(10-17-2023 08:02 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-17-2023 07:27 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(10-17-2023 06:22 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I'm afraid this team could be really bad. Take a bad team and subtract Emoni and Noah

The cupboard is bare. .

Take a bad team and subtract the guy…that did a lot to make them bad. I bet we are better than we were last year. Several of our players have a chance to improve now that they aren’t watching Emoni heave 27 footers all game.

Sam and I have always been on two opposing factions regarding Emoni Bates. Did Emoni Bates heave 27 footers because his team was bad or was his team bad because Emoni Bates heaved 27 footers?

That said, I fully agree with Sam that there was something unusual if not dysfunctional with Team dynamics last season. And I would wait until this coming season to judge the returning players true capabilities- especially if they can work as a team. Plus, if the scrimmage highlights are at all representative, EMU added an impressive player in Osnojik (which would be completely random stroke of luck). I am not expecting a MAC championship or anything, but nor can I agree to the cupboards are left bare.

The real question is: What happened to the “Sunshine” in Steve?????

I think the Lions and yes, Tigers, have absorbed the sunshine out of me.

Going to be a cold February for me. I 'm now down on the Wizards and now EMU MBB.

The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I am hoping McGriff or Osnojik are also potential contenders for such a role- no real basis for that hope.

I like TyCuff a lot and he had a very decent 2.7 assist to 1.6 turnover ratio last year, but not sold we want the ball primarily in his hands. I feel like he can either distribute well or create his own shot. But he struggles to do both simultaneously or interchangeably- which is what you need otherwise the offense stagnates.

(10-17-2023 11:23 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(10-17-2023 08:02 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  The real question is: What happened to the “Sunshine” in Steve?????

I think the Lions and yes, Tigers, have absorbed the sunshine out of me.

Going to be a cold February for me. I 'm now down on the Wizards and now EMU MBB.

Hang in there Steve! EMU MBB won’t be worse than last year. And may be better than we are expecting.

(10-18-2023 09:23 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-17-2023 11:23 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(10-17-2023 08:02 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  The real question is: What happened to the “Sunshine” in Steve?????

I think the Lions and yes, Tigers, have absorbed the sunshine out of me.

Going to be a cold February for me. I 'm now down on the Wizards and now EMU MBB.

Hang in there Steve! EMU MBB won’t be worse than last year. And may be better than we are expecting.

I have no idea of an over/under for this year.

(10-18-2023 09:20 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I am hoping McGriff or Osnojik are also potential contenders for such a role- no real basis for that hope.

I like TyCuff a lot and he had a very decent 2.7 assist to 1.6 turnover ratio last year, but not sold we want the ball primarily in his hands. I feel like he can either distribute well or create his own shot. But he struggles to do both simultaneously or interchangeably- which is what you need otherwise the offense stagnates.

Lovejoy needs to be the straw that stirs this year's drink on the offensive end. Critical growth year for him.

(10-18-2023 09:20 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I can’t speak for ‘79, but I could see Lovejoy being that type of guy. He reminds me of Ish Smith…not the greatest shooter, but it doesn’t really matter when you’re quicker than everyone. I think, with more opportunities, he can provide a scoring punch. He’s got that dog in him too…was easily the most watchable player on the team last year because of how hard he played.

Biggest things for him will be avoiding the cheap fouls from over-aggression, and limiting turnovers. Those are things you’ll usually have to live with when you have a guy playing 100 mph all the time, but not in a feature role. If he learns to let the game come to him a bit more, he could be REALLY good. Excited to watch his development, and hopefully that injury isn’t too serious.

One more thing on Lovejoy: he looks like a TANK now. He shot nearly 80% from the line, so if he can bully his way to the rim and draw fouls, that ppg number will soar.

(10-19-2023 09:30 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  One more thing on Lovejoy: he looks like a TANK now. He shot nearly 80% from the line, so if he can bully his way to the rim and draw fouls, that ppg number will soar.

