(11-04-2014 02:15 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:46 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:40 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Yeah, I'm a miserable fan.

we aren't getting our butts kicked by wichita st. at least we shouldn't, our talent is better than theirs.

I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

I don't think we have been particularly athletic the last few years, but our fans seem to insist that we are. I don't know if this year is any different. How many very good/great athletes do we have?

Shaq - yes
Austin - no
Godfrey - no
King - no
Hawkins - maybe
Iverson - maybe
Burrell - yes (supposedly)
Kedren - no
Pookie - yes
Woodson - no
Markel -no
Magee - maybe
Cunningham - maybe

Hawkins by every report is a yes
Markel is fairly athletic as well

(11-04-2014 02:01 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:46 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:40 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Yeah, I'm a miserable fan.

we aren't getting our butts kicked by wichita st. at least we shouldn't, our talent is better than theirs.

I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

No doubt, but basketball is not a track meet. I think we got a legit chance agains the Shockers, but their backcourt is the truth...

Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

40-0.

WSU should beat us, but I'm hoping we can pull out a win. We typically don't do well against teams like WSU.

(11-04-2014 05:39 PM)tnzazz Wrote:  WSU should beat us, but I'm hoping we can pull out a win. We typically don't do well against teams like WSU.

Normally when we come in with high expections, the results have, in most cases, been the opposite

Well, to win this game, we will have to play a zone on defense. Either a 3-2 or a tri and 2 with a tall forward (Austin or Kuran) roaming the baseline, and either a long armed perimeter point (Kedren), or a super quick (Powell) both for deflections.

(11-04-2014 02:15 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:46 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:40 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Yeah, I'm a miserable fan.

we aren't getting our butts kicked by wichita st. at least we shouldn't, our talent is better than theirs.

I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

I don't think we have been particularly athletic the last few years, but our fans seem to insist that we are. I don't know if this year is any different. How many very good/great athletes do we have?

Shaq - YES
Austin - no (Agree, more technical and damn good at it).
Godfrey - YES
King - YES not highlight reel, but definitely athletic.
Hawkins - YES
Iverson - YES
Burrell - YES
Kedren - no
Pookie - YES
Woodson - YES
Markel -YES
Magee - YES
Cunningham - maybe

Fixed this for you. Some of your no's were VERY incorrect. (Note: Based on you saying very good/great) I would agree that not all are great.

Thank me later.

(11-04-2014 04:54 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 02:01 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:46 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  we aren't getting our butts kicked by wichita st. at least we shouldn't, our talent is better than theirs.

I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

No doubt, but basketball is not a track meet. I think we got a legit chance agains the Shockers, but their backcourt is the truth...

Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

great post, I agree with this.

(11-04-2014 10:14 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 04:54 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 02:01 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

No doubt, but basketball is not a track meet. I think we got a legit chance agains the Shockers, but their backcourt is the truth...

Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

great post, I agree with this.

I wanted to break it down further but was on my phone typing that.

Basically I think it comes down to a few key players for me.

1. Pookie- Can he keep up with VanVleet for this game? VanVleet isn't the best scorer in the country, he's not the best shooter, he's not big, he's a pretty good passer. Doesn't sound too hard right? Wrong, what makes VanVleet special is his leadership, hitting big shots when needed and causing that annoying turnover when your team doesn't need it. If he gets left open on the perimeter there's a good chance he knocks it down. Pookie is much faster and has the potential to be a better player in TIME. As of right now He just needs to keep up with VanVleet. Don't get drawn into cheap fouls, stay in front of him, apply good pressure when asked too and knock down a good percentage of the shots he takes, I'm guessing something like 5-8. If he does that, we'll be good.

2. Kedren- If Kedren were 100%, I would give him the edge over any of Wichita State's guards. He's bigger and none of them would be able to stop him. IF he is in better shape and his head is focused on basketball and not his next song, he should be able to get into the lane EASILY against Wichita State what he does from there is my biggest concern. If he can dish it out to an open man, or hit a few floaters/layups he'll be fine. If he get's in and turns it over or takes bad contested shots we won't. Neither Baker or Van Vleet will beat Kedren off the dribble so he can handle them defensively, Cotton is the only guard Wichita State has that I am worried about Kedren guarding.

3. Burrell- If Burrell is as good as advertised then there is no one that plays for Wichita State that can stop him. He's a 6'7 guard/forward. If he's not then it'll end up hurting us. Everything I have heard is that, this guy is for real. He can guard any player Wichita State throws out there in the 1-3 positions.

