Zags vs. USF: An ode to Steven Gray
by Max Mandel on Jan 29, 2010 2:22 PM PST
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PrintOne thing I love about writing for this blog, and especially dealing with the SBNation format, is the ability to look back on what I have written over the past 15 months. There are some things that I am very proud of writing and make me look like the next Jerry Sloan, while there are also things that make me look a guy who has never seen basketball played, One guy who I wrote about on multiple occasions is Steven Gray. Like many people on this blog who contribute with Fan Shots and comments, I have not always been supportive of Gray. I think one reason for the way I felt was the fact that he never seemed to be having fun on the court and it just appeared that basketball was more like a chore or just something he did because he is extraordinarily gifted.
As I mentioned in the game chat, with his size, strength, and freakish athleticism (reported 40 inch vertical), Steven has every physical gift that an NBA team could want. I have had the privilege to watch Brandon Roy about 20 times in person this season with the Trail Blazers, and I will tell you that I think Steven has every tool to be that good. The main difference between what some of these elite guards in the NBA possess, and what Steven used to play like, is the demeanor and passion on the court. However, Gray has given this fan base one of the most remarkable changes in demeanor and passion that I can recall. So while this is technically the USF preview for Saturday, I hope many of you will continue reading why I continue to be blown away by Mr. Gray.
Since the nightmare that was the Duke game, Steven has scored in double-figures in eight of the nine wins, and shot over 50% in every game except for EWU and Portland. However, the most glaring change, and the reason that I have done a complete 180, is the court demeanor. Basketball is unique in that with only 10 guys on the court, every emotion and sense of passion is captured and seen. Football doesn't have this luxury because of helmets, and baseball is too boring and slow moving for a real sense of excitement and passion to be displayed. I will openly admit that I am a fan of raw emotions on display. I am a Kevin Garnett fan, and I adore watching him scream in passion, pump his chest, and play every minute like it could be the last of his career.
I don't claim to know what brought this change out in Steven Gray, but I will argue that it is the most important development this season. With Gray playing at this level, this Zags team now possesses a three-headed monster with Bouldin, Gray, and Harris. While I am an avid fan of the NBA, one of the beautiful aspects of the NCAA game is the growth and maturity you can see develop in a player over three or four years. Seeing this development in Gray is what makes college basketball so special.
Seeing Steven sprinting down the court with a huge smile after his late layup against Santa Clara was a chilling moment. Watching Steven get in the face of a referee, scream after a big play, and frankly play like he is having the time of his life is what I will always associate this season with. This guy is a special talent, and whether it was an individual change, or a talk from the coaching staff or teammates, I am ecstatic at the display we have seen from him. Keep having fun on the court Steven, because when you have a good time, I can assure that your teammates and all of Gonzaga nation is smiling.
As for a prediction for tomorrow.....how about a 77-63 Gonzaga win.
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The Change
This is just my observation, and I have no data to back it up, but I think he’s shooting less threes and driving the lane more. Anyone else feel that to be the case?
I agree he just sees to be in full attack mode instead of sitting back
This guy has been fun to watch blossom— great article
I'm amazed how Steven has completely changed his offensive game.
He was my favorite player on the team his freshman year because he was a dead eye 3-point shooter who also provided sparks with his athleticism and defense. The thing is, he’s almost lost his 3-point shooting touch since then. His freshman year he shot a blistering 46.3% from behind the line (49.2% total FG%). Last year he really struggled because his 3-point shot dramatically went away, but he continued to have a long-range bomber’s mentality (35.9% from 3 and 45% from the floor).
What he’s done this year is lean on his athleticism and driving skills. He is actually shooting 3s worse than ever before (34.4%), but he’s improved on last year’s total FG% (now up to 47.6%) by taking more high percentage shots. The thing that amazes me about his game is his body control while in the air going for a layup. He just floats and flows to the perfect place to get an unblockable layup.
It funny because people still consider his rep to be that of a great shooter, and really, he’s not. But he’s better player. Props to him for that.
by SethGrandpa on Jan 29, 2010 4:23 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
For good use of stats. Also because we don’t rec stuff enough around here. Also because it supports something I said and now I feel smarter than I did before reading it.
Stevens broken hand!
The kid has been a stroker since his Sophmore year in HS. I tend to think that injury took the edge off the rifle and it won’t ever come back.
Perhaps the best thing to ever happen to him?
The one thing that I have loved about Steven recently (apart from everything mentioned in the article) is the fact that he is looking for his mid-range game and attacking the rim.
Final 4 or bust
Jerry Meyer's scouting report of Steven in high school:
Gray is a sharp shooter from the outside who knows how to use screens. Not a great ball handler or athletic defender, but he passes the ball well from his shooting guard position.
