Date: January 9th, 2010

Time: 3:30 PM

Opponent: Mercer (7-8, 3-2 ASUN)

Place: University Center

Television: None

Webcast: ASun.tv (Subscription)

Radio online: ETSUBucs.com or WKOS.com

Mercer 2009-2010 Schedule

Mercer 2010 Roster

We are gonna need a great game to win this one. I think Mercer is my early pick to win the ASUN Tournament. Especially with the tournament on their home floor. They have a few good players.

Mercer leads the ASUN in scoring and made 3's. I guess we will find out how the zone really looks.

It will be interesting to see how many points are scored in this game. Will it be in the 80's or the 60's?

I'm expecting us to play well.

This is our first real conference road test. Mercer is the best balanced and most experienced team in the A-Sun

Regarding balance: as Fan1 says they lead the ASun in made 3’s (although are only middling in percentage). But they also have a strong scoring game in the paint with 6’8” Emerson and 6’7 Mills. They lead in rebounds per game with 38. So they can hurt you inside and outside.

As for experience, they start 3 seniors (Florence, Emerson and Kusnyer) and 2 juniors. The only 2 subs used much are juniors Mark Hall and Brandon Moore.

Coach Hoffman relies almost exclusively on his 5 starters: against Campbell those 5 (Florence, Kusnyer, Jeff Smith, Mills and Emerson) each played 32 minutes or more! Guard Mark Hall got 14 minutes and 6’6” JUCO junior Brandon Moore (who played his freshman year with Lipscomb) got 10 minutes. Guard Jeff Smith has been solid – an inch taller and more muscular than Florence, he is a productive, gutty addition to the lineup. But they lack athleticism and defense in the middle – IMHO Emerson, Mills and Kusnyer are not strong defenders in the paint. Tommy Hubbard and 6’8” Poderis and Brown (if healthy) ought to have some scoring opportunities there.

In fact in general, Mercer is not a great defensive team, allowing almost as many points as they score (79.8 to 79.6). This should be an uptempo, run and gun affair, with more scoring opportunities than there were at Kennesaw or Upstate.

Mercer has dropped home games to Lipscomb and to Belmont in overtime. Nonetheless, they looked good beating Jacksonville at full strength (with Colbert and Hardy) on the road at the buzzer, and an improving UNF team on the road. The Bucs have been lucky so far in their schedule, which fed them Jacksonville at home without their top 2 inside players, and A-Sun bottom dwellers UNF, Kennesaw and Upstate. We have not been tested by Lipscomb and Belmont.

But I see no reason that youthful hustle and defense cannot beat the experienced shooters from Mercer. If it's close at the end, though, - the experience that brought wins at the buzzer over Jacksonville and in overtime at Belmont may give Mercer an edge. We did not look good in close games against Morehead State or USC Upstate down the stretch.

History is the toughest opponent of all. The fact is Mercer has never won against ETSU. Like I said in the Mercer forum though, this is the best chance to date to do it. This kind of game is what will build confidence at tournament time.. which coincidentally will be played at Mercer's arena. So this could be a preview of a future game.

This will be an interesting game. Mercer always plays an uptempo game, and can score in droves, but defensively they've always been suspect. On the other hand, we've shown some strength defensively, especially recently, that bodes well. Last year, I remember when we played down there because I expected a loss. Instead, the Bucs blew them out rather easily and a fight almost broke out between Smith & Florence (?) - can't remember. I really think we could do that again. I've felt since the start of the year there is something special about this team; I could be wrong, but the team chemistry seems to be good, and the defense is improved. Good defense & rebounding (although we're not that consistent @ the latter) can win a whole lot of games.

One question: Bob Hoffman, coach for Mercer was an assistant w/ Sampson at Oklahoma in the middle part of last decade. He then went to the NBA developmental league. Does anyone know: Was he involved in the Sampson scandal @ OU?

J.C. Press, 1/09/10

Bucs hope to stay in the zone at Mercer
By Joe Avento
Press Sports Writer
javento@johnsoncitypress.com



MACON, Ga. — An East Tennessee State basketball game is like a criminal trial. The defense doesn’t rest until the closing arguments are completed.

The Bucs have created a new identity for themselves, one as a defensive-minded team, thanks to a new scheme that has been wreaking havoc for opponents. They’ve changed their personality in midseason, giving up on playing man-to-man in favor of a zone.

But this isn’t the zone most people know. In the Bucs’ version, the perimeter players attack the ball with help cutting across the middle behind them. Various traps seemingly pop out of nowhere, further confusing opposing offenses.

In general, it’s an extremely active version of what was once known as a passive defense.

“We’re trying to invest a lot of time in it,” coach Murry Bartow said. “Scott (Wagers) is doing a great job with it. The players are doing a great job with it. They seem to enjoy it.

“Hopefully we can keep defending well. If we keep defending well, obviously we have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Since they started using the defense three games ago, the Bucs (8-7 overall, 4-0 Atlantic Sun Conference) have had two blowout victories sandwiched around a nailbiter win. That leaves them as the only A-Sun team with a perfect league record.