4. Woodson- Can he stay in front of his man and knock down threes? If he can again we're golden.

We have the advantage inside at least for right now. So Nichols, Godfrey and Shaq should have big games when they're playing if the guards get them the ball.

The biggest thing for this team this season isn't that we're not great or that we're bad. We just don't know. Nobody really knows. If those 4 above stand out we're in great shape. Anything Iverson does as a new post player or Hawkins does will be a HUGE bonus.

We'll see :)!

GO TIGERS!

(11-04-2014 10:46 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 10:14 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 04:54 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 02:01 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

No doubt, but basketball is not a track meet. I think we got a legit chance agains the Shockers, but their backcourt is the truth...

Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

great post, I agree with this.

I wanted to break it down further but was on my phone typing that.

Basically I think it comes down to a few key players for me.

1. Pookie- Can he keep up with VanVleet for this game? VanVleet isn't the best scorer in the country, he's not the best shooter, he's not big, he's a pretty good passer. Doesn't sound too hard right? Wrong, what makes VanVleet special is his leadership, hitting big shots when needed and causing that annoying turnover when your team doesn't need it. If he gets left open on the perimeter there's a good chance he knocks it down. Pookie is much faster and has the potential to be a better player in TIME. As of right now He just needs to keep up with VanVleet. Don't get drawn into cheap fouls, stay in front of him, apply good pressure when asked too and knock down a good percentage of the shots he takes, I'm guessing something like 5-8. If he does that, we'll be good.

2. Kedren- If Kedren were 100%, I would give him the edge over any of Wichita State's guards. He's bigger and none of them would be able to stop him. IF he is in better shape and his head is focused on basketball and not his next song, he should be able to get into the lane EASILY against Wichita State what he does from there is my biggest concern. If he can dish it out to an open man, or hit a few floaters/layups he'll be fine. If he get's in and turns it over or takes bad contested shots we won't. Neither Baker or Van Vleet will beat Kedren off the dribble so he can handle them defensively, Cotton is the only guard Wichita State has that I am worried about Kedren guarding.

3. Burrell- If Burrell is as good as advertised then there is no one that plays for Wichita State that can stop him. He's a 6'7 guard/forward. If he's not then it'll end up hurting us. Everything I have heard is that, this guy is for real. He can guard any player Wichita State throws out there in the 1-3 positions.

4. Woodson- Can he stay in front of his man and knock down threes? If he can again we're golden.

We have the advantage inside at least for right now. So Nichols, Godfrey and Shaq should have big games when they're playing if the guards get them the ball.

The biggest thing for this team this season isn't that we're not great or that we're bad. We just don't know. Nobody really knows. If those 4 above stand out we're in great shape. Anything Iverson does as a new post player or Hawkins does will be a HUGE bonus.

We'll see :)!

GO TIGERS!

I think Kedren will be great for us and I really am high on Pookie's upside, but the Shocker backcourt guys are both getting heavy All American mentions. I think one actually made the AP team.

I think we will be damn good in the backcourt, but this is probably the best backcourt we will face all year (all respect to UConn / SMU), but I think we might be a bit worse off than the Shockers.

That is not a diss. I think we have the potential for a great backcourt and will not lose a ton of match ups at the 1/2 positions. But these guys are returning starters on a team that reeled off 30 in a row last year and played even with future NBA prospects like the Harrison twins at UK.

Again, I'm not conceding the game, the matchup, or the future NBA prospects of our guys (for the record both the Shockers players, despite being elite college guys have pro limitations). I just think we're dogs in this one on paper. And that is accounting for our superior front court.

No worries, we're all rooting for the Tigers and a win by our guys would not actually surprise me in the least

(11-04-2014 11:12 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 10:46 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 10:14 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 04:54 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 02:01 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  No doubt, but basketball is not a track meet. I think we got a legit chance agains the Shockers, but their backcourt is the truth...

Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

great post, I agree with this.

I wanted to break it down further but was on my phone typing that.

Basically I think it comes down to a few key players for me.

1. Pookie- Can he keep up with VanVleet for this game? VanVleet isn't the best scorer in the country, he's not the best shooter, he's not big, he's a pretty good passer. Doesn't sound too hard right? Wrong, what makes VanVleet special is his leadership, hitting big shots when needed and causing that annoying turnover when your team doesn't need it. If he gets left open on the perimeter there's a good chance he knocks it down. Pookie is much faster and has the potential to be a better player in TIME. As of right now He just needs to keep up with VanVleet. Don't get drawn into cheap fouls, stay in front of him, apply good pressure when asked too and knock down a good percentage of the shots he takes, I'm guessing something like 5-8. If he does that, we'll be good.

