Hmm. I assume that means an updated roster is coming soon?

(05-28-2019 03:56 PM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  Hmm. I assume that means an updated roster is coming soon?

And are we done with years class?

(05-28-2019 04:19 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(05-28-2019 03:56 PM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  Hmm. I assume that means an updated roster is coming soon?

And are we done with years class?

I would think being done would be fine. Murph tends to rotate only 7-8 guys a game after all. Strangely a starter often migrates to permanent bench time like Harris and Parris the last two years. With the current emphasis on immediate contribution recruits why not hold onto a couple of scholarships in the hope of stumbling onto something great stranded in the transfer portal? Most likely it will result in increased flexibility for the new coach as well.

We may leave some open waiting on a qualifying test score

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

I wouldn't put him over Groce until you see him play a full game. Highlight tapes are highlights and only show the good stuff.

Groce, like any other player, would have a better shooting percentage if there was a structured offense. Some guys don't show their best in street ball.

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

Here were Gibson's other offers besides us:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/miles-gibson

Thanks for the detailed response, Bovine! Very informative. Hopefully we have the next Karrington award on our hands.

Question for anyone, if EMU wins 20 games somehow next year, does Murphy get an extension? Has anyone heard, or seen next seasons OOC schedule? This team will do better then 15-17 if we don't play Duke, Kansas, TCU, UC-Irvine, Buffalo last seasons team, etc...….That's 6 losses right there!!!!! Thanks EMU fan base!

(05-30-2019 12:23 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  Question for anyone, if EMU wins 20 games somehow next year, does Murphy get an extension? Has anyone heard, or seen next seasons OOC schedule? This team will do better then 15-17 if we don't play Duke, Kansas, TCU, UC-Irvine, Buffalo last seasons team, etc...….That's 6 losses right there!!!!! Thanks EMU fan base!

I don't know his contract situation. Different people say different things...

(05-30-2019 06:36 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

I wouldn't put him over Groce until you see him play a full game. Highlight tapes are highlights and only show the good stuff.

Groce, like any other player, would have a better shooting percentage if there was a structured offense. Some guys don't show their best in street ball.

I don't disagree. But since street ball is still with us, an honest evaluation of Groce's game within that system is warranted.

In game 1, Groce will start because of his tenure and knowledge of Murphy's system. By the time MAC play rolls around, I think he'll be the second or third guy off the bench. Obviously, just my perception of things...

(05-30-2019 09:19 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Thanks for the detailed response, Bovine! Very informative. Hopefully we have the next Karrington award on our hands.

No problem! I love college basketball, and I'm delving more and more into the scouting side of it. I'm looking forward to reviewing the other new guys as well...

(05-30-2019 12:23 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  Question for anyone, if EMU wins 20 games somehow next year, does Murphy get an extension? Has anyone heard, or seen next seasons OOC schedule? This team will do better then 15-17 if we don't play Duke, Kansas, TCU, UC-Irvine, Buffalo last seasons team, etc...….That's 6 losses right there!!!!! Thanks EMU fan base!

Unless he has signed some new, non-public contract, he will get an one-year automatic extension. His existing contract guarantees a one-year extension for every season he wins at least 20 games.

I don't believe anybody knows our non-conference schedule yet. We do know we'll travel to UC Irvine, Drexel, Detroit Mercy, and Boston U, and we'll host Northeastern (assuming those we're all standard one-and-one contracts we signed, which is usually the case). I assume we'll host some other lower-mid mid-major D1 teams along with our usual slate of non-D1 teams.

(05-30-2019 07:18 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

Here were Gibson's other offers besides us:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/miles-gibson

I'm encouraged by the Sam Houston State offer in particular. That's a good program down in Huntsville, Texas.

(05-30-2019 12:35 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 07:18 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

Here were Gibson's other offers besides us:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/miles-gibson

I'm encouraged by the Sam Houston State offer in particular. That's a good program down in Huntsville, Texas.

Good point. A lot of good teams don't have national reputations.

(05-30-2019 12:33 PM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 12:23 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  Question for anyone, if EMU wins 20 games somehow next year, does Murphy get an extension? Has anyone heard, or seen next seasons OOC schedule? This team will do better then 15-17 if we don't play Duke, Kansas, TCU, UC-Irvine, Buffalo last seasons team, etc...….That's 6 losses right there!!!!! Thanks EMU fan base!

Unless he has signed some new, non-public contract, he will get an one-year automatic extension. His existing contract guarantees a one-year extension for every season he wins at least 20 games.

I don't believe anybody knows our non-conference schedule yet. We do know we'll travel to UC Irvine, Drexel, Detroit Mercy, and Boston U, and we'll host Northeastern (assuming those we're all standard one-and-one contracts we signed, which is usually the case). I assume we'll host some other lower-mid mid-major D1 teams along with our usual slate of non-D1 teams.

This year's away Kentucky football game will be to buyout Murphy.

(05-30-2019 12:33 PM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 12:23 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  Question for anyone, if EMU wins 20 games somehow next year, does Murphy get an extension? Has anyone heard, or seen next seasons OOC schedule? This team will do better then 15-17 if we don't play Duke, Kansas, TCU, UC-Irvine, Buffalo last seasons team, etc...….That's 6 losses right there!!!!! Thanks EMU fan base!

