That game on Saturday certainly was a fun one to watch. It was the most fun I've had watching a Cowboy basketball team within the last 5 years. That being said, it's only one game. I certainly don't think it's realistic to expect the Pokes to perform to that level in the majority of their remaining games, even in the out-of-conference schedule against less talented squads. It will be interesting to see how Shyatt employs this fast break style of play as the season progresses. Will he revert to the grinding half-court offense when we go up against teams with more talent? We should find out soon when the team travels to Columbus to take on Ohio State. Of course, the next item of business is Jackson State tonight!
Player to Watch: Julysses Nobles (G, 6'1, 200 lbs, Sr.)
Mr. Nobles doesn't do anything great, but he does do a lot of things very well. A true combo guard, he has the vision and passing ability of a point guard coupled with the skills to score the basketball. At only 6'1, he does a tremendous job of rebounding the basketball. In fact, he is second on the team in rebounding average this season. This is his first, an only, season suiting up for Jackson State. He was offered scholarship by several high-major schools coming out of high school, including Baylor, Florida Sate, and Wichita State. He ultimately chose to sign with Arkansas and played his first three season there, where he earned a starting spot in his sophomore and junior seasons. He sat out last year due to transfer rules, but has been one of the few bright spots for Jackson State in this young season. I suspect Josh Adams will be tasked with the assignment of shutting Nobles down. If Jackson State has any hope of leaving Laramie with a win, they will need a big night from Nobles.
Jackson State was picked to finish 5th in the 10 team SWAC in the preseason poll. They did manage to pull out a win on the road over a weak Air Force squad, but have struggled otherwise. They are wrapping up a prolonged trip to the front range and cobmined with the superior athleticism of the Pokes, I expect the Cowboys will look to run at every opportunity again. This should be another fun game to watch as a Cowboy basketball fan. Don't miss it!