I have to think that two late-game collapses in a row by the UTEP Miners (the latest to #20 Mississippi) indicate the team is missing Stefon Jackson.
I thought that the Miners might become a better team without Jackson, and there are some signs that may be true. But the fact is, late in games, the Miners don't have anyone to turn to. Last year, they would have just passed the ball to Jackson and let him do his magic.
The good news is, the season is still young and new-addition Derrick Caracter seems to be adding some rebounding. This team still has time to gel some more.
But they desperately need to find a closer.
"I've only seen basketball against Arkansas St. but my opinion on basketball is never above layman. I must say they have formidable talent and confidence in the front and back court this year. This has not always been the case in recent years. When the talent level of the competition gets better we'll see if we have that "clutch" player every good basketball team needs. I can't name that guy yet -- can you?"
Posted by: just a thought | December 01, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Posted by: just a thought | December 17, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Nice! You are ahead of your time, just a thought.
And, no, half a month later, we still can't name that guy.
Posted by: Jay Koester | December 17, 2009 at 12:23 PM
well let's see:
Stone gets the ball and steps on the line: turnover
Culpepper get's the ball and kicks it: turnover
They don't hit freethrows: LOSS!
I think Barbee should of had them relax, seriously how do you get back to back turnovers? just plain silly... it sucks, because the Miners needed this game to make up for that horrible NMSU loss at HOME!
Posted by: shyminer | December 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
Boo Utep Boo!!
Posted by: KVIA fan | December 17, 2009 at 08:01 PM
The Miners lack a good point guard that can shoot off the dribble, penetrate and feed to the big bodies, and make free throws at crunch time. That was the trademark of the Haskins and Gillespie teams - to have someone like Eddie or Fili Rivera lead this team would be a dream come true.
Posted by: Beach Miner | December 18, 2009 at 02:04 AM
Free throws were key in both games.
They made em we missed em.
Barbee has showed he can recruit. But can he coach?
Posted by: Viktims | December 18, 2009 at 05:20 AM
Can you give us an update on what Stefon is doing now? Is he in the D-League or playing over seas?
Posted by: UTEP Fan In ATX | December 18, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Here is an update on Stefon. He is playing for Darussafake Cooper Tires in Turkey. I think he may be hurt because he has not played since November 15th.
Stefan Jackson #12 {4 games played) 44 Points (11 points per game) 16 rebounds 10 assists. He scored 23 in his 1st game. His team is 0-9.
Posted by: Bubba | December 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Hi Jay, Merry Christmas ! I'm taking a rest from my fishing trip in Clearwater and thought I'd send you this message. It looks like you're working hard covering UTEP BB. Good deal. I haven't seen it reported in the EPTimes but I've heard that Eric Price interviewed the other day for the Offensive Co-ordinator job at Arizona State University. Erikson should hire him...he's a good one and the real deal. Anyway, Jay, keep up the good work. I'll be going down to the Keys after New Year's.......Happy 2010 !
Posted by: Orangefever | December 23, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Orange fever nobody wants to hear where you are going to be. You'll probably fishing off the banks of the franklin canal. Stick to sports talk
Posted by: dave | December 24, 2009 at 08:08 AM