Synopsis of the Ball State Game

[TommyGola]

I am posting this because the in-game comments might not do justice to everything that went on this evening. Here is my synopsis of the game and players:

1. John Crosby played a very good game - 13 points and a 2:1 turnover ration. Any point guard would like those statistics. Now, John did struggle handling Tayler Persons, number 2 on Ball State. Personnally, I would have had Crutcher guarding him. Persons is not all that quick, but he is just one of those typical Indiana basketball gym rats - tough, smart, and crafty with the ball. He had the lane at his will. One other thing about Persons, he demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during and after the game. Going back to John, no doubt his best game as a Flyer. Finally, this coaching staff has him playing within himself.

2. Crutcher had a nice game; I only remember one turnover and he had a few nice drives to the bucket. This kid is going to be really good by next year.

3. Kostas had a big 3-point shot that nearly brought the roof down. This kid is raw, but he has a shooting forward's mentality in a 6'11" body with a huge wingspan. Give him time and some confidence and he is going to be a very good player...very good!

4. Darryl Davis may have had his best game as a Flyer. He was taking it into the lane virtually every time he got the ball. He hit a huge three to give the Flyers the lead back; it was reminiscent of his freshman year when he hit a big 3 from the same spot against Oklahoma. Darryl did force some shots, but in general this was by far his best game as a Flyer.

5. X-Man was very good tonight, especially defensively and on the boards. I think he finished with only eight points, but his game was very good tonight. And his in-bounds pass to Cunningham was placed where only Josh had a chance to get the ball.

6. Trey Landers looked good. The only thing that I see with Trey is he really doesn't shoot the 3-ball well enough to present a threat outside. But he finishes very well around the hoop. He had a tremendous crossover dribble and finish in the early stages of the game. Keep in mind, he had very little playing time last year, but has certainly earned a starting role this year.

7. Jordan Davis looked pretty good out on the court. He is a confident kid; handles the ball well; and is certainly not afraid to shoot the ball.

8. Josh Cunningham had an epic game, really. And it all culminated with one of the most memorable endings in recent years. His catch and shot at the end were just done so magnificently. He is just so much more mobile and active this year, not to mention he is putting the ball on the floor, and he is finishing well.

Now for some general comments on the team:

1. The Flyers better learn how to defend dribble penetration, or those quick point guards in the A10 will be feasting on their defense.

2. The Flyers are not creating fast-breaks. There was only one fast-break tonight. They don't have those quick hands from a Kyle Davis. Additionally, they don't seem to be doing any trapping or double-teaming as in the past. Even the passing lanes were not being defended well.

3. There was no help-side after initial penetration is made. We need to have our bigs slide over and defend the penetrating guard. Trey Landers did have one of those tonight - a huge swat that brought the crowd to their feet.