I know it's very early, but after two league games....

[DwShock]

I agree...

One thing that Mitch and Adams said yesterday that took me aback, and I'm not sure I agree with, is that ISUr has the best talent in the league...did I hear that right?

Adams also called them roaches.

[Shoxfan11]

Surprises:

• Total failure of Barry Hinson and Geno Ford

I know this is his third year, but is it even fair to judge Hinson yet? I think people greatly underestimate how much Lowery completely destroyed that program. Sure, I wish Hinson would schedule better and not absolutely kill the league's RPI but with all the problems he had coming in, it's almost fair to judge this as his first year.

[wusphlash]

I know this is his third year, but is it even fair to judge Hinson yet? I think people greatly underestimate how much Lowery completely destroyed that program. Sure, I wish Hinson would schedule better and not absolutely kill the league's RPI but with all the problems he had coming in, it's almost fair to judge this as his first year.

I hate what CL did to that program. However, Barry is very familiar with the Valley and I can't help but be disappointed with what he is doing.

[Cdizzle]

I hate what CL did to that program. However, Barry is very familiar with the Valley and I can't help but be disappointed with what he is doing.

He had to spend the first 2 years getting a team that would stay out of the slammer and rebuilding the APR to avoid penalties. That wasn't just a bad team he inherited. It was a program nearly on probation, a breeding ground for delinquents, and an arena void of fans and donors. They may get rid of Hinson after another year or so. But at the very least he will have given the next coach a fighting chance to build a good team.

[jocoshock]

I know this is his third year, but is it even fair to judge Hinson yet? I think people greatly underestimate how much Lowery completely destroyed that program. Sure, I wish Hinson would schedule better and not absolutely kill the league's RPI but with all the problems he had coming in, it's almost fair to judge this as his first year.

There is a special place in Heaven for Barry Hinson. Consider him judged..

[kcshocker11]

10898123_10152986238248834_794930800057933310_n.jpg

[ShockerKhan]

This team is really where i thought they would be at this point in the season. The one thing that concerns me is the inability to control the defensive board
in the last 3 ball games. There is a spot open on the front line for someone...anyone willing to sell out and rebound on the defensive end. I thought Kelly
was the answer but he seems to have lost his desire to clean the glass. I guarantee we will win every game we out rebound our opponent in the Valley.
That is the trade mark of a HCGM team and we need to recapture it. Everything else will take care of itself.

[Bluzrover]

I think Carter is averaging 12 and 7 versus 8 and 4 last year. Fairly explosive.

I believe that's due more to increased playing time than blowing it up. But that's just my opinion obviously as he's only playing four more minutes per game thus far. If he can start moving his feet instead of his body while playing defense, maybe he's on the court a bit more and his numbers get even better. No doubt about it, he has the talent.

[wufan]

I believe that's due more to increased playing time than blowing it up. But that's just my opinion obviously as he's only playing four more minutes per game thus far. If he can start moving his feet instead of his body while playing defense, maybe he's on the court a bit more and his numbers get even better. No doubt about it, he has the talent.

Darius Carter Junior Year: 18.2 mpg, 7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Darius Carter Senior Year: 22.5 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg

Carl Hall Junior Year: 22.3 mpg, 8.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Carl Hall Senior Year: 28.6 pmpg, 12.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg

Statistically, DC is a better minute for minute player than Hall in both his junior and senior season, and shows better improvement. He needs more minutes.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

If DC could stay out of foul trouble, the minutes would be there for his taking.

[HockeyShock]

There is a special place in Heaven for Barry Hinson. Consider him judged..

Barry's had enough personal tragedy the last couple of years, on top of dealing with Lowery's dumpster fire. He gets all of the slack from me.

[Rlh04d]

I'm sure there's some truth to the statement. Part of it's gotta be that HCGM is just talking up his competition, though. Muller is the type of guy to vote his team number one in the preseason against a team that is coming off an undefeated regular season and a single digit national ranking. HCGM is the type of guy to build up the teams he goes against. Other elite coaches are always doing that too. I always hear Pitino, Cal, and Coach K talking about how great their opponents were and how much work their own team has to do.

That's logical given the difference between the teams. A team that hasn't enjoyed success yet but has the talent needs the confidence that they can handle it. A team that has already enjoyed tremendous success needs to be reminded of their shortcomings so that they don't let it go to their heads -- they already know what they're capable of.

[Rlh04d]

If DC could stay out of foul trouble, the minutes would be there for his taking.

Exactly.

DC's not being put on the bench by anyone but himself.

[Kel Varnsen]

I imagine an exchange between HCGM and Muller going something like this...

Marshall: "Hey Dan, the ocean called. They're running out of shrimp."
Muller: "Oh yeah, Gregg? Well the jerk store called and they're running out of you!"
Marshall: "What's the difference? You're their all-time best-seller."

[WSUwatcher]

Darius Carter Junior Year: 18.2 mpg, 7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Darius Carter Senior Year: 22.5 mpg, 11.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg

Carl Hall Junior Year: 22.3 mpg, 8.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Carl Hall Senior Year: 28.6 pmpg, 12.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg

Statistically, DC is a better minute for minute player than Hall in both his junior and senior season, and shows better improvement. He needs more minutes.

I personally think Hall brought more fire and intimidation to the floor, which doesn't necessarily show up in the individual numbers for him vs. Darius, but statistically the main thing is obvious: DC just needs to keep himself on the court. Fewer unnecessary fouls! If Darius can get up to even 25 minutes a game, he'll be outscoring Hall as a senior and rebounding right with him.

As for other surprises, I'll join those not expecting the FT struggles by FVV and Baker and the lack of impact by Glass. Also, just how much impact Early's absence would have on other guys (especially FVV); and the deadeye three-point shooting by Carter, WSU's new secret weapon.