(01-05-2019 11:00 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

Since we only have two true bigs, my guess is we rotate them for foul and rest purposes. Last year Luke could be a foul a minute guy. We also don't really have a back up for Willie at the 4. We are deep at guard, and short on frontcourt players. Also good analysis on Darrington and Nate, but we've known that about Nate for four years. I will say his Defensive intensity has improved this year.

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I'm not going to let one bad game affect my confidence in the team. From what I've seen of the team's whole body of work so far this season, I am still very confident in the team's success. Every team faces adversity and fans need to stick with them during those times of adversity.

(01-05-2019 06:33 AM)adunifon Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:39 PM)MidnightBlueGold Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:02 PM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  I know it was a very disappointing game tonight. Don't lose faith in them after one game. Keep supporting the team. Go Rockets!

Didn't you know - playing horrible in 1 MAC game means the season is over.

Your schtick is getting old. You never actually add any substance, you just come and criticize anyone that criticizes the team with a smart aleck comment. Why not try to actually add something to the discussion as to why people should believe anything different? You do the same thing with the football team all year too.

Fans frustrated over a loss or a poor performance is as old as spectator sports. This forum is mild compared to some others. Sometimes comments may be critical--especially in a game thread where emotions can be high, but at least it shows that people care. When people just plain stop caring, you have a bigger problem than a few critical comments--and you would have quite a few less fans on this forum.

(01-04-2019 10:15 PM)Screwball Wrote:  Reversion to the mean. Where is mean?

This team owns us.

I thought the bench was the strength tonight. I also think they didn't play enough. I really can't think of a starter I was impressed with; maybe the Jackson's were the least bad.

I forced myself to watch to the end, then listened to the radio guys. Jay thought they got in their heads. Given the bench (new guys who haven't been "Person'ed" played better than the starters.

I shut down Brent and Jay when they went to the commercial break, just before announcing the "player of the game."

There wasn't any.

Like the Muncie Curse changed sports and has a road team, too.

(01-05-2019 11:08 AM)emanoh Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:00 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

Since we only have two true bigs, my guess is we rotate them for foul and rest purposes. Last year Luke could be a foul a minute guy. We also don't really have a back up for Willie at the 4. We are deep at guard, and short on frontcourt players. Also good analysis on Darrington and Nate, but we've known that about Nate for four years. I will say his Defensive intensity has improved this year.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Navigato was committed to UB when Hurley was there. I doubt he would have seen the floor much, especially with the type of system that Nate Oates runs. As stated above, NN is more of a situational player (draining 3’s). He does not bring much to the table - athletically/intensity/defense...
Seems like a good kid who has flourished in K’s program. Really wish the Rockets could bring in a big front court guy like Nick Perkins on a regular basis...

From the Muncie Star Press...
https://www.thestarpress.com/story/sport...464975002/

(01-05-2019 11:41 AM)FMRocket Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:08 AM)emanoh Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:00 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

Since we only have two true bigs, my guess is we rotate them for foul and rest purposes. Last year Luke could be a foul a minute guy. We also don't really have a back up for Willie at the 4. We are deep at guard, and short on frontcourt players. Also good analysis on Darrington and Nate, but we've known that about Nate for four years. I will say his Defensive intensity has improved this year.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Navigato was committed to UB when Hurley was there. I doubt he would have seen the floor much, especially with the type of system that Nate Oates runs. As stated above, NN is more of a situational player (draining 3’s). He does not bring much to the table - athletically/intensity/defense...
Seems like a good kid who has flourished in K’s program. Really wish the Rockets could bring in a big front court guy like Nick Perkins on a regular basis...

Wouldn’t you think that by now, the next “Nathan Boothe” would be on the roster? But he isn’t...and he isn’t in next year’s incoming class either. Why is it that the closest we’ve come to a true low post player since Boothe was a one-and-done, undersized Steve Taylor?

