Is the run over?
This has been the question/statement offered by some in the wake of the recent defeats though, naturally, critics have retreated the last few days.
The following is the bulk of a blog from from "good guy from wlb" after the news of Rickie's suspension (he's due back Tuesday) and Shipman's ineligibility.
It was obviously well thought out from a knowledgeable person. Here is it is:
"There is always a calm before the storm, and MU may be able to somehow manufacture a half-way decent season and put up a smoke screen that this program will continue with its great success of late, but alas this is all smoke and mirrors. The beginning of the end is here for Calloway and MU's great run, and this season could even turn out to be a disaster. Look at some of the personnel returning next year, and how about the recruiting the past three seasons. MU has alot to worry about, and I feel saddened to say all of this, but will the dye is cast of the Hawks run. I predict we may see three or four straight sub 15 win seasons, and probably losing seasons, and I dont see any light at the end of the tunnel right now."
From me: MU has certainly been impressive the last few games. It it for real? Was it a mirage based on wounded teams?
Do you feel now
1. MU will have a winning season ? It needs to go 11-6 to take a winning record into the NECs
2. MU will finish first in the NEC regular season?
3. MU will win the NEC Tournament?
Rickie Crews (due back Tuesday) is certainly a wild card in this and I really don't know how much we can expect from Simpson though he is making some progress.
e-mail tonygsports@aol.com
The following is the bulk of a blog from from "good guy from wlb" after the news of Rickie's suspension (he's due back Tuesday) and Shipman's ineligibility.
It was obviously well thought out from a knowledgeable person. Here is it is:
"There is always a calm before the storm, and MU may be able to somehow manufacture a half-way decent season and put up a smoke screen that this program will continue with its great success of late, but alas this is all smoke and mirrors. The beginning of the end is here for Calloway and MU's great run, and this season could even turn out to be a disaster. Look at some of the personnel returning next year, and how about the recruiting the past three seasons. MU has alot to worry about, and I feel saddened to say all of this, but will the dye is cast of the Hawks run. I predict we may see three or four straight sub 15 win seasons, and probably losing seasons, and I dont see any light at the end of the tunnel right now."
From me: MU has certainly been impressive the last few games. It it for real? Was it a mirage based on wounded teams?
Do you feel now
1. MU will have a winning season ? It needs to go 11-6 to take a winning record into the NECs
2. MU will finish first in the NEC regular season?
3. MU will win the NEC Tournament?
Rickie Crews (due back Tuesday) is certainly a wild card in this and I really don't know how much we can expect from Simpson though he is making some progress.
e-mail tonygsports@aol.com
posted by Tony Graham at 11:24 AM
23 Comments:
To last poster - Sorry..had to reject your last comment which, I felt, was too harsh.
Please feel to try again more diplomatically.
NO the MU run continues...Winning season # 7 in a row...Tied for # 1 co champs with FDU and all the way to the dance.Go Hawks
This from Anonymous - I edited it slightly.
Tony,
Since you've nicknamed Youngblood the 'jet' how about we now call Crews the 'phantom' -- since he's never seen!
Tony, when a guy's suspended does that restrict him from showing up at games and supporting his teammates? I ask that sincerely, since I don't know.
I do know that the redshirts have been there all year, Tibbs has been there all year, and now Shipman has been there even though he's ineligible. But no Ricky -- if the suspensions haven't forced him away -- that says something to me!
I like the nick name "The Phantom," it's imaginative and clever in my opinion.
Suspensions range from school suspensions (see Wagner story) to team suspensions handed down by the coach.
Rickie's suspensions have been handed down by Dave.
They range this season from suspended from traveling with the team but allowed to practice, and sit on the bench at games, to current suspension from all basketball related activity (not allowed to practice, play, sit on the bench at games).
I really don't know what's going to happen with Rickie.
Since academics were an issue and he made it though the first semester I think we have to give him credit for a positive response in this area.
He may see the team now has a chance to win (the NEC) and it may spur him to attempt to be a part of that - which he could be - though it now appears as if MU could have a good NEC showing without him, too.
As I've said, I really don't know Rickie but am impressed with his talent.
Watching him run the floor in the gym in Sept-Oct and taking transition passes from Youngblood and stuffing them all the way to China would lift the roof off Boylan Gym (if it doesn't fall in one day on its own).
I have spoken with people who have spoken with Rickie and who know him who say he's really an OK kid. And a few don't like him either. I guess it's what you would expect to hear in this situation.
