Zippy87

I think this is a bit of a flawed roster and it has some odd construction. Of the 8 players in the current rotation, 5 are guards (Tribble, T. Johnson, N. Johnson, Scott, Thornton), one is a true wing (Dawson), one is a stretch big who is allergic to the paint (Hunter), and one is our star big (Freeman). Of the remaining scholarship players, one is in transfer limbo (Ali), one isn't trusted to be out there right now (Lyles), one has apparently had an assortment of injuries (Prather), and two are redshirting (Baker, MMK). I would've added another big instead of getting both Thornton and Scott, but it is what it is now. I still think that, with Ali, this team could be really good. I just don't think they'll come without flaws that I'm not sure can be corrected easily.

Hopefully Ali Ali is in uniform soon. Desperately need more scoring.

Some pregame thoughts... For me, the purpose of these games are to challenge the team to get better. In all likelihood, our season will come down to a few games in Cleveland. I want our guys to be battle-tested by the time those games come and think these experiences will help. Frontcourt depth is a concern for me. If Freeman ever gets in foul trouble (or worse, hurt) we will have that flaw exposed. I was hoping Baker would get minutes, but he's RS. Lyles hasn't played much. Hunter has size but doesn't rebound. The other concern is players who can create offense. Tavari has raw potential but hasn't put it together. Ali Ali will help this a lot, as mentioned earlier. I'm also curious if Prather Jr. will see the floor. When he signed Groce said, "He is an elite shooter that can create opportunities for himself and his teammates with his playmaking skills. Ryan is also a high-level defender that plays with motor and physicality." Sounds like exactly to type of player who can help offensively. Not sure if he's hurt or just not looking good in practice or what, but we need to see what he has to give this team at some point.

Yep I'm frozen

34-16 Utah State points in the paint

We need someone aside from Freeman to step up. Can't be all him.

I was really hoping Baker would play for this very reason. We're thin down low beyond Freeman and Hunter just doesn't work much in the paint. Going to be a big problem any game EF gets in foul trouble.

Dawson has taken one shot. That needs to change.

Utah State seems intent on making anyone but Freeman beat them.

Hoping Ali has a lawyer funded for him?

How has the NCAA not made a call on Ali? The school signed him April 28. How long do you need?

Just got Flo Sports, tell me this isn't the un-game camera angle?

I don't even get upset by losses anymore. Completely numb to it.

https://gozips.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary;team=home Can follow score/stats here

I think everyone's issue with this is primarily what you pointed out - the NCAA announced this after a large number of players had already submitted transfer requests. It would've made sense for them to announce it and start enforcing it more with the next wave of transfers, but the NCAA generally avoids making sense.

There are only two non-redshirt players we haven't seen get much action this season - Lyles (2 minutes) and Prather Jr (1 minute) and I'd like to see them get some action in this one. Looking back to when Prather Jr signed, Groce said this: "Ryan is an extremely talented versatile guard with great size, length and toughness," Groce said. "He is an elite shooter that can create opportunities for himself and his teammates with his playmaking skills. Ryan is also a high-level defender that plays with motor and physicality." I believe someone here mentioned he was dealing with an injury over the summer but if he's healthy now, let's see what he can do. With Baker and MMK supposedly redshirting, we don't have much frontcourt depth - basically Freeman, Hunter, and Lyles. I'd like Lyles to get some time tomorrow too as you never know when injuries/foul trouble will hit and I want him to be ready.

Didn't know where to put this, but wanted to share discounted tickets for Akron vs St. B at RM Fieldhouse on 12/30. LINK: https://www.rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com/group/detail/fieldhouseplus CODE: RIZZO

Need one of these PGs to step up.

Thank you! Any idea what "Holiday Pack" is?

Per Facebook it is "Hoops for Heroes" night, where military and first responders can get in free. First I've seen of marketing or any type of promotions for this season (can't find a promotional schedule anywhere on our site).

I'm interested...it wouldn't let me DM you. No worries if they've been claimed already. Thanks!

I'd be fine with Tribble initiating the offense with so many scorers around him.

An eventual Hunter-Ali-Freeman-Dawson-Tribble starting lineup is pretty damn exciting.

Scott/Thornton combined for 2 points and 3 turnovers in the first half.

Should I be excited that Tavari won a starting job or worried that Thornton and Scott didn't?