Very interesting couple of posts on Lovejoy, Sam! I would also add to this perspective:
Last year I felt he played in the middle a lot taller than he was both offensively and defensively. Probably more of effort/strategy than speed in those situations. Wondering how much his bulking up will actually improve that aspect of his game.

I agree with 79 as well. Lovejoy’s progress/performance is likely to dictate what this team will accomplish (if anything) next year. He is definitely looking bulked up.
https://twitter.com/EMU_MBB/status/17129...34/photo/1

(10-19-2023 09:24 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 09:20 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I can’t speak for ‘79, but I could see Lovejoy being that type of guy. He reminds me of Ish Smith…not the greatest shooter, but it doesn’t really matter when you’re quicker than everyone. I think, with more opportunities, he can provide a scoring punch. He’s got that dog in him too…was easily the most watchable player on the team last year because of how hard he played.

Biggest things for him will be avoiding the cheap fouls from over-aggression, and limiting turnovers. Those are things you’ll usually have to live with when you have a guy playing 100 mph all the time, but not in a feature role. If he learns to let the game come to him a bit more, he could be REALLY good. Excited to watch his development, and hopefully that injury isn’t too serious.

Agree with everything Sam stated on Lovejoy!! I love, love, love this guys relentlessness. He plays hard like Spottsville and can get to the basket and finish in the paint.

His grandfather is an amazing man too!!!

(10-19-2023 11:15 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 09:24 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 09:20 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I can’t speak for ‘79, but I could see Lovejoy being that type of guy. He reminds me of Ish Smith…not the greatest shooter, but it doesn’t really matter when you’re quicker than everyone. I think, with more opportunities, he can provide a scoring punch. He’s got that dog in him too…was easily the most watchable player on the team last year because of how hard he played.

Biggest things for him will be avoiding the cheap fouls from over-aggression, and limiting turnovers. Those are things you’ll usually have to live with when you have a guy playing 100 mph all the time, but not in a feature role. If he learns to let the game come to him a bit more, he could be REALLY good. Excited to watch his development, and hopefully that injury isn’t too serious.

Agree with everything Sam stated on Lovejoy!! I love, love, love this guys relentlessness. He plays hard like Spottsville and can get to the basket and finish in the paint.

His grandfather is an amazing man too!!!

Who is his grandfather? Did he play at EMU?

(10-19-2023 12:52 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 11:15 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 09:24 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 09:20 AM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-18-2023 05:47 AM)emu79 Wrote:  The key to improvement in my opinion is Lovejoy becoming the scoring point guard this team needs.

I would agree with that. Do you feel there is an indication/pontential for Lovejoy to achieve that? Do you think it might come from elsewhere? Time will tell of course, just curious of your thoughts.

I can’t speak for ‘79, but I could see Lovejoy being that type of guy. He reminds me of Ish Smith…not the greatest shooter, but it doesn’t really matter when you’re quicker than everyone. I think, with more opportunities, he can provide a scoring punch. He’s got that dog in him too…was easily the most watchable player on the team last year because of how hard he played.

Biggest things for him will be avoiding the cheap fouls from over-aggression, and limiting turnovers. Those are things you’ll usually have to live with when you have a guy playing 100 mph all the time, but not in a feature role. If he learns to let the game come to him a bit more, he could be REALLY good. Excited to watch his development, and hopefully that injury isn’t too serious.

Agree with everything Sam stated on Lovejoy!! I love, love, love this guys relentlessness. He plays hard like Spottsville and can get to the basket and finish in the paint.

His grandfather is an amazing man too!!!

Who is his grandfather? Did he play at EMU?

Bishop Zachary Hicks of the Church of God in Christ denomination.
He often sits courtside. Played basketball himself and has been a fixture at UofD games for years.

(10-19-2023 02:32 PM)KPJ Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 12:52 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 11:15 AM)Luckeyone Wrote:  His grandfather is an amazing man too!!!

Who is his grandfather? Did he play at EMU?

Bishop Zachary Hicks of the Church of God in Christ denomination.
He often sits courtside. Played basketball himself and has been a fixture at UofD games for years.

