THOUGHTS ON ALABAMA @ MISSOURI

• I truly believe that while Phlip Pressey is the QB of this team, Alex Oriakhi is the pulse.  Seems to me that when AO is engaged on the offensive end both he and the entire team perk up.  Last night AO wanted the ball and was strong to the hoop when he got it.  Having that big presence in the post opens up the court for all these talented athletes to do their thing. 
• Earnest Ross seems to be figuring it out.   Early in the year he looked lost, much like Keion Bell has in most games.   Finally this mountain of a man has learned to only shoot the 3 if open.....or drive the basket if not.   He is a great finisher or will at least get fouled.   When Phlip or anyone else breaks down the defense that's when the offensive rebounding can take over as well.  Drive drive drive ER...and everyone else for that matter.
• Keion.  What to do with Keion.  I think there will just be games like UCLA and games like Alabama.  He was hard wired to play 1:1 at Pepperdine and just does not know what to do when the game is not played that way.   I've heard some say "why did he not play more?  he was great at UCLA."  Well, that would be because the UCLA game was a streetball shootout....aka perfect for Keion.  In a halfcourt game he does not seem to know how to play well with others.   It may just be that way all year.  Perhaps not what he hoped for when transferring....but when the Tigers struggle for offense he can be "The Microwave".......Vinnie Johnson  for you youngsters......and a great asset.
• More on the Keion point, big props to Coach Frank Haith (CFH) for sitting him.   CFH has the hammer this year with so many options.   Not playing well?   Have a seat...for a while.
• Not that I understand sitting AO at the end of the UCLA and Bucknell games.  Tigers were hurt both games late with drives to the basket and/or offensive rebounds.   I know the UCLA game was not his pace of game but when it came down to one possession he had to be in there.
• Was it just me or did Negus Webster-Chan (NWC) give the Tigers about 2 non-awful minutes at the point with Phlipper on the bench?   NWC did nothing well....but he also did nothing terrible, and that is a first for him in about a month.   I'll take 2 minutes of decent to allow Phlip to rest every game. 
• Why do the Tigers ease up/get sloppy at least once a game after taking the lead?   Seems to me a focus thing.  They may survive doing this in a weak SEC but could be an Achilles Heel moving forward.  Stay tuned.
• Finally, being a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan I have been conditioned to assume the team is lying about every injury.   I am scared that LBo will miss more than 2 games.  PLEASE let me be wrong.   Tigers are gonna miss him big time at Ole Miss.   New environment, rowdy crowd...they desperately need his calm leadership and play.  We'll see how it goes.   May not be pretty.