With a record breaking triple double last night, I think we need to recognize Luke Knapke for how far he has come since his redshirt freshman season. While many of us still would like to see him finish at the rim more consistently, there is no denying the improvement he has made in his overall game to the point where he will be strongly considered as the best post player in the MAC this season. We should also give a shout out to the coaches for helping Knapke reach and maybe even exceed his potential. It kind of reminds me of Nathan Boothe’s player development from his freshman year to his “All League” senior season. It will be interesting to see how current Rocket big men AJ Edu, Luke Maranka and Gavin Bizeau develop over the next 4 years and whether or not they reach their full potentials, whatever that may be!

I do think Boothe was better as a Freshman but you are spot on in your analysis

I have been impressed with Knapke’s season so far. Wasn’t convinced he could be a linchpin-type player, but we wouldn’t have a winning record right now without him, imo.

(12-05-2019 02:19 PM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  With a record breaking triple double last night, I think we need to recognize Luke Knapke for how far he has come since his redshirt freshman season. While many of us still would like to see him finish at the rim more consistently, there is no denying the improvement he has made in his overall game to the point where he will be strongly considered as the best post player in the MAC this season. We should also give a shout out to the coaches for helping Knapke reach and maybe even exceed his potential. It kind of reminds me of Nathan Boothe’s player development from his freshman year to his “All League” senior season. It will be interesting to see how current Rocket big men AJ Edu, Luke Maranka and Gavin Bizeau develop over the next 4 years and whether or not they reach their full potentials, whatever that may be!

Amen! The trio of youngsters could not have a better mentor,

Luke, MJ, and Willie are having quite the season.

I admit to have been unimpressed after the Valpo loss, but this team has really grown on me.

I thought the full court press all game from CSU was a good test. Our length proved to be too much, IMO.

The competition hasn't been stellar (ND got drilled last night), but everyone who goes on the floor look to score, alone or with help. They move the ball around very well.

They have senior leadership, and some really interesting young talent.

MJ seems out of control too often, and chucks up too many early/bad 3s IMO: but looks to be an improved and very dynamic point guard, who has also added some twists to his game.

Luke has shown a better low post game, anticipation, and still has the smooth shot from distance. Certainly a MAC POY contender.

Willie just gets boards, has done better at the line, and is the junkyard dog we all know and love.

Spencer is junkyard dog #2 who but can also score in bunches. These 4 guys are the core.

Alderson and Saunders have shown flashes, and usually solid off the bench. Then there is the trees, Maranka and Bizeau checking in near the 7 foot mark, and are comfortable facing the basket. Smith as a athletic and promising 6'8". If these guys improve over the course of the season, as we would think they would; this could be <cough, cough> THE YEAR.

The experienced guys will give us a chance, the young guys will get us over the hump.

I like this year's team so far, the hustle, team unselfish play speaks volumes. I only thing I am negative on is MJ trying too hard to make the flashy play with his drives to the basket (sometimes son, its not good going against 3 opponents near the hoop) and WJ being sloppy on his passes as well.

Coach K's first few Toledo teams did not seem to play real tough defense. That cannot be said of the current squad. They hustle as much on defense as they do on offense.

My only complaint is that they pass TOO much. (The exception is Saunders). When there is an open shot, take it for gosh sakes. All the guys can shoot. Maybe they are a bit too unselfish.

Love our bench play, but Saunders scares me a little. Seems to get ahead of himself and makes some poor decisions, but at the same time makes some really impressive plays. Really hoping he matures. Right now I hold my breath every time he handles the ball, especially the last 5 minutes of close games. This is as optimistic I’ve been about a team in a long time.

there's potential to have an excellent team. still, they suck a lot of the time. i mean that in a kind way. we often look like the better team but don't make plays. cleveland state we ran them all over the court early but couldn't hit open shots and let them hang around.

we'll need the defense to be the glue. i like the possibility of that. saunders and alderson are pretty well sold on defense. so, i worry less about their consistency on that end. smith is not a liability when he fills a few minutes to willie to take a breather. littleson is very good. marreon keeps improving. willie can be good when he locks in. luke is a solid rim protector and rebounder. the team defense concepts are solid.

on offense there's a little to figure out. we got enough shotmakers to cover ourselves most nights, and our team offense is competent. but we'll need to get tighter to win against teams who are making shots.