Wichita State vs. LaSalle- Sweet Sixteen Showdown Discussion and Predictions

[wsushox1]

Just eliminate the dumb fouls is all that I am asking. The really dumb ones. The kind that drives a coach to exasperation.The inexplicable kind of fouls. The kind that makes you say, "What did I just see?"

That's all I am asking.

I hope the players are not as uptight and nervous as I am.

They are going to be playing in the Staples Center - the Hub of big time Professional Basketball for the last 10-15 years - it would be a safe bet they come out playing a little fast due to how much energy they have. Hopefully they can channel it into positive results.

[rjl]

Has anyone ever seen the M. Night Shayamalan movie "Lady in the Water?"

It's a pretty bad movie and you would have to be pretty bored to sit through it all. The gist, however, is that all the characters in the movies have these strange quirks that manifest themselves in perfect alignment to beat the antagonist at the end. For example, a character who only works out one side of his body so that you "can see the difference" uses that doubled effort on that one side to scare away a large wolf.

Yeah, dumb.

But I cannot shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we're on the precipice of something. Orupke has been a fine player for WSU. While we all had great, and often times humorous expectations for him, he's proven himself to be a fine role-player and a decent presence in the paint, but not much more.

But what if, as if through fate, the sole purpose for his recruitment--all the hours spent on the phone to Nigeria, the years spent waiting for test scores, the eventual immigration and playing at a junior college, and the final transfer to WSU--was all meant for this one game. As if it all had a purpose.

I look at La Salle and I look at who they have and their style of play and I can't help but think that this is a game where Orupke could just totally dominate. It's almost as if it was custom tailored for him, an athletic 7 footer who loves to swat. This could be it. This could be his moment.

[Kung Wu]

Just eliminate the dumb fouls is all that I am asking. The really dumb ones. The kind that drives a coach to exasperation.The inexplicable kind of fouls. The kind that makes you say, "What did I just see?"

That's all I am asking.

I hope the players are not as uptight and nervous as I am.

You hear that EARLY?!? :)

[Cdizzle]

Has anyone ever seen the M. Night Shayamalan movie "Lady in the Water?"

It's a pretty bad movie and you would have to be pretty bored to sit through it all. The gist, however, is that all the characters in the movies have these strange quirks that manifest themselves in perfect alignment to beat the antagonist at the end. For example, a character who only works out one side of his body so that you "can see the difference" uses that doubled effort on that one side to scare away a large wolf.

Yeah, dumb.

But I cannot shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we're on the precipice of something. Orupke has been a fine player for WSU. While we all had great, and often times humorous expectations for him, he's proven himself to be a fine role-player and a decent presence in the paint, but not much more.

But what if, as if through fate, the sole purpose for his recruitment--all the hours spent on the phone to Nigeria, the years spent waiting for test scores, the eventual immigration and playing at a junior college, and the final transfer to WSU--was all meant for this one game. As if it all had a purpose.

I look at La Salle and I look at who they have and their style of play and I can't help but think that this is a game where Orupke could just totally dominate. It's almost as if it was custom tailored for him, an athletic 7 footer who loves to swat. This could be it. This could be his moment.

I think he fulfilled his destiny during the first 3 minutes of the win over #1 Gonzaga. He launched Olynyk and Harris across the lane 2 or 3 times each in that time. He did a fantastic job setting the tone. Notice that Harris' first shot went about 4 feet over the rim. He and Olynyk spent most of the rest of the game 15ft and out. Everything has a way of working itself out. Like when they fouled Orupke and he missed the front end of the 1-and-1. Twenty seconds later, he rejected the crap out of a shot to regain the possession for the good guys.

[1972Shocker]

You hear that EARLY?!? :)

I have a feeling he hears it early and often.

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks destiny still lays in wait and, in this case, their destiny is not preordained. The Shockers still are masters of their destiny (if not their domain).

Good luck guys. Where behind you 100%.

[WuDrWu]

I'll say it again.....I'm very much at peace with where this team is and what I think they'll do. They will play hard, they are focused, and they are prepared. La Salle may come out and play their best game of the year. If so and we can't overcome, so be it. This is a fantastic time for Shocker basketball and I've enjoyed every minute of it, and I will enjoy the ride tonight.

I consider it a privilege to support this program. I hope my support allows them to feel the same pride that their work and the way they represent our University instills in me.

Enjoying the day and looking forward to the game tonight and another chance to support this basketball program. Here's to a great game, both teams staying healthy and playing to the best of their ability and may the best team win.


PS Best of luck to Kansas tomorrow too. I'd love to meet the Jayhawks in the finals. That would be special.

[WuDrWu]

I love how various corners of the city have gotten behind this team.

http://newsroom.usd259.org/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=1517498&nid=381778

Love the kid's take!

#playangry

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

PS Best of luck to Kansas tomorrow too. I'd love to meet the Jayhawks in the finals. That would be special.

KU would whine and complain that the game shouldnt be allowed to happen, that they should win the title on the basis that they won more FB games than we did this year.

NCAA would bow down to BCS conferences and rule WSU ineligible to play for a championship.

[Ricardo del Rio]

The Shocks are not getting a lot of love from the talking heads.

It seems they have fallen in love with the southern Cinderella and of course, the eastern bias Cinderella.

[top20shock]

And according to the La Salle coach on the presser their big man has been cleared to play. Still unclear how much or if he will play as he is out of game shape. He did mention that they will use 2 bigs at times when their big man is available and 3 guards. That's how they started the year until he went down. Then they went to a 4 guard out of necessity, although they played 4 guard line-up last year as it was their best lineup. He said it really doesn't matter which way they play. Although subbing a 6'10" guy in for a 6'2" guy definately makes them a much bigger team.

Hmm.

[rrshock]

I am getting more nervous by the minute. I have a junior high track meet to go to later this afternoon then will be a wreck for a couple hours tonight. I love this team and the way they represent our university and area.

@WuDrWu: is absolutely correct in saying that it is an honor to watch this team and cheer for it.

Here's to hoping all is well during the game and all the fans in their various cheering spots,whether be at home, the bar, with friends, or strung out all throughout the world, are safe and happy after the game.

[ShockBand]

Spot on, @WuDrWu:!

Even though we aren't the "Cinderella" of this game, we're still playing with house money. Be loose, have fun, and LET IT RIDE!

[MadaboutWu]

Just eliminate the dumb fouls is all that I am asking. The really dumb ones. The kind that drives a coach to exasperation.The inexplicable kind of fouls. The kind that makes you say, "What did I just see?"

That's all I am asking.

I would almost settle for eliminating the dumb fouls by Early. We need him in to abuse the mismatch if they stay small.

[ISASO]

Shox got nuthin but disrespect from Pat O'Brien on his radio show. Just talked about probation and how we couldn't guard LaSalle.