Joe Book's "17 Valley predictions for 2009-10"

[ShockerFever]

You guys make me laugh...

I do enjoy the banter, and often set myself up for people to rip on me. I'm a big boy, I can handle it.

I love provoking intelligent discussions, and I don't find that there are many of the team boards that provide that.

Like I said months ago, I've always respected WSU's fans and program. I still believe that you all are some of the most passionate, smart basketball fans in the league.

You are right about the rebounding line -- WSU has improved your RPG, as well as your rebounding margin this season. I'll still take Murry or Hannah on my team any day.

I took a few months off to tend to some personal matters, but I'm back writing once or twice per week. Feel free to check out the site.

BTW - it is true that I'm compensated by Examiner.com, but we are talking less than a penny per page hit, so I haven't quit my other two jobs yet. :good:

Thanks for coming back.

I did notice on another site that you have felt unimpressed with WSU, at least a couple weeks ago.

If that still is your feelings, can you list your reasons why?

Thanks.


P.S. Also, please don't group our entire fanbase into one fan's nitpicking. Some just think if you aren't pumping sunshine at WSU 24/7, than you're worthy of a whole thread of bashing. Thanks for the understanding.

[SpanglerFan316]

You guys make me laugh...

I do enjoy the banter, and often set myself up for people to rip on me. I'm a big boy, I can handle it.

I love provoking intelligent discussions, and I don't find that there are many of the team boards that provide that.

Like I said months ago, I've always respected WSU's fans and program. I still believe that you all are some of the most passionate, smart basketball fans in the league.

You are right about the rebounding line -- WSU has improved your RPG, as well as your rebounding margin this season. I'll still take Murry or Hannah on my team any day.

I took a few months off to tend to some personal matters, but I'm back writing once or twice per week. Feel free to check out the site.

BTW - it is true that I'm compensated by Examiner.com, but we are talking less than a penny per page hit, so I haven't quit my other two jobs yet. :good:

Welcome back; love to see you post on SN.

[SpanglerFan316]

P.S. Also, please don't group our entire fanbase into one fan's nitpicking. Some just think if you aren't pumping sunshine at WSU 24/7, than you're worthy of a whole thread of bashing. Thanks for the understanding.

:lol:

You amuse me. (If only you had a clue.)

[electricmayhem]

I did notice on another site that you have felt unimpressed with WSU, at least a couple weeks ago.

If that still is your feelings, can you list your reasons why?

It's not that I'm not impressed with WSU, because I think you are the second-best team in the conference right now. CH and TM are playing good ball, and GB gives you excellent minutes off the bench.

JTD didn't take the big step forward that I thought he would, although he's shooting the ball well, especially from distance. AE has also disappointed me, as I thought he would be a 25-30 minute player, and average 6rpg.

WSU has played only one excellent road game this year - at Indiana State. IMO, the rest of the road contests have been average. You almost blew a 25-point lead at MSU, and you didn't have a great game at SIU.

That being said, good teams win games even when they are not playing great, and WSU has done that.

As far as the rest of the schedule goes, I expect the Shox to go 6-2 the rest of the way, and arrive in St. Louis at 25-6. Win two games, and you are absolutely in. The selection committee hates mid-majors, but your RPI at that point should be in the high 30s or low 40s and you have a few quality wins, especially if you can knock off Utah State on the road.

I would really be looking forward to a WSU/ISU red matchup in the MVC Tourney semis -- good luck to the Shox the rest of the way![/quote]

[SpanglerFan316]

electricmayhem: I assume the two losses (for WSU to go 6-2) are UNI & USU. I certainly can't disagree with those predictions (but I hope this is wrong.)

Breaking it down a bit, how do you rank the frontcourts in the Valley? What about the backcourts? What about the 3 position?

Frankly, WSU's frontcourt has not scored as well as I expected. WSU's backcourt has length and skill but Drake made us look bad. I think Hatch is the Valley MVP of the 3 position (but I could be wrong.) Comments?

[electricmayhem]

Tough questions.

I don't think there is a better frontcourt player right now than Odiakosa from ISU red. He's efficient offensively, and just muscles people around in the lane. That being said, the frontcourt team of Lawson and Carter for CU are playing well - but I'll give the nod to UNI with Eglseder and Koch.

In the backcourt, it's hard to pick one. Wedel and Young from DU are excellent, as are Dillard and Freeman from SIU, and the Murry/Hannah combo on your squad. I suppose I'd give the top spot to Eldridge and Phillips with ISU red, because O is still the best player in the league and Phillips provides good senior leadership.

As far as the three position, I'll respectfully disagree. GH has had a nice season, but Colt Ryan is playing the 3 (sort of) for UE and he has been a stud. Warren for BU is having a nice season and so is Jermaine Mallett of MSU. There aren't many true threes in the league - but the guy I would probably put at the top right now is Adam Templeton from DU. He's an excellent inside-outside threat, and has put the rebounding duties squarely on his shoulders over the last 12 games.

[SpanglerFan316]

Thanks for your comments. On the stat line, Hatch may not sound great. However he is the heart of the Shocks.

[shockmonster]

Electricmayhem If you're right, why isn't ISU red better? They have the best backcourt and the best post player. Sounds like a championship is waiting. You're missing important things that result in wins.

[electricmayhem]

Monster- not a lot of depth. They also can't win a game on the road.

When your best players are streaky, it makes for an up and down season. Osiris had 0 field goals tonight. None! How do you explain that? He's still the top talent in the league, but he can disappear from time to time.

For one game (or one season) I'd still ride with O and Phillips in my backcourt.

[shockmonster]

And they're the best players in the league? (Obviously they have great talent and potential) and if they find what it takes, could play with anyone. They could be the most talented players in the league but not the best players.

[electricmayhem]

They obviously haven't gelled as a team yet, because I don't think anyone would argue the talent of Odiakosa or Eldridge. They just don't have the great supporting cast like UNI or WSU does.