(03-05-2015 08:10 AM)emussuperfan Wrote:  I apologize to all posters for my behavior the past fews weeks, there came a point where it became just to much. and please don't tell to get a thicker skin for one i have a thick skin and 2 i shouldnt have To.

Bob, I think you also owe the board an apology and let's move on...

Since it will be senior night, I'm assuming the starting lineup will be Talley-Lee-Okoloji-Ward-Hunter. We've got a nice boost from Okoloji the last couple games...someone that can force his way inside and get high percentage shots.

We'll need a big game from more than just him to handle Toledo, who absolutely outclassed us in our first meeting. I've never been more excited for someone to graduate as I am with Juice Brown. Been a great player for 4 years and an absolute thorn in our side. I think that starting five of Brown-Drummond-Williams-Weatherspoon-Boothe is the best in the conference, and they'd be my pick right now to win the MAC tourney. Knocking them off tomorrow would be a welcome conclusion to an otherwise disappointing conference season for us.

(03-04-2015 12:38 PM)rayEMU Wrote:  So the intangibles of the Toledo- EMU game are:

Toledo is playing for a top 4 seeding that essentially keeps them alive for a run at the NCAA tournament.

EMU is playing for sentimentality of giving their seniors one last win. Nothing more as they have already secured a losing MAC season, an impossible route in the MAC tourney, and virtually no chance at a home opening round game.

I apologize that I sound too negative if not whiny. But this is beyond disappointing. And does not reflect well to repeat last years gains EMU had in the late recruiting period.

All right, I am done complaining and will just root for the best that can happen from here...Go EMU!!!

You have achieved true enlightenment regarding our men's basketball team this season. The key to what could have been a wonderful magic year and why it isn't the loss at home to Miami O and Ball State. Our swagger in non conference play became our stagger in conference play. Who knows what next year will bring? People can poo poo Talley who singlehandedly took over in some games and Ward's disappointing year but I see no replacements on the current roster that can replace or exceed them. Murphy's recruiting is off to a good start with Stone (and I need to say this that so maaany on this board went out of the way to say we weren't recruiting or not interested as so called experts) but honestly I hope Murphy's recruiting continues to exceed my expectations. Both Alvano and Bond played like true freshmen with the expected ups and downs by the time they're juniors or seniors they should be special.

I'll be at this game, the weather this year has not cooperated several times this year so hopefully no surprises tomorrow. Yes super I owe some greenbacks.

(03-05-2015 12:23 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Who knows what next year will bring? People can poo poo Talley who singlehandedly took over in some games and Ward's disappointing year but I see no replacements on the current roster that can replace or exceed them.

Who on earth has "poo pooed" Talley? Most, if not all have stated that he will be the most difficult player to replace next year. He will be a big loss. Hopefully Stone can provide some impact from day one, or Alvano improves, because they have big shoes to fill.

Ward will be easier to replace. I like the kid, but he has been very disappointing this year. Bad shooting numbers, inconsistent defense, and a nagging injury that he dealt with at the beginning of conference play...he has regressed.

(03-05-2015 12:23 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Murphy's recruiting is off to a good start with Stone (and I need to say this that so maaany on this board went out of the way to say we weren't recruiting or not interested as so called experts)

Pretty sure nobody said that. You are making stuff up. I said (and pretty sure Steve as well) that I didn't think Stone would come here because of the young guards on our roster, and clearly I was wrong. But no one said we weren't recruiting him, unless you can find a post where someone stated such. No need for the condescension though. This board has had enough of that over the last couple weeks.

Can't see Stone coming here with both Bond and Alvano in the fold. That has "transfer after a year or two" written all over it.

That's per you.

As far as Stone, a 5' 7" (or whatever) PG is okay by a Ben Braun, but I'm not sure he'd be Murphy's cup of tea.

Per Steve.

I can't see room for another point guard, especially when Murphy has had Lee play it a few times so far this year.

Per you.

To both of you and Steve's credit you changed your thoughts about Stone shortly thereafter I shared a tweet from Stone that EMU was showing interest.

Looking forward to seeing him play next year.

Yes Ward has regressed but he is still better than others on the current roster and that's why he starts. I also know you know he was battling some injuries there for a while.

(03-05-2015 01:49 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Yes Ward has regressed but he is still better than others on the current roster and that's why he starts. I also know you know he was battling some injuries there for a while.

