(09-08-2023 05:28 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-08-2023 08:34 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(09-08-2023 07:35 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(09-08-2023 02:59 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Blue Ribbon has us picked 11th in the MAC.

I don’t need any professional sports writers opinion on this years team. We will win 5-6 MAC games

I think that is a very accurate prediction. My hope is things click for the team, especially the frontcourt, and they surpass expectations with a 0.500 season.

Think one second about where we are.

We had a coach, while teaching an incredibly boring brand of basketball, had us at the NOW aspirational level of .500. Year in and year out. I, and most of us, wanted him gone. Three years later and we now are wishing to get to the level we were once at? I suppose we need to be careful what we wish for.

You are bringing up a very good point with the irony in this situation.

(09-09-2023 09:33 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(09-09-2023 09:03 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Out of 363'teams last year EMU ranked 358 in defense and 350 in rebounding margin. Those are two areas that need vast improvement this season.

In my perspective, there are 4 levels of defense in order:
1) Always keep your man in front of you.
2) If you get beat, follow up with some kind of recovery.
3) Anticipate where ball is going for steal/ block (includes passing lanes).
4) Help defense (includes passing lanes and cutting players).

On last years team, there were a handful of players that were effective at level 1 (Bates, Lovejoy, Noah, and maybe Luka and Rice), while a handful could not even do that (not mentioning any names because I am a “FanBoy”). Level 2 was even worse, although Lovejoy, Noah, and Billingsley showed signs of being able to do this at times. Levels 3 and 4 were virtually non existent on last years team.

Rebounding was frustratingly bad both year 1 and year 2 under Coach Heath. I have no idea how you coach that, I was never a very good rebounder myself.

Ramy, defense and rebounding truly are more perspiration than talent or size. It does help if you are Tim Bond with great hops and quicks, but Darion Spottsville got a lot of playing time with little actual basketball ability due to his relentless work ethic. In my opinion, we had ONE player last season that expended any such effort, Orlando Lovejoy.

Rebounding, in particular, is no longer a length of your frontline issue. Remember our "tall tree" lineup of JT4, Toure and Minnie getting constantly beaten on the glass? The preponderance of three-ball shots has changed basketball. Basic physics explain that a missed shot from long distance usually produce a longer rebound as well, size matters less and hustle and speed to the ball rule instead. Heath's EMU teams have been found bereft in procuring those balls. That is a PROBLEM!

EXAMPLE: Toledo, the regular season MAC champ the past two seasons had an All-Mac center, JT Shumate. Last season he grabbed 168 rebounds, while their splendid guard RJ Dennis had just SIXTEEN less! The season prior center JT had 206 boards while small guards Ryan Rollins had 204 and Dennis 192. It is speed and HUSTLE, not length in today's game. Heath's teams to date, certainly have shown little in the hustle category.

A good defense is based on good defensive schemes that extends the perimeter defense to stop the three ball, and positioning defenders inside to defend the rim. A good scheme is far more important than an individual player's defensive skill-set.

EMU neither defended the three-point line nor did it defend the rim. It's why EMU was ranked among the worse defensive teams in the nation. That won't change till EMU changes its defensive approach.

On offense, it should have better three point shooters.

Last season, EMU opponents made far more 2's and 3's than EMU did.

As conference opponents shot 34 percent on three's compared to EMU's 28 percent, and opponents shot 56 percent on two's compared to EMU shooting just 51.5 percent on two's.

Such disparity was acerbated by opponents taking far more three's than and making far more three's than EMU did. That should not have been allowed to happen. EMU was smart not shooting more three's as they shot them poorly.

A really good defensive team goal is to hold opponents to shooting 43 percent on two's.

Rebounding affects the outcome of games far less than shooting percentages. With EMU missing more shots one would expect their opponents to have far more defensive rebounds and they did.

But one would expect EMU by missing more shots than their opponents did, to have more offensive rebounds. EMU not only didn't, but opponents that missed fewer shots, had far more conference offensive rebounds than EMU did (186-117)

Surprisingly, I look for EMU's three point shooting to go up with Bates a 28 percent three point shooter gone, and to a lesser extent Noah as he shot few three's.

EMU should shoot three's far better this season, with Rice a good three point shooter at 35 percent shooting more, and the addition of some good new three point shooters.

EMU will miss Noah's 56 percent shooting on two's, but won't miss Bates 44 percent shooting on two's.

