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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 0:41:15 GMT -5
It's time to accept the inevitable. We will be a pretty good team this season and will probay score an upset, maybe two, but there is no shot at making the tournament. D I honestly am even more concerned about next season considering the lack of perimeter play we have returning and the fact that what we are losing has been anything but inspiring this year.
Like death and taxes, La Salle is back among the "average" teams. we are a long, long ways away from anything like last season. Watch your DVD until it burns out so you don't forget the feeling, but the glory run is over. And honestly, we shouldn't be surprised. Were a small catholic university. It was never going to last. I think most of the frustration here comes from knowing that last year wasn't a fluke, but it wasn't going to always be that way. It's like when the smokin hot girl in High School agrees to go to the winter dance with you, but by the time prom season rolls around, she's back with her boyfriend.
It was great while it lasted and a joy to be a part of, but no one can replace what Ramon brought us. We should all be thankful and remember. The NIT will prkvBly invite us because of last season but it's a slow death march for as long as I can tell.
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Post by ltrain38 on Nov 25, 2013 0:58:59 GMT -5
I don't see this team making the NIT at this rate. With last season and the expectations most of us had coming in, it's particularly brutal. I can honestly say that I haven't enjoyed watching this team for more than about 10 minutes total so far this season.
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Post by lasalle69bestever on Nov 25, 2013 7:54:26 GMT -5
This team has a bunch of one-dimensional players. Best example: Garland - offense only, Mills - defense only.
If you take out the first 10 minutes against Providence where there was a number of consecutive pretty feeds, the offense is entirely predictable and stagnant.
The team played as though the three-point line had not yet been invented. Sam Mills has been playing like a timid first semester freshman. He regularly passes up shots (once to make a poor pass to the baseline resulting in a turnover). He also occasionally does a Ruben Guillandeaux-like routine where dribbles ten seconds off the clock doing nothing before passing. DJ offers nothing to the offense at all. Kahlid Lewis was invisible - I hope he can shoot 3's because we need this desperately.
I think G needs to set up some plays to free up Mills for three pointers. Otherwise, it's like the old St. Joes "four to score". (ironically -the announcers remarked on where Mills stood on La Salle's all time three point shooting list).
Duren's makeup is not to carry a team on his back scoring-wise. When Mills and DJ are out there together it's like there are only three players looking to score. This is poison and makes it very tough on the others.
Jerrell and Zack are doing fine - the big letdown is our highly touted backcourt. It's easy to complain about Garland's shot selection, but there are many times when he's the only one willing to put it up.
IMO, we are basically a "lucky to make the NIT" team if Mills and DJ don't pick up their games or Khalid Lewis doesn't come through. It might come down to more playing time for Taylor Dunn just to get a three point threat out there.
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expbrady03
Utility Bench Player
Back from the grave
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Post by expbrady03 on Nov 25, 2013 8:10:21 GMT -5
G-sus you guys dove off the cliff quickly. Can we get a sticky on this thread to revisit in March? Keep the faith people.
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Post by durenduren on Nov 25, 2013 8:16:09 GMT -5
Was thinking of some long winded rant, but it's nothing we already don't know or hasn't been said countless times. Not ready to sell the farm yet, but we stink like poop as of now. Best I can do right now is...
I'm sad.
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Post by SICguy84 on Nov 25, 2013 8:50:11 GMT -5
Reports of the death of the 2013-2014 season are greatly exaggerated.
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Post by lwc4591 on Nov 25, 2013 8:50:54 GMT -5
Hoops I think team will most likely win around 19 or 20 games (after A10 tourny is complete)and get an invite to NIT. I actually believe players coming in next season are clearly better than what we have currently as follows:
Washington over Davis (Washington is more atheletic and can get off the floor)
Price over Garland (Garland may be quicker taking it to basket but that is his only adavantage)Shooting/rebounding Price is a clear cut above.
Roberts over Mills (Love Sam but he simply is not the talent Roberts is)
Duren over Schuler or Stukes (Big advantage to Duren mostly based on inexperience of Schuler and Stukes)
Remaining players Wright, Zack, Brown, Davis, Lewis, Peterson should stay about the same or improve slightly. Next year we will not be outrebounded that often because Washington, Price and Roberts have a great advantage over Brown, Garland and Mills.
