grace fakes a screen and pops out to three point line. Catches pass from Gilyard. Goose cuts back door, but its pretty worthless as his man is way off him. There is really no action on the right side - everyone is just looking at Grace, so Grace says - I see I have the whole side to myself and decide, I am going to take my man and "bury" him under the basket.
These were both great plays by Grace, no doubt. But I can't help but imagine - if he missed that 3 pointer in the corner - we would be killing Grant for passing and not making a play, or Grace for shooting a 3 and not getting it to our better players - Gilyard and Burton. Or killing Mooney for not getting a play designed for a shot for Burton or Gilyard.
Same with Davidson drive - if that drive doesn't work, we are killing Mooney and staff for terrible play design, or why are our playmakers not handling the ball and letting them drive.
This just goes to show how much credit and blame coaches get for little things. I am happy Grace made the plays, happy they won, and happy they get the bid - but this just shows how close this was to being a bad day on the message boards.
Overall - I think this success helps Grace stick around at UR for next season. He got the NCAA bid. He has shown he can play and will likely start next season. Sure - he could go elsewhere and chase another NCAA bid, but with that in his back pocket - next season could be a chance for him to show how good he is or can be, and who knows - maybe he makes an all A10 team and surprises everyone.
it's not like football where every play is called. coaches teach players to run a system, then read and react. I no way Mooney called for that pass from Grant to Matt, or a clearout for Matt to drive. but opportunity presented itself and we were ready when it did.
and no, we shouldn't be angry with players or coaches if those same shots didn't go in. they were prepared. they made plays. they took good shots. this time they went in.
and no, we shouldn't be angry with players or coaches if those same shots didn't go in. they were prepared. they made plays. they took good shots. this time they went in.
Need to make this point one more time since we get crapped on by other schools for our crowds often - our crowd on Sunday in D.C. was phenomenal. Really great showing by Spider Nation.
The passion of our fans was really on display and it showed on TV. When we made big shots the crowd was going absolutely nuts. Happy for the students who were really riled up. Hopefully it puts some long term enthusiasm back into the student body toward hoops.
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