(05-24-2021 09:08 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 07:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  By the,way it's great to talk about prospects but until they sign mutually binding LOIs before June 1 I believe they are just that prospects.

Lot of rhetoric not much 'Googling':

BTW, this NCAA 2021 CHANGE makes sense since I believe recruits can not visit campus until June 1.

Maybe there is a recruit who thinka EMU is in Kalamazoo. Yes, I heard that one, "Is EMU in Kalamazoo."

FYI: https://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2020/04/...2C%202021.

National Letter of Intent 2020-2021 Updates
"On January 15, 2021, the NLI announced new signing dates for Division 1 football and basketball. Signing dates for both sports have been extended to August 1, 2021.

The Division 1 Basketball Regular Signing Period, originally scheduled between April 14-May 19, 2021 was extended until August 1, 2021

The Division 1 Football Regular Signing Period, originally scheduled between February 3-April 1, 2021 was also extended until August 1, 2021

The Regular Signing Period for all other D1/D2 sports has not changed, and ends on August 1 "

This has broad ramifications for both FB and MBB/WBB. If I was an unsigned recruit wouldn't I want to wait until after May 31 so I could have an official visit before signing???

And If a recruits has signed a LOI both he and the school are MUTUALLY bound to each other as the signing takes place WITHING the NCAA designated signing period.

This now begs the question, how many scholarships does EMU MBB have (is it 3 or 4 per our Heath caller)? How many, IF ANY, does CC have? In the olden days there were recruits who couldn't find Ypsilanti on a Rand McNally map. (Hint: It's near Ann Arbor. Hint2: Ann Arbor is about 35 miles west of downtown Detroit.)

Thanks for the clarification Steve. I knew in person recruiting visits started up again on June 1 but missed the extended signing period. Makes sense.

More like hype than rhetoric. Sports discussion is filled with opinion and speculation as well as fact. I liked the Heath hiring I like some of the recruits but don't expect an instant turn around. Fact is some of his recruits are reaches some longer term some instant contributors. Exactly what I would expect from a rebuilding program. So far I haven't even seen 3 star recruits. It will be,awhile before we can rate our 2021 class with other MAC schools
Lots of dust to settle. Will the 2021 2022 mens team be better than last years? I can hope so.

(05-24-2021 09:37 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 09:08 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 07:28 AM)emu79 Wrote:  By the,way it's great to talk about prospects but until they sign mutually binding LOIs before June 1 I believe they are just that prospects.

Lot of rhetoric not much 'Googling':

BTW, this NCAA 2021 CHANGE makes sense since I believe recruits can not visit campus until June 1.

Maybe there is a recruit who thinka EMU is in Kalamazoo. Yes, I heard that one, "Is EMU in Kalamazoo."

FYI: https://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2020/04/...2C%202021.

National Letter of Intent 2020-2021 Updates
"On January 15, 2021, the NLI announced new signing dates for Division 1 football and basketball. Signing dates for both sports have been extended to August 1, 2021.

The Division 1 Basketball Regular Signing Period, originally scheduled between April 14-May 19, 2021 was extended until August 1, 2021

The Division 1 Football Regular Signing Period, originally scheduled between February 3-April 1, 2021 was also extended until August 1, 2021

The Regular Signing Period for all other D1/D2 sports has not changed, and ends on August 1 "

This has broad ramifications for both FB and MBB/WBB. If I was an unsigned recruit wouldn't I want to wait until after May 31 so I could have an official visit before signing???

And If a recruits has signed a LOI both he and the school are MUTUALLY bound to each other as the signing takes place WITHING the NCAA designated signing period.

This now begs the question, how many scholarships does EMU MBB have (is it 3 or 4 per our Heath caller)? How many, IF ANY, does CC have? In the olden days there were recruits who couldn't find Ypsilanti on a Rand McNally map. (Hint: It's near Ann Arbor. Hint2: Ann Arbor is about 35 miles west of downtown Detroit.)

Thanks for the clarification Steve. I knew in person recruiting visits started up again on June 1 but missed the extended signing period. Makes sense.

Thanks. If I'm a D-I recruit, hoops or FB, and pretty sure about EMU I arrange an on-campus visit next month as my h.s. schedule permits just to get the 'feel' for the campus, etc.

