Chatman

[Marysville Flyer]

He’s arrived and is awesome !!! He has become very comfortable with his spot n the team.

His on ball defense is superb and he can guard guys 3-5 inches taller then he with his physicality. His presence is most responsible for the team’s early leap in success to date. If at least one or two of Chase, Ibi, or Jordy can figure out how to become a significant cog in the mix, this team could be special.

Been thinking how genius it has been starting Trey. I didn’t think it made sense before the season started but he and the other 3 core have a special bond and he has been much more engaged starting then being in the 6th-7th man role. JTs injury and Chase not seizing the opportunity probably prompted it but I wouldn’t be surprised to see those 5 start the rest of the year.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Fudd]

We have had a lot of great transfers over the years. He is going to rank right up there with some of the best, IMO. That guy can play. Tremendous floor game, and looks fantastic on defense.

[TA111]

Rodney is Kyle Davis with a jump shot. Some great on ball D.

[Mr_Sweets]

Dare I say Kyle Davis-esq .. but with more O to give. Me like!
Posted via Mobile Device

Lol above.. great minds think alike

[ruechalgrin]

Whispers Ibi is MVP of Maui ...
Posted via Mobile Device

[OSU Flyer]

Originally Posted by ruechalgrin Whispers Ibi is MVP of Maui ... Posted via Mobile Device

interesting, extrapolate

[pmcmullen]

I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. I'll keep saying it until proven wrong. This might be the most dangerous backcourt I've seen since Nelson and West from St Joe's.

	St Joseph's ST. JOSEPH'S Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive educational experience. One of only 139 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,200 full-time undergraduates and 3,100 graduate, part-time and doctoral candidates. Located in urban Philadelphia, SJU is a fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Hawks. Athletic claim to fame is is the Hawk mascot, a university student on full scholarship who wears a Hawk uniform and flaps his wings continuously for an entire athletic event. School spirit slogan is "The Hawk Will Never Die."

[maddog07]

Love these guys but their not the equal of Jaylen Adams and Posley. There are probably a few other squads as well like VCU that would challenge us.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Fudd]

And how about Cohill coming in and playing really well when Chatman had some foul issues? He is also a very good defender, and his floor game is improving a lot offensively.

[sheg]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer interesting, extrapolate

He's going to go off for 60 tomorrow.

[shocka43]

Originally Posted by Marysville Flyer Been thinking how genius it has been starting Trey. I didn’t think it made sense before the season started but he and the other 3 core have a special bond and he has been much more engaged starting then being in the 6th-7th man role.

He's being rewarded for leadership and effort. UD needs leadership on the floor that he and Mikesell provide. Roll the ball out on the floor for the others guys to go get after it and see to it that you have these two guys as the glue that holds everything together.

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by shocka43 He's being rewarded for leadership and effort. UD needs leadership on the floor that he and Mikesell provide. Roll the ball out on the floor for the others guys to go get after it and see to it that you have these two guys as the glue that holds everything together.

Seems more to me that it's more out of necessity than reward. What I mean by that I think he was being looked at as a spark off the bench, kind of like Vee in his senior year. But Chase Johnson wasn't ready for prime time yet and we needed a guy who brought rebounding and defense. Add in that Trey also brings some offense, it was a no-brainer. I don't think Trey coming off the bench was a demotion in any way.

Besides the improvement that comes from everyone being a year older, I think having a 2nd PG in there has lifted this offense exponentially. Having a Josh Cunningham but not being able to get the ball inside just isn't going to work like having Chatman in there helping Crutcher quarterback the team. The make up of the offense just didn't work last year and that's because we didn't have the ability to get the ball inside to our big men. Josh was talented, but Chatman is what this team needed for everything to function.

[shocka43]

Originally Posted by Smitty10 Seems more to me that it's more out of necessity than reward. What I mean by that I think he was being looked at as a spark off the bench, kind of like Vee in his senior year. But Chase Johnson wasn't ready for prime time yet and we needed a guy who brought rebounding and defense. Add in that Trey also brings some offense, it was a no-brainer. I don't think Trey coming off the bench was a demotion in any way. Besides the improvement that comes from everyone being a year older, I think having a 2nd PG in there has lifted this offense exponentially. Having a Josh Cunningham but not being able to get the ball inside just isn't going to work like having Chatman in there helping Crutcher quarterback the team. The make up of the offense just didn't work last year and that's because we didn't have the ability to get the ball inside to our big men. Josh was talented, but Chatman is what this team needed for everything to function.

There's a handful of starting 5 lineups that don't involve Trey. They can easily go to that and they don't have to.

