playing St. Gregory is not exactly getting my blood boiling. The only redeeming factor I can see is that we got another home game against someone we should be able to beat, after getting *** whippings at both Ole Miss and Tulsa, but what do we accomplish if we beat them? Absolutely nothing. But maybe we can work on some things and get our shooters some confidence. I'm happy to be able to get out to the Jack for our first regular season game, but my enthusiasm level will be tempered by our lack of competition. It's just an exhibition game as far as our concerned, and I'm afraid our players might take it that way also.
Losing to St. Gregorys would be unthinkable, and if that were to happen, I can't imagine the repercussions. Let's just pray that doesn't happen. Need to have a game where III, Nick and Ricky get involved.
Sit Solo and Lionel on the bench for awhile and let Ricky run the point, with III, Nick, Alex and Montrelle playing the most minutes tonight. They need the work, and this would be the ideal time to give them a lot of minutes and a lot of shots.
(11-18-2009 11:57 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]playing St. Gregory is not exactly getting my blood boiling. The only redeeming factor I can see is that we got another home game against someone we should be able to beat, after getting *** whippings at both Ole Miss and Tulsa, but what do we accomplish if we beat them? Absolutely nothing. But maybe we can work on some things and get our shooters some confidence. I'm happy to be able to get out to the Jack for our first regular season game, but my enthusiasm level will be tempered by our lack of competition. It's just an exhibition game as far as our concerned, and I'm afraid our players might take it that way also.
Losing to St. Gregorys would be unthinkable, and if that were to happen, I can't imagine the repercussions. Let's just pray that doesn't happen. Need to have a game where III, Nick and Ricky get involved.
Sit Solo and Lionel on the bench for awhile and let Ricky run the point, with III, Nick, Alex and Montrelle playing the most minutes tonight. They need the work, and this would be the ideal time to give them a lot of minutes and a lot of shots.
Looks like they all need the work. There aren't enough minutes in a 40 minute game to give our team the work they need.
Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
(11-18-2009 12:07 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
I'm not certain we know who the top eight really are. My top eight right now would be Alex, III, Nick, Solo, Ricky,Mike, Courtney and Wayne. I know that doesn't match the coaches thinking, and probably not some of yours, but that's the direction I would go right now. I think this is the group that gives us the best long range chance of winning later this season, and next. Who would I start tonight? Ricky, Solo, III, Alex and Mike. Nick and Courtney first off the bench, followed by Wayne. I want to see Ricky at the point with both III and Solo or Nick in the lineup. That could be fun. But hey. It's not about fun. It's about...well, I don't really know what it's all about at this stage of our season.
(11-18-2009 12:39 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:07 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
I'm not certain we know who the top eight really are. My top eight right now would be Alex, III, Nick, Solo, Ricky,Mike, Courtney and Wayne. I know that doesn't match the coaches thinking, and probably not some of yours, but that's the direction I would go right now. I think this is the group that gives us the best long range chance of winning later this season, and next. Who would I start tonight? Ricky, Solo, III, Alex and Mike. Nick and Courtney first off the bench, followed by Wayne. I want to see Ricky at the point with both III and Solo or Nick in the lineup. That could be fun. But hey. It's not about fun. It's about...well, I don't really know what it's all about at this stage of our season.
Interesting question about how we should play this game. Originally, I certainly saw it as an opportunity to get some of our new guys like Cicic and Davison a lot of quality minutes. I'm sure they will get some minutes. But with our starting 5 not exactly running the offense like a "well oiled machine" it would be a good opportunity to get those guys some confidence and time working together "under the lights". I see our starters playing a bunch early with III, Courtney, Bails getting a lot of quality time the first half. We'll probably go with the starters after the half, but then hopefully have a big enough lead that Cicic, Ricky, etc. will get a sizable number of minutes the second half. I'd really like to see a lot of new guys, but its also crucial that we get the starters some confidence before going to Creighton.
(11-18-2009 01:03 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:39 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:07 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
I'm not certain we know who the top eight really are. My top eight right now would be Alex, III, Nick, Solo, Ricky,Mike, Courtney and Wayne. I know that doesn't match the coaches thinking, and probably not some of yours, but that's the direction I would go right now. I think this is the group that gives us the best long range chance of winning later this season, and next. Who would I start tonight? Ricky, Solo, III, Alex and Mike. Nick and Courtney first off the bench, followed by Wayne. I want to see Ricky at the point with both III and Solo or Nick in the lineup. That could be fun. But hey. It's not about fun. It's about...well, I don't really know what it's all about at this stage of our season.
