Roster Next Year

[SHOXAAC]

Yea, I hate to pile on, but EO is a spot I would love to have back. He holds an unofficial NCAA Division I record of most pages (143+) on a fan board.

Come on, what a disappointment. His lacking on offense and natural instinct for the game is too much to overcome with athletisism, rebounding & block shots.

With all the hoopla, energy and excitment that surrounded him three years ago, what we have seen is simply not worth it.

I would ask everyone on this board "With what was advertised with EO did we expect him to be further in his progress at this point in his development?"

I agree however, you gotta roll the dice. As a non-BCS program trying to stay relevant and competitive on the national scene, I don't have a problem with them trying to find a diamond in the rough. GM has said it himself that he tries to recruit guys that are under the radar and can be developed into good players in college.

You win some and you lose some. I have more of a problem of guys that were recruited like Kenny M and J Hamilton that were potential MVC All-Stars not panning out.

You could have said the same thing about Henry Carr, Tom Kosich, and even Zarko their first year or two. Zarko turned into a VERY good post man by his senior year, and I have heard some people say that Henry wasn't bad by his senior year.

You won't know about EO until he gets some serious playing time.

TOM KOSICH...were did that reference come from???

He was basically on the team for entertainment purposes only.

Getting back to the point...H. Carr & Zarko wouldn't have appraoched 143 SN pages if it were available back then.

[notquiteBWing]

I think we will be okay. We probably will recruit 1 or 2 more players. It's too bad though, because Hamilton is so athletic, I would have liked to see what he could do with more minutes. I think we will recruit at least 1 more big man, probably a 4 man, who might also be able to play the 5.

I was a little worried about replacing Durley/Blair's offensive production, so Stutz has to step up offensive scoring, and I think Hall will give us some offense too. Jake White is a little bit of a question mark, depends how fast he adapts to D-1 ball. He could end up a small contributor, or a more significant one, just depends. I am not sure whether Jake White will play the 3/4 at times, or just the 4 and relieve Hall.

It has seemed to me, anyways, that Nigerian players blossom about a year later than expected, so it is possible that Orukpe may improve quite a bit before next fall. I would love to see him go to a Big Man's camp over the summer. (If 3G wanted him to go to a Big Man's Camp, would it be legal for the coach to pay for it for Orukpe?). I did notice that he was trying to develop a baby hook shot around the basket, and that could be gold for us if he improves it.

Certainly recruiting another big man or two (I really think 1 big man and another guard) would change the rotation outlook. I am looking for about a 9 man rotation next year.

Personally, I am not excited about T-Rich. Everytime I saw him play this last season, he couldn't keep up on defense, and quite frankly, his shot doesn't seem to be what it was advertised to be.

While I can understand the skepticism regarding T.Rich, I will withhold judgment until next season. He now has two years under his belt in the system. The only time we ever saw him was during mop up minutes. I can't possibly imagine that is good for the jump shot, coming in cold after an hour of sitting on the bench.

Now, if he can't get off the bench next year for a few meaningful minutes, and is beat out by a combination of TM/Ben/EW, then I will be concerned. With his experience, he should be able to come in and give us a few minutes each game, and if those other guys are keeping him on the bench, I don't know what he will offer in future years. It's important to keep in mind that we still have TR for 3 years, and if he is able to do a little bit next year, I like his chances to do a lot the next two years between him and EW.

yeah. i hate to say this about a player on our team BUT

I don't feel like tyler is very good. not a D-1 type player IMO.

Shot is bad. he starts descending before he releases the ball. He doesn't have good accuracy in shoot around, I don't think it would get any better with more minutes.

I think he has a strong body. But his lateral quickness is... isn't much. gonna get beat on D alot.

That's all good and well, but look at what you are basing this on.

1) Shoot around
2) 2-3 mop-up minutes coming off the bench cold

and if you time it right...

3) Pick up games

Those are not good barometers of how good or bad a player is going to be.

He will have plenty of time to prove himself in practice to Coach. If he is the best option, and has earned it, and is making strides he will see a few minutes. If he does see around 5 mpg next season, then I bet he is doing things the right way and improving. If not, THEN I will get concerned. A redshirt sophomore should be starting to emerge as a future impact player.

