Too Much Venom from the Rio Grande Vipers as Ivica Zubac debuts in El Segundo while Laker teammates show up for support. (From THE DFENDER blog)
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| Ivica fouled out and was on ice with 4:55 left in the game |
Ivica Zubac donned jersey number 33 for his DFender Debut Thursday night in front of the home crowd. "33" no doubt inspired by whom he patterns his "hook shot" after, tha Cap'n, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. Much like his Laker debut, November 2nd against the Atlanta Hawks, Zoob hit his first two shots which were the first four points for the team.
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| We have your BAC, Zoob. Pick No 32 Wore Jersey 33 |
Everything was going according to plan and Zubac did not disappoint in front of a crowd which included Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton, teammates D'Angelo Russel and Larry Nance Jr. and General Manager Mitch Kupchak who sat courstide. The game looked like it was in cruise control at the 7:30 Time Out (1st Qtr) mark as Gold led 16-6.
The Vipers started a slow comeback, Zubac leaves the game with two fouls at the 5:47 mark and the Vipers led at the end of the Quarter, 31-30. The DFenders were close a couple of times and even hovered around a 3 or four point lead but the Vipers had too much firepower.
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| PAC-12 standout Gary Payton Jr went undrafted |
The Viper Room:
Isaiah Taylor (Texas U) 31 pts and Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga) 26 pts, combined for 57 points, 21-43 FG, 6-17 3pt.
Gary Payton Jr., who also went undrafted, was ALL over the court wreaking havoc and added 12 pts and 13 boards. 10 more than the DFenders starting Center (Zubac). Speaking of Rebounds? The League-Leader, Chinanu Onuaku, grabbed 22 which will also add to his 15.7 Rebounds Per Game tally. Hello D-Fense? What? Oh, no one home? Yep, with the foul trouble of Zubac and a DNP for 7 foot 3 David Foster the Vipers seemed to have their way and "bull over" the home team after a flat first six minutes of the game.
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| Remember me El Segundo? I'm Joshua Smith former Bruin |
Speaking of Bull-ies..Remember Joshua, don't call me Josh, Smith? Former McDonald's High School "All-American?" Former Bruin? Former Hoya? Yes, the 6-10, overweight, out-of-shape, lethargic "Joshua Smith." The Vipers have him listed at "300 pounds" but much like getting an "8" aka "snowman" in golf I believe that number is a bit "light." Smith "bulled" Zubac over a handful of times, antagonizing and taunting the "draft pick." He toyed with Zubac and even coaxed him to an offensive foul that led Zubac straight to the bench.
So, Zoob, while you are in "the D," use it for what it is intended. To "Develop." And you are going to need to develop a "thicker skin." Your skill and game are far superior to many of the opposing Centers. But, many of these guys went undrafted and will have a chip on the shoulder. In the case of Joshua Smith they might have too many "chocolate chips" in their bellies. The combination, "Draft Pick," will make for a Target on your back and these guys will look for EVERY opportunity to dunk on you, push you around and taunt you. We saw this in Lakers Summer.
In other words, work on your toughness. Not to say you aren't "tough." But this game in the U.S. is FAR different than in Europe. When you are in New York, head over to Rucker Park. In Los Angeles head over to Venice or Compton. You have the skill, the turn-arounds, and the bank-shots. So, learn the "smack" game. How not to get smacked around and how to run it (verbal smack) on the court...
No matter what, ...
WE, FANS, GOT YOUR BACK ZOOB
Speaking of backs, Josh Magette, Vander Blue, Justin Harper and Roscoe Smith are all back for the DFenders this season. Number 9 had another double-double (16 pts, 13 assists) in the loss vs. the Vipers Thursday Night. He seems to be able to run the floor and find people no matter who is on his squad. Having been an invitee this past summer for the Nets, the DFenders have several "cusp" players including all of the aformentioned and new addition Travis Wear.
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Laker FAM
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