Exhibition Game versus Findlay

[Buckleyma]

As exhibition games go, this was expected.

Items:
A) clearly the team is not ready for prime time, yet. (Expected)
B) very sloppy play (Expected)
C) got out-rebounded (Expected) I think this team will get out-rebounded a lot, this year.
D) down by as much as 16 points (Expected) Archie specifically chose one of the better Division 2 teams to challenge this team. A lot of nerves and tightness on the team.
E) not good outside shooting (oops)
F) not good free throw shooting (oops)
G) Charles Cooke showed leadership by driving the lane for baskets and hitting key outside shot (whew, glad to see)
H) Dayton won the game (whew)
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[Buckleyma]

Sorry, I misspelled Findlay. No disrespect intended. Typo. Can someone fix my typo?
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[Fudd]

We are a bad rebounding team. Shooting looks suspect at this point. We lack a lot of physicality inside, which leads to the rebounding woes. I think our upside is limited this year.

[TerryK_67]

Archie said it best in the post game radiio comments ... We go a LOOONNNNGGGG way to go in a short period of time......

[TommyGola]

We better cover up the 3-ball much better than we did last night. My excitement for our prospects this year got punched in the gut last night. I thought it was an exceedingly poor performance. Our inside play was particularly disconcerting on both ends. We had a hard time finishing anything against a front line whose tallest player was 6'7". The Flyers looked like they were rushing through their free throws with a nonchalant attitude. The Oilers' guard play was better than ours on both ends. The only thing that saved the Flyers was Cooke's athleticism in the full-court game. Otherwise, we would have been soundly beaten on our home court.

[m21eagle45]

Could have been worse...VCU did lose on their home court last night to a DII school in Queens University from North Carolina.

[TommyGola]

Originally Posted by m21eagle45 Could have been worse...VCU did lose on their home court last night to a DII school in Queens University from North Carolina.

I cannot tell you how impressed I am by some of these D-II players. That Terrence Sullivan last night was a complete player. He ran the baseline off the screens and popped from 15-17 feet. I think there is obviously more athleticism in D-I, but the skill level is at least the same, if not better, in D-II.

[UD62]

Not having KP hurt, sadly that could be the case alot this year. Sam is Sam, probably won't help much this year. Funny how some expect to play poorly because it's our first game, yet Findley was playing their first game and didn't seem to have that problem. We have been slow starters for a lot of years and this game was a continuation of that trend. The performance was not a confidence builder. On the plus side one could say that we were simply ten or twelve minutes late to the game and after that we outscored them by 22, and the fans got their moneys worth.

[Alberto Strasse]

The UD Arena was extremely hot. Make a note to open the doors earlier. This is not you normal Flyer team. Their defense and rebounding is inferior and unless corrected will produce many more losses than Archie is accustomed to. Josh Cunningham is a major contributor and Sam Miller loves to shoot treys and abandon his box out and rebound duties on the interior. This contributes greatly to the Flyers being a poor rebounding team. Cooke, both of the Davis's; Crosby, Mikesell and Scoochie applied enough ball pressure in the second half to get the win. Leaving the Arena from "C" lot was a nightmare as the contracted traffic crew created a motionless parking lot. In the past there were two turn lanes permitted north and for some reason last night they were clogged. The mysterious ticket takers were there to retard entrance to the parking in the arena and insure many Flyer Fanatics would miss the tip.
Here's hoping someone at UD is rethinking the traffic mess before the real games begin.

	Flyer Faithful FLYER FAITHFUL Best college basketball fans in the country. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and loyal. Help to create one of the toughest home courts in the nation at UD Arena. Over 12,000 fans a game put the Flyers in the Top-30 nationally in attendance. Fan spirit and support growing to other UD sports and athletic programs as well.

[UDBrian]

Based on his box score I am surprised that nobody has positive comments about cunningham.

I was in the process of typing this when the above post was submitted, have to consider that a positive comment about cunningham lol

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Alberto Strasse Leaving the Arena from "C" lot was a nightmare as the contracted traffic crew created a motionless parking lot. In the past there were two turn lanes permitted north and for some reason last night they were clogged. The mysterious ticket takers were there to retard entrance to the parking in the arena and insure many Flyer Fanatics would miss the tip. Here's hoping someone at UD is rethinking the traffic mess before the real games begin.

