PiPress: Elliott Eliason's stock soars, one block at a time

[BleedGopher]

per Marcus:

Elliott Eliason hasn't talked about it publicly, but he told Gophers teammates before the season that his goal was to be the Big Ten defensive player of the year.

"He loves the game much more, I feel like, than last year. He's so much better," junior forward Oto Osenieks said. "He's definitely going for that goal."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci...etball-elliott-eliasons-stock-soars-one-block

Go Gophers!!

 

[station19]

Pretty obvious he's been busting his butt.

 

[howieramone]

I think Orlando was relatively close. After EE's freshman year, I said the only Gopher centers who played better as freshman, all played in the pro's. Very important to try to get EE off early offensively. If Martin is a quick leaper that Mathieu can feed near the rim, our frontcourt may provide balanced scoring next season.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

One thing rarely noted is that EE has gotten himself in amazing shape. He runs the court full speed the whole time he's in there, which is amazing for 7' player, then factor in how many minutes he's playing at a time. As they say in football "Good motor", very impressive.

It's also nice to see him begin to understand his role. i.e. Block shots, set hard picks, rebound, play tough D, out hustle opposing bigs.

 

[tikited]

One thing rarely noted is that EE has gotten himself in amazing shape. He runs the court full speed the whole time he's in there, which is amazing for 7' player, then factor in how many minutes he's playing at a time. As they say in football "Good motor", very impressive.

It's also nice to see him begin to understand his role. i.e. Block shots, set hard picks, rebound, play tough D, out hustle opposing bigs.

He has developed a nice touch around the hoop as well. Some of those shots would not have gone in last year.

 

[cncmin]

He has developed a nice touch around the hoop as well. Some of those shots would not have gone in last year.

Yes, but still needs to take it up stronger, as he usually gets fouled or a defender gets a hand on the ball, and the ball rolls off of the rim instead of in. A bit more shoulder strength and maybe he could begin to get looked at by the NBA as a backup C. Definitely has good footwork on the defensive end as a big man, and has a nose for the ball coming off of the rim for rebounds.

 

[tikited]

Yes, but still needs to take it up stronger, as he usually gets fouled or a defender gets a hand on the ball, and the ball rolls off of the rim instead of in. A bit more shoulder strength and maybe he could begin to get looked at by the NBA as a backup C. Definitely has good footwork on the defensive end as a big man, and has a nose for the ball coming off of the rim for rebounds.

Yep.

 

[gopherbadgerman]

I'll admit I never thought he would be a good B10 player, he has proven me wrong. I have been impressed with his improvement throughout his time at MN

 

[BleedGopher]

Omaha World Herald: Eliason’s stats, frame of mind improving

“He’s aggravating to play against,’’ ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes said during Minnesota’s 75-67 loss to No. 2 Syracuse. Eliason had six points, nine rebounds and five blocks despite being limited by foul trouble.

Michigan State found him similarly annoying last Saturday when the Gophers (13-4, 2-2) took the No. 4 Spartans to overtime in East Lansing before falling 87-75. Eliason had seven points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.

“I like him,’’ MSU coach Tom Izzo said Monday. “I think he’s made great progress. Like all big men, each year as you get more experienced, you make progress.

“He’s a cornerstone for that program right now because he’s solid, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, sets pretty good picks, rebounds pretty well and defends pretty well.’’

http://www.omaha.com/article/20140113/HUSKERS/140119409/1707

Go Gophers!!

 

[alchemy2u]

Omaha World Herald: Eliason’s stats, frame of mind improving

“He’s aggravating to play against,’’ ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes said during Minnesota’s 75-67 loss to No. 2 Syracuse. Eliason had six points, nine rebounds and five blocks despite being limited by foul trouble.

Michigan State found him similarly annoying last Saturday when the Gophers (13-4, 2-2) took the No. 4 Spartans to overtime in East Lansing before falling 87-75. Eliason had seven points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.

“I like him,’’ MSU coach Tom Izzo said Monday. “I think he’s made great progress. Like all big men, each year as you get more experienced, you make progress.

“He’s a cornerstone for that program right now because he’s solid, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, sets pretty good picks, rebounds pretty well and defends pretty well.’’

http://www.omaha.com/article/20140113/HUSKERS/140119409/1707

Go Gophers!!

Good article. I also like Pitino's observations:

When Richard Pitino took over the men’s basketball program at Minnesota and dug into film of his returning players, one thing struck him about center Elliott Eliason.

“He was always hanging his head when he made a mistake,” the first-year coach said Monday. “It looked to be a bigger deal than it needed to be. He was just beating himself up mentally during the game.’’

Now, the 6-foot-11, 240-pound junior from Chadron, Neb., is more likely to force an opponent to cringe.