Musings from the 1st Row

[ShockRef]

Marshall is a fiery guy and competitive as they come, and he isn't cowed by authority. He sticks up for his players. That may not always be the most diplomatic approach, and I can certainly see circumstances under which it can work against him, which may have happened this weekend and is something he should try to restrain in his (and his team's) own best interests. But if that's the price of his temperament I'm willing to pay it and hope for the best in terms of restraint, because the whole package is worth it.

As for Elgin, I wasn't there, but the reports I saw were that Elgin was gesturing at Marshall as he complained about some pretty inexplicable calls and decisions against his team. Did you see it that way, Ref? That's an honest question. But I also have an honest follow-up, which is this: is it possible this could also be one of those classic cases of a ref seeing the second guy in the confrontation and missing the first? Because if Elgin was intervening in a live disagreement between Marshall and whoever was working the game in some capacity, I'd argue that Elgin was the one who was out of line and unprofessional, for intruding on the action. That's high school-level micromanagement and something that should have been handled privately after the game.

The description you gave, including your comments about the interaction between Elgin and Watkins, is an indictment of the weakness and pettiness of the Valley of Even's leadership, such as it is, far more than it is of Marshall; and it's just one more reason to get the hell out of this bush league and escape its limitations as soon as possible. I do agree with you that 3G could use someone like himself on the sideline as a foil, however, and that the absence of Chris Jans from gametime coaching is a handicap to both him and the program that I'd love to see remedied somehow.

Watcher,
HCGM was pissed about the calls on FVV. I was watching the floor at the time and then looked over to see the 'exchange' between them. I saw HCGM yapping at Elgin and then gesture towards him.
I could see Elgin respond to him and it briefly went back and forth. After another call a few minutes later, he turned towards Watkins and just stared him down and shook his head.

Now the way they were playing, I can understand the frustration factor. But getting into it with the league hierarchy?
Made zero sense.

HCGM has been described as an acquired taste and I couldn't agree more. When he is good, he is top of the pile good.
You may recall my InSU comments 2 weeks ago when I described his pure class in the lockerroom after the game. He was top shelf and fantastic to see in person.

But he is as fiery as they come and when he loses his composure, as he did Friday, it's not how the program should be defined.

CJ has a calming effect on him and also his respect.
The current set of Lieutenants are smart guys, but don't seem to have the initiative to step forward and make a well timed suggestion. CJ certainly has a knack for it and was missed this past weekend.

That is all.

[shockmonster]

I haven't watched the game again yet, but the only adjustment of any value that Jacobson made was their defense picked up with intensity and physicality and the officials didn't respond to it. It is difficult for an offense to run efficiently if the offense doesn't hit open outside shots and the physicality picks up.

[asiseeit]

1. Don't blame GM for being "frustrated" - like any of us he is human
2. Again, defense WAS NOT the problem
3. Name ANY coach in the country that has not been frustrated or questioned by his fans now and then
4. All coaches reflect back after losses wishing they would have done something different
5. I have questioned GM from time to time but wouldn't trade him for anyone else out there

[shockmonster]

I haven't watched the game again yet, but the only adjustment of any value that Jacobson made was their defense picked up with intensity and physicality and the officials didn't respond to it. It is difficult for an offense to run efficiently if the offense doesn't hit open outside shots and the physicality picks up.

I should have added that the physicality that the stripes didn't respond to was putting hands on (pushing) whoever (mainly FVV and Ron) was handling the ball. It made it hard to run ball screens.

[FlyingWheat]

Interesting parallel between players and coaches. Great at the top, new up and comers not quite mixing as well as they could.

[Play Angry]

lol, just lol, at the righteous indignation at HCGM for a brief stare down with Jack Watkins and a back and forth with Doug Elgin. Those two clowns owe what tiny amount of recognition and respect this conference has remaining to HCGM, and they forever pissed off the golden goose when they got on their knees for Creighton at the 1.9 game. If any fealty is owed in that relationship, it should be the simpleton who continues hiring Zelton Steed apologetically kissing HCGM's ring and not vice versa, ever.

The footnote about in-game adjustments is a "no duh" level observation. Nothing of any real value in the OP other than the entertainment value of his continued slob knobbing of the striped community.

I am a little embarrassed for him but that is nothing new.

[BOBB]

Got back from STL a few hours ago. Had enough time during drive to reflect on events observed, plus the cause and effects.

Those of you on this fine forum who hold HCGM beyond reproach need to switch threads now. You will not appreciate the following.

HCGM's conduct this weekend could be described in two words - arrogant and stubborn.
His arrogance was on full display on Friday against Loyola.
His yapping at Doug Elgin and subsequent stare down at Jack Watkins over his displeasure with the officiating was unprofessional and demeaning.
It was embarrassing to the program and totally undignified. It also will end up hurting the program in the long run (more on that in a bit).

HCGM tried to brush aside by characterizing it as 'Frustration."
Bullshit.

Act the part and be a professional. If your team is stinking up the place, stand up and accept the blame. It goes with the job (and the paycheck).

His stubbornness was on full display during UNI's game deciding run.
While UNI continued to run the same offensive set over and over, he refused to either change personnel or more importantly, change the defensive set. As a result, Washpun continued to run the same set on the high post over and over and over.
I sat on the front row straight across from the UNI bench and could not believe he didn't adjust. I don't think HCBJ couldn't believe it either and was thrilled!