The reason that I still say that it is a reward versus a necessity is the first game. Trey didn't start...but in crunch time he was closing out the game. This tells me that AG wants the leadership, defensive effort, and consistency on the court. If Chase offered that, we would stick with that lineup. Mikesell or Ibi with some other lineups.

I think you are correct that it is a necessity, but it is a necessity because he is out playing the next man up...that is the reward...the starting spot.

[udflyer191]

I watched with many fans tonight at pour haus, and Kyle Davis more offensively refined was the common sentiment. Dude is just fun to watch. He's so passionate.

[ruechalgrin]

Originally Posted by sheg He's going to go off for 60 tomorrow.

Meant Chatman!
Posted via Mobile Device

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by pmcmullen I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again. I'll keep saying it until proven wrong. This might be the most dangerous backcourt I've seen since Nelson and West from St Joe's.

that's what I've been thinking... same backcourt came to mind...
when St Joe's had Nelson and West, they also had Marvin O'Connor... man what
a tandem..

we have similar: Chatman, Crutcher, and Obi Toppin being Obi,
but we also have Trey Landers, Ryan Mikesell
and a deep, deep bench... Iba Watson can flat out shoot the ball...

as the season continues to progress, it is not out of the
question to say: this could become the best backcourt
in the nation... sweet 16 OR BETTER is definitely doable..

how do you think future recruits will look at
Dayton now, hmm!!

and a great head coach... Coach Grant is fantastic

Go Flyers!

	St Joseph's ST. JOSEPH'S Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive educational experience. One of only 139 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,200 full-time undergraduates and 3,100 graduate, part-time and doctoral candidates. Located in urban Philadelphia, SJU is a fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Hawks. Athletic claim to fame is is the Hawk mascot, a university student on full scholarship who wears a Hawk uniform and flaps his wings continuously for an entire athletic event. School spirit slogan is "The Hawk Will Never Die."

[TA111]

Originally Posted by shocka43 He's being rewarded for leadership and effort. UD needs leadership on the floor that he and Mikesell provide. Roll the ball out on the floor for the others guys to go get after it and see to it that you have these two guys as the glue that holds everything together.

What I like is Trey is now playing within himself. He’s not trying to do things he can’t. He’s our junkyard dog. Fight for every lose ball.

[steve]

Originally Posted by Smitty10 Seems more to me that it's more out of necessity than reward. What I mean by that I think he was being looked at as a spark off the bench, kind of like Vee in his senior year. But Chase Johnson wasn't ready for prime time yet and we needed a guy who brought rebounding and defense. Add in that Trey also brings some offense, it was a no-brainer. I don't think Trey coming off the bench was a demotion in any way. Besides the improvement that comes from everyone being a year older, I think having a 2nd PG in there has lifted this offense exponentially. Having a Josh Cunningham but not being able to get the ball inside just isn't going to work like having Chatman in there helping Crutcher quarterback the team. The make up of the offense just didn't work last year and that's because we didn't have the ability to get the ball inside to our big men. Josh was talented, but Chatman is what this team needed for everything to function.

Definitely a necessity.. While I never thought he would start this year, watch Trey interact with teammates during dead balls or after mistakes.. He's like a coach out there not to mention he's got plenty of DOG in him and brings it to the court. Can't teach that. He's earned that respect. He'll let an opponent know he'll kick his ass..He's still got a little bit of the bull-in-the-china shop physicality but he's also the best overall athlete and strongest on the team, imo..

[Fudd]

Don't underestimate the value of having an extremely physical wing like Landers. It's especially valuable with his scrapper mentality.

[Medford]

Being an OSU football fan, as well as a UD basketball fan, having a Landers around is always a good thing. Kudos to them and all that they've overcome to be leaders.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by shocka43 There's a handful of starting 5 lineups that don't involve Trey. They can easily go to that and they don't have to. The reason that I still say that it is a reward versus a necessity is the first game. Trey didn't start...but in crunch time he was closing out the game. This tells me that AG wants the leadership, defensive effort, and consistency on the court. If Chase offered that, we would stick with that lineup. Mikesell or Ibi with some other lineups. I think you are correct that it is a necessity, but it is a necessity because he is out playing the next man up...that is the reward...the starting spot.

Originally Posted by steve Definitely a necessity.. While I never thought he would start this year, watch Trey interact with teammates during dead balls or after mistakes.. He's like a coach out there not to mention he's got plenty of DOG in him and brings it to the court. Can't teach that. He's earned that respect. He'll let an opponent know he'll kick his ass..He's still got a little bit of the bull-in-the-china shop physicality but he's also the best overall athlete and strongest on the team, imo..

