FireBoard Site Syndication http://meangreenhoops.com Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:15:16 -0600 FireBoard 1.0.5RC2 http://meangreenhoops.com/components/com_fireboard/template/default/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://meangreenhoops.com FireBoard Site Syndication http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3686/#3688 I'm gona have to call Voertmans and the Bookstore to see when they're getting Sunbelt Champs/NCAA tourney shirts. Josh White was so clutch last night. Tristan was as smooth as I've ever seen him. Odie was a BEAST on the glass. Shannon had a few memorable plays. Bench played well. Tramiel could not be stopped down low. That was really a total team effort last night. Josh was so clutch at the end, and Odufuwa had the biggest block of any NT player in a generation. I wonder when our home opener will be....I wanna see the banner ceremony Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:53:30 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3685/#3685 Tristan, George, and Josh come up huge. A tough, closeley fought contest that we mostly controlled - but it was NEVER comfortable. I'm so excited....we're back to the Final. One game away...one game away..... Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:31:03 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3682/#3684 I did havea good time, and I should have some amazing pictures, but it does sadden me how good the tourney seems to be this year. Maybe I can goto the NCAA's if we win the Final tho Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:42:25 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3681/#3681 What a great win yesterday! And WHY did they win?... they shot 48% in the 2nd half, made 83% of their free throws, and took better care of the ball than FIU (17 TO's to FIU's 21). Because of the height miss-match, they were out-rebounded 33-44 but caused so much havoc for FIU's perimeter shooters (FIU shot 8% from 3FT, for the game) and held them to 28% overall shooting for the game. We saw clear indication that the "push the ball" game is where this team is more comfortable - because when they came out after half time and hit a few transition shots (plus got some of the FIU players in foul trouble - trying to defend the transition), they were able to takeover and control the game. What I also saw that helped them win. They didn't quit. We have seen many times over this season, this team get hit with a "run" or come out of the locker room in a deficit only to succumb to the "L". Yesterday - they continued to battle. I believe it was the support of the crowd (you had to see the look of confidence after made baskets), that pushed them through and was a great lift for the team to feel the love from the fans. In saying that - I am hoping today (for MT), the masses will show up to support the team. MT rolls deep and they are a fanatical bunch (for their womens team) - which usually draws a bigger attendance then the men. The MT game will be a track meet. MT plays the same style as SS, but they bring to the table 1. Experience (they start 4 Srs, 1 Jr), 2. Experience (they've beat us up pretty bad in the last few meetings) and 3. Experience (they've been here before). They also have a strong following and a sense of entitlement (who the hell is UNT, anyway?). What will need to happen for the team to be successful? 1. Chemistry 2. Composure 3. Confidence In any order would be fine. These things are important because MT is experienced. I have seen MT get rattled, but the experience is what gets them through it. It is also imperative that "fear" be set aside. The last meeting there was absolutely no leadership on the court to keep the younger players composed. We know that MT is going to press the entire game, understanding that and how they handle that is dependent on those 3 "C's". They will also need to pound the post and attack the basket to get MT in foul trouble. They must be relentless in doing this because in the match-up of underclassmen, I believe we have the advantage since our underclassmen have critical game-time minutes under their belt. And finally Fan Support. Like I mentioned... MT Rolls deep. They had about 50 fans at our game yesterday. Can you imagine when they bus the students in and the others arrive? It's going to a big confidence boost for our ladies to have a big showing of fans and so important that our fans don't get silenced by the continued onslaught of points MT is capable of scoring. UNT has proven they can score too - so the battle of the fans will be just as important. Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:07:04 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3664/#3680 Or Gabe Kapler's 31 game hit streak for the Rangers! Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:45:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3677/#3679 The first step to getting those sorts of players is going after them hard. JJ has always been good at finding talent that wasn't necessarily rated the highest(except for soomeone like Tristan who WAS very highly rated). If we can get some of these kids it'd be outstanding. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:30:28 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,3606/#3676 Mild upset back in the public school ranks, (UIL) as over 4,000 witnessed an overtime thriller @ Ellis Davis Fieldhouse in Oak Cliff last night. Dallas Pinkston upended Dallas Lincoln 61-60 in the first of a double-header. Missouri signee Tony Mitchell scored the tying basket with about 20 seconds to take the game into OT. The doubleheader featured the top 3 players in the DISD. ( 6-7 junior LeBryan Nash of Lincoln, 6-8 junior Jarion Henry of Dallas Kimball and 6-8 Tony Mitchell of Pinkston.) Mitchell's line for the night was 25 pts, 20 rbs, 7 blks & 3 stls against top 10 ranked Lincoln. Showdown this Friday @ Garland's Special Events Center between #2 Lancaster Tigers vs #3 Kimball Knights in the Region 2 4-A Semi-Finals. The winner should advance to Austin to take on the #1 ranked team in the country (Jack Yates High of Houston, Tx) lead by Providence signee Joseph Young & WKY commit Brandon Peters. Get out and catch some of the best HS hoops the state has to offer! Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:35:35 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3672/#3675 One helluva scorer: http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/krKJMaxj7kOqtx-zotT-qQ/basketball-winter-09-10/stats-kevin-olekaibe.htm Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:25:57 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3669/#3671 Also nice for James(and yes I know you aren't a fan) to get her honor. Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:12:00 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3659/limit,6/limitstart,6/#3670 I got the same call, SUMG. Hopefully, it goes without saying that the "RV sent a lackey to fetch me so I could bow as a supplicant and kiss the ring" story stays over here, too. Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:13:47 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3655/#3658 I don't think we know. ULL definitely has more talent, but they couldn't win away from home this season. I don't know, ULM is tthe better draw for us on paper, but I just have a feeling that ULL might be more ripe for the taking? Plus, we played mediocre at best against the Warhawks...that might be too fresh on my mind. :) Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:01:56 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3646/#3654 I saw it while it was up, I agreed with it, and I still agree with it now. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:32:31 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3642/#3652 I think Troy having the security blanket of a guaranteed spot in the NIT is actually a advantage for whomever plays them. I don't think they get past wKu , but if they do and face us in the final we play them with nothing to lose while they play knowing no matter what they will be in the post season. If we play wku in the final , they will be playing their 4th game in as many days. I woulnd't be shocked if FIU gets past both Denver & MTSU Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:11:34 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3405/#3644 Even if we lost in the quarters, I'd still call this a successful season. We just went 12-2 at home, 8-6 on the road(6-3 in league play). I fprget our record in close games, but it's pretty remarkable. All of these are signs of championship teams. Championship teams win on the road, the win close games, the dominate at home. What a ride it's been from the start of practice till now. This year has been alot of fun. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:31:27 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3638/#3643 So after our win against ULM we are tied for the 4th longest win streak in 65 years. I'm guessing we didn't have any longer before then, but I can't say for sure. Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:27:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3440/limit,6/limitstart,18/#3641 Nice to see ya Aaron, I was wondering how you were these days. Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:50:58 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3639/#3639 I love all of yall. I don't care how ugly that looked....that was a beautiful win. Gonna enjoy this one for about 4 days till I worry about Hot Springs. GMG Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:13:58 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3633/#3636 Well, that was a stressful game. At first we couldn't throw it in the ocean(or maybe it was their D) - and all I could think of was this was a terrible time to play like this with a nice crowd and all. But we got it together, and led most of the 2nd half. I never felt comfortable tho until about 2 minutes to go. Cajuns are definitely a quality team with nice athletes. I felt like Tristan really saved the day with his play when we were scuffling. Then Josh and company brought us home. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:28:38 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3629/#3632 CMJ - I agree. A middle-of-the-pack seeding holds more promise than the bottom. The team (and I have been preaching "TEAM", for a while) that showed up last night can beat (or hang) with anyone. It helped that shots were falling (53% for the game), they made free-throws (75% for the game), they shared the ball (17 assists for the game) and they rebounded (58 for the game). The fouls were pretty even, so the refs had little to do with the outcome of the game. That rebounding number is very big (no pun intended), considering how badly they were out-rebounded against UALR. I'm sure it was the topic of focus at practice the past few days - because the entire team exceeded their season averages. They still turned the ball over a little too much (21 for the game, ULL had 11), but since other parts of the machine were running on full tilt - they were able to cover up the mistakes and score a wopping 90 points. The 2 point loss to ULL, earlier in the season - can be filed under my "3-C's" category, but last night they came out and proved that they are a much better team then the bottom of the SBC. It will be important to bring the intensity & team-work effort to ULM. I'm sure it is very frustrating for SS, not knowing which "team" is going to show up. What is promising for the future... 48 of the 90 points were scored by Fresh/Soph's. 12 of the 17 assists came from the Fresh/Soph's. 30 of the 58 rebounds came from the Fresh/Soph's. 4 of the 7 steals were by Fresh/Soph's. 11 of the 21 Turnover's were by the Fresh/Soph's. Also the underclassmen shot 65% from the field and 71% from the FT line. As long as they continue to grow - as mentioned in a previous thread - this is a nice core of players to build around. I would say by SS 4th season - they will be the next MT or UALR - because at that point, the Soph's will be Seniors... and the team will have 3 yrs together as a unit playing under SS system. I also see next year as being much improved - but will be dependent on how many late-signee posts she brings in (that can rebound and make free throws). SS has 6 scholarships available (according to this year's roster). 