Let's talk about Flo Thamba

2,909 Views | 18 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by DanaDane
bear2be2
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9:12p, 3/1/22
In the six games since JTT's injury, Flo is averaging 11.2 points on 51 percent shooting, to go with 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 28.3 minutes. Those are borderline all-Big 12 numbers from a guy who could barely catch an entry pass four years ago.

I think a strong case can be made that Flo has saved our season. Without his production the last six games, there's no way we're in the position we're in right now.

You can add Thamba to the long and growing list of post player development success stories in our program. Both he and our staff deserve a ton of credit for the strides he's made.

I really hope he decides to come back for a fifth year next season and puts these numbers up all season. It would be awesome to see him leave Baylor as an all-conference performer and the winningest player in program history.
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Hotsauce
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9:15p, 3/1/22
I did not see this coming from Flo. Wasn't even sure he had it in him.

He has kept us afloat during some difficult stretches in games since the EJ injury.
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Jacques Strap
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9:19p, 3/1/22
He is playing his best right now at the best time when most needed. I hope he keeps it up.
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dougl999
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9:23p, 3/1/22
Flo's best game last year was the Gonzaga game. After JTT went down, Flo really picked up his offensive game. For whatever reason, he was missing too many contested shots from close range. After the JTT injury, he started making those shots, extended his range a little and has been more consistent from the line.
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DanaDane
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9:30p, 3/1/22
Gotta admit. That first year I would watch him and wonder how in the world we had used a scholarship on him. He looked like a project for even a mid major program. But I've seen guys develop over the years with Drew and his staffs so I told myself to be patient and let them do their magic.

The thing is, basketball teams aren't built with every guy being a superstar. There are usually a couple of superstars and then most of the rest are role players, but all serve their purpose in the makings of a championship squad. Those role players become their most effective when they understand and perform the role expected of them by the staff. Drew and his staff have done a tremendous job, particularly over the past 3-4 years, of identifying guys who can be great role players. Flo is a perfect example of that.
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bear2be2
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In reply to DanaDane • 9:34p, 3/1/22
DanaDane said:
Gotta admit. That first year I would watch him and wonder how in the world we had used a scholarship on him. He looked like a project for even a mid major program. But I've seen guys develop over the years with Drew and his staffs so I told myself to be patient and let them do their magic.

The thing is, basketball teams aren't built with every guy being a superstar. There are usually a couple of superstars and then most of the rest are role players, but all serve their purpose in the makings of a championship squad. Those role players become their most effective when they understand and perform the role expected of them by the staff. Drew and his staff have done a tremendous job, particularly over the past 3-4 years, of identifying guys who can be great role players. Flo is a perfect example of that.
This is why I refuse to give up on Loveday.

If Scott Drew and Co. could turn Freddie Gillespie and Flo Thamba into frontline college post players, there's hope for Zach as well.
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Self Made Bear
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10:18p, 3/1/22
You can see Flo's confidence growing every game. He is becoming a force that other teams must plan for. Fran said during the game last night that he should come back for his extra year of eligibility and I hope he does.
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ImABearToo
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In reply to bear2be2 • 10:47p, 3/1/22
Not sure what Zack's strengths are as he's played so little. Turner is another one that just hasn't jelled. Are both a work in process or have the hit their respective ceilings? At 7' you'd think CSD would figure out how to get more minutes to rest Flo. Years ago CSD developed lots of big guys and so holding out hope for ZL and JT.
“Life is short, eat desert first!”
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bear2be2
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In reply to ImABearToo • 11:05p, 3/1/22
ImABearToo said:
Not sure what Zack's strengths are as he's played so little. Turner is another one that just hasn't jelled. Are both a work in process or have the hit their respective ceilings? At 7' you'd think CSD would figure out how to get more minutes to rest Flo. Years ago CSD developed lots of big guys and so holding out hope for ZL and JT.
Turner doesn't have much to offer on the court, I'm afraid. He looks outmatched every time he plays and doesn't appear to have any skills that shine through at this level. But Loveday has a fair amount of offensive skill. He's got a really nice shooting stroke and good soft hands around the basket. I just don't know if he'll ever be able to hold his own on the defensive end, and that's a must for any big on this roster.
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Crawfoso1973
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6:52a, 3/2/22
I admit I was wrong on Thamba. Even going into this year, I thought he was just a 15-20 minute guy with limited upside, a nice role player whose function was setting screens and playing solid defense. The offensive development has been nothing short of spectacular. It also reveal volumes about his character, a willingness to split his playing time with JTT at the expense of his individual stats he could have been accumulating this whole time. JOY.
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Mitch Blood Green
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7:01a, 3/2/22
He's been fantastic. Stayed out of foul trouble, too.
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BUCANDOIT82
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7:45a, 3/2/22
Flo has improved each year, but I never saw him being as good as he is right now. And now I don't think he has reached his ceiling.

I think Zach was recruited while we were still a Zone defensive team. He can play in the middle of a zone, he just can't switch out on to the perimeter.
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BearFan33
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8:52a, 3/2/22
I'm pretty sure Flo is not on any NBA radar but I expect him to make plenty of money overseas. I didn't know he had another year of eligibility.
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BearlyBeloved
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9:03a, 3/2/22
OP is right.

Thamba has earned our appreciation and respect. And no doubt CSD and assistants have worked to make this happen.
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historian
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In reply to BearFan33 • 10:05p, 3/3/22
Because of covid last year. If he returns, he'll be a "super senior."

Agree with everything above about Flo: he's dynamic & we are very blessed to have him.

As for Zach, I remember he did play a few first half minutes in a recent game (don't remember which) but then was out for the rest of the game. I don't know exactly what the coaches were hoping to see from him but apparently they didn't see it. Unless there was another reason he didn't play anymore.
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BearFan33
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7:27a, 3/4/22
Dude has done nothing but improve every year
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TWD 1974
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In reply to bear2be2 • 12:53p, 3/4/22
bear2be2 said:
ImABearToo said:
Not sure what Zack's strengths are as he's played so little. Turner is another one that just hasn't jelled. Are both a work in process or have the hit their respective ceilings? At 7' you'd think CSD would figure out how to get more minutes to rest Flo. Years ago CSD developed lots of big guys and so holding out hope for ZL and JT.
Turner doesn't have much to offer on the court, I'm afraid. He looks outmatched every time he plays and doesn't appear to have any skills that shine through at this level. But Loveday has a fair amount of offensive skill. He's got a really nice shooting stroke and good soft hands around the basket. I just don't know if he'll ever be able to hold his own on the defensive end, and that's a must for any big on this roster.
I hope Turner can find his game. If Sochan and Brown go pro, Turner is the only SF left. A key to the success the last few years has been Forwards who could defend in the paint and also at the perimeter (Gillespie, Vitals, JTT Sochan.). Not having that option could well mean the difference between great and just good. Not having a veteran in the post like Flo as well, we could struggle to make the tournament despite our talented young guards.
This is why I cringe when I hear folks crowing about how many will get drafted. I'm sure the staff has thought it all through, but I expect veteran bigs are going to be very hard to come by late.
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Crawfoso1973
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In reply to TWD 1974 • 4:50p, 3/4/22
I share your concerns. If Sochan and KB go pro as anticipated, I think we will need to hit the transfer portal for a defensive-minded SF/PF hybrid or maybe 2. I also think we will go with a lot of 3 guard lineups with our loaded backcourt especially if Akinjo returns. Fingers crossed Flo returns, which I think would benefit Flo as well to continue developing his offensive game.
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DanaDane
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7:24p, 3/4/22
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