I noticed on several dead balls that Trey absolutely lit some people up for not doing their jobs. He is a large man. He seems to be an emotional and vocal leader. He seems like the accountability guy to me: doesn't have to be the best player on the floor, but you will hear about it if you don't do your job.

Contrast that with Mikesell who quietly just does his job. . . and often your job too if you make a mistake.

Mikesell: "hey you've got to switch that pick."
Trey: "SWITCH THE GOD*** PICK OR GO SIT ON THE BENCH, I WANT TO WIN THIS GAME."

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by TA111 Rodney is Kyle Davis with a jump shot. Some great on ball D.

Originally Posted by Mr_Sweets Dare I say Kyle Davis-esq .. but with more O to give. Me like! Posted via Mobile Device Lol above.. great minds think alike

Originally Posted by udflyer191 I watched with many fans tonight at pour haus, and Kyle Davis more offensively refined was the common sentiment. Dude is just fun to watch. He's so passionate.

As the former self appointed President of the Kyle Davis fan club, dare I say Rodney is even quicker and better on D based on what we have seen the past two days?

[steverino015]

the Flyers are the nr 1 team in the nation, tied for first, in team assists per game...
they are 22nd in the nation in scoring efficiency... I saw several games
last night, and all the other teams I was watching weren't passing
nearly as quickly....

if they keep progressing, there is no ceiling here..
they could very well become the best backcourt in the nation

[Canonball]

Definitely impressed with Chatman. He's got the infectious grit every team needs. Between he and Landers I think the Flyers will be airtight on focus and effort. I think the bench needs to clean up a bit, but overall if they just play good defense while giving the top guys a breather that's what you need. We'll see how it all shakes out, but these early season scalps and high praise from Bilas et al will pay dividends in March. Last night anyhow, they're projecting Obi to be a lottery pick. That could be the gift that keeps giving when it comes to recruiting.

[Alberto Strasse]

is like having a coach and an extra ref on the court. He brings athleticism, energy, passion,
offensive rebounding, feeding the post passing and defensive toughness to the team. His senior leadership and "can do" attitude is unique.

[Lowd&ProUD]

Along the lines of this thread...

What has crossed my mind in the last few days is that one of the biggest keys to our success going forward is to make sure we keep getting guys like Kyle Davis and Trey Landers.

Not sure we'll ever land highly regarded recruits on a regular basis.

But let's keep getting great athletes who know the game, who will hold their teammates accountable, and flat out can't stand the thought of losing.

Scoochie and Obi and the like are wonderful to have for sure. Those type guys are must-have talent to be at the level we want.

But a lot of our W's would have been L's without the junkyard dog efforts of Kyle and Trey over the past few years.

[San Diego Flyer]

What great flexibility AG has with two true point guards that are multi-skilled, and Cohill to complement them.

[steverino015]

we don't need to land "highly regarded recruits" per se,
I just want us to keep getting recruits and transfers that
Coach Grant wants, no matter if they get headlines or not....

wonder what the Grant naysayers are thinking now?
here is what I am thinking, and it is the same thing I thought
when we hired him:
WE CHOSE THE RIGHT COACH!...)

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by steverino015 the Flyers are the nr 1 team in the nation, tied for first, in team assists per game... they are 22nd in the nation in scoring efficiency... I saw several games last night, and all the other teams I was watching weren't passing nearly as quickly.... if they keep progressing, there is no ceiling here.. they could very well become the best backcourt in the nation

I agree we are very quick. I thought VT would be quick at getting the ball to the open 3. Not against us. They had trouble getting open 3s. Sure you get some, but this was probably the most important factor in the win. They could not get open 3s and either threw up bad shots or drove for 2s. Not their MO.

[BeckysTXA]

If you watched the post game presser with Obi and Trey and then VT had two players come in for questions right after....Obi and Trey’s arms are huge compared to the two VT guys. It was a shocking visual contrast. Obi talks about how hard the team worked this summer....and when you see them next to other players it’s shocking. What the heck will it look like when Sissoko is added to the active mix?

[Sid Louick]

Originally Posted by steverino015 we don't need to land "highly regarded recruits" per se, I just want us to keep getting recruits and transfers that Coach Grant wants, no matter if they get headlines or not.... wonder what the Grant naysayers are thinking now? here is what I am thinking, and it is the same thing I thought when we hired him: WE CHOSE THE RIGHT COACH!...)

Anyone remember who the most fierce anti-Grant Priders were. when he was hired?

