(01-11-2023 01:33 PM)Miggy Wrote:  I watched as long as I could into the second half and then had to stop.
Really bad bb. Game should have been easily won but wouldn't know that from watching EMU play.

Perimeter players never having hand up to stop entry passes. Shooters left alone for uncontested shots. So many fouls committed in the back court.

Emoni dribbles into traffic with no plan in mind, exposes the ball and turns it over. Noah does the same.

Forwards catch ball and are open to shoot a jumper, but instead decide to attack the rim where a defender is waiting for them. Forward miss give me lay-ups because their hand on side off ball rather than behind it. Same on some jump shots. Can go on and on. I'll stop.

Thought Noah was doing a better job of that this year, and Emoni has the same problem but to a lesser extent. This game both were bad 10 TOs combined. Noah’s all came in the first few minutes.

Speaking of Noah, I would love to see him dominate more early on if he can. This team seems to be better in the second half, and late second half at that. Which is also when I see Noah pick up his game. Would love to see that come a little earlier.

(01-11-2023 11:38 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-11-2023 09:58 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(01-11-2023 12:12 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-10-2023 09:19 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-10-2023 09:13 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  Jerry Weaver, I believe it's WMU first D1 win this season!
Perfectly said as usual!

Close. Houston Christian is actually a D-I team. Southland Conference.

So this was their 2nd win and 1st conference win.

I really can’t believe how poorly this season has been. EMU gave Western their only their second D1 win?

Bates played a great game against CMU not as well against WMU. This team is built around Bates so as he goes so do we. Lovejoy is impressive as a true frosh but WMU had three impressive frosh play meaningful roles last night. They actually be competitive down the road.

Finally got to watch the second half just now. And yes, Hubbard, Lovejoy, and Monegro each had some impressive stretches. Don’t recall Hannah doing anything in particulate. Should be fun in the years to come.

Hannah had 11 the previous game. But watch again especially the first half and you will see Hannah at 6'4 played effective defense against Bates.

(01-11-2023 07:34 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Last night, we crossed over the half way point of the season and sit at 4-12 with 15 more games to go.

EMU had 4 really bad games, as I suggested in a previous thread. All the other games, EMU has been competitive in. So at a minimum, we should expect another few wins, perhaps several if some things start slighting our way. So somewhere in the range of 7-24 to 10-21 is probably a reasonable expectation.

This is such a dismal reality for a season that held such promise. At the higher end of that range, EMU probably sneaks into the MAC tourney and who knows what can happen then (but probably lose to Kent St in round one). But in all likelihood, we are waiting for next year at this point.

Noah will be back and hopefully gets his shooting groove back to go along with his new found passing skills. Tyson is a solid guard too. Lovejoy is an impressive freshman, I see Randle developing, and Billingsley gaining consistency. If these three (and Geeter) figure it out by years end, next year should offer hope.

For all the opinions on the matter, Emoni Bates scores way too easily in the college ranks (20.9 ppg) at the mere age of 18 for the NBA to pass up on his potential.. He won’t be a lottery pick, but easily a first rounder. So EMU likely just squandered their time with him. I know no one is happy about this situation, not the Team, not Emoni, not the fans, not the Coach. You can’t blame anyone, and you can blame everyone all at the same time. But it just is what it is.

EMU will have a lot of potential next year with all the returnees. But Coach Heath is going to have to recognize that he needs to make more changes to what he is doing. I am not sure what, but hoping Coach Heath figures it out.

In the meantime, I am still rooting for that 10 win mark to possibly get EMU into the MAC Tourney. Let’s start with Akron on Friday night! Go EMU!!!

Excellent post. I was going to do the half way mark thing a bit later but great job. A * on Emoni's scoring. Our schedule is not the toughest and the MAC conference is not one of the top rated hoops conferences. My point is if he was doing this against ACC conference or B10 or we had played against a more P5 hoops schedule than the scoring average might mean a little bit more. Honestly I like to see him duplicate his efforts and leadership like he did in the CMU game where more or less he carried the team on his back. As far as next year I suggest that Coach Heath prune some of the roster for next year. Some of his first year recruits just aren't moving along the development trail. We need more recruits like Lovejoy in the program. Like I've said we need a unselfish big guy who can rebound and block shots and isn't a scorer state happy. I would also like a real point guard who can lead this team. Both can be acquired in the transfer portal. And yes both MUST be able to play defense. Yes I agree lets hope we do something the rest of the year and make the MAC tournament.

(01-11-2023 11:42 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-11-2023 01:33 PM)Miggy Wrote:  I watched as long as I could into the second half and then had to stop.
Really bad bb. Game should have been easily won but wouldn't know that from watching EMU play.

Perimeter players never having hand up to stop entry passes. Shooters left alone for uncontested shots. So many fouls committed in the back court.

Emoni dribbles into traffic with no plan in mind, exposes the ball and turns it over. Noah does the same.