Unless he has signed some new, non-public contract, he will get an one-year automatic extension. His existing contract guarantees a one-year extension for every season he wins at least 20 games.

I don't believe anybody knows our non-conference schedule yet. We do know we'll travel to UC Irvine, Drexel, Detroit Mercy, and Boston U, and we'll host Northeastern (assuming those we're all standard one-and-one contracts we signed, which is usually the case). I assume we'll host some other lower-mid mid-major D1 teams along with our usual slate of non-D1 teams.

Frank, as usual is 100% correct about the 20 win automatic extension, it is the contract that Rob got after his successful first season and his dalliance with the NBA scouting job.

It was, at first glance, a logical employment provision. Of course as we have seen, a cupcake non-conference schedule coupled with mediocre MAC results can indeed result in a less than satisfying 20 win season. Let's hope that Wetherbee schedules aggressively in the preseason thus forcing Murphy to be successful in the MAC. In my opinion if we win the MAC West, I am inviting the coach back regardless of his overall win total.

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

Nickel for once I will disagree with you. There is, in my opinion, a ton of growth potential for Ty Groce. MAC basketball, with the exception of Nate Oat's Buffalo, has recently been dominated by ordinary athletes like Tyler Persons at Ball State and Jaelen Sanford of Toledo, who are highly skilled-non athletic basketball players that simply would be bench warmers at Power 5 schools.

To be honest, had Nate Oats had our entire roster at his disposal last year, the only player I think that would have received any meaningful playing time besides JT4 would have been Ty Groce. Minnie and Jackson were far too slow to play for Buffalo.

Ty is the ONLY player we have that actually possesses the foot speed, vertical leaping ability and overall athletic skills that might be relevant on a bigger stage. He has however, been playing scared for the past two seasons. He enters the game, makes a mistake, and is immediately back on the bench. Everything about his approach to the game has thus been tentative and his results unspectacular. My opinion only.

(05-31-2019 06:42 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(05-30-2019 01:18 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(05-29-2019 10:01 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(05-27-2019 12:39 AM)holybovine Wrote:  Let’s reset the current basketball roster (strictly my projections on the depth chart):

PG - Darion Spotsville / Christian James
SG - Noah Morgan / Yeikson Montero / Shamar Dillard
SF - Miles Gibson / Ty Groce
PF - Micah Thomas / Thomas Binelli
C - Boubacar Torre / Jalen King

2 spots remain. IMO, we could use a rugged PF/C type, and another PG.

Is Miles Gibson such a prospect that he will surpass Ty Groce?

In my opinion, yes. Once our roster is official I’m planning to write up a scouting piece on our new players. But I’ll share a bit about Miles here:

-The first thing that jumps out about Gibson is his Juco statline: He averaged 19.2 points per game and 8.1 rebounds in the most challenging conference in Division 1 Juco. He’s an 86% free throw shooter. He’s relatively efficient shooting the ball (44.5% overall). Three point shooting isn’t a strength, but he’s capable (35.6%), and he doubled his three point make percentage since his freshman year. So there is still room for growth. He even blocked 21 shots last year.

http://www.ntmavericks.com/sports/mbkb/2...gibsonwqz4

-Those are just his stats; his film is even better. He does most of his damage with a great mid-range jumper. His shot is technically sound with a quick release, and he has a soft touch. Master of turn around jumper on baseline; very difficult to defend. He’s a good three-point shooter when he sets his feet. Loves driving to the rim. Strong inside and can finish with either hand. Doesn’t shy away from contact, which is a nice attribute in combination with his strong FT shooting. He has two weaknesses as I see it: he’s not an explosive or quick athlete, and his dribbling isn’t an asset.

-The third part of this is that Groce isn’t very good. I like him, and I admire him for sticking around when everyone else bailed. He’s overcome a lot in his life. However, his eFG% last year was 48.9%, which is not good. He made 39/57 of his shots at the rim (68%); however, he only made 3/16 of his two-point jumpers (18.7%) and 15/59 of his threes (25.4%). Basically, if he’s not scoring on dunks or layups, he’s unusable offensively. Last year was his third year in the program, so I don’t think there’s much room for growth. Hopefully he makes me eat a full buffet of crow.

For the stats I referenced: https://hoop-math.com/EasternMich.2019.php

Nickel for once I will disagree with you. There is, in my opinion, a ton of growth potential for Ty Groce. MAC basketball, with the exception of Nate Oat's Buffalo, has recently been dominated by ordinary athletes like Tyler Persons at Ball State and Jaelen Sanford of Toledo, who are highly skilled-non athletic basketball players that simply would be bench warmers at Power 5 schools.

To be honest, had Nate Oats had our entire roster at his disposal last year, the only player I think that would have received any meaningful playing time besides JT4 would have been Ty Groce. Minnie and Jackson were far too slow to play for Buffalo.

Ty is the ONLY player we have that actually possesses the foot speed, vertical leaping ability and overall athletic skills that might be relevant on a bigger stage. He has however, been playing scared for the past two seasons. He enters the game, makes a mistake, and is immediately back on the bench. Everything about his approach to the game has thus been tentative and his results unspectacular. My opinion only.

I respect your opinion Jerry. I agree that he was the best athlete on last year’s team. I hope you’re right and he will be successful; like I said, I really like him personally. But he has two big issues right now: shot accuracy and basketball IQ. In my experience, those are two of the more difficult weaknesses to improve.