We arrived earlier than normal, then sat in the car in C lot for a few minutes making a couple phone calls. Watched C lot fill with people from D lot, as the parking crew forgot to put up the cables that separate C from D.

	Flyer Faithful FLYER FAITHFUL Best college basketball fans in the country. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and loyal. Help to create one of the toughest home courts in the nation at UD Arena. Over 12,000 fans a game put the Flyers in the Top-30 nationally in attendance. Fan spirit and support growing to other UD sports and athletic programs as well.

[Wallage]

Question: anyone know when the last practice was? Friday morning? In the first half every single Flyer looked gassed and 2 steps slow. Any chance Archie ran them hard in practice to force them into a situation where they have to play tired? Not an excuse, there was very little effort put in the first half and that's never acceptable. At least the guys fought through it and did better in the second half.

Cunningham looked good offensively in the post.

I thought Sam had an up and down night. Hit a 3. Was weak in the post.

Cooke took over late. He played terrible in the first half so it was nice to see.

I thought Crosby looked good. UD started to take over in the second half while he was running point. His spin move was ridiculous. He's so quick and athletic. If he can be consistent with decision making he could have a really nice season.

Defense in the first half was non-existent. Seemed like they were going through the motions and not thinking. They cranked it up in the second half.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Wallage Question: anyone know when the last practice was? Friday morning? In the first half every single Flyer looked gassed and 2 steps slow. Any chance Archie ran them hard in practice to force them into a situation where they have to play tired?

My hunch is your onto something. Watching them warm up pregame, nobody could hit a 3 point shot. Miss after miss, as they all looked exhausted already.

[CraSch]

Anyone know why Trey Landers didn't play?

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Bucky said he wasn't 100% because of a practice injury. I read that Archie said he didn't feel it would be fair (to Trey) to put him in last night's situation, when "we were up against it".

[Shawnee2]

Really not that great of a player borderline 3 star players are rarely able to contribute until there junior year!! Case in point Sam, X, and Crosby hopefully they will really be ready next year?? We simply do not get stud kids at UD and it breaks my heart but that is the truth!!

[SeasonTicketFan]

The team did not look ready to play last night. Bad defense and weak rebounding through the first half. They missed a lot of free throws, seemed a step slow and did not finish on a lot of easy open inside shots. Findlay rained a lot of open 3s. It appeared that their legs were tired and they were mentally not there. If that is true, that might explain the poor mental game. Just hard to understand tired legs at this date unless the previous practice was too BG like.


Offense, was very sluggish and Archie yelled a lot in the second half to move the ball faster and speed up the offense. Findlay plays excellent help defense to their credit. UD's physical strength wore them down in the second half.

Findlay is very good, but UD played way below their level until the stepped up in the second half.

I am very impressed with Josh Cunningham. He is very good. I've seen him several times and I like this sophomore. Great pickup. He has fantastic enthusiasm as well.

The team is not as physical without Pollard in the lineup. He needs to stay healthy.

Too bad such a big crowd, including the new UD President saw such a weak performance.

[flyerfan4life]

We better enjoy this year...the next couple are going to be mediocre.

[Sid Louick]

I don't recall Cunningham shooting anything but layups and dunks. If he can't shoot a 12' jumper (like so many Findlay players could) he will have trouble scoring against a bigger, more athletic inside defense.

This could turn out to be a long and frustrating year for the Flyers. We really don't have consistent shooters. Cooke often has games like last night where he is invisible for a half. Scooch really doesn't make his living shooting jumpers. KP has certainly demonstrated he is not a shooter. KD and DD (other than as a freshman) aren't contributors as shooters. If I were a coach of a team playing Dayton, I would open the game in a zone and stay with it until the Flyers prove they can score over it.

[Sea Bass]

cunningham made 15 3 pointers as a freshman. don't think he will take many with the flyers

[shocka43]

I agree with the statements that they have a way to go and not a long time to get there.

This team doesn't have certain qualities that others had...such as consistent perimeter game and dependable rebounding.

This team will have to play small and needs to take advantage of getting to the rim. In the second half, UD finally started attacking on D and on O. They have to play scrappy D and get out on the break. They also need to get things moving at the rim. Sam parked his ass on the perimeter, which kills the offense. If you are that size, you need to be effective in the paint. Guards also need to get the ball in the paint. This team's perimeter shots need to come off of inside out after penetration. They don't shoot well on reversals.

