The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

I have a cardiology next week and this team is not helping my condition

Just to counter balance the rose colored glass approach of we could be 4-1. I will say we could also be 1-4. However the play of Tabb and Ortiz did give me hope.

I agree with joepa and I agree with burden. step back to a few weeks before the season and I think overall sentiment was that this season is gonna be bumpy ride. I don't feel any different about that through 5 games. But wins are precious. From a fans perspective I see the team from a blurred set a glasses that can change every time a guy hits a three, or has a big game, or plays a few possessions of bad defense...

But when I step back and look at the big picture I am pleased that this team has competed and found a way to win 3. Henniger, Tabb, Ortiz, Goodson. None of them true "big men" in the old fashion sense of the word. But if by conference play each of those guys has settled into a role and found confidence in their game, I think it is very possible that my glasses will become much more rose colored.

Happy Thanksgiving all. Beat the Bobcats! Beat the Cornhuskers!

Usually, after watching a few games, I enjoy analyzing the team and expressing an opinion on what is really going on, scheme wise, and IMO, how a team can get better. With this team, I am still lost. I see fairly good effort taking place and I see a lot of depth. The depth does not mean that our players are great, it is just that there are many interchangeable parts. Rather than commenting on team concepts, I think we are weak on individual skills. We appear to be a terrible shooting team. We are very shaky on the foul line. My main concern relative to individual skills is the lack of ability to finish the move and get the ball into the bottom of the net. How many close in shots just do not go in?
For now this is what I observe and I hope it is correctable. I do believe we have the possibility of developing into an above average team this season.

It's been fun over the last couple of weeks to watch the newcomers develop. Not only are they implementing new offensive and defensive systems in games instead of against one another in practice ---where everyone knows what's coming---they are trying to read the reaction of the defenses and offenses of real opposition. For some the development will taken longer than others. For some of the "veteran" players, those with a least one year of prep or college ball under their belt, the development is quicker. Of course, I am not including Henny or Brewer in this discussion but the new faces.

Most noticeably, I've seen Bryson Pope go from a guy who tries to drive to the basket almost every time he gets the ball, to a player who is comfortable looking at the 3 but also pulling up for a jumper short of the defense at the hoop. His defense has also improved. Chris Ortiz benefited from year of prep ball and has been up to the challenge. His outside shooting has been a surprise and he's really stepped up his rebounding and defense. Melvin Tabb is starting to be a force but Darren Goodson has yet to find his stride and his shooting has been off. He is a strong young man though. Earvin Morris has been a pleasant surprise and is really aggressive but has yet to be a real scoring threat, and Kellon Thomas is a real nice ball handler and plays solid defense. Khaliq Spicer looks almost lost and they have been really coaching him hard. I think he needs to develop that killer instinct.

Like GFlash68 I see definite potential in and on this team. We just need to see what parts are gonna be best fits and with what other parts they fit best. Nonetheless I am very hopeful especially with their effort.

That game last night was hard to watch but I'm glad we got the W. Great poise by Holt at the end especially since it looked like the play fell apart and he had to improv. I thought Tabb looked much better. If he and Ortiz continue to improve we'll be alright inside.

One thing that is going to be a struggle is playing against zones. Their zone seemed to take our guys (Evans in particular) out of their game. Last year Evans could destroy zones by sitting in the corner and either catching a lob or hitting a 3. This year that's going to be tougher for him for a few reasons. 1. We don't have Guyton and Porrini to deliver those lobs (they tried but failed twice last night). 2. Evans role is expanded so he can't just sit in the corner for 25 seconds anymore. 3. Defenses are keeping an eye on him at all times. So far teams have done a really good job of identifying him in transition as well which is kind of frustrating to me because with those bright yellow shoes and headband he's definitely helping them.

As far as beating a zone goes, I think we're going to have to play Dev Manley. He's our best pure shooter and you're not going to beat many zones shooting 5-20 on 3's.

or tell Bryson Pope...our 6'6 "combo player" that he is the entry guy that needs to be a zone beater.

I think he is a guy that can hit from the elbow AND find open players going to the basket. Sounds like a reasonable role for him and one that could pay big dividends moving forward.

Manley would be icing on the cake. Until he shows he is consistent Kent State is better off taking their chances with Brewer or Holt or even Evans shooting from distance.

Anyone thinks our team causes indigestion, try being a Carolina fan.

I'm heading out to next Wednesday's game at YSU. This will be the first time I get to see them in person this year, So I'll hold off all judgement on this team until after that game