Dick Vitale Rankings
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JohnnyFever
Active member
I'd expect us to get a few votes for the top 25 but be somewhere in that 30-35 range in most polls to start the season. The questionmark that is preventing experts from having us comfortably in the top 25 to start the season is our coaching. If we made the tournament last year I think we would be in it. Lots of people want to see us succeed and want to buy into the hype, just waiting for it to show on the court. Hopefully unlike Lavin, Mullin can find good chemistry and know how to get the most out of our guys.
JohnnyFever
Active member
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=298066]Nova #10, Marquette #22 and SJU third BE team at #35. Nothing too surprising given our recent struggles, but I believe we ought to be able to run Marquette out of the gym - we'll see.[/quote]
Marquette will edge us offensively on hot shooting nights but when they are off, we get to the rim better. I think we are more balanced within our offense and our defense is definitely better.
Marquette will edge us offensively on hot shooting nights but when they are off, we get to the rim better. I think we are more balanced within our offense and our defense is definitely better.
Dan V
Well-known member
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=298066]Nova #10, Marquette #22 and SJU third BE team at #35. Nothing too surprising given our recent struggles, but I believe we ought to be able to run Marquette out of the gym - we'll see.[/quote]
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
Dan V wrote : NCJohnnie wrote: Nova #10, Marquette #22 and SJU third BE team at #35. Nothing too surprising given our recent struggles, but I believe we ought to be able to run Marquette out of the gym - we'll see.
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
You could be right Dan, I may be getting a little carried away with my excitement for this year's team. Must say that I don't think Howard is quite as good as Shamorie and while Marquette is much bigger than us (especially with the two Hausers and Morrow the transfer from Nebraska) their team speed is questionable and we should be able to exploit that. But that could go the other way if they dominate us on the boards and get us in foul trouble as you point out. Time will tell. In any event, will be a fun year to watch.
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
You could be right Dan, I may be getting a little carried away with my excitement for this year's team. Must say that I don't think Howard is quite as good as Shamorie and while Marquette is much bigger than us (especially with the two Hausers and Morrow the transfer from Nebraska) their team speed is questionable and we should be able to exploit that. But that could go the other way if they dominate us on the boards and get us in foul trouble as you point out. Time will tell. In any event, will be a fun year to watch.
JohnnyFever
Active member
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=298070]Dan V wrote : NCJohnnie wrote: Nova #10, Marquette #22 and SJU third BE team at #35. Nothing too surprising given our recent struggles, but I believe we ought to be able to run Marquette out of the gym - we'll see.
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
You could be right Dan, I may be getting a little carried away with my excitement for this year's team. Must say that I don't think Howard is quite as good as Shamorie and while Marquette is much bigger than us (especially with the two Hausers and Morrow the transfer from Nebraska) their team speed is questionable and we should be able to exploit that. But that could go the other way if they dominate us on the boards and get us in foul trouble as you point out. Time will tell. In any event, will be a fun year to watch.[/quote]
While Marquette will be a very difficult test, I think Ponds is better than Howard. He can knock down 3's (hopefully worst case he finds his freshman stroke) but he is also extremely crafty getting to the rim and finishing. Go back and look at the Duke game with some of his plays. Howard is not nearly as crafty IMO and doesn't really go to the rim as much. He's a shooter through and through. At least with Ponds if his 3's aren't falling like last year he has much more to his game than that. He has floaters and regularly finishes in traffic at the rim. Haven't seen that in Howard's arsenal but admittedly I haven't watched Marquette very closely.
We will see, but your selling them a little short. Markus Howard is just as good as Shamorie. They are deep in the frontcourt and can get Keita out of the game with foul trouble if he's not careful. I'd say it's more likely we split with them, each winning at home like last year.
You could be right Dan, I may be getting a little carried away with my excitement for this year's team. Must say that I don't think Howard is quite as good as Shamorie and while Marquette is much bigger than us (especially with the two Hausers and Morrow the transfer from Nebraska) their team speed is questionable and we should be able to exploit that. But that could go the other way if they dominate us on the boards and get us in foul trouble as you point out. Time will tell. In any event, will be a fun year to watch.[/quote]
While Marquette will be a very difficult test, I think Ponds is better than Howard. He can knock down 3's (hopefully worst case he finds his freshman stroke) but he is also extremely crafty getting to the rim and finishing. Go back and look at the Duke game with some of his plays. Howard is not nearly as crafty IMO and doesn't really go to the rim as much. He's a shooter through and through. At least with Ponds if his 3's aren't falling like last year he has much more to his game than that. He has floaters and regularly finishes in traffic at the rim. Haven't seen that in Howard's arsenal but admittedly I haven't watched Marquette very closely.
Marquette is a solid team with a lot of offensive pieces. Getting Heron cleared and adding Figgy has made us giddy, but we really have to take M’Q & all the other BE teams seriously. Regarding Marquette, I think being physical with them can play to our advantage. That said, it is doubtful we run them out of any gym. To have a really successful, eye catching year it would be great to see this team become BE “road warriors”, not an easy task, but one that could really help with NCAA seeding & public perception.