I think AM understands the weaknesses. There was a great out of bounds play under the basket that took advantage of UD's weaknesses. Instead of running a post to the bucket, both bigs pulled out to the perimeter and sucked the D out of the paint. It created an easy bucket for the guard. Findlay was asleep at the wheel with the help D, but the movement from the bigs opened up the lane.

I know we have stated it before, but defend and rebound has to be the mantra of this team. If Pollard's health is going to to be questionable, they they are going to be playing 3 forward sets. Sam doesn't play as a post. Cunningham will be fine, but also isn't a traditional post. Movement, effective screening and passing, will be keys to the offense.

The only difference between the lower divisions and DI is size and athletic ability. Basketball skills and knowledge are roughly the same. Findlay will be a solid team. UD will have to play smart. They can probably hang or beat just about anyone when they are playing well. The problem is that when they aren't playing well, they can get hammered by the worst of teams. When one cog in the wheel gets off with these guys, they can get in trouble in a hurry. If they are aggressive, set the tone, defend, and rebound...they are going to be hard to beat. Get away from what they do well....won't be pretty during those stretches.

[ruechalgrin]

This is the same team that had a great run non-con last year basically substituting Cunningham for Big Steve (RIP). All the players have one more year of experience. Although the Flyers could start out 1-2, they will be fine. Archie always finds a way ....

[John C.]

Good lord, you guys are acting like the world is coming to an end. It was one exhibition game that we actually won. We never play well in these things. All of a sudden this season is going to be disappointing and the next two will be worse. I am sorry, but this team will be just fine and we will be dancing in March and for years to come.

[UD62]

Originally Posted by John C. Good lord, you guys are acting like the world is coming to an end. It was one exhibition game that we actually won. We never play well in these things. All of a sudden this season is going to be disappointing and the next two will be worse. I am sorry, but this team will be just fine and we will be dancing in March and for years to come.

Angst and worry are a prerequisite for being a Flyer fan. Agree John, folks do seem to jump on the "oh woe is us" bandwagon in a heartbeat. Only thing I see on the horizion that could be a problem is the health of KP. Cooke, Cunningham, and Schoochie are fine and the supporting cast is either better or at least the same as last year.

[RamodWaleskowski]

Wow. Everyone needs to CALM down haha.

[SeasonTicketFan]

I am uncertain that making observations about a team's weaknesses is consider the sky is falling or angst.

Every team has strengths and weaknesses. Discussing weaknesses is not the same as angst. Often these analyses point out the teams strengths too. Pointing out areas of improvement is fan's discretion.

This team will look very different in February and March than it did Friday night. The team will look very different in December as well. It is not realistic to expect a team to be firing on all cylinders during preseason especially with one of its best players in street clothes.

[UD62]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan I am uncertain that making observations about a team's weaknesses is consider the sky is falling or angst. Every team has strengths and weaknesses. Discussing weaknesses is not the same as angst. Often these analyses point out the teams strengths too. Pointing out areas of improvement is fan's discretion. This team will look very different in February and March than it did Friday night. The team will look very different in December as well. It is not realistic to expect a team to be firing on all cylinders during preseason especially with one of its best players in street clothes.

Didn't read a whole lot about the strengths.

[frisco flyer]

Well, I haven't read the board for a couple of weeks, but the contrast between the perception about the prospects for the season before and after this exhibition game is striking.

One Exhibition Game.

WOW!

The perception of the board seems to be that the glass is half empty, and leaking....

I'm gonna withhold judgment until the games that count are played.

[SeasonTicketFan]

I think there more comments about weaknesses because they were down by 16 to a Division II team. Little hard to whoop it up about strengths when you are surprised by the deficit.

The team did wake up and made a hard fought comeback.

The team was flat in the first half and Kendall was missing. Not the end of the world. It was a preseason game, but they were nowhere close to midseason form. No one should ever panic over a preseason game, unless a major injury occurs.

[Flyer 86]

WE def need Kendall to look and act like we are playing Bigger. And with mojo!

If Sam is anything like he was last year, I'd drop him down the rotation. From what i'm hearing about him, I am still not digging his game.

