My thoughts
After covering the SPC game
MU is not a team ready yet to even take the NEC by storm...or at all. But that's not to say it can't win it all by the time the NEC Tournament rolls around. But it has to improve in any number of areas: depth and the low post to me the most glaring for now.
I don't think we got to see MU at full strength today anyway with Delic hampered by foul trouble..which again leads to a lack of depth when something like this happens.
Dave talked about Bunch after the game and said it's obvious the young man's knees are a problem. Dave noted Bunch doesn't practice full time because of his knees and is rusty. Said bascially MU is hoping to nurse Bunch though the season.
At the moment..well at least today..Bunch is definitely struggling with his offense, though he remains a defensive force.
I think MU fans would like to see Corey Hallett become more aggressive offensively.
It seems if he misses his first shot or shots he puts his offensive game in storage. He must go to the basket harder in my opinion. He's a senior (fifth year) which makes it ridiculous for me to have to be saying this.
I'd like to see Dave give Yaniv Simpson the minutes (slim as they are) that are going to Alex Nunner. Alex is just plain struggling, so let's see what Simpson can do.
If he's available, it might be time for Rickie Crews to run with the Blue (first) Team at least in practice, in my opinion. He could, stress could, provide a spark at some point this season. Don't know if he is making the trip to Penn.
Steve Edelson has a real good column going Sunday on Jhamar Youngblood. Have to think "The Jet" will fast take off as a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, Ship and Coleman did a capable all around job Saturday and the "Jet" flew smartly under control.
.
MU, I feel, has a slim to no shot Tuesday at Penn which barely lost to Syracuse and routed Drexel (the CAA favorite and always a tough foe for MU) and SFNY of the NEC.
e-mail tonygsports@app.com
MU is not a team ready yet to even take the NEC by storm...or at all. But that's not to say it can't win it all by the time the NEC Tournament rolls around. But it has to improve in any number of areas: depth and the low post to me the most glaring for now.
I don't think we got to see MU at full strength today anyway with Delic hampered by foul trouble..which again leads to a lack of depth when something like this happens.
Dave talked about Bunch after the game and said it's obvious the young man's knees are a problem. Dave noted Bunch doesn't practice full time because of his knees and is rusty. Said bascially MU is hoping to nurse Bunch though the season.
At the moment..well at least today..Bunch is definitely struggling with his offense, though he remains a defensive force.
I think MU fans would like to see Corey Hallett become more aggressive offensively.
It seems if he misses his first shot or shots he puts his offensive game in storage. He must go to the basket harder in my opinion. He's a senior (fifth year) which makes it ridiculous for me to have to be saying this.
I'd like to see Dave give Yaniv Simpson the minutes (slim as they are) that are going to Alex Nunner. Alex is just plain struggling, so let's see what Simpson can do.
If he's available, it might be time for Rickie Crews to run with the Blue (first) Team at least in practice, in my opinion. He could, stress could, provide a spark at some point this season. Don't know if he is making the trip to Penn.
Steve Edelson has a real good column going Sunday on Jhamar Youngblood. Have to think "The Jet" will fast take off as a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, Ship and Coleman did a capable all around job Saturday and the "Jet" flew smartly under control.
.
MU, I feel, has a slim to no shot Tuesday at Penn which barely lost to Syracuse and routed Drexel (the CAA favorite and always a tough foe for MU) and SFNY of the NEC.
e-mail tonygsports@app.com
posted by Tony Graham at 11:18 PM
28 Comments:
The big men are definitely a concern. If there was a statistic that showed rebounds per total inches in height of your center MU would be low in the country.
The 3 guard offense sounds good to me.
UGLY win last night -- but I'll take it. In a few weeks it'll look a lot better.
It's obvious the team isn't where it should be, but I think eventually we'll wind up near (or at) the top of the NEC thru our senior leadership. Still have high hopes for going back to the NCAA's.
I REALLY fear what this team will look like next year, however. Next year's team (unless Calloway pulls off some recruiting miracle with his remaining 2 scholarships) will lose last night's type of game by a dozen or so.
There's no scoring coming back (even in the unlikely scenario that Shipman & Coleman both avg. 15 a game) and apparently none coming in so far.
I hate to be a wet blanket that far into the future, but it's painfully obvious what lies ahead.
My prediction going forward;
Ricky Crews joins a luandry list of our star hopefuls who transfer before ever setting foot on the court for MU & we win less than 10 games next year.
