(10-18-2021 01:05 PM)Miggy Wrote: (10-18-2021 12:51 PM)RamyEMU Wrote: (10-18-2021 05:23 AM)emu79 Wrote: (10-17-2021 09:13 PM)RamyEMU Wrote: Yeesh, why is everyone so touchy about a little optimism. Sam pointed out that Murphy’s success came quick (first year was his third best) despite low expectations. I was further pointing out that on paper Heath has a better first year roster (mainly due to players he and staff brought in). So you never know…
That optimism borders on obsession Ramy given the number of posts in another thread and without much basis in fact. Hey I hope we do well but I believe the rebuilding will take another two years. Heath has added some pieces next year and IF he can recruit some more pieces in 2022 and 2023 we should see progress in his third and fourth years. Having six frosh on your roster is not a the quick reload option. See CMU if you want an example of quick reload. I've explained why Murphy was successful in his first year despite inheriting Ramsey's lesser talent based solely on the 2-3 zone. Honestly Murphy inherited a better roster than Heath did. One of the key differences was that Murphy inherited an experienced and decent point guard. Heath doesn't have anyone on this roster near Lampley's ability. Murphy's first year "recruiting" included a number of talented transfers who sat out and moved the team forward rather quickly. Heath has some talented transfers with immediate ability that has come in but so has EVERY other team in the MAC. I hope we are "pleasantly surprised". Honestly I just see what to this team jell and improve throughout the season.
“Borders on Obsession” is somewhat subjective. People have different interests and hobbies. Over-evaluating EMU basketball prospects in the off-season is one of mine.
Luka S., Spottsville, and McBride will not be EMU’s PGs.
6’2” Farrakhan will likely start at PG for EMU, and 6’5” M.Scott (played PG last season at Portland State) will back-him up when not playing SG. Both are far better PGs than Lampley was.
Hard to understand anyone impressed by Lampley, as he shot a woeful 35 percent on two’s, and only 29 percent on three’s in conference play.
Njie is likely to be EMU’s one true freshman who starts or in the rotation. EMU will put on the court experienced players.
Hey Miggy,
I owe you the scrimmage post that I’ve promised but not delivered due to my schedule.
However, let me say this: Noah Farakahn (sp?) matched up against Spottsville in the scrimmage. I respect Spotts’ overall game because he’s a big-strong, quick, athletic guard who plays tough! Spotts Achilles heel right now is his outside shooting but he goes to the rack pretty well and plays tough defense. Noah got the best of Spotts! Noah is I believe 6-1 or 6-2 ?? He got into the lane anytime, Anytime he wanted to and could finish pretty well. His handles are very good and his quickness is very good. The one facet of his game I was impressed with the most was his ability to shoot overtop of Spotts off the dribble. Noah made a deep 3 by taking a jumper off the dribble over Spots when the shot clock ran down. I’m not making any predictions off one scrimmage but it appears Noah will be the most talented PG since Boykins (Better than Jackson and Lampley) at EMU if he can duplicate this performance. I don’t remember him turning the ball over or taking bad shots. Free throws looked good too. Spottsville played very hard during the scrimmage and did a lot of things well but the MVP of scrimmage 1 is Noah! Noah still needs to improve strength and consistency but may earn a spot on the all MAC freshman team.
I was impressed that the whole team played hard!
Njie also looked good in the post …. I would say his footwork is better than James T4, but not as quick, nasty or aggressive as JT4. I was also impressed with 6-10 Randle…..he’s skinny but very athletic - made a 3 pointer, put back dunk, etc works hard in the paint. Will be a big factor in the MAC if he puts on 35-40 LBs. Back to Njie, he controlled the defensive boards very well. He could also be an all-freshman MAC candidate.
Miggy, I owe you more details in a succinct overall analysis. I have not forgotten you :-) Keep your posts coming!
Also, Sam is very well versed in basketball so you could take a lot of what he says as pretty accurate information even though he and I will both agree to disagree sometimes. Sam makes very valid points about not comparing current players stats from Murphy’s system. For example, Lampley was a decent player but had no chance to showcase his talent playing street ball on offense. I believe Noah is better than Lampley even as a freshman.
Monty must have been feeling ill and I will leave it at that.
Okongo, Binelli, Luka and I believe Golson didn’t play in the scrimmage.
More to come and Miggy I love that you’re obsessed with EMU basketball!