This is what we needed today

[SubGod22]

To be realistic, look at http://thebluejaycafe.com/BB/viewtopic.php?t=11731. ;-) :lol:


Creighton fans are saying things like:

I'm completely baffled how we are even remotely in this game. This is one of those bizarre games where one team gets completely schooled at both ends of the court, but somehow the other team "hangs around." Very little reason to be optimistic, but ... still bizarre.

The officials are not even remotely the reason this game is the way it is ... but how can you "allow them to play" when somebody gets hacked on a shot and then call another "hand check" at the other end of the court?http://thebluejaycafe.com/BB/viewtop...=asc&start=150 :lol: ;-)

We let them remain in the game. Turnovers are still a problem.

That's pretty humorous considering the free throw attempts were pretty much dead even.

Weak, but expected from BlowJoe fans.

I didn't follow any of the links but what was posted here I agree with. There were a number of times I'd look up and couldn't believe the CU was still around. It pretty much felt like we were in total control.

The officiating did make me scratch my head at times but it went both ways. They did let them play for the most part which I have no problem with. But to follow that up with a weak foul on the perimeter is confusing. And it happened to both teams.

But the reason it was as close as it was was because of turnovers and our inability to shoot FREE throws.

[60Shock]

There is nothing like a Win! Or a Dame!

[Snapshot9]

Great individual efforts today, but more so as a team. They looked like a team today with a purpose. With this type of effort today, there are some more games we can win too.

And I thought that HCGM did a better job bench coaching today. It is not easy to out bench coach Altman.

[pogo]

I was a little nervous after the half because this is where cu in omaha turned up the pressure up and took the game back. They came out and scored 5 straight but the shocks found a way to stop them and regained the points they lost. This is where the shocks controlled the game by being able to stop the other teams run and not panic. I think they saw what it is going to take to win in the conference. Hopefully they learned as well.

[Dan]

Johnny C. sure seemed pleased with the proceedings today.

can anyone that was at the game please elaborate? did he sit with the team? I'm really looking forward to seeing him play.

[ShockTalk]

I got my wishes today!!

ShockTalk said

Right now, all I want to see is some fire in their bellies and smiles on their faces. At this time, this may be the biggest step in the right direction for the team.

ShockTalk said

Come on Shox, I want to have you picked wrong today!!! Creighton (2) @ WSU

:yahoo: :wsu_posters: :yahoo:

[ISASO]

According to MK, Coy was out on the floor after the game soaking up some atmosphere. No doubt having visions of the times when the crowd erupts for some great play he makes. It just wouldn't be the same with the 5K that Drake pulls one year removed from its best team in 35 years.

[Aargh]

I'm starting to like this lineup next year:

C - Stutz/Durley/Hamilton
PF - Ellis/Durley/Blair/Hamilton
SF - Coy/Hawkins
SG - Murry/Kyles/Chamberlain
PG - Hannah/Mannigault/Chamberlain
Role player - Hatch

The future is in place, unfortunately it's the future - it's not this year.

[SpanglerFan316]

Aargh: Hatch looks too important to be a role player. His defense looks pretty good and he drove to the basket pretty well. We know he can shoot and I recall him on the floor fighting for the ball. He usually passes fairly well. I would start him over AJ for now.

[McShocker]

I'm starting to like this lineup next year:

C - Stutz/Durley/Hamilton
PF - Ellis/Durley/Blair/Hamilton
SF - Coy/Hawkins
SG - Murry/Kyles/Chamberlain
PG - Hannah/Mannigault/Chamberlain
Role player - Hatch

The future is in place, unfortunately it's the future - it's not this year.

I think it is going to be hard not to find 10+ minutes per game for Hatch for the next couple of years. He plays really hard, usually really smart, and will continue to improve just like everybody else.

I didn't read through the entire game thread, but there were three guys who really impressed me today: Hatch, Ellis, and Durley. Clemente played really well, especially in the second half, but I kind of expect that out of a senior starter. Ellis has been discussed, and I have nothing new to add. He played a really solid game. Hatch played very well today and did a good job of finishing when he got into the lane. I think his ability to drive the basket is a little under rated because he has had trouble finishing. He has become much more than a three point specialist and showed it today. He also played a big role in holding P'unk to 5 points. I have often wondered if Durley could play hard for a full game. He did today. He played a very good game defensively and while he didn't get as many boards as Ellis or Clemente, he always had a body on somebody and was hustling to the ball. His hustle either saved possession or gained it for us at least 3-4 times.

I am very encouraged by what I saw today. It was an inspired effort. I hope that it is the beginning of something and not just a fluke. I have a theory that because we have such a young team, that they have only been doing well what they had been emphasizing in their most recent practices. Early in the year, we defended and rebounded, but couldn't score. I am guessing that after finals, there was more emphasis put on offense. While we have still had too many turnovers, we are doing a much better job of getting good shots and making them. Even during the 0-6 start, we didn't play horrible offensively, it was the defense that started to fail us. In my mind, it could be due to the changed focus in practice and the immaturity of a young team. I have a strong suspicion that there has been a real strong emphasis put on defense, rebounding, and effort since the MSU debacle. Maybe, just maybe, this young team has figured out how to play all aspects of the game at the same time. I sure hope so, because today was a heck of a lot of fun.

[ShockTalk]

I agree with Spangler and McShocker regarding Hatch. He is showing us he is not a one dimensional player and has done well in these other areas. However, he can help us most right now by becoming that three point specialist who just happens to have other attributes.

[PeruShock]

This is my first post....

I have been viewing for awhile now, and have been with the Shockers through the ups and downs, all I am happy about today is the EFFORT of the shocks!!!!!! It has been missing most of the year and they came with it today.

The future is bright, but don't forget about the present. We may not be a top valley team but when this team brings this type of effort to the plate they are a fun team to watch.

GO SHOX!!!! :posterwsu: :yahoo:

[Aargh]

Role player - Hatch

I should have said that a different way. I expect Hatch to get decent minutes next year - but where? I expect he will become a 2/3 combo, which is an unusual combo.

I'm also optimistic that Hawkins will have a better year next year than this year.

I expect that Hatch will take over the role of Senior leader in his Junior year.

For looking ahead at next year, Hatch is about the equivalent of a baseball player coming out of fall practices who can play second, short, or third. You know he's going to play, but don't know where you're going to need him as various situations arise, so you list him as a utility infielder.

[shockall]

I'm starting to like this lineup next year:

C - Stutz/Durley/Hamilton
PF - Ellis/Durley/Blair/Hamilton
SF - Coy/Hawkins
SG - Murry/Kyles/Chamberlain
PG - Hannah/Mannigault/Chamberlain
Role player - Hatch

The future is in place, unfortunately it's the future - it's not this year.

Stutz needs to start showing some improvements if he is going to be considered for the future.

[pinstripers]

Stutz played very well yesterday in limited minutes. Foul trouble, then CU went all-small for a while. I thought Stutz was excellent.