Splitter´s season starts in Spain

[planaria]

It was in the first game of the Super Cup, against the Real Madrid. And he couldnt have started better.

18 points (8/11 FG), 4 rebounds and 3 assists in about 28 minutes as Tau beat Real Madrid by 83 x 82.

He was the MVP of this tournament last season.

Here you can find the highlights: http://acbtv.acb.com/

They show a nice Splitter´s assist to Singleton and a really nice move that ended with a dunk (about 1:30 secs).

Box Score: http://www.acb.com/stspartido.php?cod_competicion=SCOPA&cod_edicion=8&partido=1

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:tu

[Bruno]

Splitter scored too 10 of his 18 points in the last 8 minutes of the game.

[T Park]

Not too thrilled with the rebounding numbers....

[ChumpDumper]

They would've won if Scola was playing.

[E20]

They would've won if Scola was playing.
Are you being serious or sarcastic?

[T Park]

:lol @ chump

that will rile up the south american's.

[Bruno]

Tau has won the final against Bilbao
Splitter : 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Splitter is the MVP of the super cup.

[ChumpDumper]

He shot 71% from the floor in those two games.

http://www.acb.com/fotos/26947_3_44217_3.jpg

I think this was one of the makes.

[planaria]

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6773/splitterdl9.jpg

[djohn14]

Woooooooooooooooo!!!

[smrattler]

Is it my imagination, or does Splitter look stronger all of a sudden?

[boutons_]

Spitter is well-muscled for a foreign, white big man. He's got the beef to hold his own under the basket, he needs to rebound better.

[Spurs Brazil]

Good job Tiago!



http://esporte.uol.com.br/basquete/ultimas/2007/09/29/ult4356u1082.jhtm

[Indazone]

Ok, I'm gonna admit that Tiago Splitter will be a good one for the Spurs. Good job on getting him.

[wildbill2u]

Not too thrilled with the rebounding numbers....
I wonder if their coach is still playing him outside the 3 point arc? Pretty hard for a big man to get a lot of rebounds from that territory.

[objective]

there's a lot more Splitter highlights up on the acbtv site, they updated it with the last game.

Plus you can also check out the dunk contest footage, that Claver guy has some nice ones.

[planaria]

http://acbtv.acb.com/

^Really nice dunk from the steal/fast break.

[AFBlue]

Also on the website was the dunking contest. Victor Claver, an 18yr old Combo Forward prospect, was crazy good with a couple dunks....one involving a cowboy hat. I recommend watching it...

[Bruno]

Splitter will soon have some new teammates :
- Singleton sprained his knee during this tournament and is out for at least 6 months.
- Will McDonald (another Tau's bigmen) has too some troubles. He has maybe made a fake wedding to get the Spanish nationality and could be waived if it's true.

[Quasar]

(oops misread: thought I saw Splitter instead of Singleton)

Sprained his knee so quickly? I thought the season was just getting started.

Doesn't bode well for his development...

[pad300]

(oops misread: thought I saw Splitter instead of Singleton)

Sprained his knee so quickly? I thought the season was just getting started.

Doesn't bode well for his development...

More to the point, how do you "sprain" your knee and be out 6 months... Bruno, are you sure he just sprained it, or did he tear some ligaments?

[Bruno]

More to the point, how do you "sprain" your knee and be out 6 months... Bruno, are you sure he just sprained it, or did he tear some ligaments?

He tears some ligaments too, it's a big injury.
He tears his PCL at the right knee and has too other ligaments of the knee partially torn. He will likely have a knee surgery.

[planaria]

Remind me Tony Allen getting injuried. At least it wasnt in a stupid dunk after a foul called.

[objective]

acbtv has a new video up that's all about Splitter, most of the highlights are repeats but there's some new stuff in it.

[Darkwaters]

Remind me Tony Allen getting injuried. At least it wasnt in a stupid dunk after a foul called.

Wow. Thats almost as bad as the NFL kicker that hurt himself celebrating after a made field goal.