I mentioned his injury in my post. But you can't blame what was largely a poor season on the injury. He had some very good games, but was invisible in more. This was a guy that we expected to be a top player in the conference, and it just didn't happen. Obviously we don't have anyone better right now, but I think Bond has a higher ceiling, and it's looking more and more like we are going to play him at forward.

Replacing 41% shooting at the forward position isn't too difficult. His rebounding and shot blocking numbers will be hard to follow up, but I think Bond has the potential to do well in those categories too, especially the latter.

I really hate to sound like I'm dogging Ward. By all accounts he's a very nice kid. I just had such high expectations for him after a very good season last year. I'm sure he expected the same thing. It happens. I hope he finishes his career on a high note and we spoil the party for some teams.

(03-05-2015 01:48 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Can't see Stone coming here with both Bond and Alvano in the fold. That has "transfer after a year or two" written all over it.

That's per you.

As far as Stone, a 5' 7" (or whatever) PG is okay by a Ben Braun, but I'm not sure he'd be Murphy's cup of tea.

Per Steve.

I can't see room for another point guard, especially when Murphy has had Lee play it a few times so far this year.

Per you.

To both of you and Steve's credit you changed your thoughts about Stone shortly thereafter I shared a tweet from Stone that EMU was showing interest.

Looking forward to seeing him play next year.

Fair enough. We got some bad intel on him that said he wasn't a very good shooter, yet his shooting numbers are amazing this year and the highlight package shows a very fluid stroke. He looks like he will be a good one.

We are a 1 point underdog at this time.

Emu79, I am not good at following the recruiting, what is the word about Stone? Is He a high recruit or just happens to be the only one we got? Was Murphy actively recruiting him? Or did he just want to play close to home? (Obviously, I am trying to speculate on how Murphy percieves Alvano's role)

In ways I agree with you, it will be near impossible to replace Talley- he is extremely dominant and reliable on offense, defense, and point duties. Ward is still the best rebounder on the team, solid defender, and has game changing strength and athletic ability offendively speaking. (Yes he has also been an offensive void at tines this year too )

I felt more optimistic last year than I do this year for the next season given EMU had the big three coming back. It is harder to replace starters if not the stars of the team than it is guys that are rounding out the starting lineup and playing backup . But you never know .

(03-05-2015 07:37 PM)rayEMU Wrote:  Emu79, I am not good at following the recruiting, what is the word about Stone? Is He a high recruit or just happens to be the only one we got? Was Murphy actively recruiting him? Or did he just want to play close to home? (Obviously, I am trying to speculate on how Murphy percieves Alvano's role)

In ways I agree with you, it will be near impossible to replace Talley- he is extremely dominant and reliable on offense, defense, and point duties. Ward is still the best rebounder on the team, solid defender, and has game changing strength and athletic ability offendively speaking. (Yes he has also been an offensive void at tines this year too )

I felt more optimistic last year than I do this year for the next season given EMU had the big three coming back. It is harder to replace starters if not the stars of the team than it is guys that are rounding out the starting lineup and playing backup . But you never know .

here's a video that '79 posted in another thread - http://youtu.be/i0nSc6SU_aY. he looks good, but then again, everyone looks good in their highlight videos. As Steve and others have pointed out, Murphy's type is a tall, quick player. for Murphy to go for a 5'7" PG, i assume it means that Murphy thinks highly of Stone.

Instead of having these discussions, why did't folks come out to wartch Stone vs. (Deyonta) Davis last night in River Rouge? Cost $5.

#3 ranked Muskegon played Rouge last night.

Wasn't a close game but Stone and Davis starred.

(03-05-2015 08:21 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(03-05-2015 08:10 AM)emussuperfan Wrote:  I apologize to all posters for my behavior the past fews weeks, there came a point where it became just to much. and please don't tell to get a thicker skin for one i have a thick skin and 2 i shouldnt have To.

Bob, I think you also owe the board an apology and let's move on...

If I did something wrong, I certainly apologize. What I was attempting to do was defend coach Murphy--not a fan of his coaching, but certainly someone I respect as a professional. He was unfairly attacked here and I felt like no one was coming to his defense on a very serious allegation. Criticize his coaching and recruiting but to suggest he verbally abused his players on a level which could result in a termination--I cannot condone. I do not regret defending him against FALSE rumors and allegations. And we move on.

(03-06-2015 05:40 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Instead of having these discussions, why did't folks come out to wartch Stone vs. (Deyonta) Davis last night in River Rouge? Cost $5.

#3 ranked Muskegon played Rouge last night.

