UT, xmas, and 2nd start
If you are a UNCA or a University of Tennesee basketball fan you already know the outcome of our matchup in Knoxville. The game was broadcasted on regional television and turned out to be rather entertaining after a sluggish start by our team. We got down 31-11 early and by as many as 25 before waking up and playing basketball. We got the game down to 7 points with a couple minutes left to go but just couldn't hold off one last run by Tennessee, maybe because of the several missed layups we had on our end. I got pretty hot from the floor and recieved my 4th fould when I stole the ball from their point guard, Howell. I have to say that it was a clean steal, but I guess since the refs didn't know me on a first name basis (as they did with the UT players) it was a foul. However, I don't want anybody to think that I am complaining about the officiating because I got my fair share of calls as well. Actually, I went to the line 11 times and that makes me feel pretty good considering my focus during my individual training has been on body control and getting into my defender to create more contact. Since the Va Tech game I have been to the line 22 times and averaging just over 7 attempts per game which is an improvement.
After the UT game I was able to go home to GA for a couple days where I was in desperate need of relaxation and recovery. My hands have been injured --- damaged tendon from early season injury, sprained middle finger, sprained thumb, deep bruise on left palm, and deep bruise on right palm.--- The two palm injuries came from the UT game when I went to dunk on a backdoor play and was undercut by my opponent and came straight down on both palms. Therefore, this break came at a good time because I could give nagging injuries such as these a rest. I got to hang out with my mom and brother, and saw my Dad on Christmas Eve. It was also very exciting to see all my old friends back home. Some of them are the same and partied the whole time and some of them have grown up a lot. I have other things on my agenda so I kept it chill. ( I STILL LOVE YALL THOUGH) I made it to the YMCA a couple times to stay active, but didn't do anything too demanding. Just kept my core active and did some cardio on the treadmill. Overall, it was a great trip home and productive from a recovery standpoint. O and I got an XBox 360!
I am now back at school, and have practiced 3 times in the last 24 hours in order to get ready for our Saturday afternoon game with Buffalo. I have been in the gym a lot getting my touch back on my shot and handle and expect to get a good win tomorrow afternoon.
Comments
It seems you guys have all the pieces to possibly make the NCAAT this year. I love how the offense can opt to push tempo or slow down just by putting in Kenny.
Posted by: Corey Obermiller | January 1, 2008 02:05 PM
that is definitely our goal this year and I think as long as we continue to improve as a team and stay healthy we will have a good chance at achieving it. Your correct about the pace of the game changing throughout depending on personnel. We will be even better when we use this to our advantage throughout the WHOLE game and not just part of it!
Posted by: bryan | January 1, 2008 09:57 PM