With Shipman...this is up to Dave and even though Ship is academically ineligible he is allowed by the school (as far as I know) to travel, practice, sit on the bench, etc. with Dave's blessing if Dave selects to go this route.
I don't know if Ship will travel to away games, however.
I always have felt Dave has compassion in handing out punishment (I'm sure some feel he is too hard, or too easy, etc.) But....for instance.. even though Tyson Johnson was suspended before the end of last season Dave allowed him to suit up and play in the NCAA play-in game and Tyson was on the bench for the Villanova with Dave telling me "it could (NCAAs) be a once in a lifetime experience" and didn't want him to miss that.
Tibbs is a walk-on but is not suiting up for games. Is being "red-shirted" so he has four more years of eligibility. I have spoken with him and he loves his role and is looking forward to next year even if he remains a walk-on.
Hey, he has a tough act (Steve Bazaz) to follow.
By the way..Steve is Ok with the "Boylan Bazarstards" nick name. So I guess I'll let it ride here (pending review from the boss) but it'll never make the paper.
Bunch does not like "Big County" nick name (not sure about Big Country, gotta check again..this is all soooo important!)
I will adhere to his wishes so I, personally, will use that here.. though I will not stop any blog references to it .
His nick name is "Big John." Not real original but it works. Maybe you folks can come up with another nick name he will like.
I like "Big John Stud", yes it's a 1980's WWF Reference; but I think it fits his smooth personality.
Tony i am glad that T.J. has come up because i have been meaning to ask a couple of questions about him. He is an extremely nice kid and alothough obviously undersized, i have been told by insiders that he is very skilled and the hardest worker on the team. It is very rare for a walk on to redshirt unless the coaches think he may have an oppourtunity to contribute. I have also spoken to a couple people from staten island and they strongly believe that T.J. is the much better player when comparing to James Hett who is coming next year. What do you think of his situation in the future since he did have other division one looks but chose to attend Monmouth without any money.
I was talking with T.J. informally the other day ( he seems to be a pleasure to chat with). I don't think (not totally sure) he is planning on getting a scholarship but, as I said, really enjoys being a walk on.
I've watched him in practice and while he doesn't jump out at me, he's Ok. If he got into a game (which won't happen until next year) I don't think he'd embarrass himself, that's for sure.
I'll try to scout him a little closer next practice.
As for saying he's better than Hett? All I know is, Dave is very high on Hett as is coach Krayl who also saw Hett play this season.
To these people asking about Tibbs...He is a walk-on like Bazzaz..HE will play in like 3 games a year and npthing more. His family and friends obviously keep posting about him here...Why are we even talking about him, and why is he redshirting, I hope it has nothing to do with basetball.
This blog has become a joke...Instead of good hoops discussion, its become a place for people to type things about TJ Tibbs, who is irrelevant to MU basketball discussions. Can we have some serious well thought out discussions? This was supposed to be a thread about MU and its run, not a kid who has never stepped on the court, and who knows if he ever will. Unreal.
I am an area hoops fan, and I have been to MU practices, Tibbs is barely any better than Bazzaz, a local product/Walk-on. Talking to the coaches and some around the program, they seem high on Hett. Whoever is writing that Tibbs is a better player is commenting with much partiality. Cmon folks. By the way, the Hawks looked great, the last two games. BEat Wagener and Mount and they are back rolling.
Not quite sure what you meant...but we are talking about this because it was brought up. That's why the blog is here. As I said, seems like a real, good kid and if he wants to red-shirt which is obviously fine with the coaches - why not?
To the person who is seeking "good hoops discussion" - Ok, then stop complaining and add something please.
T.J. is getting more blog time than Bazaz!!!
On the subject of Hett...I've been following his (as well as our other commit, Del Tufo's - Mendham) progress via the internet.
Hett has done extremely well so far in leading his team -- they're 10-2 (just won a tourney in Florida). He constantly gets rave reviews from his local paper. He scores well and appears to be a very good ball handler.
Could be a log jam at guard next year -- do I smell a redshirt?
Might as well mention Del Tufo a bit too. His team is something like 5-1 & he was just named MVP in a tourney he just played in. He's hit double figures in every game I've checked him.
I know we can follow Hett via links to Staten Island Advance Where are you getting your reports on Del Tufo?.
Thanks.
Happy New Year's, Tony:
Here are some of my reflections on the Hawks latest two games and progress thus far in the season:
*Defensively, the team appears to have some added fire in their bellies that didnt appear to be there in some of the previous games. They have been very aggressive on that end of the court, and appear to have the Matchup back to where it needs to be to be successful at this level. I think Whitney and Jhamar have been great the past two games at the top of the D, with active hands and really closing out nicely on shooters. Also, Bunch has been better on that end the past two games, blocking and altering some shots. If MU can hold teams under 60-65 ppg in conference play, I think it is realistic to see them go 13-5 or 14-4.
