What else can you say 2-9! 1-9 versus D1 competition! Heath Simply isn't getting it done currently! 12-30 at EMU! 9-30 versus D1 teams!

(12-11-2022 03:15 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear RamyEMU,
I know you said Eastern is working towards something positive. Could you give a clue to what is that?
Because, from looking at the record, I don't think the coaching staff, or the players, have any idea what they are trying to accomplish...other then lose games.

Mainly defense in the paint. It seems like a work in progress though and may not appear in the stats yet. But please note EMU had 3 blocks today which is almost twice their per game average of 1.7. Regardless of blocks, I felt EMU was trying to do a better job of getting a hand in the opponents face in the paint WITHOUT fouling (only 15 today). And further I felt like they were trying to stay with or pick up a man driving to the basket- instead of the pure matador defense. EMU is clearly not proficient at this yet so the opponent still got some buckets in the paint.

What I thought was worse today was defending the perimeter. Run outs seemed a little late. So this was an area of regression perhaps in part due to the focus on defending the paint.

On the offensive side, the main improvement was taking care of the basketball. Only 6 turnovers today compared to a per game average of 12.

But overall seems like the team is progressing defensively. This still needs to continue and improve. Other areas of need are:
1) we need Noah and Emoni to be solid go-to’s offensively at the end of close games. Noah is much further along on this then Emoni even though Emoni is a more efficient scoring over the course of the game.
2) EMU continues to lose the rebounding battle (today they were out rebounded 30-24). The rebounding has improved since earlier in the season which had so many egregiously failed blockouts. But this is an area of improvement that is still needed.
3) I would also like to see better ball rotation to create an open shot, but this limitation may be a biproduct of the “NBA style offensive scheme” and we may never see this by design (although there was some beautiful ball rotation at the close of the first half to get Rice that 3). So we’ll have to see.

It is a work in progress that may never come to fruition- at least not this year. But some glimmers of hope

(12-11-2022 05:13 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 03:15 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear RamyEMU,
I know you said Eastern is working towards something positive. Could you give a clue to what is that?
Because, from looking at the record, I don't think the coaching staff, or the players, have any idea what they are trying to accomplish...other then lose games.

Mainly defense in the paint. It seems like a work in progress though and may not appear in the stats yet. But please note EMU had 3 blocks today which is almost twice their per game average of 1.7. Regardless of blocks, I felt EMU was trying to do a better job of getting a hand in the opponents face in the paint WITHOUT fouling (only 15 today). And further I felt like they were trying to stay with or pick up a man driving to the basket- instead of the pure matador defense. EMU is clearly not proficient at this yet so the opponent still got some buckets in the paint.

What I thought was worse today was defending the perimeter. Run outs seemed a little late. So this was an area of regression perhaps in part due to the focus on defending the paint.

But overall seems like the team is progressing defensively.

Ramy, they did move their feet much better today, especially Jihad. I would say our defense was not horrible, I would have graded it as simply bad, instead.

I think I am done with ignoring and making excuses for the 800 lb. gorilla in this team's locker room. Our prized recruit is an absolute Diva, and our coach wants to coddle him.

The kid got his SECOND technical foul in two games for trashy behavior that was inexcusable, and Stan comes out on the court and hugs him. I realize he does not need to be Bobby Knight, but could we have at least a semblance of discipline? Hugs, reasoned words and a few minutes on the bench are not going to cut it after such egregious behavior. TWO TECHS IN TWO GAMES! That is a problem.

I find it hilarious that the announcers blamed the fact that Emoni's man was consistently blowing by him in the second half on his foul trouble. They did not realize along with their coach is that is how he plays defense all the time, they could have done that from tipoff. Did everyone see his lack of hustle when Niagra intercepted the pass intended for him near mid-court and went in for the layup? Emoni is 6'10" and a block on a smaller player was eminently possible, but then he would have had to expend effort that apparently bores him, so he just got ready to play offense instead. Jacking up another 30 ft miss is far more important to him.

I was JUBILANT when Bates signed with EMU, but this is an abject failure. This team has ZERO chemistry and has better results when Emoni is not on the floor. That is on the head coach, who reveled in the success of his recruitment but could not get him to "play on the team". The "E" on Bates' warm up gear does NOT stand for Eastern, rather it is all about Emoni.

You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Oh no! This could be another post that could come back to haunt you!

Ramy, I’m going to start calling you sunshine Ramy.

I listened to the last 5-6 minutes of the game, and here is where I see a lack of leadership at the coaching level which has translated to the players on the floor. There is simply no roles assigned to the players at winning time. For example, Noah was having a pretty good game so let’s recount what EMU did on offense the last 5-6 minutes:

From memory,

Jihad - 3 pt attempt and miss. Why’s he shooting a 3 ball Not His Game
Lovejoy - 3 pt attempt and miss
Billingsley - 3 pt attempt and miss (he made one when game already over

So I know Sam and I do not agree on everything but I would bet Sam and Jerry would agree when the game is in the balance, the BALL MUST BE IN NOAHS HANDS!!!!!

