Blessing in disguise?

[Mr_Sweets]

I'm sure we all can agree - winning the A10 tournament was the goal and getting the best seed possible (probable 6 MAX) was the plan, & it really stinks that we didn't accomplish that... BUT... is this a blessing in disguise?


1. Full week to prepare, pressure free - get back to basics, DAYTON basketball.
2. We are healthy (to my knowledge) - who knows what happens if we play the weekend games.
3. It's once again this teams SENIORS last game.. and we all saw what happened last time (Senior Night) - I expect nothing less again (effort, hustle, grit, determination, gum-shin, etc)

I think we are Dancing, I think the majority of people on here think we are in, but what is our probable seed now.. 10/11.. GREAT!!!.. Last I checked we have had 2 Elite Eight Runs as both a 10/11. Coincidentally as a 7, we were bounced first round ('16).

So.. is this a blessing in disguise OR just a guy seeing the glass 1/2 full so to speak? Everyone has their own opinion & this one happens to be mine... Dayton as a 10/11 going DEEP with their Senior laden team of WINNERS!

Go FLYERS!

[maddog07]

We were equally" blessed " last year limping to the end with 4 losses in last 8 games. Losing two straight against middling teams would not seem to bless us for the NCAA this year, assuming we get in. More likely we would seem a one and done, again.

[Wallage]

Could be a blessing. If we get off the 8/9 line it gives us the best chance to advance further. Winning the A10 tourney could have got us to as 6 or 7. Losing as we did could get us to a 10 or 11.

I think Archie is right on that we need our backs to the wall to play well. No doubt about it now, for the seniors it's win or be done with college bball. If they show up for 40 min with intensity I think they win game 1 regardless of what seed they get. It's a game of match ups from there.

[Wallage]

Originally Posted by maddog07 We were equally" blessed " last year limping to the end with 4 losses in last 8 games. Losing two straight against middling teams would not seem to bless us for the NCAA this year, assuming we get in. More likely we would seem a one and done, again.

I disagree on comparisons to last year. Last year it was clear in mid February something had happened and the wheels were falling off. I don't get that vibe from these two losses. Maybe that's the optimist in me.

[CE80]

Originally Posted by Wallage I disagree on comparisons to last year. Last year it was clear in mid February something had happened and the wheels were falling off. I don't get that vibe from these two losses. Maybe that's the optimist in me.

Also Pollard was playing injured. Knee first then he hurt his hand in A10 tourney.
Posted via Mobile Device

[UD90]

I think Kyle was banged up as well.

[THirt]

Originally Posted by Wallage I disagree on comparisons to last year. Last year it was clear in mid February something had happened and the wheels were falling off. I don't get that vibe from these two losses. Maybe that's the optimist in me.

Also, 4-4 is not equal to 6-2.

This year's team I think is pretty good. We win two NCAA games and it becomes great. But as with our resume, I'm honestly not sure how how good we really are. We have played a bunch of good (ie top-100ish RPI) teams and are pretty good - 13-6 or so depending on what RPI ranking you use. But we have one (!!!) win over a sure at-large team, which was VCU at home, our senior night. And VCU is sitting near us in the seeding. I talked to several of their fans last night at the evening games and they were very nervous about at-large chances (esp while they were down to Mason). So we have beaten a bunch of other pretty good teams, and only a few very good teams (VCU, Rhody, Vandy).

How good are we? I really don't know. Good enough to win a game, good enough to lose our first game... Good enough to win two NCAA games? I dunno.
Posted via Mobile Device

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[Radar]

As one of MANY faithful westbound on I70 this morning, yesterday was disappointing in many levels. For all of his missed FTs and layups KP was the ONLY Flyer who played with the heart of a lion every second. KD was a close second. Scoochie seemed both disinterested and confused in first half. When he would normally push the pace (and should have to beat Davidson zone) he was constantly looking to AM for instruction...almost Crosbyesque. It wasn't our first rodeo vs Davidson. Yet for 20 mins it looked that way.
And McCollup (sp) should have been T'd up multiple times for acting like a total jackwad and going to midcourt to argue w ref after Gibbs little tantrum.
None of that mattered though. Davidson picks up 7th team foul at 13 min mark and we stop pounding the paint and they commit exactly one more foul the rest of the game. There's your ball game.

[CT Flyer]

Originally Posted by Radar For all of his missed FTs and layups KP was the ONLY Flyer who played with the heart of a lion every second. KD was a close second. Scoochie seemed both disinterested and confused in first half. When he would normally push the pace (and should have to beat Davidson zone) he was constantly looking to AM for instruction...almost Crosbyesque. It wasn't our first rodeo vs Davidson. Yet for 20 mins it looked that way.

