Optimistic about the season but you need a big banger in the MAC.

(07-10-2018 07:57 PM)7huskie6 Wrote:  Optimistic about the season but you need a big banger in the MAC.

I dont think that's true at all. Looking at Buffalo, I almost think Monty is trying to use that template they have laid out. The MAC has been a guard dominated conference for a long time. If big men were important, EMU would be back to back champs

EMU was one of the best MAC teams last year. Buffalo had a 6’7 guard last year. Perkins on Buffalo is 6’9 and they also had 6’10 Ikenna Smart. Every league is guard dominated but you still need a serviceable big. Mad Dawg! For the last time nobody is saying they need a great big man but they do need a decent one. If NIU had Maric still or Thompson of EMU they could be a great team. Give them average play at the center position and they can be a good team. Also why take a chance? You had 4 scholly open.

(07-10-2018 09:50 PM)dekalb222 Wrote:  EMU was one of the best MAC teams last year. Buffalo had a 6’7 guard last year. Perkins on Buffalo is 6’9 and they also had 6’10 Ikenna Smart. Every league is guard dominated but you still need a serviceable big. Mad Dawg! For the last time nobody is saying they need a great big man but they do need a decent one. If NIU had Maric still or Thompson of EMU they could be a great team. Give them average play at the center position and they can be a good team. Also why take a chance? You had 4 scholly open.

Smart is a filler type minutes guy, a solid player, but not a key guy for them. I would absolutely going insane if I was an EMU fan, they seemingly have the best talent year in and year out and just cannot take the next step with it. I think its pretty hard to get a decent big guy at the mid major level, when you get one like EMU did with Thompson, they usually come with baggage. I agree though, NIU does need more than a Lacey James. Just does not quite seem to be Div 1 talent at this point. If you can plug in a couple of forwards who play long (why I am excited about Justin Lee), I think you can overcome some of that lack of size in conference play.

(07-10-2018 05:44 PM)dekalb222 Wrote:  One of the new juco transfers mentioned that they play Georgia Tech, Butler and Michigan St.

Two out of three isn't bad. Was probably someone they were talking to but didn't materialize.

Matchup schedule (no times) out for Oakland Tournament

11/23
NIU/ORU
Oakland/JMU

11/24
NIU/JMU
Oakland/ORU

11/25
NIU/Oakland
ORU/JMU

I always am hoping for bball success but I don't know where all this optimism is coming from this year. I think at best NIU goes .500 in conference play and wins a tournament game. Under Monty there seems to be no consistency or growth. Every year the starting lineup changes and the team never seems to take the next step. Would love to be pleasantly surprised but have tempered expectations based on recent history.

(07-12-2018 07:43 AM)flair6 Wrote:  I always am hoping for bball success but I don't know where all this optimism is coming from this year. I think at best NIU goes .500 in conference play and wins a tournament game. Under Monty there seems to be no consistency or growth. Every year the starting lineup changes and the team never seems to take the next step. Would love to be pleasantly surprised but have tempered expectations based on recent history.

I completely agree. With the same coach and his track record, I don't see how we can expect such improvement. When (if) Monty ever gets replaced, I'll get enthusiastic.

(07-12-2018 07:51 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(07-12-2018 07:43 AM)flair6 Wrote:  I always am hoping for bball success but I don't know where all this optimism is coming from this year. I think at best NIU goes .500 in conference play and wins a tournament game. Under Monty there seems to be no consistency or growth. Every year the starting lineup changes and the team never seems to take the next step. Would love to be pleasantly surprised but have tempered expectations based on recent history.

I completely agree. With the same coach and his track record, I don't see how we can expect such improvement. When (if) Monty ever gets replaced, I'll get enthusiastic.

I certainly understand that view given the history. Buffalo being so darn good also tempers excitement somewhat.

(07-12-2018 07:57 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(07-12-2018 07:51 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(07-12-2018 07:43 AM)flair6 Wrote:  I always am hoping for bball success but I don't know where all this optimism is coming from this year. I think at best NIU goes .500 in conference play and wins a tournament game. Under Monty there seems to be no consistency or growth. Every year the starting lineup changes and the team never seems to take the next step. Would love to be pleasantly surprised but have tempered expectations based on recent history.

I completely agree. With the same coach and his track record, I don't see how we can expect such improvement. When (if) Monty ever gets replaced, I'll get enthusiastic.

I certainly understand that view given the history. Buffalo being so darn good also tempers excitement somewhat.

Some schools are just good at building a basketball culture. Buffalo is certainly one of them - on the men's and women's side. CMU has been dominant on the women's side for years.