|
Now What?
Nov 28, 2013 11:04:12 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lasalle89 on Nov 28, 2013 11:04:12 GMT -5
Do we still keep hope for a post season bid? Do we try to just improve every game for a miracle A 10 tourney run to get the automatic birth? When our program was really bad I just hoped we could be St Joes and called it a mini victory of a season. I can't believe we are in this situation with this team. I posted about being a top 25 team. I just talked to a student who is friends with some of the players and they thought it was a lock to return to the tourney again. What happened? I know we lost Ramon but come on. Ramon didn't play 40 minutes a game and do it all himself. Yes his loss is much more then we all thought but this is more then that. This team is beyond flat. The thing that hurts the most is the casual non LaSalle basketball fans were waiting to see what the darlings of the city and the NCAA tourny were going to do this year. When I was in LA for the Sweet 16 the guy in front of me was a local and said the only reason he bought a tix was to see LaSalle and their exciting breaks of basketball! We heard about workouts with Jameer and the improvement of our big men. What happened? Can G and the players turn this around? Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
|
|
|
Now What?
Nov 28, 2013 11:06:50 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lasalle89 on Nov 28, 2013 11:06:50 GMT -5
Auto correct corrections: Beat St Joes Exciting brand of basketball
|
|
|
Post by SICguy84 on Nov 28, 2013 11:36:37 GMT -5
Much soul searching this Thanksgiving for those closely connected to our beloved program. I just have a feeling, totally gut not brain, that G will turn this around.
|
|
|
Post by a10champion15 on Nov 28, 2013 12:10:40 GMT -5
What even comes close to the excitement of last season?
A team finding it's way over this break, coming together and going on an 8-10 game winning streak beating Nova, Temple and VCU along the way.
Sounds pretty good doesn't it!
While our season isn't over I have to agree this team, it's disappointing but somehow someway I don't think these feeling will last for long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
|
|
|
Now What?
Nov 28, 2013 12:48:41 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by explorer88 on Nov 28, 2013 12:48:41 GMT -5
Totally shocked at what has happened to us.
I can't read anything about the team and have no desire to watch college basketball during this stretch we are off.
I am in full college basketball depression.
|
|
|
Post by SICguy84 on Nov 28, 2013 12:49:38 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by lasallescreamer on Nov 28, 2013 12:50:22 GMT -5
I am as disappointed as anyone , but too much hand wringing. We are a good team that has not jelled nor played well. Its the level of expectation and an early letdown that is making us miserable.My problem is I thought team had chance to be GREAT. Maybe that is still possible, but if not, and if we go to NIT, that is not terrible. I still believe the shots will start to fall. I am going to be thankful today for being able to be disappointed that we have not won more games rather than sitting around EXPECTING not to win.Lets all enjoy the day and look forward to more exciting times with our School and Team!
|
|
|
Now What?
Nov 28, 2013 15:11:54 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lasalle89 on Nov 28, 2013 15:11:54 GMT -5
88 I agree. I couldn't even watch the Syracuse Baylor game last night. I was just so dissappointed. I really thought we turned the corner.
|
|
|
Post by mookie on Nov 29, 2013 16:23:17 GMT -5
7 games and ready to bail on the team?
Couple of positives: 1 - players were/are confident they'll return to the tourney; not hoping, but confident... 2 - the players worked hard this summer to improve their game and take the program to the next level (consistent post season appearances) 3 - talks of our big men showing improvement
It's very possible that the players worked on their individual games at a level they never previously had done before and were overly excited to show-off their improvements which has caused sloppy play and tendencies to playing outside of the style that got them to the tourney in the first place.
It's also very possible that the players were expecting teams to rollover to them because they're a Sweet 16 team. We've seen the team come on really strong in spurts.
Zack become a legit double-double threat every game; Wright has been getting better in terms of shooting from the field which will only help as the season goes; Duren/Garland are both able to get in the lane at will, eventually those shots inside will fall; Mills has seen a slight improvement in his 3pt shooting;
Jury is still out on Lewis since he's coming back from an injury that hampered his shooting ability and still trying to get in game-shape.
Disappointing? For me, it's the lack of development or the inability for Davis to get ANY playing time really outside of garbage time. If the team is struggling inside or to grab boards and Zack or Wright are on the bench for any reason, it's disheartening to see Brown come in over Davis. Granted, Brown has a nose for the ball but he's not big enough to bang with bigs. Comparisons to Zack seem to be completely off at this point. Zack was not a major contributor by any means as a freshman, but he saw playing time every game. Davis has been in only half the games while only getting 1 minute against Northern Iowa in a blowout and 4 against Morgan State in another blowout as a Redshirt Freshman!