Wonder if there is ANY hope for Darrell Davis. Last guy like him i remember struggling through multiple years shooting was Jimmy Binnie. Let's hope he gets some confident open looks.

wish i could see some stuff happening. I have hope with Cunningham, Scooch and Cooke. After that, they need to produce on offense from the outside.

Hope it gels.

[TheSixthMan]

Looks like a few of you are pushing the panic button way to early. Our guys made a lot of mistakes but also did some really nice things. This team is more talented than our Elite 8 team. It could be a long year if Kendall continues to battle injuries. I see alot of promise in the under classmen. Going to be another good year for the Flyers!
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[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by shocka43 Sam parked his ass on the perimeter, which kills the offense. If you are that size, you need to be effective in the paint. Guards also need to get the ball in the paint. This team's perimeter shots need to come off of inside out after penetration. They don't shoot well on reversals. I think AM understands the weaknesses. There was a great out of bounds play under the basket that took advantage of UD's weaknesses. Instead of running a post to the bucket, both bigs pulled out to the perimeter and sucked the D out of the paint. It created an easy bucket for the guard.

I have disagreed with this in the past and will continue to disagree with this. Having a traditional center sitting in the post with his back to the basket is certainly one way to run an offense. But it's not the only way. Just because Sam is almost 7' tall does not mean that he NEEDS to be effective in the paint for the team to win. (Naturally, every additional skill that AM can call on is a benefit, but it's not a requirement for him to be a skilled post player on offense.)

Before the first exhibition I said that Sam is a quirky asset. He's not Cooke who will be on the floor every single game. Sam will play less than 10 minutes against many teams -- such as teams without a guy over 6'7" -- but will be a great asset against others. I would wager that if this was a regular season game Sam would have barely left the bench.

You give the perfect example yourself with the out of bounds play. Sam creates a nightmare matchup on that play.

[Gazoo]

Nobody mentioned that, unlike the false / misleading statistic from the red-blue game, we only had 10 turnovers.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by Gazoo I have disagreed with this in the past and will continue to disagree with this. Having a traditional center sitting in the post with his back to the basket is certainly one way to run an offense. But it's not the only way. Just because Sam is almost 7' tall does not mean that he NEEDS to be effective in the paint for the team to win. He (Naturally, every additional skill that AM can call on is a benefit, but it's not a requirement for him to be a skilled post player on offense.) Before the first exhibition I said that Sam is a quirky asset. He's not Cooke who will be on the floor every single game. Sam will play less than 10 minutes against many teams -- such as teams without a guy over 6'7" -- but will be a great asset against others. I would wager that if this was a regular season game Sam would have barely left the bench. You give the perfect example yourself with the out of bounds play. Sam creates a nightmare matchup on that play.

I disagree that, until and/or unless KP returns, Sam does need to be effective in the paint for the team to succeed. JC can't carry the load and for some reason XW was ineffective for the most part vs Findlay.

[jack72]

When you recruit and sign a bunch of forwards, this is what you get. Steve and the big kid coming in next year, Jordan Pierce, are the only centers Archie has signed recently. Either Archie wants to play this way and/or he feels this is the best chance of winning given the quality of the big kids available to sign for UD. Sam is only a center by default, as is Cunningham.

[San Diego Flyer]

There are lots of good centers 6'8" and an inch or two above. Just have to deploy and develop the right one. Not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
Sam just has to bring it. The fact that he has yet to figure that out is just a speed bump at this stage of his development. It can still happen.

[moville]

Hey guys, in this case Fudd, whoever you are - it's a hoops board. Keep your political comments to yourself, and I'll do the same.

[Buckleyma]

[QUOTE=jack72;469758]When you recruit and sign a bunch of forwards, this is what you get. Steve and the big kid coming in next year, Jordan Pierce, are the only centers Archie has signed recently. Either Archie wants to play this way and/or he feels this is the best chance of winning given the quality of the big kids available to sign for UD. Sam is only a center by default, as is Cunningham.

Jack72: IMHO, I concur with you. All of these recruits are Archie's decisions. Do I recruit the best available player? Do i recruit by position? Do I recruit by class? Do i recruit for succession plan at each position?

