Congratulations to Sedric Milner and JT Shumate on great Rocket careers.
It occurs to me that AJ Edu is planning to come back for another year or he would be one of the players honored on Senior Day.
Absolutely on JT and Seth. Not only great players but seem like quality people as well. Thanks for all you have given us - but you ain't done. :-)
Interesting point on AJ. I'm good with him coming back.
(02-25-2023 04:17 PM)Screwball Wrote: [ -> ]Absolutely on JT and Seth. Not only great players but seem like quality people as well. Thanks for all you have given us - but you ain't done. :-)
Interesting point on AJ. I'm good with him coming back.
Good call on Edu
(02-25-2023 05:56 PM)IamN2daRockets! Wrote: [ -> ] (02-25-2023 04:17 PM)Screwball Wrote: [ -> ]Absolutely on JT and Seth. Not only great players but seem like quality people as well. Thanks for all you have given us - but you ain't done. :-)
Interesting point on AJ. I'm good with him coming back.
Good call on Edu
That goes to Sleepy
I was at game and stayed for presentation so good one Sleepy.
If Edu is indeed coming back that leaves us with a good 7-8 man core rotation for '24 not including a possible solid portal pick-up.
That's good news.
Great ovations when they both exited the game today. Will miss them both.
(02-25-2023 07:25 PM)IamN2daRockets! Wrote: [ -> ]I was at game and stayed for presentation so good one Sleepy.
If Edu is indeed coming back that leaves us with a good 7-8 man core rotation for '24 not including a possible solid portal pick-up.
That's good news.
Kind of what I was assuming as well when he wasn't given a senior send off. When I saw them walking out with 3 framed uniforms, I thought for sure one was his. Didn't figure it would be a graduating team manager, but when they announced the names before the beginning of the game, I couldn't make out what they said - and I didn't know of anyone else that could be considered a senior. It's possible he could transfer but as long as he is happy with the environment, his teammates and especially the coaching staff, I would think he will be back. If he stays healthy and works on some strength conditioning and maybe get to a "big man camp", he could be even more productive next year.
Milner and Shumate have been so consistently good since coming onto the court for us that it's hard not to take it for granted. Great energy for the game, the program, their teammates. Really good offensive players as well. Milner worked his way into becoming a good 3 pt shooter. JT developed an all around game that allows him to score from anywhere. His first year that memorable game at Miami where he couldn't miss and set a UT record. Then, the Ohio home game where we pummelled them and he had a bunch of big dunks. Seth has had so many great dunks, power moves, clutch midrange jumpers. No regrets, each got an extra year, let's keep this ride going.
As for AJ that's a good point. Buffalo had three guys honored on senior night against us last year that each had a year of eligibility remaining, but were not planning to return (2 went pro and 1 grad transfer). TK recently said the team will have "movement of players" after the season and would look for a forward in the portal. He didn't hint at who or how much movement. The names that have come up are AJ, Wilson, Jacobi, Dre, although I could see a scenario where Farmer goes to a starting role elsewhere. Last week TK made a point of how much he likes Dre and wants to see him improve-suggesting that he wants him back. Wilson is the obvious man out. Jacobi would be a surprise but if he is behind Simmons and Dre and, presumably, a veteran transfer then maybe he chooses more PT elsewhere. My hope is we lose 1 guy and bring in the experienced forward TK said he wants. If we lose 2 than there's room for a big man freshman recruit too. Of course, the good problem we have is that the team is so close and having so much fun and success that the bench guys want to be around it, even if they don't play much.
(02-26-2023 11:33 PM)pono Wrote: [ -> ]Milner and Shumate have been so consistently good since coming onto the court for us that it's hard not to take it for granted. Great energy for the game, the program, their teammates. Really good offensive players as well. Milner worked his way into becoming a good 3 pt shooter. JT developed an all around game that allows him to score from anywhere. His first year that memorable game at Miami where he couldn't miss and set a UT record. Then, the Ohio home game where we pummelled them and he had a bunch of big dunks. Seth has had so many great dunks, power moves, clutch midrange jumpers. No regrets, each got an extra year, let's keep this ride going.
As for AJ that's a good point. Buffalo had three guys honored on senior night against us last year that each had a year of eligibility remaining, but were not planning to return (2 went pro and 1 grad transfer). TK recently said the team will have "movement of players" after the season and would look for a forward in the portal. He didn't hint at who or how much movement. The names that have come up are AJ, Wilson, Jacobi, Dre, although I could see a scenario where Farmer goes to a starting role elsewhere. Last week TK made a point of how much he likes Dre and wants to see him improve-suggesting that he wants him back. Wilson is the obvious man out. Jacobi would be a surprise but if he is behind Simmons and Dre and, presumably, a veteran transfer then maybe he chooses more PT elsewhere. My hope is we lose 1 guy and bring in the experienced forward TK said he wants. If we lose 2 than there's room for a big man freshman recruit too. Of course, the good problem we have is that the team is so close and having so much fun and success that the bench guys want to be around it, even if they don't play much.
I wasn't big on Farmer at beginning but I'm a fan now. Hope he stays! He can have a good run here at UT. It wouldn't make much sense for Kooper to RS and then leave. I'm guessing Wilson moves and that's it - possibly Lorentsson. Just my take.
Go Rockets!
Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
(02-26-2023 11:33 PM)pono Wrote: [ -> ]Milner and Shumate have been so consistently good since coming onto the court for us that it's hard not to take it for granted. Great energy for the game, the program, their teammates. Really good offensive players as well. Milner worked his way into becoming a good 3 pt shooter. JT developed an all around game that allows him to score from anywhere. His first year that memorable game at Miami where he couldn't miss and set a UT record. Then, the Ohio home game where we pummelled them and he had a bunch of big dunks. Seth has had so many great dunks, power moves, clutch midrange jumpers. No regrets, each got an extra year, let's keep this ride going.
