(02-04-2023 08:41 AM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  Eastern is always going to have the best player on the floor--Bates is clearly next level. However, as a team, once again we are really undermanned. Like Toledo, Ball State has much better players, overall. I think Heath is doing a great job making us competitive, especially on the road. We really needed this one.

Yes, agreed. Unfortunately, even if EMU keeps playing like they have these last few games,I can see them going 0-4 in the next four games before finishing the season 3-1 in the last four games. Don’t think that will get them to Cleveland. Would have made a big difference if they could’ve come away with the win against Ball St- so close! Not blaming the coach or the team- but things might have started clicking for the team a bit too late in the season. Which is so disappointing.

… but there is a reason they play the games, so let’s see what happens.

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

(02-04-2023 07:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 11:32 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 09:12 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 03:59 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(02-02-2023 10:05 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Took the points on EMU but I only got 11.5 points.

What do you guys think about Kent St getting 2 points @ Akron in the second game?

I think Akron will win.

Ok, I Akron even (or moneyline or whatever they call it). But since you don’t sound as confident, made it a small wager. Thanks for the input!

Akron 67 Kent St 55

You are 2 for 2 on the betting, ‘79!!!

Yeah Akron had a sell out at home. I will be posting next weeks' schedule and previews tomorrow folks. I have my own music blog schedule on Facebook on Mondays I do new rock music, Tuesday is new blues music Friday is new top 10 hits from 50 years ago and Saturday is top 100 albums from 50 years ago.

Oh, that is cool! You got a lot of interests, huh?

I watched the game on TV yesterday and was pleased with 95% of the effort from players and coaches. We have definitely improved offensively and don’t give up as many layups on the defensive side. Emoni had a spectacular offensive game and I don’t mind when he’s ‘ON’ if he wants to isolate himself at the top of the key and attempt a difficult shot when it’s a heat check although I still think it’s to EMUs advantage to shoot the ball within the offense.

With that said, I’m looking for a smidgen of improvement as follows:

1) At the start of the game, watch how Ball State scores their very first bucket. The EMU player is not sure who he’s guarding and leaves a Ball State player wide open (our player not within 10-15 feet). Can’t start a game like this especially when you’re not even screened. If you’re playing to win we need brainpower and focus from the tipoff.

2) EMU struggles in the mental part of the game and I’m talking players and coaches. For example, after a timeout, it appears we don’t run an inbound play and get a 5 second call turnover at a crucial point in the game.

3) The team still runs into lapses of 1:1 basketball that decreases our efficiency. Another example late in the game after a timeout, we inbound the ball with 12 seconds on the shot clock and settle for a turnaround 18 foot MJ level of difficulty jump shot that misses badly. This happened many times in the second half.


This team is not as big and strong in the front court as Ball State, Ohio, Akron and Kent and we won’t grow a center. However if our players and coaches adopt an Every Possession Counts mindset they could spring an upset or two.

When I look at our schedule, there’s no way this team is making the MAC tournament. I like the improvement we’ve made with effort recently but basketball is not calculus and we needed the effort we received against Michigan and the last 4 games thru the whole season. I’m afraid the consequence will be the recent effort is a little too late. The team is destined to learn a hard lesson when they’re sitting at home watching the MAC tournament. Or will we improve between the ears and win some games and get in the tournament?

" I’m afraid the consequence will be the recent effort is a little too late. The team is destined to learn a hard lesson when they’re sitting at home watching the MAC tournament. Or will we improve between the ears and win some games and get in the tournament?"

I just look at the schedule and go, UGH!!

The next two weeks are not easy... @UB, TOL, AKR and @Kent.

(02-04-2023 10:11 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:04 AM)emu79 Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 11:32 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 09:12 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 03:59 AM)emu79 Wrote:  I think Akron will win.

Ok, I Akron even (or moneyline or whatever they call it). But since you don’t sound as confident, made it a small wager. Thanks for the input!

Akron 67 Kent St 55

You are 2 for 2 on the betting, ‘79!!!

Yeah Akron had a sell out at home. I will be posting next weeks' schedule and previews tomorrow folks. I have my own music blog schedule on Facebook on Mondays I do new rock music, Tuesday is new blues music Friday is new top 10 hits from 50 years ago and Saturday is top 100 albums from 50 years ago.

Oh, that is cool! You got a lot of interests, huh?

You mean outside of work? Yes.

Many terrific comments and observations. While there's reason for skepticism giving EMU's daunting schedule EMU is an elite shooting team and if they play the right way they should win many games.

Defense is their main problem. They need to defend all areas of the floor and keep their fouls down. EMU perimeter defenders need to force opponent shooters further out and not leave opponent shooters in the corners wide open. Doing so is a losing prescription.

Players who rarely score and excessively foul should not be played.

Heath has done a great job fixing EMU's offense and finding the right players who should be on the court. But his out of bound plays are not good.

