Season Predictions

[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=296151]Keita has obviously gotten into solid shape during his time off. I wouldn't say he is a huge body, hes actually a bit lean, but hes a body we havnt had in a while. There's been a few references now to his speed and agility which isn't something I necessarily thought we were getting. I am sure Mullin's plan will be to switch close to everything on defense which can be great but also demands a lot. Give us 25 minutes a game at the 5 and that should be enough.[/quote]

In conversations with staff, Keita was described as "a beast" (great description), who they expect will be a great force on the boards. On that alone, will be a big improvement over Tariq, who played on offense like a wingman, completely negating his size value to the team. Owens had ZERO, really ZERO-ZERO value as a post player. IF Owens played one on one with Obekpa down low, the final score might be 0-0. On that note, I wish Renard would STFU about our program and just become Texas Tech's nightmare.

Obviously still in a grouchy mood.

Now pre-season ranking may be the fault of our staff, along with a skimpy meal plan, not, not showing up at Modell's, students not showing up, being arrogant, lazy, and stupid. I agree with all of that, but this is really worthy of execution, not firing.
 
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Like others have mentioned. Owens probably thought he would take a back seat to Keita and his minutes would diminish if he stayed. I agree w Beast ,Keita should be an upgrade over Owens, stronger w better inside game.
 
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[quote="Beast of the East" post=296343][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=296151]Keita has obviously gotten into solid shape during his time off. I wouldn't say he is a huge body, hes actually a bit lean, but hes a body we havnt had in a while. There's been a few references now to his speed and agility which isn't something I necessarily thought we were getting. I am sure Mullin's plan will be to switch close to everything on defense which can be great but also demands a lot. Give us 25 minutes a game at the 5 and that should be enough.[/quote]

In conversations with staff, Keita was described as "a beast" (great description), who they expect will be a great force on the boards. On that alone, will be a big improvement over Tariq, who played on offense like a wingman, completely negating his size value to the team. Owens had ZERO, really ZERO-ZERO value as a post player. IF Owens played one on one with Obekpa down low, the final score might be 0-0. On that note, I wish Renard would STFU about our program and just become Texas Tech's nightmare.

Obviously still in a grouchy mood.

Now pre-season ranking may be the fault of our staff, along with a skimpy meal plan, not, not showing up at Modell's, students not showing up, being arrogant, lazy, and stupid. I agree with all of that, but this is really worthy of execution, not firing.[/quote]

The thing I never understood about the Owens situation is that any bad mouthing of St John's was totally unwarranted. The kid came to St John's having played very little at Tennessee and averaged about 1 point per game. His "game" improved markedly during his stay at St John's and he became a legitimate Big East player. The Owens family should be grateful to St John's for the experience instead of bashing the program.
 
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[quote="SJUNC" post=296235]You can't tell he is actually sitting on a table in the picture.[/quote] even if he is then he improved his posture which gives the appearance of coaching :)
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=296351][quote="SJUNC" post=296235]You can't tell he is actually sitting on a table in the picture.[/quote] even if he is then he improved his posture which gives the appearance of coaching :)[/quote]

Beat writers complained of the tables smelling like ass.
 
[quote="alexander salem" post=296173][quote="Paultzman" post=296168][quote="IDRAFT" post=296164][quote="Mike Zaun" post=296146]Keita does not have to be anything special, he really just needs to use his big body to stay planted in the paint so he can't be moved around easily like Owens was on a regular basis. I'd rather have an anchor than a shot blocker. This way we can maintain defensive positioning and avoid fouls/goaltending. If he can just rebound and get easy baskets consistently it will be huge.[/quote]

Couldn't agree more and my only add to this is stay out of foul trouble.[/quote]
And not get perimeter happy, hoisting from deep.[/quote]

Keita does have a smooth looking jumper for someone his size. His three point shooting this season will surprise people. Hopefully he spend most of his time on the court rebounding and providing solid interior defense.[/quote]

Mullin spoke of something interesting last week. He said he asks newer players to just focus on doing 2 or 3 things to help the team. For Keita it will likely be rebounding, interior defense, and boxing out - or something like that.

The other interesting thing Mullin spoke about was keeping expanded stats, the things that don't show up in stat sheets.

For example, and not precisely

So if a guy makes a past leading to a pass that leads to a basket or wide open look, he gets a sort of an assist.
If the guy makes a great cut, they record that.
If a guy helps out on defense, they record that.

In other words, Mullin and staff are quantifying the little things it takes to win, and I find that sort of thing in a college program way advanced. Maybe everyone does it, and maybe it's only done in the NBA, but I've never heard a college coach speak about that and find it all very impressive.
 
Beast, totally agree with how Owens played. He really did not use his size at all except for blocking shots. If he blocked the shot, chances are they fell into the opponent's hands for another opportunity, and if he didn't block the shot, he was instantly out of position allowing an easy bucket or he would panic and foul. He was not a real post guy.

Renard is a nice guy I have met on several occasions. I think he means well and he's only looking out for his son. Yes he wanted more shots for his son which I didn't want to allow, so him transferring is fine, but I think the W/L records also scared him off. Not sure if he transfers if we went to tourney last year. I will miss his hunger and effort, but I won't miss Tariq being thrown around like a rag doll by mid major big men.
 
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=296362]Beast, totally agree with how Owens played. He really did not use his size at all except for blocking shots. If he blocked the shot, chances are they fell into the opponent's hands for another opportunity, and if he didn't block the shot, he was instantly out of position allowing an easy bucket or he would panic and foul. He was not a real post guy.

