Shockers vs. Emporia State game thread

[shockar25]

Yes, free throws were disappointing, particularly after hearing how well they have been shooting them in practice. However, as many have said--I'm not worried. That will come together and I bet it had a lot more to do with freshman and newbie 'jitters' than anything else.

JT was fun to watch, but I am not suprised at his success. He has ton of potential as we've always known, but it looks like his hard work is paying off on defense so far. Nice inside moves and as coach said on the post game, he didn't rely so much on shooting 3's.

Hatch worked his butt off. He is either going to earn a starting spot or he's going to end up a very quality backup which is a win-win for us no matter what. Garrett had his moments but needs to move quicker. Unlike some other 'big' guys that we've seen that didn't pan out for us, you can just see the potential and KNOW he's going to get there. He just looks 'young' but has the drive and smarts to figure it all out over time. He still looks to be getting used to all that size and got man-handled a bit inside.

Hannah was exactly what we need. Competent, confident and reliable. While not as fast as Matt, he was plenty quick and he seems to have a knack at finding a way in the last few seconds of the shot clock of making the ball go in. Now, how many times could we have used a player like that last year?? Reggie was pretty decent too and should be a good #2 player in the rotation that should allow our offense not to miss a beat when he's in.

Both Toure and Kyles had some glimpses of greatness and should get better over time. I have to say, I was most disappointed with AJ. I was expecting him to assert himself in our offense more, but it seemed he got overshadowed and must have made some mistakes because he didn't play as much as I thought he would.

Felter seemed ok, but definately not at the level as the rest of the team.

All in all, it went pretty close to what I figured it would (I predicted 73-61, so I was close) and I think we're on track to noticeable improvements over last year. I would like to see our defense get better, and I'm sure it will since that seems to be HCGM's trademark.

The future is bright! I'm excited. I can't wait until Sunday.

:goshocks:

[SubGod22]

Hopefully Ellis and Griz are ready on Sunday.

[shockerfan]

Hopefully Ellis and Griz are ready on Sunday.

Sounded like they probably will be. Marshall mentioned he hoped to have them both practicing again Thursday.

[SubGod22]

I'm not going to get my hopes up until it's confirmed or I see them this weekend.

But we'll be MUCH better with them in the rotation

[shockerfan]

I'm not going to get my hopes up until it's confirmed or I see them this weekend.

But we'll be MUCH better with them in the rotation

I agree, especially on the boards.

[SpanglerFan316]

I saw some good things which have been mentioned. I also noticed some bad things.
1. Clevin Hannah is too short to guard tall guards. One time in the second half, the person next to me said "That ESU player was unguarded" when he hit an easy jumper; however, he was "guarded" - by Hannah.
2. In the second half, our offense was often stagnant. The clock ran out on us a few times and we took several desperate "the clock is running out" shots.
3. Garrett Stutz should not put the ball on the floor. If ESU can pick him, what will SIU do to him? Shoot or pass, Garrett!!!

ADDED: 4. A.J. Hawkins did not make me forget PJ!!

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Hatch played an awesome game. Only 1 mental lapse leaving his man open for a 3. After Hawk came out in 2nd half, he was on it fighting through screens, driving to basket, had a hand in his guys face on almost every shot.

JT took two charges and was robbed on a third that could have gone either way (with a big lead at the time wasn't suprising it was called a block), and made quite a few good passes. Loved it when he got in Murry's rear about leaving his man.

Garrett will be better, when the guards learn the timing on entry passes. He is 7' and on 3 times they tried to pass to his feet with a 6' nothing guy on him and him setting for high pass. That will come with time.

Hawk was out of sync tonight. Thought he hobbled a little after drive in first half and wasn't in it the rest of game.

Ramon -- i think numbers speak for themselves. Although he did at times seem to be deferring a little to the younger guys, something I don't think will happen come conference time.

Murry was smooth at times, but seemed to be a bit hesitant, as was Kyles. They will be great players for the Shocks by Junior year.

Clevin was intent on working the ball inside. So was Reggie. I think the plan was to try to get the post some work as the guard play looks pretty solid.

Overall the level of play was very good. Especially the first 6 mins while the crowd was standing on it's feet, some almost cheering for ESU to score already. I think Hannah to Clemente and Durley will become a popular fixture. Can't begin to explain the anticipation when Kyles stole the ball at half court, only to be fouled before he got away.

[Snapshot9]

On Sunday, I could see the starters being:

Hannah
Murry
Ellis
Durley
Clemente

with:
Reggie
Hatch/Kyles
Hawkins
Griskanis
Stutz

relieving them.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

On Sunday, I could see the starters being:

Hannah
Murry
Ellis
Durley
Clemente

with:
Reggie
Hatch/Kyles
Hawkins
Griskanes
Stutz

relieving them.

