WSU vs. Creighton Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[60Shock]

With Early's propensity to foul, is it really such a great idea to have him guard the All American to whom the refs (may) likely protect?

[Ta Town Shocker]

I have watched quite a few Blue Bird games this year and no one has defended Dougie. When he is in the paint, he is lights out. Too tough.

I do not think Carl can guard him. One on one, I think our best shot is EO. Tell me that I am crazy or loco. Either one.

I think Carl matches up with him quite well. I'm not sure Cle can guard Dougie but I think Cle could easily match him in points. I don't think we have to worry about Dougie getting in foul trouble. He would actually have to attempt to play defense for that to happen.

[60Shock]

Early leader in the clubhouse for post of the year.

Wow, thanks, Doc. I'm going to frame that as I very likely will need sometime in the near future, a "Get Out of Jail Free" card.

[CBB_Fan]

We could sure have used Ron Baker for the Creighton game. He could have helped counteract Wragge's long balls. By the way, why is Ron Baker ignored? If i were him i would not be too happy about it. Does anybody know when he will return?

I think the assumption is that Baker may return in a couple of weeks, but that type of injury generals make it hard to come back quickly even if you can technically play. He can't run with a boot on so he'll probably be out of shape for a D1 athlete, and he'll take weeks to get back into the flow with the team.

I'm excited for him returning, but I think we'll need to wait till late February to see him at his best.

[forevershockerfan]

White-out at Omaha last Season=mad dash early for the exits with our 21 point surpass. Black-out this Sat.=ESPN2 coverage=we end up in a tie in the Valley for 1st place=they are no longer 12th in the nation=this makes us happy and focused to finish what we started. This would all be grand but it won't come easy.

Yes, I concur that Creighton has a very solid squad this Season and nobody will be taking them lightly. We must keep our turnovers to a mild roar, play D. play D. and play more D., we must hit shots, and play close to 40 minutes of executing Shocker basketball. Basketball fans will be tuning in all over to watch this tough matchup. Both teams will want this win and will want it bad. This is OUR HOUSE!!!!!!!

[pogo]

We need to keep our guys out of foul trouble. All of our schemes to win this thing hinge on the personnel to be available when we need them and not watching the action with foul problems. We control our fouls and we can control our destiny.

[Shocker-maniac]

Random thoughts: (1) Will Jason King from ESPN be at the game? (2) I think that I will start bringing cotton balls to the game and when they introduce Tekele and when he makes a basket toss them up in the air like confetti. (3) Shocks return to top form of their game on Saturday and Shocks win by 5.

[Ricardo del Rio]

We could sure have used Ron Baker for the Creighton game. He could have helped counteract Wragge's long balls. By the way, why is Ron Baker ignored? If i were him i would not be too happy about it. Does anybody know when he will return?

I read that the cast does not come off, until the end of January. If so, I will be surprised, if he plays before February 10-15. Stress fractures are tricky in healing.

[I_Vector_Wu]

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss"
CU lost one starter to graduation and another to health problems I believe. They have added a couple of freshman that have seen some playing time but for the most part these are the same guys from last year. Yes they have had a year to improve, but short of Fred MacMurray (or Robin Williams for the younger crowd) placing flubber in their Chuck Taylor's I doubt their foot speed and thus their defense has improved exponentially. Can they handle our press? What happens when McDermott the Younger does not score left and right? Does he get frustrated and try to press the issue. What if their voluminous 3 point shooting is off a little, do they get rattled? They certainly remember the last meeting and those doubts may still linger in their minds. All it takes is a little self doubt.

Obviously our team has changed quite a bit from last year and in my opinion to the better (no offense to last years hard working group). Our team chemistry and athleticism has improved, not as many disruptions to our offense due to fouls. If our Shox can frustrate (press, steal, strong D, dribble drive) them a little I'll be curious to see how CU responds. They are the ones who have more on the line, sole possesion of first, national ranking, TV audience, POY all amounts to pressure. Add in the Koch Arena environs and I like our chances.

Shocker New Bosses 76
CU Old Bosses 71

PS, For those that like to leave the game early you'll really love this. I found a CU stat that states they are 12-0 when General Electric wins the opening tip. So if "Gregory" wins the tip we can all just head for the exits! :hurt:

[Trueshock]

Tell me how we are going to defend Dougie and Wragge and hold Dougie to 16 or less and I will predict a winner.

I have watched quite a few Blue Bird games this year and no one has defended Dougie. When he is in the paint, he is lights out. Too tough.

I do not think Carl can guard him. One on one, I think our best shot is EO. Tell me that I am crazy or loco. Either one.

We did it last year. Shockers seem to take him out of his game somewhat. Our team is mostly new, but i'll bet that he doesn't have more than 20 pts. against us.

[wsushox1]

Random thoughts: (1) Will Jason King from ESPN be at the game?.

I hope so. However There are a lot of big time match up across the MW though, so me might get sent elsewhere..

Gonzaga at Butler, OU vs K-State ( Lon Kruger story line), Ohio State vs. Michigan State.

[ShockerFever]

I hope the students take advantage of this showcase and represent well. Lots of signs, emotion, craziness, etc.

[DwShock]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130117/BLUEJAYS/701179841/1001#wichita-state-enjoying-early-time

Nice Article on Early and a preview of the game.

[Jay Dog]

Shockernet rowdies:
Good luck tomorrow! Big game for both of us! Glad Carl is back. Lets's get ready to rumble!

[ShockTalk]

Shockernet rowdies:
Good luck tomorrow! Big game for both of us! Glad Carl is back. Lets's get ready to rumble!

This is the opening salvo of what I hope will be 3 great games.