Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)

Post Reply 
Men's Basketball 2014/15
Author Message
Bookmark and Share
emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #1
Men's Basketball 2014/15
I assume practice has been on-going for a week now. First game is I believe Nov 14. No exhibition game.

Maybe we can talk about players and hopes for the season here (and leave recruiting to THAT other thread).

My gut is that Murphy has reloaded, and avoided rebuilding as did Braun in '91/'92 or Barnes in '98/'99.

There are enough talented returnees to form the nucleus of a successful team.

Then it becomes who will add the missing ingredients to the team this year?

Bond (maybe a 6'6" PG)?

Price (a 6' 7" talented pure shooter)?

Hunter (a 6'7 or 8 versatile big man)?

Okaloji a defensive stopper?

Samuels (is he healthy and in shape after missing two seasons?)

I do believe that Murphy could start Talley, Lee, Price, Ajayi and Ward (all played last year except Price who practiced) and have a top tier MAC starting five.
10-12-2014 08:32 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


vannzee Offline
Special Teams
*

Posts: 545
Joined: Oct 2014
Reputation: 8
I Root For: EMU
Location: The Brick Dick
Post: #2
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
I feel as if the back court should be pretty solid. Talley, Lee, and Price (despite having not played at Eastern) should match up with most any other MAC program. Price seems to have been highly regarded first as a recruit and secondly as a transfer from DePaul. However, the front court is a much bigger mystery.

I like Ward as a player but I see him as more of a three than a four. Is Samuels healthy or will he at the least need his minutes limited? If healthy he gives us the most physical option at Center (Hunter is imposing as well but as of now Samuels is the only listed C on the roster...how much do we read into that?) Literally have basically nothing to base expectations off of for him, since the only track record he has is three plus years ago in JUCO. Ajayi didn't show me much last year but that's my opinion, he received a lot of press committing here and Hunter wasn't dominate at Alabama A&M with PPG/RPG in the threes. However, he did record a lot of blocks.

I think I would probably go with Talley-Lee-Price-Ward- and then a platoon of Hunter, Ajayi, and Samuels. Okoloji being a big piece off the bench.

I envision the center position as kind of a rim protector, rebounding grabbing, defensive player where any offensive production is a bonus. Hunter, Ajayi and Samuels should all be able to adequately provide that.
10-12-2014 02:02 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #3
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
Sounds like Oakland and EMU will be similar teams.

Without Bader, Oakland might have a different high scorer each game per Kampe.

We should have scorers go off for 15+ one night and then 6 or 8 then next. Our high scorers could be Ward, Lee, Price, Talley, etc. with a different one each game.

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/colleg.../17178293/

Time to e-mail the writer and ask when we'll see an EMU quick preview... :)
10-13-2014 11:15 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu79 Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 14,694
Joined: Apr 2009
Reputation: 36
I Root For: emu
Location:
Post: #4
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
Well, lets do some comparison:

Lee-10.6 pts per game last year, shot 40% from the field, Talley averaged 10.2 and shot 35%, Ward averaged 12.5 and about 7 boards per game. Lee was benched a couple of times last year by Murphy for "not being into it" during warmups, I doubt Murphy will have that luxury this year. I'll get back to Lee in a minute.

Price will probably score more than the Harrison/Bryant duo. As a reminder last year Bryant averaged over 9 points, 4.7 boards and 54 blocks, Harrison had 5.5 points 4 boards and a block a game. I don't expect to see Price matching the boards or the block totals, not at 6'7, 180.

Riley altered team shots even though he only averaged 4 points, 6 boards and 96 blocks. I think Ayaji can match the points and rebounds per game but doesn't have the shot blocking ability.

The biggest issue that we didn't get a more experienced guard to replace Combs who averaged 7.5 per game and Ross who had experience starting at the point. Combs provided a productive alternative to those days when Lee wasn't into it either during the game or before the game. Combs also spelled Talley. In their place we have two true freshmen. We also lost Sims and we have Trent Perry to replace him.

We also lost Strickland and Hughley and my guess is that Samuels, Hunter and Okaloji should be able to replicate their stats and maybe improve on them scoring wise.

I don't see how the team has improved defensively over last year, it terms of offense yes we have Talley, Lee and Ward back but even last year with all three in the game our offense was inconsistent. I think Price will help with the scoring. In place of an experienced back court bench we now have two true freshmen and we've got a lot of newcomers to mix into the zone defense.

I haven't forgotten Nobles who I expect to redshirt this year, hopefully he'll hit the weight room.

We might have the same amount of non conference wins as last year against a weaker non conference schedule. Conference wise I see Toledo first in the West, WMU with four starters back second and us and NIU fighting it out for third. Yes Whittington was a huge loss for WMU but they always seem to adjust to their personnel losses very well.
10-16-2014 11:08 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EagleSam Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,394
Joined: May 2010
Reputation: 43
I Root For: EMU
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Post: #5
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
If Ajayi stays out of foul trouble (big if), he'll easily top Riley's rebounding numbers. Riley had no interest in offensive rebounding, whereas Ajayi is a hound on the offensive glass. I could see him averaging close to 10 boards a game if he gets starter minutes.

