Official WSU vs Loyola (IL) game thread

[Bluzrover]

If Loyola had two more bench players that could hold their own for 10 to 15 minutes, this team would be really dangerous. That first 10 minutes of the game was frigthening and I had visions of the 2016 MVC tournament game where we had to rely on Ron's heroics to pull off that game to get to Saturday.

Someone else said this and I agree with the statement: Markis needs to 1) either work on his dribbling skills during the offseason or 2) learn to pass the ball to a guard rather than trying to bring the ball up the court during pressure situations. Perhaps both are in order.

The phantom fouls on Morris are getting tiresome. But kudos to the young man for a really good game. One rebound short of a double double.

Rashard has become my new favorite Shocker. That kid comes to play and has become the junkyard dog that Wessel was for so many years.

The Landry/Conner backcourt is going to be very tough to beat come March. Those two bring a level of calm and determinedness to the team unlike anybody else on the roster.

Zach's defense on Doyle was superb. MVC Defensive Player of the Year?

I like Mark Adams and I really like his enthusiasm for the Valley, and particularly for the Shockers. But damn, there was a point I just wanted Mitch to croak out anything just so I didn't have to hear Mark blather on.

[WuDrWu]

They had a thread about the game on Phognet. Saying some derogatory stuff about Conner, of course.

Those delta bravos probably shouldn't be playing the DUI card given their program's recent amount of run ins with the boys in blue.

Still, this guy has a decent take on things:


Landry Shamet from park hill south has emerged as WSU's best player. Great kid that played for Wedman's club in KC and is consequently fundamentally sound.

I also want to go on the record as not wanting anything to do with WSU in our regional in March, which could easily happen, maybe 50/50 chance? He is a great coach and they are good again this year. Frankamp has hit 59% of 3's past 7 games, and I wish we played defense the way they do. I think we' probably beat them, but wouldn't want to find out.

Uhh update, Frankap is shaking and baking this game. they look dangerious to me. again, do not want anything to do with them.

[ShockerPhi]

2) CF is now able to be CF cause he is hunting his shot. His body language is totally different now that the PG lunacy is toast. Still trying to find all of the SNers who pushed him as PG to come out of their bunker.

At the beginning of the season, I was one saying I liked him at PG for the time being. Was definitely hoping for someone else to step up to that plate though and I'm glad Landry did. Connor was mostly good at not turning the ball over and running the offense well enough. But that's not the scoring role we need him at. So glad he's clicking where he is now. This team is MUCH better where he is.

[Shocker_Power]

Markis needs to 1) either work on his dribbling skills during the offseason or 2) learn to pass the ball to a guard rather than trying to bring the ball up the court during pressure situations. Perhaps both are in order

The frustrating thing about it is, it seldom is out of need. There are guards open to pass it to. Coach needs to start sitting him down when he does that.

[Wuzee]

The frustrating thing about it is, it seldom is out of need. There are guards open to pass it to. Coach needs to start sitting him down when he does that.

Guys, I'm pretty sure that Markis (and, to a lesser extent, Kelly) are doing exactly what they've been told to do. If they get a long rebound, they're supposed to push it up court as fast as possible. My guess is that we're forcing the defense to bust their asses back in a disorganized manner, and it also plays into the fatigue strategy. Does it make me nervous every time? Yes. Would it still be happening if HCGM didn't want it to. Hell, no.

[WstateU]

I like Mark Adams and I really like his enthusiasm for the Valley, and particularly for the Shockers. But damn, there was a point I just wanted Mitch to croak out anything just so I didn't have to hear Mark blather on.

I seriously thought Mitch was about to croak…

[Dan]

Guys, I'm pretty sure that Markis (and, to a lesser extent, Kelly) are doing exactly what they've been told to do. If they get a long rebound, they're supposed to push it up court as fast as possible. My guess is that we're forcing the defense to bust their asses back in a disorganized manner, and it also plays into the fatigue strategy. Does it make me nervous every time? Yes. Would it still be happening if HCGM didn't want it to. Hell, no.

I actually feel more comfortable with Kelly pushing the ball up on a break than McDuffie. MM just has such a long loose dribble that he's begging to get stripped on his way to the basket.

[Ricardo del Rio]

IMO, Shamet Frankamp and Shaq are emerging as our big 3. McDuff still makes too many mistakes and is a little too loose with the ball and weak underneath. Good complimentary player, built he has a lot to work on and isn't an All-Valley player like some people think. Willis has disappeared from the team the past few games. Hope he figures it out before it's too late. Kelly is another guy that has come on strong and is providing a steady presence on the court. Our bench seems to be shortening as we enter the most important part of the season.

Yep.

Willis - Catches the ball. Never pass the ball. Force a shot in a cluster ****.

[WheatShock]

Yep.

Willis - Catches the ball. Never pass the ball. Force a shot in a cluster ****.

He did pass out of a double team in the 2nd half yesterday which resulted in a made 3. I'm sure that will be used in video session to drive the point home to him.

[Ricardo del Rio]

So MK stiffed RK on player of the game once again?

I am a Rashard fan. I swear he is improving game by game. Even his free throw attempts.

He is playing downhill every play. If you don't want to get hurt, then get out of the way.

[proshox]

Guys, I'm pretty sure that Markis (and, to a lesser extent, Kelly) are doing exactly what they've been told to do. If they get a long rebound, they're supposed to push it up court as fast as possible. My guess is that we're forcing the defense to bust their asses back in a disorganized manner, and it also plays into the fatigue strategy. Does it make me nervous every time? Yes. Would it still be happening if HCGM didn't want it to. Hell, no.

I agree. RK is definitely ahead of MM when it comes to execution

[Stickboy46]

I am a Rashard fan. I swear he is improving game by game. Even his free throw attempts.

He is playing downhill every play. If you don't want to get hurt, then get out of the way.

Kelly has gone from being Wessel, to being Wessel with a legitimate threat to score. You have to guard him now.

[Ricardo del Rio]

Any CF doubters left out there?

Not here.

I have always been on the luke warm side, but not anymore.

What I like most is when he lets fly in charging traffic.

There ain't gonna be any 2-24 in STL.

[Horn28Clem30]

Agreed completely. Every time Conman shoots it, i'm expecting nothing but net.

[Cdizzle]

Agreed completely. Every time Conman shoots it, i'm expecting nothing but net.

When phone autocorrects make me wonder what this person talks about a lot.