(01-05-2019 11:35 AM)Toledo Football 1st Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 06:33 AM)adunifon Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:39 PM)MidnightBlueGold Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:02 PM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  I know it was a very disappointing game tonight. Don't lose faith in them after one game. Keep supporting the team. Go Rockets!

Didn't you know - playing horrible in 1 MAC game means the season is over.

Your schtick is getting old. You never actually add any substance, you just come and criticize anyone that criticizes the team with a smart aleck comment. Why not try to actually add something to the discussion as to why people should believe anything different? You do the same thing with the football team all year too.

Fans frustrated over a loss or a poor performance is as old as spectator sports. This forum is mild compared to some others. Sometimes comments may be critical--especially in a game thread where emotions can be high, but at least it shows that people care. When people just plain stop caring, you have a bigger problem than a few critical comments--and you would have quite a few less fans on this forum.

Or even worse, fewer fans putting their butts in the seats. Rockets already have to contend for casual fan attendance with a Walleye hockey team that routinely puts 7000+ in the arena.

(01-05-2019 12:02 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:41 AM)FMRocket Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:08 AM)emanoh Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:00 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

Since we only have two true bigs, my guess is we rotate them for foul and rest purposes. Last year Luke could be a foul a minute guy. We also don't really have a back up for Willie at the 4. We are deep at guard, and short on frontcourt players. Also good analysis on Darrington and Nate, but we've known that about Nate for four years. I will say his Defensive intensity has improved this year.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Navigato was committed to UB when Hurley was there. I doubt he would have seen the floor much, especially with the type of system that Nate Oates runs. As stated above, NN is more of a situational player (draining 3’s). He does not bring much to the table - athletically/intensity/defense...
Seems like a good kid who has flourished in K’s program. Really wish the Rockets could bring in a big front court guy like Nick Perkins on a regular basis...

Wouldn’t you think that by now, the next “Nathan Boothe” would be on the roster? But he isn’t...and he shotsisn’t in next year’s incoming class either. Why is it that the closest we’ve come to a true low post player since Boothe was a one-and-done, undersized Steve Taylor?

That is because K would rather recruit players who throw up 3’s/not follow their shots/and continually get beat coming back in transition to defend...

(01-05-2019 11:00 AM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

I'm on board with this.

I looked to me like once we got back within 3, coach K put the starters back in and the lead went back to 10-12. It seemed every time the starters were on the floor that happened.

The poor start to the second half was not good either (with the starters in there as well, if I recall correctly), and it went downhill from there. They gave up and just wanted to get the game over.

There was never really any "run" like we see so many times - nothing.

I hope we can chalk this one up to just "one of those nights."

The article from the Muncie paper had a good line talking about Teague;
"26-percent 3-point shooter was 3 of 4 from long range." That pretty much sums up the night - BS could do no wrong - and Toledo could do no right. They seemed to get all the right bounces as well.

I would be lying if I didn't think the game Tuesday might be a carbon copy of last night.

(01-05-2019 12:19 AM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  Just something to keep in mind for those of you that might feel the Rockets' non-conference schedule was too weak: two of the teams the Rockets beat, Detroit and Oakland, have started 3-0 in the Horizon League. It might not be saying much, but at least some of these teams the Rockets beat in the non-conference are getting off to good starts in their conferences.

Perhaps the Rockets would leave the MAC and join the Horizon. They would have a better chance of winning the tile, with one exception, beating Wright State.

(01-05-2019 11:41 AM)FMRocket Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 11:08 AM)emanoh Wrote:  [quote='bcunn3128' pid='15811182' dateline='1546704049']
Some very good dissection of the game & Rocket effort in the above comments.

Darrington needs to play more. Of all our guards, he is the only one who shows a consistent desire & ability to drive into the paint and get the ball to the rim. If Toledo insists on having an offense predicated by shooting 3s, we need a guard who can make defense collapse into the paint and thus create an opening somewhere on the perimeter. If he has to take minutes away from someone, take them from Marreon. His play as a freshman was very acceptable, but hasn’t really improved this season, and he rarely drives into the paint. He also is showing an increased tendency to throw some passes that his teammates aren’t even looking for. Slow the game down for him a bit and let’s see if he can develop further. Besides, Darrington is a “one & done” this season—you gave him a scholly, so play him...lots.