There's plenty of season left and this team will likely improve as the season progresses. Will the team roll through opponents? Doesn't look like it, but this team is still very capable of making another run towards the end of the season.
|
|
|
Post by lasalle89 on Nov 29, 2013 16:46:38 GMT -5
Nice post. G said the key to last season was not losing two games in a row. We have to find our way sooner then later though. If we can put together a complete team game I would feel so much better. I think we all just need to see this team gel and perform like a team. If we do that and lose then so be it. I can live with losses. I just can't live with the under performance and no unity. Let's go Boys!!!! Turn it around!!!!
|
|
|
Post by ltrain38 on Nov 29, 2013 19:10:31 GMT -5
Hoping the time off has done some good. I still have confidence in the ability of these players.
|
|
|
Now What?
Nov 29, 2013 19:21:31 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by durenduren on Nov 29, 2013 19:21:31 GMT -5
I don't see Davis ever surpassing where he's at now. We all respect G for his ability to judge talent, but I'm beginning to think the ship has sailed in regards to Davis. A fitness issue is one thing, but he's seemed mentally behind the game in the limited time we've seen him too - lost and frantic. Until proven otherwise big time, he'll firmly be a non-factor.
Being big is one thing, but you need to be able to hang. And he simply can't.
|
|
|
Post by exploreresq on Nov 30, 2013 0:05:30 GMT -5
We'll get it together v. Hartford and Stony Brook, get two W's, then go to the Pavillion to play a (now going to be) ranked Nova team, take them down, and go from there.
FIGHT ON EXPLORERS!
|
|
|
Post by coachd on Nov 30, 2013 0:10:02 GMT -5
I could not believe what I Just saw tonight.. Villanova knocked off #2 Kansas or Villanova Makes Kansas Self Implode.
G, the entire coaching staff and the team better have it all figured out by next Wednesday or we will have a painful December and beyond.
|
|
|
Now What?
Nov 30, 2013 2:25:49 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by durenduren on Nov 30, 2013 2:25:49 GMT -5
I could not believe what I Just saw tonight.. Villanova knocked off #2 Kansas or Villanova Makes Kansas Self Implode. G, the entire coaching staff and the team better have it all figured out by next Wednesday or we will have a painful December and beyond. in the NCAA, anybody can be anybody else on any given day. top 25 is a barometer on what irrelevant top media think they have an opinion.
|
|
|
Post by stlexplorer on Nov 30, 2013 4:14:32 GMT -5
Well if there's any hope for playing some meaningful basketball in March the teams on our schedule are doing their part for making beating them possibly meaning a lot towards or RPI.
|
|
|
Post by a10champion15 on Nov 30, 2013 14:08:34 GMT -5
The A10 is doing spectacular. Nearly EVERYONE improved and the A10 as another shot at 5 bids.
We just got to get are act together when conference play comes and take care of the rest of our non conference schedule
|
|
|
Post by gymrat67 on Nov 30, 2013 15:20:19 GMT -5
I could not believe what I Just saw tonight.. Villanova knocked off #2 Kansas or Villanova Makes Kansas Self Implode. 6'-2" Villanova SG ( transfer from Rice University ) Dylan Ennis is the real deal. Scored 14 points in only his second significant appearance, including 3 pull-up, long-range jumpers from 3-point distance. Played with tremendous energy and confidence.
|
|
|
Now What?
Dec 1, 2013 19:39:39 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lasalle89 on Dec 1, 2013 19:39:39 GMT -5
I think it begins with our D. We have got to get back to the basics and lock it down. Then we have got to dribble drive. Teams are coming out and playing us on the perimeter and we are not driving and finding the open man. I keep reading our shooting % will go up but unless we create shots for ourselves it's not going to happen. I hope this time off has lit a fire. Let's Go Explorers!!!! Let's get on a run and stun Nova!
