The Hip Zip

We open up as a 5.5 underdog. While I am not overtly confident at this point that we win this game I am a bit surprised at how much this line disrespects our program in general. I suppose that I can understand it though, Eastern plays a tough zone and Riley and crew are probably the only team in the MAC that match up to our front court length. Their RPI is impressive and Murphy is building a program. The days of EMU being a pushover are over. Sack up and prove them wrong on this one. This may be a big game for our psyche so lets smack 'em in the mouth in front of their 187 fans.

I agree somewhat but Ibatayo has earned his minutes. He's the one guy that I see out there who busts his ass every minute he's on the floor. He plays with a sense of urgency and passion that I don't see from just about everybody else.

Personally, I think that all of us underestimated just how much Zeke disrupted our opponents offensive flow. It's not all to be found in the stat sheets. It's the shots that they didn't take or that were altered that didn't come into play. Countless times teams broke out on us only to grab onto the breaks and kick it out for an ill advised 3 pointer that didn't drop.

I'm glad Dave brought up Chauncey's name. He didn't always light up the stat sheet but he had a passion for the game and the personality of a leader. We always talk about Zeke and Alex being gone but don't forget Gilliam. The guy is a winner and always left it all on the floor. He did it every single night and could pick us up when we were not getting anything from the perimeter. We could use a bit of his passion and offensive skills now.

Well, I would like to think that consistently reaching 20 victories is a somewhat useful recruiting chip. Perhaps though I could be wrong. I just don't think many kids want to hear " Well , we don't win many but we did play some really good teams tough" Of course, I'd like more. But look at the facts, look at our gym, look at our fan base. I know that we have several passionate fans on this board but we are what we are and given our recourses its been a rather remarkable run. Other than win a game in the tourney we have pretty much reached our ceiling as long as we are in the MAC and playing at the JAR. I think expecting much more than we have been getting is a pipe dream.

Hang tough coach, we are all in your corner.

God only knows but the guy is freakishly athletic for a MAC player. A matchup nightmare for anybody.

He'd have to move a lot of weed to afford that. I do agree though. Though AA took it to the next level I'm sure that many of us did some really stupid things when we were his age.

brain cramp on my part..... too many adult beverages consumed. OK, I just dialed up the hoop Gods and declined the four spot. I'll take a 3 instead. And MD brought up a very important fact..... yes, OU drew the short end of the stick for sure.

I probably shouldn't have put that sentence in there because I really wanted to get the subject of 20 wins debated. But since you brought it up... I understand your points and yes, it is very early but at this point I think that Toledo and Eastern are locks for two of the top 3 spots. After all, there are some serious benefits to playing CMU, Ball and NIU twice. So if one accepts that this is probable. We have the following teams likely going the remaining two of the top four spots. Akron, Ohio, Buffalo, Can't and Western. Of those, I think that Can't and Western appear to be the weakest at this point. Frankly, I think our guards are the worse of the lot and without solid guard play I don't think we are good enough to get the 2 seed. I said 4 seed for a reason. I think it's safe to say that on a neutral floor that nobody wants an early match with Toledo and they certainly look to be the likely #1 seed at this point. The 4 seed is the spot that might well get us through to Saturday. Though it's tough for any of to swallow, the realist in me sees the 4 spot as our most attainable and attractive option. Maybe we can dig this thread up later to prove me wrong. Hope so.

I believe that we will but I wouldn't put money on it. I went through the remaining schedule and it will not be easy by any stretch. We still have E Mich twice and they have the ability to win here. You have to shoot over the top to beat them and we have not demonstrated any type of consistent shooting. I think that it's a given that we'll have to scratch and claw to win any of the roadies with maybe an exception at C Mich . It may well come down to the MAC tourney and right now if somebody offered me a 4 seed I would say thank you very much, I'll take it. It is what it is. We are in very select company when it comes down to consecutive 20+ win seasons. I'd hate to see it end this year.

Glad that you caught my favorite cheerleader a couple times. I've always loved red heads and she's a real cutie

Need some extra coffee this morning

Wonder what the line will be?? I think it's gotta be as close to a pick em as you can get. Maybe Akron -2 or -3 due to our success at home. Despite that though, Akron has been a very profitable go against lately, especially on the first half line.

You are good to go at Duffys. Nothing quite like like getting all boozed up and abusing the officials for a great time at the gym (or so I am told)

Hilarious

You mean Pitt still plays football ?

Joe Frazier: "When I go out there, I have no pity on my brother. I'm out there to win."

Though they have been emerged in a slow, steady progression for awhile now, I would guess that EMU most closely resembles that team. They play a killer zone and have some athletes who are long and defend very well. To beat these guys you need some shooters to hit jump shots over the top. Just ask Steve Hawkins after Western was slaughtered last night.

If anybody has two nice lowers that they would like to unload let me know. We have guests this weekend and we'd love to take them.

Bumpity.. bump.. bump

I'm guessing that that this is the Dayton grad ??

So darn cute.... Major props to whomever came up with the idea.

A couple of years ago he was pretty much a one trick pony for the Rockets and could drop 30 pts on any given night. Now he is surrounded with four other guys that can put the ball in the hole. I've seen the Rockets play four times this year and he doesn't always seem to look to score like he did back then. I'm very impressed with their center Boothe. He's got strength inside and can also step out and hit the jumper. Drummond and Weatherspoon also have great offensive skills. I've never been a fan of Juice Brown but on occasion he can beat you as well. On top of that the Rockets do have some depth off the bench. Obviously, the Rockets can't defend very well but they can easily outscore their defensive liabilities against most teams. It will take a very crisp and clean offensive game, meaning LOW TURNOVERS, to beat them. However, lets take care of the sweaters first.

I'm no expert when it comes to the D league but from my limited viewing I can appreciate the above assessments of D league play. The league seems very guard oriented to me. It's often one pass or no passes at all then throw something up there in an attempt pad those stats. I suppose it makes some sense in that the vast majority big guys with legit skills are already on a roster in the association and learning at the highest level. All in all, I'll gladly take in a good MAC or Horizon league affair before watching any professional game at any level. Back in the day as a player I couldn't guard a kids piggy bank, but I now have an appreciation for good defense and the coaching strategies found in the college game that you don't see at the professional level. When you add in the rivalries and spirit of the college game, to me no other level basketball is as enjoyable. I agree with the guy that said he just wants to see Zeke be happy be it in basketball or any other profession. He's a good kid from a good family and I wish nothing but the best for him.