I don't see how it would be illogical to judge a jumpshot from the hour before a game. that's just like practice. and if your hitting backiron WAYYY more than the bottom of the net.....

I've watched tyler shoot before each home game for the past two years. His bad form and inaccuracy are consistent. I don't need to see him play with a hand in his face to realize that his shot isn't that great.

[wufan]

The answer is yes, SHOXMVC. However, once he learns the game and things click, watch out. 7-0' tall with a great attitude and a solid work ethic. He is well worth the wait and being patient. He has a lot of basketball yet to play including a long summer and some Overeas games to improve areas of concern. One last thought. If AE would have sit out this last Season, EO would have had to play several more minutes. Who knows what such future experience to come as to what can occur when it all begins to come together for EO. HCGM will work him very very hard.

:good: :yes: :posterwu: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: 8)

I have to admit, I have been drinking the koolaid up til now...I just think the natural instinct of a young boy growing up playing the game vs. a case like EO, who just doesn't seem to possess the instinct, is hard to overcome.

Don't under estimate instinct. It slows the game up so much. With EO the game must seem like warp speed. He is seemingly a bright, smart, intelligent young man who is very well spoken, but to overcome instinct and become a quality Division I basketball player just doesen't seem to me to be in the cards for EO. I hope I'm wrong and have to eat my words (I know, hope and expect many of you to bump my words when the time comes).

Perhaps those on here that are disappointed with EO have too high of expections?

Here is a link to the 7-0 Nigerian center that was good enough to play back-up for the National Champions. He too was a project that spent one year at JUCO followed by one year as a RS before beginning his D-I career. To say that EO's scholarship isn't warrented or that he should play D-II is just silly:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/players/38136

[Snapshot9]

I have mixed feelings about EO. I want him to do good, and be a force for us, but I am a little skeptical also. Basketball is not rocket science, and a player should be able to recognize and correct his mistakes in a short amount of time, not years, like some of you seem to think.

Most of our players have played for years already, and yes, I know D-1 ball is different, but they should be able to adapt to it. They have brains, and they work I assume, and should be able to figure out what they need to do to get better, along with the coaching staff helping them. Hatch, for example, figured out what he had to do to get better over a summer, and was significantly better in the fall.

One reason our team this year did so well in the NIT was because they showed much better basketball IQ in the NIT games.

[tropicalshox]

Are you referring to the summer between Hatch's freshman and sophomore year? Yes he got somewhat better, but didn't he lose his outside shot during his sophomore year? I don't think we were raving about him. I'm thinking it took him three plus years to fully developed after a two year mission.

[WuDrWu]

There are times in practice where he's dunking on everyone.
One practice where they played pickup, he had 16 blocks. 16

They love to do a full court press with him as the anchor. good things happen.

I've been buying and holding my EO stock for 4 years now. I am too deep in now to sell but I still have all the faith that it's going through the roof before it's all over.

I'll keep buying EO stock, and when I sell, I'll be looking for payment from many a doubter here.

:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu: :poster_eo:

[SHOXAAC]

The answer is yes, SHOXMVC. However, once he learns the game and things click, watch out. 7-0' tall with a great attitude and a solid work ethic. He is well worth the wait and being patient. He has a lot of basketball yet to play including a long summer and some Overeas games to improve areas of concern. One last thought. If AE would have sit out this last Season, EO would have had to play several more minutes. Who knows what such future experience to come as to what can occur when it all begins to come together for EO. HCGM will work him very very hard.

:good: :yes: :posterwu: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: 8)

I have to admit, I have been drinking the koolaid up til now...I just think the natural instinct of a young boy growing up playing the game vs. a case like EO, who just doesn't seem to possess the instinct, is hard to overcome.

Don't under estimate instinct. It slows the game up so much. With EO the game must seem like warp speed. He is seemingly a bright, smart, intelligent young man who is very well spoken, but to overcome instinct and become a quality Division I basketball player just doesen't seem to me to be in the cards for EO. I hope I'm wrong and have to eat my words (I know, hope and expect many of you to bump my words when the time comes).