|
|
|
Post by lwc4591 on Dec 1, 2013 20:56:53 GMT -5
I hope T.Garland does not keep shooting from three land (at most two or shots per game from three) because he is not a shooter he is a creator. He should drive and dish, drive and pop or drive all the way to basket. Mills is our best option from three along with T.Duren. Lewis I couldn't say until we see more. It will be very difficult for us to be any better than 5-5 after Nova game so we must beat Hartford (horrible team and Stonybrooke - OK team because we are not beating Nova this year). If we improve our play we have a favorable schedule after Nova to go on a bit of a streak and could possibly be 9-6 or 10-5 after first 15 games which I believe many would be happy with after what they have witnessed to date. If we play like we have to date we could also be 7-8 or 8-7 after first 15 games.
|
|
|
Post by sweat83 on Dec 2, 2013 16:24:34 GMT -5
Look. It's still early and anything can happen. FDU started out 1-6, and turned it around by beating Seton Hall and Rutgers on the road. I understand that those two teams aren't world beaters by any stretch of the imagination, but FDU was able to pull out 2 nice road wins. We just need to start our streak on Wednesday, and go into the NOVA game with 2 wins under our belt. We've got 10 what I would consider, high profile games on the schedule this year, based on the early showings of our opponents, and team's recent success. Nova, Miami, GW (2), Joe (2), Temple, VCU, GW, UMASS, Bilks, and Dayton. Can we play with these teams? We'll see. But .500 ball against them, after our sluggish start, ain't gonna get it done. The talent is there. Will it start to gel? Or will we continue to witness PG basketball again at 20th & Olney? (PG > Pre Galloway)
|
|
|
Now What?
Dec 2, 2013 21:24:10 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lasalle89 on Dec 2, 2013 21:24:10 GMT -5
Just read Nova is ranked 14th. I congratulated my nephew and said enjoy it until LaSalle takes them down. His response... "LaSalle is a joke." We need to win this game. Time to earn back respect.
|
|
MisterD
The Baptist Himself
Voted Most Popular Poster 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
Posts: 8,531
Likes: 6,408
|
Post by MisterD on Dec 2, 2013 23:31:14 GMT -5
Tell him some stuff about his mom he'd never want to hear.
|
|
|
Post by jellybean on Dec 3, 2013 8:47:01 GMT -5
Three areas need to improve immediately.
1. Almost every player is in a shooting slump. Look at their career shooting percentages from 2 and 3. Then look at this year. I personally don't like the offense scheme but we are getting shots. We aren't finishing.
2. Defense especially against the 3 is awful. Defense inside the arc (.506 last year vs. 455 this year) is better believe it or not but from 3 ( .302 last year and .389 this year.).
3. Opponents assist to turnover ratio last year was -50 ( 436 assists to 486 turnovers). This year opponents have more assists than turnovers (on pace for over +100). Step up the defense and get more aggressive creating turnovers.
I expected a lot of close games but later in the year. Each game is now a close game in my book. It's the proverbial "look one game at a time. Most important game is the one we face now."
|
|
|
Post by explorer88 on Dec 3, 2013 9:15:47 GMT -5
Just read Nova is ranked 14th. I congratulated my nephew and said enjoy it until LaSalle takes them down. His response... "LaSalle is a joke." We need to win this game. Time to earn back respect. That is some harsh words from your nephew. Can't blame him for the response. From an outsider's point of view we have been awful. Heck from a fan's point of view we have been bad. However, most La Salle fans can see and expect improvement. Not sure outsiders will see that. I think beating Nova is going to be very difficult. They are by far the best team in the city from what I have seen. Strange things have happened in Big 5 games in the past. Hop[efully La Salle fans get a Christmas miracle.
|
|
|
Post by 23won on Dec 3, 2013 11:11:43 GMT -5
I think if we focus on the following fronts, we can turn things on an upward trajectory:
1) We are leaving the perimeter wide open way too much and people are hitting 3s that are killing us, especially from 3s and soft 4 position players.
Richards, Manhattan 4-7 threes; Poole, Siena, 3-5 threes, 9-15 overall; Harris, Providence 6-12 mostly from corner and outside; Buss UNI, 9-14 overall, including many outside 2s, and 2-3 on threes; and PSU's Jack and Travis 12-19 overall and 5-8 from 3s.
These guys are scoring well above their average on us because we aren't paying attention to defending that position well enough. You can't let these players roam out and get open looks. If it means you play DJ and/or Rohan more to counter this, do it.
