BleedGreen

Bill taught me so much. I snuck in his class as a freshman at UNT when I wasn't supposed to be in the class. He let me on the radio with him as a freshman to do a Denton Bronco - Grapevine Mustang game. He never hesitated to put me in the line of fire early. While I am not in a career in sports broadcasting, I use Bill's teaching today in my role as Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center. He taught me preparation, confidence in speaking, hard work, and the right people skills that now help me speak on behalf of abused children. Thank you Bill. ....Dan Leal Class of 95,

I completely whole heartedly agree that if everyone comes back, this will be the most talented team in UNT history. As far as the best "team", we'll see as unselfishness will tell that story. I disagree on the starting 5 in that Roger should start with Tony in front court rather than Odah. He will come off the bench to spell Tony.

From looking at the game notes, it looked like Clarke showed a lot of leadership, hustle, etc. in clutch time for the Eagles.

Clarke comes from an outstanding family. I rmember 6 or 7 years ago when the entire Overlander family volunteered their time at the Children's Advocacy Center. Despite being a young teen and pre teen respectively, Clarke and his brother worked their tails off, never complained, and were eager to help. Rod and his wife remodeled our bathroom, if I remember correctly. I am so excited and honored to have them as part of the Mean Green family.

Alzee can't do this again next year and be as effective. He's been terrific this year. I just think about what happened to Josh White . I truly believe he wore down later in his career and that was because of way too many minutes. Let's not let that happen to Alzee. If Chris can't come back, we need a juco point guard. But I am couting on Chris coming back.

I agree. I truly believe that Chris and Jordan are going to be better players next season even though they did not play a full season this year. I see these two being far more disciplined on the court and off the court. Tony is coming back. No worries. Unless he lifts us to the sweet 16, he is coming back.

Like all of you, I too was upset both about Chris and Jordan failing and also angry at first at them. But, today we should all be able to look at this in the the positive. Here are some different angles on that. 1.) Positive for Chris and Jordan - they will learn from this and be better for it. They can learn from their mistake, just like many of us did, and make sure it doesn't happen again. They will not take things for granted and hopefully this will light a fire under them to get their degree. We should care not just about what these guys do on the court but for them as people. 2.) Positive for the team - Players like Brandon Walton, Trey Norris, and Forrest Robinson are having to step up. Actually, everyone is having to step up. For these players, they will all get better. When and if Jordan and Chris come back, our team will be that much stronger in 2012-13 season. WE'd have to be considered the preseason favorites to win the conference if both come back and even without Tony. With Tony, I think we have top 25 potential next year. 3.) For us as fans - Good opportunity to cheer on these kids a little harder both on and off the court. Puts things in a different perspective. This is all beyond our control. For Chris and Jordan, their lives are just beginning . THey will learn and God has a beautiful plan for them. Thank you.

I am glad somebody remembers the nickname I coined for George King in my nttv kntu days. Remember Tom the waiter Echison? Let me try for the new mean green ballets nicknames. chris jones Kris kross Tony Mitchell the monster Jordan Williams. J dub Brandan Walton the sniper

I agree with your assessments 100%. I am particularly excited about Chris Jones. He has Jason Kidd type instincts but plays like Kidd did as a freshman in college. I think Jones' outside shot is a lot better than Kidd's though. (I know that's high praise but just saying). I am also real excited about the progress of Alonzo Edwards. He's got his hops back and should help a ton on the boards. Yes, Forrest looked uncomfortable and out of sorts a bit. I agree. This is a great, great recruiting class even without Tony Mitchell. I am super excited and I think the Metroplex will catch on to what we have going on here, although it may take until the end of the year.

Very well said and a very good post. THere's one aspect missing from this well deserved praise. That's the way these guys represented the university off the court as well. All of the seniors have been so gracious and kind to fans, both young and old. None have done anything to show up in the newspapers that would embarrass their university or coach. All have performed community service including giving free basketball clinics. THey came out after every game and signed autographs for the kids. These are great people. Our recruits have a high standard to try to achieve not just on the court but more importantly off the court as well. Thank you Seniors for giving me much Mean Green pride.

Y'all, a major problem is lack of depth and fatigue taking away from defense. We need minutes out of pretty much everyone on scholarship who's currently on the bench and all trusted with minutes. We don't have that right now and it's hurting us. It's a depth issue. We can't expect Josh, Tristan, and George to play 35 minutes a game with balls out defense and be able to hit shots too. It ain't gonna work, folks!

Everyone encourage him to hit the books and use his resources to help with his studies. It is awesome that he is going to be a basketball asset. I'd also like to see 100% of our basketball players get their degrees. One thing that sets us apart as a university and fans is that we care about the players and not just what they do for our enjoyment on the court. I think this also sets Coach Jones apart. Coach Jones cares about the kids and so do / should we. GMG!

Hats off to Johnny Jones, Shawn Forrest and everyone involved in the recruting process. I believe that Henry will committ to UNT. I hope Tony Mitchell sticks with his studies and gets all the necessary credits. I expect that one of the two of them will be in uniform next December. Starting line up at season's beginning in 2011 should be: Alzee Williams PG Walton SG J. Williams SF K. Hogans PF B. Knox C Off the bench - T. Norris, C. Jones, J. Holmen, J. Henry, and/or T. Mitchell, C. Spencer (maybe) and returning PF whose name is not hitting me right now and too lazy too look

I was one of the folks who was knocking Knox. He is playing better. His aggressivness must pick up. Against an aggressive type inside guy he will have problem. Confidence is key for him and he must remember his height on the offensive side. He turns away from the basket more then in. THat has to change. Still, his improvement has been wonderful to see. With two more years for him, there is actually hope. PLus, he is contributing now some, which is good.

The color yellow makes me sad. This is a team in the true sense. Another backcourt injury would kill us big time. Let's hope for the health of everyone fron here on out.