Speaking of CMU Ryan Wade just transferred there.

(08-25-2021 05:11 AM)emu79 Wrote:  We talk about how competitive the MAC West is conference wise in football. Get ready. It will be the same in men's hoops.

i've always wondered why buffalo wasnt a better basketball school big picture. theres good talent in western new york and canisius has proven they can do it.

(08-25-2021 06:51 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(08-25-2021 05:11 AM)emu79 Wrote:  We talk about how competitive the MAC West is conference wise in football. Get ready. It will be the same in men's hoops.

i've always wondered why buffalo wasnt a better basketball school big picture. theres good talent in western new york and canisius has proven they can do it.

Hmmm, interesting point. Especially given it is in a major city without an NBA team. Plus Buffalo is also the most reputable MAC school academically- I assume that translates to more of a support base financially though not sure.

So is our roster complete for the coming season now?

(08-25-2021 08:17 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(08-25-2021 06:51 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(08-25-2021 05:11 AM)emu79 Wrote:  We talk about how competitive the MAC West is conference wise in football. Get ready. It will be the same in men's hoops.

i've always wondered why buffalo wasnt a better basketball school big picture. theres good talent in western new york and canisius has proven they can do it.

Hmmm, interesting point. Especially given it is in a major city without an NBA team. Plus Buffalo is also the most reputable MAC school academically- I assume that translates to more of a support base financially though not sure.

i forgot the bonnies too. another respectable program. its also 90 minutes from toronto.

as for financials - that school is loaded. its the flagship of the SUNY system.

Hearing that Luka S. is a solid player. Really experienced. He’ll help EMU have a very strong backcourt!

(08-31-2021 02:56 PM)Miggy Wrote:  Hearing that Luka S. is a solid player. Really experienced. He’ll help EMU have a very strong backcourt!

He easily has the best film of any incoming freshman for EMU since I’ve been on this board. I’m very excited to see him on the court.

(08-31-2021 02:58 PM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(08-31-2021 02:56 PM)Miggy Wrote:  Hearing that Luka S. is a solid player. Really experienced.

He easily has the best film of any incoming freshman for EMU since I’ve been on this board. I’m very excited to see him on the court.

Agree. Can tell by watching his videos and his moves to hoop (especially on his making difficult left hand lay-ups off the backboard from eight feet away). Shows that he’s a gym rat as that takes lots of practice. Appears that he has perfected his game over a long period of time. High energy focused player on both sides of the ball.

Love players like Luka S. who has handles, can shoot, get to the hoop, or dish-off inside. Has high bb IQ that resulted in few turnovers.

Do think EMU backcourt may be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Backcourt should be a big upgrade over last season.

In conference conference games last season, four EMU guards totaled 80 mpg or 40 percent of the 200 minutes of total playing time. All four shot extremely poorly. Such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of the four players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper, and have more good three and 2-point shooters. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score in the backcourt as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, but Binelli’s,m and N.Scott’s scoring will help overcome his loss.

EMU players will have two months to hopefully gel before the season starts.Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

Whether Binelli, Axel Okompo, and N.Scott, can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s length on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

HC Heath’s man to man defense will sharply reduce opponents high shooting percentages on 2’s and 3’s last season, and thus opponent’s scoring.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

(09-01-2021 08:51 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Do think EMU backcourt will be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Last season in conference games, four guards who totaled 80 minutes playing time per game or 40 percent of all playing time shot extremely poorly and such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of tge players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by extremely good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper in having good three-point shooters and players who can score both at the rim and get to the foul-line. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, Binell’s return after missing last season, will help as will the scoring of new players like Njie, Jihad, and N.Scott.

EMU players will have two months to gel. Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

This season EMU will have a freshman Moe Njie. Whether he and others can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s and Jihad’s length both on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

I'd like to answer your last point about the "Sleeping Giant". I think every major american city should have a mid-major near it that picks off dudes that for some reason cant go to a power conference. there are guys who are good enough players but have bad grades or something else that keeps them off michigan or michigan state. lately thats been Oakland. Heath is saying why not us? it was us in the 90s. Its a good goal.

(09-01-2021 09:39 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 08:51 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Do think EMU backcourt will be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Last season in conference games, four guards who totaled 80 minutes playing time per game or 40 percent of all playing time shot extremely poorly and such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of tge players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by extremely good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper in having good three-point shooters and players who can score both at the rim and get to the foul-line. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, Binell’s return after missing last season, will help as will the scoring of new players like Njie, Jihad, and N.Scott.