Perhaps those on here that are disappointed with EO have too high of expections?

Here is a link to the 7-0 Nigerian center that was good enough to play back-up for the National Champions. He too was a project that spent one year at JUCO followed by one year as a RS before beginning his D-I career. To say that EO's scholarship isn't warrented or that he should play D-II is just silly:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/players/38136

For one, you can't ignore 143 pages of hype. Did Okwandu have 143 pages on UConn's fan board? I doubt it.

Two, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO. Maybe he had better coaching before coming to the states. Maybe he had better coaching in juco. Maybe he has a better big man coach at UConn.

You can't cherry pick just one successful case. If I had time, and I don't, I'm sure I could find many unsuccessful attempts by Nigerian born college basketball players. Again, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO.

[SHOXAAC]

There are times in practice where he's dunking on everyone.
One practice where they played pickup, he had 16 blocks. 16

They love to do a full court press with him as the anchor. good things happen.

I've been buying and holding my EO stock for 4 years now. I am too deep in now to sell but I still have all the faith that it's going through the roof before it's all over.

I'll keep buying EO stock, and when I sell, I'll be looking for payment from many a doubter here.

:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu: :poster_eo:

Not everyone can be a Microsoft. ;-)

[wufan]

The answer is yes, SHOXMVC. However, once he learns the game and things click, watch out. 7-0' tall with a great attitude and a solid work ethic. He is well worth the wait and being patient. He has a lot of basketball yet to play including a long summer and some Overeas games to improve areas of concern. One last thought. If AE would have sit out this last Season, EO would have had to play several more minutes. Who knows what such future experience to come as to what can occur when it all begins to come together for EO. HCGM will work him very very hard.

:good: :yes: :posterwu: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: 8)

I have to admit, I have been drinking the koolaid up til now...I just think the natural instinct of a young boy growing up playing the game vs. a case like EO, who just doesn't seem to possess the instinct, is hard to overcome.

Don't under estimate instinct. It slows the game up so much. With EO the game must seem like warp speed. He is seemingly a bright, smart, intelligent young man who is very well spoken, but to overcome instinct and become a quality Division I basketball player just doesen't seem to me to be in the cards for EO. I hope I'm wrong and have to eat my words (I know, hope and expect many of you to bump my words when the time comes).

Perhaps those on here that are disappointed with EO have too high of expections?

Here is a link to the 7-0 Nigerian center that was good enough to play back-up for the National Champions. He too was a project that spent one year at JUCO followed by one year as a RS before beginning his D-I career. To say that EO's scholarship isn't warrented or that he should play D-II is just silly:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/players/38136

For one, you can't ignore 143 pages of hype. Did Okwandu have 143 pages on UConn's fan board? I doubt it.

Two, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO. Maybe he had better coaching before coming to the states. Maybe he had better coaching in juco. Maybe he has a better big man coach at UConn.

You can't cherry pick just one successful case. If I had time, and I don't, I'm sure I could find many unsuccessful attempts by Nigerian born college basketball players. Again, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO.

Did you open the link I posted? EO is already as good as a sophomore as Okwandu was as a junior. As a senior he averaged 15 minutes, 2.5 points, 3 rebounds, and a blocked shot to go along with 2.5 fouls and a turn over. He was not who I would "cherry pick" as a successful case. On the contrary, I was giving an example of a very similar role player that only had marginal "success" as a senior, yet he was the 3rd option for a team that won a national title. My point was that EO doesn't have to get a double/double for him to warrant a scholarship or for this team to be successful. 7 foot athletes change the game and are ALWAYS welcome at WSU IMO.

[SHOXAAC]

SHOXMVC--I for one appreciate your honesty here on SN. You and I agree many times, but not this time. We both hope I am correct for EO to show solid improvements. We can all learn from each other on here and all of us have made various observations that are correct, and heaven forbid--sometimes wrong.

My insticnts tell me that EO has all kinds of room for improvement and the sky is the limit. The question seems to be, when will it all come together for EO? Right now, we don't need him to be a star. However, if he could come in for 10-15 minutes a game next Season, clean the glass spotless, set some picks, alter and swat some shots, score some points, and play tough D to the max, then we will all enjoy the benefits that will be the end result.