I agree and stated this same thing in the poll, yet KP has 34 votes and SS has 1 vote (mine).

[FlyingArrow]

With the game on the line, KP shot an ill-advised 3 pointer. That got my vote.

[C-time]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow With the game on the line, KP shot an ill-advised 3 pointer. That got my vote.

He had no choice but to shoot that three in the 2nd half. He got the ball with 3 seconds on the shot clock at the end of a poor offensive possession by all 5 guys on the court at the time. Did you want him to stand there and take a shot clock violation instead?

On the other hand if you want to criticize the 3 he took in the first half have at it because that was a bad shot.

[CE80]

Originally Posted by THirt Also, 4-4 is not equal to 6-2. This year's team I think is pretty good. We win two NCAA games and it becomes great. But as with our resume, I'm honestly not sure how how good we really are. We have played a bunch of good (ie top-100ish RPI) teams and are pretty good - 13-6 or so depending on what RPI ranking you use. But we have one (!!!) win over a sure at-large team, which was VCU at home, our senior night. And VCU is sitting near us in the seeding. I talked to several of their fans last night at the evening games and they were very nervous about at-large chances (esp while they were down to Mason). So we have beaten a bunch of other pretty good teams, and only a few very good teams (VCU, Rhody, Vandy). How good are we? I really don't know. Good enough to win a game, good enough to lose our first game... Good enough to win two NCAA games? I dunno. Posted via Mobile Device

Well said.
Posted via Mobile Device

	Rhode Island RHODE ISLAND The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow With the game on the line, KP shot an ill-advised 3 pointer. That got my vote.

Several people have posted this on different threads, but the shot clock was down under 5 when he took this shot. I was watching on tv and I saying " get a shot off."

In 1H KP took a couple 3s which he didn't have to take. But the one late he had no choice.

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by CE80 Also Pollard was playing injured. Knee first then he hurt his hand in A10 tourney. Posted via Mobile Device

Well, I have to say I'd rather have a healthy Pierre and an unhealthy Pollard rather than just a healthy Pollard with no Pierre, so I consider that a wash to some extent. Not to mention an inside presence like Big Steve. Not sure we can say we're going in with better personnel this time. What we have going is apparently we don't have two of our starters feuding over a woman.

[NJFlyr71]

So if one breaks the left lag, you can say to yourself that it was a blessing in disguise since you need to build up your right leg.

Guess what! Your left leg slightly atrophy's during the same time the right leg gets stronger.

Champs don't need a blessing. Great teams don't need a disguise.

A 'C' student like I was needed all the blessings I could get comin my way .... but I found that hard work, meaningful study and concentration was the key to success .... getting a 'D' in mid term made it harder to pull that 'A' at the end of the semester.

The Flyers got a D (the 'd' not meant to be for defense) in the A10t

[CE80]

Originally Posted by Smitty10 Well, I have to say I'd rather have a healthy Pierre and an unhealthy Pollard rather than just a healthy Pollard with no Pierre, so I consider that a wash to some extent. Not to mention an inside presence like Big Steve. Not sure we can say we're going in with better personnel this time. What we have going is apparently we don't have two of our starters feuding over a woman.

I didn't mean to suggest I like this years team situation better than last years just that last years team was banged up going into the NCAA tourney.
Posted via Mobile Device

[The Fly]

Speaking of blessings in disguise, at least we don't have to listen to Gottlieb taking potshots at Dayton. He's the color guy on the A-10 games today. Then again, he'll probably find a way even in our absence.

[FlyerGuyer]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sweets I think we are Dancing, I think the majority of people on here think we are in, but what is our probable seed now.. 10/11...

Maybe, but I have a feeling we could be an 8/9 seed, which would be fine too. As you posted, Senior-laden team with nothing to lose and a week to rest/prepare. Time to play loose and get in BEAST mode. No fear. Leave it all on the court one more time and anything can happen in March...

[UDTradition]

A blessing...not in my world. Losing a game stinks, losing 2 games stinks more.

If they pick themselves up, understand from the lousy experience and go forward then the loss has a productive side to it.

To be successful on a big stage takes supreme confidence. Losing your last 2 only shakes your foundation but it can strengthen your resolve. IMO

[FlyerGuyer]

Originally Posted by THirt So we have beaten a bunch of other pretty good teams, and only a few very good teams (VCU, Rhody, Vandy).