EMU players will have two months to gel. Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

This season EMU will have a freshman Moe Njie. Whether he and others can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s and Jihad’s length both on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

I'd like to answer your last point about the "Sleeping Giant". I think every major american city should have a mid-major near it that picks off dudes that for some reason cant go to a power conference. there are guys who are good enough players but have bad grades or something else that keeps them off michigan or michigan state. lately thats been Oakland. Heath is saying why not us? it was us in the 90s. Its a good goal.

Lots of its and maybes. And the returnees we have from last year didn't impress. Hopefully they improve under a new system.

(09-01-2021 09:53 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 09:39 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 08:51 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Do think EMU backcourt will be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Last season in conference games, four guards who totaled 80 minutes playing time per game or 40 percent of all playing time shot extremely poorly and such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of the players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by extremely good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper in having good three-point shooters and players who can score both at the rim and get to the foul-line. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, Binell’s return after missing last season, will help as will the scoring of new players like Njie, Jihad, and N.Scott.

EMU players will have two months to gel. Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

This season EMU will have a freshman Moe Njie. Whether he and others can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s and Jihad’s length both on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

I'd like to answer your last point about the "Sleeping Giant". I think every major american city should have a mid-major near it that picks off dudes that for some reason cant go to a power conference. there are guys who are good enough players but have bad grades or something else that keeps them off michigan or michigan state. lately thats been Oakland. Heath is saying why not us? it was us in the 90s. Its a good goal.

Lots of its and maybes. And the returnees we have from last year didn't impress. Hopefully they improve under a new system.

Agree that Heath in his first season as HC, has started off by making inroads in Michigan recruiting, and will continue to do so, especially if EMU performs well this season as I fully expect them to do.

EMU’s returnees who should positively contribute are McBride, Binelli, and Ballard. McBride played especially well offensively last season.

HC Heath has also brought in 9 new good players (J.Scott, Luka S., N. Farrakhan, M. Njie, J. Randle, K. Rice, N.Scott, Y. Jihad, and C. Golson. I believe that Randle will red-shirt.

The eight players are EMU’s new foundation, and fully expect many to positively contribute this season. EMU now has more depth. It’s my view, some of the eight will prove to be exceptional players.

(09-01-2021 10:18 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 09:53 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 09:39 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 08:51 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Do think EMU backcourt will be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Last season in conference games, four guards who totaled 80 minutes playing time per game or 40 percent of all playing time shot extremely poorly and such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of the players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by extremely good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper in having good three-point shooters and players who can score both at the rim and get to the foul-line. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, Binell’s return after missing last season, will help as will the scoring of new players like Njie, Jihad, and N.Scott.

EMU players will have two months to gel. Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

This season EMU will have a freshman Moe Njie. Whether he and others can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s and Jihad’s length both on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

I'd like to answer your last point about the "Sleeping Giant". I think every major american city should have a mid-major near it that picks off dudes that for some reason cant go to a power conference. there are guys who are good enough players but have bad grades or something else that keeps them off michigan or michigan state. lately thats been Oakland. Heath is saying why not us? it was us in the 90s. Its a good goal.

Lots of its and maybes. And the returnees we have from last year didn't impress. Hopefully they improve under a new system.

Agree that Heath in his first season as HC, has started off by making inroads in Michigan recruiting, and will continue to do so, especially if EMU performs well this season as I fully expect them to do.

EMU’s returnees who should positively contribute are McBride, Binelli, and Ballard. McBride played especially well offensively last season.

HC Heath has also brought in 9 new good players (J.Scott, Luka S., N. Farrakhan, M. Njie, J. Randle, K. Rice, N.Scott, Y. Jihad, and C. Golson. I believe that Randle will red-shirt.

The eight players are EMU’s new foundation, and fully expect all to positively contribute this season. EMU now has depth on it’s roster. It’s my view, some of the eight will prove to be exceptional players.

If by playing well you mean they won 3 D1 games then you are correct. Binelli didn't even play last year so his contribution to the offense was zero. Most of the offense on last year's team departed. We shall see.

(09-01-2021 10:57 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 10:18 AM)Miggy Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 09:53 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 09:39 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 08:51 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Do think EMU backcourt will be as good as any team in the MAC conference.

Last season in conference games, four guards who totaled 80 minutes playing time per game or 40 percent of all playing time shot extremely poorly and such contributed to EMU averaging but 67.4 ppg. Three of the players have transferred out.

Their playing time is being replaced by extremely good shooters this season. EMU will be much deeper in having good three-point shooters and players who can score both at the rim and get to the foul-line. So, barring injuries, EMU should be able score as well as any team will in the MAC conference. HC Heath’s up-tempo pro offense will also help EMU increase it’s players shooting efficiency.

