Wednesday, November 28, 2001

Frogs hope not to be schooled by Bobcats
By Matt Stiver
Skiff Staff

Advancing to the final of the Las Vegas Invitational and losing to Division I-AA Louisana-Monroe made one thing clear to the men’s basketball coaching staff: there is much they have to learn.

The education of the Frogs continues against Southwest Texas State at 7 p.m. tonight in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.

Simon Lopez/Skiff Staff The Frogs got off to a fast start with their win over Northwestern State (La.) to begin a three-game winning streak. Their youthfullness showed in two subsequent losses. The education of the Frogs continues tonight when they take on Southwest Texas State,

Entering the season, the Frogs counted on veterans to lead the new players on the court. Injuries to junior Bingo Merriex and sophomore Nucleus Smith have forced TCU’s younger players to assume larger-than-expected roles. Three-consecutive wins masked mistakes made clear in losses to No. 18 Oklahoma State and Louisana-Monroe.

Coaches said the Frogs are on a definite learning curve. Breakdowns on offense, defense and rebounding have become more pronounced with each game.

Head coach Billy Tubbs said the losses have exposed weaknesses in TCU’s game.
“We’re going to see if we can correct the mechanical errors,” Tubbs said. “It’s been brought to the players’ attention, and now it’s up to them to make the adjustments.”

Freshman Corey Santee said his toughest adjustment has been on defense. The All-Michigan point guard stepped in as TCU’s starting point guard this year.

“It’s my job to step up on defense and keep the team fired up,” Santee said.

Lapses also occurred on the boards, as the Frogs were out-rebounded in all four regular season games to date. Both players and coaches said the team is placing emphasis on better rebounding.

Tubbs said only so much of rebounding can be taught.

“Either you are a natural rebounder, or you aren’t,” Tubbs said. “In a way it has been better. But after a point, there is nothing you can do.”

Valsin said rebounding has always been a strong point of his game. Against Louisana-Monroe, Valsin led the Frogs in points (20) and rebounds (12).

“That’s where I get most of my points,” Valsin said. “I’ve just been going to the boards harder.”

Unlike Santee, Valsin has had to adapt to a new position. Tubbs has used Valsin as a three guard, playing mainly on the perimeter. While earning All-State honors at Port Author Lincoln, Valsin said he played primarily at the post position. Though he did switch to the perimeter his senior year, Valsin said, a redshirt year helped his transition.

“The three (position) handles the ball a lot more here, which is something I really didn’t do in high school,” Valsin said

A slow-healing ankle has limited Merriex’s effectiveness. He has been limited to mainly spot-up jumpers. Tubbs said Smith will be ready to play in 10 days and will not be at 100 percent for three weeks.

With upcoming games against revitalized Texas Tech and perennial NCAA Tournament team Creighton, the Frogs had best learn quick, Tubbs said.

“We’ll see,” Tubbs said. “These next few games will have our hands full.”

Matt Stiver
m.r.stiver@student.tcu.edu