on Dukes linked below:

http://www.caahoops.com/

Nice write up. Got a chuckle out of the Semenov returns comment.

This team will probably be pretty difficult to watch on occasion, but very exciting at the same time. Young team, but lot's of talent too, it seems. Should be a fun season, like roller coaster fun.

the height comment made me rather curious. Made me go and look this up. Kind of interesting stuff.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/201...eam-height

Who wrote that article? Sounds like '84 did. They missed the most important contributor to the team; Mike Deane! He should have received the most valuable award for last year. Where does everyone think the best defensive turnaround in league history came from? Last to first. That is pretty good.

(06-10-2013 11:58 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  Who wrote that article? Sounds like '84 did. They missed the most important contributor to the team; Mike Deane! He should have received the most valuable award for last year. Where does everyone think the best defensive turnaround in league history came from? Last to first. That is pretty good.

...and this is why I think the team will be more successful than most of the preseason rankings - I think the team will be very good defensively. The seniors will be missed, no doubt about it; but 2 of the 3 weren't exactly stellar team defensive players. I think we're going to see a very high-intensity team on the court that really knows how to apply the pressure.

I had nothing to do with the write-up except for the reference to the foreign-born players.

Credit the following for the defensive turnaround:

1. Matt Brady for having the foresight of hiring Mike Deane, who put together outstanding defensive teams at Marquette.
2. Mike Deane for his influence on the coaching staff.
3. Last year's freshman class, which loved playing defense.

(06-10-2013 12:09 PM)POTUS#4 Wrote:  

(06-10-2013 11:58 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  Who wrote that article? Sounds like '84 did. They missed the most important contributor to the team; Mike Deane! He should have received the most valuable award for last year. Where does everyone think the best defensive turnaround in league history came from? Last to first. That is pretty good.

...and this is why I think the team will be more successful than most of the preseason rankings - I think the team will be very good defensively. The seniors will be missed, no doubt about it; but 2 of the 3 weren't exactly stellar team defensive players. I think we're going to see a very high-intensity team on the court that really knows how to apply the pressure.

+2

(06-10-2013 12:32 PM)Dukes84 Wrote:  I had nothing to do with the write-up except for the reference to the foreign-born players.

Credit the following for the defensive turnaround:

1. Matt Brady for having the foresight of hiring Mike Deane, who put together outstanding defensive teams at Marquette.
2. Mike Deane for his influence on the coaching staff.
3. Last year's freshman class, which loved playing defense.

I agree with everything you just said. I still think reading the article it sounds like you could have written it. And, that is a compliment.

A little good press never hurt anyone! This is certainly going to be an interesting season.

I'm going to absolutely hate myself for saying this.... but there's another team in Virginia that built its reputation on playing smothering defense. Granted, it was a much different type of defense, but it gave them a name nevertheless. We have the potential to make some highlight reel plays. The question is, can we put the ball in the basket on an off jumpshooting night.

Newbill - have you been spending too much time with Dunk at the Ram club meetings?

Yes, the future of JMU basketball looks pretty good right now. Not great, but pretty good. We still need some pieces in place to 1) get students excited about going to basketball games and 2) to recruit better players consistently (I am referring to facilities upgrades).

Mike Deane has my vote for last year's MVP, no doubt! I'll miss the sick dunks that AJ Davis threw down time and time again.

First priority on facilities "upgrades" oughta be getting rid of the damn risers. Never been on them, never been near them, never will be on them. Hate them nonetheless.

Packed, bouncy, roll-out sketch bleachers are the only way to go. There's always got to be that slim chance, that slight thought, deep in the dark corners of your mind, that yea, these effers might just break. Jump higher!

This came up at the Duke Club Rep meeting at JMU about 2 years ago and all agreed it was a mistake. Does it really cost THAT much to fix a mistake? I mean, even throwing those damn things in the trash would be an improvement. A mystery as to why nothing has changed on that front. Seems like someone has some pride on the line and is unwilling to make a move that would basically be an admission of a misuse of precious funds. Ridiculous.

Too bad fraternities are not more involved in supporting athletics. I could envision a great prank or two that might get the admin's attention...