slu72 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Really good to read BC and MM's thoughts on this year's team. Also, interesting to note BC saying he and KC had to sell the FR on staying. Another interesting comment was JC's about no one being as explosive as JJ. I guess if any of the FR would have a chance would be DR. The article does make me wonder, however, if there have been rumblings among this group about some leaving after a losing season. Granted, I'm reading between the lines here, but the article did mention the upper class men had to do some selling w/ the FR. Way too early in my opinion for our FR to be thinking those thoughts. Sure hope someone, ideally JC, CC, and the rest of the staff, are selling them on the idea it's better for them to stick it out at this point. Also, would it hurt to have JJ and MM speak to them about their experience at SLU and the success they had by sticking it out. Seriously, what does a transfer to a more seemingly successful program going to get them? A year of practices, a year spent readjusting to games, see AY, and, if they went to a more successful team w/ younger players, there's no guarantee they'll get the minutes they'll get here. The comparisons to that 11-12 team are pretty amazing though. The one exception is the 11-12 team had a real leader coming back in KM. They don't have that, but still AM and AY could/should provide it. I think MY and DR are the keys to keeping this group together. MY seems to have no fear of being both a verbal and physical leader. DR seems to have a real passion for winning as well. Of course the key factor going forward is getting some Ws in the A10 under their belt. Hopefully, this 3 game stretch of middle of the road teams and bottom tier will provide some Ws and increase their confidence. Maybe even show them they could possibly steal a couple of Ws in Brooklyn and maybe get a few more games in the CBI. I don't think the NIT is a realistic result this year, since our RPI is so pitiful at this point. Good article and sure hope these guys take it to heart and see the benefits of being 4 year Billikens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billfan78 Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Barring a miracle, the NCAA and NIT are not gonna happen. Does anyone believe the CBI and/or the other 3rd tier tournament are a real possibility? Seems like a longshot. We would almost certainly need to finish with a record above .500 to have a chance for the 3rd tier tournaments and our RPI will still be very low. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slu72 Posted January 25, 2015 Author Share Posted January 25, 2015 You may be totally right, 78. Any post season action this year is highly doubtful. Even the CBI or the even lower CIT. Be nice to get in one just for the added work. Does anyone know if we're eligible for a summer trip this year, ala Canada? I seem to recall a team could do one every 3 or 4 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slu72 fan Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 We are eligible and are going to go somewhere, although where hasn't been finalized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basketbill Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 This team is better than the 2010-2011 team. I see more talent as freshman. Roby may not be as explosive as Jett but he shoots the 3 better. Marcus Bartley is coming along very nicely 7 assists against VCU...... at this time of the year that 2010-2011 team was 5-12 after 19 games. Comparing the drubbing by mo-state and Wichita state is unfair WSU is top 25 team.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milwaukeebill Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 This team is better than the 2010-2011 team. I see more talent as freshman. Rob may not be as explosive as Jett but he shoot the 3 better. Marcus Bartley is coming along very nicely 7 assists against VCU...... at this time of the year that 2010-2011 team was 5-12 after 19 games. Comparing the drubbing by mo-state and Wichita state is unfair WSU is top 25 team.... I believe the article compared the Wichita loss this year to the duke loss that year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff Man Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 here's the link to the Stu Durando article Very interesting insight about Conklin (and Cassity) keeping the freshmen in tow when things got bad in 2010-11...I'm suspect this coincided with Majerus medical hiatus following the 2011 New Years Day leg injury and subsequent team meltdown. Kwamain and Majerus get a ton of credit for turning the program around (and rightfully so), but Brian Conklin was every bit as important. Everybody remembers the Pick, and his emotional breakdown following the loss to Michigan St, but this guy was a leader from day 1 and eventually turned himself into a first team all conference low post bad @ss who served as the first option on a team that featured 3 All-Century Billikens. speaking of the PD, SLU is now featured in the sports header of the STLtoday home page. Sad that it took the tragic passing of columnist Bryan Burwell to prompt them to update that part of the website, but better late than never... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basketbill Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 I believe the article compared the Wichita loss this year to the duke loss that year. Right my bad. My main point stands, this team is better. I see us finishing strong, above 0.500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deutschkind Posted January 25, 2015 Share Posted January 25, 2015 You may be totally right, 78. Any post season action this year is highly doubtful. Even the CBI or the even lower CIT. Be nice to get in one just for the added work. Does anyone know if we're eligible for a summer trip this year, ala Canada? I seem to recall a team could do one every 3 or 4 years. A10 teams aren't eligible for the CIT. It's meant for lower conferences. If we continue the higher level of play, the CBI is a possiblity, IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old guy Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I think it is too early to say what will happen to us this year. It depends on many factors. We have come within a hair's breadth of winning over GW and over VCU, not bad performances. We keep improving and our team's play keeps on getting better. We still have over half of the regular A10 season to play and then there is the A10 tournament. Who is to say that we are not going to win a whole string of games before the A10 season ends and or in the A10 tournament. Remember out team last year? We were really really good, but reached the end of the conference play and the A10 tournament with 5 starters that were very tired and had all kinds of minor dings and injuries. We made it to NCAA but did not go as far as we could have in the big dance. I think it is possible we may be facing play with teams that are increasingly tired or have had injuries after the wear and tear of this season. We may win a lot of games still, who knows for sure otherwise? Now, whatever we do post season will or may be dependent upon how we continue play for the reminder of the season and the A10 tournament. Let's sit down and enjoy it. I for one really enjoyed watching our kids playing VCU, they played well. I intend to do the same for the reminder of the season. I hope we win a lot, and if we do, I hope we get to some kind of post season play. If not, I will still enjoy seeing how our team continues improving, which I am pretty sure they will do. I think our freshmen have learned a lot so far this year and will continue doing so. We will be a really good team and win a lot next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taj79 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 @old guy --- the exact context one needs to view this season in. Bravo! Given the state of the state in college basketball nowadays, the instance of transfers is always on the horizon. Kentucky does it every year, their transfers just transfer to the NBA. But don't forget the Wiltjer kid who went back west and home to Gonzaga. Juwann Staten did it from Dayton to West Virginia. Richaud Pack did it at Maryland. Rodney Hood at Duke. The list is endless. As was noted about Conklin, most of these kids rarely face any extended adversity in high school. They are where they are because most of them won. Now the disappointment of losing is new to them. And it is very easy to turn tail and run. Our last two transfers (Carter and Drtew) might share some of the blame for our problems now in that we have no experienced upperclass core to draw on. Keeping everyone each and every year appears to be quite a chore. I have no inside info, just stating the obvious. Not only do you have to learn to win but you mustbe able to face and overcome adversity. Our list of transfers isn't all that great .... we have had a few (Jim Roder, Reggie Bryant, Jamal Johnson, Kevin Footes ) and we've also had a guys be mediocre at best (Evan Pedersen, Ted Mimlitz, Jake Barnett, Todd Starks). I'm not talking JUCOs here, just four-year school returnees. And our transfer out list to better things is not that big .. I'd only put Ricky Frazier (to Mizzou) on that list with a slight nod of ackowledgemnt to Jeff Ford (SWMo State) and Julian Winfield (also Mizzou). And a mocking moment of silence for Melvin Robinson. Even with a full up roster for next year, we need to find shooters for sure. I don't hink we are really done right now for next year. Things are fluid. Things change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoctorB Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 good article; here's my take: I was bullish on this year, overall, but I was way off. I did say one thing that might turn out correct: wait till Feb., nobody will want any part of this team after that." Maybe, maybe not. For most of the year I realized how wrong that would probably be. I thought there is no chance we can be much of a threat this year. At times I seriously could not believe how bad we could play. But wait! Now I'm wondering: are we turning a corner? Are we seeing the real core emerge (which I take to be MY, DRF, and MB)?? Also: much stronger on defense. And as the bigs improve for next year --they always take longer?? And if we can climb above our lousy free throw %. I guess I'm starting to think--this team may be much improved, from here on out (with a couple clunkers along the way, I'm sure). Who knows? maybe we can put some wins together . . . . As for next year : I do think we will see more new faces than our 2 already signed recruits, in the fall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 -I would have thought this article a plant by the Staff to prepare the masses, such as they are, for transfers if it would have included stats on the (big) number of transfers so since it didn't I will take off my tin foil hat for a moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLU_Nick Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Question on JUCO transfers. If we find one now, is he immediately eligible to play next year? I really would like an enforcer type. He doesn't even need to shoot. I just want him 6'8, 240 and mean. I think we might be able to catch lightning in a bottle next year if we can find some rebounding somewhere. Reggie is still a project and the light might come on, but I dont want to rely on it. Also Reggie thinks he is a scorer...I want someone who realizes that they aren't. