Blueprint to Beat the Shockers

[Dan]

If Darius were an elite defender, I don't think anyone would be complaining about his height at center.

[pie n eye]

It's too late to teach DC how to defend, it is what it is. We gotta get Shaq to learn how to defend and teach BWam how to play basketball.

I'm sure the coaching staff told Darius to stay home the next two weeks because it's too late for him to improve.

I also disagree with the current prevailing assessment of BWam.

[kochHead]

They didn't have a choice. Carter and Shaq both had 4 fouls and ISU was salivating at the prospect of kicking the ball inside and have Lynch go one on one against either. It would not have ended well.

It was better odds to have them fire away from 23' instead of 3'.

Don't even start the "what about Bush" stuff. Lynch would have scored even faster and probably got fouled in the process.

That is all.

I would agree with that, except there was so little time left in the game. I think protecting players from fouling out is important, but under 2 minutes? I think at that point you ride or die with your starters and your man defense. So, I disagree with "not having a choice", but it's easy to second guess when you have the advantage of hindsight.

[shockmonster]

I'm sure the coaching staff told Darius to stay home the next two weeks because it's too late for him to improve.

I also disagree with the current prevailing assessment of BWam.

What is the prevailing assessment of Bush W.?

[pinstripers]

What is the prevailing assessment of Bush W.?

Waaaaaay better President than the idiot that we have now.

[jdshock]

If Darius were an elite defender, I don't think anyone would be complaining about his height at center.

Huh? Then why not complain that he's not an elite defender? Comparing Stutz to DC: I think Darius this year and last year has been on par with all but Stutz's senior season. The exact point I'm trying to make is that people who are complaining about height are complaining about the wrong thing. Your point that if Darius were an elite defender, people wouldn't complain about his height is 100% in line with what I'm saying: it's not a height issue.

[SHOXAAC]

If Darius were an elite defender, I don't think anyone would be complaining about his height at center.

There in lies the whole issue...Darius isn't even almost an elite defender.

[SHOXAAC]

Huh? Then why not complain that he's not an elite defender? Comparing Stutz to DC: I think Darius this year and last year has been on par with all but Stutz's senior season. The exact point I'm trying to make is that people who are complaining about height are complaining about the wrong thing. Your point that if Darius were an elite defender, people wouldn't complain about his height is 100% in line with what I'm saying: it's not a height issue.

It ABSOLUTELY is a height issue. Some on this topic are making references to Hall, Wallace and others that are "undersized" centers that made it work. That is true, however some players DNA are better matched for the task. Unfortunately for Darius it hasn't reeped the benefits of others that have gone before him. Having said that, we must ride the path it takes us this year. Maybe, Darius can put a string of a few games together to make this tourney run fun.

[pie n eye]

It ABSOLUTELY is a height issue. Some on this topic are making references to Hall, Wallace and others that are "undersized" centers that made it work. That is true, however some players DNA are better matched for the task. Unfortunately for Darius it hasn't reeped the benefits of others that have gone before him. Having said that, we must ride the path it takes us this year. Maybe, Darius can put a string of a few games together to make this tourney run fun.

Do you think if Darius played defense exactly like he does now but was 3 inches taller he wouldn't have the same problems?

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

So you think if Darius played defense exactly like he does now but was 3 inches taller he wouldn't have the same problems?

If Darius had the same defensive skills and approach, but was 3 inches taller, he would be a much better defensive player. Same problems? Maybe, but those problems would be reduced, or masked, by the benefit of simply being taller.

And before anyone even tries to bring up Stutz again and his height, it must be noted that Stutz was not nearly the athlete that Darius is. Height does not automatically equal great defense. Stutz lacked the quickness, jumping ability, etc. that Darius has. If Darius could play with his athleticism, but with Stutz' height, he would be a shot blocking defensive superstar.

[SHOXAAC]

Do you think if Darius played defense exactly like he does now but was 3 inches taller he wouldn't have the same problems?

I'll admit, I hate answering a question with a question, BUT...do you think Reggie Lynch would be the same defensive factor if he played the exact defense but was 3 inches shorter?

[AZ Shocker]

I think Darius does an admirable job and the absolute best he can with that bad back. As one with a bad back I do sympathize and understand the legs don't always move as quick as you would like 'em too. What I hate the most is when the official calls a foul on him when he IS in position and arms straight up. I can't tell you how many times I have replayed A LOT of his fouls on the DVR. A good amount of them are simply phantom calls. He seems to get a minimum of 2 of those phantom calls per game. It's a bit ridiculous.

Hopefully with fresher eyes from hopefully DIFFERENT officials who may not have a called a Shocker game this season...they will be a less judgemental in the upcoming tourney!!!

[Shocktoberfest]

I think Darius does an admirable job and the absolute best he can with that bad back. As one with a bad back I do sympathize and understand the legs don't always move as quick as you would like 'em too. What I hate the most is when the official calls a foul on him when he IS in position and arms straight up. I can't tell you how many times I have replayed A LOT of his fouls on the DVR. A good amount of them are simply phantom calls. He seems to get a minimum of 2 of those phantom calls per game. It's a bit ridiculous.

Hopefully with fresher eyes from hopefully DIFFERENT officials who may not have a called a Shocker game this season...they will be a less judgemental in the upcoming tourney!!!

This is the kind of thing that always gives me hope with post-season games. Non-MVC officiating. Let them play a bit. I think we definitely benefit from getting outside our league. Shaqwall has had many called against him when he was standing and straight up.

[WstateU]

Shoot, we’d all be ‘stars’ with 3 more inches!

Yaayyy!

[pie n eye]

I'll admit, I hate answering a question with a question, BUT...do you think Reggie Lynch would be the same defensive factor if he played the exact defense but was 3 inches shorter?

So Reggie Lynch minus the Afro? Ya he'd probably be about the same.

Terrible jokes aside I honestly haven't seen enough of Lynch to say with any kind of certainty. I've watched Darius for two years and like 60 games compared to like 5 games for Lynch. So, I guess my answer to your question is I don't know.