[objective]

Splitter had 14 and 9 in Tau's close loss to Girona.

unfortunately he's not featured at all in the ACBTV recap, other than getting scored on by Marc Gasol

[picnroll]

Splitter had a nice game against Real Madrid. 24 points on 9/13 and 6/9 FTs. A little light on the rebounds at 4. 2 blocks and 4 steals. Tau won 90 - 73. Nice to see he's geting some work as the go to man.

[ChumpDumper]

Pretty strong game against Real and Papadopoulos. When did LJ3 join the team?

[T Park]

4 rebounds.

WTF, when did he turn into Scola?!!?

[duncan7721]

We should try to get him to come back next year. He is as ready as ever.

[Bruno]

When did LJ3 join the team?

He joined the team few days ago. He has signed a two months contract as Singleton's replacement after his big knee injury.

[Bruno]

For the moment Splitter seems to nicely carry the offensive load after Scola's leaving. He average 18 ppg on the first 4 games of the season and he was playing against good teams. It will be interesting to see if he can do it the whole season.

[raspsa]

When Splitter comes aboard next season, the Spurs will have a very solid frontline. Duncan, Oberto, Bonner, Elson, Splitter, Mahinmi - a pretty nice lineup. :elephant

[AFBlue]

4 rebounds.

WTF, when did he turn into Scola?!!?

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hollinger did a correlation of how Euro stats translate to the NBA, and rebounding was actually one of the numbers that went up when the player came to the states.

If you watch this kid you'll see that he has good timing, anticipation, and hands. He'll be a solid rebounder in the NBA.

[AFBlue]

When Splitter comes aboard next season, the Spurs will have a very solid frontline. Duncan, Oberto, Bonner, Elson, Splitter, Mahinmi - a pretty nice lineup. :elephant

If Mahinmi develops and Splitter shows a good deal of progress this season, I'm not sure you'll see Elson beyond this year.

After all, he was originally supposed to be the stop-gap guy for Mahinmi/Butler....now he's stop-gap for Mahinmi/Splitter.

[mystargtr34]

Splitter had 14 and 9 in Tau's close loss to Girona.

unfortunately he's not featured at all in the ACBTV recap, other than getting scored on by Marc Gasol

lol yeh but he did outplay Gasol, as he should of course. I think Marc finished with 10-4-1 on 3-10 shooting which Tiago was 14-9-2 on 6-11. I think Tiago blocked 2 shots? or was that in the second game, im not even sure which stat the BS is.

Anyhow, Gasol went on to score 28 points his next game from 11-11 shooting :lol with a 3 pointer thrown in.

Tiago really owned Papadopolous in their meeting also which was excellent.

[T Park]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hollinger did a correlation of how Euro stats translate to the NBA, and rebounding was actually one of the numbers that went up when the player came to the states.

If you watch this kid you'll see that he has good timing, anticipation, and hands. He'll be a solid rebounder in the NBA

IMO the Spurs got a future 14 and 8 guy in Splitter.

Im still waiting for the answer on how a kid is 22 and hes "done improving"

no one will answer that.

[BeerIsGood!]

Maybe 14 and 8 in several years, but next season he'll need to pick up the defensive system, rebound, and be able to finish off of TD doubles. Work a little Hi-Lo and show off an ability to pass the ball and he'll be a great addition.

[mystargtr34]

IMO the Spurs got a future 14 and 8 guy in Splitter.

Im still waiting for the answer on how a kid is 22 and hes "done improving"

no one will answer that.

Theres no doubt he isnt done improving, but his learning curve started so early (playing professionally at age 16). But, no way hes done improving, he has the tools to be a solid player for us.

[T Park]

Work a little Hi-Lo and show off an ability to pass the ball and he'll be a great addition.

like playing off of Scola?

I think he can adjust to that.

[T Park]

Theres no doubt he isnt done improving, but his learning curve started so early (playing professionally at age 16). But, no way hes done improving, he has the tools to be a solid player for us.

I know that.

You know that.


Theres people though that think other wise. :lol

[mystargtr34]

Yeah for sure. I was looking at one of my SLAM mags from 2005 the other night and it had a draft section ranking the potential 2005 class. Splitter was ranked second behind ....



