The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Gotta hand it to Sully & VCD! Yes Jalen is one dimensional but that dimension (scoring) is huge for this team. He scores at all 3 levels and is now hitting over 40% of his 3’s. I don’t like that the ball tends to stick in his hands but I almost shudder to think where this team would be without him coming up with “must have” buckets.

VCD is playing exceptionally well and has “nearly” become the player we hoped he’d be when we signed him as Ohio’s Mr Basketball. Averages up to 13pts, 5 rebounds. Shooting 43% from 3 and 1 steal a game. Well done Mr. Davis!

I’m thinking this team has just gone thru its roughest stretch of adversity with all the injuries. With Hornbeak back they have a good chance to get on a roll these next few weeks and lock in a top 4 seed for the MAC Tourney. We shall see!

(01-24-2024 01:50 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  Gotta hand it to Sully & VCD! Yes Jalen is one dimensional but that dimension (scoring) is huge for this team. He scores at all 3 levels and is now hitting over 40% of his 3’s. I don’t like that the ball tends to stick in his hands but I almost shudder to think where this team would be without him coming up with “must have” buckets.

VCD is playing exceptionally well and has “nearly” become the player we hoped he’d be when we signed him as Ohio’s Mr Basketball. Averages up to 13pts, 5 rebounds. Shooting 43% from 3 and 1 steal a game. Well done Mr. Davis!

I’m thinking this team has just gone thru its roughest stretch of adversity with all the injuries. With Hornbeak back they have a good chance to get on a roll these next few weeks and lock in a top 4 seed for the MAC Tourney. We shall see!

All excellent points ... still, Sully and VCD need to 'maintain' for the rest of the season and Hornbeak has to be a plus since his minutes will likely be monitored/limited.

BUT ...

The big issue (along with PG) that's not going away is team defense just is not championship caliber and does not have the players to get there.

(01-24-2024 05:01 PM)cleveland Wrote:  

(01-24-2024 01:50 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  Gotta hand it to Sully & VCD! Yes Jalen is one dimensional but that dimension (scoring) is huge for this team. He scores at all 3 levels and is now hitting over 40% of his 3’s. I don’t like that the ball tends to stick in his hands but I almost shudder to think where this team would be without him coming up with “must have” buckets.

VCD is playing exceptionally well and has “nearly” become the player we hoped he’d be when we signed him as Ohio’s Mr Basketball. Averages up to 13pts, 5 rebounds. Shooting 43% from 3 and 1 steal a game. Well done Mr. Davis!

I’m thinking this team has just gone thru its roughest stretch of adversity with all the injuries. With Hornbeak back they have a good chance to get on a roll these next few weeks and lock in a top 4 seed for the MAC Tourney. We shall see!

All excellent points ... still, Sully and VCD need to 'maintain' for the rest of the season and Hornbeak has to be a plus since his minutes will likely be monitored/limited.

BUT ...

The big issue (along with PG) that's not going away is team defense just is not championship caliber and does not have the players to get there.

Dont disagree at all. but this might be the worst MAC i've ever seen. Its akron, maybe toledo and then say 4-5 teams that can have a shot. As shown last friday we can hang around with akron. anything can happen those 3 days in march. just gotta position ourselves the best way possible and continuing to get better each DAY

Won't lie, I'm a bit surprised by the sense of urgency to burry Bekelja on here. I've been less annoyed watching him than several of the regulars because he defends. Plus he's been knocking down the open shots since his reintroduction into the lineup. He's no star but he's serviceable.

(01-24-2024 07:21 PM)anti-zip Wrote:  Won't lie, I'm a bit surprised by the sense of urgency to burry Bekelja on here. I've been less annoyed watching him than several of the regulars because he defends. Plus he's been knocking down the open shots since his reintroduction into the lineup. He's no star but he's serviceable.

I was one who thought Bekelja was basically just a “practice player.” He has played well these past 2 games. Looks like he’s getting more comfortable / confident. Nothing spectacular but we certainly need a guard that doesn’t turn the ball over, can play decent D and hit a few open 3’s. Hope he continues to make my initial read look bad!

(01-24-2024 08:02 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-24-2024 07:21 PM)anti-zip Wrote:  Won't lie, I'm a bit surprised by the sense of urgency to burry Bekelja on here. I've been less annoyed watching him than several of the regulars because he defends. Plus he's been knocking down the open shots since his reintroduction into the lineup. He's no star but he's serviceable.

I was one who thought Bekelja was basically just a “practice player.” He has played well these past 2 games. Looks like he’s getting more comfortable / confident. Nothing spectacular but we certainly need a guard that doesn’t turn the ball over, can play decent D and hit a few open 3’s. Hope he continues to make my initial read look bad!

Yes, he is the best of what Kent currently has to offer at that position, and at least (JMU aside) he is not playing outside of himself so far. But let's not fool ourselves that he is anything more than an 9-10-11 man on any traditional KSU team. He's been sitting the bench for a reason.

That said ... in Kent's current roster makeup ... it's better to have him than not.

His biggest plus is he allows Gio to exhale a little bit.

Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

(01-25-2024 01:37 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

That's great. Of course, freshman don't see to contribute their first season as much as they did several years ago.

(01-25-2024 01:48 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:37 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

That's great. Of course, freshman don't see to contribute their first season as much as they did several years ago.

Sendy loves lefties & has had pretty good success with them over the years.

#GoFlashes

(01-25-2024 02:06 PM)Albert Flasher Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:48 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:37 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

That's great. Of course, freshman don't see to contribute their first season as much as they did several years ago.

Sendy loves lefties & has had pretty good success with them over the years.

#GoFlashes

I'm left-handed
That's the hand I use, well, never mind

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

Good point. I go back to the late 60s, and then the terrible Rex Hughes era. I remember the Black United Students weren't fans of Frank Truitt, as he had few players of color. I went to the Florida State game when they had Dave Cowans, the BUS folks rooted for FSU, and Kent nearly upset the Noles that night. Some bad teams in the 70s, our all time records against some other MAC teams reflect those days.

Here are some highlights of Nichols from LY (his Jr year). I know most Freshman don’t contribute much but this kid is ready. He has a grown man’s body (6’ 4” and 210lbs) and is really smooth. Given our need for guards I think Jonas will play a lot and early!

https://youtu.be/1LiwbRbrngI?si=ALpElnuvI5GnojX4

(01-25-2024 01:48 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:37 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

That's great. Of course, freshman don't see to contribute their first season as much as they did several years ago.

That is because we are usually getting diamonds in the rough that need time to develop and some Sendy coaching. The recruits for this coming year are of a higher level than that. They will contribute.

(01-25-2024 02:38 PM)OLNWFLSH Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

Good point. I go back to the late 60s, and then the terrible Rex Hughes era. I remember the Black United Students weren't fans of Frank Truitt, as he had few players of color. I went to the Florida State game when they had Dave Cowans, the BUS folks rooted for FSU, and Kent nearly upset the Noles that night. Some bad teams in the 70s, our all time records against some other MAC teams reflect those days.

I remember those days well. As I mentioned before, the nadir of KSU basketball was losing back-to-back home games to Steubenville and Mount Union - and neither were particularly close games! That was the rap against Truitt and also Nichols at Toledo, but at least in Truitt's case it wasn't fair. He left LSU to go to KSU in part because he wasn't allowed to integrate the basketball program at LSU. The SEC was, of course, completely segregated. The first black player was at Vanderbilt in 1966. I know of several black players Truitt wanted badly but who signed elsewhere.

(01-25-2024 02:06 PM)Albert Flasher Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:48 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 01:37 PM)Old Man Flash Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 10:40 AM)Muskrat Wrote:  Fortunately, over the past 25 years or so our expectations have grown. This year's team, even with the players who are out, is one that we would have LOVED over MOST of our long history. I believe the players are doing their best, and that the coaches are going to get them to be as good a team as is possible. We can only hope that before next season the coach is able to get the additions needed to put them back on top.

We have two excellent local high school players coming for next season. Jonas Nichols 6’4” guard from defending D1 State Champ
Akron Hoban and Deandre Jones 6’8” power forward from Garfield Heights (may well win D1 State championship TY).

Check out recent highlight for Jones via the link below..

https://youtube.com/shorts/2zXygjHMrxY?s...MNAV9nuoNq

That's great. Of course, freshman don't see to contribute their first season as much as they did several years ago.

Sendy loves lefties & has had pretty good success with them over the years.

#GoFlashes

6'2 lefty shooter - would probably commit as a PWO knowing he was a practice player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzj7BzH5pVY

The lack of freshman making an impact is a result of the free COVID year IMO. College basketball is filled with 5 classes right now. The true freshman than year are now in their 4th year (VCDs class) so it should correct itself in a year. Sandy adjusted well by utilizing redshirts when possible.

For next year, don't forget Morgan Safford.

With all the big man injuries imagine how impactful this guy would've been.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla...ter-1.html

(01-25-2024 07:25 PM)anti-zip Wrote:  The lack of freshman making an impact is a result of the free COVID year IMO. College basketball is filled with 5 classes right now. The true freshman than year are now in their 4th year (VCDs class) so it should correct itself in a year. Sandy adjusted well by utilizing redshirts when possible.

For next year, don't forget Morgan Safford.

With all the big man injuries imagine how impactful this guy would've been.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla...ter-1.html

I read that one college football player is getting a NINTH year.

(01-25-2024 08:47 PM)Muskrat Wrote:  

(01-25-2024 07:25 PM)anti-zip Wrote:  The lack of freshman making an impact is a result of the free COVID year IMO. College basketball is filled with 5 classes right now. The true freshman than year are now in their 4th year (VCDs class) so it should correct itself in a year. Sandy adjusted well by utilizing redshirts when possible.

For next year, don't forget Morgan Safford.

With all the big man injuries imagine how impactful this guy would've been.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/pla...ter-1.html

I read that one college football player is getting a NINTH year.

I always think it's funny that in the early 2000's it was crazy and comedic that in the movie Van Wilder he was in college for 7 years. That didn't age well.