While Groce will be missed, Binell’s return after missing last season, will help as will the scoring of new players like Njie, Jihad, and N.Scott.

EMU players will have two months to gel. Don’t see that being a problem in HC Health’s smart offensive system.

What’s unknown is how much better EMU’s defense will be. Last season, EMU had no decent Center and as a result conference opponents averaged 80.2 ppg.

This season EMU will have a freshman Moe Njie. Whether he and others can reduce conference opponents scoring to somewhere in the low 70’s or lower, remains to be seen. Do think Heath’s pressure defense will reduce opponents scoring as well. EMU defense will also be aided by better and longer defenders. N.Scott’s and Jihad’s length both on the perimeter and inside should be especially helpful.

If EMU can sharply reduce opponents scoring, EMU will be a force to be reckoned with in the MAC conference.

HC Heath has said that EMU is a “ sleeping giant.” Don’t believe fans will have to wait till next year to see that.

I'd like to answer your last point about the "Sleeping Giant". I think every major american city should have a mid-major near it that picks off dudes that for some reason cant go to a power conference. there are guys who are good enough players but have bad grades or something else that keeps them off michigan or michigan state. lately thats been Oakland. Heath is saying why not us? it was us in the 90s. Its a good goal.

Lots of its and maybes. And the returnees we have from last year didn't impress. Hopefully they improve under a new system.

Agree that Heath in his first season as HC, has started off by making inroads in Michigan recruiting, and will continue to do so, especially if EMU performs well this season as I fully expect them to do.

EMU’s returnees who should positively contribute are McBride, Binelli, and Ballard. McBride played especially well offensively last season.

HC Heath has also brought in 9 new good players (J.Scott, Luka S., N. Farrakhan, M. Njie, J. Randle, K. Rice, N.Scott, Y. Jihad, and C. Golson. I believe that Randle will red-shirt.

The eight players are EMU’s new foundation, and fully expect all to positively contribute this season. EMU now has depth on it’s roster. It’s my view, some of the eight will prove to be exceptional players.

If by playing well you mean they won 3 D1 games then you are correct. Binelli didn't even play last year so his contribution to the offense was zero. Most of the offense on last year's team departed. We shall see.

I’m not referring to win-losses with regard to McBride, Ballard, and Binelli. I’m referring how EMU played when they were on the court compared to their opponents, keeping in mind that the poor performances of those they played with effected their stats.

McBride and Ballard played well offensively last year. McBride’s defense was not good last season as he’s short and EMU did not have a defensive center. As such, EMU was outscored by a small margin per 100 possessions when McBride played in conference play. This season EMU should outscore opponents when McBride plays.

That’s because EMU’s backcourt in my view is far better that those who have departed. EMU’s front court should be as strong offensively, and both the backcourt and front court should be far better defensively.

EMU outscored opponents by a wide per 100 possessions when Ballard played last season, and even the year before. That should occur again this season.

When Binelli played two years ago, EMU’s opponents outscored EMU by a small margin per 100 possessions when Binelli played.

EMU’s conference opponents are not going to shoot as they did last season 58 percent on 2’s, and 38.9 percent on 3’s.

Hopefully, by EMU playing a man to man defense, EMU will hold conference opponents to shooting 45 percent or less on 2’s, and 30 percent or less on 3’s.

That EMU outscored opponents with Ballard on the floor last year is a very interesting stat to me. It certainly was not his 2.5 ppg or 40% shooting. He does not seem to fit the norms of basketball roles, but somehow is very effective. I love having him on the team.

That said, I think Miggy is being too optimistic and ‘79 too pessimistic.

The Backcourt indeed looks great with McBride and Monty proven output. And I am absolutely giddy about the prospects of Luka and Farrakhan given their videos. (Not to overlook Spottsville and Rice either). Miggy is right to be optimistic and might be best backcourt situation in the MAC.

The Frontcourt is a total unknown. While the freshman/sophomore prospects are impressive, I can’t imagine they will be fully productive this year. I like both Ballard and Binelli a lot, but truthfully I don’t think they are starters on a team competing for the MAC. I share ‘79s pessimism on this side.

(09-01-2021 12:03 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  That EMU outscored opponents with Ballard on the floor last year is a very interesting stat to me. It certainly was not his 2.5 ppg or 40% shooting. He does not seem to fit the norms of basketball roles, but somehow is very effective. I love having him on the team.

That said, I think Miggy is being too optimistic and ‘79 too pessimistic.

