WSU versus USC Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[ShockdaWorld]

Since this and the rest of this tournament's games are ESPN owned, does that mean they won't have blackouts on ESPN3? It man not matter, as I'm not sure if Colorado is in the blackout zone, and that's where I will be.

[shoxlax]

I can't imagine a scenario in which WSU goes 0-3. This would mean losing to USC, Alabama, and Iowa/Monmouth. Alabama was destroyed by Dayton and Iowa lost an exhibition game.

You are correct.....and we will still like you no matter what.

[Steeleshocker]

I'm still very excited about these freshmen, even though they are still very raw.

Ty needs more experience running a team, but his shot is so smooth and he has profound confidence. His defensive positioning is poor, but that will improve with time.

Shamet has had plenty of positives paid to him, but one I have not heard much is about his defense. I think he may be our best on ball defender right now. His lateral quickness is very good and he keeps his hands up and away from the opponent.

Hamilton is a bit like a wild stallion. I love his energy, passion, enthusiasm, aggressiveness, and toughness. And he has loads of talent. He's just so wild he tends to get out of position. This will get better as the season progresses.

Outside of VanVleet, I don't think there is a player who sees the floor and plays develop as well as McDuffie. He's thinking a step ahead, always trying to make those tough passes to unsuspecting players who are cutting. His ball handling and decision making need to improve, but he is not afraid to try and make a play. As a 3 and with the new rules I don't think he looks like he needs to get all that much bigger and stronger. It's not like guys are posting him up.

These freshmen all have a ways to go to improve, but they have all the tools necessary to make greater contributions as the season goes on. It's just a lot harder without their floor coach to guide them right now.

[BostonWu]

Since this and the rest of this tournament's games are ESPN owned, does that mean they won't have blackouts on ESPN3? It man not matter, as I'm not sure if Colorado is in the blackout zone, and that's where I will be.

None of the ESPN games are blacked out in Colorado - I have watched every one of them. Since I no longer live in KS I have way more streaming access to online games.

[Kung Wu]

None of the ESPN games are blacked out in Colorado - I have watched every one of them. Since I no longer live in KS I have way more streaming access to online games.

Are you using a Cox account to authenticate?

[Stickboy46]

One thing i have to keep reminding myself is to compare this to 5-6 years ago. Back then, when we went to these tourneys, WE were the team looking hungry for an upset, looking for that marquee win to MAYBE squeeze into the NCAA tourney. This year? WE are the marquee win, WE are the showcase team in the tourney. That's a drastic change for both sides. We have to make sure we are ready for the best shot of everyone in the tourney. No one will overlook us. With that said, I'm happy that i feel like we could struggle in this tourney and still safely make it into the NCAA with an at-large bid.

[ShockdaWorld]

Shox win, 74-67

[proshox]

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).

Another way to look at this... Recruiting point guards when you have an All American Point Guard is difficult when that AA has two years left. We were never going to land a great point guard 2 years ago.

[pie n eye]

Don't forget about DJ Bowles (that's his name, right? - see I've already forgotten).

[SB Shock]

GM tell ******* on ESPN that Fred is out until at least Dec 5

[MadaboutWu]

Another way to look at this... Recruiting point guards when you have an All American Point Guard is difficult when that AA has two years left. We were never going to land a great point guard 2 years ago.

Don't forget about DJ Bowles (that's his name, right? - see I've already forgotten).

Truth is we did recruit what looked like a great PG two years ago. I'm very happy he remains healthy and is continuing his education and and is still involved with the team, but the gap caused by his heart issues are being really felt this year.

[wusphlash]

GM tell ******* on ESPN that Fred is out until at least Dec 5

http://espn.go.com/ncb/story/_/id/14203849/fred-vanvleet-wichita-state-shockers-miss-advocare-invitational

According to this Shamet could be out as well. Shades of 2012-2013.

[Stickboy46]

http://espn.go.com/ncb/story/_/id/14...e-invitational

According to this Shamet could be out as well. Shades of 2012-2013.

I'm not as confident missing our Biggest Contributor and our 6th man. Someone else needs to step up.

[ShockTalk]

http://espn.go.com/ncb/story/_/id/14...e-invitational

According to this Shamet could be out as well. Shades of 2012-2013.

Well, sh*t.

[WSUwatcher]

Marshall's pattern of recruiting athletic combo guards and thinking he can make PG's out of them isn't working...

Keep grinding that ax, Aargh -- how does that "pattern" explain the run of Hannah, Ragland, Armstead, FVV, and for that matter DJ Bowles, a well-regarded PG who unfortunately had a bad ticker? And our occasional poster who claims to have seen Taylor more than anyone else believes he's a true PG as well, although TTII clearly isn't ready yet.