I was extremely lucky to get to watch the game last night, and in great seats no less (thanks to whoever notified the board about the extra Session 2 tickets going up on TicketMaster on Wednesday afternoon).

One thing I couldn't help but notice is how solid Kravish has been playing on defense, especially last night. Stat sheet says he had 3 blocks but I feel like he must have changed at least a half dozen shots or more total. I wish he could have hit a couple more of his top-of-the-key/interior shots on the offensive end in the 2nd half, but more importantly I think the way he played Bennett in particular was instrumental in the win.

Props to Solo and obviously Thurman for solid games as well but I think the effort on D by Kravish deserves mention.

It seems almost reflexive for some to malign David, when in fact he is a key component to our defensive achievement this year, which is encapsulated by our defensive field goal percentage, the lowest season average since Newell's 1960 team.

It seems as though some cannot get over the notion of David's being a rag doll who is simply thrown around by the opposition.

In fact, he is becoming more of a defensive force all the time.

And it is our defense that has enabled the success we have achieved this year.

Go Bears!

Dikembe Kravish!

he is a solid player with terrific basketball IQ.

I would like him to guard that 6' 8'' Fair dude.

In the second half UNLV put Bennett on Kravish's side of the zone, but David held his ground well.

south bender;842103263 said:

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It seems almost reflexive for some to malign David, when in fact he is a key component to our defensive achievement this year, which is encapsulated by our defensive field goal percentage, the lowest season average since Newell's 1960 team.

It seems as though some cannot get over the notion of David's being a rag doll who is simply thrown around by the opposition.

In fact, he is becoming more of a defensive force all the time.

And it is our defense that has enabled the success we have achieved this year.

Go Bears!

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Kravish is the main reason (Thurman second, Crabbe third) we are a better zone team than man team. He has often been a defensive liability in man, but in zone, it is the complete opposite because his length and smarts are tremendous assets in zone--especially in the 3-2 we have been playing where he can provide or have backside help down low.

Even Kravish's rebounding (9 last night) seems better in zone! He does not rebound by boxing out his man anyway (often resulting in him getting shoved too far under the basket). He is far better in space where his long arms and nose for the ball allow him to get to balls and secure them before they can be knocked away.

he had a fantastic game. Great on the defensive glass and tremendous D down low in the 2nd half. He had Bennett very frustrated and was not getting pushed off his spot. His length and timing are tough for the bigger bodied guys to deal with. Stat sheet doesnt tell the whole story, those who watched the game saw how crucial he was to the W

He has learned not to leave his feet on defense, allowing him to use his length and wingspan to really bother smaller people. Nice instincts that are hard to teach.