Wichita Eagle article on Gal Mekel

[wufan]

From the Wichita Eagle:
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/colleges/wichita_state_university/15261024.htm

"If he was actually the listed (6-foot-2), he'd be top NBA material. He has range and shooting touch, blazing speed, great handles with a deadly crossover, and excellent passing ability. He has a strong body, and he is clutch when the game is on the line and wants the ball in his hands. The only bad thing about him is comparing him to the other players he really is only 6-0."

Me likes!

[wufan]

Sorry I posted this. I used to post all the time, but got sick of all BS. I went down and read some of the battles on here so I'm sure this will get torched. Anyway, I'm excited about this year. Good luck to all the Valley teams!

[WuDrWu]

For some reason kids heights seem to often get stretched. I saw Gal when he was in Wichita and posted (maybe on shockernet) that he was not as tall as listed. Sure I am biased, but do oppenents feel any relief about the 2-3 inch shrinkage when an unbiased scout says "he'd be top NBA material"?

[outpost]

Not to say that this will happen, but just thinking on paper.......

With a Mekel-Braeure combo coming off the bench, the Shocks could get a real nice surge of energy.

[TrueBlueJay]

Braeure is going to be coming off the bench? Didn't he start last season? Why would he be coming off the bench this year?

[iSASO]

Two reasons possible: Karon Bradley, Sean Ogirri

[MSNSaluki]

I hope this guy turns out as well as his press clippings.
He could be a real asset to the Shockers.

[WuDrWu]

Two reasons possible: Karon Bradley, Sean Ogirri

Make that 3. Gal, Karon and Sean. I love Matt, he's a great kid and a winner, but minutes are going to be hard to come by. His intelligence and intensity will keep him involved, but I will be shocked if his minutes don't decrease.

[TrueBlueJay]

Two reasons possible: Karon Bradley, Sean Ogirri

Weren't they on the team last year? Didn't Braeure start last year? I'll ask again and hopefully get a response that makes sense.

Why are you guys thinking Braeure isn't going to start?

[Tasmanian Devil]

Well, Karon really didn't play much point last season until late in the season. It's expected he'll play there more this season but who knows. If he does, he'll definitely cut into Braeuer's minutes.

[cuhoops]

good god... mekel must be the real deal. I'm excited to see him play in the Valley!

:valley: :jays:

[outpost]

Weren't they on the team last year? Didn't Braeure start last year? I'll ask again and hopefully get a response that makes sense.

Why are you guys thinking Braeure isn't going to start?

Hoops, Braeuer didn't start last year. He was usually the first guard off of the bench. Usually it was Ogirri and Bradley. Obviously, both of them are back this year. Now we add Mekel to our backcourt stable.

I'll try to give you my sensible reasons why Braeuer won't be starting.
1. Size (or lack thereof)
2. Proven to be a spark off of the bench
3. Mekel may be better. Until he gets here next weekend we've only got his international reputation to go by.

Anyway, Coach Turgeon will say that in his system it doesn't matter who starts. Matt is a team player, and I don't think he'll back down during workouts.

[rjl]

good god... mekel must be the real deal. I'm excited to see him play in the Valley!

:valley: :jays:

I was less than 10 years old in the early 80's, which was the last time the Shockers were "really good", so my formative years with the Shockers were in the dark period of the 90s.

As such, my enthusiasm is tempered much in the same way a Red Sox fan's were until a few years ago, or a Cub fan's is now.

I'm excited, but I've yet to think of him as the second coming of X-Man type impact or anything.

I hope the article is right, though.

I know I've heard special things from the players who were on the court with him during his visit.

[SubGod22]

I hate to do this to ya outpost, but Braeuer did start last year. Once he got healthy (mono and concusion) he was in the starting lineup and that's when the Shox took off. I could see Bradley possibally starting, but I would expect Matt to continue to start. Bradley and Mekel comming off of the bench doesn't sound too bad to me.

[rjl]

Anyway, Coach Turgeon will say that in his system it doesn't matter who starts. Matt is a team player, and I don't think he'll back down during workouts.

That is true. On most of Turgeon's teams, "starter" is largely a ceremonial title.

Braeur DID start most of the season last year, though.

I'd hold out saying he's not going to start this year, however, until maybe mid season or so.

Turgeon has shown a strong inclination towards the Pete Carrol style of "there's no such thing as a locked-in starter, especially between seasons" coaching. The best man gets the job, regardless of age.

[mproviz]

Although it's true there is typically no "set in stone" group of starters from game to game, there is only so much room on the front line. Sorry Matt... :sad:

[Shox21]

Although it's true there is typically no "set in stone" group of starters from game to game, there is only so much room on the front line. Sorry Matt... :sad:


I've always been a firm believer that you earn your lot in life -- and, as all of us should, I'm leaving this in the very capable hands of MT.

[JVShocker]

I'm no coach, but the Shocks were better with Matt in the lineup. He understands the game better from the point than Sean and Karon. Braeuer got the team running.

What's really unusual about the program is that it's such a team (thing.) Seems like every other team in the Valley has a star player that is usually the first option. Shocks really haven't had an option #1 since Turgeon has been here. Miller came pretty close but it didn't really show up in the stats.

[RoyalShock]

For most of the game, the offense did click better with Braeuer running point. I that may be because he isn't looking for his shot, but will take whatever the defense gives him. Bradley, on the other hand, is a player that looks to utilize his shooting and driving skills, which is useful for late-game situations where having one more scoring threat (and defensive stopper) can mean the difference between winning and losing.