Oh and how did his arrogance come back to haunt him?
As soon as the game ended, Elgin walked right in front of me, turned to Watkins and with a HUGE smile on his face just said "Wow!" He was giddy with the outcome and not because he was thinking that 2 MVC teams would get in the tournament.

Until they have confirmation of a new league landing strip, it is advisable not to piss off your current landlord.

I will post the usual STL Notes, Quotes and Billygoats soon. This will suffice for now.

That is all.

Tough to disagree with most of this. On balance our defense was good. Closing off the lane to Washpun would have required a faster defender. UNI shoots too well to zone. We don't shoot well for the 24 mostly open threes we got and that's why we lost. Shoot 25% from three and we win by double digits.

Oh, and Coach acted like a jackass. He does this sometimes and it comes with the territory. Little to be done about it.

[DwShock]

I have noticed Watkins at a lot of our games. Almost anytime the refs go to the monitor you can see his gray haired self walk over with his headset on. Now I know that's his job but he is at a ton of our games. 2nd the Elgin should not be talking to a coach during a game, period. If I was Marshall I'd be pissed also because it seems the crap always goes against us. I wish Bardo could go to that slimy weasel and tell him off a conference change would be the ultimate gotcha. I've been a pro valley guy for a long time but enough is enough.

And I also want to say none of this is a topic thread if our guys don't miss so many open 3 point shots.

[Rosewood]

3 pointers? Make a god damned free throw Zach Brown.

[Slalomshocker]

My only qualm with all being said here, how can anyone here (including Marshall) look Elgin in the eye and say we are too big for this league? WSU cant even win the damn tournament when they have superior athletes and a deeper bench. 3 games in 3 days should be a cake walk for this team. UNI goes 7 deep and relies on the 3 ball, they had no legs, they shot just as crappy as WSU. Still lost because lack of adjustments. Defense was good, but an adjustment 1 trip, might have resulted in a miss instead of a make. Offensively I have no explanation for the lack of adjustments. To allow your team to keep jacking 3s when you are 0-16 is stupid, no matter how good the look is. There were no adjustments from the game in Wichita all the way through the game in St Louis. THAT is what frustrates me. And yet, everyone thinks we are too big for this league.

[jdmee]

Those of you on this fine forum who hold HCGM beyond reproach need to switch threads now. You will not appreciate the following.

HCGM's conduct this weekend could be described in two words - arrogant and stubborn.
His arrogance was on full display on Friday against Loyola.
His yapping at Doug Elgin and subsequent stare down at Jack Watkins over his displeasure with the officiating was unprofessional and demeaning.
It was embarrassing to the program and totally undignified. It also will end up hurting the program in the long run (more on that in a bit).

HCGM tried to brush aside by characterizing it as 'Frustration."
Bullshit.

Act the part and be a professional. If your team is stinking up the place, stand up and accept the blame. It goes with the job (and the paycheck).

How do you feel about HCBJ's walking out to the refs during time outs an yapping at the about calls during the final? How about his yapping continuously during the finals to the refs? Was this just as unprofessional as HCGM? If this hurts the program in the long run it shows just as much, if not more, about the unprofessional nature of those running the conference.

'Frustration' was the word of the weekend. Both games were very frustrating.

His stubbornness was on full display during UNI's game deciding run.
While UNI continued to run the same offensive set over and over, he refused to either change personnel or more importantly, change the defensive set. As a result, Washpun continued to run the same set on the high post over and over and over.
I sat on the front row straight across from the UNI bench and could not believe he didn't adjust. I don't think HCBJ couldn't believe it either and was thrilled!

Maybe you need a little more time to reflect on the events observed. 47 points at the end of regulation and you complain about the defense? I felt the same at the end of the game, but upon reflection, I came to the conclusion that it wasn't a defensive issue. I do have complaints with the end of OT set. Why, when you are down and not shooting well, let the clock run down, hope for a stop and a quick make? He needed to extend the game at that point.

Oh and how did his arrogance come back to haunt him?
As soon as the game ended, Elgin walked right in front of me, turned to Watkins and with a HUGE smile on his face just said "Wow!" He was giddy with the outcome and not because he was thinking that 2 MVC teams would get in the tournament.

Until they have confirmation of a new league landing strip, it is advisable not to piss off your current landlord.

I will post the usual STL Notes, Quotes and Billygoats soon. This will suffice for now.

That is all.

This shows as much if not MORE of the unprofessionalism of Elgin and the MVC. They are representatives of the MVC, not of the other 9 schools not named WSU. To be giddy that a school loses, THAT IS UNPROFESSIONAL. It is the responsibility of the commissioner to represent all members of the MVC equally, who and how should this displeasure be shown if our coach and university does not feel this is taking place?

[pie n eye]

nm

[asiseeit]

and ZB allowed Lohaus to blow right by him for an easy lay up down the stretch not to mention 0-6
himself from the field

[Dan]

UNI double and triple teamed Fred and to a lesser degree Ron every time they touched the ball. WSU meanwhile, allowed UNI to clear out the middle and let Washpun dribble at the top of the key and go one on one with whoever was guardiing him at the time. It might have been nice to see immediate double teams when he got the ball and make someone else beat us.

[SB Shock]

Seriously...Wichita St. REALLY needs to MOVE ON!!! Like right NOW!!!

To move on you have to have:

1. Someplace that that is better
2. Someplace that is better that want you

There may be a lot of (1), but there are not any of (2).