2 have gone to the HS recruits - McCoy & Evans... the other 4 - IMO, I would like to see 1 more PG recruit (or combo-guard) and 3 post players. The team is very heavy (and talented) at the 2/3... a little more depth at 1 & 4/5, I think was a lesson learned this year. It's also very hard to carry so many scholarship athletes because of P/T... but the injuries/illness this year are also things that are unforeseen. A win at ULM will also match last year's W/L stat. I don't see this team getting any worse and even though some of the point spreads did not indicate how talented this team is - it does show that these young players are just as good (and will be better) than the Seniors from last year. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:59:42 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3631/#3631 UTA has turned into a pretty good team this year. They're nearly as hot as we have been the last month or so. Scott Cross is really getting it done up there....I can't imagine what he can do once they get their new arena. It'd be something if we both made it to the Dance(don't expect it tho with SHSU), tho I would rather get the limelight to ourselves. :) Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:43:19 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3627/#3628 I hope we don't lay an egg if we really do get that kind of crowd. Makes me a bit nervous. That said, it pleases me there's that sorta buzz around town. :D Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:27:34 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3460/limit,6/limitstart,12/#3626 Comparing the men to the women is just my way of showing that there is a lot of criticism directed towards the women (justified or not), and they are producing more than their male counterparts (regardless of outcome), yet are subjected to a much more critical eye. My analysis of the returning players is based on individual play. Example, BJ is a good individual player - but, not a good team player. There are 5 players on the floor and everyone has a job to do. I think roles/responsiblities have been a struggle for this team simply because there is no type of floor/ senior leadership and at times they are the proverbial "chicken with no head". It reflects on both sides of the ball and looks to be a bigger issue (as the season has progressed) on defense - because the offense has greatly improved (remember the beginning of the season, it was painful). There are also players filling in at positions that they don't feel comfortable in - which, I'm sure with the next recruiting class will be addressed. It's funny that you think Godbolt is the better player. Of all the players that were brought in, she is the one with the least fundamental skills (besides Burwell). Her game is based on her athleticism. She is very comfortable with her back to the basket and at her size, should have more of a skillset like Hughes. She scores a lot of high percentage shots and is highly effective against teams that don't have a strong post presence but "ordinary" against post dominant teams. She has a lot of heart and is strong like a bull - but I think looking over the previous outings - it is evident that she performs very well against teams that are weak in the post and doesn't produce as well against older, more developed post players (ex. WKU, MT, UT, TAMU, UALR). Alysha Clark (MT's All american post) had 47 points against U of South Alabama (undefeated in conf when we played USA) and 20 against UNT in 28 minutes. Godbolt scored 19 against USA and 6 against MT. The other day against UALR's post she 9 points and 4 rebounds, and the player she was guarding had 19 pts, 10 rebs (5 offensive). So, I am a big Godbolt fan, but let's keep this in perspective. I think her going down in the record books is very good for the school, recruiting, and morale of the program but because awards of that nature are based strictly on scoring and not overall skillset - saying she is "the best", is unfair to her. Hopefully, she will continue to grow and work on her skills. It will be important for her continued success. (I hope that winning any awards will not make her "complacent"). Some kids (example - Chastity Reed - UALR) develop an entitlement attitude and then curse their teammates, coaches and the refs. I don't see that being tolerated on an SS team. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:31:39 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3605/#3605 The first few minutes were a struggle, but with the game tied at 25, our boys just blew UALR away. Even more impressive beacuase Big George was in foul trouble and sat a large potion of the half. Mangrum was huge off the bench - if he can keep this up our bench is really dangerous. Alzee looked good too. Tramiel was a hoss down low, and then Odie had a big 2nd half. Josh played great as usual, and Tristan had some memorable plays. Really falling in love with this team right now. Crowd looked good on TV. Hope we have even more for ULL. We are now in sole possession of 1st(granted we were the 1st game of the day and in a few hours we won't be, but don't ruin it!) Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:35:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3458/limit,6/limitstart,12/#3604 There's a number of valid in-game reasons to express frustration with JJ - he's not infallible. What's funny is that most of the people who attack him can't just appreciate the success and explain what is bothering them. He's either totally overrated or busy pulling kids out of orphanages. I have no idea how this happened, but it's kind of amazing to watch? Maybe because a lot of the people against him are not only post-90 graduates, but not the most knowing basketball minds? Also, the "I think X player is more of a random object than real position" joke formula will never get old to me. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:50:09 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3593/#3598 He can't play point guard! True definiton of a tweener. