One of the best home games in a very long time. Marshall was long, could shoot, and could score. Defensively they were bad in the 1st half, but improved in the 2nd. Defensively we played really well in the 1st half, and although we "bended" a little in the 2nd half, we were good enough. KGG & Hunter Harris were probably our best, although Rembert made a critical block @ the end of the 1st half and hit a critical 3 late in the 2nd that helped to seal it. This team is a different team in that building. However, the entire team played extremely well. If we can just find some consistency, we'll be a very tough team to beat.

Murry is fighting so hard to get us in Freedom Hall, I fear it we have to play another game in the Dome, we'll be as flat as can be. So, I hope that he knows or thinks that Sander will move the team over. Bartow is giving him little choice w/ all of his comments in the press.

(11-30-2013 08:46 PM)GoBucsGo Wrote:  One of the best home games in a very long time. Marshall was long, could shoot, and could score. Defensively they were bad in the 1st half, but improved in the 2nd. Defensively we played really well in the 1st half, and although we "bended" a little in the 2nd half, we were good enough. KGG & Hunter Harris were probably our best, although Rembert made a critical block @ the end of the 1st half and hit a critical 3 late in the 2nd that helped to seal it. This team is a different team in that building. However, the entire team played extremely well. If we can just find some consistency, we'll be a very tough team to beat.

Murry is fighting so hard to get us in Freedom Hall, I fear it we have to play another game in the Dome, we'll be as flat as can be. So, I hope that he knows or thinks that Sander will move the team over. Bartow is giving him little choice w/ all of his comments in the press.

After having watched all three games there I must say the players obviously love playing there. They just compete at another level while playing in Freedom Hall. It will be interesting to see if they can manage the switch. I say whatever makes the players happy let's do.

Jay Santos said on Don Helman show today that he would be shocked if they played any more in Freedom Hall this year. He seemed pretty sure that we would play next year in there- but I think everyone sees that coming. He said that the Dome's roof is supposed to be done by the start of next basketball season, but that it was going to be close.

I don't think that Bartow is in a position to be not giving Sander much choice by his comments. He is still probably on his way out.

After the three games, I will admit it has grown on me. If they do all of the renovations that have been talked about on here (and do them right), and take care of the season ticket holders' seating issues (not putting ANY of the in the upper level), I think it can work. I still think from an economical point of view its not smart, and I hate the idea of working with the city on it and not own it- but as long as most of the fans are placed in the lower level it can be a better environment than the Dome.

(11-30-2013 08:57 PM)etsubuc Wrote:  Jay Santos said on Don Helman show today that he would be shocked if they played any more in Freedom Hall this year. He seemed pretty sure that we would play next year in there- but I think everyone sees that coming. He said that the Dome's roof is supposed to be done by the start of next basketball season, but that it was going to be close.

I don't think that Bartow is in a position to be not giving Sander much choice by his comments. He is still probably on his way out.

After the three games, I will admit it has grown on me. If they do all of the renovations that have been talked about on here (and do them right), and take care of the season ticket holders' seating issues (not putting ANY of the in the upper level), I think it can work. I still think from an economical point of view its not smart, and I hate the idea of working with the city on it and not own it- but as long as most of the fans are placed in the lower level it can be a better environment than the Dome.

I was disappointed by the seating again. There are going to HAVE to take care of the long time season ticket holders. I showed them my ticket and they said I will have to sit in the upper tier or I could sit behind either of the goals. I am thinking all the season tickets should be on the side in the lower tier and then start selling the other seats to people walking up. Other than that, I was pleased with the way the team played tonight.

Great win today against an athletic, talented team. Our starters were terrific in most aspects of the game. I'm starting to think that KGG is here to stay. He did something tonight that I hadn't seen since Pigram: He showed his teeth to the opposition. Mid-second half, KGG hit a tough step-back jumper and screamed at the Marshall bench on the way down the floor. I LOVED THAT! They couldn't guard him, and when they did, he simply found Hunter underneath. He's playing smart, efficient, decisive basketball. If he continues at this pace he'll be the league's POY. Hunter, despite frustration at the line, was outstanding with 17, 13, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. Rashawn seemed to disappear in stretches, but hit clutch 3's down the stretch. Lastly, I am so proud of Petey for stepping his game up. I was starting to doubt him, but he's been taking care of the ball and getting to the rim. My buddy kept saying to me, "If Petey could develop an outside shot...."