Forwards catch ball and are open to shoot a jumper, but instead decide to attack the rim where a defender is waiting for them. Forward miss give me lay-ups because their hand on side off ball rather than behind it. Same on some jump shots. Can go on and on. I'll stop.

Thought Noah was doing a better job of that this year, and Emoni has the same problem but to a lesser extent. This game both were bad 10 TOs combined. Noah’s all came in the first few minutes.

Speaking of Noah, I would love to see him dominate more early on if he can. This team seems to be better in the second half, and late second half at that. Which is also when I see Noah pick up his game. Would love to see that come a little earlier.

He picked up two quick fouls in the first half against WMU which took him off the floor.

(01-11-2023 07:38 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-11-2023 09:42 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(01-11-2023 12:18 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  I am calling it first, EMU will surprise and beat Akron on Friday.

I admire brave people.

Probably more delusion than it is bravery.

I was kidding. Lets go EMU!

I am still in shock that a team returning Noah Farrakhan and adding Emoni Bates and playing in a watered down, definitely not the glory days of the 80's-90's, NBA player producing MAC, would struggle to win 10 games--overall!!! This doesn't even make any sense. And the team isn't coached by a bozo like Barnes or Boone, there was no team mutiny or crazy dysfunction, it is just bad. I have been overly optimistic with this team but I can't see any way it can beat Akron. That said, watch them win because THAT wouldn't make any sense either.

(01-12-2023 09:49 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I am still in shock that a team returning Noah Farrakhan and adding Emoni Bates and playing in a watered down, definitely not the glory days of the 80's-90's, NBA player producing MAC, would struggle to win 10 games--overall!!! This doesn't even make any sense. And the team isn't coached by a bozo like Barnes or Boone, there was no team mutiny or crazy dysfunction, it is just bad. I have been overly optimistic with this team but I can't see any way it can beat Akron. That said, watch them win because THAT wouldn't make any sense either.

Remember Akron game is tomorrow. I certainly will be watching. I agree with all the transfers into the program and where we are now is a mystery but the sum so far is less than the talents of the individual parts.

(01-12-2023 05:09 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Excellent post. I was going to do the half way mark thing a bit later but great job. A * on Emoni's scoring. Our schedule is not the toughest and the MAC conference is not one of the top rated hoops conferences. My point is if he was doing this against ACC conference or B10 or we had played against a more P5 hoops schedule than the scoring average might mean a little bit more. Honestly I like to see him duplicate his efforts and leadership like he did in the CMU game where more or less he carried the team on his back. As far as next year I suggest that Coach Heath prune some of the roster for next year. Some of his first year recruits just aren't moving along the development trail. We need more recruits like Lovejoy in the program. Like I've said we need a unselfish big guy who can rebound and block shots and isn't a scorer state happy. I would also like a real point guard who can lead this team. Both can be acquired in the transfer portal. And yes both MUST be able to play defense. Yes I agree lets hope we do something the rest of the year and make the MAC tournament.

That is a very valid point on the * for Emoni’s scoring. Still, conversely you can look at it as if he were AT a P5 school he’d have an easier time scoring because opponents wouldn’t be able to key in on him as easily. I don’t know for sure, but regardless I believe many NBA teams will be excited to take the gamble on an 18 year old who is able to do this. That is, he is only going to be better by his twenties.

Good points on what is needed for the future. Not sure we can thin out the roster- I know scholarships aren’t legally guaranteed, but rarely do I see coaches telling players that don’t pan out to take a hike. Plus it is sometimes easier said than done to predict and bring in the right players. Otherwise, I would LOVE if we can bring in another Lovejoy and a skilled shot blocker/rebounder with the two available scholarships.

(01-12-2023 09:49 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I am still in shock that a team returning Noah Farrakhan and adding Emoni Bates and playing in a watered down, definitely not the glory days of the 80's-90's, NBA player producing MAC, would struggle to win 10 games--overall!!! This doesn't even make any sense. And the team isn't coached by a bozo like Barnes or Boone, there was no team mutiny or crazy dysfunction, it is just bad. I have been overly optimistic with this team but I can't see any way it can beat Akron. That said, watch them win because THAT wouldn't make any sense either.

Excellent post!!

NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

(01-12-2023 01:33 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 09:49 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I am still in shock that a team returning Noah Farrakhan and adding Emoni Bates and playing in a watered down, definitely not the glory days of the 80's-90's, NBA player producing MAC, would struggle to win 10 games--overall!!! This doesn't even make any sense. And the team isn't coached by a bozo like Barnes or Boone, there was no team mutiny or crazy dysfunction, it is just bad. I have been overly optimistic with this team but I can't see any way it can beat Akron. That said, watch them win because THAT wouldn't make any sense either.

Excellent post!!

RamyEMU, I'm with you on Emoni, without Emoni, we're 1-15! We beat FIU, and he scored 26 points, and had 8 rebounds CMU, he scored 26 points, and had 10 rebounds, and against Detroit he had 19 points, and 6 rebounds! We lose all 3 games without him! He's averaging 21 points A game, he has done what we would've expected! In MAC games he's averaging 21.3 points per game! Other players haven't performed like we thought! Most importantly Heath has really done a poor job with this team! We were dreaming about going dancing, and now we're hoping to make the MAC tournament, and win 12 games!