Try for early June and then sign and be ready to start EMU in early July.

(05-24-2021 08:13 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  I agree with Pomo, Ziegler does not seem that interested in EMU.

Nonetheless, EMU has a strong and deep backcourt with McBride, Scott, Spottsville, Rice, and Luka (assuming Luka actually comes to campus since I don’t see a Twitter statement yet). With Golson, Binelli, Ballard, Okongo, and Jihad, the frontcourt is at least deep- which in the MAC you can get away with. EMU will definitely compete for the MAC with this roster, just don’t think they can win it without a true small forward or a solid starter at center. We’ll see...

Also, EMU has 12 scholarships occupied with 4 leaving after this year (Binelli, Scott, Spottsville,and Okongo). So if they give out a couple more schollies this year, should still have 3 available to give for next years recruiting class.

I’d include in the back-court freshman Clements (1st Team all-state). EMU should have 5 good three-point shooters in the backcourt. Had three last season.

Golson and Jihad are both good three- point shooters.

Baker would also be a good SF.

Randle, Jihad, and Golson, should thrive in pick and roll. Golson and Jihad would also kill the three-ball in pick and pop.

In other news the Kevin -David Rice signing has now been officially announced.
His bio says he will have four years of eligibility at EMU.
Also nephew of Glen Rice.

(05-24-2021 09:49 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 08:13 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  I agree with Pomo, Ziegler does not seem that interested in EMU.

Nonetheless, EMU has a strong and deep backcourt with McBride, Scott, Spottsville, Rice, and Luka (assuming Luka actually comes to campus since I don’t see a Twitter statement yet). With Golson, Binelli, Ballard, Okongo, and Jihad, the frontcourt is at least deep- which in the MAC you can get away with. EMU will definitely compete for the MAC with this roster, just don’t think they can win it without a true small forward or a solid starter at center. We’ll see...

Also, EMU has 12 scholarships occupied with 4 leaving after this year (Binelli, Scott, Spottsville,and Okongo). So if they give out a couple more schollies this year, should still have 3 available to give for next years recruiting class.

I’d include in the back-court freshman Clements (1st Team all state). EMU should have 5 good three point shooters in the backcourt. Had three last season.

Golson and Jihad two good three point shooters in front court. Had none last season. May or may not mean less turnovers.

Baker would also be a good SF.

Miggy, be careful about MI h.s. hoops talent. It is fairly weak, weaker than some would think. Lot of prospects who are say ranked say 11 - 15 in MI h.s. hoops aren't sure things in mid-major hoops.

(05-24-2021 09:56 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 09:49 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(05-24-2021 08:13 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  I agree with Pomo, Ziegler does not seem that interested in EMU.

Nonetheless, EMU has a strong and deep backcourt with McBride, Scott, Spottsville, Rice, and Luka (assuming Luka actually comes to campus since I don’t see a Twitter statement yet). With Golson, Binelli, Ballard, Okongo, and Jihad, the frontcourt is at least deep- which in the MAC you can get away with. EMU will definitely compete for the MAC with this roster, just don’t think they can win it without a true small forward or a solid starter at center. We’ll see...

Also, EMU has 12 scholarships occupied with 4 leaving after this year (Binelli, Scott, Spottsville,and Okongo). So if they give out a couple more schollies this year, should still have 3 available to give for next years recruiting class.

I’d include in the back-court freshman Clements (1st Team all state). EMU should have 5 good three point shooters in the backcourt. Had three last season.

Golson and Jihad two good three point shooters in front court. Had none last season. May or may not mean less turnovers.

Baker would also be a good SF.

Miggy, be careful about MI h.s. hoops talent. It is fairly weak, weaker than some would think. Lot of prospects who are say ranked say 11 - 15 in MI h.s. hoops aren't sure things in mid-major hoops.

Thanks for the warning. I keep away from rankings. I don’t put a lot of stock in short high-light videos. Rely more on watching videos of games a player has played in.

Ziegler has suffered a major injury. Loved his game. He would of been a great fit for EMU.