It's hard to argue with the results of this game, but the lack of bench play concerns me. I don't understand playing Hunter 40 minutes, KGG 38, and Rashawn 37. Jalen should be getting consistent minutes at the 2 and some at the 1 as well. From what little I've seen of Banks, I'd like to see him get around 10 mpg too. It worked tonight, but this is the sort of thing that can come back to harm you in games of attrition, OT games, or just the overall rigor of a long season.

Marshall's athleticism and length were a stark contrast to SFU's fundamental, deliberate style of play. They had some serious lapses on defense and just didn't play with toughness despite having Conference USA-level talent. The player that personified that the most was Pitman. He had NBA size, length, and skill at the small forward position, but had the worst attitude and body language as I've seen from a player in a long time. I noticed in the huddles that Marshall's coach had a tough time reeling him in.

Overall, great win and an enjoyable game to watch.

I'm thrilled that Freedom Hall is having a placebo effect, but I wish Murry would use this an opportunity to highlight that playing like this is a function of desire, effort, and discipline, not of circumstance. If we do return to the dome, are the players going to feel monumentally disappointed?

Faithful - I agree. What I think it should have taught this team is that they have a ton of talent & potential that is just now being tapped. It's not Freedom Hall that did that; they are actually a pretty good team, especially on offense. I do think we'll play more games in there this year, but who knows? Logistically it will be difficult, I'm sure. But find a way. At this point, I'm just glad to see some wins over some decent to good teams. It's promising.

AyeJay Merriweather ‏@AYEdeadlyJAY 1h
I am so happy we got that win tonight. I hope we play every home game in Freedom Hall! @ETSUAthletics

(11-30-2013 09:55 PM)GoBucsGo Wrote:  Faithful - I agree. What I think it should have taught this team is that they have a ton of talent & potential that is just now being tapped. It's not Freedom Hall that did that; they are actually a pretty good team, especially on offense. I do think we'll play more games in there this year, but who knows? Logistically it will be difficult, I'm sure. But find a way. At this point, I'm just glad to see some wins over some decent to good teams. It's promising.

We're on common ground. I'm reluctant to pull the trigger with this team (in terms of making a definitive statement), but it does seems that we're poised to turn the corner, as Bartow said on the post-game show. Rebounding (in particular) and defense are still substantial concerns, but as Giplaye slowly integrates into the mix and if Poderis can give us quality minutes like he did tonight, we can improve in these areas.

(11-30-2013 09:11 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  Great win today against an athletic, talented team. Our starters were terrific in most aspects of the game. I'm starting to think that KGG is here to stay. He did something tonight that I hadn't seen since Pigram: He showed his teeth to the opposition. Mid-second half, KGG hit a tough step-back jumper and screamed at the Marshall bench on the way down the floor. I LOVED THAT!

Not sure if that is the same play but I saw a play where he hit a shot and came down and started running his mouth to the Marshall bench and the PG went the length of the court for and easy layup. If KGG had been back on defense instead of showboating with his back the to play he might have been able to stop it. My seat was directly behind the end of the scorers table on the Marshall side so I had a clear view and of it.

(11-30-2013 10:07 PM)RodShaw2 Wrote:  

(11-30-2013 09:11 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  Great win today against an athletic, talented team. Our starters were terrific in most aspects of the game. I'm starting to think that KGG is here to stay. He did something tonight that I hadn't seen since Pigram: He showed his teeth to the opposition. Mid-second half, KGG hit a tough step-back jumper and screamed at the Marshall bench on the way down the floor. I LOVED THAT!

Not sure if that is the same play but I saw a play where he hit a shot and came down and started running his mouth to the Marshall bench and the PG went the length of the court for and easy layup. If KGG had been back on defense instead of showboating with his back the to play he might have been able to stop it. My seat was directly behind the end of the scorers table on the Marshall side so I had a clear view and of it.