Cunningham fouled out of the exhibition game, IMHO because he was playing out of position. Archie has him playing center/post which is not his natural talent position. Clearly, he needs some adjustment time to play post for Dayton this year. But, it does not appear that Archie has any other option, at this point. Neither Miller nor Williams are natural centers by natural talent. Oddly enough, Pollard by natural temperment is a center tough guy by nature. Here we go again with the argument of nature versus nurture. But at 6'5"" to 6'6", Pollard us drastically undersized to play center in division 1. IMHO, Pollard is not quite 6'6". When Pollard stood next to Pierre , last year, Pierre was taller.
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[bcross]

Originally Posted by jack72 When you recruit and sign a bunch of forwards, this is what you get. Steve and the big kid coming in next year, Jordan Pierce, are the only centers Archie has signed recently. Either Archie wants to play this way and/or he feels this is the best chance of winning given the quality of the big kids available to sign for UD. Sam is only a center by default, as is Cunningham.

Most kids playing "center" in college were "forwards" coming out of high school. It's just the way kids are listed. It's not unique to Dayton, or even Archie's recruiting. It was the same way under Gregory.

	Brian Gregory BRIAN GREGORY UD Men's Basketball Head Coach since 2004. Groomed by the likes of Judd Heathcoate and Tom Izzo at Michigan State, as well as Kevin O'Neill and others, Gregory's defensive-minded leadership has led Dayton to NCAA and multiple NIT appearances. A good recruiter, BG has elevated the athleticism of the squad in recent years and kept top area talent at home. Still looking for that breakthrough season with his own players that catapult him to the NCAA tourney. Graduated from Oakland University.

[shocka43]

Originally Posted by Gazoo I have disagreed with this in the past and will continue to disagree with this. Having a traditional center sitting in the post with his back to the basket is certainly one way to run an offense. But it's not the only way. Just because Sam is almost 7' tall does not mean that he NEEDS to be effective in the paint for the team to win. (Naturally, every additional skill that AM can call on is a benefit, but it's not a requirement for him to be a skilled post player on offense.) Before the first exhibition I said that Sam is a quirky asset. He's not Cooke who will be on the floor every single game. Sam will play less than 10 minutes against many teams -- such as teams without a guy over 6'7" -- but will be a great asset against others. I would wager that if this was a regular season game Sam would have barely left the bench. You give the perfect example yourself with the out of bounds play. Sam creates a nightmare matchup on that play.

I agree as well that there is a time and place...but that place hasn't been very consistent for Sam on the perimeter. Sam does need to be effective in the paint. When a team has room for improvement with rebounding, it doesn't help to have a big 20 plus feet from the rim. I agree with pulling the post to open up driving lanes. A perimeter threat big creates matchup problems when he is a big first that steps out on the wing to knock down a 3. A big that camps out on the perimeter first and then retreats to the paint, doesn't create matchup issues as the defender can focus on perimeter D versus interior D. Bigs that force a big to guard them in the paint is good...it is even better when that big pulls the D out of the paint to guard the 3.

If Sam plays 10 minutes a game, he needs to create matchp issues...paint first...perimeter second....from an offensive standpoint. Defensively is an entirely different discussion. 7 foot on the wing is just as effective as 6 foot 5 on the wing...it does nothing. Where it does do something, is if that 7 foot bangs in the paint and can known down the jumpers.

And I don't want to seem as though this is directed at Sam the player...it is directed at the way he is used on the floor. I have always been turned off by post players that don't get after it in the paint. I can't stand it when post players are parked on the perimeter.

[Alberto Strasse]

Villanova is the defending national champion and their model features 3 and 4 guards. Bigs take an enormous time to develop basketball skills and defensive acumen. Bigs sometimes impair transition play on a quick team. Referees in most sports including basketball tend to give the benefit of the doubt to the smaller player. Continuous foul trouble plagues many bigs. Denny Crum at Louisville was the master of recruiting the 6'4"-6'8" basketball player that could out-quick a bigger stronger opponent and beat them down court for a score.

[TommyGola]

Originally Posted by Alberto Strasse Villanova is the defending national champion and their model features 3 and 4 guards. Bigs take an enormous time to develop basketball skills and defensive acumen. Bigs sometimes impair transition play on a quick team. Referees in most sports including basketball tend to give the benefit of the doubt to the smaller player. Continuous foul trouble plagues many bigs. Denny Crum at Louisville was the master of recruiting the 6'4"-6'8" basketball player that could out-quick a bigger stronger opponent and beat them down court for a score.

