Back Slowly Away From the Ledge

[Aargh]

Here's the deal. The Shox went on the road and beat a top-25 type team. Then they came home and stunk it up against some bad teams.

One thing we knew was that the team was young and inexperienced. Young and inexperienced teams tend to get overconfident when they beat a good team, so we shouldn't be surprised that there was a huge letdown for two games that might be considered "trap" games after a top-25 road win.

We only have 2 players with over one year of experience in the program - Orukpe and Williams. What we've seen is what happens with inexperienced and immature teams. By immature - I mean teams that aren't accustomed to prosperity and adversity as a unit.

We've got talent. We've got a lot of talent. The players will respect good teams. We've seen that. They need to learn to respect lesser teams. Actually, they need to learn to respect themselves.

Marshall tells recruits that once they're on campus he's not their friend any more. I'm certain the players believe that tonight. I think he probably got their attention. Marshall probably has something in common with the Hulk - "You don't want to see me when I'm angry".

I'm confident the team will take DePaul and (probably) Iowa seriously. We can only hope that two lackluster performances against weak teams will get enough "coaching" to last through the Valley season and prevent letdowns against lesser Valley teams.

I'm expecting 2 "head scratcher" Valley losses, but enough wins to nail down a top-2 or (at the worst) a top-3 Valley finish.

[SubGod22]

Who's on the ledge?

[Aargh]

Who's on the ledge?

KSU fans.

I probably should have made this a "Perspective" thread.

[Ricardo del Rio]

I am not on the ledge.

It is not uncommon for ugly teams to cause their opponent to play ugly. It is something in the water.

Our players made some plays today that they will not make for the rest of their career at WSU.

[ShockerFever]

The team is gonna have ups and downs. I'm glad that our downs so far have still resulted in wins.


One thing to keep in mind is Marshall is still mixing crazy lineups out there and building depth against these creampuffs. He even said he's not looking for 30 point blowouts. So watching a once 30 point lead shrink to 20 isn't the end of the world scenario. Playing against that bad of a team must be hard to do for the guys because it was hard enough just watching it as a fan.

[Steeleshocker]

I am not on the ledge.

It is not uncommon for ugly teams to cause their opponent to play ugly. It is something in the water.

Our players made some plays today that they will not make for the rest of their career at WSU.

Can't be something in the water, Wichita voted no on flouride. Unless you are talking about the chlorine. I bet it was the chlorine.

[shoxlax]

Howard was bad. I'm still not convinced Western Carolina was that terrible. They have several guys that could play in the Valley.

[KC Shox]

You're right Aargh, 4 and 0 with this group of younglings is something I will take any day of the week. The ONLY thing I am concerned with is regarding the hole MA issue. Not sure exactly what happened, but I'm more concerned about guys in the locker room who may behave like a 'cancer' or only care about their own performance. I would like to point out I am not saying this scenario exists, I just think the whole J curve experience is affecting the team right now.

[ShockerPrez]

We may just need some more practice and film time to diagnose these stinkers. I dont think anyones worried. The kids arent as finely tuned mentally to come out and drill teams. My only concern is that we have been known in the past to get 20 point leads, then sit back and let teams come back on us. We need to keep trying to win by 30 when we are up 20. Killer instinct. Crush the other teams desire to compete. Thats what worries me.

[SpanglerFan316]

Howard's zone defense was not terrible; it was good for the Shocks to see that kind of defense in a "warm up" game.

[wufan]

Howard's zone defense was not terrible; it was good for the Shocks to see that kind of defense in a "warm up" game.

Marshall said after the game that they could have broken the zone every time using the offense they used in the last 8 minutes of the first half. HCGM changed to the secondary zone offense because they needed work on it when they play better teams. He was very disappointed that they ran it so poorly. This game was 100% teaching opportunity. Marshall may have even set them up for failure so he could teach.

[proshox]

There were many times in the second half were the players were confused about who was playing the two, three and four spots. I think the out-going experience allowed a lot of mixing and matching that most coaches never attempt. I think Marshall views the flexibility as a weapon and is trying to get this group there.

It will be a steep learning curve and it will pay off in the MVC...l

[vancedave56]

Marshall said after the game that they could have broken the zone every time using the offense they used in the last 8 minutes of the first half. HCGM changed to the secondary zone offense because they needed work on it when they play better teams. He was very disappointed that they ran it so poorly. This game was 100% teaching opportunity. Marshall may have even set them up for failure so he could teach.

You got it - it happens all the time. What better way to drive home a point and increase the importance of practice.

[wusphlash]

Coach was mad yesterday and had every right to be. It's not the first time he has called out players and it won't be the last. It is part of his style and it works.

We've played 5 games now, including the exhibition. I think playing time for the remainder of the year is becoming pretty clear. Those expecting an emergence from the deeper part of the bench for really serious playing time are going to be disappointed. There are those that are clearly going to be on the floor becase of performance and those he wants to develop for down the road. The others are going to have to settle for spot and mop time. James Anacreon revisited.

[wufan]

Coach was mad yesterday and had every right to be. It's not the first time he has called out players and it won't be the last. It is part of his style and it works.

We've played 5 games now, including the exhibition. I think playing time for the remainder of the year is becoming pretty clear. Those expecting an emergence from the deeper part of the bench for really serious playing time are going to be disappointed. There are those that are clearly going to be on the floor becase of performance and those he wants to develop for down the road. The others are going to have to settle for spot and mop time. James Anacreon revisited.

There are no James Anacreon's on the roster this year. He was a mop up guy. I do not believe that rotations are set for the season, especially with some of the guys having injury problems. Marshall is looking for guys that understand the offense, defense, and their role within those systems. Armstead, Baker, Williams, Wessel and Hall meet all three of the criteria. Orukpe does too, but lacks consistent execution. Early understands his role, but not necessarily the systems. Cotton and White understand the systems, but not their role. The other three are still learning a lot, but have huge upside. If they get it, they will get minutes.