big SM

[jasonpeoria911]

I think with all of this seasons problems, big Sam needs a thread of his own. Only a rookie and getting thrown to the starting spot with only a few games under his belt, he looks as though hes been playing college ball for years. In the last 2 games, Sam has had a total of 5 minutes game time rest. In that time he's scored 21 points, 6 boards, 13 assists, 2 steals and a whopping ONE TURNOVER. I'm ecstatic knowing that the PG position won't be a problem in the next few years barring injury. Very rare to find a "Quarterback" this good for only a rookie. Yeah he's a little slow at times but he's a ROOKIE and is still learning the defensive sets and defending senior PG's.

Jason

[ER3]

I love watching this kid play...I'm so excited to see what he can develop into over the next 4 years. Tough...gutty...and talented...and showing so much already as a Freshman being thrown into a bad situation.
Having him and Andrew here as the foundation for this program over the 2 years after this one gives me some hope that we might have some success even after Crouch and Ruff are gone.

[Da Coach]

Sam played a fantastic game and did everything he could to try to win it for Bradley.

[amckillip]

Just like to point out I said he'd be a major contributor this year and was fairly well attacked. I had questions about everyone but SM. Sorry for saying I told you so, but I just wanted to give all the Pre-Season and Early Season SM-Haters who said he shouldn't play this season, wouldn't turn into anything for 2-3 years, or the people who even a few games in said he was getting too much time. Pure and simple the kid's a gamer, his stat line may not always be amazing(though lately it's been pretty darn nice), but he does all the intangible things you need a guy to do. And several people questioned me when I said at some point he'd be an All-MVC'er...

[Scouter]

My only beef with SamMan is that he might be setting the bar too high too soon! The way he's handled this team without Ruffin in the lineup is insane. Every time I see this kid he impresses me more and more. The 3-point play and 3-pointer that coulda/shoulda/woulda won the game were fantastic. And he plays with passion. I can't wait to see him down the road in a few years. Just look at his line tonight. That is scary good for a freshman ... playing a major role ... after being thrust into the starting lineup. I'm excited to see how much he'll improve from year to year, but I worry that people might begin to expect to much from him later in his career based on what he's done so far.
## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN
05 Maniscalco, Sam..... g 5-10 2-4 1-1 1 5 6 4 13 7 1 0 2 37

[ghunt]

I'll eat some crow, and like I said I would be, I'm happy he is proving me a little wrong in some respects. I did agree that he would eventually get some all conference honors, I just did not place him as the same style of past pgs we have had; I think some folks were not around when we had those guys, so the reference fell flat. His turnovers are trending down and he is not pushing things as much. However, he worries me defensively when guarding the point. I just wish he had better speed--balanced with better ball control and passing on the offensive-side, and able to step up defensively on the point when left on a island. There are footwork and speed issues to overcome. He**, the way he is progressing, he may develop that by next week Overall, I wish some of that energy would rub off on some folks.

[DUBrave5]

What impresses me the most is that he is a great guy off the court too. He lives in St. James next to me and is willing to talk about basketball or whatever whenever I see him walk by. Great player on the court and great guy off the court.

[ser_solace]

I think Sam is a great player. Like Coach Les said, he's no freshman anymore.

I just hope that with the team losing games, he doesn't lose his energy and fire.

[Dallas Brave]

SM is great. The guy is going to fun to watch for the next three years.

Too bad JL doesn't have four more of him because then he would have a complete starting lineup

[Dallas Brave]

SM is great. The guy is going to fun to watch for the next three years.

Too bad JL doesn't have four more of him because then he would have a complete starting lineup

I thought I should come back and clarify this tongue-in-cheek comment lest it be misinterpreted as a slam on other players. I meant it as a joke on JL's aversion to giving minutes to anyone over 6' 8"

[mrcoachdude]

Just like to point out I said he'd be a major contributor this year and was fairly well attacked. I had questions about everyone but SM. Sorry for saying I told you so, but I just wanted to give all the Pre-Season and Early Season SM-Haters who said he shouldn't play this season, wouldn't turn into anything for 2-3 years, or the people who even a few games in said he was getting too much time. Pure and simple the kid's a gamer, his stat line may not always be amazing(though lately it's been pretty darn nice), but he does all the intangible things you need a guy to do. And several people questioned me when I said at some point he'd be an All-MVC'er...

I remember getting some flack as well. He is doing GREAT!

[Beninator]

Pure and simple the kid's a gamer, his stat line may not always be amazing(though lately it's been pretty darn nice), but he does all the intangible things you need a guy to do. And several people questioned me when I said at some point he'd be an All-MVC'er...

SamM is also starting to be our clutch guy. That three dagger under pressure with time running out was just nasty good especially from a freshman.

[longtimelistener]

What impresses me the most is that he is a great guy off the court too. He lives in St. James next to me and is willing to talk about basketball or whatever whenever I see him walk by. Great player on the court and great guy off the court.

Ditto. Ran into him at one point this season, and he was so humble and willing to chat. Great kid.

Re. losing his fire: He strikes me as the type that once he steps on the floor, it's about competing and winning.

[Beninator]

Ditto. Ran into him at one point this season, and he was so humble and willing to chat. Great kid.

That is really nice to hear.

[Double D]

Sam demonstrated last night that TRUE LEADERSHIP is all about. Making big plays when your team needs it. It's not about being named a captain or being a senior. When things look bleak, hit a big shot, come up with a rebound, make a hustle play.

Sam's performance DESERVED a win last night and all the attention that would have gone along with it.