Speed, quickness, and "hops" trump size every time...Archie knows this.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by TommyGola Speed, quickness, and "hops" trump size every time...Archie knows this.

Unfortunately... 6'9" Sam Miller does not have speed, quickness, or hops - but he appears to be able to shoot.

Starting to look like he may only be a Luke Fabrizius type player for us.

[MrFlyerFanatic]

Originally Posted by RamodWaleskowski Wow. Everyone needs to CALM down haha.

Are you kidding me?
These parking and traffic issues are serious and need to be corrected ASAP!
Year after year it's the same thing. Traffic management is not some great mystery. Assign it to some Civil Engineering Grad Students and get it fixed.

All that basketball talk is just "chicken little" stuff. Parking is serious.

[jack72]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel Unfortunately... 6'9" Sam Miller does not have speed, quickness, or hops - but he appears to be able to shoot. Starting to look like he may only be a Luke Fabrizius type player for us.

Amazing, we are ready to bury guys after one year. Some of these guys would have told Oliver to transfer after his freshman year, and demanded it after his soph year.

How many guys did Gregory bring in with speed, quickness and hops, who could not shoot? How did that work out? You get no points in a game for hopping high and fast.

	Brian Gregory BRIAN GREGORY UD Men's Basketball Head Coach since 2004. Groomed by the likes of Judd Heathcoate and Tom Izzo at Michigan State, as well as Kevin O'Neill and others, Gregory's defensive-minded leadership has led Dayton to NCAA and multiple NIT appearances. A good recruiter, BG has elevated the athleticism of the squad in recent years and kept top area talent at home. Still looking for that breakthrough season with his own players that catapult him to the NCAA tourney. Graduated from Oakland University.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by shocka43 I agree as well that there is a time and place...but that place hasn't been very consistent for Sam on the perimeter. Sam does need to be effective in the paint. When a team has room for improvement with rebounding, it doesn't help to have a big 20 plus feet from the rim. I agree with pulling the post to open up driving lanes. A perimeter threat big creates matchup problems when he is a big first that steps out on the wing to knock down a 3. A big that camps out on the perimeter first and then retreats to the paint, doesn't create matchup issues as the defender can focus on perimeter D versus interior D. Bigs that force a big to guard them in the paint is good...it is even better when that big pulls the D out of the paint to guard the 3. If Sam plays 10 minutes a game, he needs to create matchp issues...paint first...perimeter second....from an offensive standpoint. Defensively is an entirely different discussion. 7 foot on the wing is just as effective as 6 foot 5 on the wing...it does nothing. Where it does do something, is if that 7 foot bangs in the paint and can known down the jumpers. And I don't want to seem as though this is directed at Sam the player...it is directed at the way he is used on the floor. I have always been turned off by post players that don't get after it in the paint. I can't stand it when post players are parked on the perimeter.

I don't think we fully disagree, but, I would clarify this way: if we're bad at rebounding I don't necessarily think the answer is Sam spending more time camped in the post. The answer MAY be putting Sam on the bench and putting a good rebounder out there who is more inclined to attack the ball. Just because he's tall doesn't necessarily mean he will improve our rebounding by being in the paint. Maybe it will.

AM just needs to decide what he's willing to give up in any given situation in return for what a player provides him by being on the floor. For example Kyle provides unreal leadership, buckets on the breakaway, hustle, and defense. But he gives up outside shooting (historically). There aren't many Jordan Siebert's or Charles Cooke's who provide you everything in every situation.

Sam is a guy who, until he proves otherwise, only provides situational benefits. If he learns how to play the post in practice then he can improve his situational benefits and playing time.

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel Unfortunately... 6'9" Sam Miller does not have speed, quickness, or hops - but he appears to be able to shoot. Starting to look like he may only be a Luke Fabrizius type player for us.

So far in his career, Sam has looked more like Jimmy Bennie than Luke Fabrizius. Hopefully he will get comfortable start knocking them down, but it hasn't happened yet.

Sam has a good looking stroke, and he seems to have the green light. But he has yet to prove he can make them. DD had a good stroke as a Frosh. Kyle, as much as he has been maligned as a shooter, shot better than both of the former for the season.