[OSU Flyer]

I still don't feel like Rodney has gotten into a rhythm shooting. I think there's still upside on offensive game forward which is scary

[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by Sid Louick Anyone remember who the most fierce anti-Grant Priders were. when he was hired?

"Not I" said the Little Red Hen.

However, let me point out that a coach is only as good as the last win, or two or loss.

During the Sweet16 year, UD played very well at Maui, then had injuries during the start of A10 play. They started 1-5 and fans started naming replacement coaches left and right. The UD goes to the Elite Eight. (corrected)

UD was smart with Archie and stuck with him, and the results at the end of the year proved to be very smart.

[Fudd]

It took Archie 3? years to get the defense looking respectable.

[steve]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer I still don't feel like Rodney has gotten into a rhythm shooting. I think there's still upside on offensive game forward which is scary

I think he's looking good shooting the ball...I think he's also working so hard handling the ball,defending and diving on loose balls that it's going to take a toll on him....

[steverino015]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA If you watched the post game presser with Obi and Trey and then VT had two players come in for questions right after....Obi and Trey’s arms are huge compared to the two VT guys. It was a shocking visual contrast. Obi talks about how hard the team worked this summer....and when you see them next to other players it’s shocking. What the heck will it look like when Sissoko is added to the active mix?

oh holy smokes,
my gosh... it will be awesome, maybe
he will be our version of the terminator...)!

I'll be baaaack!

or

I want your clothhes, your shooos, and that ball...bam!

[CT Flyer]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan "Not I" said the Little Red Hen. However, let me point out that a coach is only as good as the last win, or two or loss. During the Sweet16 year, UD played very well at Maui, then had injuries during the start of A10 play. They started 1-5 and fans started naming replacement coaches left and right. The UD goers to the Sweet 16 UD was smart with Archie and stuck with him, and the results at the end of the year proved to be very smart.

Elite 8

[Lowd&ProUD]

Originally Posted by steverino015 we don't need to land "highly regarded recruits" per se, I just want us to keep getting recruits and transfers that Coach Grant wants, no matter if they get headlines or not.... wonder what the Grant naysayers are thinking now? here is what I am thinking, and it is the same thing I thought when we hired him: WE CHOSE THE RIGHT COACH!...)

The doubters and naysayers will always be there. Just wait.

The first time we lose to a team we shouldn't, they won't look at UK-Evansville or SFA-Duke as examples that it happens .... they will complain that CAG isn't getting the most out of them on a consistent basis.

Probably a few right now who believe the success is in spite of Grant and not because of him.

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by Sid Louick Anyone remember who the most fierce anti-Grant Priders were. when he was hired?

Hand raised. Yep, I was one. I felt hiring an assistant was the most efficient way of trying to continue on the path we were on which was the best consecutive seasons of basketball in ages.

I felt any other direction was a gamble this program couldn't afford to lose. If what I'm seeing now continues, it will turn out to be a gamble that they won.

I didn't like the way AG handled the players he inherited his first season. I really feel that it's best to be someone light-handed and build slowly into what you want your team to be. Afterall, these guys didn't choose you as a coach to play for and you need them to get from point a to point b.

However, I knew that AG was a great recruiter and that while I felt AM was better at coaching up, AG was better at getting the better potential. I still feel that way. But the way this team is coming together this year, I'll admit, I'm impressed with his flexibility and the quick turnaround of the defense.

Yes, I was against the hire. I'm thinking now I was wrong. But in all fairness, I did start this thread a couple years ago: http://www.udpride.com/forums/showth...598#post534598

So I was somewhat flexible lol

[Lowd&ProUD]

Originally Posted by Fudd It took Archie 3? years to get the defense looking respectable.

Year 3 was semi-respectable at #103 in country.

Year 4 is when we really turned the corner and were #26th.

Years 1 and 2 you ask?...

188 and 151.

[Viperstick]

Chatman is just nasty

He gives this team the hard nosed mean streak it needs to make it to the second weekend (and maybe further).

Agreed, dude is so much fun to watch (unless you're rooting for the other team).

[Sid Louick]

Originally Posted by Smitty10 Hand raised. Yep, I was one. I felt hiring an assistant was the most efficient way of trying to continue on the path we were on which was the best consecutive seasons of basketball in ages. I felt any other direction was a gamble this program couldn't afford to lose. If what I'm seeing now continues, it will turn out to be a gamble that they won. I didn't like the way AG handled the players he inherited his first season. I really feel that it's best to be someone light-handed and build slowly into what you want your team to be. Afterall, these guys didn't choose you as a coach to play for and you need them to get from point a to point b. However, I knew that AG was a great recruiter and that while I felt AM was better at coaching up, AG was better at getting the better potential. I still feel that way. But the way this team is coming together this year, I'll admit, I'm impressed with his flexibility and the quick turnaround of the defense. Yes, I was against the hire. I'm thinking now I was wrong. But in all fairness, I did start this thread a couple years ago: http://www.udpride.com/forums/showth...598#post534598 So I was somewhat flexible lol

I respect your honesty.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Sid Louick Anyone remember who the most fierce anti-Grant Priders were. when he was hired?

