Open Thread: Who do you want taking the final shot in a tie game?
After the great participation and comments in our previous open thread, we have decided to introduce a second open thread. The idea for this topic came to mind when I was watching the end of the Cincinnati game. Since the Adam Morrison era ended, I'm not sure we have had a team where everyone knew where the ball was going with the game on the line. I certainly understand that the match up and the opponent will play a part in this answer, but I'm curious to see who everyone wants to have the ball with the game on the line. Once again, we look forward to seeing what everyone thinks, and hopefully we can get a nice group of diversifying opinions and thoughts on this topic. So please let us know, Who do you want taking the final shot in a tie game?
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I'll kick if off
My choice is Elias Harris. I love the maturity that this kid has, and it seems that there is no situation that rattles him. When you have the last shot, you want to give the ball to a guy that will not be overwhelmed by the moment, and Elias has shown that ability. What I also like is the fact that he has the ability to both take his man off the dribble and shoot from the outside. With that variety of options in his offensive repertoire, I think that not only would Elias get a good look, but he also has the ability to draw a foul on the drive and finish with contact at the rim.
Final 4 or bust
Interesting Question
Last year I would have said Pargo, because he was the most confident player on the court. He wasn’t the best shooter, but he made big shots his whole career.
To me, the player that seems to have the most confidence is Meech, so I’ll go with him. We’ve already seen him make the big shot once, in March no less. Even if its a three… I want Meech.
Steven Gray
Best all around offensive player. Has an amazing ability to knife through the lane and get to the rim, can make pull up 3s…
I can see a vote for Bouldin too as he’s a better passer and has a lower chance for a turnover due to his amazing strength with the ball.
You stole my thunder
but I ‘m going with Steven too. In spite of the fact that he didn’t convert at the end of the Michigan State game he has shown a maturity and total confidence that has been lacking at times in the past.
Bouldin
This is a bit of a varying question. If the question is who do I want to have the last shot I think I would have to go with Gray, but if the question who do I want to make the last play I would go with Bouldin. I think if we have 8 seconds left in a tie game I want the ball in Bouldin’s hands and he can make a play, though I’d be rooting for a draw and kick to Gray for an open jumper.
obvious answer...
I am shocked that people have said Harris and Meech already….meech?!? seriously?!…i dont even want him on the court, let alone taking the shot.
Bouldin is our leader in every facet of the game today and needs to have the ball in his hands at the end of the game to make a play and/or the shot if need be.
Agree -- this is a no brainer
I want the ball in Bouldin’s hands at the end of the game. Whether he shoots or passes to a shooter makes no difference. He gives us the best chance of winning.
mjc
mjc
Steven or Matt
I want the ball in one or the other’s hands. First try to get the ball to Harris or Sacre down low. If not open try to get the shot or the ball to another guard for the shot.
That's my choice too
Both Steven and Matt have been awesome in all of the games so far. I knew that Matt would step up as a senior, but I wasn’t sure how Steven would play. He seemed a bit loss sometimes last year. That’s not the case now! He has been one of the the big surprises of the early season, as he has played with intensity and intelligence. With the game on the line, I would feel comfortable that either of these guys would give us the very best chance to win the game.
Too many variables
Shooting, Colorado-Robert, Wisc.-Steven, Cincy, Elias! Handling the ball————-always Matt.
Depends, But COME ON GUYS
We’ve seen Meech do it before, he obviously has stones (as a freshman in march madness? ridiculous) and has the speed to get open. If we’re down by 1 or 2 and have to drive the length of the court, I couldn’t draw up a better player to take the shot than meech. Now, if we’re down by 3, it has to be Gray… he wants to make the big three and has the perfect stroke to do it.
Shaq as an undercover cop:
Shaq: yo man, can I score some dope?
Dealer: Motherf****r, you shaq.
If we have to go the length of the court in a few seconds
then yeah. If we’re setting upa half court play then nope.
In a tie game? anybody as long as it is the last shot.
Very little pressure in that situation.