I'm not saying Kyle is our go-to three point shooter, but just look at the numbers. The numbers just might reflect who is shooting volumes of 3's in practice. Sam and Darrell just have to shoot better.

[shocka43]

Originally Posted by Gazoo I don't think we fully disagree, but, I would clarify this way: if we're bad at rebounding I don't necessarily think the answer is Sam spending more time camped in the post. The answer MAY be putting Sam on the bench and putting a good rebounder out there who is more inclined to attack the ball. Just because he's tall doesn't necessarily mean he will improve our rebounding by being in the paint. Maybe it will. AM just needs to decide what he's willing to give up in any given situation in return for what a player provides him by being on the floor. For example Kyle provides unreal leadership, buckets on the breakaway, hustle, and defense. But he gives up outside shooting (historically). There aren't many Jordan Siebert's or Charles Cooke's who provide you everything in every situation. Sam is a guy who, until he proves otherwise, only provides situational benefits. If he learns how to play the post in practice then he can improve his situational benefits and playing time.

I think Sam is going to be forced to provide more than situational benefits, that is why I spent time typing posts regarding post play. Better players always fix deficiencies at any position...but with the virtual unknowns and durability of Pollard...Sam is more of a crucial piece than what people think. I don't believe that Sam should be camped in the post, but that the post play comes before perimeter play when you are darn near 7 foot tall. A post that can step out is a great asset to a team versus a back to the bucket big that can't be trusted more than 5 feet from the rim. He hasn't proven to be a back to the bucket big and he hasn't shown to be a reliable asset from 20 feet either. Referring to the rebounding comment...yes...just because you are tall won't make you a good rebounder...just as being short doesn't make you a good shooter...but I trust the basketball gods that a big fella is going to be more productive in the paint than as a set shooter. The entire X factor here is whether or not defense is played...that is the first thing in this entire equation.

[udflyerhoops2]

If only it were this easy...

I think that it would be pretty easy for Archie to get some game tape of Kosta Koufos as instructional video on how to be a good college stretch post player. That skill set got him to the show and would be valuable learning material for Sam.

[SeasonTicketFan]

On a positive note, I think John Crosby improved a lot over the summer. His decision making is much better. It is interesting that Archie is playing John and Scoochie together for stretches.

http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/new...-flyers/ns5ZH/

[Shawnee2]

I really agree about Crosby and that is really a key to this season but it boggles my mind how someone could play 15 or 16 minutes without a stat line and that does not bode well for our reserves??

[longtimefan]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan It is interesting that Archie is playing John and Crosby together for stretches. http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/new...-flyers/ns5ZH/

And Archie is also playing Scoochie and Smith together for stretches. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan On a positive note, I think John Crosby improved a lot over the summer. His decision making is much better. It is interesting that Archie is playing John and Scoochie together for stretches. http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/new...-flyers/ns5ZH/

This quote is for the doubters. I think it is noteworthy coming from players who play against each other every day:

“But those guys (Seniors) are ready to have a great season. I see them every day in practice. Kendall (Pollard) is getting better in practice, health wise."

[Whacker]

Archie has a roster of players with varied, but disparate skill sets. It's the antithesis of a BG-constructed roster. It will be interesting to see how he mixes and matches players and allocates PT. Everyone on the roster has something to contribute, but finding the right blend will be challenging.

With their talent and experience they should have a good regular season. The contributions of the sophomores will determine if they have a GREAT regular season. I'm expecting the seniors to provide a very memorable March.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Whacker Archie has a roster of players with varied, but disparate skill sets. It's the antithesis of a BG-constructed roster. It will be interesting to see how he mixes and matches players and allocates PT. Everyone on the roster has something to contribute, but finding the right blend will be challenging. With their talent and experience they should have a good regular season. The contributions of the sophomores will determine if they have a GREAT regular season. I'm expecting the seniors to provide a very memorable March.

Totally agree. We don't have 5 guys who will fill every need the team has. I think Williams and Sam will need to have big nights when called on. Crosby needs to be a regular in the rotation (15-17 minutes per game). And Mikesell needs to mature quickly to provide productive, meaning not destructive, minutes off the bench.

And then sacrifice a live chicken to preserve Kendall's knee for the whole year.