“Our defense is real interesting,” forward Tommy Hubbard said. “We throw a lot of different traps. They don’t know what’s coming on each possession. I wouldn’t want to play against it. We have the element of surprise.”

The Bucs’ defense will get its next test today with a game at Mercer. It will be a difficult task, too, considering the Bears have one of the best guards in the league in James Florence.

Florence is tied with Lipscomb’s Adam Hodzik for the league scoring lead at 22.1 points a game. But he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s third in the league in assists with an average of 4.43 a game.

Mercer forward Dan Emerson is the only player in the league averaging a double-double, at 13.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game.

The Bears (7-8, 3-2) handed Campbell its first conference loss Thursday night with an 82-73 decision.

ETSU’s last outing was a 63-46 victory at Kennesaw State in which the Bucs had 14 steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers.

“The defense has helped us,” Bartow said. “It’s given us some new energy. We’re getting more steals, forcing more turnovers. We’re a transition team, so if we can get our hands on some balls, it helps us going the other way.

“The exciting thing about it is we’re just in the early stages of it, so we expect it to continue to get better.”

After today’s game, ETSU returns home Thursday for a game against Stetson.

I think the key to this game is holding mercer to below 70 points. You might still win if you hold them below 80 but I think anything below 70 is a sure win.








Of course it could also be argued that scoring more points than Mercer is, in fact, the key to the game.

(01-08-2010 10:54 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  J.C. Press, 1/09/10

Bucs hope to stay in the zone at Mercer
By Joe Avento
Press Sports Writer
javento@johnsoncitypress.com



MACON, Ga. — An East Tennessee State basketball game is like a criminal trial. The defense doesn’t rest until the closing arguments are completed.

The Bucs have created a new identity for themselves, one as a defensive-minded team, thanks to a new scheme that has been wreaking havoc for opponents. They’ve changed their personality in midseason, giving up on playing man-to-man in favor of a zone.

But this isn’t the zone most people know. In the Bucs’ version, the perimeter players attack the ball with help cutting across the middle behind them. Various traps seemingly pop out of nowhere, further confusing opposing offenses.

In general, it’s an extremely active version of what was once known as a passive defense.

“We’re trying to invest a lot of time in it,” coach Murry Bartow said. “Scott (Wagers) is doing a great job with it. The players are doing a great job with it. They seem to enjoy it.

“Hopefully we can keep defending well. If we keep defending well, obviously we have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Since they started using the defense three games ago, the Bucs (8-7 overall, 4-0 Atlantic Sun Conference) have had two blowout victories sandwiched around a nailbiter win. That leaves them as the only A-Sun team with a perfect league record.

“Our defense is real interesting,” forward Tommy Hubbard said. “We throw a lot of different traps. They don’t know what’s coming on each possession. I wouldn’t want to play against it. We have the element of surprise.”

The Bucs’ defense will get its next test today with a game at Mercer. It will be a difficult task, too, considering the Bears have one of the best guards in the league in James Florence.

Florence is tied with Lipscomb’s Adam Hodzik for the league scoring lead at 22.1 points a game. But he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s third in the league in assists with an average of 4.43 a game.

Mercer forward Dan Emerson is the only player in the league averaging a double-double, at 13.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game.

The Bears (7-8, 3-2) handed Campbell its first conference loss Thursday night with an 82-73 decision.

ETSU’s last outing was a 63-46 victory at Kennesaw State in which the Bucs had 14 steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers.

“The defense has helped us,” Bartow said. “It’s given us some new energy. We’re getting more steals, forcing more turnovers. We’re a transition team, so if we can get our hands on some balls, it helps us going the other way.

“The exciting thing about it is we’re just in the early stages of it, so we expect it to continue to get better.”

After today’s game, ETSU returns home Thursday for a game against Stetson.

Ugh, my worse fears are being realized.

(01-09-2010 12:27 PM)BucNut22 Wrote:  

(01-08-2010 10:54 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  J.C. Press, 1/09/10

Bucs hope to stay in the zone at Mercer
By Joe Avento
Press Sports Writer
javento@johnsoncitypress.com



MACON, Ga. — An East Tennessee State basketball game is like a criminal trial. The defense doesn’t rest until the closing arguments are completed.

The Bucs have created a new identity for themselves, one as a defensive-minded team, thanks to a new scheme that has been wreaking havoc for opponents. They’ve changed their personality in midseason, giving up on playing man-to-man in favor of a zone.

But this isn’t the zone most people know. In the Bucs’ version, the perimeter players attack the ball with help cutting across the middle behind them. Various traps seemingly pop out of nowhere, further confusing opposing offenses.

In general, it’s an extremely active version of what was once known as a passive defense.

“We’re trying to invest a lot of time in it,” coach Murry Bartow said. “Scott (Wagers) is doing a great job with it. The players are doing a great job with it. They seem to enjoy it.

“Hopefully we can keep defending well. If we keep defending well, obviously we have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Since they started using the defense three games ago, the Bucs (8-7 overall, 4-0 Atlantic Sun Conference) have had two blowout victories sandwiched around a nailbiter win. That leaves them as the only A-Sun team with a perfect league record.