Rudy Gay :)

[urunobili]

i am starting to like him better every day... i had the chance of seeing him live playing with Brazil here in Uruguay and i liked him since... he was named MVP of a summer championship already and scored 21 to defeat ACB champion Real Madrid... the Spurs will have him at his best...

[mystargtr34]

i am starting to like him better every day... i had the chance of seeing him live playing with Brazil here in Uruguay and i liked him since... he was named MVP of a summer championship already and scored 21 to defeat ACB champion Real Madrid... the Spurs will have him at his best...

24 :)

I think his next game is this Thursday against Fuenlabrada. He should match up against 7'3"Peter John Ramos, the ex Wizard disgrace lol, should own him.

[nfg3]

Nice beginning for Tiago. This type of developement is what many have hoped for now that Scola is gone. Hopefully it will continue throughout the season. Time will tell. I look forward to his coming over next year.

[picnroll]

Another Splitter game. He skunked PJ Ramos. 14 points on 3/5 and a very un-Spurs-like 8/8 FT. 11 rebounds :smokin, 2 blocks (29 game valuation)

[A.H 21-50]

Another Splitter game. He skunked PJ Ramos. 14 points on 3/5 and a very un-Spurs-like 8/8 FT. 11 rebounds :smokin, 2 blocks (29 game valuation)

Great :elephant

[picnroll]

Looking more closely, actually Ramos didn't play much. Wideman put up some big numbers. Hope it wasn't head to head against Splitter

[T Park]

14 11 and 2 blocks.

VERRRRRRY nice :smokin

[wildbill2u]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hollinger did a correlation of how Euro stats translate to the NBA, and rebounding was actually one of the numbers that went up when the player came to the states.

If you watch this kid you'll see that he has good timing, anticipation, and hands. He'll be a solid rebounder in the NBA.
When you see him rebound or go for a block, he reminds you of Tim. He doesn't often leave the ground, just reaches up with those long arms. Not a big leaper, but on the plus side, he doesn't get faked out into the air either. :dizzy

[mystargtr34]

14 points on 5 shots, hes such a big wide body now, ats hard not to foul him when hre attacks, lets hope he hasnt lost too much of his athleticism from the added muscle.

Great game.

In addition on the pre season MVP, SPlitters averges through 3 games.

17.3 PPG
60% FG
8 RPG
2 APG
2 BPG ???

Not sure about the last stat

[T Park]

17 and 8..

Wow, hes averaging more than the vaunted god like Scola...

[objective]

footage from that last game is up now at ACBTV

[mystargtr34]

Game 4 last night....Tau lost 83-82

31 min
17 pts
7/8 FG
3/10 FT :S
3 rbs :S:S
1 ast

[Bruno]

He has too choked in this game.
He has missed 2 FTs with 3 seconds left while his team was down by 1.

[duncan7721]

Not too thrilled with the rebounding numbers....
Yeah...he is a center. Work on rebound positioning or something...

[wildbill2u]

Yeah...he is a center. Work on rebound positioning or something...
In the game footage I saw last year they were using him on the high (very high) post, frequently putting him out past the 3 pt arc. I wonder if they are still using him in this way? Hard to get a lot of rebounds from way out there.

[whottt]

He has too choked in this game.
He has missed 2 FTs with 3 seconds left while his team was down by 1.



When a bigman misses game winning free throws it usually isn't a choke...

Bigmen can't shoot FT's worth a flip.

It's only a choke when guys that usually shoot them well miss them....


I think Splitter usually shoots around 50% or so from FT line...so him missing two of them isn't a choke...he just sucks at FT shooting.


However...if he had made them...he would have been clutch.

He doesn't shoot them well even where there is no pressure..so it's not a choke when he fails to shoot them well underpressure.



It's the guys who are good FT shooters that miss them under pressure that choke.






Example, Sean Elliott is a career 80% FT shooter...in the 1994 WCF, he missed 2 FT's that would have won the game...

That was a choke.



