WSU versus Tulsa Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[ShockerFever]

Maniacs?

Athletic department driven? Yep.

[1972Shocker]

Would like to see Shaq be more of a factor tonight than he has been although I guess it's not critical when you are winning by 40. I don't think will see a 40 point blowout tonight but who knows for sure. Liking the seemingly outstanding team chemistry we are seeing so far and I hope that continues. As good as the Shocks have played so far I don't think they are close to their ceiling yet.

As far as empty seats go it would be nice if that wasn't an issue. WSU athletics attendance and support has never been driven by student attendance. I will say those students that do attend the Shocker BB games do bring a lot of energy to the arena and I thank them for that. The students, like any other fans, will show up to games if they really want to. Not sure if having most of our games available for current or delayed viewing is impacting attendance or not. Seems like Volleyball attendance is down since the ESPN3 coverage was initiated althouth that isn't student attendance. Volleyball has really never attracted much student interest.

For a lot of people the HD big screen view from the couch beats paying $25 bucks to squeeze in to a seat 30 rows up behind the basket and parking is a bit easier also not to mention the concession lines or much shorter and concesion prices are much cheaper at home as well. I know many fans who are perfectly satisfied with that option. And, of course, the opponent will have some bearing on decisions to stay home or go to the game.

All-in-all we are doing pretty well at WSU. Better than the great majority of other D-1 programs.

[molly jabali]

Minus 396... "With four hungry children and a crop in the field" :)

Seriously...one of the funnier days ever here...LOVED THIS!!!

[Shoxthemonkey]

Yes, there's a problem with corporate seats. But they paid a lot more than $1400 for those seats, so at least the financial support is there.

Right now, there are 136 tickets available on Stubhub, 74 of them below $30. Last game I couldn't sell two tickets at row 27 mid-court for $20 each. I guess the is the effect of Ron/Fred/Evan being gone.

I had a prior commitment or your tickets would have been gone. I have been able to get tickets for the next two games, one set for free and paid for the other pair. I can't speak for others but I was going to games before Ron and Fred and I'll be going, when I can, for a long time to come. I don't understand bandwagon fans.

Back on topic

Shockers 78
TU 58

[bunck]

Per Kenpom:

#134 Tulsa
#135 Long Beach State

It's way too early to make too much of the Kenpom numbers yet though, just thought it was interesting.

[bunck]

I know we don't have Fred and ron anymore, but this team we have now is what every one wants to watch. Fast, high scoring, intense defense, destroying opponents. To be honest, there's nothing to not like about this team right now, but the students don't care.

I couldn't agree more. The first two games have been so much fun to watch, and it's been interesting to see how the new players are going to fit with vets, who will have a bigger role this year themselves.

[proshox]

Yes, there's a problem with corporate seats. But they paid a lot more than $1400 for those seats, so at least the financial support is there.

Right now, there are 136 tickets available on Stubhub, 74 of them below $30. Last game I couldn't sell two tickets at row 27 mid-court for $20 each. I guess the is the effect of Ron/Fred/Evan being gone.

Demand was down last year.... I really debated giving up my season tickets this year because stub hub always had better tickets available (minus senior day) for the sub $40.

[boltforge]

In case anyone wants to not like NCAA rules and how they are applied: Found this article via Paul Suellentrop ... http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...56570c97b.html

Wheeler worked two years as a garbage man after high school to take care of his mom. Ended up going to a recruiting showcase after more than a year off. That's against NCAA rules and they could have kept him out this entire year. I bet they think they are being "nice" in only having a two game suspension. Kid deserves to be recognized for being an awesome son.

[Cdizzle]

In case anyone wants to not like NCAA rules and how they are applied: Found this article via Paul Suellentrop ... http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...56570c97b.html

Wheeler worked two years as a garbage man after high school to take care of his mom. Ended up going to a recruiting showcase after more than a year off. That's against NCAA rules and they could have kept him out this entire year. I bet they think they are being "nice" in only having a two game suspension. Kid deserves to be recognized for being an awesome son.

Yeah. You have kids like this and like Clevin Hannah who have done everything right and are punished, meanwhile the NCAA will make up any excuse they can think of to get someone on the court at UK or KU.

I will add that this is one paper's opinion. Appears to be mostly the reality, but a program run by Haith has earned a little healthy skepticism in my book.

[Onegreatracer]

The NCAA punishes people for going to non American Hgh school, pretty much.

[Shocker Mama]

In case anyone wants to not like NCAA rules and how they are applied: Found this article via Paul Suellentrop ... http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextr...56570c97b.html

Wheeler worked two years as a garbage man after high school to take care of his mom. Ended up going to a recruiting showcase after more than a year off. That's against NCAA rules and they could have kept him out this entire year. I bet they think they are being "nice" in only having a two game suspension. Kid deserves to be recognized for being an awesome son.

Sounds like an outstanding young man, and I hate to see the NCAA punishing him. Meanwhile, back at the University of No Classes ....

[Kung Wu]

75
74

[SHOCKvalue]

You can only shake your head at the contrast between the NCAA's hard-on towards meaningless minutia like this kid's situation (and WSU's Hannah) with the blind eye they give Baylor, Louisville, UNC, etc. Can't see the forest for the trees.

[BOBB]

Long past time for the NBA to get a legitimate minor league system like baseball and the NCAA to get some common sense about its rules. Neither is likely.

[Stickboy46]

Long past time for the NBA to get a legitimate minor league system like baseball and the NCAA to get some common sense about its rules. Neither is likely.

The proposed new cba raises the d league payments to like 75k and allows teams to have 18 roster spots so they can place more players in the d league. So it's closer than you think.