I think you're getting too concerned with next year and beyond at this point. The guards will be the scorers next year and Jhamar is a double figure scorer waiting to happen.
But that's next year. Apparently you're confident this team has what it takes to go back to the NCAAs again....let's see how that pans out first.
And if they do make it back can they be higher than a 15 or 16 seed or play-in seed?
Hey Tony
Looking at the stats from the first few games. It seems to me that if MU limits its turnovers by the guards that they can do very well. Unfortunately at the college level with inexperienece in the back court that might be an issue. I hope noone sours on Dave. To be a good program you must have consistency but some schools have there down year as well. I hope they get the MAC done because I would like to be there for the opening. Take Care TG Go Eagles :)
Tim Walker
Tim..Re the MAC - you and me both! I still won't beleive it until I see it.
And can you quarteback tonight?
Tony, best article this year. Three questions:
Has a freshman ever been given 30+ minutes a game by dave calloway? R. Johnson maybe?
If not, do you think that would be a bad idea with youngblood if this team doesnt turn things around after the next game?
A lot of people are saying this kid's a star in the making, but if you're 2-4 and have looked as bad as the hawks, cant you just roll the dice and let the kid gain experience with on-court time?
Do you have any idea if crews is buying into the system? Lets be honest, is he actually going to leave in your opinion?
In all honesty, I am not a big fan of calloway. BUT, one thing i do like is his discipline. The kids must behave and go to class, I'll at least applaud that.
thanks for the time
Your question: Has a freshman ever been given 30+ minutes a game by dave calloway? R. Johnson maybe?
My answer: If you remember back in the record losing streak in the late 90's, Dave started five freshman for a while ..since then..
Rahsaan ..who came to MU as a sophomore.. started almost every game (barring disciplinary issues!)...
I remember MU started Cameron
Milton in that season opener at Princeton..then Rahsaan came in and nearly won the game..and started almost every game there after...
After that there have been only three..Kevin Owens and Tyler Azzerlli started much of their freshman years and you may add Whitney Coleman who started 17 games last year due to injuries (Azzarelli) and those suspensions..players like Chris Kenny and Marques Alston.. they played in almost every game as freshmen but were not starters...
Your question: If not, do you think that would be a bad idea with youngblood if this team doesn't turn things around after the next game?
A lot of people are saying this kid's a star in the making, but if you're 2-4 and have looked as bad as the hawks, cant you just roll the dice and let the kid gain experience with on-court time?
My answer: The next game (Penn) may be too short a time table.
But the main question is? Do you start Jahmar over Whitney or Shipman?
No you do not.
They are the "experienced" guys in the back court and future leaders of the team along with Jhamar climbing the "leadership" ladder next season.
Jhamar, thru yesterday, was tied with John Bunch for fifth most minutes on the team. He is the first guard off the bench and, I beleive, will continue to see increased playing time as the season progresses especially as MU may, in my opinion, go to more three guard looks, especially against smaller teams.
Don't worry. He's going to play..a lot.
Your question: Do you have any idea if crews is buying into the system? Lets be honest, is he actually going to leave in your opinion?
My answer: I'd say, and this is my opinion only, not based on any "inside" information, that's it's about 50-50, really dependingto a large degree on how he fares in class.
Dave's plan is to have Rickie with the team, practicing, dressing for home games, and for road games that do not interfere with class at least through the first semester.
After these three road games up coming, MU is home until the next semester starts.
I know Dave is doing everything he can to keep him eligible.
It's really up to Rickie at this point. Does he want to put in the time and effort? Hoepfully, for MU fans and himself, he does.
I often think about Alpha Bangura and Andre Williams..those two prize freshmen who left MU.
Bangura went to St. John's, left there, and floated around, don't know where he is now.
Williams transferred to mighty Cleveland State, played, I guess had an OK career, and the team went nowhere.
The facts are..in what would have been their junior years at MU ..Monmouth won the NEC behind Rahsaan.
Now..if Rickie can see the future as it could develop:
It would be that next year he starts with three very good guards in the rotation, and the red shirt big men rotating in.
Rickie has a chance to be a household name at MU as is Blake Hamilton (yes, he could be that good), or leave and who knows what happens?
The fact he was on the bench yesterday I guess is a good sign.
There is no practice Sunday. I will be at practice Monday for a while and see what's happening.