2. Kedren- If Kedren were 100%, I would give him the edge over any of Wichita State's guards. He's bigger and none of them would be able to stop him. IF he is in better shape and his head is focused on basketball and not his next song, he should be able to get into the lane EASILY against Wichita State what he does from there is my biggest concern. If he can dish it out to an open man, or hit a few floaters/layups he'll be fine. If he get's in and turns it over or takes bad contested shots we won't. Neither Baker or Van Vleet will beat Kedren off the dribble so he can handle them defensively, Cotton is the only guard Wichita State has that I am worried about Kedren guarding.

3. Burrell- If Burrell is as good as advertised then there is no one that plays for Wichita State that can stop him. He's a 6'7 guard/forward. If he's not then it'll end up hurting us. Everything I have heard is that, this guy is for real. He can guard any player Wichita State throws out there in the 1-3 positions.

4. Woodson- Can he stay in front of his man and knock down threes? If he can again we're golden.

We have the advantage inside at least for right now. So Nichols, Godfrey and Shaq should have big games when they're playing if the guards get them the ball.

The biggest thing for this team this season isn't that we're not great or that we're bad. We just don't know. Nobody really knows. If those 4 above stand out we're in great shape. Anything Iverson does as a new post player or Hawkins does will be a HUGE bonus.

We'll see :)!

GO TIGERS!

I think Kedren will be great for us and I really am high on Pookie's upside, but the Shocker backcourt guys are both getting heavy All American mentions. I think one actually made the AP team.

I think we will be damn good in the backcourt, but this is probably the best backcourt we will face all year (all respect to UConn / SMU), but I think we might be a bit worse off than the Shockers.

That is not a diss. I think we have the potential for a great backcourt and will not lose a ton of match ups at the 1/2 positions. But these guys are returning starters on a team that reeled off 30 in a row last year and played even with future NBA prospects like the Harrison twins at UK.

Again, I'm not conceding the game, the matchup, or the future NBA prospects of our guys (for the record both the Shockers players, despite being elite college guys have pro limitations). I just think we're dogs in this one on paper. And that is accounting for our superior front court.

No worries, we're all rooting for the Tigers and a win by our guys would not actually surprise me in the least

This is game one of the season. The edge has to go to the team that lost to Kentucky in the NCAA by a point. Our team hasn't been together yet.

(11-05-2014 12:20 AM)rolexjames Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 11:12 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 10:46 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 10:14 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 04:54 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  Yeah their back court is good. Ours was top 3 in the country last year on paper too.

Van Vleet is 6'0, Baker and Cotton go 6'3 each. If we stick some size on them we'll give them problems. I like this match up. Unless they all come out shooting 45%-50% from three I like our chances.

great post, I agree with this.

I wanted to break it down further but was on my phone typing that.

Basically I think it comes down to a few key players for me.

1. Pookie- Can he keep up with VanVleet for this game? VanVleet isn't the best scorer in the country, he's not the best shooter, he's not big, he's a pretty good passer. Doesn't sound too hard right? Wrong, what makes VanVleet special is his leadership, hitting big shots when needed and causing that annoying turnover when your team doesn't need it. If he gets left open on the perimeter there's a good chance he knocks it down. Pookie is much faster and has the potential to be a better player in TIME. As of right now He just needs to keep up with VanVleet. Don't get drawn into cheap fouls, stay in front of him, apply good pressure when asked too and knock down a good percentage of the shots he takes, I'm guessing something like 5-8. If he does that, we'll be good.

2. Kedren- If Kedren were 100%, I would give him the edge over any of Wichita State's guards. He's bigger and none of them would be able to stop him. IF he is in better shape and his head is focused on basketball and not his next song, he should be able to get into the lane EASILY against Wichita State what he does from there is my biggest concern. If he can dish it out to an open man, or hit a few floaters/layups he'll be fine. If he get's in and turns it over or takes bad contested shots we won't. Neither Baker or Van Vleet will beat Kedren off the dribble so he can handle them defensively, Cotton is the only guard Wichita State has that I am worried about Kedren guarding.

3. Burrell- If Burrell is as good as advertised then there is no one that plays for Wichita State that can stop him. He's a 6'7 guard/forward. If he's not then it'll end up hurting us. Everything I have heard is that, this guy is for real. He can guard any player Wichita State throws out there in the 1-3 positions.

4. Woodson- Can he stay in front of his man and knock down threes? If he can again we're golden.

We have the advantage inside at least for right now. So Nichols, Godfrey and Shaq should have big games when they're playing if the guards get them the ball.