Paultzman wrote: Marquette is a solid team with a lot of offensive pieces. Getting Heron cleared and adding Figgy has made us giddy, but we really have to take M’Q & all the other BE teams seriously. Regarding Marquette, I think being physical with them can play to our advantage. That said, it is doubtful we run them out of any gym. To have a really successful, eye catching year it would be great to see this team become BE “road warriors”, not an easy task, but one that could really help with NCAA seeding & public perception.
Admittedly a poor choice of words on my part. I meant to convey that we could beat them by wearing them down with our team speed both offensively and defensively, but did not mean to imply the games wouldn't be close. I see now that "running them out of the gym" does indeed give that implication. My bad.
Admittedly a poor choice of words on my part. I meant to convey that we could beat them by wearing them down with our team speed both offensively and defensively, but did not mean to imply the games wouldn't be close. I see now that "running them out of the gym" does indeed give that implication. My bad.
Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=298068][quote="NCJohnnie" post=298066]Nova #10, Marquette #22 and SJU third BE team at #35. Nothing too surprising given our recent struggles, but I believe we ought to be able to run Marquette out of the gym - we'll see.[/quote]
Marquette will edge us offensively on hot shooting nights but when they are off, we get to the rim better. I think we are more balanced within our offense and our defense is definitely better.[/quote]
That is exactly what happened last year. Ponds set a new CA scoring record, they bombed u out in Milwaukee.
Marquette will edge us offensively on hot shooting nights but when they are off, we get to the rim better. I think we are more balanced within our offense and our defense is definitely better.[/quote]
That is exactly what happened last year. Ponds set a new CA scoring record, they bombed u out in Milwaukee.
Class of 72
Active member
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298074]Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.[/quote]
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.
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[quote="Class of 72" post=298085][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298074]Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.[/quote]
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.
JohnnyFever
Active member
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298088][quote="Class of 72" post=298085][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298074]Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.[/quote]
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.
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[quote="Mike Zaun" post=298089][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298088][quote="Class of 72" post=298085][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298074]Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.[/quote]
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.[/quote]
I agree that LJ can pass and his juco numbers show that. But I think you may be mixing him with Simon during he scrimmage. I remember one long bounce pass by LJ that was impressive but I think that was it.
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.[/quote]
I agree that LJ can pass and his juco numbers show that. But I think you may be mixing him with Simon during he scrimmage. I remember one long bounce pass by LJ that was impressive but I think that was it.
Class of 72
Active member
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298090][quote="Mike Zaun" post=298089][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298088][quote="Class of 72" post=298085][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=298074]Marcus Howard is awesome. With that said he does one thing better than Ponds and that’s shoot. In no world am I taking him over Ponds.[/quote]
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.[/quote]
I agree that LJ can pass and his juco numbers show that. But I think you may be mixing him with Simon during he scrimmage. I remember one long bounce pass by LJ that was impressive but I think that was it.[/quote]
I wouldn't draw any conclusions from a scrimmage. Everyone looks good when they are not being defended. Heck, even Panther looked good in the Alum game!
Ponds now has 3 other teammates that can shoot so he better work on his defense and passing or his first round dreams become second round regrets. If I were Mullin, Ponds first 25 foot 3 point heave will be his last.[/quote]
Ponds passing skills are elite. On defense his hands and Rebounding are beyond elite. His focus and consistency absolutely need work.[/quote]
Figgy's passing will surprise people. Threaded the needle a few times in the scrimmage when I didn't even think it was possible to complete a pass. Good vision and timing.[/quote]
I agree that LJ can pass and his juco numbers show that. But I think you may be mixing him with Simon during he scrimmage. I remember one long bounce pass by LJ that was impressive but I think that was it.[/quote]
I wouldn't draw any conclusions from a scrimmage. Everyone looks good when they are not being defended. Heck, even Panther looked good in the Alum game!
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=298064]I'd expect us to get a few votes for the top 25 but be somewhere in that 30-35 range in most polls to start the season. The questionmark that is preventing experts from having us comfortably in the top 25 to start the season is our coaching. If we made the tournament last year I think we would be in it. Lots of people want to see us succeed and want to buy into the hype, just waiting for it to show on the court. Hopefully unlike Lavin, Mullin can find good chemistry and know how to get the most out of our guys.[/quote]
That's not true, Mike.
Or at least, I disagree.
We haven't 'won', Mike.
So, we've sucked.
But it's been the 'players'--not the coaches that 'achieved' that failure.
Cut to the chase: the guys we have now, can compete--I claim--with the best out there.
A Big 'shy'--here or there--to damn.
We shall see.
And yes, IF we do not win this year, yeah, blame Chris.
But, I think, it'll be magical.
That's not true, Mike.
Or at least, I disagree.
We haven't 'won', Mike.
So, we've sucked.
But it's been the 'players'--not the coaches that 'achieved' that failure.
Cut to the chase: the guys we have now, can compete--I claim--with the best out there.
A Big 'shy'--here or there--to damn.
We shall see.
And yes, IF we do not win this year, yeah, blame Chris.
But, I think, it'll be magical.