If EMU copies Kansas State!s offensive system (Made Final Eight in NCAA Tournament), and EMU would see it's two point shooting percentage rise significantly, and EMU would also win the offensive rebounding battle given how KSU positions it's offensive players inside.

EMU changing its defensive scheme outward could reduce opponents to shooting 30 percent on three's, and by defending the rim, reduce opponents to shooting 47 percent on two's, and would point EMU in the right direction.

Yes I expect better overall shot selection with Bates gone and more emphasis on getting the good shot. I expect the defense to improve as 9 players have experience playing this scheme and if everyone applied themselves and stays in position we should be better. I expect a more blue collar approach on the floor. Maybe we are underrating this team and it will be better than I think but not a whole lot better.

The defense will be better…exponentially so. The passing cannot help but be better.

This team will be easier on the eyes than last year’s but it will still be at the bottom of the MAC.

(09-12-2023 10:27 PM)holybovine Wrote:  The defense will be better…exponentially so. The passing cannot help but be better.

This team will be easier on the eyes than last year’s but it will still be at the bottom of the MAC.

Cow, I agree with you once again.

I saw folks that I knew attending EMU BB games for the first time ever! I sincerely doubt they return. I also saw previously dedicated fans attending the least number of games in their history.

That team was INDEED HARD ON THE EYES. You nailed it!

Kansas State men's bb has shown a new way to score two-pointers at a high percentage. It's all based on the PG penetrating and forcing the big inside to move toward him. It allows tge PG to attack from anywhere on the court. Then they run timing plays so other players score at the rim. Very hard to defend. Don't need highly-skilled players to make it work.

It includes bringing an offensive big man from the baseline where a short-line protrudes so he has free and unobstructed path to other side of the hoop. Many variations can be created. Just takes imagination. It's why they're 5'8"PG Markquis Nowell had 19-assists in a NCAA tournament game. EMU is aware of their system. Hope the run it. Check it out.

(09-14-2023 09:00 PM)Miggy Wrote:  Kansas State men's bb has shown a new way to score two-pointers at a high percentage. It's all based on the PG penetrating and forcing the big inside to move toward him. It allows tge PG to attack from anywhere on the court. Then they run timing plays so other players score at the rim. Very hard to defend. Don't need highly-skilled players to make it work.

It includes bringing an offensive big man from the baseline where a short-line protrudes so he has free and unobstructed path to other side of the hoop. Many variations can be created. Just takes imagination. It's why they're 5'8"PG Markquis Nowell had 19-assists in a NCAA tournament game. EMU is aware of their system. Hope the run it. Check it out.

Sometimes it’s schemes. Sometimes it’s players. I don’t think EMU had a Nowell level point guard last year, and certainly won’t this coming year. But I do hope for some scheme changes next year.

Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Nailed it!

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Great one ‘79!

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

(09-16-2023 08:02 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

We ALL want that as well. I also want to have multiple residences around the globe and a movie star wife.

In the real world, however, how many MAC players got drafted last year other than the Cav's rolling the dice on Bates? The days of Szerbiak, Maejerle, Boykins, Long, etc... have long since passed. MAC basketball is not very good, let's just be honest.

(09-16-2023 06:03 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 08:02 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

We ALL want that as well. I also want to have multiple residences around the globe and a movie star wife.

In the real world, however, how many MAC players got drafted last year other than the Cav's rolling the dice on Bates? The days of Szerbiak, Maejerle, Boykins, Long, etc... have long since passed. MAC basketball is not very good, let's just be honest.

Agree that we aren't seeing the first rounders anymore (don't forget Dave Jamerson, Bonzi Wells, Chris Kaman, Gary Trent, Ron Harper) but we should be able to produce second rounders like Toledo's Ryan Rollins, Ohio's Jason Preston, and Richaun Holmes from BG. In any event, EMU needs more upper tier MAC level talent and a bunch of try hards aren't going to fix that problem.

(09-16-2023 06:36 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:03 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 08:02 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

We ALL want that as well. I also want to have multiple residences around the globe and a movie star wife.

In the real world, however, how many MAC players got drafted last year other than the Cav's rolling the dice on Bates? The days of Szerbiak, Maejerle, Boykins, Long, etc... have long since passed. MAC basketball is not very good, let's just be honest.