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Post by 1stflooredwards on Nov 25, 2013 9:12:28 GMT -5
It's time to accept the inevitable. We will be a pretty good team this season and will probay score an upset, maybe two, but there is no shot at making the tournament. D I honestly am even more concerned about next season considering the lack of perimeter play we have returning and the fact that what we are losing has been anything but inspiring this year. Like death and taxes, La Salle is back among the "average" teams. we are a long, long ways away from anything like last season. Watch your DVD until it burns out so you don't forget the feeling, but the glory run is over. And honestly, we shouldn't be surprised. Were a small catholic university. It was never going to last. I think most of the frustration here comes from knowing that last year wasn't a fluke, but it wasn't going to always be that way. It's like when the smokin hot girl in High School agrees to go to the winter dance with you, but by the time prom season rolls around, she's back with her boyfriend. It was great while it lasted and a joy to be a part of, but no one can replace what Ramon brought us. We should all be thankful and remember. The NIT will prkvBly invite us because of last season but it's a slow death march for as long as I can tell. When I saw the headline I thought you were talking about how this board goes negative after every loss and immediately predicts the worst (remember "jetison all ..."). Honestly, what did you expect this year? The team lost its best player and added only Jermaine Davis. Did you think experience alone was going to overcome the loss of Ramon? He was a special player. Such early season ups and downs were to be expected. The only hope is the team gets better as the year goes on. To say the season is over and no NCAA bid at this point is crazy and anyone who says that is an idiot IMO. |
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Post by coqui900 on Nov 25, 2013 9:23:15 GMT -5
I hate this place a lot of times.
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Post by victoriouslasalle on Nov 25, 2013 9:29:31 GMT -5
This team has a bunch of one-dimensional players. Best example: Garland - offense only, Mills - defense only. If you take out the first 10 minutes against Providence where there was a number of consecutive pretty feeds, the offense is entirely predictable and stagnant. The team played as though the three-point line had not yet been invented. Sam Mills has been playing like a timid first semester freshman. He regularly passes up shots (once to make a poor pass to the baseline resulting in a turnover). He also occasionally does a Ruben Guillandeaux-like routine where dribbles ten seconds off the clock doing nothing before passing. DJ offers nothing to the offense at all. Kahlid Lewis was invisible - I hope he can shoot 3's because we need this desperately. I think G needs to set up some plays to free up Mills for three pointers. Otherwise, it's like the old St. Joes "four to score". (ironically -the announcers remarked on where Mills stood on La Salle's all time three point shooting list). Duren's makeup is not to carry a team on his back scoring-wise. When Mills and DJ are out there together it's like there are only three players looking to score. This is poison and makes it very tough on the others. Jerrell and Zack are doing fine - the big letdown is our highly touted backcourt. It's easy to complain about Garland's shot selection, but there are many times when he's the only one willing to put it up. IMO, we are basically a "lucky to make the NIT" team if Mills and DJ don't pick up their games or Khalid Lewis doesn't come through. It might come down to more playing time for Taylor Dunn just to get a three point threat out there. Sam was 1-6 from the floor last night, cold from the field but did have 6 assists and only 1 TO. Against Morgan St he was an O asset with 12 points. Among Sam, DJ, and Khalid we need to find some consistent O help for sure. |
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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 10:17:35 GMT -5
Call me what you will, and I've been called much worse for far less offenses than offering an observation, but the fact of the matter is that Ramon brought an intangible that cannot be replaced with the current group of players. I love all these guys, Ramon was the thing that brought them all together and made them better. My expectation for the season was that the returning players would improve as individuals and that someone would step into Galloway's leadership role and I thought it would be Duren. Tyreek is a fantastic point guard and runs the offense well, but he's not the guy Galloway was last season. He certainly can be that guy as evidenced by the spark he brought against Siena and Morgan State, but he needs to do that every game. tThe edge that they had last season simply is not there. That team last year wouldn't have stopped 2 points short of the come back last night and honestly probably wouldn't have let PC outscore them by 23 points over any stretch. There was a will to this team last season that isn't there.
I made excuses about adjustments early in the season being the issue but there isn't a replacement for Ramon and his importance to the team is more glaring now than when he was on the roster.
I'm not saying they are a lousy team, but they are going to get every team's #1 effort all season and they don't have enough toughness to push back. They don't attack teams like they used to, it's more tentative like they're all waiting for someone else to make a play. I said they are probably an NIT team, which is great. I've always thought that if our program can be in the NCAA tourney 2 of every 5 seasons and the NIT in the other 2 or maybe 3, it would be a remarkable accomplishment and a terrific program to follow.
The disappointment for me is the realization that the schedule doesn't present enough opportunities the rest of the way for resume-building wins. This tournament was a great opportunity and going 2-1 won't be terrible, but the route to the NCAA was 2-1 by winning the first 2 games and losing in the championship game most likely. After this, Nova is the best opponent for a resume win, but that's a revenge game at Nova and will take a miracle to win. After that, the A10 season isn't loaded with juggernauts. UMass is playing well now, our only hope is that we get some revenge on their floor, VCU is going to be tough at home.
Hopefully I look like a fool in a few months, but there's no denying that the team is not playing well enough to win enough games over quality opponents. It's not about physical ability or limitations, for me it's the lack of the true leader out there that takes charge of the team on the floor.