Did Pranger never recover from his early season injury? If healthy, believe he may be EMU's missing piece.

(02-04-2023 01:32 PM)Miggy Wrote:  Many terrific comments and observations. While there's reason for skepticism giving EMU's daunting schedule EMU is an elite shooting team and if they play the right way they should win many games.

Defense is their main problem. They need to defend all areas of the floor and keep their fouls down. EMU perimeter defenders need to force opponent shooters further out and not leave opponent shooters in the corners wide open. Doing so is a losing prescription.

Players who rarely score and excessively foul should not be played.

Heath has done a great job fixing EMU's offense and finding the right players who should be on the court. But his out of bound plays are not good.

Did Pranger never recover from his early season injury? If healthy, believe he may be EMU's missing piece.

I always get a kick out of the "if we play the right way, we should win many games" argument. Well, Toledo, Akron, Kent State, Ball State, etc. are all more talented than Eastern, so if those teams play "the right way" too, they are probably going to have enough to beat us, unfortunately. It is going to be a really tough hill to climb. We probably need to split our next 4 to have a chance and with Emoni, we have a puncher's chance.

(02-04-2023 02:33 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 01:32 PM)Miggy Wrote:  Many terrific comments and observations. While there's reason for skepticism giving EMU's daunting schedule EMU is an elite shooting team and if they play the right way they should win many games.

Defense is their main problem. They need to defend all areas of the floor and keep their fouls down. EMU perimeter defenders need to force opponent shooters further out and not leave opponent shooters in the corners wide open. Doing so is a losing prescription.

Players who rarely score and excessively foul should not be played.

Heath has done a great job fixing EMU's offense and finding the right players who should be on the court. But his out of bound plays are not good.

Did Pranger never recover from his early season injury? If healthy, believe he may be EMU's missing piece.

I always get a kick out of the "if we play the right way, we should win many games" argument. Well, Toledo, Akron, Kent State, Ball State, etc. are all more talented than Eastern, so if those teams play "the right way" too, they are probably going to have enough to beat us, unfortunately. It is going to be a really tough hill to climb. We probably need to split our next 4 to have a chance and with Emoni, we have a puncher's chance.

Believe EMU's rotation is right there with KS and Toledo. This is not a one man team by a long-shot as EMU's back-court is both good and deep.

EMU showed what a force they can be as they led Toledo by 11-points in the second-half in an away game, and if EMU played correctly last night would have beat BS on their court. Not good when Acuff and Rice don't shoot as much as they should have and bench players make stupid fouls.
Players needed to crash the offensive boards. They didn't last night.

(02-04-2023 10:06 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

I think those are Stan's thoughts as well. Ballard is a disruptive influence defensively but likely would only make a marginal impact on a team going nowhere presently. Heath is investing in his youth.

Unfortunately, when I look at the youth, I'm reminded of Jalen King, Bud Jones, Luis Pacheco, Bailey Steele, etc... Nice kids but would not start on ANY other MAC team. They are young, hopefully one can develop but I don't see much pure athletic talent from any of them. No foot speed and hops.

(02-04-2023 06:16 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 10:06 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

I think those are Stan's thoughts as well. Ballard is a disruptive influence defensively but likely would only make a marginal impact on a team going nowhere presently. Heath is investing in his youth.

Unfortunately, when I look at the youth, I'm reminded of Jalen King, Bud Jones, Luis Pacheco, Bailey Steele, etc... Nice kids but would not start on ANY other MAC team. They are young, hopefully one can develop but I don't see much pure athletic talent from any of them. No foot speed and hops.

Exactly Jerry - we need to recruit heavily in the portal this off season. Our front court players would not start on any top echelon MAC team. Give us Peyton Sparks, and EMU is a top 4 team.

(02-03-2023 10:39 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 09:22 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 08:51 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 08:45 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  

(02-03-2023 08:41 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Absolutely? I don’t know why EMU does not get calls???

And then they don't give Stan the time out.

Absolutely! And of course Ball St shot 24 free throws while EMU only 12. I do think EMU fouled Ball St more, especially given the difficulties down low. But EMU should have gotten a few clear calls the refs ignored.

Sparks apparently has some type of "diplomatic immunity" to three second calls in Muncie, he absolutely set up camp in the paint and yes, we got shafted on many calls just like most visitors in the NCAA do.

At the end of the day, however, Ball State is very talented. I was disgusted when low talent teams like BGSU and NIU just dunked on us repetitively and that is not happening now. We are actually active on defense. Yeah!

Let's be honest, our frontcourt is not ready for primetime. Is there truly much difference in Billingsley, Geeter, Jihad, Ballard, Randle or Golson? Our backcourt is another story. We have the Big Three of Emoni, Noah and Tyson. KDR and Lovejoy are also very talented, even Luka is on a far higher level than our frontcourt.

Stan has made a great decision playing only one of his bigs at a time.