Interesting question about how we should play this game. Originally, I certainly saw it as an opportunity to get some of our new guys like Cicic and Davison a lot of quality minutes. I'm sure they will get some minutes. But with our starting 5 not exactly running the offense like a "well oiled machine" it would be a good opportunity to get those guys some confidence and time working together "under the lights". I see our starters playing a bunch early with III, Courtney, Bails getting a lot of quality time the first half. We'll probably go with the starters after the half, but then hopefully have a big enough lead that Cicic, Ricky, etc. will get a sizable number of minutes the second half. I'd really like to see a lot of new guys, but its also crucial that we get the starters some confidence before going to Creighton.
Once again, who should be the starters. Just because some have started the first two games, surely doesn't mean that will be the starting lineup the rest of the way. My one big question is, is Lionel a great enough defensive player and assist man at the point, that we can afford his lack of offensive production in the starting lineup. He's had 4 assists, 4 turnovers, and 3 points total in two games. Not good by any standard. I am not in agreement with not starting III. He was basically a starter last year, and I believe he's feeling sort of left out after really being one of our top players last year. I sure don't think Lionel has surpassed him in any category. And III is our leading returning scorer. If Lionel was scoring some points and dishing out a lot of assists, I'd have to feel differently, but that's not the case. I have no problem with Solo, Alex, Courtney, Mike or Wayne being in the starting lineup, but I just feel III should be one of our main players this season. He's earned that right, IMO. There's still plenty of time for change.
(11-18-2009 03:12 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 01:03 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:39 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:07 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
I'm not certain we know who the top eight really are. My top eight right now would be Alex, III, Nick, Solo, Ricky,Mike, Courtney and Wayne. I know that doesn't match the coaches thinking, and probably not some of yours, but that's the direction I would go right now. I think this is the group that gives us the best long range chance of winning later this season, and next. Who would I start tonight? Ricky, Solo, III, Alex and Mike. Nick and Courtney first off the bench, followed by Wayne. I want to see Ricky at the point with both III and Solo or Nick in the lineup. That could be fun. But hey. It's not about fun. It's about...well, I don't really know what it's all about at this stage of our season.
Interesting question about how we should play this game. Originally, I certainly saw it as an opportunity to get some of our new guys like Cicic and Davison a lot of quality minutes. I'm sure they will get some minutes. But with our starting 5 not exactly running the offense like a "well oiled machine" it would be a good opportunity to get those guys some confidence and time working together "under the lights". I see our starters playing a bunch early with III, Courtney, Bails getting a lot of quality time the first half. We'll probably go with the starters after the half, but then hopefully have a big enough lead that Cicic, Ricky, etc. will get a sizable number of minutes the second half. I'd really like to see a lot of new guys, but its also crucial that we get the starters some confidence before going to Creighton.
Once again, who should be the starters. Just because some have started the first two games, surely doesn't mean that will be the starting lineup the rest of the way. My one big question is, is Lionel a great enough defensive player and assist man at the point, that we can afford his lack of offensive production in the starting lineup. He's had 4 assists, 4 turnovers, and 3 points total in two games. Not good by any standard. I am not in agreement with not starting III. He was basically a starter last year, and I believe he's feeling sort of left out after really being one of our top players last year. I sure don't think Lionel has surpassed him in any category. And III is our leading returning scorer. If Lionel was scoring some points and dishing out a lot of assists, I'd have to feel differently, but that's not the case. I have no problem with Solo, Alex, Courtney, Mike or Wayne being in the starting lineup, but I just feel III should be one of our main players this season. He's earned that right, IMO. There's still plenty of time for change.
I thought Lionel was our best "true" point guard last year. He hasn't looked great against the 2 best teams on our schedule, but who has.
I good point guard makes everyone on the floor better. I'm willing to give Lionel a few more games before I pull the rug out from under him.
(11-18-2009 03:53 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 03:12 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 01:03 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:39 PM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ] (11-18-2009 12:07 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]Two schools of thought. Either let your top 8 get most of the minutes so they can gel. Or experiment with the younger guys that won't get many minutes after tonight.