Ouch. I'm not sure, but that play wasn't smart.

Didn't see that, but of course we had some dumb plays, we always do. But I made a statement earlier this season that KGG was a liability. Obviously, and I'm very happy about this, I was horribly wrong. This guy has proven himself and has incredible court vision as well. The little step back jumper he has, whether from 3 or just inside the line is lethal. He's a matchup nightmare because of his size. He can hit free throws. He makes mistakes, but typically they are of effort, which is difficult to fault. Speaking of effort, Rembert's block @ the end of the 1st half and 3 towards the end of the 2nd was incredible. We have some guys who can make some plays. Now, let's see some consistency.

Austin Peay is Wednesday. I don't know how good they are, but from what I heard on the radio it certainly sounds winnable. Perform like we did tonight and good things will happen.

(11-30-2013 09:59 PM)etsuBucsFan1988 Wrote:  AyeJay Merriweather ‏@AYEdeadlyJAY 1h
I am so happy we got that win tonight. I hope we play every home game in Freedom Hall! @ETSUAthletics

If all of our players will work as hard as AJ, I say make FH happen ASAP. One thing Bartow never got was a legitimate arena, and this could be one last effort rather than a handout. I would rather see the AD do this to stimulate the basketball team's performance than simply let things fall apart. Maybe this is the kind of dynamic change, along with new faces on the court (assistant coaches and players), that can bring ETSU basketball back to life right now. Who wants to keep waiting for next season?

(11-30-2013 09:07 PM)bucfan81 Wrote:  I was disappointed by the seating again. There are going to HAVE to take care of the long time season ticket holders. I showed them my ticket and they said I will have to sit in the upper tier or I could sit behind either of the goals. I am thinking all the season tickets should be on the side in the lower tier and then start selling the other seats to people walking up. Other than that, I was pleased with the way the team played tonight.

According to a news article I read at the start of the season we have about 2,000 season ticket holders. That is just about as many seats as is in the sides and corner sections of Freedom Hall. But the band is going to take up one of those sections, part of those corners are roped off because the stupid scoreboard sticks up on two corners- and the students have to have some seats that are not right behind the backboard. The place just isn't big enough or built right for enough good seats.

Im torn on what I would do if I were the AD. I know as a season ticket holder or as a general admission ticket buyer I personally will not pay to sit behind the backboard or anywhere in the upper level of that place. I guess I would have the sides of the lower level for the higher priced season ticket holders, and have the corners for the lowest priced season ticket holders. The students will have to sit behind the backboards until we can build a real arena. Behind the backboards at Freedom Hall is better seats than behind the backboard at the Dome.

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/...eedom-hall

It looks as though there were some NBA scouts looking at Ptiman. I bet they noted his horrible attitude and defeatist body language. According to posters on the Marshall message board, Pitman is a cancer to that team.

WJHL Highlights: http://www.wjhl.com/story/24103849/bucs-...eedom-hall

Really good win for what looks to be an improving team. The Bucs seem to have the pieces, and we are beginning to see them put some solid performances together. Hunter and Kinard today were great, got good contributions from several others, and I enjoyed the atmosphere in Freedom Hall.

My only issue is Bartow always harping on the fact that this team is Conference-USA yadda yadda yadda. We get it.

Also, wouldn't it be a logistical nightmare trying to relocate the rest of the games to Freedom Hall? Surely that's not something that they will actually try to pursue for this season is it? Would hate to be the ticket guy if that comes to pass, that's gotta make his life a blast haha.

(12-01-2013 05:26 PM)BucMania Wrote:  Also, wouldn't it be a logistical nightmare trying to relocate the rest of the games to Freedom Hall? Surely that's not something that they will actually try to pursue for this season is it? Would hate to be the ticket guy if that comes to pass, that's gotta make his life a blast haha.

Assuming that most are somewhat satisfied with their FH seating location (I am), actually not that difficult from a ticket perspective. Issue a reusable card with the new location for seating and use the minidome ticket only for admission. Problem solved.