I beleive Rickie is friends with Jhamar who, I feel, would be a good influence on anyone.
Jhamar is a very nice player, but why the love affair by the Asbury Park Press staff? He did a nice job last night is goign to be a fine player, but his statistics right now are no better than the #'s players like Kevin Owens, Jason Krayl, and Chris Kenney were putting up as freshman. With that said, those three were good players, but because this kid is flashy, people are dubbing him the next Rahsaan JOhnson. Simply put, Youngblood has flaws. Number one, he cant shoot a lick. Is this a knock on him? NO. He is a very talented young man, but I am trying to understand the love affair with him? Please help me here Tony.
People please stop all this crazy panicking. MU has characteristically gotten off to poor starts, only to peak at the right time. Relax. As for next year, thats so far in the distance who knows what can happen. The Hawks will have the NEC's best backcourt without a doubt coming abck with the big 3, and the frontcourt will work itself out. If not, the HAWKS WILL HAVE A LOOOOSING SEASON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS! Oh no! People we are so greedy around here. You cant be number one every year, especially at this level, its very hard.
What is Penn like Duke Tony? MU has a certifiable chance against Penn! Now, go eat your Quaker OATS!
Does this bother anyone else? John Bunch (and for the record I cheer for the kid and get excited when he swats the ball and jams on people) never ever ever practices. Okay lets hear all those saying he's injured, hes injured. I am not blaming the kid either. Dave Calloway is so inconsistent with things like that. Some kids come and bust their butts every single day, and a kid like that sits his butt on the floor and doesnt practice, yet the game comes and he plays 25 minutes. Tony, the Dave apologist and protector that you are, you can make excuses, but this is very true. Dave has no guts to sit a kid and demand more from them than the minimal effort that some kids have given over the years, while others sweat and bleed and hustle every single day. This is a major major issue I have, and I hope you have the respect to post this, and allow others to comment. Is he just scared of certain kids or is there blatent favoritism. I mean its so obvious, very frustrating and puzzling as a fan. This guy has no consistency with anything he does.
Penn is not Duke. I guess you should be thankful for that! I just don't think MU can beat Penn, at least right now. Penn has an experienced championship - caliber team, and the reigning Ivy league Player of the year.
I'm not saying it can't happen but to me it's a long shot.
I will say this..if MU is going to win 5-6 non-conference games this year it would behoove it to win at least one of these next three road games...Penn, Rider, or S Hall.
I don't recall myself or Steve Edleson anointing Jhamar as the next Rahsaan Johnson.
But Jhamar seems to be a responsible young man, a pleasant individual, and has the potential to be an above average talent. I guess we shouldn't be pointing these thing out.
On Bunch. Come to practice some day, they are open you know.
Bunch is doing all he can to play and contribute on bad knees. To be critical of how he is being handled is, in my opinion, not accurate.
And please point out where and with who Dave is inconsistent.
And for those who want to be demeaning or get personal about a player, whether he's on MU or the opposition, it's not running here.
Tony you have watched MU for years, and have seen nearly every game and many practices with Dave Calloway as coach. You dont see favoritism at all the way he treats certain kids? Honestly. I am asking a simple question, why? Is he scared of some kids? I heard Rashaan Johnson got away with murder (not literal) when playing,stuff some kids would be criticized and punished for. You dont think other kids on the team are banged up and hurting every day. I have been to practice before and watched periodically and Ive seen Bunch do nothing but sit there and usually not pay attention. Cmon why does everything have to be so positive? Cant we be critical if its factual?
For the record I apologize if I seem harsh Mr. Graham. My frustration is not singled out at you, you seem like a very nice guy, and this blog is great. I just see some definite inconsistencies with how Dave Calloway handles players.
You "heard" Rashaan got away with murder (whew, not really, I was worried there for a minute) and this is supposed to be factual? Seems to me Rahsaan got suspended a few times.
And you know for a "fact" Bunch isn't paying attention? I guess he told you?
At the practices I attend it seems the players are paying attention, even Bunch.
Also, Dave doesn't make kids practice if they're hurt.
But if you and anyone have critical opinions, and keep it on a reasonable plain of conversation as you have done, it will be published here.
By the way, I do have this question.
When the coaches are going over the scouting reports on the other teams I have often wondered and been curious as to what players are indeed absorbing it all, or just look like they are.