I think, and got laughed at already for it, Hatch will start at 3. Ellis is not expected to practice till Thursday (sitting tomorrow and Wed off) and will play, but don't see him starting. If Hatch continues to practice well and play hard, I see him getting the not with Hawk and Ellis rotating minutes probable about equally.

My starters for Florida A&M (and would be different against different opponent:

Hannah, Murry, Hatch, RC, and Durley.

Chamberlain, Kyles, Hawkins/Eliis, Griz, Stutz.

Laugh all you want, but anyone who watched Hatch play tonight realized he is a completely different player from last year, and seems very comfortable.

[McShocker]

Hatch played an awesome game. Only 1 mental lapse leaving his man open for a 3. After Hawk came out in 2nd half, he was on it fighting through screens, driving to basket, had a hand in his guys face on almost every shot.

JT took two charges and was robbed on a third that could have gone either way (with a big lead at the time wasn't suprising it was called a block), and made quite a few good passes. Loved it when he got in Murry's rear about leaving his man.

Garrett will be better, when the guards learn the timing on entry passes. He is 7' and on 3 times they tried to pass to his feet with a 6' nothing guy on him and him setting for high pass. That will come with time.

Hawk was out of sync tonight. Thought he hobbled a little after drive in first half and wasn't in it the rest of game.

Ramon -- i think numbers speak for themselves. Although he did at times seem to be deferring a little to the younger guys, something I don't think will happen come conference time.

Murry was smooth at times, but seemed to be a bit hesitant, as was Kyles. They will be great players for the Shocks by Junior year.

Clevin was intent on working the ball inside. So was Reggie. I think the plan was to try to get the post some work as the guard play looks pretty solid.

Overall the level of play was very good. Especially the first 6 mins while the crowd was standing on it's feet, some almost cheering for ESU to score already. I think Hannah to Clemente and Durley will become a popular fixture. Can't begin to explain the anticipation when Kyles stole the ball at half court, only to be fouled before he got away.

Good insight, but I seriously doubt we have to wait two years before Murry and Kyles show us some consistently great play.

[fastbow]

10,000 people?

It was quiet as a tomb at times.

Everyone needs to do a better job on the noise...

[WuDrWu]

Well that was interesting. Plenty to like and plenty to dislike about the game tonight. If you saw the game, you in all likelyhood saw the entire season. There are going to be good times and bad. Brilliance and dissappointment. Stars and busts.

Here's what I took from the game.

Any discussion of the point guard position is over for now. Clevin is much further along in every aspect than Reggie. The change from last year is that now we have 2 point guards that can shoot vs zero.

I was excited to see Toure in action. I was in no way shape or form dissappointed. The kid gets it....and he is fantastic on defense. He needs to get stronger for sure, but if there are 5 better freshman in this league then it's one heck of a recruting class for the league. Matt tells the truth. Toure is going to be great sooner than later.

JT is better. Good, he needed to be.

Ramon is the same warrior he was last year, only more skilled. He really needs some help on the glass.

Garrett will be a dominate player in the Valley next year. He'll need a year to get there in all likelyhood. If he gets there this year then we are going to be a serious handful come tourney time. Right now though he doesn't have the strength to be consistent but you could see the post skills he has....he's so much further along at this point in his career than Paul Miller it's not funny.

Mason Felter really makes me feel OLD. The kid played hard though.

AJ struggled tonight...I hope. Physically gifted, we need more results from this young man. I will chalk it up to nerves for now.

I was told by someone smarter than I to watch out for Hatch. I'll admit he looked better than I ever thought he would. It is amazing what a year of experience and confidence can do for a kid. Yet another reason to be excited for future seasons. I would like to temper everyone's enthusiasm by reminding them that shutting down ESU's top player is not exactly like shutting down Osiris.

David Kyles struggled tonight. He was a little lost and he really dogged it at times, especially on D. That absolutely will not cut it with Gregg. There is a world of talent there but when they talk about a lack of consistent effort, you can point directly at David tonight.


As I said, good and bad. The second five looked lost at times. The execution lacked often. There is a lot of potential everywhere. If we have another injury year like last then we'll finish 9 or 10 again. We have to have Aaron and Mantas to be competitive inside.

You could absolutely see what Coach was talking about when he said consistent effort......these guys went to sleep way too often, especially on D. You do that at this level and you will get killed. That's the price of youth.

[Shoxfan11]

10,000 people?

It was quiet as a tomb at times.

Everyone needs to do a better job on the noise...

This isn't the best excuse, but come on, it's an exhibition game vs. Emporia State.

By the time the big games roll around, we'll be fine.

[KC Shox]

Yes sir, this is going to be a long season.

[WuDrWu]

Yes sir, this is going to be a long season.

You might be right KC, and I have little doubt that Orlando is going to be painful, but there is nothing outside of CU that should scare us at all in the Valley......everyone is down for the most part. IF we can stay healthy and IF the kids buy in to what Gregg wants them to do then we will be fine.