We'll be better

[Dan]

Everyone should know by now that almost nobody sits the bench in Marshall's system. Last year, Nick and CJ were the odd men out and both of those guys saw the court. I don't see a scenario where Derail doesn't play. He may not get 15 min a game, but there will be games where he's just a better matchup and he gets to show his stuff. He's had a year to practice and I'm looking forward to see what he can do out there.

[Dan]

The other thing about Cle is that he's his own worst enemy. His fouls will dictate how many minutes he plays.

[im4wsu]

That's the $64 question. We rarely discuss chemistry. Will the chemistry be there this fall? What injuries will occur? Who will miss class.....who will have girlfriend troubles etc etc. Who will be upset that the ball isn't in their hands enough?

I believe this team has more upside than last year's team. Does that mean I think they'll get to the final game or win a National Championship? Of course not, but I'm not saying they can't. Are they going 12-6 in conference? That's funny.

But I'd be pleasantly surprised if they go 16-2 in the non-conference.

This team will have new and different strengths. For all his shortcomings, there is no EO walking through the door. Remember when we talked about how he'd foul out in 15 minutes? 73 fouls in 36 games. Never fouled out. A defensive nightmare for the opposition who RARELY gave up FTs. Carter is going to be good, but will he bring Carl's toughness and leadership? Fred is special, but is he going to be the defensive terror Mal was at times? What about breaking defenses down late in the shot clock and getting to the rim time after time after time etc....

Bottom line: Lots of potential. Mix in some experience in big games, a will to prepare and a dash of playing angry and it should be another fun season for ShockerNation. Enjoy the ride.

Mal was indeed a go-to guy and has the quicks to get a drive to the rim whenever he needed to. Fred, in conference games and the MVC tournament, averaged 2.1 steals per 40 minutes; Mal 2.6. Fred Assist/turnover ratio of 2.68 (5.9 to 2.2 per 40 minutes) is half again better than Mal's 1.75(5.6 to 3.2). I have to believe that we have yet to see what FVV can do as far as getting a shot off when pressed.

[Ricardo del Rio]

Mal was indeed a go-to guy and has the quicks to get a drive to the rim whenever he needed to. Fred, in conference games and the MVC tournament, averaged 2.1 steals per 40 minutes; Mal 2.6. Fred Assist/turnover ratio of 2.68 (5.9 to 2.2 per 40 minutes) is half again better than Mal's 1.75(5.6 to 3.2). I have to believe that we have yet to see what FVV can do as far as getting a shot off when pressed.

For a guard, who is quick and height challenged, Fred has an effective way of driving (worming) his way though the paint and finishing with a goal or nice dump-off. He is pretty clever that way.

[WSUwatcher]

For a guard, who is quick and height challenged, Fred has an effective way of driving (worming) his way though the paint and finishing with a goal or nice dump-off. He is pretty clever that way.

Avery Johnson Van Vleet.

[Aargh]

FVV can create at the end of the shot clock. He can also get to the hoop if he's allowed a path there before the end of the shot clock. His AAU games the summer between his Jr and Sr years in HS were on the Net. I watched games where he played against 3 of the top 5 rated PG's in HS ball that year.

FVV wasn't the quickest or the flashiest of that group, but he was the most effective. He was better at staying in front of those guys than they were at staying in front of him. Give him an inch at the top of the key and he'll take 20'. Bring another defender in to cut off his drive, and he will know where that guy came from and will make a pass to the undefended player. If a big is going to step up to defend, he better come in low and wide or FVV will pass around the guys legs to an open guy under the bucket.

It may not happen this year, but FVV will be among the best PG's ever on the court for WSU.

[ShockerPrez]

FVV hit the greatest shot clock expiring basket in Shocker history.

Not even a debate.

Granted, it wasn't a drive for an easy bucket, tho.

[WuShock16]

FVV hit the greatest shot clock expiring basket in Shocker history.

Not even a debate.

Granted, it wasn't a drive for an easy bucket, tho.

When Fred hit that shot, I had a flashback to PJ's late 3 (also at the end of the shot clock) against Tennessee in 2006. In both cases, when the shot was made, the thought went through my mind, "Holy cow, we are going to win this game."

[pogo]

The other thing about Cle is that he's his own worst enemy. His fouls will dictate how many minutes he plays.

I would like to think that Cle will get about 25 minutes a game so he will be rested for the start of the 2nd season.

[Kung Wu]

FVV hit the greatest shot clock expiring basket in Shocker history.

Not even a debate.

Granted, it wasn't a drive for an easy bucket, tho.

No debate?

[ShockerPrez]

No debate?

Nice effort, but no.

Maybe we should rank based on Kennedy wood created.

I would say they are both close, but the table moved on the FVV shot.

[GoShockers89]

.

[Shox21]

No debate?

Not really. Bigger game, Creighton or Gonzaga (the No. 1 ranked team in the COUNTRY) -- I'll take ...

[im4wsu]

Mike Jones vs KU

[ShockerPrez]

Mike Jones vs KU

That one is up there, but I'm talking more about a 'Gotta shoot, and it's gotta be shot now!!' type play. That was a good shot, but, I don't believe there was a shot clock involved, was there? I could be wrong. I was like 6 when that game was played.