2016-17 Predictions and Expectations

[ShockingButTrue]

That wasn't my implication at all. Lack of a point guard, while making a prediction was.

With an all-American point guard last year Illinois St. beat us by 16 (I think), and the Panthers beat us twice. They'll both be in St. Louis. I think they're both about the equivalent of Carlton. N'est-ce pas?

[WSUwatcher]

I don't speak French, SBT, but I do know the Jailbirds didn't beat WSU by 16 -- it was actually 58-53. UNI did better, despite of course having lesser talent 1-12 than IllSt did, and won twice; but they've lost the guy who made it possible for them offensively in Washpun.

Actually, the common thread in all three of those games was woeful shooting by WSU: 30, 32, and 35% from the field -- plus a combined total of 15-82 (18%) from three point land, which was even worse than WSU shot threes against Carleton despite their all-Americans and McDuffie being missing. I say, come March, bring on the Ravens!

[shockerfanmas]

I would like to believe that this will be as good of a season as some have predicted, but I'm just not sure. I'd rather err on the side of caution and predict 8-9 losses and squeezing into the NCAA Tournament. That way if my prediction is on point, I won't be disappointed. And if the team exceeds my predictions, then that's even better.

I certainly don't relish the thought of the team in double digits in the loss column. I don't think it'll happen, HCGM is too good of a coach.

[ShockingButTrue]

I don't speak French, SBT, but I do know the Jailbirds didn't beat WSU by 16 -- it was actually 58-53. UNI did better, despite of course having lesser talent 1-12 than IllSt did, and won twice; but they've lost the guy who made it possible for them offensively in Washpun.

Actually, the common thread in all three of those games was woeful shooting by WSU: 30, 32, and 35% from the field -- plus a combined total of 15-82 (18%) from three point land, which was even worse than WSU shot threes against Carleton despite their all-Americans and McDuffie being missing. I say, come March, bring on the Ravens!

I should have known better than to cite a recent Shocker performance I'd rather forget. Obviously it didn't remain in the memory bank too well, and for good reason. We were up by 12 at the half, and cooking! I was pretty geeked because the turd-birds had given Kentucky a pretty good game at their gym. It was tied at the half in Lexington.

However, the second half was a different story altogether, as we were outscored 37 to 20, and we never seemed the same offensively for whatever reason, the rest of the season. It just felt like a 16 point loss, if you know what I mean.

And I agree with you 100% in that Carlton is probably not as good defensively as either the turd-birds or the Panthers, as much as I hate to admit it.

But with good, not even great, point guard play we stand a good chance to win the Valley outright. That's my prediction.

My only concern though, is that after 3 exhibition games I'm not so sure even our coaches know who's going to run the point. Nevertheless in GGG we trust.

[wufan]

Not going to be in the NCAA tournament with 9 losses.

[ShockerPrez]

Not going to be in the NCAA tournament with 9 losses.

What he said.

[proshox]

I don't speak French, SBT, but I do know the Jailbirds didn't beat WSU by 16 -- it was actually 58-53. UNI did better, despite of course having lesser talent 1-12 than IllSt did, and won twice; but they've lost the guy who made it possible for them offensively in Washpun.

Actually, the common thread in all three of those games was woeful shooting by WSU: 30, 32, and 35% from the field -- plus a combined total of 15-82 (18%) from three point land, which was even worse than WSU shot threes against Carleton despite their all-Americans and McDuffie being missing. I say, come March, bring on the Ravens!

Both teams baited Fred into take-over mode. He never had the first step last year and these teams knew it.

[DUShock]

I should have known better than to cite a recent Shocker performance I'd rather forget. Obviously it didn't remain in the memory bank too well, and for good reason. We were up by 12 at the half, and cooking! I was pretty geeked because the turd-birds had given Kentucky a pretty good game at their gym. It was tied at the half in Lexington.

However, the second half was a different story altogether, as we were outscored 37 to 20, and we never seemed the same offensively for whatever reason, the rest of the season. It just felt like a 16 point loss, if you know what I mean.

And I agree with you 100% in that Carlton is probably not as good defensively as either the turd-birds or the Panthers, as much as I hate to admit it.

But with good, not even great, point guard play we stand a good chance to win the Valley outright. That's my prediction.

My only concern though, is that after 3 exhibition games I'm not so sure even our coaches know who's going to run the point. Nevertheless in GGG we trust.

[Slalomshocker]

For me, this year has the chance to be better than last. Just my opinion, but 3G didn't do a whole lot of coaching, he let Fred & Ron take care of things. Sometimes, it didn't work. Most of the time it did. Not complaining, just an observation. He knows he is going to have to coach this team up, and that gives me plenty of reason to be optimistic. He is one of the best coaches in the country and has a long and athletic team to work with. This team has the potential to be very very special if they can come together and everyone stays within themselves and their roles. I'd put their ceiling around the 30-4 mark with a S16 appearance. This team could completely collapse if a leader does not emerge. I just don't see that happening though. Worst case scenario is a rough non-con and a dog fight in the MVC culminating in a run in the NIT.

OOC: 10-3 The OU & OSU games are going to be key. Should split, but a win in OKC and a 2-1 trip to the Bahamas would be a nice resume.
MVC: 14-4, 1st place. Losses @ UNI & ISUr and 2 of those 'wtf?' losses where the team looks fresh out of biddy ball while MSU or UE hits shots the Globe Trotters don't even attempt.
STL: 2-1, because history is on my side to predict a loss.
NCAA bubble and in, if the OOC doesn't include a win over one of OU, L'Ville or Mich St.
NCAA 8/9 seed if the resume includes a win in one of the 3 big ones mentioned above.

Side note, don't sleep on LBSU early on and SDSU during winter break. Take care of business and it should be a 11-2, 12-1 kind of OOC and you can plan on the 2nd weekend of the NCAAs.

[pinstripers]

7-8-9 losses, bubble team

[Royalno5]

Conner positively answers all negative criticism and all pundits.

[ShockingButTrue]

Both teams baited Fred into take-over mode. He never had the first step last year and these teams knew it.

They couldn't take him out of a game any other way. That's for sure.

[ShockingButTrue]

No need to be so upset. It's just basketball. It doesn't pay the bills.

[WSUwatcher]

Not going to be in the NCAA tournament with 9 losses.

Depends on which nine they are, wu and Prez. If none of the nine occurs in St. Louis, it's March Madness all the way, baybee (says Dick Vitale)!

[Shocker Mama]

No need to be so upset. It's just basketball. It doesn't pay the bills.

That's what I looked like after being forced to have lunch today with a KU fan. i started to feel stabby, just being in his condescending presence.