(02-24-2014 03:04 PM)Dennis Hoopster Wrote: (02-24-2014 01:44 PM)EagleSam Wrote: (02-24-2014 11:38 AM)Dennis Hoopster Wrote: (02-24-2014 11:34 AM)Ken Barna Wrote: Dear Friends,
Just found out from Jeremy Rosenberg of Eagle Totem, that Coach Hawkins revealed at his press conference that Whittington of Western was so sick, that had the game been scheduled for Saturday, he, Whittington would not have played. What a difference that would have made.
Jeremy also confirmed that Western's coach, Hawkins, said the strategy was to drive to the basket to get as many fouls as possible, especially on Riley.
STATEGY WORKED. WHITTINGTON TOOK US TO THE CLEANERS WHILE OUR POST PLAYERS RILEY AND AJAYI COMBINED FOR A TOTAL OF -0- POINTS
They never score anyway. That stat isn't a very big deal.
I thought Ajayi played well actually. He's much more active on the offensive glass than Riley is. We had several second chances because of Lekan. Very encouraging performance from him.
NOW WITH 2 YRS LEFT OF ELIGIBILITY, IF SOMEONE CAN ONLY TEACH HIM SOME OFFENSIVE MOVES ETC. HARD TO PLAY SOMEONE WHO NEVER SCORES, THE OPPOSITION CAN PLAY 5 ON 4
I've been watching athletics for a lot of years and here is what I see:
Teams generally reflect the personnel and personnel is always evolving in college (obviously there are no 5 - 10 year veterans
). Teams lose valuable pieces each year.
This team reflects Riley's defense and the athleticism of the team overall, but not the size of the forwards (as someone mentioned).
Next year, I see our defensive eraser, Riley, graduated and a team less willing to try and win defensive struggles kind of the 'first to 50' (last year) or the 'first to 60' this year ilk.
I see Ajayi trying to neutralize the opponent's center, but not a great shot blocker and certainly not an offensive threat.
ON THE OTHER HAND, I think we'll see MORE out of Talley, Lee, Combs, Ward, and Price in terms of an offensive team. They should all benefit from this year.
These guys just might actually try to outscore opponents.