As for centers, I like Centers who can stretch the floor so perimeter players can drive to the hoop. Don’t particularly go for low-post Centers for they already have a defender between them and the hoop, and they clutter and inhibit perimeter players from driving to the hoop.

Like HC Heath’s pro style offense that stretches the floor. Impressed that EMU has so many players who can hit the three ball. Just hope EMU players are good at driving and finishing at the hoop.

(05-24-2021 09:55 AM)emu79 Wrote:  In other news the Kevin -David Rice signing has now been officially announced.
His bio says he will have four years of eligibility at EMU.
Also nephew of Glen Rice.

Cool to see him up on the site- much more official than a “tweet”. I also like to see he is a business major. I know sports management is worthwhile degree in the modern world, and also suits an athletes interests which is important. But I still would like to see a better mix of majors for some reason. So I’d say a good recruit all the way around.

(05-24-2021 09:08 AM)emu steve Wrote:  This now begs the question, how many scholarships does EMU MBB have (is it 3 or 4 per our Heath caller)? How many, IF ANY, does CC have? In the olden days there were recruits who couldn't find Ypsilanti on a Rand McNally map. (Hint: It's near Ann Arbor. Hint2: Ann Arbor is about 35 miles west of downtown Detroit.)

When Heath was paraphrased with: “ trying to fill out the roster with 3-4 more guys particularly in the front line.” That was before Jihad committed and Binelli chose to return. Both front court players. So I’d say he is looking to bring 1 or 2 more. And probably hoping one of those is a small forward.

2 more would take him to 14 scholarships this year and 10 next year. Taking any more would not be prudent unless it is some wayward 4-star recruit who is in need of a school to attend.

Ramy:

Using your math in your previous post signing two more players and making it 14 scholarship players. Ballard is already a senior , McBride I believe likewise, Binelli, Spottsville and Okongo excuse any spelling errors will be leaving after this season. So in theory you could have anywhere from 3 to 5 slots available to the 2022 class depending on what Coach Heath decides after the coming season. As Steve has said scholarships are renewable yearly.

Opps I forgot that Scott is a one and done as well.

(05-24-2021 09:46 AM)emu79 Wrote:  More like hype than rhetoric. Sports discussion is filled with opinion and speculation as well as fact. I liked the Heath hiring I like some of the recruits but don't expect an instant turn around. Fact is some of his recruits are reaches some longer term some instant contributors. Exactly what I would expect from a rebuilding program. So far I haven't even seen 3 star recruits. It will be a while before we can rate our 2021 class with other MAC schools
Lots of dust to settle. Will the 2021 2022 mens team be better than last years? I can hope so.

Appears NIU may be done. I believe WMU still has a couple of scholies to give. CMU is just getting started.

https://niuhuskies.com/news/2021/5/19/me...class.aspx

I’ve been bullish on EMU’s upcoming season, with the caveat that EMU must still fill their scholarship openings with impact players. EMU still has three openings remaining.

Presently, in the backcourt, EMU has Scott and McBride, both impactful players. They also have Rice who could be an impact player but he needs to show it on the court. I suspect three transfers will do the bulk of EMU’s scoring.

EMU may well have to play three or four guards if they don’t fill the SF position. EMU should be a very good team if they do fill the SF position with a player who can also play the PF position. Signing an impactful SF-PF would make a big difference in EMU’s win-loss record. But do see Rice, if need be, being a very good SF.


Upfront, I see Golson as being solid PF, with Binelli and Ballard, being serviceable. Do like that EMU’s front court players turn the ball over at a low-rate. Freshman Randell looks like he a big upgrade defending the rim, but he’s raw, and being just a pup, probably foul-prone.

Am confident that HC Heath’s pro style offense coupled with his man to man defense, by should improve all players performances. As Heath’s offensive plays and defensive pressuring of the ball, should result in more scoring at the rim.

The two defensive priorities I would like to see is EMU stopping the three ball and defending the rim. EMU did neither last season.

All smart defenses have to give-up something. Hope EMU’s forces opponents to shoot 2-point jump shots, as all teams struggle to shoot them at even 35 percent.

EMU should be competitive with opponents shooting the three-ball as through-out the roster there are many good three-point shooters. How good is unknown.