*On Youngblood: He appears to be a great talent, and I must admit very funny to watch. He reminds me alot of Rahsaan, who I played with for two years, as he shares similar attributes to RJ, as far as being an up-tempo guy, a game changer, and really electrifying in transition. I have to say what has impressed me most is his ability to run the team and maintain impressive composure in tough spots, and really pick his spots well. While it is a bold statement, I think he has a chance to be on the level of Rah and Giraldo if he continues to work hard at it and improve his game. Overall, the kid is very impressive.
*On Marques Alston: Marques appears to be back to his self the past few games, and is asserting himself more on the blocks. I thought he was settling for too many jumpshots earlier in the season, but his play has been tenacious and really important for MU of late. He needs to continue to be the steady rock he is for the team should they make a late season run.
*Deki has impressed me most especially with his all-around play the past two games. What most dont realize about Deki, is what a great passer he is and how much he understands the games.
*Alex Nunner has been a spark for the Hawks, and if he continues to stretch the D by hitting perimeter shots like Deki and Whit, the interior will continue to open up for Bunch downlow.
*Bunch: Although his numbers may not show it, I think the last two games he has played quite well. He really seemed to be hustling last game, and I thought has made a big difference as far as controlling the paint. My prediction is that if he continues to stay healthy and play at this level, we will see his numbers balloon to about 9pts and 8 rebs and obviously a good number of blocks in NEC play.
*Overall- At 5-8, the HAwks are actually around expectation. I think we will continue to see the run of winning seasons, and more importantly I think this team has both the talent and the character to make a run for the NEC title and the NCAA tourney. Youngblood has been a real shot in the arm for the team, and if they can rally around his excitement I think the team will continue to win. I think it is def. legitimate to expect MU to compete for the regular season title with Robert Morris and Sacred Heart, and probably throw in FDU. The defense has looked really active, and the offense very crisp, with good movement and a smattering of back-door layups. I have been faulted at times for my optomism, but I really like what I have seen the past few games, and hopefully this will be another exciting year for Monmouth basketball.
Great post by Jason! As always, thanks for your insight.
I like Big County for JB...What was his gripe with it?
Tony,
How do the MU coaches rate in your opinion, indvidually, and as a staff as a whole. I happen to have a favorable view, as most impartial observors would, but I hear also alot of criticism of the coaches too, Calloway often. How do all the coaches rate; Calloway, Krayl, Kenny, and Calzonetti? You could open this up to to others too. It would be great to get feedback from former players too if they come around here. Thanks.
I liked it, too. He didn't.
Dave - I think is a good game tactition. I usually like his timing on time outs, etc., and his substitution patterns.
I felt for a while this year he was allowing too much "up tempo" offense but team has seemed much more disciplined last two games.
Krayl - Still "the man behind the matchup." From what I see in practice this team is always well prepared for the upcoming opponent, especially when they have a few days between games.
Calz - quiet guy, coaches the big men. Recruits along with Dave.
Chris - too early to judge but his background, knowledge, and love of the game should transpose into an becoming an excellent coach. This year he has been working a lot with the guards, as one would figure, and especially on defense.
This season sort of has to be a tough spot for him, coaching basically his teamates for the last
3-4 years. That will change next year when the current seniors are gone.
Staff overall - You have to rate it tops in the NEC, certainly based on recent results. Including and since 2000-2001 you had to feel MU had a realistic shot to win the NC Tournament every year, and it has won three.
People go after Dave (on here anyway) when they lose and yes, not every recruit works out, but I guess a few have.
This off season will be important for Dave and MU as it attempts to further rebuild the front line after the departure of the senior forwards/centers.
After all, winning and losing is what it's all about.
Anf if they lose to Wagner Thursday, the wolves will be at the door again.
I do understand some folks angst over Rickie Crews, but before we run any more comments on him, I want to see tomorrow's (Tuesday's) practice.
Tony,
Sorry -- been off this thread for a few days and didn't see your question about where I was getting info on Del Tufo.
I get it from NJ.COM --
go there and click 'sports'
then 'hs boys hoops'
then 'latest scores' -- gives statewide scores from previous night with a sentence or two recap of each.
I know ahead of time when Mendham is playing by Googling the high school website & checking their schedule.
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