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

NO potential second rounder should come out early.

Try to get into the 1st round and that guaranteed contract.

(01-12-2023 07:04 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

NO potential second rounder should come out early.

Try to get into the 1st round and that guaranteed contract.

Or go to a high level league overseas for one year

(01-12-2023 07:27 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:04 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

NO potential second rounder should come out early.

Try to get into the 1st round and that guaranteed contract.

Or go to a high level league overseas for one year

Agree with that. Hope for first round, second round would be okay, maybe be on a 2-way contract with G-League for a year or play major overseas ball. Spinning your wheels on a sub .500 mid major will not improve your standing.

(01-12-2023 05:36 PM)EMUGLORYDAYSthe90s Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 01:33 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 09:49 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I am still in shock that a team returning Noah Farrakhan and adding Emoni Bates and playing in a watered down, definitely not the glory days of the 80's-90's, NBA player producing MAC, would struggle to win 10 games--overall!!! This doesn't even make any sense. And the team isn't coached by a bozo like Barnes or Boone, there was no team mutiny or crazy dysfunction, it is just bad. I have been overly optimistic with this team but I can't see any way it can beat Akron. That said, watch them win because THAT wouldn't make any sense either.

Excellent post!!

RamyEMU, I'm with you on Emoni, without Emoni, we're 1-15! We beat FIU, and he scored 26 points, and had 8 rebounds CMU, he scored 26 points, and had 10 rebounds, and against Detroit he had 19 points, and 6 rebounds! We lose all 3 games without him! He's averaging 21 points A game, he has done what we would've expected! In MAC games he's averaging 21.3 points per game! Other players haven't performed like we thought! Most importantly Heath has really done a poor job with this team! We were dreaming about going dancing, and now we're hoping to make the MAC tournament, and win 12 games!

Let’s slow down there, Glory. We are hoping to win 10 games. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

(01-12-2023 07:52 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:27 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:04 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

NO potential second rounder should come out early.

Try to get into the 1st round and that guaranteed contract.

Or go to a high level league overseas for one year

Agree with that. Hope for first round, second round would be okay, maybe be on a 2-way contract with G-League for a year or play major overseas ball. Spinning your wheels on a sub .500 mid major will not improve your standing.

Absolutely agree with ‘79 and BobW. When we were debating how well Emoni was doing earlier in the season, ‘79 kept arguing “but are we winning?”. And BobW very accurately counter argued “we won 4 more games then if Emoni was not on this team.” You can’t blame Emoni at all for how bad this team is, but guys like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan still would have somehow “moved the mountain” as ‘79 says).

This horrid season is killing his NBA stock, as is his turnovers. They are not excessive, but they are glaring when they occur. Get drafted as a 19 year old with huge potential and continue to develop while under contract.

(01-12-2023 11:02 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:52 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:27 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 07:04 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

NO potential second rounder should come out early.

Try to get into the 1st round and that guaranteed contract.

Or go to a high level league overseas for one year

Agree with that. Hope for first round, second round would be okay, maybe be on a 2-way contract with G-League for a year or play major overseas ball. Spinning your wheels on a sub .500 mid major will not improve your standing.

Absolutely agree with ‘79 and BobW. When we were debating how well Emoni was doing earlier in the season, ‘79 kept arguing “but are we winning?”. And BobW very accurately counter argued “we won 4 more games then if Emoni was not on this team.” You can’t blame Emoni at all for how bad this team is, but guys like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan still would have somehow “moved the mountain” as ‘79 says).

This horrid season is killing his NBA stock, as is his turnovers. They are not excessive, but they are glaring when they occur. Get drafted as a 19 year old with huge potential and continue to develop while under contract.

a rephrase Bates isn't the problem with this team but he isn't a the solution to putting this program back where we all hoped it would be. I like to get a solid point guard and a decent shot blocker rebounder and see how this team does next year without Bates if he doesn't return.

(01-12-2023 06:50 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(01-12-2023 05:07 PM)emu steve Wrote:  NBA draft expert, Sam Vicenie, has Emoni going #40 overall.

Once again, if he is a 2nd rounder, STAY!!!

I kinda disagree. It seems the more he is seen playing, the more he slips. He has gone from middle first, to late first, to early second round in short order. The smart money would be to declare after this season, as much as I would like him to stay. I just don't see how he can improve his stock by playing another season at the mid major level and having his game picked apart by draft experts.

This. If he stayed and his game didn’t improve, he’d have even less of a chance at sticking in the league. His biggest advantage is his age. He’d hope that teams would see a young, raw prospect with potentially great tools. But he’s not really putting it on tape, currently. Especially anything inside the paint.

If he’s a projected 2nd rounder, it would be in his best interest to declare. I personally wouldn’t even use a 2 on him, but would definitely sign him as a UDFA and stick him in the G-League for a year.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports...806198007/