I was not "the most" fierce anti-Grant voice. I was mildly unimpressed. And I was wrong.

[NJFlyr71]

There once was a song the title of which fails me ... but a few of rhe lyrics go

"Everything is beautiful in its own way"

And I'll add "Everything is beautiful in its own time"

Heh be glad I didn't have the option to sing it on here!!

[1in25]

Originally Posted by NJFlyr71 There once was a song the title of which fails me ... but a few of rhe lyrics go "Everything is beautiful in its own way" And I'll add "Everything is beautiful in its own time" Heh be glad I didn't have the option to sing it on here!!

"Everything is beautiful" ...Ray Stevens (1970)

[shocka43]

The biggest difference under AG is the culture shift. Yes, there are talented players. AM had talent that at times were like oil and water.

Culture shifts lead to long term success. That's what UD needs.

Go to another UD sporting event and see half the team hanging out together. You may have seen 2 or 3 guys in the past hanging out at a VB or WBB game, but not half the team. That tells me what I need to know about the type of person that AG is bringing in to ensure long term success.

[flyerfan4life]

I love Rodney Chatman so far, But he is not comparable to Kyle Davis defensively. Davis is an elite-level athlete and had an elite-level motor. Rodney is probably a better overall player because of his ability to shoot and his handle, but defensively there is no comparison in my opinion.

[steve]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life I love Rodney Chatman so far, But he is not comparable to Kyle Davis defensively. Davis is an elite-level athlete and had an elite-level motor. Rodney is probably a better overall player because of his ability to shoot and his handle, but defensively there is no comparison in my opinion.

Yes waaaay too early for that comparison. We saw 4 years of KD guarding **** near 1-4 positional players very successfully and at a time when he had to play almost 35 mpg or more due to a couple years of very thin rosters with ZERO depth..That kid had elite athleticism and probably could have gotten a try out as a DB at a combine or a FA pickup by a NFL team with his quicks, speed, strength and tenacity....

[JimBo]

Originally Posted by shocka43 The biggest difference under AG is the culture shift. Yes, there are talented players. AM had talent that at times were like oil and water. Culture shifts lead to long term success. That's what UD needs. Go to another UD sporting event and see half the team hanging out together. You may have seen 2 or 3 guys in the past hanging out at a VB or WBB game, but not half the team. That tells me what I need to know about the type of person that AG is bringing in to ensure long term success.

A friend of mine recently spoke to someone associated with the program whose name I'm not going to mention. My friend asked him about differences between AM and AG. An example he gave was of a golf outing, something to do with charity I'm assuming, that the head coach was obligated to attend. When AM would attend such events, he would show up and do the bare minimum and leave. Coach Grant shows up and stays to the very end, speaking with any many people as he can, going above and beyond.

I can respect Miller's ability to coach basketball, and appreciate the the NCAA run he had at UD, but he was never going to embrace the traditions of Flyer basketball like AG has, or even BG. Why embrace it and worry about instilling a certain culture if you know the position is merely a stepping stone?

While AG was receiving criticism after criticism after that first season, he knew a culture shift was needed and what he had to do was going to limit them short term, but was necessary for future success. I think we are seeing that right now.

[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life I love Rodney Chatman so far, But he is not comparable to Kyle Davis defensively. Davis is an elite-level athlete and had an elite-level motor. Rodney is probably a better overall player because of his ability to shoot and his handle, but defensively there is no comparison in my opinion.

Early to tell, but one of the coaches last year said the Chatman was one of the best defenders he has ever seen. Kyle is legendary here, but Chatman might quicker and in Maui he looked every bit as tough minded as Kyle. he showed a lot of grit.

I believe the Kansas game would have been different if Chatman did not get those early fouls. Each foul was aggressive, but the stripes called them tight.
We had no answer for Dotson once Rodney went out.

[Alberto Strasse]

IMHO is a defensive All-American for the job he did with help from others on Anthony Edwards of Georgia. It was one of the finest defensive games by a Dayton Flyer ever. Very reminiscent of Kyles Davis bringing victory to the Dayton Flyers against Boise State in the NCAA First Four at UD Arena.