Wasn't a close game but Stone and Davis starred.

21 for Stone, I think Muskegon's Kennedy is not committed at 6'3.

(03-05-2015 07:37 PM)rayEMU Wrote:  Emu79, I am not good at following the recruiting, what is the word about Stone? Is He a high recruit or just happens to be the only one we got? Was Murphy actively recruiting him? Or did he just want to play close to home? (Obviously, I am trying to speculate on how Murphy percieves Alvano's role)

In ways I agree with you, it will be near impossible to replace Talley- he is extremely dominant and reliable on offense, defense, and point duties. Ward is still the best rebounder on the team, solid defender, and has game changing strength and athletic ability offendively speaking. (Yes he has also been an offensive void at tines this year too )

I felt more optimistic last year than I do this year for the next season given EMU had the big three coming back. It is harder to replace starters if not the stars of the team than it is guys that are rounding out the starting lineup and playing backup . But you never know .

On Alvano I thought him more of a combo guard from day 1, I never thought Bond as a PG. Alvano nibbles around the edges aka Ross and doesn't seem to get around and breakdown the defender like Talley is with a quick first step and burst of speed. Alvano's confidence in his outside shooting seemed to disappear. However I thought Alvano's defense was above average for a true frosh. Bond's defense really does impress me, but the minute he impresses you with a special defensive play he makes mistakes on offense. That for a shooting guard type he doesn't seem to have an outside shot, solid passer. He played a lot at the SF in games. So Stone appears to be to a true point guard with the ability to break down a defense and a quick first step. I've said it many times Alvano and Bond if they remain at EMU will be solid contributors by the time they are juniors and seniors. They got solid experience this year they can build on. People didn't like our offense this year but again outside of Lee who else is the offense for next year? A bigger question is how does this team improve enough next year to move up the MAC ladder and be a top 4 team?

(03-06-2015 10:25 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(03-06-2015 05:40 AM)emu steve Wrote:  Instead of having these discussions, why did't folks come out to wartch Stone vs. (Deyonta) Davis last night in River Rouge? Cost $5.

#3 ranked Muskegon played Rouge last night.

Wasn't a close game but Stone and Davis starred.

21 for Stone, I think Muskegon's Kennedy is not committed at 6'3.

BTW, Monta is a stat sheet stuffer. He gets a lot of assists and rebounds. Yes, rebounds.

He reminds me of Cha Sweeney, small, very quick, can cut on a dime, squeeze thru defenders, and shoots better than one would expect.

Last nite he played the baseline in a 1 - 3 - 1 zone. He'd out quick the bigs to rebounds.

Also fearless to the hoop. Took it at Davis a number of times last night. Think MT 3.

emu79,

I don't know either how this team improves next year. I assume it will have to be through player development of which you note Bond and Alvano. I think we will see that for sure.

Less potential for improvement with Samuels, Ajayi, and Nazionne. But these guys all bring some skill/ability despite having flaws. If their roles are defined and strategies devised how best to use the talent, they can be productive.

Unfortunately, Murphy has not shown the ability for this kind of flexibility in his system. But with a star in Lee, expected improvement of Bond and Alvano, and serviceable big men, this is not a horrible team. Depending on the extent of improvement in this years freshman, next years teams could be on either side of mediocre. If they don't underachieve like this year.

(03-06-2015 12:48 PM)rayEMU Wrote:  emu79,

I don't know either how this team improves next year. I assume it will have to be through player development of which you note Bond and Alvano. I think we will see that for sure.

Less potential for improvement with Samuels, Ajayi, and Nazionne. But these guys all bring some skill/ability despite having flaws. If their roles are defined and strategies devised how best to use the talent, they can be productive.

Unfortunately, Murphy has not shown the ability for this kind of flexibility in his system. But with a star in Lee, expected improvement of Bond and Alvano, and serviceable big men, this is not a horrible team. Depending on the extent of improvement in this years freshman, next years teams could be on either side of mediocre. If they don't underachieve like this year.

Ray, I have to tell you I really enjoy your posts, good intelligent analysis and insight. Speaking of development for next year another wild card is what Nobles might bring to the table. Hopefully he is gaining additional strength.

Am looking forward to seeing tonight's game. Sorry to see the seniors go. Ward will finish his career at EMU in the top 50 in scoring and rebounding only the 31st player to do. Talley can move up the career stats this game as well. The Toledo fans were really nasty last year but were quite after we blew them out by 20 plus points. Hopefully a repeat tonight.