Now I know that Noah got tangled up and turn the ball over with a minute to go but this was most likely due to him Playing in desperation now that the game is out of hand.

I sense that the 3-4 years Or however long Heath was in the G-league he had shooters at all positions so his system could work. I get the feeling Heath is trying to make his roster fit the G league system vs adopting a system that plays to the strength of his roster which unfortunately has many weaknesses. Now if Sam, Jerry and myself know that the Ball needs to be in Noah’s hands especially the last five minutes, can’t Heath figure this out????? I mean this is not calculus!!!!

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

(12-11-2022 08:49 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  Ramy, I’m going to start calling you sunshine Ramy.

I listened to the last 5-6 minutes of the game, and here is where I see a lack of leadership at the coaching level which has translated to the players on the floor. There is simply no roles assigned to the players at winning time. For example, Noah was having a pretty good game so let’s recount what EMU did on offense the last 5-6 minutes:

From memory,

Jihad - 3 pt attempt and miss. Why’s he shooting a 3 ball Not His Game
Lovejoy - 3 pt attempt and miss
Billingsley - 3 pt attempt and miss (he made one when game already over

So I know Sam and I do not agree on everything but I would bet Sam and Jerry would agree when the game is in the balance, the BALL MUST BE IN NOAHS HANDS!!!!!

Now I know that Noah got tangled up and turn the ball over with a minute to go but this was most likely due to him Playing in desperation now that the game is out of hand.

I sense that the 3-4 years Or however long Heath was in the G-league he had shooters at all positions so his system could work. I get the feeling Heath is trying to make his roster fit the G league system vs adopting a system that plays to the strength of his roster which unfortunately has many weaknesses. Now if Sam, Jerry and myself know that the Ball needs to be in Noah’s hands especially the last five minutes, can’t Heath figure this out????? I mean this is not calculus!!!!

100% agree with this statement- and have been saying it since last years team fizzled in MAC play. I don’t think Stan Heath is a bad coach, but rather his “NBA Offense” is best suited for really skilled players such that you would find in the NBA. Probably should be adapted to the college game or specific personnel a little more. That said, I think it is working better with this years team than last years team. Defense is the main problem. But still, I think on offense the players are having to work too hard individually to get their buckets.

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 07:37 PM)holybovine Wrote:  You can see why Memphis sent Bates home.

JaQuan Hart 2.0

Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

Jaquan Hart played for 2 years before we determined he did not save the program. And even further, no one blamed Jaquan Hart for the teams lack of success. Emoni Bates is 11 games in, playing well albeit not perfectly, and this team has WAY MORE problems other than what you can critique Emoni for.

Regardiess, he is an 18 year old kid who has done nothing to hurt you or your alma mater (to the contrary). If you have issues with his game that is fine. But I recommend we should be fair, respectful, and kind about it.

(12-12-2022 07:06 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

Your kidding right? Nearly everyone on here and nearly everyone I've talked at EMU that's who! I tried to give examples of how I've heard this all before many times but no one listens to me.

(12-12-2022 07:06 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 08:55 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  Holy,

I disagree. Emoni is only 18 years old and has a lot of skill that JQ didn’t have. Emoni needs to gain 20-25 LBs of muscle and we need to treat him as a true freshman. Heath needs to be honest with Emoni about the development and improvement he needs to make to play professionally in the league or abroad. We need to be patient with Emoni and this means Heath may have to sit him down on the bench when we need more defense than offense.

JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

Answer: A lot of folks on this board thinks he walks on water.
I am surprised those folks don't build a golden statute of him outside the Game Above Center. Those increased season ticket holders felt the same way. Bates was our ticket to the NCAA. I thought so too. It was like EMU won the lottery. But like winning the lottery in real life not all lottery winners have a happy ending.

(12-12-2022 08:39 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 07:06 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 09:11 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  JaQuan Hart averaged 8.9 and 3.1...so Emoni is more than twice as productive than Hart was. Do you think he means they are both skinny? Otherwise how could anyone compare a 20 point scorer who averages 6 boards to JaQuan Hart?

BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

Answer: A lot of folks on this board thinks he walks on water.
I am surprised those folks don't build a golden statute of him outside the Game Above Center. Those increased season ticket holders felt the same way. Bates was our ticket to the NCAA. I thought so too. It was like EMU won the lottery. But like winning the lottery in real life not all lottery winners have a happy ending.

Thank you guys for the opportunity I've wanted to make. I borrowed this from Twitter...

"I said I like pancakes. Someone replied, 'that must mean you don't like waffles." *

I said I like Emoni. Someone replied, "that must mean you think he walks on water."

These kind of conversations can get really distorted, conflated, etc.

Funny story and yes these story is many decades old: Before my ex-wife's mother met me, her daughter said, "He has a beard." Mom said, "that means, he probably intelligent, sensitive and neurotic." My reply was, "hey 2 out of 3 ain't bad..."