As for AJ that's a good point. Buffalo had three guys honored on senior night against us last year that each had a year of eligibility remaining, but were not planning to return (2 went pro and 1 grad transfer). TK recently said the team will have "movement of players" after the season and would look for a forward in the portal. He didn't hint at who or how much movement. The names that have come up are AJ, Wilson, Jacobi, Dre, although I could see a scenario where Farmer goes to a starting role elsewhere. Last week TK made a point of how much he likes Dre and wants to see him improve-suggesting that he wants him back. Wilson is the obvious man out. Jacobi would be a surprise but if he is behind Simmons and Dre and, presumably, a veteran transfer then maybe he chooses more PT elsewhere. My hope is we lose 1 guy and bring in the experienced forward TK said he wants. If we lose 2 than there's room for a big man freshman recruit too. Of course, the good problem we have is that the team is so close and having so much fun and success that the bench guys want to be around it, even if they don't play much.
To put in perspective how much Milner has improved shooting wise from his Sophomore Season to his Senior Season, the following Stats showed he put in the time during off seasons and practice:
3pt FG% - .273% (Soph.), .396% (Sen.)
FT% - .667% (Soph.), .779% (Sen.)
Kenpom doesn't have anyone but RayJ on first team. Toledo could probably have two first team guys, two 2nd team guys, an hon mention and all defensive team. Maddox, Milner, Shumate, Moss and RayJ is quite the starting 5.
Cochran was not at the Buffalo game. I heard he went home to get surgery on his toe. If healthy he could be a big contributor over the next 2 seasons.
I hope no one poaches Ray J from UT for the transfer portal. He could play for anyone in the country. Just saying, Wright State lost their 2 top scorers from last year's tournament team, 6-9 Center Grant Basile, 18.4 ( to Virginia Tech and 6-6 guard Tanner Holden, 20.1 /gm to Ohio State, transfer portal. WSU finished the season at 17-14 without those 2. Ray J is UT's most valuable player in my opinion, where would the Rockets be , MAC standing's wise without him ?
(02-27-2023 09:53 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote: [ -> ]Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
Blake Burnham is the big guy on the left with the Blue crewneck.
Averaged 11 pts and nearly 5 boards a game for his career in the mid 80's.
(02-27-2023 09:53 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote: [ -> ]Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
Males setting at the table; L-R:staff (can’t remember his name), Reeves Northrop, Blake Burnham, Mark German, Jim Lange. Played early to mid 80’s.
Shortest guy 5’8 in the long line is James Heck who played under Coach Gibson early 90’s. Very good 3-point shooter. Picture isn’t clear enough to see the others.
(02-25-2023 04:17 PM)Screwball Wrote: [ -> ]Absolutely on JT and Seth. Not only great players but seem like quality people as well. Thanks for all you have given us - but you ain't done. :-)
Interesting point on AJ. I'm good with him coming back.
I was thinking the same thing part of the reason I stayed for the ceremony.
(02-27-2023 08:12 PM)WHRocket Wrote: [ -> ] (02-27-2023 09:53 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote: [ -> ]Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
Males setting at the table; L-R:staff (can’t remember his name), Reeves Northrop, Blake Burnham, Mark German, Jim Lange. Played early to mid 80’s.
Shortest guy 5’8 in the long line is James Heck who played under Coach Gibson early 90’s. Very good 3-point shooter. Picture isn’t clear enough to see the others.
Thanks for the help. Remember fondly most all those guys.
(02-27-2023 08:12 PM)WHRocket Wrote: [ -> ] (02-27-2023 09:53 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote: [ -> ]Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
Males setting at the table; L-R:staff (can’t remember his name), Reeves Northrop, Blake Burnham, Mark German, Jim Lange. Played early to mid 80’s.
Shortest guy 5’8 in the long line is James Heck who played under Coach Gibson early 90’s. Very good 3-point shooter. Picture isn’t clear enough to see the others.
I remember outplaying Heck in a couple pickup games at the (then) new rec center and then a few weeks later he was on the team. I had a friend and HS teammate who was a better guard than me who had transferred home from a D2 (where he was on scholarship) Gipson asked to him to walk-on but he felt disrespected that he wasn't legitimately recruited. That year's team was a mess and Heck became the starting pg. My old friend still regrets his ego getting the best of him and missing out on his chance to be D1 player. He was small but a lot better than Heck. However, not to diss Heck. He played with a lot of heart and had some moments.
(02-27-2023 08:12 PM)WHRocket Wrote: [ -> ] (02-27-2023 09:53 AM)northcoastRocket Wrote: [ -> ]Can anyone identify the alums that were at the Buffalo game, shown in these pics? Other than Knapke and Sanford, my ability to identify folks has faded away. Thanks.
Males setting at the table; L-R:staff (can’t remember his name), Reeves Northrop, Blake Burnham, Mark German, Jim Lange. Played early to mid 80’s.
Shortest guy 5’8 in the long line is James Heck who played under Coach Gibson early 90’s. Very good 3-point shooter. Picture isn’t clear enough to see the others.
I remember outplaying Heck in a couple pickup games at the (then) new rec center and then a few weeks later he was on the team. I had a friend and HS teammate who was a better guard than me who had transferred home from a D2 (where he was on scholarship) Gipson asked to him to walk-on but he felt disrespected that he wasn't legitimately recruited. That year's team was a mess and Heck became the starting pg. My old friend still regrets his ego getting the best of him and missing out on his chance to be D1 player. He was small but a lot better than Heck. However, not to diss Heck. He played with a lot of heart and had some moments.