I guess there's no way of knowing except, to some degree, by the ensuing performance.
Again, no problem.
Well judging by the fact that Ive seen him talking while the coaches are running through the other teams offensive sets, and then last night he failed to get out on his cover in the matchup three times, I would say that is factual evidence no? Am I an expert, no, I try to see a practice every week or two. Also, Bunch is not the only one who doesnt pay attention, but the fact that he doesnt go and work on his free throws or STAND UP and pay attention or even sit there and listen bothers me. I just would like to see every kid treated the same way, period. That is all I am saying.
Well..for what it's worth..when I am at practice I will try and pay more attention to who is paying attention.
I think we know Big John doesn't move very fast.
I have also been at practices when Dave has snapped at players who - he beleives - are not paying attention.
To suggest Dave is "scared" of some players is just silly in my opinion.
Bunch does shoot foul shots with every one else and does shoot sometimes while others are practicing.
And I think we have paid enough attention to this matter.
Alright fellas, this kid Youngblood is what 6 games out of high school? And we've come too how much press this kid is getting. I don't see a love affair, what i see is a heads up to MU fans on an up and coming talent. I see new exicitement and change, something to look forward too other than 2 halfs and the end score. If the kids gonna help get us to the dance who cares how much APP talks about him, as long as we get there.
Is anyone else a little worried though about the style of play? He admitted, as quoted in today's editorial, that this style is not what he is used to, and seemingly not 100% to his liking. The kid is tremendously talented and very fun to watch, but does anyone see a possible problem somewhere down the road?
Mike Shipman and Whitney Coleman were not only capable the other night, they carried the Hawks. Mike, after all those criticizing him after a few rough games, has been very good the past two games. Last night he had 11 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals with just 2 turnovers. To me, that is a very nice stat line for your PG. Whitney, on the other hand had 17 points, and really hit some clutch jumpers when the Hawks needed it most. Delic and Whit are the only two shooters on the court with regularity, so its nice he can compliment Deki when he is not at his best. And yes Jhamar added a nice spark off the bench as well with some highlight film plays. What I liked best was his composure down the stretch though pulling the ball out a few times when he recognized the numbers were not in his favor. Well done for the backcourt. The frontcourt wow thats another story.
I don't see this as a problem. He's playing a lot and should be seeing himself as a big part of the present and future.
Kids tend more to get upset when they don't play. And while MU is not run and gun, they do play some uptempo. Sometimes, I think, too much.
Good post about the back court.
In the last four games Ship has 25 assists and 13 TOs and that includes his eight TO game vs. Houston.
When Deki and or Marques get in foul trouble that's when they need some post scoring, which has not been forth coming.
For the person who just commented..which will not be published..you obviously did not read my earlier comment on this page..which said,
""And for those who want to be demeaning or get personal about a player, whether he's on MU or the opposition, it's not running here."
Tony any chance of Tim Spitler of SPC transferring to MU? He was our best player on the court last night.
What was demeaning? Was it my post about Spitler?
No..not that one. I thought it was sort of funny.
This from an e-mail after the SPC game. Had to wait to run it until I received permission:
Tony,
I was a fan at the game yesterday afternoon.
I'm little suprised you did not get into the very
odd ending of regulation. Besides the fact that Monmouth had
two fouls to give with 3.8 secs. and they (monmouth)
were in the bonus with 9.30 left in the game. Those are a
couple of big factors left out your story. I'm not a fan of refs
being involved with the outcome of a game, in this case the damage
was done at the 9.30 mark. I like both teams who participated yesterday
but the refs wrecked a hard fought game.
Good Luck,
Jamie
My comment:
I rarely mention officiating unless it is a last second call that has a
>direct outcome on the game. That has always been my policy.
>
>Both teams had ample opportunities to take command in the final three
>minutes. I was surprised SPC couldn't get a shot off in the last 30
>seconds or so
>before calling the last time out.
>
>
> As for the ending..MU gave those two fouls in the last 3.8 seconds
>...but
>only one ran the clock down a smidgen. On the second, which occurred
>before the ball was inbounded, the clock obviously did not move. I think
>MU was
>hoping to click another second or so off the time there.
>
>
>
>The last play I didn't see very well at all. Could only go with what
>the
>players and coaches were saying. If you had a real clear view please let
>me
>know!!! As I said on the blog, I thought Spitler had a good look at the
>last shot.
>
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