Our traditional front court players (Billingsley, Geeter, Jihad, Randle, and Ballard) combined for 49 minutes and had a combined 5 rebounds. Only 5. The guards Noah had 6 in 40 minutes, Rice had 6 in 27 minutes, and Lovejoy had 6 in only 25 minutes.

As critical of the bigs that I have been, those stats are not that distressing to me. They were undermanned and playing a true center in Sparks, their job was to box him out and allow others to rebound the basketball. The game was only our second MAC contest where we allowed less than double-digit offensive rebounds.

The game has changed. More missed 3-balls mean more long rebounds. Remember how frustrating it was to see the JT4, Toure and Minnie frontline getting out-rebounded? Noah and Lovejoy have the hops and quicks to get to those long rebounds. KDR is not as athletic, but he is pretty strong and acquits himself well rebounding the basketball.

Think about this one. Last year's MAC reg season champ Toledo was led in rebounding by 6'7" Shumate at 6.1 per game. 6'3" Ryan Rollins was second at freaking 6.0! It is not all about length anymore.

(02-04-2023 06:53 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 06:16 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 10:06 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

I think those are Stan's thoughts as well. Ballard is a disruptive influence defensively but likely would only make a marginal impact on a team going nowhere presently. Heath is investing in his youth.

Unfortunately, when I look at the youth, I'm reminded of Jalen King, Bud Jones, Luis Pacheco, Bailey Steele, etc... Nice kids but would not start on ANY other MAC team. They are young, hopefully one can develop but I don't see much pure athletic talent from any of them. No foot speed and hops.

Exactly Jerry - we need to recruit heavily in the portal this off season. Our front court players would not start on any top echelon MAC team. Give us Peyton Sparks, and EMU is a top 4 team.

With Sparks we would be undefeated.

(02-04-2023 06:16 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 10:06 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

I think those are Stan's thoughts as well. Ballard is a disruptive influence defensively but likely would only make a marginal impact on a team going nowhere presently. Heath is investing in his youth.

Unfortunately, when I look at the youth, I'm reminded of Jalen King, Bud Jones, Luis Pacheco, Bailey Steele, etc... Nice kids but would not start on ANY other MAC team. They are young, hopefully one can develop but I don't see much pure athletic talent from any of them. No foot speed and hops.

So true...What is so distressing to me is that we had the great fortune of landing a future NBA player to pair up with an outstanding returning player in Farrakhan but the roster was so bereft of any difference making big man, it almost made it a moot point. Any other year we could have teamed Bates up with a Brandon Bowdry or a James Thompson IV or a Glenn Bryant type player and things would be oh so different. I think we are all going to look back on this season as a huge missed opportunity so I am trying to enjoy Emoni's greatness as much as I can and if we happen get a W--awesome.

(02-04-2023 07:20 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 06:16 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 10:06 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(02-04-2023 07:12 AM)Miggy Wrote:  Geeter, Ballard, and Randle committed a combined 9-fouls in only
19-minutes of playing time. That's almost one foul every 2-minutes. It's what really cost EMU a win. Shouldn't be happening.

But even so, Ballard should be playing far more as EMU needs his offense.

Also, Rice needs to shoot far more than he does. Playing 27-minutes, he took only two fga's (both three's) in 27 minutes and scored 6-points.

I think we are playing a “traditional frontcourt” player for about 45 minutes total a game going forward. I think Billingsley’s current level of play makes him the clear frontrunner for the majority of those minutes. This based on both his improved defense (although he struggled at times against Ball St) as well as his ability to create his own shot (although to a much lower extent as the Big 3 on the team).

After that to me, it is a toss up of who plays the remainder of the minutes- as Jerry says. Each of Jihad, Geeter, Ballard, Golson, and Randle have their strengths and weakness. Ballard’s heart and hustle have made him a surprisingly effective player his whole career at EMU. But I don’t think he will tip the balance for this years team, and we need rest to develop for next year. Just my thoughts.

I think those are Stan's thoughts as well. Ballard is a disruptive influence defensively but likely would only make a marginal impact on a team going nowhere presently. Heath is investing in his youth.

Unfortunately, when I look at the youth, I'm reminded of Jalen King, Bud Jones, Luis Pacheco, Bailey Steele, etc... Nice kids but would not start on ANY other MAC team. They are young, hopefully one can develop but I don't see much pure athletic talent from any of them. No foot speed and hops.

So true...What is so distressing to me is that we had the great fortune of landing a future NBA player to pair up with an outstanding returning player in Farrakhan but the roster was so bereft of any difference making big man, it almost made it a moot point. Any other year we could have teamed Bates up with a Brandon Bowdry or a James Thompson IV or a Glenn Bryant type player and things would be oh so different. I think we are all going to look back on this season as a huge missed opportunity so I am trying to enjoy Emoni's greatness as much as I can and if we happen get a W--awesome.

EMU's offense is playing extraordinarily well. No reason for such pessimism.