Like EDZ and other posters in this thread said, he has blossomed into something special over the past three years. I still really trust him to hit the three in rhythm but he does so many things well now that the three pointer is at the back of my mind. His defense has greatly improved as well and he’s arguably our best outside defender.
Great post EDZ, I live for a solid ode.
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Killing them softly
Gray is my favorite Zag, in part because he does go about his business so quietly, or at least used to. Last night and the last few games have been a revelation. Since the midpart of the season Steven has been a much more confident and active player. He’s shown flashes in the past, but it was always just a play here or there. Now he seems involved in all aspects of the game, providing tough D, bringing the ball down the court, driving the lane, scoring off inbounds plays, grabbing boards and loose balls, and last night, injecting some maturity into an emotional moment when he pulled Manny back into the huddle after a foul. The guys is a tough and cagey player. But I will say that as much as I love his game, he has room to grow. He can be a better shooter because the form is already there. I think it’s a confidence thing and maybe a fitness thing because he is so active out there for such long stretches. Hopefully Manny can spell him a bit and we can get more Gray at 100 percent, because that player is unbelievable and his joy is infectious.
The other day
we were discussing who would/should step up and lead the team next year. No one (including myself – I said Elias) said Steven. I’m really reconsidering that now. He’s playing great, willing to throw the team on his back and just plain looks like he’s having a great time. I’m now beginning to think that he could be the leader we will be looking for next year.
second that
The Manny thing mentioned above is what made me start seeing Gray as more of a leader
Not relying on a 3 for his game
it seemed the previous two years he was attempting to be primarily a 3pt specialist. This year he still shoots the 3, but now if the touch is not there he cuts to the basket and/or shoots midrange jumpers. He has also become one of our best man to man defenders (per Few even) and a solid FT shooter (not Ravio #s but respectable). He has become a complete player. He has hit a clutch 3 late in games as he did last night v. SC as he has a few other nights. I am very comfortable to witnessing Steven carry the torch of the Zags next season just as Calvary to Dickau, Stepp, Turiaf, Morrisson, & Bouldin have done this decade.
We make such sweet passes each game
such as the one from Elias to Matt, or Matt to Steven last night , Matt or Steven to Elias multiple nights or even Gibbs’ bullit to Elias (or was it Sacre); which is why it is so frustrating to watch the teammates pass the ball to a teammate only one to two feet away from the passer, especially when the player himself is only 2-4 feet from the basket. It must happen 4-5 times a game. It seems to be happening outside the arc as well now. Also they have cut down on it, but they still seem to shuffle their feet for a travel once or twice.
Gonzaga is an excellent passing team though they do make a dumbfounded play 4-5 times a game, I must remind myself we still only have one starting senior & junior. Yes this is late in the season, these men are young still.
On bit of great news also is that we have been on the road alot this conference schedule. After San Francisco tommorrow night we will have only two on the road & five home games in conference play.
That will definately help the Zags’ intensity the last month of the regular season, they will have the rest , comfort, practice preperation and the fans, the alum, the students, the Kennel motivating them to take it to the house!
Just focus on San Francisco and don’t forget to finish that term paper!
I just don't see Steven as the Offense director next year, Leader yes!
YOU must have a floor General. Do most of you really think the coaching staff will move Steven to that position for his Senior year? Just curious! Soundpound………..I think it was his Sophmore year for 52 but it could’ve been his Freshman year.
Maybe not an offensive director
but he’s a dynamic scorer on the outside and if Elias improves like I expect him to, I really think these two can formulate one of the top three inside-out tandems next season. I might be insanely naive but I still expect Meech to improve. I’m not saying that he is a Bouldin-esque floor director because those players don’t come around too often but he’s got a pretty easy job feeding Steven and Elias next season. I expect the competition for that other starting spot to be fierce between guys like Manny, Grant, and Bol. I’ve seen great glimpses out of all three.
I do think you are right though that Matt leaves a huge hole but that gives someone the opportunity to step up. I think Grant would give us the most continuity but Manny could bring an added dimension to the starting lineup with his length and defensive presence. You can tell the guys are really working because when Grant has a good game, Manny usually comes out the next night and steps up. They are really battling for minutes not only this year but next year.
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two options for next year
1. Meech learns to shoot a wide open jumper at above 40%
if not
2. The passing ability and IQ of Gibbs makes up for his defensive issues and he takes over the offense
by giantkillerzags on Jan 30, 2010 10:14 AM PST reply actions
Gray!
I just started reading your articles this year and this is my favorite so far! At any level, Gray is one of my favorite players to watch play basketball.
Steven Is Awesome!
After seeing Steven interviewed on The Mark Few Show I find him to be a great kid!
He has an infectious smile and a great dispositioin! Whats not to like about Steven?
As previously mentioned, offensively he has become more agressive and he is no longer a one dimensional. Defensively, I think he has greatly improved.
He is one of the reasons we have reason to think that they will continue to succeed
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