The real question is who do you want shooting the last shot when you’re behind by 1. My answer is Bouldin. Better than Gray witht he ball in his hands, and has a much easier time creating his own shot.
Some thoughts
I think Steven already had his chance (twice) against Michigan St., and missed slightly both times. In that time of a game, he will never get a better shot than the two he had. Sacre had one of those shots against Cincinatti and drained it to tie the game with about 20 seconds remaining. However, given the “tie game circumstance,” I would prefer Elias take the final shot. He’s such a determined and strong player that won’t let a block or slap on the wrist discourage him. He’s not the type of player that drives the lane simply to draw a foul—he drives the lane to score, and often gets fouled in the process. Additionally, he has such great athleticism and versatility that I am convinced he could shake his defender and make a shot from anywhere on the floor.
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2011
I like how most everyone is skirting around the question.
It’s not “Who would you want to have the ball in their hands at the end of the game with the possibility to drive?” it’s “Who do you want taking the final shot in a tie game?” The emphasis is on the shot.
Now I could weasel my way out of this with different types of shots; like I’d rather have Steven for 3 and Matt for a 2 point banker, but when it comes down to it the answer is Matt because he can shoot any shot on the floor. Close, midrange, 3-pointer, bank, whatever Matt gives you overall the best chance that the shot goes in.
Wednesday Night
Fortunately for the Cougars, they’ll be so far behind the Zags that they won’t have to worry about who will take that shot. I’m picturing Klay Thompson crying on the floor of the Kennel after leading his team to a commanding loss (Adam Morrisonesque)
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2011
Would have rec'd this
Except it brought up one of the most painful events of my life.
Ha!
Yeah, that’s a distinct possibility. I’m especially concerned about your front line. Although I think some of that will be mitigated by the uptempo game this is destined to be — halfcourt defensive rebounding just becomes less important when everyone is running.
Hey Nuss...
at this point, you’ve gotta love your chances of winning the Pac-10. Who are you most afraid of in your conference.
(I don’t want to hijack the thread… but a one word answer would be nice).
I like high percentage shots
which is why I don’t like Steven, even though I think he’s the best player on the team. Give me Matt on a set play where he can get to the hoop or Rob for a post up.
When you’ve got a 7 footer with the size Rob has, you just have to use him. Now that he appears to have a nice array of post moves including a turn around mid-range jumper, I’ve got confidence that he can drain the big shot ala Cincinnati.
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
My issue with Matt
Can he get a good shot off against a solid defender? Im not sure about that. I know Elias will get a good luck no matter who is guarding him. Not sure about Matt
Final 4 or bust
Agreed
Bouldin has trouble blowing by an athletic and long defender, and the kind of team that will be tied with us probably has someone like that to guard him. Elias wouldn’t have that problem… consider your suggestion seconded
Shaq as an undercover cop:
Shaq: yo man, can I score some dope?
Dealer: Motherf****r, you shaq.
gotta be Sacre
I agree with Zach B.
If you can get the high % shot, that’s the shot to go for.
Get it to Sacre, and he’ll either get a shot or get fouled shooting.
Both work.
Gray/Harris pick and roll
Let the best defender take Bouldin, I’ll take good spacing and a pick and roll with Gray either finding Harris or keeping it himself. Both can hit jumpers, both can draw fouls, and both can finish. Defend that.
I’d want Harris around the basket looking for the tip-in. Gray to take the shot – a 3 or otherwise. He’s a spectacular driver and can shoot the pull up as well.
Meech would be my 2nd choice if we didn’t need a 3. Even if we need a 3, I think he’d be okay. He seems to rise to the moment when it’s needed.
Tie? What if behind by 1, 2 or 3?
A tie game is exciting but not as much on the line…ie, if you miss, go to overtime. Down by 1, send in to Sacre…make the shot or at least get fouled. Down by 2, drive by Stephen Gray or Elias Harris or Sacre. Same thing, make the shot or at least get fouled and go to the line. Down by 3, shot by Bouldin or Gray from the 3 pt line.

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