A new system will help, but fans need to see the new players talent level, and whether they gel and become a cohesive team.

Colin Golson Jr. signing has been officially announced.

In addition to NIU it looks like Toledo has finalized their roster as well:

https://utrockets.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster

Look at all those freshmen to go along with a strong set of returnees.

Ball St is still working on finalizing their roster as many of teams in the East.

Bowling Green is cleaning up on the transfer route:

https://bgsufalcons.com/sports/mens-basketball

Luka Savikjeviki signing has been announced

(05-26-2021 09:53 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Luka Savikjeviki signing has been announced

GREAT NEWS!! Now we are just waiting on Scott’s announcement- though Miggy’s commitment to this board makes me feel that is a sure thing. IMO, we now have confirmation that all the immediate need/ high impact players we are expecting are actually coming. (Also IMO, I am glad Clements, Randle, and Jihad are coming, but not as high impact at least not immediately).

So we have a VERY SOLID 5 man rotation for the expected 3 guard offense. Talley/Lee was a pretty impressive backcourt, but other than that this backcourt has the potential to be EMU’s best/deepest since Boykins/Tolbert/Dial (which also was a 3 guard offense, although Tolbert/Dial both seemed to be able to play SF pretty effectively).

No disrespect to anyone, but I am not as optimistic about the frontcourt even with Binelli coming back and Golson joining the team. We’ll see...

(05-26-2021 11:51 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-26-2021 09:53 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Luka Savikjeviki signing has been announced

GREAT NEWS!! Now we are just waiting on Scott’s announcement- though Miggy’s commitment to this board makes me feel that is a sure thing. IMO, we now have confirmation that all the immediate need/ high impact players we are expecting are actually coming. (Also IMO, I am glad Clements, Randle, and Jihad are coming, but not as high impact at least not immediately).

So we have a VERY SOLID 5 man rotation for the expected 3 guard offense. Talley/Lee was a pretty impressive backcourt, but other than that this backcourt has the potential to be EMU’s best/deepest since Boykins/Tolbert/Dial (which also was a 3 guard offense, although Tolbert/Dial both seemed to be able to play SF pretty effectively).

No disrespect to anyone, but I am not as optimistic about the frontcourt even with Binelli coming back and Golson joining the team. We’ll see...

Ramy but when the dust settles how do we compare with other MAC teams? I have to say NIU and Toledos incoming 2021 look impressive. Frankly I would judge Heath recruiting with the 2022 class. We have some potential building blocks in the 2021 class. Just need to add the right pieces each year. I think we will compete well with CMU and WMU not sure about the rest of the MAC West this coming season.

Miggy,

I appreciate your enthusiasm but please pump the brakes just a tad. It’s refreshing having you posting on our threads because it seems like we have finally found someone writing posts with a decent basketball IQ (I am kidding my EMU brethren and fellow posters).

My take is if Scott signs we have a bonafide experienced scorer that should be a top tier guard in the league. Apart from that, my assessment from watching the videos is that we’ve signed nice MAC players who most likely will need time to develop but not players that are capable of vying for a MAC championship. Hopefully Coach Heath can land a couple more big time recruits because he’s only gotten one so far.

I suspect in the MAC conference we will struggle initially and play well the last 4-5 games. I’m excited about his style of play offensively and defensively presuming we have the ability to pressure the ball full court man to man. On offense, I believe we will be excited to see structure and roles on who is allowed to shoot the ball and when they can shoot it. I am nervous that the offense might resemble the NBA 3point shooting contest. I like the three ball, but we will need to play inside out. Look to the low post first and kick out for 3 ball second. Every time we’ve won the MAC, we played mostly inside out and had great centers: Long, Kennedy and Wilson. Wilson wasn’t gifted offensively as Long and Kennedy but he was Big in Big games.

I am thrilled with the Coach Heath hire. This man has a great reputation with all levels in the basketball community that will help him/EMU be very successful in time. He has won at all levels. His most profound statement made to date IMO is that EMU is a sleeping giant. I fully agree with him based on the benefits where we’re located and our top notch facilities. When we had Harkema and Braun we won the MAC. I see history repeating itself with two very good coaches in Creighton and Heath. I predict EMU winning the 2022 MAC Football championship and the 2022-3 MAC basketball championship.