Most bigmen don't shoot them at 80%...so when they miss them it isn't a choke.

Duncan misses game winning FT's pretty often actually...including a couple of times in the playoffs...so does Shaq....that's just bigmen being bigmen.

[objective]

9 points and 1 rebound on Sunday

[Darkwaters]

Splitter is looking great. I almost wish we were about to start the 08-09 season so we'd have Tiago on the team already!

Still, I can't believe that I was so upset at first when we drafted him. Actually, most of us were. But after considering it for about 30 minutes I realized it was a pretty solid pick. In fact, most people did fairly quickly. And he looks to be proving those sentiments resoundingly.

[mystargtr34]

9 points and 1 rebound in 23 minutes lol.....damn....talk a bout stinkin it up.

Foul trouble

[SenorSpur]

Splitter is looking great. I almost wish we were about to start the 08-09 season so we'd have Tiago on the team already!

Still, I can't believe that I was so upset at first when we drafted him. Actually, most of us were. But after considering it for about 30 minutes I realized it was a pretty solid pick. In fact, most people did fairly quickly. And he looks to be proving those sentiments resoundingly.

For those of us who were a bit upset or confused with the pick, it's probably because we didn't know much about him. I know I didn't. He wasn't exactly a household name. Yet his game and his skills look like to be an ideal future fit for this team - especially his shotblocking ability and potential offensive prowess. Like yourself, I had my initial reservations, yet I've since come around on this pick too. I'm far more excited about him than I was Scola.

[BeerIsGood!]

Although this kid's attributes seem to fit the Spurs better than Scola, we won't know what he can bring to the NBA game until he comes over. Just like Scola may very well be completely average or sub-average as an NBA player, this kid may end up the same. The good news is that the Spurs probably aren't relying on him to be anything more than a solid role player, and he may just be great for that role.

[SenorSpur]

Although this kid's attributes seem to fit the Spurs better than Scola, we won't know what he can bring to the NBA game until he comes over. Just like Scola may very well be completely average or sub-average as an NBA player, this kid may end up the same. The good news is that the Spurs probably aren't relying on him to be anything more than a solid role player, and he may just be great for that role.

:toast

[mystargtr34]

Tiago was actually a pretty well known NAME amongst draft guru's (i like to think of myself as one :)), but even they still never really knew what he was capable of. He was actually a top 3 prospect during Rudy Gay's high schooling coming out bu we all know how much weight those hold. Anyway, Splitter would have been a top 20 pick IMO if he were to come over right away. He is a legit 7 foot in shoes with long arms and actually pretty athletic - three key ingredients and three things Scola lacks.

I was stoked with the pick ....i never though he would go down so far.

[SenorSpur]

Tiago was actually a pretty well known NAME amongst draft guru's (i like to think of myself as one :)), but even they still never really knew what he was capable of. He was actually a top 3 prospect during Rudy Gay's high schooling coming out bu we all know how much weight those hold. Anyway, Splitter would have been a top 20 pick IMO if he were to come over right away. He is a legit 7 foot in shoes with long arms and actually pretty athletic - three key ingredients and three things Scola lacks.

I was stoked with the pick ....i never though he would go down so far.

During much of the post-draft analysis, I heard that Splitter applied for entry into the NBA draft the previous 2 years only to withdraw. He was also projected to go higher than where the Spurs selected him.

[AFBlue]

Like mystargtr34 pointed out, Splitter was projected to go much higher and had the talent, but he didn't have the apparent "star" potential and he wouldn't be able to contribute to a team right away.... so he slipped to this team, which incidentally didn't need a player with "star" potential or need a player to step in and contribute right away.

It was a perfect fit when it happened and it seems destined to be a perfect match in the long run.

Lets just hope it comes to fruition and soon. This kid could be the legit, long-term answer to the Center position that the Spurs have been seeking since the departure of David Robinson.

[wildbill2u]

Assume that Splitter comes over next year and works into the rotation. Do we get rid of Oberto or Elson--or do we finally end our association with Horry--ithout making any other changes in the current roster of big men.