The center position as a whole is hard to predict, since I have no clue what to expect from Samuels and Hunter.

Again, even though '79 will disagree, I think the only guy we lost that will be hard to replace is Riley. At his best defensively, we were VERY tough to score on. You don't get 7'0 guys with disciplined shot blocking ability in this league very often. I loved them, but Bryant, Harrison, Sims, and even Combs were role players, and Ross was a non factor. If there is drop off, I don't think it will be very big. Plus again, you completely leave out the idea that maybe Ward, Talley, and Lee can be better than they were last year. I fully expect all three to be.
10-16-2014 11:28 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #6
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 11:28 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  If Ajayi stays out of foul trouble (big if), he'll easily top Riley's rebounding numbers. Riley had no interest in offensive rebounding, whereas Ajayi is a hound on the offensive glass. I could see him averaging close to 10 boards a game if he gets starter minutes.

The center position as a whole is hard to predict, since I have no clue what to expect from Samuels and Hunter.

Again, even though '79 will disagree, I think the only guy we lost that will be hard to replace is Riley. At his best defensively, we were VERY tough to score on. You don't get 7'0 guys with disciplined shot blocking ability in this league very often. I loved them, but Bryant, Harrison, Sims, and even Combs were role players, and Ross was a non factor. If there is drop off, I don't think it will be very big. Plus again, you completely leave out the idea that maybe Ward, Talley, and Lee can be better than they were last year. I fully expect all three to be.

Agree.

My view in a sentence: Riley is 'irreplaceable' defensively, but the other newcomers will bring more to the table then the players (other than Riley defensively) they will replace.

Less shot blocking and more FGs on defense but much deeper team across the board including 15 fouls at center. Have fun, Ajayi. Use your fouls.
10-16-2014 12:08 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


emu79 Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 14,694
Joined: Apr 2009
Reputation: 36
I Root For: emu
Location:
Post: #7
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
and expect more guard turnovers which was a problem area last year in some games, once again Riley wasn't the only player blocking shots.

I look forward to the season and seeing what happens.
10-16-2014 12:10 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EAGLE KING Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,898
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 14
I Root For: EMU
Location:
Post: #8
Men's Basketball 2014/15
I teach with one of Nobles coaches from high school and he told me that he has grown about 2 inches since this time last year.


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App
10-16-2014 12:16 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EagleSam Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,394
Joined: May 2010
Reputation: 43
I Root For: EMU
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Post: #9
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 12:10 PM)emu79 Wrote:  and expect more guard turnovers which was a problem area last year in some games, once again Riley wasn't the only player blocking shots.

I look forward to the season and seeing what happens.

Why should we expect more turnovers with both starting guards back? I mean, it could happen, but I don't see where you are drawing this conclusion from.
10-16-2014 01:17 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu79 Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 14,694
Joined: Apr 2009
Reputation: 36
I Root For: emu
Location:
Post: #10
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
We did have a problem with turnovers at the guard position last year, I also expect that two talented but inexperienced backcourt players that may continue to be a problem. I'm guessing that we'll see Talley and Lee most of the time in a real game (not Concordia or the sisters of the poor) so fatigue may set in where in last year they got spelled by Sims, Combs or Ross.
10-16-2014 01:24 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu79 Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 14,694
Joined: Apr 2009
Reputation: 36
I Root For: emu
Location:
Post: #11
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 12:16 PM)EAGLE KING Wrote:  I teach with one of Nobles coaches from high school and he told me that he has grown about 2 inches since this time last year.


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

That would put him at what 6'10, 6'11?
10-16-2014 01:25 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #12
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 12:16 PM)EAGLE KING Wrote:  I teach with one of Nobles coaches from high school and he told me that he has grown about 2 inches since this time last year.


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

I do owe Nobles an apology for not getting on his bandwagon (yet).

He was hurt last year and had a sub-par senior year. So I didn't count on him for 2014/15, esp. with all of the experienced front court guys on the roster.

I did notice in the other thread (about the Rec/IM scrimmage) that he does seems taller (and certainly looks taller in the team photo) then what he was when EMU recruited him.

This to me is huge. Even if he doesn't grow any more, 6' 9" is very nice for a forward in the Murphy scheme.

Maybe a year filling out and redshirting and maybe growing another inch or so and we might have a 6' 10 player hopefully around 220+.

I might add: This is another reason why recruiting is far from an exact science. Nobles has GROWN SINCE he signed with EMU. So the player who arrived at EMU isn't quite the same player who signed 11 months ago. (this does happen with college athletes).
(This post was last modified: 10-16-2014 01:34 PM by emu steve.)
10-16-2014 01:31 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EMUAARON Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 2,475
Joined: Jun 2005
Reputation: 31
I Root For: Hurons
Location: AK
Post: #13
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
i think the keys to this season are Lee and Price. if Lee grows as a player and Price is Derek Thompson or better (someone made that comparison in the last week), then i think our offense will be MUCH better off than last year. our offensive game plan is pretty weak, but Talley can drive and kick it out to 3pt shooters all day, regardless of the coaching. if Lee, Price and Ward are all hitting threes, we could have a nice offense. If Lee gets in trouble/injured and Price isn't as good as we hope, we'll see our team struggle to score 55+ consistently.
10-16-2014 01:32 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EagleSam Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,394
Joined: May 2010
Reputation: 43
I Root For: EMU
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Post: #14
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 01:24 PM)emu79 Wrote:  We did have a problem with turnovers at the guard position last year, I also expect that two talented but inexperienced backcourt players that may continue to be a problem. I'm guessing that we'll see Talley and Lee most of the time in a real game (not Concordia or the sisters of the poor) so fatigue may set in where in last year they got spelled by Sims, Combs or Ross.

