WSU versus USC Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[Owp99]

Much, much too early to make such an assessment.

You're probably right. I'm sure things will work themselves out here soon, I just am nervous with Fred out and what things are going to be like when Ron and Fred graduate.

[Aargh]

To me, it appears as if the team is most efficient with LS and RB in the backcourt (When Fred isn't playing of course). Ty Taylor is way too out of control and sloppy with the ball. Is Taylor ever going to be the right PG for 3G's system?

Judging a Fr PG in November will always produce a negative outlook. In Marshall's rather complex system, it took FVV, who has one of the best BB IQ's EVER, until February to figure out how to play PG.

Marshall's pattern of recruiting athletic combo guards and thinking he can make PG's out of them isn't working. The recruiting misses on Holland and Henderson are pretty painful right now. We have to move Baker out of position or put a player at PG who can't possibly be ready to play the position.

Considering what appears to be the BB IQ, ability to see the court, passing skills and instincts, and other aspects of the two guard positions, maybe Shamet should be working on PG and Taylor working on SG (on offense - switch them on D).

[pie n eye]

I like a line up that puts Baker at point and Taylor at 2. The dude can score but he hasn't been quite as solid running the point. He'll improve but I feel like right now he might be well used at SG.

[SHOXAAC]

You're probably right. I'm sure things will work themselves out here soon, I just am nervous with Fred out and what things are going to be like when Ron and Fred graduate.

There are 30+ games to go in THIS season. Lets worry about next season in April some time.

[ShockTalk]

Judging a Fr PG in November will always produce a negative outlook. In Marshall's rather complex system, it took FVV, who has one of the best BB IQ's EVER, until February to figure out how to play PG.

Marshall's pattern of recruiting athletic combo guards and thinking he can make PG's out of them isn't working. The recruiting misses on Holland and Henderson are pretty painful right now. We have to move Baker out of position or put a player at PG who can't possibly be ready to play the position.

Considering what appears to be the BB IQ, ability to see the court, passing skills and instincts, and other aspects of the two guard positions, maybe Shamet should be working on PG and Taylor working on SG (on offense - switch them on D).

I like a line up that puts Baker at point and Taylor at 2. The dude can score but he hasn't been quite as solid running the point. He'll improve but I feel like right now he might be well used at SG.

Unfortunately, Ron is going to have to play a lot of minutes in Orlando, so I think you will see both Ron and Ty together. Ty might bring the ball up, but may Ron run the offense in the frontcourt. If Ron needs a break, what 2 do you put in the backcourt of Shamet, Taylor, and Simon?

[pie n eye]

Unfortunately, Ron is going to have to play a lot of minutes in Orlando, so I think you will see both Ron and Ty together. Ty might bring the ball up, but may Ron run the offense in the frontcourt. If Ron needs a break, what 2 do you put in the backcourt of Shamet, Taylor, and Simon?

It's a good question. I like JRS1 but I don't know if its ideal for him to play many minutes in Orlando.

[Aargh]

Unfortunately, Ron is going to have to play a lot of minutes in Orlando, so I think you will see both Ron and Ty together. Ty might bring the ball up, but may Ron run the offense in the frontcourt. If Ron needs a break, what 2 do you put in the backcourt of Shamet, Taylor, and Simon?

If behind, you put Taylor in. The kid can score in bunches. If you're ahead, you put Simon in because he's probably better with ball control. Early in the game, you go to Taylor. Taylor is the future and needs experience and the knowledge that the coaches and team have confidence in him.

[DPruett2333]

I don't like the lineup we're starting with and until it changes I'm kind of pessimistic about the tournament.

I would love to see Wessel start at the four, which would open up the lane and allow Grady to go to work. Our spacing is horrible with Kelly at the four, because he doesn't have an outside shot. That just allows the defense to clog the lane, which leads to us having to chuck outside shots all day long.

1) Ron
2) Shamet
3) Brown
4) Wessel
5) Grady

Lots of shooters would help us open up the floor, but I doubt we see a change. :-/

[ShockerFever]

It's a good question. I like JRS1 but I don't know if its ideal for him to play many minutes in Orlando.

He played pretty well against Hawaii Pacific.

[Dave Stalwart]

As much as I hate to think what the first half of the season might feel like, it would be awfully fun if we struggled for a while without Fred and then the moment he comes back we start owning teams by 30.

If there was ever any doubt about how good he is, it would be a nice little case study.

[ShockTalk]

I don't like the lineup we're starting with and until it changes I'm kind of pessimistic about the tournament.

I would love to see Wessel start at the four, which would open up the lane and allow Grady to go to work. Our spacing is horrible with Kelly at the four, because he doesn't have an outside shot. That just allows the defense to clog the lane, which leads to us having to chuck outside shots all day long.

1) Ron
2) Shamet
3) Brown
4) Wessel
5) Grady

Lots of shooters would help us open up the floor, but I doubt we see a change. :-/

You just took out the player that is 3rd, almost second, in minutes played per game, has the highest FG % of the regulars, and is tied for second in rebounding for a player that plays half that many minutes and has 4x the TOs (he does have 2 blocks to 1, but leads in nothing else).

[pie n eye]

He played pretty well against Hawaii Pacific.

Yeah, I mean he's looked good when out there. Obviously gotta take the quality of competition into consideration but he deserves credit.

[SB Shock]

To me, it appears as if the team is most efficient with LS and RB in the backcourt (When Fred isn't playing of course). Ty Taylor is way too out of control and sloppy with the ball. Is Taylor ever going to be the right PG for 3G's system?

I think you have to consider that Fred only average 4.3 ppg and 2.3 assist/g his first season. It was in the NCAA tournament we started seeing his real potential.

[Shockadelica]

I may have black & gold glasses on, but we'll have the best player on the court and the better coach.
Brown & Kelly are due for breakout games.
I think we win vs. USC even without FVV. 78-70

[Shock Top]

Sounds like the team should pack it in for the season, based on some of your predictions.

There are still a lot of good basketball players on this team. It's time for them to prove it.

75-60