My Fear For The Upcoming Season

[UNT90]

This is looking like one of the most talented Bball teams that JJ has ever had here. I just wish that there was a true point to run the show, as I feel this really hurt us at times last year. The only guards recruited were either 2s or combos (translation: a 2 who can play the 1 adaquately if pressed into it). This may come back to haunt the team this year.

Better hope we win the tourney or beat OSU on the road. If not, there will be no at large birth for us do to the pathetic OCC schedule this team plays. We could be 24-8, losing in the conference finals, and not make the NCAAs thanks to the OCC schedule.

Don't get me wrong, I love every position on this team besides the PG. Unfortunately, that's one pretty important position.

Edited October 15, 2009 by UNT90

[Censored by Laurie]

OOC? A&M and Boise would be quality wins as well...but I hear ya. I've really gotta think the lack of any meaningful home games is a reflection of the poor financial state of our AD.

As for the point...I was quite vocal last season during recruiting season that I thought the signing of a bigger, true point guard would go a long way towards pushing this team over the top...start a Ben Bell-esque guard next to Josh and bring Dom off the bench at either spot for instant offense...I still believe this.

That said, I was really impressed with Dom's play down the stretch last season...couple that with a fully healthy Josh and I am more than content with our PG situation.

[UNT90]

Uh...I meant OOC.

Don't report me for acronym abuse.

[Guest GrayEagleOne]

I don't share your concern at the point guard but the weak OOC schedule could be a killer for getting a NIT bid should we not win the tournament.

Dom Johnson had 120 assists last year, the most of any UNT point guard in the last ten years. Josh White chipped in with another 82. This is far and away the best tandem in my memory. And remember, Josh's injury limited his mobility; especially going to his left. Both are hybrids. I don't think of either as a true shooting guard because of their height limitations. But I also think that they are not shoot first points. They look for the open man or run the plays but neither will hesitate to take a shot if the need arises. Seems like the perfect combination.

The only Top 50 teams on the schedule are Okie State and A&M. WKU could easily be there by the time that we play them. I believe that we must beat one of them to make the NIT and all three to receive an at-large bid to the Dance. Troy will likely be a Top 100 team and beating them would help our RPI. We have enough opportunities for major wins to make a post-season bid but little or no margin for error.

[CMJ]

Remember everyone, if we win the Belt regular season but lose in the tournament we do get an auto into the NIT. WKU would be the favorite to do that, but East is stronger, so in theory we might be able to not just win the West -- but have the best overall record. That would mean we'd get into the NIT even if we lost to WKU or someone else in the SBC tourney.

Edited October 16, 2009 by CMJ

[greenminer]

Remember everyone, if we win the Belt regular season but lose in the tournament we do get an auto into the NIT. WKU would be the favorite to do that, but East is stronger, so in theory we might be able to not just win the West -- but have the best overall record. That would mean we'd get into the NIT even if we lost to WKU or someone else in the SBC tourney.

Bonus points for settling for moral victories in advance?

[CMJ]

Bonus points for settling for moral victories in advance?

GrayEagle mentioned the NIT first. However, for a school with a grand total of two postseason bids in its history, I am not anti-NIT by any stretch.

Edited October 16, 2009 by CMJ

[untwillrise]

I don't know why people compain about our gaurds. Like seven footers it is hard to find a good point gaurd with size. And if there is a guy 6'1" and above who is a true point and can handle the rock im pretty sure every major school would be after him.

[UNT90]

I don't know why people compain about our gaurds. Like seven footers it is hard to find a good point gaurd with size. And if there is a guy 6'1" and above who is a true point and can handle the rock im pretty sure every major school would be after him.

I'd settle for a 5"9" guy who could handle the rock, break the press, and had a huge plus in assist to turnover ratio. We don't have that on this team. Josh is a 5'10" shooting guard, Dom is the same. I went to several home games last year and point guard play was the glaring weakness every single game.

I love Josh and Dom, but they are playing out of position at the 1. Each should only be playing there for 10-12 minutes a game, max.

[drex]

As you fret over possible bad things that could happen to this year's team, don't forget that there is always a 3 percent chance of final judgement. That, of course, could really ruin the season.

[GrandGreen]

Back to the point guard debate. No matter that Johnson had a very good year and White apparently played most of the year with one hand. NT point guard play will be fine barring injuries.

[UNT90]

As you fret over possible bad things that could happen to this year's team, don't forget that there is always a 3 percent chance of final judgement. That, of course, could really ruin the season.