And Edu should play more. That is the only real way he will continue to get better. Why TK hasn’t played he & Knapke more together is beyond me. When you don’t really have a low post presence to speak of, put the 2 together. Against Ball State, when the ball made it into Moses hands in the paint, it was points (6-9, plus 5-6 from the free throw line). When we made a couple runs at them, it was because we allowed the Cardinals guards to penetrate to the rim, and they were greedy (particularly Persons), and we got several shot blocks from help side defense. Put Edu & Knapke our there together and you can have help from almost anywhere in the paint. Whose minutes could Edu take? Navigato’s. We all know he’s a one-trick pony. Give him an open look from 3 and he’ll make 2 or 3 out of every 5. Take the 3 point line away from him, and he has no offense to contribute. He doesn’t put the ball on the floor well, and he avoids driving or backing someone down. So, make him a situational player who comes in against the zone, or when Darrington is having success driving and can then find an open Navigato, and otherwise let Edu play more on the wing.

Since we only have two true bigs, my guess is we rotate them for foul and rest purposes. Last year Luke could be a foul a minute guy. We also don't really have a back up for Willie at the 4. We are deep at guard, and short on frontcourt players. Also good analysis on Darrington and Nate, but we've known that about Nate for four years. I will say his Defensive intensity has improved this year.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Navigato was committed to UB when Hurley was there. I doubt he would have seen the floor much, especially with the type of system that Nate Oates runs. As stated above, NN is more of a situational player (draining 3’s). He does not bring much to the table - athletically/intensity/defense...
Seems like a good kid who has flourished in K’s program. Really wish the Rockets could bring in a big front court guy like Nick Perkins on a regular basis...

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

(01-05-2019 01:09 PM)Springboromark Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 12:19 AM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  Just something to keep in mind for those of you that might feel the Rockets' non-conference schedule was too weak: two of the teams the Rockets beat, Detroit and Oakland, have started 3-0 in the Horizon League. It might not be saying much, but at least some of these teams the Rockets beat in the non-conference are getting off to good starts in their conferences.

Perhaps the Rockets would leave the MAC and join the Horizon. They would have a better chance of winning the tile, with one exception, beating Wright State.

You wish, since WSU is your second favorite team !!

(01-05-2019 01:59 PM)FMRocket Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 01:09 PM)Springboromark Wrote:  

(01-05-2019 12:19 AM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  Just something to keep in mind for those of you that might feel the Rockets' non-conference schedule was too weak: two of the teams the Rockets beat, Detroit and Oakland, have started 3-0 in the Horizon League. It might not be saying much, but at least some of these teams the Rockets beat in the non-conference are getting off to good starts in their conferences.

Perhaps the Rockets would leave the MAC and join the Horizon. They would have a better chance of winning the tile, with one exception, beating Wright State.

You wish, since WSU is your second favorite team !!

Second?

I feel we’re critical here because the basketball team has always been good/decent and seems on the verge of being the best in conference and then goes and does what they did last night.

(01-05-2019 06:33 AM)adunifon Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:39 PM)MidnightBlueGold Wrote:  

(01-04-2019 10:02 PM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  I know it was a very disappointing game tonight. Don't lose faith in them after one game. Keep supporting the team. Go Rockets!

Didn't you know - playing horrible in 1 MAC game means the season is over.

Your schtick is getting old. You never actually add any substance, you just come and criticize anyone that criticizes the team with a smart aleck comment. Why not try to actually add something to the discussion as to why people should believe anything different? You do the same thing with the football team all year too.

LOL. k

Interestingly, 5 of the 6 road teams won in the first slate of MAC games including BG winning by 22 at Kent. Toledo and Kent looked like contenders, but both started MAC play with home losses by big margins. That doesn't mean that they aren't still contenders, though.