The biggest thing for this team this season isn't that we're not great or that we're bad. We just don't know. Nobody really knows. If those 4 above stand out we're in great shape. Anything Iverson does as a new post player or Hawkins does will be a HUGE bonus.

We'll see :)!

GO TIGERS!

I think Kedren will be great for us and I really am high on Pookie's upside, but the Shocker backcourt guys are both getting heavy All American mentions. I think one actually made the AP team.

I think we will be damn good in the backcourt, but this is probably the best backcourt we will face all year (all respect to UConn / SMU), but I think we might be a bit worse off than the Shockers.

That is not a diss. I think we have the potential for a great backcourt and will not lose a ton of match ups at the 1/2 positions. But these guys are returning starters on a team that reeled off 30 in a row last year and played even with future NBA prospects like the Harrison twins at UK.

Again, I'm not conceding the game, the matchup, or the future NBA prospects of our guys (for the record both the Shockers players, despite being elite college guys have pro limitations). I just think we're dogs in this one on paper. And that is accounting for our superior front court.

No worries, we're all rooting for the Tigers and a win by our guys would not actually surprise me in the least

This is game one of the season. The edge has to go to the team that lost to Kentucky in the NCAA by a point. Our team hasn't been together yet.

Yep. IMO if we lose, then it doesn't hurt us and we can learn a lot about ourselves early. If we win, then it's a huge boost. For a change, all the pressure is on WSU.

3 point shooting it the key...the lack of it on our end and having to guard it on their end. We're going to have to score a lot more 2 point goals.

(11-05-2014 07:05 AM)ItsDude Wrote:  3 point shooting it the key...the lack of it on our end and having to guard it on their end. We're going to have to score a lot more 2 point goals.

If that's the case, the Woodson JUCO transfer is supposed to be lights out. Austin was impressed with his shooting ability back in summer.

Hope springs eternal.

TIGERS by 5, book it!

(11-04-2014 10:10 PM)Tigermaniac Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 02:15 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:56 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:48 PM)Sundanceuiuc Wrote:  

(11-04-2014 01:46 PM)Joe1 Wrote:  we aren't getting our butts kicked by wichita st. at least we shouldn't, our talent is better than theirs.

I don't know about that. They do have an All American backcourt. We have great talent, but the Shockers are bringing back weapons...

I think we have better athletes without a doubt...If we were having a track meet we would kill them

I don't think we have been particularly athletic the last few years, but our fans seem to insist that we are. I don't know if this year is any different. How many very good/great athletes do we have?

Shaq - YES
Austin - no (Agree, more technical and damn good at it).
Godfrey - YES
King - YES not highlight reel, but definitely athletic.
Hawkins - YES
Iverson - YES
Burrell - YES
Kedren - no
Pookie - YES
Woodson - YES
Markel -YES
Magee - YES
Cunningham - maybe

Fixed this for you. Some of your no's were VERY incorrect. (Note: Based on you saying very good/great) I would agree that not all are great.

Thank me later.

King has trouble moving his feet on defense. How does that translate into him being athletic? Woodson, yes? On what planet? Based on what? Godfrey is a bruiser, not overly athletic, and Markel and Magee are overly athletic either.

Still laughing at your capitalization of VERY. You are VERY wrong, but thanks anyway.

Ha, a thread on the season turned into a debate about WSU only. That wasn't my intent.

I think we have a chance to win. We're not slaw. I just think it's unrealistic to think we're going to beat them. Frankly, I think we lose by double digits, and it won't necessarily be close. We only return 2 starters, we have 9 new faces, and I think we will be rough around the edges for a few games.

Oh, and WSU has TWO first team preseason All Americans. They went 35-1, lost to UK by 2 points, and return 4 starters.

As for the season, I think we'll come in third in the conference, and make the tourney.

Pookie is the key

(11-05-2014 07:05 AM)ItsDude Wrote:  3 point shooting it the key...the lack of it on our end and having to guard it on their end. We're going to have to score a lot more 2 point goals.

Kedren was pretty good last year with a horrible frontline at Vandy that didn't create any space for him. Pookie has very deep range and should be good if he doesn't force shots. Woodson easily has the best form on the team and should be pretty good. King is the wildcard. He was a very good long range shooter in high school and got off to a horrible start last year. I think he should be pretty good.

The bottom line is that we have a proven pure point guard and another natural point guard on the roster; and I would think that worst case scenario, we won't shoot threes as poorly as JJ and Geron did last year.

A few things have to fall the right way for us; but I don't see us being worse from outside than we were last year.