Miggy, if you have any basketball questions ask away :-)

I predict the MAC East will continue to stronger than the West for the upcoming season. In the,West I see Toledo number 1 Ball St number 2 NIU breaking out to number 3 us at number 4 WMU number 5 and CMU number 6. I think Heath is a better coach than Bates and Barbee.

(05-26-2021 02:16 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  Miggy,

I appreciate your enthusiasm but please pump the brakes just a tad. It’s refreshing having you posting on our threads because it seems like we have finally found someone writing posts with a decent basketball IQ (I am kidding my EMU brethren and fellow posters).

My take is if Scott signs we have a bonafide experienced scorer that should be a top tier guard in the league. Apart from that, my assessment from watching the videos is that we’ve signed nice MAC players who most likely will need time to develop but not players that are capable of vying for a MAC championship. Hopefully Coach Heath can land a couple more big time recruits because he’s only gotten one so far.

I suspect in the MAC conference we will struggle initially and play well the last 4-5 games. I’m excited about his style of play offensively and defensively presuming we have the ability to pressure the ball full court man to man. On offense, I believe we will be excited to see structure and roles on who is allowed to shoot the ball and when they can shoot it. I am nervous that the offense might resemble the NBA 3point shooting contest. I like the three ball, but we will need to play inside out. Look to the low post first and kick out for 3 ball second. Every time we’ve won the MAC, we played mostly inside out and had great centers: Long, Kennedy and Wilson. Wilson wasn’t gifted offensively as Long and Kennedy but he was Big in Big games.

I am thrilled with the Coach Heath hire. This man has a great reputation with all levels in the basketball community that will help him/EMU be very successful in time. He has won at all levels. His most profound statement made to date IMO is that EMU is a sleeping giant. I fully agree with him based on the benefits where we’re located and our top notch facilities. When we had Harkema and Braun we won the MAC. I see history repeating itself with two very good coaches in Creighton and Heath. I predict EMU winning the 2022 MAC Football championship and the 2022-3 MAC basketball championship.

Miggy, if you have any basketball questions ask away :-)

Luckyone, lots to reply to.

Do think EMU will play up-tempo, but will not be a run and gun team that just jacks up three’s.

Scott, Rice, and McBride are proven quality players. Luka is also a high quality player but won’t know the range of his skill-set till we see him play.

What’s impressive is that both Scott and Rice can fill up a box score in points, number of foul shots, rebounds. and steals.

EMU’s guards have exceptionally high bb IQ’s, and are scary in the open court. In half-court sets, Scott and Rice, and Luka are terrific penetrators, and can find the open man near the hoop or on the perimeter.

I like low-post play for kicking the ball out to the three-point line, but also like timing plays with cutters heading for the hoop, receiving a pass and scoring.

My only dislike is that low-post play clutters up the paint making it difficult for good perimeter drivers to get to the hoop. Should be employed sparingly.

I also like dribble penetration and kicking the ball out for an uncontested three-ball.

I like a spread offense with the big in the high post, or running pick and rolls with the big ultimately cutting to the hoop, receiving a pass and hopefully scoring. I also like pick and pops when the big is capable of stroking the three-ball.

I’m confident that in HC Heath’s system timing plays will be run that allows players to score easier than have to date playing college ball.

By playing a pressure defense and hopefully also fast-breaking off defensive rebounds, more points should be scored in transition than in past seasons.

Need to play the game in accordance with a player’s skill set. EMU is going to have a plethora of decent three- point shooters.

The percentage of three point field goal attempts taken are rising each year. Some players and teams take 40-50 percent of their fga’s as three’s. Can’t fault a player for taking more three’s than two’s, if he shoots three’s at a higher equivalent percentage than if he shot a two.

I hate seeing players shoot 1-7, 2-8 on three’s in a game. That’s why I tell players to stop shooting three’s if they miss there first two or three 3’s. If they make one of three they can take one more.

I do think the next three or so recruits may well be pivotal to EMU’s success this season. So let’s wait till then before embarking on predicting EMU’s record.

Update: EMU still has two open bb scholarships.