The Backcourt indeed looks great with McBride and Monty proven output. And I am absolutely giddy about the prospects of Luka and Farrakhan given their videos. (Not to overlook Spottsville and Rice either). Miggy is right to be optimistic and might be best backcourt situation in the MAC.

The Frontcourt is a total unknown. While the freshman/sophomore prospects are impressive, I can’t imagine they will be fully productive this year. I like both Ballard and Binelli a lot, but truthfully I don’t think they are starters on a team competing for the MAC. I share ‘79s pessimism on this side.

The reason Ballard is a positive force for EMU is because even though he didn’t take many shots, he shot 61 percent on 2’s in conference play last season, and he only averaged shooting one 3-ball per game.

He was also didn’t turn the ball over. Can’t express enough how important that is to a team’s success. On defense, he rebounds well but needs to give ground and stop fouling excessively.

I like Noah Farrakhan and and Monty Scott playing together in the backcourt, as both are smart, can break down a defense, as well as shoot and get to the rim. Both shojld cause defenses fits. Like to see either McBride, Rice, or N. Scott, 6’8”, being the third backcourt player.

Monty, Noah, Luka S, and McBride can all distribute the ball.

I see more experience in the front court. Moe is only freshman big who’s likely to play a lot and start.

I’m very intrigued by Golson, N. Scott, Moe Njie, Ballard, and Binelli in the front court. Believe Mo will defend the rim well, and is a dunking machine, and his shooting percentage should be quite high. Do believe that Ballard and Binelli will hold their own.

N.Scott may well be EMU’s best SF-PF hybrid. Intrigued by Mo
and N.Scott playing together upfront. Like bran mixed with quickness. Both good rebounders.

Can see the four totaling 30 points from the PF and Centers positions. That’s what EMU needs to win.

Njie should start at EMU’s With 7-footer Center Okongo now healthy, being EMU’s back-up Center.

(09-01-2021 12:03 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  That EMU outscored opponents with Ballard on the floor last year is a very interesting stat to me. It certainly was not his 2.5 ppg or 40% shooting. He does not seem to fit the norms of basketball roles, but somehow is very effective. I love having him on the team.

That said, I think Miggy is being too optimistic and ‘79 too pessimistic.

The Backcourt indeed looks great with McBride and Monty proven output. And I am absolutely giddy about the prospects of Luka and Farrakhan given their videos. (Not to overlook Spottsville and Rice either). Miggy is right to be optimistic and might be best backcourt situation in the MAC.

The Frontcourt is a total unknown. While the freshman/sophomore prospects are impressive, I can’t imagine they will be fully productive this year. I like both Ballard and Binelli a lot, but truthfully I don’t think they are starters on a team competing for the MAC. I share ‘79s pessimism on this side.

BG, Toledo, Kent, Buffalo and Miami all have more proven backcourts than EMU. BG has 5 guys w D1 starting experience and a 6th who was on the all-MAC freshman team. Toledo has the MAC freshman of the year, a transfer who started at a top MWC team and one of the top MAC reserves, Kent has a 2nd team A10 transfer pg, the MAC defensive POY, and last years starting pg, Miami has everyone back from a solid perimeter oriented team plus a BC transfer swingman, Buffalo has their starting pg and 2 A10 transfer starters. So, plenty of good backcourts to compare and compete with right there and I'd bet Akron, CMU, Ohio, and Ball St feel pretty good about the potential of their units too. NIU like EMU has some young talent but lots to prove, although EMU has a good veteran transfer unlike NIU.

Pono, let’s take each MAC team you mentioned one at a time. Will start with BG.

BG averaged 76.5 ppg in conference play, opponents 74.7 ppg. That’s only a positive BG scoring advantage of 1.7 ppg. Such is a far cry from teams like Buffalo and Toledo that far outscored their opponents. An open question is not whether BG will score well, but will it’s defense with two new inside transfers be better?

BG shot 48 percent on two’s and only 31 percent on three’s in conference play. good shooting team last season. BG has added some transfers backcourt players who are good shooters.

BG plays a small ball up-tempo (66 FGA’s per game), and aggressive defense that allowed BG to have a decisive advantage by committing 4 fewer turnovers than their opponents which led to more BG scoring opportunities, fewer opponent scoring opportunities. That increased their overall two-point shooting percentage. BG only turned the ball over 9 times per game.

Even with the BG’s turnover advantage, due to BG’s poor shooting, BG only outscored it’s conference opponents by almost 3 ppg.

BG lost SG J.Turner, a high volume but below average shooter, who averaged 19.3 ppg and was BG’s only player who got to the foul-line a good bit He’s now gone. Don’t see BG ‘s offensive scoring declining this up-coming season as BG scores a lot of points in transition.

