I'm somewhat puzzled with Dodd/Ramsey's use of Dodd. He started the season as our number 1 center for the first few games and didn't appear to do too poorley, had 10 points against Michigan and a number of blocks against Marquette, but once Matthews became eligible and Dobbins recovered from his stress fracture, he hit the pines even playing behind Knaub. Hence he was relegated to 4rth string center.

Wonder if he has a future here with Skipper also behing added to next season's roster.????

I would say yes. One never knows about Matthew's eligibilty. We have several forwards graduating next year. Dobbins may play power forward.
Looks to be an excellent shoot blocker. Needs to still add more strength.

Don't understand this either. A freshman, 6 blocks in one game vs Marquette, not Ball State or Toledo of Buffalo, but Marquette. Don't think Marquette kids are saying, ok, block me, that's cool ! 3rd highest blocks in a single game in EMU history,in the record book behind one guy who did 7 and 8. Is a defensive player, this is what he seems to do, and seemed to do ok in the games he played in. Strange that Ramsey suppresses him, other big guys may get 20 minutes plus and no points and maybe 1 rebound, does not seem a level field of opportunity. Presume it's a message to Dodd to move elsewhere. Same as Gay and Freer. Freer is the most athletic athlete we have, and when he gets on has shown what he can do. Explosive. What with Cashen and Knaub leaving, is there a thread here ? What do they all have in common ?

Gay, Freer and Dodd all got PT this year based on how the coaching staff felt they could help the team win. I don't think Rams is thinking or wishing anyone of these players would leave. He re-affirmed the verbals for both Gay and Dodd and Freer got significant playing time last year. While it is true coaches have some prejudice towards playing their own recruits. I believe Rams plays those who work the hardest and definitely those that play defense. If these three were the best, I believe Rams would start them. You can't argue with results, five more wins than last year and the team played better overall. How much time these three players see in the future depends alot on them.

I hope all stay. As we've seen with FB its difficult build a successful program if there is high player turnover. Would you rather have these 3 on the bench or have some marginally talented freshman that should be redshirting? I'll take the experienced guys, even if they are not high performers.

As for Dodd, its common for MAC level kids his size to need more development time. He should develope into a valuable contributor by the time he's an upperclassman.

I agree. All three have contributed and have potential. There are injuries and academics that take someone off the bench and become a starter. You can't start all 12 guys and Rams moves persons in and out of the rotation alot. It would interesting to compare minutes for Gay and Freer this year versus last year.

Thanks:

This year then last:


Gay 142 minutes, 47 points, last year 245 minutes, 51 points
Freer 182 minutes, 34 points, last year 575 minutes 137 points
Lewis 627 minutes 67 points, last year 189 minutes 34 points
Knaub 209 minutes 68 points, last year 149 minutes, 37 points
Cashen 612 mnutes 142 points, last year 626 minutes, 117 points
Matthews (lost half a year) 407 minutes 105 points, 463 minutes 97 points