Thanks SFS. Trust me, I wan't to be wrong in the worst way. Like former Master's champion Ben Crenshaw once said about the US potientially coming back from a big deficit in the Ryder Cup..."I have a feeling." Well, I have a feeling and that's all it is. By the way...the US came back from that big deficit and won the Ryder Cup. Just sayin!!!

[forevershockerfan]

SHOXMVC--Whom is this SFS you speak of? "speaksforeverspeaking?" :D

[SHOXAAC]

The answer is yes, SHOXMVC. However, once he learns the game and things click, watch out. 7-0' tall with a great attitude and a solid work ethic. He is well worth the wait and being patient. He has a lot of basketball yet to play including a long summer and some Overeas games to improve areas of concern. One last thought. If AE would have sit out this last Season, EO would have had to play several more minutes. Who knows what such future experience to come as to what can occur when it all begins to come together for EO. HCGM will work him very very hard.

:good: :yes: :posterwu: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: :poster_eo: 8)

I have to admit, I have been drinking the koolaid up til now...I just think the natural instinct of a young boy growing up playing the game vs. a case like EO, who just doesn't seem to possess the instinct, is hard to overcome.

Don't under estimate instinct. It slows the game up so much. With EO the game must seem like warp speed. He is seemingly a bright, smart, intelligent young man who is very well spoken, but to overcome instinct and become a quality Division I basketball player just doesen't seem to me to be in the cards for EO. I hope I'm wrong and have to eat my words (I know, hope and expect many of you to bump my words when the time comes).

Perhaps those on here that are disappointed with EO have too high of expections?

Here is a link to the 7-0 Nigerian center that was good enough to play back-up for the National Champions. He too was a project that spent one year at JUCO followed by one year as a RS before beginning his D-I career. To say that EO's scholarship isn't warrented or that he should play D-II is just silly:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/players/38136

For one, you can't ignore 143 pages of hype. Did Okwandu have 143 pages on UConn's fan board? I doubt it.

Two, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO. Maybe he had better coaching before coming to the states. Maybe he had better coaching in juco. Maybe he has a better big man coach at UConn.

You can't cherry pick just one successful case. If I had time, and I don't, I'm sure I could find many unsuccessful attempts by Nigerian born college basketball players. Again, maybe Okwandu is just better than EO.

Did you open the link I posted? EO is already as good as a sophomore as Okwandu was as a junior. As a senior he averaged 15 minutes, 2.5 points, 3 rebounds, and a blocked shot to go along with 2.5 fouls and a turn over. He was not who I would "cherry pick" as a successful case. On the contrary, I was giving an example of a very similar role player that only had marginal "success" as a senior, yet he was the 3rd option for a team that won a national title. My point was that EO doesn't have to get a double/double for him to warrant a scholarship or for this team to be successful. 7 foot athletes change the game and are ALWAYS welcome at WSU IMO.

You can't compare statistically players that way. If they faced each other right now I would take Okwandu overwhelmingly in a matchup over EO.

[shockerfan]

Everyone knows I love to speculate as much as anyone.

The truth of the matter is we won't know how good EO is until his time is done at WSU. The guy has alot of tools you can't teach, I still have faith that the coaches will help him put the rest together. Late this year Marshall was saying how much progress EO was showing in practices, at times more than anyone else. Sure it didn't translate to playing time this year because we already had tons of depth. But the progress is there.

It's WAYYYYYYYYYY to early for anyone to dismiss his value and future with the team.

I'm still buying shares also Doc. I have a feeling I will be a "rich" guy buy the time EO has graduated from WSU.

[SHOXAAC]

SHOXMVC--Whom is this SFS you speak of? "speaksforeverspeaking?" :D

Forgive me...I just diagnosed myself as being dyslexic...and tired. How about FSF who is a dirty DOG...I say with respect. :lol:

[Kung Wu]

I've heard this song before about how a player is never gonna get it, but the original name escapes me ... Oh wait I remember: Aaron Ellis