EMU backcourt players are still fouling way more than they should. But, at least, Lovejoy only committed one foul in 29 minutes. Hope he keeps that up.

EMU can't afford to let opponents take more foul shots than EMU does. EMU players need to take ball to the hoop more than they do.

EMJ is awful guarding the rim. Simone has to be stationed there. As opponents are scoring a very high percentage on 2's as they're driving around EMU's front court players and scoring at will or being fouled. Let opponents take as many two-point jump shots as they like.

Agree that ball has to be in Noah's hands.

Emoni has to be told to put as much effort into his defensive game as much as his defensive game. Needs a lot of work to cut down on his turnovers and excessive fouling.

(12-12-2022 09:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 08:39 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 07:06 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  

(12-11-2022 11:15 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  BobW, brilliant connection on this! I originally just thought Bovine was being absurd.

I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

Answer: A lot of folks on this board thinks he walks on water.
I am surprised those folks don't build a golden statute of him outside the Game Above Center. Those increased season ticket holders felt the same way. Bates was our ticket to the NCAA. I thought so too. It was like EMU won the lottery. But like winning the lottery in real life not all lottery winners have a happy ending.

Thank you guys for the opportunity I've wanted to make. I borrowed this from Twitter...

"I said I like pancakes. Someone replied, 'that must mean you don't like waffles." *

I said I like Emoni. Someone replied, "that must mean you think he walks on water."

These kind of conversations can get really distorted, conflated, etc.

Funny story and yes these story is many decades old: Before my ex-wife's mother met me, her daughter said, "He has a beard." Mom said, "that means, he probably intelligent, sensitive and neurotic." My reply was, "hey 2 out of 3 ain't bad..."

Amen! This is exactly what is happening. I am only saying 20 ppg and 6 rpg are very impressive numbers- I am not saying it is more important than winning, I am not saying anyone “walks on water”, I am not saying he is great at defense, etc. I AM saying the whole team is bad at defense so not sure if you think that is making excuses for Emoni.

My sense is that some of his detractors just simply didn’t like Emoni (some since the arrest, while Super was just always a contrarian). Other detractors I think at one time had too high of hopes for Emoni and are taking their frustration out by overscrutinizing him now. I don’t know that these interpretations of others perspectives are correct, just sharing as food for thought. Regardless, there has been a lot of grown men on this forum trash talking an 18 year old kid in order to “win an argument” or out of misdirected frustration. I hope we can all consider stopping this.

(12-12-2022 02:56 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 09:07 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 08:39 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 07:06 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(12-12-2022 12:11 AM)holybovine Wrote:  I’m not comparing their games. But rather, the outcome.

Hart was a 5 star transfer who was supposed to save the basketball program. So in a sense, it’s a spiritual comparison.

But who said Emoni was a savior? I think Emoni is being unfairly anointed as EMU savior. He’s an 18 yo D1 player with potential. As soon as everyone realizes that, then maybe we start pulling for him as an underdog who must improve to reach his goals.

Answer: A lot of folks on this board thinks he walks on water.
I am surprised those folks don't build a golden statute of him outside the Game Above Center. Those increased season ticket holders felt the same way. Bates was our ticket to the NCAA. I thought so too. It was like EMU won the lottery. But like winning the lottery in real life not all lottery winners have a happy ending.

Thank you guys for the opportunity I've wanted to make. I borrowed this from Twitter...

"I said I like pancakes. Someone replied, 'that must mean you don't like waffles." *

I said I like Emoni. Someone replied, "that must mean you think he walks on water."

These kind of conversations can get really distorted, conflated, etc.

Funny story and yes these story is many decades old: Before my ex-wife's mother met me, her daughter said, "He has a beard." Mom said, "that means, he probably intelligent, sensitive and neurotic." My reply was, "hey 2 out of 3 ain't bad..."

Amen! This is exactly what is happening. I am only saying 20 ppg and 6 rpg are very impressive numbers- I am not saying it is more important than winning, I am not saying anyone “walks on water”, I am not saying he is great at defense, etc. I AM saying the whole team is bad at defense so not sure if you think that is making excuses for Emoni.

My sense is that some of his detractors just simply didn’t like Emoni (some since the arrest, while Super was just always a contrarian). Other detractors I think at one time had too high of hopes for Emoni and are taking their frustration out by overscrutinizing him now. I don’t know that these interpretations of others perspectives are correct, just sharing as food for thought. Regardless, there has been a lot of grown men on this forum trash talking an 18 year old kid in order to “win an argument” or out of misdirected frustration. I hope we can all consider stopping this.

Amen Ramy! I’m all for pointing out constructive criticism and I’m very happy Emoni is on our team!!!

The boy reason I'm "contrarian" is that I've heard all this many times over the last 25. No one has proven anything until they've proven it. Bates hasn't proven it, yet.