Given that we've struggled for three games now, I'd go with the top 8.
I'm not certain we know who the top eight really are. My top eight right now would be Alex, III, Nick, Solo, Ricky,Mike, Courtney and Wayne. I know that doesn't match the coaches thinking, and probably not some of yours, but that's the direction I would go right now. I think this is the group that gives us the best long range chance of winning later this season, and next. Who would I start tonight? Ricky, Solo, III, Alex and Mike. Nick and Courtney first off the bench, followed by Wayne. I want to see Ricky at the point with both III and Solo or Nick in the lineup. That could be fun. But hey. It's not about fun. It's about...well, I don't really know what it's all about at this stage of our season.
Interesting question about how we should play this game. Originally, I certainly saw it as an opportunity to get some of our new guys like Cicic and Davison a lot of quality minutes. I'm sure they will get some minutes. But with our starting 5 not exactly running the offense like a "well oiled machine" it would be a good opportunity to get those guys some confidence and time working together "under the lights". I see our starters playing a bunch early with III, Courtney, Bails getting a lot of quality time the first half. We'll probably go with the starters after the half, but then hopefully have a big enough lead that Cicic, Ricky, etc. will get a sizable number of minutes the second half. I'd really like to see a lot of new guys, but its also crucial that we get the starters some confidence before going to Creighton.
Once again, who should be the starters. Just because some have started the first two games, surely doesn't mean that will be the starting lineup the rest of the way. My one big question is, is Lionel a great enough defensive player and assist man at the point, that we can afford his lack of offensive production in the starting lineup. He's had 4 assists, 4 turnovers, and 3 points total in two games. Not good by any standard. I am not in agreement with not starting III. He was basically a starter last year, and I believe he's feeling sort of left out after really being one of our top players last year. I sure don't think Lionel has surpassed him in any category. And III is our leading returning scorer. If Lionel was scoring some points and dishing out a lot of assists, I'd have to feel differently, but that's not the case. I have no problem with Solo, Alex, Courtney, Mike or Wayne being in the starting lineup, but I just feel III should be one of our main players this season. He's earned that right, IMO. There's still plenty of time for change.
I thought Lionel was our best "true" point guard last year. He hasn't looked great against the 2 best teams on our schedule, but who has.
I good point guard makes everyone on the floor better. I'm willing to give Lionel a few more games before I pull the rug out from under him.
I'm not saying bench him altogether. And it would be different if he was putting out 6-10 assists a game, even if he wasn't scoring, but he's not doing that. I'm just saying, from what I've seen of Ricky Davison, he might give us more options at the point. He is a fairly good shooter, is quick, and I think would be just as effective on defense as Lionel, or close enough where his offensive skills would make us a better team. Just a possibility.
It's all about who can play defense. Offense really doesn't matter.
(11-18-2009 04:14 PM)Scotto Wrote: [ -> ]It's all about who can play defense. Offense really doesn't matter.
They all look about the same to me on defense. At least not enough difference to warrant being in the starting lineup if you can't score and get assists. Game tonight won't mean a thing. Just a warm up, which we could easily lose (I hate to even think about that possibility). Creighton game will give us more to go on as to who can do what.
So far I'm very disapppointed in several aspects. I was led to believe Solo was a great, true point guard, which he definitely isn't. I could tell in practices and pick up games that he wasn't a great shooter, but I thought he'd be adequate for a point guard. As a two guard, no. III and Nick are our two true 2 guards, or 2 and 3. I still contend our best lineup will eventually be Solo, III, Nick, Alex and one of the big guys, possibly Montrelle. But our coach doesn't take to change very easily once he makes up his mind about a player. III wouldn't be on scholarship, if the players hadn't come to Steve and demanded he play his freshman season. He just isn't impressed by someone who can really shoot. He's looking for that guy who looks like an athlete, and many times the guy can't play basketball. I didn't expect to beat Ole Miss or Tulsa on the road, but I thought we'd give them a good, competitive game, which we didn't in either case. Not a happy fan right now. Need to start seeing some positives. Wish we had a real game tonight to see where we are, but I guess what is is.
Imagine if we somehow manage to lose tonight. Holy cow, talk about the wheels coming off.
We need our bigs to man up and bully their way to the hole. I want to see some dunks.
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