Improving Kepkay Gives Utes Hope Going Forward
Looking for bright spots, in the wake of the Utes' 75-64 loss at No. 19 Oregon yesterday?
Dont worry, we found one.
His name is Tyler Kepkay.
Having been brought in to help steady a poor backcourt, the junior-college transfer had spent much of the first few games finding his way and holding back from showing the scoring talent that allowed him to lead the nation last season.
But against the Ducks, with none of his teammates willing or able to step up, the point guard erupted with easily his best game of the season. He scored 23 points, outdueling Oregon's Tajuan Porter, and grabbing four rebounds with two steals -- reminding the Utes what a valuable weapon they possess.
"That's how I envisioned him playing when we recruited him," coach Jim Boylen said. "Toughness. He had two steals, he was on the floor. He's making plays and getting to the paint. He's shooting behind screens, shooting when he gets over screens. He's got that game -- that off-the-dribble game -- that I think is special."
Kepkay scored almost as many points against the Ducks as he did in the previous three games combined, and kept the Utes in it. He also has improved his decision-making, averaging about one fewer turnover the past three games. He's shooting 50.8 percent for the season, too.
Naturally, though, he shrugged it all off.
"I'm just getting more comfortable within the offense," he said. "Just playing and taking what the defense gives me. I thought for the most part, when we didn't run sets and were just playing the game and playing off each other, was when we were at our best" against the Ducks.
Earlier in the week, Kepkay said he's steadily finding his way in a new role.
"I'm getting put into situations as a point guard that I wasn't in last year, to really run the team and control things," he said. "I didn't really have to do that last year. It wasn't really my role. So I just keep learning how coach wants me to play ... and I think I'm just going to get better as the year goes on."
Not to put a hex on it or anything, but there's a way in which Kepkay reminds me of former Jazz guard John Stockton. He obviously doesn't want to be the scoring star, typically passing up opportunities in order to try to get his teammates involved. But when it's really necessary, when his team really needs a basket and nobody else seems willing or able to provide it, he can step up with a killer instinct and a deadly aim and make things happen.
And that's bound to help the Utes as they driver further into their season.
Dont worry, we found one.
His name is Tyler Kepkay.
Having been brought in to help steady a poor backcourt, the junior-college transfer had spent much of the first few games finding his way and holding back from showing the scoring talent that allowed him to lead the nation last season.
But against the Ducks, with none of his teammates willing or able to step up, the point guard erupted with easily his best game of the season. He scored 23 points, outdueling Oregon's Tajuan Porter, and grabbing four rebounds with two steals -- reminding the Utes what a valuable weapon they possess.
"That's how I envisioned him playing when we recruited him," coach Jim Boylen said. "Toughness. He had two steals, he was on the floor. He's making plays and getting to the paint. He's shooting behind screens, shooting when he gets over screens. He's got that game -- that off-the-dribble game -- that I think is special."
Kepkay scored almost as many points against the Ducks as he did in the previous three games combined, and kept the Utes in it. He also has improved his decision-making, averaging about one fewer turnover the past three games. He's shooting 50.8 percent for the season, too.
Naturally, though, he shrugged it all off.
"I'm just getting more comfortable within the offense," he said. "Just playing and taking what the defense gives me. I thought for the most part, when we didn't run sets and were just playing the game and playing off each other, was when we were at our best" against the Ducks.
Earlier in the week, Kepkay said he's steadily finding his way in a new role.
"I'm getting put into situations as a point guard that I wasn't in last year, to really run the team and control things," he said. "I didn't really have to do that last year. It wasn't really my role. So I just keep learning how coach wants me to play ... and I think I'm just going to get better as the year goes on."
Not to put a hex on it or anything, but there's a way in which Kepkay reminds me of former Jazz guard John Stockton. He obviously doesn't want to be the scoring star, typically passing up opportunities in order to try to get his teammates involved. But when it's really necessary, when his team really needs a basket and nobody else seems willing or able to provide it, he can step up with a killer instinct and a deadly aim and make things happen.
And that's bound to help the Utes as they driver further into their season.
7:54 AM
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2 Comments:
I was at the game on Saturday, but I don't see what you're talking about. I saw a kid being forced to play the part of point, when his forte is shooting. Kepkay proved on Saturday beyond the shadow of a doubt he is a great shooter from the wing off one or two dribbles in rhythym. He is not a leader, nor does he or Bryant have the court awareness to run this team. Coach Boylen, has tried, Byrant, Kepkay, and even Drca (my heart shutters). It's time to give Brown a shot out front, he at least has the ability to penetrate the lane and the size to spot guys open for jumpers or cutters to the lane. Also he probably could have easily taken the ball off the board and pushed it up the court for fast breaks, instead time after time handing it off to someone else. Oregon's guards did this all day for easy baskets. Nevill, Borha, and Green suffered on Saturday, because they don't have someone to set them up with shots. If we stay the course with the current guard situation, then we will be on a 1 win this week, 1 loss next week roller coaster for the rest of the season.
Hi RanWithaUte ...
Geez ... had I known you were at the game, I'd have sought you out to say hello. In any case, you make a good point -- Kepkay isn't a star point guard right now. But I do think he is growing into the position the way the Utes want him to play it (which is different than being just a scorer, like in junior college). I'd submit that he's considerably more comfortable now than he was three weeks ago, though even he would acknowledge that his leadership is the thing on which he needs to work the most. As for Brown, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give him a shot, since it's not like the Utes are going to ruin a perfect season or anything by trying it. Maybe I'll see if Jim has considered it, and post his answer in the blog ...
Thanks for the note ...
Mike
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