Rays of Sunshine or Plain Old Good News

[HockeyShock]

Bret Michael is getting some playing time...

Not quite sure how that is a positive...we better hope that changes next season.

Because how many other programs can say that their last-string point guard has significant D1 game experience?

I don't see how having a battle-tested solid backup PG can ever be a bad thing, especially when he's a local and a walk-on.

Didn't they make a movie about this .... except it had to do with football .... and Notre Dame ... and it starred a hobbit....?

Your point about it changing next season is correct on principle; we don't necessarily want Michael playing every game, and we certainly don't want to be in the situation where he HAS to play every game, but him getting playing time this season IS a good thing.

Maybe he'll end up being a Cam Ledford-type locker room leader to the new guys coming in next year. Who knows?

To contribute to the good news: I finally passed 100 posts yesterday! I'm officially a sophomore!

:clap: :wsu_posters: :yahoo: :clap:

[Ricky Del Rio]

I really appreciate the Sunshine News. I wasn't expecting much response.

Thanks all.


Just a footnote:

Remember when the Shockers went 3-21 from 3 against Drake? After the game, I wrung my hands and said, "Woe is us."

Last night, Vanderbilt went 3-21 from 3 and it is a top ranked team.

It can happen to any team or player. Even Michael or Kobe. The other night, the Big 3 of the Celtics could not have thrown the ball in the ocean.

[Slalomshocker]

You want some good news? We are struggling and have been for all but, we'll say 3 games LSU, UAB, CU...and we have only been blown out twice. Both of those times have been by teams that couldnt miss from 3. I know that good teams find ways to win the close ones, but stop and think how "poorly" we are playing night in night out....and yet when it comes down to the last 2 mins of the game there we are...with a chance to win. Thats good news. Great news would be pulling one or two of them out ala Bradley. Someone said it earlier, we are just a few breaks away from having a great record right now. Get a few breaks and who knows......

[Slalomshocker]

quick thought about my own post...

I know the reason the teams didnt miss from three was that all of their looks were open...but you get the point

[shockar25]

Are we recruiting any forwards as well? I know the guard situation is more immediate, but Ramon and Mantas are seniors next year and someone will have to fill their void...

I'm sure coach is all over the situation. I think his recruiting is excellent and we'll be in good shape next year and in the future.

[tropicalshox]

We have added several SF prospects during the last few weeks. Not so many PFs. Take a look at the 2008 Recruiting Summary on the recruiting board.

[RoyalShock]

Are we recruiting any forwards as well? I know the guard situation is more immediate, but Ramon and Mantas are seniors next year and someone will have to fill their void...

I'm sure coach is all over the situation. I think his recruiting is excellent and we'll be in good shape next year and in the future.

In looking at the current situation (assuming no unexpected changes, so lets leave Orukpe or players leaving for later in the discussion), next year we should have:

Power-forwards/Centers
Ramon, Mantas, JT, Garrett and Ehimen

Guards/Small-forwards
Mekel, Hawkins, Hannah, Ellis, Murry, Kyles, Hatch, Preadom

That should be improved depth in the middle and more talent at the guards. There are 3 seniors in that group. In next year's recruiting class I would expect either 2 post players and a HS point guard or 3 post players.

The kicker is that we know Marshall is still recruiting and one known target is a prep guard. If that happens, I'd expect all three recruits next year to be post players.

[Snapshot9]

I just watched the end of George Mason / Hofstra game, double overtime win of GM, 85-78. Heck of a game.

I would take a Will Thomas type of player anyday.

[shockar25]

We have added several SF prospects during the last few weeks. Not so many PFs. Take a look at the 2008 Recruiting Summary on the recruiting board.

I haven't looked over there up to this point. I'll do that. Thanks.

[SpanglerFan316]

One of our top Spring recruiting targets (Beckham) is giving us strong consideration. We could be getting a 6-5 freshman PG.

Can he bend it? :whistle:

On positives, I would agree that we have been in almost every game even with our poor shooting and players who may be important next year are getting some experience. I'm making summer travel plans. I've paid my kids Spring 2008 WSU tuition & fees. :clap: (Wait ... books!! :cry: ) SN is working again. The Shocks are going to win the 2008 MVC tourney. (Oops, I shouldn't let that secret out yet. ;-) )

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks:

[jocoshock]

We have THE BEST BY FAR facilities in the league and some of the best in the country.


One big stat for me is when you make more free throws than the other team shoots. WSU almost has that (218 made vs 224 attempted).

A few breaks.......it is a fine line.

And what does THE BEST BY FAR facilities give us? A barely over .500 record last year and a sub .500 record this year. Just kidding. I'm very proud of what WSU has done in the facility department, will be even more proud when our baseball renovation is completed.

Change your Avatar to this KC:



:D :D :D :D :D

[jocoshock]

On a more serious note, I was at the Oak Park Mall in Overland Park tonite and ventured into a sports cap shop.

The selection of WSU caps in Johnson County has never been better!!!!

:goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks: :goshocks:

[KC Shox]

We have THE BEST BY FAR facilities in the league and some of the best in the country.


One big stat for me is when you make more free throws than the other team shoots. WSU almost has that (218 made vs 224 attempted).

A few breaks.......it is a fine line.

And what does THE BEST BY FAR facilities give us? A barely over .500 record last year and a sub .500 record this year. Just kidding. I'm very proud of what WSU has done in the facility department, will be even more proud when our baseball renovation is completed.

Change your Avatar to this KC:



:D :D :D :D :D

angelfire.com? What is that?

[shockar25]

An influx of new faces (albeit young) will do wonders for the program I think, especially if they're of the quality they appear to be with this next recruiting class.

This might be a stretch, who knows, but perhaps the let down of last year is still infecting the group to an extent. Sure, some of the players are new, but I still think this team suffers from a confidence issue. They just don't believe. I don't know if it's in themselves, in the new system, but it's a confidence thing, and having a lot of new guys will help wipe that out I would think.

I've loved watching PJ, Phil and Matt, and it will be sad to see them go. But, it will also be a turning point that we probably will be needing and ready for.

BTW.. I started looking at the recruiting board... man, people have done their homework there. I look forward to checking it out more often.

Go Shox! :posterwsu:

[Ricky Del Rio]

Here is a little ray of sunshine.

Manta Griskenas

BU.....2/3.....1/2.....0/0
MS.....1/5.....0/1.....4/4
CU.....2/3.....1/1.....2/2
Ill St...3/5.....2/4.....0/0
SIU....3/4......3/3.....2/2

Tot....11/20....7/11....8/8

%.......55%....64%...100%

Trendline is up. He just gets better and better. I hope it continues.

Remember, this is the Sunshine thread.