I don't really worry about fatigue. The games are spaced out far enough that college kids can play hefty minutes and be fine. Many schools play guards 30+ minutes a night. The way Talley plays (100 mph all the time), it'll be nice to spell him some, so one of the frosh guards will have to step up. But if they are playing 5-10 minutes a night, I don't see much of an issue. Plus, for all we know, Bond or Alvano could be solid from day one.
10-16-2014 01:36 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #15
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
We'll score maybe 10 ppg more and give up 10 ppg more.

Teams change as the players change.
10-16-2014 01:37 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EagleSam Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,394
Joined: May 2010
Reputation: 43
I Root For: EMU
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Post: #16
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 01:32 PM)EMUAARON Wrote:  i think the keys to this season are Lee and Price. if Lee grows as a player and Price is Derek Thompson or better (someone made that comparison in the last week), then i think our offense will be MUCH better off than last year. our offensive game plan is pretty weak, but Talley can drive and kick it out to 3pt shooters all day, regardless of the coaching. if Lee, Price and Ward are all hitting threes, we could have a nice offense. If Lee gets in trouble/injured and Price isn't as good as we hope, we'll see our team struggle to score 55+ consistently.

Well said. From what I gather from Lee's twitter account, he's been working out with former Eagle Antonio Green all summer. Green says Lee is really getting after it. Pretty cool to see an alumni help out a current player.
10-16-2014 01:44 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


EAGLE KING Offline
1st String
*

Posts: 1,898
Joined: Apr 2013
Reputation: 14
I Root For: EMU
Location:
Post: #17
Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 01:25 PM)emu79 Wrote:  
(10-16-2014 12:16 PM)EAGLE KING Wrote:  I teach with one of Nobles coaches from high school and he told me that he has grown about 2 inches since this time last year.


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

That would put him at what 6'10, 6'11?

No a legit 6'9 he was closer to 6'7 when he committed


Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App
10-16-2014 02:55 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
EMU03' Offline
2nd String
*

Posts: 472
Joined: Aug 2009
Reputation: 3
I Root For: EMU
Location:
Post: #18
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 01:31 PM)emu steve Wrote:  I might add: This is another reason why recruiting is far from an exact science. Nobles has GROWN SINCE he signed with EMU. So the player who arrived at EMU isn't quite the same player who signed 11 months ago. (this does happen with college athletes).

You may remember former player Ryan Prillman was recruited at about 6'6, arrived as a freshman as a skinny 6'7, and was 6'9 by his junior year and developed into a nice post player.
10-16-2014 03:00 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
rayEMU Offline
Special Teams
*

Posts: 708
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation: 6
I Root For: EMU
Location:
Post: #19
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
Steve, thanks for starting this thread. And interesting comments everyone.

I would throw Bryant in a near similar category as Riley in that we definitely did not replace him. He was not as consistent as Riley, but the kid was an Absolute Monster when he got going. And I felt he was the key difference in the MAC playoffs last year.

Ward sliding over to PF and hopefully Price fulfilling expectations at SF might mask The loss of Bryant. But there are a lot of unknowns in there.

Not worried about the other losses. I appreciate what they did. But they are backup level players. And EMU has a lot of players capable of filling in those roles.
10-16-2014 05:12 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
emu steve Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 39,475
Joined: Jan 2004
Reputation: 83
I Root For: EMU / MAC
Location: DMV - D.C. area
Post: #20
RE: Men's Basketball 2014/15
(10-16-2014 05:12 PM)rayEMU Wrote:  Steve, thanks for starting this thread. And interesting comments everyone.

I would throw Bryant in a near similar category as Riley in that we definitely did not replace him. He was not as consistent as Riley, but the kid was an Absolute Monster when he got going. And I felt he was the key difference in the MAC playoffs last year.

Ward sliding over to PF and hopefully Price fulfilling expectations at SF might mask The loss of Bryant. But there are a lot of unknowns in there.

Not worried about the other losses. I appreciate what they did. But they are backup level players. And EMU has a lot of players capable of filling in those roles.

Thanks, Ray.

This team will be different. Less blocks. Less highlight dunks. Maybe run more. More treys. Score more. Give up more points. Better PG play with both Talley and Bond (that's 40 minutes). We could get into a lot of outside shooting with Ward ("PF"), Price (SF), and Lee (SG).

If Ward and Price shoot the trey would could see Lee trying to part the red sea and drive to the bucket a lot.
10-16-2014 05:24 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.