Agree that we aren't seeing the first rounders anymore (don't forget Dave Jamerson, Bonzi Wells, Chris Kaman, Gary Trent, Ron Harper) but we should be able to produce second rounders like Toledo's Ryan Rollins, Ohio's Jason Preston, and Richaun Holmes from BG. In any event, EMU needs more upper tier MAC level talent and a bunch of try hards aren't going to fix that problem.

The first thing EMU needs is a coach who demands effort and teaches fundamentals. I saw neither of these attributes during the majority of last season.

(09-16-2023 06:45 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:36 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:03 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 08:02 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-15-2023 03:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Last year the E stood for Emoni.

I am hoping this year the E stands for Effort.

Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

We ALL want that as well. I also want to have multiple residences around the globe and a movie star wife.

In the real world, however, how many MAC players got drafted last year other than the Cav's rolling the dice on Bates? The days of Szerbiak, Maejerle, Boykins, Long, etc... have long since passed. MAC basketball is not very good, let's just be honest.

Agree that we aren't seeing the first rounders anymore (don't forget Dave Jamerson, Bonzi Wells, Chris Kaman, Gary Trent, Ron Harper) but we should be able to produce second rounders like Toledo's Ryan Rollins, Ohio's Jason Preston, and Richaun Holmes from BG. In any event, EMU needs more upper tier MAC level talent and a bunch of try hards aren't going to fix that problem.

The first thing EMU needs is a coach who demands effort and teaches fundamentals. I saw neither of these attributes during the majority of last season.

I have literally never seen a coach who doesn't demand effort and teach fundamentals. To quote former Lions coach Bobby Ross after a mistake filled loss, "I don't teach that sh**!"

Looks like the practices for the upcoming season have begun.

(09-17-2023 07:40 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:45 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:36 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 06:03 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(09-16-2023 08:02 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  Effort is great. I love effort. But effort without talent...what does that get you? Effort should come standard. I want effort and a future NBA draft pick.

We ALL want that as well. I also want to have multiple residences around the globe and a movie star wife.

In the real world, however, how many MAC players got drafted last year other than the Cav's rolling the dice on Bates? The days of Szerbiak, Maejerle, Boykins, Long, etc... have long since passed. MAC basketball is not very good, let's just be honest.

Agree that we aren't seeing the first rounders anymore (don't forget Dave Jamerson, Bonzi Wells, Chris Kaman, Gary Trent, Ron Harper) but we should be able to produce second rounders like Toledo's Ryan Rollins, Ohio's Jason Preston, and Richaun Holmes from BG. In any event, EMU needs more upper tier MAC level talent and a bunch of try hards aren't going to fix that problem.

The first thing EMU needs is a coach who demands effort and teaches fundamentals. I saw neither of these attributes during the majority of last season.

I have literally never seen a coach who doesn't demand effort and teach fundamentals. To quote former Lions coach Bobby Ross after a mistake filled loss, "I don't teach that sh**!"

Bob, Lucky had courtside seats at the Gervin arena last season. Unlike someone who might be listening to, watching or reading press summaries of a game from say a remote location like Iowa.

I personally, however, had a 100% attendance rate of our MBB games and I saw the same things he did. Stan Heath is a class guy, but like the aforementioned Bobby Ross, he may not have taught that "stuff" but like Bobby, apparently his "students" or players disregarded such. Neither will outlast their first contract at this rate.

I seem to be more optimistic about this year's team than most. The Eastern team is not built around one individual anymore and seems to have some depth and experience. If the front court can improve on defense then we'll be OK.

Gonna need the program for the first few games just to learn who's who.

(10-06-2023 08:10 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  I seem to be more optimistic about this year's team than most. The Eastern team is not built around one individual anymore and seems to have some depth and experience. If the front court can improve on defense then we'll be OK.

Gonna need the program for the first few games just to learn who's who.

I am curious of what do you mean by optimistic? Care to place a prediction?

I agree on the frontcourt. Last year, Geeter, Randle, and Billingsley were all just second year players with limited prior experience. And although Jihad was in his third year, I believe he is young age wise for his class. Big men usually take longer to develop, especially in the MAC, and any one of them can take off next year. Plus EMU added height with 7-0 Martynov and
6-8 Serven as replacements for an undersized 6-6 Golson. Finding 2 or 3 solid performers out of that 6 is not necessarily something to expect, but certainly a possibility. The season seems to ride on that, since the backcourt should be fine in terms of starters and depth.