True, but how many very good teams have we played? Not many. I think we probably beat St. Mary's at home at full strength.

[jack72]

Originally Posted by The Fly Speaking of blessings in disguise, at least we don't have to listen to Gottlieb taking potshots at Dayton. He's the color guy on the A-10 games today. Then again, he'll probably find a way even in our absence.

The only thing I have heard him say so far today is, Dr Scoochie Smith of Dayton being a great player.

[udx2]

I can appreciate your optimism that a loss here could be a blessing in disguise and envy that optimism but I just have lots of trouble even starting to rationalize that losing is good.

Ending with two back-to-back losses to mid-pack A10 teams simply is not a good way to prepare for the NCAAs.

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by jack72 The only thing I have heard him say so far today is, Dr Scoochie Smith of Dayton being a great player.

After yesterday's debacle, "Dr. Scoochie" had better hope his malpractice insurance is paid-up.
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[Flyer 86]

Originally Posted by UD90 I think Kyle was banged up as well.

And somebody on team seemed to have slept with players Chick.
But I digress.

Several things favor us over last year.

1. Better chemistry and Ball movement
2. Josh playing fairly well and giving us height presence.

3. NCAA favors run, Gun and shoot. Get us running the break... a style that gives us an edge

4. We've been several in a row

Negatives

1. Inconsistency
2. Mikesell is lost again, Darrell inconsistent but playing adequately
3. SLOW STARTS

4. BIGGER TEAMS... Will have rebounding edge

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sweets I think we are Dancing, I think the majority of people on here think we are in, but what is our probable seed now.. 10/11.. GREAT!!!.. Last I checked we have had 2 Elite Eight Runs as both a 10/11. Coincidentally as a 7, we were bounced first round ('16). Go FLYERS!

As a 10 we were also bounced out of the first round by Depaul and as an 11 Purdue. But I guess that was more an Oliver Purnell thing than a UD Flyers thing.

[Mr_Sweets]

Originally Posted by Flyer 86 And somebody on team seemed to have slept with players Chick. But I digress.

Say what?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Smitty10]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sweets Say what? Posted via Mobile Device

See, this is what you miss by waiting until this year to join.

[redbengal]

Originally Posted by Flyer 86 3. NCAA favors run, Gun and shoot. Get us running the break... a style that gives us an edge

Completely agree with your entire post, 86. But especially this. Syracuse was a tough match up both times we played them in the Dance. But if we get a typical P5 team who thinks they can run us out of the gym then they're likely to be in for a huge awakening (with very few exceptions). But teams who actually play a zone D as a first option are ones I would really wish to avoid.

[NCkevi]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sweets I'm sure we all can agree - winning the A10 tournament was the goal and getting the best seed possible (probable 6 MAX) was the plan, & it really stinks that we didn't accomplish that... BUT... is this a blessing in disguise? 1. Full week to prepare, pressure free - get back to basics, DAYTON basketball.

Wondering if that may be a negative as our last two losses have come with about a week to prepare

[dUDe]

Bracketology still has us as a 9 seed. I'd be happy with a 9 at this point. I only hope that it isn't Buffalo. I'm working in Salt Lake City right now. I just ordered a new Flyer shirt just in case!

I'm not sure what's going on with the team but we have seen these guys flip the switch before. They'll be well rested and as healthy as they can be. I'm hoping that the spirit and smile of Big Steve will inspire these guys to write a better ending to the season than the apparent fade we're seeing now.

Hope lives! True Team! Post-Season is a whole new season.

[FlyerGuyer]

Originally Posted by NCkevi Wondering if that may be a negative as our last two losses have come with about a week to prepare

Incorrect. Only had a couple days between the late-night celebratory VCU win and the loss at GW, and Archie even admitted that his team was mentally fatigued.

[NCkevi]

Originally Posted by FlyerGuyer Incorrect. Only had a couple days between the late-night celebratory VCU win and the loss at GW, and Archie even admitted that his team was mentally fatigued.

Correct - though no excuse foir coming out flat with nearly a week off for Davidson
Archie even commented he thought they practiced well the beginning of the week

Hopefully this team after Nebraska, Umass, Northwestern, Davidson, etc realizes that you have to show up for the first half.

	Massachusetts MASSACHUSETTS UMass Amherst, the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, 90 miles from Boston and 175 miles from New York City. The campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. UMass enrolls over 20,000 undergraduates and 5,000 post-grad students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Minutemen. Women's teams known as the Minutewomen. Sports achievements include NCAA Final Four appearances in men's basketball and women's soccer.