2) We need fresher rotations and less mpg for our seniors. Ideally no one should be above 32 mpg. Lewis needs more than 10 minutes. He amps the intensity and brings the same passion Mon did. G needs to give him more minutes and some rope; he will validate himself given more than just token minutes. Ty and Sam should rest more and get better quality minutes; they are getting beat late in games and getting into foul trouble, so more rest would benefit them in particular.
3) Create more offensive motion and movement. We have literally stood around defenses and passed like a bad CYO team against a flat footed zone. That needs to end. This has led to us getting nowhere late in the shot clock and getting ugly chucks up before the buzzer sounds. That is why the percentages are down and why Tyrone looks like a whipping boy for bad 3 and deep 2 shooting -- it is not all his fault.
4) Better shot selection. It has been pretty lousy. See 3 above. Having given Tyrone a pass in 3, I think G needs to work with him on eliminating bad shots, especailly 3s. Ty G needs to focus on getting off 3s only when open and in rhythm. If it ain't there, he should slash and finish or dish. Some of the most amazing plays this years has been drives where Tyrone has dished.
5) We have absolutely sucked in transition. Reke is not the fastest guy, yet he insists going coast to coast when he thinks he can finish. Passing on a fast break moves far faster than the dribble, yet Reke and others refuse to push the ball and pace to a man (or men) well ahead. The deadly game changing missed 3 on one should be the poster that stops this. Mon was different last year; he could get out in front and stay out in front. This year - not so much; passing in transition is key.
|
|
|
Post by coachd on Dec 3, 2013 13:16:24 GMT -5
Here we go: 1. Mills, DJP and KL are our best perimeter defenders and 2 of the 3 must be on the court during key minutes down the stretch of games.
2. Mills and KL were hurt at the start of the season... KL is just healing now.
3. Very valid points and this falls on the coaching staff mostly.
4. This is not last years' team. We must shoot less 3s and drive to the basket and take it in or dish to the open man. This goes back to coaching the personnel that you have.
5. It is Reek, not Reke. Reek was sick the last game as was JW. We must have everyone playing as a cohesive unit. Not sure if the coaching staff was on the "banquet tour" over the summer but they better get it right or G will have no choice then to find assistants who understand the game and can produce the results. Head coaches are only as good as the assistants they surround themselves with. Ramon made the coaching staff look good the past couple of seasons but now they must step up.
|
|
MisterD
The Baptist Himself
Voted Most Popular Poster 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
Posts: 8,531
Likes: 6,408
|
Post by MisterD on Dec 3, 2013 13:36:29 GMT -5
I think the assistant coaches should have made Duren and Wright not sick and also should have prevented Lewis' broken hand. This is all on the assistant coaches.
|
|
|
Post by luhoopsfan on Dec 3, 2013 15:04:23 GMT -5
Some interesting 3pt line stats: (TY= This Year; LY= Last Year)
Opponent 3FG% = 39% TY vs 30% LY L.U. 3FG% (returning players) 30% TY v 36% LY
3Pt Line Point differential TY = -24; LY= +360 Total Point differential TY = -10; LY +193
Knock the opponent 3FG% back to last year and L.U. up to last year's pace and the Explos would outscore the opponent by 48 points and change the season differential from -10 to +38.
Note: We are outscoring opponents inside the arc, but last year that was obviously not the case. Consequently the points per possession are down this year as well. One would think our ability to score inside would lead to better looks from the perimeter and for the most part it really has. A high conversion of 3FGA would really open things up on the inside and force teams to pick their poison. Unfortunately, most teams have started by trying to guard man-to-man and quickly switch to a zone which takes away the ability to lean on the inside scoring efficiency as well as the drive-and-dish. Teams will continue to sage back in the zone and clog the lane until our guys can consistently hit 3FGs and force the opponent to either extend the zone or go straight-up man. On that note, last year's individual 3FG % for returning players
Duren 39% Petersen 40% Mills 38% Garland 28%
Garland and Duren both had 3.6 3FGA per game last season Mills attempt 4.0 and Petersen 2.4, Now Garland is attempting 5.1 per game this season, Duren & Mills 4.0 and DJ is attempting 2.4 again.
This year the shooting %'s are Duren 24% Petersen 12.5% Mills 39% Garland 30%
Throw in that Galloway attempted nearly 7 3FG per game and converted 41% of them and you start to see that we've replaced Galloway's attempts by Duren taking 1 more and Garland almost 2 more per game and hitting at a much lower rate.
|
|
|
Post by Gnocchi on Dec 3, 2013 17:59:05 GMT -5
|
|