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:57:03 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3595/#3596 Yeah, you'd think since we were on a roll he'd try and make it till the end of the season. I'm sure he expected more playing time, especially since he was starting earlier this season, and his current limited roll probably really sucked for him. Still, you'd think he woulda been close enough to the team that he woulda stayed. That said, he was a helluva long way from home. I wish Richard the best, I thought he was a good player and appeared to be a good kid. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:57:39 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3584/#3592 Excellent dude...just give me a ring sometime. If you don't have my number I'll PM you. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:15:29 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3587/#3590 It's a TV game(hence the early start) - so I'd also like to see a crowd north of 4K. I hope local people get the word out. And even tho we beat UALR earlier this season - it was a struggle. This won't be an easy game. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:13:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3576/limit,6/limitstart,6/#3583 See, I was pretty sure he was joking... It was TOO perfect. And Buford is a very knowledgeable guy, so reading that coming from him after the game we just played made it seem ridiculous. But I don't know him personally. And, like I said, I generally don't know him to be a jokester. The sad thing is, I wouldn't even be mildly surprised to see a post like that meant seriously. Since I wasn't sure, I figured it was best to ask instead of taking the wrong impression from it. I am glad it was a joke, though. :) Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:09:07 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3560/limit,6/limitstart,6/#3580 I don't think grades had anything to do with him transfering.He reshirted in 07-08 and played 16 games in 08-09 during his redshirt freshman year. He was quoted by espn.com saying that he wanted to go somewhere where he could compete for more playing time Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:10:19 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3572/#3574 Maybe our power rating was 128? If we win out, I think we'll probably be a 15 seed. We could conceiveably be a 16 if all the wrong teams win, or a 14 seed if we get lots of upset help. The league is being crushed in the computers this season, so even tho this might be a better squad that our '07 team - we might get a worse seed in the Dance. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:29:16 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3570/#3571 With last night's win, we assured ourselves a winning road mark in league play. We stand at 5-3 with only the ULM game remaining. We could conceiveably win two thirds of our away games in conference. That's something schools like USA or WKU do. Dare I say we're becoming a formidable road team? Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:32:06 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3564/#3569 Sorry for the delay - my "real job" required some attention today. I watched the game on the internet. They won because 1. They took better care of the ball (18 TO's), 2. Made their freethrows (75% for the game) and 3. shared the ball (13 assists). The game was won at the FT line. Nice all-around game for Godbolt - she filled up the stat sheet in all columns. GG, I agree - hope she's OK. She landed very hard and took a while to get up. As it was the "battle of the bottom", any win against any team (at this point) will help with the seeding for the tournament. I think coming in at a 8 or 9 seed works better than an 11-13 seed. The win puts them in 4th place in the West. They have Denver (#2 - West), UALR (#1 - West), and ULL (5th - West) at home. Then ULM on the road (5th - West) to end the regular season. Every game carries equal importance. What was most encouraging was, they don't do well on the road, they don't do well when trailing at the half, and they don't do well with the midway 2nd half "run". They perservered, which can be taken 2 ways... as GG mentioned - UNO is not known for their dominance in the league but did make several attempts to run on the ladies and they fought back. They were down by 1 at halftime and they were on the road. Still some confidence issues - still no senior leadership - and chemistry came in spurts last night. So, they didn't "dominate" a weaker team - but they didn't submit to the adversity, either. I hear alot of talk about "identity" and "youth" - I think alot of that is true but given the blast of reality they endured this season (UT, TAMU, MIZZOU, MTSU, WKU, SFA, Houston), they will be better adjusted next year. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:41:00 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,3559/#3559 We're 6-1 in games decided by 3 points or less and 6-6 on the road(best in the Belt). I always think "really good" teams are the ones that find ways to win close games, and can win on the road. Not sure .500 is all that, but that mark in close games is really damn impressive - especially thinking back to our '07 championship team(which seemed to be around .500 in those kinds of nailbiters - granted they seemed to play about 20 games that year decided by 5 or less). Given our road slate, it's possible(tho hardly guaranteed - I wouldn't be surprised if we lost or or two of them either) that we could win 9 road contests this year. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:19:17 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,3544/#3557 Cooley - I'm going to have to revoke your basketball analyst title. First Burwell & Hughes... now the incoming talent. Your skills are suspect. There is still time for you to jump back on the bandwagon. I won't tell anyone you jumped off. Laura McCoy was named a McDonald's All-American Nominee http://flowermoundleader.com/articles/2010/02/04/sports/9892.txt Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:33:23 -0600