Renard is a nice guy I have met on several occasions. I think he means well and he's only looking out for his son. Yes he wanted more shots for his son which I didn't want to allow, so him transferring is fine, but I think the W/L records also scared him off. Not sure if he transfers if we went to tourney last year. I will miss his hunger and effort, but I won't miss Tariq being thrown around like a rag doll by mid major big men.[/quote]

Thanks for your reply. In spite of all of my harsh responses to your posts, you are definitely on my grab a beer with you and MjMaher at some game(s) this season. I will buy, but I'm also afraid that Maher can outpace both of us put together.
 
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=296362]Beast, totally agree with how Owens played. He really did not use his size at all except for blocking shots. If he blocked the shot, chances are they fell into the opponent's hands for another opportunity, and if he didn't block the shot, he was instantly out of position allowing an easy bucket or he would panic and foul. He was not a real post guy.

Renard is a nice guy I have met on several occasions. I think he means well and he's only looking out for his son. Yes he wanted more shots for his son which I didn't want to allow, so him transferring is fine, but I think the W/L records also scared him off. Not sure if he transfers if we went to tourney last year. I will miss his hunger and effort, but I won't miss Tariq being thrown around like a rag doll by mid major big men.[/quote]

I used to cringe whenever Owens hoisted up a shot from the outside
For every shot he made, two or three were not even in the ballpark
I am looking forward to see how much tolerance the Texas Tech coach has for his "game"
 
Great comments, Beast. Seems like a wise move to get the guys ‘in on’ what goes into winning games other than scoring scoring scoring.
And since NBA teams have th sane mantra—it might resonate with the team.
And this is the first year, we have the players and the depth to execute.
Smart.
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=296365][quote="Mike Zaun" post=296362]Beast, totally agree with how Owens played. He really did not use his size at all except for blocking shots. If he blocked the shot, chances are they fell into the opponent's hands for another opportunity, and if he didn't block the shot, he was instantly out of position allowing an easy bucket or he would panic and foul. He was not a real post guy.

Renard is a nice guy I have met on several occasions. I think he means well and he's only looking out for his son. Yes he wanted more shots for his son which I didn't want to allow, so him transferring is fine, but I think the W/L records also scared him off. Not sure if he transfers if we went to tourney last year. I will miss his hunger and effort, but I won't miss Tariq being thrown around like a rag doll by mid major big men.[/quote]

Thanks for your reply. In spite of all of my harsh responses to your posts, you are definitely on my grab a beer with you and MjMaher at some game(s) this season. I will buy, but I'm also afraid that Maher can outpace both of us put together.[/quote] 530 this morning the airport bar was open in Dublin so we had a Guinness. Tonight in Munich after buying our Octobetfest clothes for tomorrow had a non alcoholic beer.

Funny story. We are outside at a table eating dinner and a couple next to us from Germany ate talking. I’m just wearing shorts and St. John’s sweatshirt and hat. Nathalie asks them how to pronounce a word in German and we start talking. He asks me if I work in finance . I’m stunned. Literally didn’t mention one financial term at all with Nathalie. Ironically he is goxed income trader for a German bank. What are the odds. Out for 3 hours and 2 new super nice Bavarian Friends . Too keep this on topic my prediction is I’m not sure if I’ll be drinking too many Bronx pale ales of the beer at Oktoberfest is as strong as our Bavarian friends just told us [attachment=411]13A6CFF0-0041-40EE-9073-7C94DA91B678.jpeg[/attachment] [attachment=412]884FBBDA-53A4-4D21-AC46-1D0B2CB26C06.jpeg[/attachment]
 
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[quote="MarkRedman" post=296385][quote="Mike Zaun" post=296362]Beast, totally agree with how Owens played. He really did not use his size at all except for blocking shots. If he blocked the shot, chances are they fell into the opponent's hands for another opportunity, and if he didn't block the shot, he was instantly out of position allowing an easy bucket or he would panic and foul. He was not a real post guy.

Renard is a nice guy I have met on several occasions. I think he means well and he's only looking out for his son. Yes he wanted more shots for his son which I didn't want to allow, so him transferring is fine, but I think the W/L records also scared him off. Not sure if he transfers if we went to tourney last year. I will miss his hunger and effort, but I won't miss Tariq being thrown around like a rag doll by mid major big men.[/quote]

I used to cringe whenever Owens hoisted up a shot from the outside
For every shot he made, two or three were not even in the ballpark
I am looking forward to see how much tolerance the Texas Tech coach has for his "game"[/quote]

Tariq and his dad want to be placed strictly in a forward position. Thus his penchant for outside shots. Unfortunately his outside shooting isn't going to get hi into the NBA.
 
Mjmaherjr wrote: 30 this morning the airport bar was open in Dublin so we had a Guinness. Tonight in Munich after buying our Octobetfest clothes for tomorrow had a non alcoholic beer.

That bar you were at in the Dublin airport looks very familiar! Enjoy Octoberfest. By the time you get home, MH will be cleared to play.
 
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=296416]Mjmaherjr wrote: 30 this morning the airport bar was open in Dublin so we had a Guinness. Tonight in Munich after buying our Octobetfest clothes for tomorrow had a non alcoholic beer.

That bar you were at in the Dublin airport looks very familiar! Enjoy Octoberfest. By the time you get home, MH will be cleared to play.[/quote] that’s the type of news I want to have on MH soon !
 
Once hopefully MH is cleared, do you guys think we make any preseason top 25 polls? I think we miss out because of the recent results the past few years, but we receive a few votes. Would be awesome to begin the year in both polls at #23-25 or so.
 
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