Has done so even though Bowling Green’s three returning starting guards, Plowden, 6’5” Diggs and Metheny, are not good 2-point jump shooters, all three score at the hoop a decent rate due to steals and fast-breaking.

Although two of them, Plowden and Diggs, shoots three’s at a decent rate, and Metheny is only slightly behind at 32 percent On three’s.

Stop BG from stealing and fast-breaking, and BG will have a difficult time scoring lots of points.

EMU is fortunate to have three very good 2-point jump shooters in Farrakhan, McBride, and Scott.

BG’s SG transfer Brenton Mills, is a very good three-point shooter, but not a good two-point shooter. PG transfer Myron Gordon is not a good three nor a good two-point jump shooter, but can score at the rim off steals and fast-breaks.

BG also adds hot-shooting transfer Samari Curtis who was “Mr. Ohio” in HS basketball.

Upfront BG also added Kent State transfer 6’7” Gabe O’Neal (240 lbs) who shot well but averaged just 10 mpg at KSU, and Old Dominion granger 6’8” Joe Reece. Reece should help coming off the bench.

Can see BG averaging more ppg, but EMU’s having a far taller inside presence, should thwart BG’s offense in half-court sets. as well as EMU’s man to man defense hopefully presenting real problems on the perimeter.

EMU’s back court starters should be as good as BG. Remains to be seen how good EMU’s reserves are.

Both BG and EMU should play similar up-tempo games based on steals and fast-breaks. if EMU can keep there turnovers down and out steal BG, BG should score fewer easy hoops ate ruin. Also expect EMU to outplay BG in half court sets and keep BG from scoring at the rim in half-court sets.

EMU height advantage inside should limit BG from scoring at the rim.

EMU plays BG one game in conference play at BG on Tuesday, January 25th

POSTSCRIPT:

In pre-season game, BG played Fairmont State , BG won in overtime 91-89. Joining Diggs, Plowden in the starting line-up was transfer Mills and Reece. Tallest player was Reece at 6’8. BG shot it’s three’s extremely well (15-27), led by Diggs shooting 6-7 on three’s, and Metheny 4-9 on three’s.

BG’s Brenton Mills shot 4-8 from the field, 2-4 on three’s. Gordon shot just 2-8 from the field. Curtis shot 0-2 from the field. Reece came off the bench and shot 5-11 from the field, O’Neal shot 3-4 from the field.

BG did commit 16-turnover which is worth keeping one’s eye on going into non-conference games. BG’s dense did cause 17 Fairmont turnovers as well.

(09-01-2021 01:20 PM)pono Wrote:  

(09-01-2021 12:03 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  That EMU outscored opponents with Ballard on the floor last year is a very interesting stat to me. It certainly was not his 2.5 ppg or 40% shooting. He does not seem to fit the norms of basketball roles, but somehow is very effective. I love having him on the team.

That said, I think Miggy is being too optimistic and ‘79 too pessimistic.

The Backcourt indeed looks great with McBride and Monty proven output. And I am absolutely giddy about the prospects of Luka and Farrakhan given their videos. (Not to overlook Spottsville and Rice either). Miggy is right to be optimistic and might be best backcourt situation in the MAC.

The Frontcourt is a total unknown. While the freshman/sophomore prospects are impressive, I can’t imagine they will be fully productive this year. I like both Ballard and Binelli a lot, but truthfully I don’t think they are starters on a team competing for the MAC. I share ‘79s pessimism on this side.

BG, Toledo, Kent, Buffalo and Miami all have more proven backcourts than EMU. BG has 5 guys w D1 starting experience and a 6th who was on the all-MAC freshman team. Toledo has the MAC freshman of the year, a transfer who started at a top MWC team and one of the top MAC reserves, Kent has a 2nd team A10 transfer pg, the MAC defensive POY, and last years starting pg, Miami has everyone back from a solid perimeter oriented team plus a BC transfer swingman, Buffalo has their starting pg and 2 A10 transfer starters. So, plenty of good backcourts to compare and compete with right there and I'd bet Akron, CMU, Ohio, and Ball St feel pretty good about the potential of their units too. NIU like EMU has some young talent but lots to prove, although EMU has a good veteran transfer unlike NIU.

Pono, thanks for raining on my parade. To point out, I was emphasizing the word “might” in my post. Nonetheless, I am not jealous of any other MAC backcourt- EMU will at the least compete there. Frontcourt is a different story. How do you think EMU compares with other Frontcourts?