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Post by explorerman on Nov 25, 2013 10:23:21 GMT -5
It's time to accept the inevitable. We will be a pretty good team this season and will probay score an upset, maybe two, but there is no shot at making the tournament. D I honestly am even more concerned about next season considering the lack of perimeter play we have returning and the fact that what we are losing has been anything but inspiring this year. Like death and taxes, La Salle is back among the "average" teams. we are a long, long ways away from anything like last season. Watch your DVD until it burns out so you don't forget the feeling, but the glory run is over. And honestly, we shouldn't be surprised. Were a small catholic university. It was never going to last. I think most of the frustration here comes from knowing that last year wasn't a fluke, but it wasn't going to always be that way. It's like when the smokin hot girl in High School agrees to go to the winter dance with you, but by the time prom season rolls around, she's back with her boyfriend. It was great while it lasted and a joy to be a part of, but no one can replace what Ramon brought us. We should all be thankful and remember. The NIT will prkvBly invite us because of last season but it's a slow death march for as long as I can tell. Um no backcourt talent next year? You do realize the second team has been beating the first team in intrasquad scrimmages |
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Post by explorer88 on Nov 25, 2013 10:25:19 GMT -5
Hoops, I don't think your crazy. Nothing we have seen from this team should lead any objective fan that an NCAA bid is in our future.If anyone sees otherwise is not being honest. Still we have to let this play out and hope for the best. We lack a true efficient scorer and that is not going to change the rest of the year. We are what we are. We need to put that aside and improve the areas we can change.
The program is so much healthier than it has been. We are not the same "average" program. We have players coming in next year that are talented and much bigger than we have had, both in the frontcourt and backcourt.
We are all frustrated but steady improvement is what we need to see and see where the chips fall.
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MisterD
The Baptist Himself
Voted Most Popular Poster 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
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Post by MisterD on Nov 25, 2013 10:29:15 GMT -5
I hate this place a lot of times. Long Time Poster 1: "I SAID THEY SUCKED FIRST!" Long Time Poster 2: "NO, I SAID THEY SUCKED FIRST!" Long Time Poster 3: "WHAT, I SAID THEY WOULD SUCK WAY BEFORE YOU DID!" Long Time Poster 4: "NO WAY, I JUMPED SHIP BEFORE ANYONE ELSE!" Me: [closes laptop] |
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Post by mookie on Nov 25, 2013 10:30:31 GMT -5
1 - This is an average team but will still likely finish with a better than .500 record and a shot at the NITs.
2 - we all knew this team would take a step back because of the loss of Galloway
3 - next year's team will be a much better perimeter shooting team, based on all the scouting reports of the players coming in so not sure why you think otherwise unless you're just being completely negative
4 - No, I did not realize the 2nd team has been beating the first team...by 2nd team do you mean the class currently at LaSalle but inelible for transfer/redshirt reasons? If so, that's actually pretty re-assuring and only further proves the point that next year's team will confirm what we've all thought.
5 - the team can struggle right now, it's disappointing but somewhat acceptable as long as the team improves as the year progresses and they peak at the right time (conference and conference tourney time).
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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 10:40:09 GMT -5
I don't mean to infer that there is no talent sitting on the bench, I'm saying that we lose our trio of guards that we've leaned on for a lot of games, in particular the PG that has rarely, if ever, done anything to hurt this team in 3+ seasons. I'm just saying we don't know what we have in those other guys and they will all be young, inexperienced and rusty after most of them sit out a full year while our two best post players in years are seniors at the same time. I'm concerned about getting everything clicking all at once that's all.
If the red-shirt team is beating the current team, that's pretty good news but I'm not sure how to project performance in practice a year from now.
I think the team will improve as the season progresses, only twice in 9 seasons has Doc not had a team do that. the first time was when everyone got hurt and the second was when we had 3 cancerous players on the roster. If we stay healthy, I don't see any risk of the team not improving as we head to January and February, but I also don't think the ceiling is all that high.
I was one of, if not the most, optimistic guys about this team and admittedly down-played Galloway's departure much too far. Like i said, it's not really the physical scheme or basketball ability that concerns me, it's the team's chemistry and mental fortitude that is lacking that concerns me.
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Post by mookie on Nov 25, 2013 10:46:39 GMT -5
I hear what you're saying, it's the unknown. But I'm sorry, I'm not buying the "rust" factor. Stukes and the other transfers are playing everyday and participate in summer leagues.
If chemistry and mental fortitude are the biggest concerns for you, then look at play and body language of players like Wright/Zach/Lewis. Those will be the returning players and Wright most importantly because he's the best talent out of that trio. It would be most important to see/hear what the players think of Lewis and Stukes. Stukes will be the floor general (I'm assuming) next season and his ability to get players involved will be key. The other thing is the ability of our transfers to hit those open 3s and pull-up jumpers.