I say we let Horry go, even if he'd like another year and play with these three guys.

[SenorSpur]

Assume that Splitter comes over next year and works into the rotation. Do we get rid of Oberto or Elson--or do we finally end our association with Horry--ithout making any other changes in the current roster of big men.

I say we let Horry go, even if he'd like another year and play with these three guys.

I'm NOT in favor of getting rid of either Elson or Oberto. Both these guys bring different skill sets to the court and should be even better this year and next. I say they both are keepers for now.

[AFBlue]

Assume that Splitter comes over next year and works into the rotation. Do we get rid of Oberto or Elson--or do we finally end our association with Horry--ithout making any other changes in the current roster of big men.

I say we let Horry go, even if he'd like another year and play with these three guys.

According to the number (#25) this is Horry's last season.

And according to the contract situation, this is Elson's last season.

Unless Horry changes his mind and/or Elson makes a big leap forward in his second year, both will likely be gone....paving the way for Splitter to contribute and possibly right away.

Horry's minutes will likely get absorbed by Bonner, who offers a similar skill set.

But the decision on Elson will likely dictate what Splitter's first year with the club looks like. Again, if Elson concentrates on his defense and occasionally finishes off a fastbreak he might be coming back. If he fails to do those things regularly, as he did last season, then he won't.

On Oberto, I believe he has two more years with the ballclub and possibly a team option for a third year. He is in the strongest position to stick around for a while.

[TheProfessor]

But the decision on Elson will likely dictate what Splitter's first year with the club looks like. Again, if Elson concentrates on his defense and occasionally finishes off a fastbreak he might be coming back. If he fails to do those things regularly, as he did last season, then he won't.
Agreed on the defensive side, particularly his rotations. But Elson's best attribute on offense is his mid-range jumper, and ability to further spread the floor while playing with Duncan. He needs to take that shot when he's open and knock down a healthy percentage. I think the Spurs might consider extending him if he's able to do that in addition to improving his rotations.

[AFBlue]

I'm NOT in favor of getting rid of either Elson or Oberto. Both these guys bring different skill sets to the court and should be even better this year and next. I say they both are keepers for now.

If given the option, I'd say get rid of Elson. He may run quickly up the floor and possess a halfway decent mid-range shot, but his defensive lapses are killer and he can't finish around the basket to save his life.

That's what I saw last year and it's what I expect to see this year.

It is true that most players improve in their second year with the Spurs, but those players were all intelligent and hard-working. I'm not questioning Elson's work ethic, but I'm just not sure he can pick up the defensive fundamentals to be a significant piece of this team beyond this year. I'm also not sure he can hit that 15-18ft jumpshot enough to cover up his defensive liability.

Not to mention the Spurs will bring on a kid with equal athleticism, better defensive fundamentals, higher potential, and most likely higher intelligence.

Bottom Line: If Elson doesn't improve significantly, I'd show him the door....

[AFBlue]

Agreed on the defensive side, particularly his rotations. But Elson's best attribute on offense is his mid-range jumper, and ability to further spread the floor while playing with Duncan. He needs to take that shot when he's open and knock down a healthy percentage. I think the Spurs might consider extending him if he's able to do that in addition to improving his rotations.

I just posted.

Read below....


It is true that most players improve in their second year with the Spurs, but those players were all intelligent and hard-working. I'm not questioning Elson's work ethic, but I'm just not sure he can pick up the defensive fundamentals to be a significant piece of this team beyond this year. I'm also not sure he can hit that 15-18ft jumpshot enough to cover up his defensive liability.

I've seen Elson hit the shot in warmups, but I really haven't seen him take and make it often enough in game situations to say it's a reliable weapon. I hope I'm wrong because without that shot he's a one trick pony (fastbreak dunker).

[SenorSpur]

If given the option, I'd say get rid of Elson. He may run quickly up the floor and possess a halfway decent mid-range shot, but his defensive lapses are killer and he can't finish around the basket to save his life.

That's what I saw last year and it's what I expect to see this year.

