Western Kentucky

[CMJ]

This is a big one. I hope we play well....

[CMJ]

WKU came to play....this is gonna be bad.

At halftime it's 43-30. I have no idea how we're so close, they dominated.

[CMJ]

It was an 85-70 final...

[Zeke]

CD with 30 if there is a silver lining

[IronMan4]

Davis was the best player on the court tonight.

Unfortunately, WKU had the 10 next best players.

[CMJ]

Davis was the best player on the court tonight.

Unfortunately, WKU had the 10 next best players.

[Brent]

What did JJ do to get a Tech? Anyone see it? What did Jub Jub say?

[IronMan4]

He got the tech when they called the foul on Barnett under the basket. It was a bad call, but nothing we aren't used to from these refs. But for whatever reason, JJ was pissed off, he was livid. I think he was trying to get a technical.

[Zeke]

JJ said on the post game show that the ref told him it was because he was out at half-court. JJ responded that he was right in front of the players bench.

[Brent]

He was at the stripe on the sideline. Very far from mid court. The ref blew the call and called the "T" before JJ had a chance to deserve it.

[UNTLifer]

We play undisciplined ball. I saw way too many bad passes, forced shots, leaving you feet on ball fakes, etc... to last a lifetime. I hope JJ is the man to turn this program around. We have too nice of basketball facilities, better than SMUt and TCU, to not recruit better. He better whip some arse over this one. WKU was the better team, but we just make too many stupid mistakes.

[IronMan4]

We play undisciplined ball. I saw way too many bad passes, forced shots, leaving you feet on ball fakes, etc... to last a lifetime.

Tonight was nothing compared to ULL, SMU, and Denver games.

[GMoney]

I talked with JJ after the game and thanked him for getting a tech. He replied, "yeah, but I didn't even get to say anything". I've been to 6 or 7 home games this year and three times I've walked out of there saying it was the worse officiate game I've ever seen. Sun Belt official SUCK! I don't know if they're this bad at all the Sun Belt games, or if it's North Texas, but this really needs to be looked into.

With that being said, the officials did not cost us the game or even make it a blowout. 10 three pointers made to our 2 (24 pt difference) was the deciding factor.

A couple of additional thoughts about our team. First, too many of the same type of player. We have a bunch 6'4" to 6'6" slashers. Second, there are no, and I repeat, no outside shooters on this team. Even if Hopkins and Ronniger were healthy, nobody could stick a three with any consistency. Third, the defense on this team is horrible. It's not coaching, it's athletic ability. I get frustrated watching open three's taken by a three point team. Guys not fighting over screens, lazy chasing of cutters, and token hands being thrown up on jump shots. There is no sense of urgency on defense.

Final point - We've all got to remember that JJ has had only one recruiting class. I think he has now gotten a good look at what this team has, needs, and what it will take to win in a conference that is much better than most people realize. Also, with the exception of Chris Davis, there is a young neucleus to build on. With the addition of a shooter, a defensive specialist, and the return of Hopkins next year, they may be able to make some decent strides.

[IronMan4]

I disagree, Rogers and Davis can shoot the three well, but Davis needs screens to get open because he can't create on his own, and Jerome is very streaky.

Your other points are right on the money.

[GMoney]

Ironman, if Rogers is streaky then he doesn't shoot the three well. You cannot rely on a streak shooter. As for Davis, his jump shot is questionable beyond 18 to 19 feet. This is evident by where he does most of his scoring..slashing to paint and pulling up around free throw line extended. Davis does not hit more than 2 to 3 three's a game even when he's hot. I think anyone watching this team would say we have a great outside shooter. Heck Western Kentucky had four guys on their team who if they played for us, would be our best outside shooter. I'm not saying our best player, Chris was the best player on the court tonight, but would be our best shooter. We need someone to kick the ball to when driving or playing a two man inside/out game who can consistently hit open shots.

[NT80]

All good points GM. All we need is a good 3-point shooter, a solid point guard, a true power forward, a post up forward, and a reliable center. Just five new guys and we'll be fine!

[CMJ]

GMoney, I think you'll find alot of the great shooters are streaky. I remember Donald Williams at North Carolina in the early to mid 90's for example. That kid could light it up and hit 20 in a row. Then he might miss his next ten.

Nonetheless he was the best player on the court in '93 when the Heels won it all. I can even remember as a kid watching Bird go through slumps. Most great shooters are streaky to a degree.

As far as your defense comment saying that it's not coaching it's athletic ability. Well, I haven't seen them play(only heard), but most coaches tell you defense is more about determination than being an athlete. I've seen some "average" athletes play great 'D' and some guys that can jump out of the gym not be able to guard a sock.

[GMoney]

CMJ, I agree with you about defense. Defense is will power, but you still must have some athletic ability to shut down other good athletes. You can be a great athlete and play horrible defense if there is no want to. But you can't be a horrible athlete and play good defense just because you have determination. It take both will and ability.

As for being streaky and being a good shooter. I'll come back again and say you cannot rely on a streak shooter. Example: John Starks was a streak shooter who lost more games for his team than he won because you could not include him in your game plan. He later was forced to be a sixth man because they could not rely on him hitting shots with consistency. Was he a good shooter? I guess, but could you rely on him being a major part of your offense? No.

This would be a good stat to know...what the highest three point percentage on the team...and compare that to a league or national average for three point shooting.

[fan1974]

I've only been to 3 games all season, but it doesn't take much observing to realize this team lacks intensity and focus. I'm not much for criticizing any player for lack of talent. If a player is slow defensively, slow off their feet for a rebound, or simply cannot hit the open J, then you can argue that player lacks talent. I can live with that. What I cannot stand is players not having their heads in the game. To run off the court with 3 seconds remaining in the first half is inexcusable. Players need to know exactly what is going on at all times. Not rocket science, just fundamentals. The point made earlier about players leaving their feet defensively on pump fakes is embarrassing. The oldest trick in BB worked wonders for WK last night. Again, fundamentals.

Also, where is the emotion from this team? When we cut the lead to single digits, not once was there any excitement from the players. Someone needs to show leadership on the court. Get the guys together after a whistle and talk about what needs to happen once the whistle blows again. Huddle up and bring the team together for the defensive stop. Anything, but someone, please take charge.

Last point. Is anyone else tired of seeing Chris Davis handle the ball while everyone else stops and stares? Moving without the ball, isn't that fundamental BB as well? Having said all this, kudos to C. Davis and J. Rogers for good individual performances.