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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 10:56:34 GMT -5
Zack and Wright are tough and I like them a lot. I'm really disappointed in our guard play right now. As good as the bigs have been playing, it feels like the guards are using them as a crutch and just dumping it inside because it's easier than working to get an open shot.
The dribble penetration was better early yesterday and then it sort of fizzled out. That's 2 or 3 games this season where they came out of the blocks on fire and then they stall out. Not sure what to make of it, but to me it's like they put it on cruise control far too early.
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Post by Gnocchi on Nov 25, 2013 11:06:41 GMT -5
In a nutshell, this year's team replaced a senior BCS-talent transfer with a redshirt soph Colonial transfer who's so far been mostly hurt.
But Gnocchi flunked chemistry...
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Post by 1stflooredwards on Nov 25, 2013 14:08:29 GMT -5
In a nutshell, this year's team replaced a senior BCS-talent transfer with a redshirt soph Colonial transfer who's so far been mostly hurt. But Gnocchi flunked chemistry... Yeah, but they went to the Sweet 16 last year and only lost one player. That's got to count for something (he says w/ sarcasm). But I don't have thousands of posts like other experts .... |
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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 14:22:23 GMT -5
I'm not sure what your problem is with me or my observations and/or opinions.
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Post by durenduren on Nov 25, 2013 14:34:40 GMT -5
Just win today, yeah? Let's all get behind that.
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Post by luhoopsfan on Nov 25, 2013 14:36:10 GMT -5
winning is better than the alternative, so I'm with you.
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Post by durenduren on Nov 25, 2013 14:41:53 GMT -5
This place smells like a funeral. Place needs a collective beer and cheesesteak.
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Post by lasalle69bestever on Nov 25, 2013 15:55:23 GMT -5
Zack and Wright are tough and I like them a lot. I'm really disappointed in our guard play right now. As good as the bigs have been playing, it feels like the guards are using them as a crutch and just dumping it inside because it's easier than working to get an open shot. The dribble penetration was better early yesterday and then it sort of fizzled out. That's 2 or 3 games this season where they came out of the blocks on fire and then they stall out. Not sure what to make of it, but to me it's like they put it on cruise control far too early. "guards are using the as a crutch and just dumping it inside because it's easier than working to get an open shot". Agreed - that's getting there. I'm gonna watch closely tonight to see exactly what Mills, DJ and Khalid Lewis do after feeding it inside. I suspect they'll just be watching instead of trying to get open for a pass for a three attempt. Zack is more inclined to pass it back out to someone trying to free himself up, but I can hardly blame Jerrell if he sees no one moving after he gets a feed. What's he gonna do? Throw it back out to a guard just standing there? This doesn't include Tyreek and Tyrone, who do keep moving. |
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Post by jellybean on Nov 25, 2013 16:08:46 GMT -5
You don't have to wait for tonight. I have been saying for quite a while now that there is no movement once the ball is dumped into the big guys. I have been screaming for Wright especially to kick it back to a shooter like Sam once Wright draws the double team. At this point I have given up.
I wished that G would have watched tapes on how Duke got shots for JJ Reddick and worked them in for Sam. Sam however seems to be just a mess offensively. I would love to see Sam the Tiger. Tired of seeing Sam the Lamb.
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Post by lasalle69bestever on Nov 25, 2013 16:19:33 GMT -5
I'm gonna watch since my point is that Mills & DJ don't seem to try like heck to get open for a three or good shot once they dump it in.
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Post by durenduren on Nov 25, 2013 16:27:16 GMT -5
Our guards' formerly touted speed and perimeter shooting was supposed to make our bigs better. Get more consistent outside, you'll find more balance inside the paint on both ends of the court.
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Post by coachd on Nov 25, 2013 16:59:06 GMT -5
I knew someone would say "we have no shot at NCAA" now. I had to laugh. Last time I checked, this league was sending 3 or 4 teams to the NCAA. If we "crap the bed" and only win 12 games in the regular season then we always have the A10 Tourney as a bail out option. Do I expect that to happen, hell no. I expect us to still finish in the top 3 of the A10.
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Post by lasallescreamer on Nov 25, 2013 17:02:51 GMT -5
We have good players. Good players have to play well to win,. Otherwise, they will lose. Not complicated. For reference: The Flyers.Good players started season playing like crap and they lost. Same players are playing better and they r winning.I said in a different post that we have to hit the open 3 and finish at basket. If our good players improve in those areas, we will win.I see enough effort, but not enough confidence which erodes the skill level of the players. Time for some guidance from Paul Westhead: See the ball in your hands; see the basket; see your shot; and see your shot going in. You know you will make your shot because u have seen yourself do it thousands of times.Sometimes practice is on the court; sometimes its in the head. Lets get it together and play to our ability, and we will win a lot of games.
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