WSU versus USC Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[Kung Wu]

@wufan:, I'm quoting you because you quoted me, but I'm open for anybody to put their .02 to my questions.

To repeat and clarify: USC's first 6 players in minutes and scoring by height is 6'11", 6'10", 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", and 6'1" with the leading scorers in order being 6'1", 6'5", 6'4", 6"6", 6'11", 6'10".

All play between 20-30 mpg and score 10-20 ppg. Question 1: Does Baker guard their leading scorer and minute guy who's 6'1"? Question 2: If JRS is in, can/does he guard this player or take on a 6'4"/6'5 player to guard?

Note: The only player USC has on their roster that is under 6'4" and not their leading scorer at 20+, is a walk-on transfer who is sitting out this season.

Both JRS and Ty have the quickness to keep USC's stud honest, but that stud is going to get his. So instead of freaking out about it, we have to limit the damage elsewhere and get our own makes. Baker really has to be selfish and take over these next few games as much as possible, until FVV is good to go. It is unreasonable to think freshmen can adjust to the speed and tactics of D1 ball after only one true road game test against Tulsa -- they may show improvement but they just won't be consistent in the pressure cooker. As many have said before, the sophomores need to step up. But I firmly believe Baker has to demonstrate why he's the man, right now, if we want to win some games. He must lead by example, and get selfish in the short term, in my mind.

[Blackmag]

Do you think Marshall will play some zone, or is that out of the question. I know were a man to man team, but maybe mix some zone with their size and to keep Baker and Grady out of foul trouble.

[wsushox1]

@WuDrWu: let me know if my PM went through. Not sure if it did. Go Shocks!

[DwShock]

I BELIEVE

[wufan]

@wufan:, I'm quoting you because you quoted me, but I'm open for anybody to put their .02 to my questions.

To repeat and clarify: USC's first 6 players in minutes and scoring by height is 6'11", 6'10", 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", and 6'1" with the leading scorers in order being 6'1", 6'5", 6'4", 6"6", 6'11", 6'10".

All play between 20-30 mpg and score 10-20 ppg. Question 1: Does Baker guard their leading scorer and minute guy who's 6'1"? Question 2: If JRS is in, can/does he guard this player or take on a 6'4"/6'5 player to guard?

Note: The only player USC has on their roster that is under 6'4" and not their leading scorer at 20+, is a walk-on transfer who is sitting out this season.

When Baker is at the point (25+ minutes?), yes he will guard the 6-1 player.

I don't expect to see a lot of JRS. I expect to see Taylor as the back up in this game. I expect he will guard the 6-1 player at that time. I believe Baker and Taylor are capable of adequately stopping him from destroying our team. If JRS is in, I don't think he will be strong enough against either player.

[SB Shock]

I BELIEVE

I BELIEVE

I BELIEVE WE CAN

[jrschh]

As my 5 year old boy and I wait to fly to Orlando this afternoon, I’ve come to the realization that we very well might see a loss, or two, this week. However, both he and I will be cheering to see us go 3 and 0.

Like many, I see the next couple of weeks as a huge opportunity for this team. While I expect some lumps over this time, I think we might be surprised (in a good way) by this team.

To a point, it almost seems like the young guys have been “sitting back” expecting Ron and Fred to win the games for them. At least, that’s how it seemed during our only real test during the Tulsa game. I think the fact that Fred isn’t going to be playing will be a wake-up call to our youngsters as the “next man up”. No longer can they hide behind both Fred and Ron. They’ve had a week and a half of practice without Fred in the line-up and know he isn’t expected to play anytime soon. It’s time for them to turn that switch “on”. I’m confident at least some of them will. When that happens, that will only make us that much better when Fred, plus FC, rejoins the team.

I think we actually saw a little of this the first half of the ESU game. They prepared for the game knowing Fred wasn’t going to play. Remember, we held ESU to only 13 points and our offense executed fairly effectively during that half. I know it was against a DII team, but I don’t think anyone predicted holding them to only 13 points. The second half, we just got complacent after getting to a 30 point lead. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about any complacency this week.

[DwShock]

I BELIEVE

I BELIEVE WE CAN

WILL WIN!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr8vCysx22I

Way too much negativity on here these days.

[shockmonster]

When Baker is at the point (25+ minutes?), yes he will guard the 6-1 player.

I don't expect to see a lot of JRS. I expect to see Taylor as the back up in this game. I expect he will guard the 6-1 player at that time. I believe Baker and Taylor are capable of adequately stopping him from destroying our team. If JRS is in, I don't think he will be strong enough against either player.

I'm not sure that we disagree but Gregg decides playing time (with Fred out, he will do this even more) during the game and not before. He will decide who is effective and then play them. If Taylor is effective at taking care of the ball and running the team, he will play a lot of minutes. JRS will take care of the ball and if he can play the defense that is necessary, he may play more than you think (perhaps 10-15 min). We will see Zach some but I'm not sure he is ready to play very much of the 2 guard yet, but if he plays well, he may see extended time too.

[60Shock]

It all depends on which Shocker team shows up - One that comes storming out of the gates determined that they are going to show the world that they can win without their leader - versus one which feels lost without him. Gotta believe that GM will have the former team psyched up to whip the crap out of USC.

[wufan]

I'm not sure that we disagree but Gregg decides playing time (with Fred out, he will do this even more) during the game and not before. He will decide who is effective and then play them. If Taylor is effective at taking care of the ball and running the team, he will play a lot of minutes. JRS will take care of the ball and if he can play the defense that is necessary, he may play more than you think (perhaps 10-15 min). We will see Zach some but I'm not sure he is ready to play very much of the 2 guard yet, but if he plays well, he may see extended time too.

Fair assessment.

[shockerT]

played

Rauno Nurger hasn't played yet. Why?

[DUShock]

Rauno Nurger hasn't played yet. Why?

[shockerT]

Ok, thanks. But why?

[wufan]

Ok, thanks. But why?

His choice due to a perceived lack of PT this year.