“Our defense is real interesting,” forward Tommy Hubbard said. “We throw a lot of different traps. They don’t know what’s coming on each possession. I wouldn’t want to play against it. We have the element of surprise.”

The Bucs’ defense will get its next test today with a game at Mercer. It will be a difficult task, too, considering the Bears have one of the best guards in the league in James Florence.

Florence is tied with Lipscomb’s Adam Hodzik for the league scoring lead at 22.1 points a game. But he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s third in the league in assists with an average of 4.43 a game.

Mercer forward Dan Emerson is the only player in the league averaging a double-double, at 13.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game.

The Bears (7-8, 3-2) handed Campbell its first conference loss Thursday night with an 82-73 decision.

ETSU’s last outing was a 63-46 victory at Kennesaw State in which the Bucs had 14 steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers.

“The defense has helped us,” Bartow said. “It’s given us some new energy. We’re getting more steals, forcing more turnovers. We’re a transition team, so if we can get our hands on some balls, it helps us going the other way.

“The exciting thing about it is we’re just in the early stages of it, so we expect it to continue to get better.”

After today’s game, ETSU returns home Thursday for a game against Stetson.

Ugh, my worse fears are being realized.

zone?

Belmont will light us up.

(01-09-2010 12:46 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote:  Belmont will light us up.

Although this is a much different zone than the one we played for the past four years.....KSU had the chance to light us up they just missed the shots.

(01-09-2010 12:46 PM)ETSUfan1 Wrote:  Belmont will light us up.

Belmont isn't the same "light it up with threes" type of team. With a little size and fewer shooters, we have been trying to score from inside a little more than in the past.

(01-09-2010 12:33 PM)Goldfinger Wrote:  

(01-09-2010 12:27 PM)BucNut22 Wrote:  

(01-08-2010 10:54 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  J.C. Press, 1/09/10

Bucs hope to stay in the zone at Mercer
By Joe Avento
Press Sports Writer
javento@johnsoncitypress.com



MACON, Ga. — An East Tennessee State basketball game is like a criminal trial. The defense doesn’t rest until the closing arguments are completed.

The Bucs have created a new identity for themselves, one as a defensive-minded team, thanks to a new scheme that has been wreaking havoc for opponents. They’ve changed their personality in midseason, giving up on playing man-to-man in favor of a zone.

But this isn’t the zone most people know. In the Bucs’ version, the perimeter players attack the ball with help cutting across the middle behind them. Various traps seemingly pop out of nowhere, further confusing opposing offenses.

In general, it’s an extremely active version of what was once known as a passive defense.

“We’re trying to invest a lot of time in it,” coach Murry Bartow said. “Scott (Wagers) is doing a great job with it. The players are doing a great job with it. They seem to enjoy it.

“Hopefully we can keep defending well. If we keep defending well, obviously we have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Since they started using the defense three games ago, the Bucs (8-7 overall, 4-0 Atlantic Sun Conference) have had two blowout victories sandwiched around a nailbiter win. That leaves them as the only A-Sun team with a perfect league record.

“Our defense is real interesting,” forward Tommy Hubbard said. “We throw a lot of different traps. They don’t know what’s coming on each possession. I wouldn’t want to play against it. We have the element of surprise.”

The Bucs’ defense will get its next test today with a game at Mercer. It will be a difficult task, too, considering the Bears have one of the best guards in the league in James Florence.

Florence is tied with Lipscomb’s Adam Hodzik for the league scoring lead at 22.1 points a game. But he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s third in the league in assists with an average of 4.43 a game.

Mercer forward Dan Emerson is the only player in the league averaging a double-double, at 13.6 points and 11.7 rebounds a game.

The Bears (7-8, 3-2) handed Campbell its first conference loss Thursday night with an 82-73 decision.

ETSU’s last outing was a 63-46 victory at Kennesaw State in which the Bucs had 14 steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers.

“The defense has helped us,” Bartow said. “It’s given us some new energy. We’re getting more steals, forcing more turnovers. We’re a transition team, so if we can get our hands on some balls, it helps us going the other way.

“The exciting thing about it is we’re just in the early stages of it, so we expect it to continue to get better.”

After today’s game, ETSU returns home Thursday for a game against Stetson.

Ugh, my worse fears are being realized.

zone?

Not zone but falling in love with the zone.

If anyone is going to destroy the zone from the 3pt line it will be Mercer. So here's your test for that one.

I think you all will enjoy our commentator. I think he does an excellent job and I like that fact that he does it on his own without an annoying sidekick.

(01-09-2010 03:04 PM)MercerFan Wrote:  If anyone is going to destroy the zone from the 3pt line it will be Mercer. So here's your test for that one.

fair enough. Let's see what we got.

Its not enough to be able to shoot the 3, that's not what worries me. Its highly disciplined, patient, 3pt shooting teams. A lot of teams can light it up from the 3pt line, that's not enough to bust up a good zone defense.

Anyone got the video streaming yet?