It is true that most players improve in their second year with the Spurs, but those players were all intelligent and hard-working. I'm not questioning Elson's work ethic, but I'm just not sure he can pick up the defensive fundamentals to be a significant piece of this team beyond this year. I'm also not sure he can hit that 15-18ft jumpshot enough to cover up his defensive liability.

Not to mention the Spurs will bring on a kid with equal athleticism, better defensive fundamentals, higher potential, and most likely higher intelligence.

Bottom Line: If Elson doesn't improve significantly, I'd show him the door....

Granted, I'm expecting Elson's defensive understanding and effectiveness on that end of the court to be significantly improved. If not, I agree he should be shown the door.

[ChumpDumper]

I was always underwhelmed by Splitter; apparently I always saw him on off days. He looks like a decent pick -- not a star, but definitely a good late first rounder.

[mystargtr34]

Game 5

23 Min
8 Pts
3/4 FG's
2/5 FT's
9 Rebs
2 Asts
1 Blk
5 Fouls

Foul trouble all game, but for 23 minutes thats pretty good numbers... he was the highest Valued player in the game which is something like the PER here... lol

[T Park]

8 points 9 rebounds a block in 23 mins with foul trouble is pretty good.

I like how his rebounds are good over there.

If he can be like Scola and rebound better over here than there, he could be special.

[traitoravery]

If we sign Tiago next year we would have a plethora of big men. Who would we keep?

[coopdogg3]

Elson's contract runs out after this year, Horry will probably retire. If Elson has a good year AND Ian impresses that might cause some problems. Maybe Elson impresses enough so that Spurs can work a S & T by holding his early Bird rights - but I doubt it. If Ian does well they probably just let Elson walk. Have Splitter replace Horry.

[traitoravery]

Ohh ok. I thought Elson signed a 3 yr deal.

[barbacoataco]

The Spurs are loaded with bigs. Mahinmi is very long, and Splitter is a true 7-ftr with strength. Elson will have to play well to get extended. Even if he plays well, he might take a better offer from another team.

[Bruno]

Game 5

23 Min
8 Pts
3/4 FG's
2/5 FT's
9 Rebs
2 Asts
1 Blk
5 Fouls

Foul trouble all game, but for 23 minutes thats pretty good numbers... he was the highest Valued player in the game which is something like the PER here... lol

No, he wasn't in foul trouble.
He made 1 foul.
In the Spanish boxscore, PF-C is the fouls drawn. PF-F is the fouls made.
The reason why he has played only 23 min is that it was a blowout.

[T Park]

still pretty good numbers in 23 minutes.

If he had played say 31 he gets 10 and 10 i gaurantee.

I'll take that out of my starting C every time :)

[mystargtr34]

No, he wasn't in foul trouble.
He made 1 foul.
In the Spanish boxscore, PF-C is the fouls drawn. PF-F is the fouls made.
The reason why he has played only 23 min is that it was a blowout.

Ahh ok sorry :lol

I get confused with the site because its all in spanish...

Hes got the Spurs genes already, sit out when its a blow out.

I would call that a really solid game then... 8 points on just 4 shots

Free throws are still a worry... he might be below 50% for the season :dramaquee

Rebounding was extrememly good, 9 euroleague rebounds in just 23 minutes is off the charts

2 assists is encouraging also.

[clubalien]

Are you being serious or sarcastic?
We better sign this guy. Worst thing to happen to a fan is to watch scola, ian, and splitter year after year watch their progress and then never see such a greta player like ian or whatever never play a single play for the spurs.

[nfg3]

Like most here I wasn't too sure about Splitter when he was taken by the Spurs. First reaction was who? What? But seeing him paly in Vegas in the FIBA games helped me to see his potential. He will be a very good if not great addition. He fits a position we haven't really filled since David's retirement. I'm in agreement about the rebounding and D positioning/rotations. This will be his main focus when he comes next year. Signng him I don't see as a problem. I think his buyout will be $1Mil and that shouldn't be a problem between the Spurs and Tiago. unlike a certain person's (who will remain unnamed because I don't want this to be another excuse to start a thread about him) contract was for many years.