Interesting, thanks!

https://x.com/EMUAthletics/status/171510...23453?s=20

(10-19-2023 09:30 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  One more thing on Lovejoy: he looks like a TANK now. He shot nearly 80% from the line, so if he can bully his way to the rim and draw fouls, that ppg number will soar.

Sam, I agree.

Also don't discount his three-ball potential. If you have the stroke to hit free throws that well, shots from beyond the arc will fall as well. He only attempted 11 last year.

(10-19-2023 04:56 PM)emu steve Wrote:  https://x.com/EMUAthletics/status/171510...23453?s=20

Good info, Steve. Thanks!

the Vanzee has an interesting tidbit on this.
https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/17...3667360929

Regardless, I am still happy about the name. Between arena and now the court name, 2 great generations of EMU basketball are represented.

(10-19-2023 08:17 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  

(10-19-2023 04:56 PM)emu steve Wrote:  https://x.com/EMUAthletics/status/171510...23453?s=20

Good info, Steve. Thanks!

the Vanzee has an interesting tidbit on this.
https://twitter.com/thevannzee/status/17...3667360929

Regardless, I am still happy about the name. Between arena and now the court name, 2 great generations of EMU basketball are represented.

Agree. It is all good.

Getting Closer. Under two weeks.

Introduction of one of our new players…
https://twitter.com/EMU_MBB/status/1716827003352227942

I am pretty gosh darn certain this team is going to massively exceed expectations! Partly because the bar is set so low at 8 wins. Partly because of expected growth of returning players and hopefully ? improved team dynamics. And also, I am curious about the contributions of these new guys. It may be a decent class itself.

(10-24-2023 12:36 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Getting Closer. Under two weeks.

Introduction of one of our new players…
https://twitter.com/EMU_MBB/status/1716827003352227942

I am pretty gosh darn certain this team is going to massively exceed expectations! Partly because the bar is set so low at 8 wins. Partly because of expected growth of returning players and hopefully ? improved team dynamics. And also, I am curious about the contributions of these new guys. It may be a decent class itself.

Ramy, I suppose my first question is "Who set the bar at eight wins"? I was a card-carrying member of the "get rid of Murphy club" and quite frankly I would be embarrassed that I was eager to get rid of a coach who had a season low of FOURTEEN wins in his nine years prior to the Covid season. I really like Stan but in year three, I would set the bar much higher, it just makes sense.

Nevertheless, I am excited to see what Stan can do with these guys, as Sam pointed out, it cannot be worse. If, however, it is, then we need to have a conversation with Coach Heath on a buyout.

(10-25-2023 06:24 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(10-24-2023 12:36 PM)RamyEMU Wrote:  Getting Closer. Under two weeks.

Introduction of one of our new players…
https://twitter.com/EMU_MBB/status/1716827003352227942

I am pretty gosh darn certain this team is going to massively exceed expectations! Partly because the bar is set so low at 8 wins. Partly because of expected growth of returning players and hopefully ? improved team dynamics. And also, I am curious about the contributions of these new guys. It may be a decent class itself.

Ramy, I suppose my first question is "Who set the bar at eight wins"? I was a card-carrying member of the "get rid of Murphy club" and quite frankly I would be embarrassed that I was eager to get rid of a coach who had a season low of FOURTEEN wins in his nine years prior to the Covid season. I really like Stan but in year three, I would set the bar much higher, it just makes sense.

Nevertheless, I am excited to see what Stan can do with these guys, as Sam pointed out, it cannot be worse. If, however, it is, then we need to have a conversation with Coach Heath on a buyout.

Ramy, our OCC looks to have 6 very possible wins alone! If we go .500 in the MAC that alone is 15 wins! Heath has 17 years of D1 coaching experience, In year 3, that should be the absolute minimum goal! A winning record should be the goal...The better MAC coaches in year 3, had their teams competing for MAC championships! Jan's, Hurley, Boals, Tod K, Oats, etc.....Let's shock em!