Can I get the under on this for, oh, everything that I own, please?

I think we will be really good, but I also think we will regret not having a true point at times during the season. Let's re-visit this half way through conference play and see where we stand.

Edited October 17, 2009 by UNT90

[UNT90]

Can I get the under on this for, oh, everything that I own, please?

I think we will be really good, but I also think we will regret not having a true point at times during the season. Let's re-visit this half way through conference play and see where we stand.

Since we are just about at the halfway point, I thought it a good time to re-visit.

The injury to Dom (and other injuries) do make it hard to evaluate, but let's remember that Arkansas St. has had similiar injury problems and is running away with the west. Let's also consider that if the point guard situation had been able to be addressed in recruiting last year, our depth would obviously be much better. For the record, I consider Alzee Williams a 2, not a 1. Love the kid's game, but he is much more a slasher than an assist guy.

[BleedGreen]

Since we are just about at the halfway point, I thought it a good time to re-visit.

The injury to Dom (and other injuries) do make it hard to evaluate, but let's remember that Arkansas St. has had similiar injury problems and is running away with the west. Let's also consider that if the point guard situation had been able to be addressed in recruiting last year, our depth would obviously be much better. For the record, I consider Alzee Williams a 2, not a 1. Love the kid's game, but he is much more a slasher than an assist guy.

Alzee must be a point guard to be a Division I player He can not shoot worth a lick. Josh must be a 1 to be a Division I player as well. No way he can shoot over 6-3 or 6'4 two guards. He plays well against the 6'2 and under point guards He is a 1 no doubt. We do miss Dom though. I agree. That's going to be a great combo next year.

[KRAM1]

Alzee must be a point guard to be a Division I player He can not shoot worth a lick. Josh must be a 1 to be a Division I player as well. No way he can shoot over 6-3 or 6'4 two guards. He plays well against the 6'2 and under point guards He is a 1 no doubt. We do miss Dom though. I agree. That's going to be a great combo next year.

Sorry, BleedGreen, but IMO Josh is not a #1 and that is one of the reasons the Mean Green struggles to get anything consistent going. Great kid, excellent player, but he seems "lost" to me as a #1. While short...even for a #1...I do think he is much better suited to be a #2. Seems to have the mentality as a player of a #2. Anyway, I take nothing away from his abilities as a BB player and I am really glad he plays for the Mean Green, but I just think he is playing out of position at the D1 level as a #1.

[Censored by Laurie]

Alzee must be a point guard to be a Division I player He can not shoot worth a lick. Josh must be a 1 to be a Division I player as well. No way he can shoot over 6-3 or 6'4 two guards. He plays well against the 6'2 and under point guards He is a 1 no doubt. We do miss Dom though. I agree. That's going to be a great combo next year.

You're saying he is a point guard b/c of his height? I guess Barkley was 2 guard and Magic was a power forward?

Let me put it simply...Josh is our Jet Terry...servicable at the 1, but out of position and better utilized at the 2.

[BleedGreen]

"Alright"

P. McCartney

[BleedGreen]

You're saying he is a point guard b/c of his height? I guess Barkley was 2 guard and Magic was a power forward?

Let me put it simply...Josh is our Jet Terry...servicable at the 1, but out of position and better utilized at the 2.

Okay, I just can't let it rest.

1.) Alzee has way too much improvement to make as a shooter to be an effective 2. He may be able to be a decent 2 by the time he is a junior. He has way too much work to do as a shooter. He has to stay at the 1 for now.

2.) Regarding heights making a person their position in speaking of Josh. Is Earl Boykins a 2? Was Mugsy Bogues a 2? Was Spud Webb a 2? Josh is 5'8 at best. He is also our floor general. He is and will always be our starting PG.

3.) Magic Johnson.and Oscar Robertson were rare so don't go there.

[Quoner]

To me, Tramiel has always been a Christmas Tree playing the front court. Just my perception.

[Censored by Laurie]

To me, Tramiel has always been a Christmas Tree playing the front court. Just my perception.

I needed this...I thought of typing up a reply and then just said f it...deaf ears.

Thank you for being you.

[Quoner]

I needed this...I thought of typing up a reply and then just said f it...deaf ears.

Thank you for being you.

It's a tougher crowd in the b-ball board. The fights are not at the usual base level of meangreenbob rants we enjoy during football season, so arguing takes a little bit of thought and effort rather than a casual hand wave. It's dangerous.