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACE Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 good article; here's my take: I was bullish on this year, overall, but I was way off. I did say one thing that might turn out correct: wait till Feb., nobody will want any part of this team after that." Maybe, maybe not. For most of the year I realized how wrong that would probably be. I thought there is no chance we can be much of a threat this year. At times I seriously could not believe how bad we could play. But wait! Now I'm wondering: are we turning a corner? Are we seeing the real core emerge (which I take to be MY, DRF, and MB)?? Also: much stronger on defense. And as the bigs improve for next year --they always take longer?? And if we can climb above our lousy free throw %. I guess I'm starting to think--this team may be much improved, from here on out (with a couple clunkers along the way, I'm sure). Who knows? maybe we can put some wins together . . . . As for next year : I do think we will see more new faces than our 2 already signed recruits, in the fall. Hmmm... "I'm still an optimist and believe this is a solid core of young players that can be built around, but they gotta stick together. I won't mind if a couple players transfer (as long as they are the right two who leave). There will be an opportunity to land an impact player in the spring if such an opportunity presents itself." - Ace, 1/4/15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACE Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Question on JUCO transfers. If we find one now, is he immediately eligible to play next year? I really would like an enforcer type. He doesn't even need to shoot. I just want him 6'8, 240 and mean. I think we might be able to catch lightning in a bottle next year if we can find some rebounding somewhere. Reggie is still a project and the light might come on, but I dont want to rely on it. Also Reggie thinks he is a scorer...I want someone who realizes that they aren't. Thoughts? Sounds like a slightly taller Grandy. I don't disagree with what you are saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheeseman Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 This team may be getting better - lets revisit this topic in a couple of weeks after we see if they can string together some good games - i am not necessarily talking about all wins just good hard play that allows them to compete - of course a couple of wins in that string would be good. Not sure what we need - I think we may have some shooters on the team if we let them shoot - MB has shown he can hit the 3 and DR is not great at it but he can be OK if given a chance. AG can hit it and so can AY if his head is screwed on properly - of course we know AM can be streaky at it also. I think another true pg may be a good addition and a big rebounder possibly - not sure what to think about who is coming in and if RA will develop or not. Maybe we should just do the best available player thing and let the chips fall where they may. As far as any of the freshmen transfering - hard to say - those playing now know they will still have playing time next year and that is usually what triggers a transfer - not playing. Hopefully JC can keep the core freshmen in place and add to them - after all that is a big part of his job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taj79 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 @nick -- providing JUCO has either an AA degree or is making direct progress to a degree and the transcripts of the JUCO transfer line up and transfer into a SLU degree program, he is immediately eligible. If a JUCO has an AA degree in "parks & rec," his eligibility at SLU is highly doubtful. A one-year player at a JUCO can transfer providing he was fully qualified and declared as such by the NCAA clearinghouse group coming out of high school. Charles Newsberry did this atthe old BACC. You can, of course, make your transfer agreement knowing you are short a "few" courses and embark on a summer school program to get your eligibility in order. Just don't pull a Ricky Clemons and try to take 24 hours in three summer months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLU_Nick Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Sounds like a slightly taller Grandy. I don't disagree with what you are saying. Yea, with 2 good shoulders though. In terms of transfers, I also agree that it is naive to think that everyone stays put. Miles Reynolds has shown promise at times but his lack of jump shot really hinders him in an offense that works best when the opposing guards cannot sag in the lane. If he hit the weights hard and combines that with his ability to attack the rim, I could see him in 2 years as a poor man's Jett. He is just too thin to get into the lane and expect good things to happen. But he seems to be way behind Bartley at the moment (even though I hate Bartley's defense so much). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwyjibo Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 A10 teams aren't eligible for the CIT. It's meant for lower conferences. If we continue the higher level of play, the CBI is a possiblity, IMO The CBI has no selection criteria. It is a pay-to-play "vanity" tournament (you pay to host but obviously it is a cost to travel to an away game). In one sense you may be right but getting selected would only mean dozens of other teams would have declined. It is not a reward, it is simply a chance to pay to play more games (I am not against SLU accepting). Things have gotten a lot worse for the tournament since SLU was in it. I think some schools were willing to try it the first few years but most major programs appear to feel it is not worth it and even are acting like it is "beneath them". Last year Indiana very publicly snubbed them (generally the snubs are quiet no thank you's) and several other "bigger teams" have stated in advance they would not accept. Better teams from smaller conferences greatly prefer playing in the CIT as they require less money up front and can attract the same or better crowds. They reached down to some really poor RPI numbers last year (ODU got in with a below .500 record in a poor conference--they even scraped lower with Radford, Hampton and Tulane). Siena won the tournament despite being a middling MAAC team. It generates little interest (last year's game attendance averaged less than 3K). It seems likely the CBI would not be around much longer--they were not even able to find a sponsor last year (although CBS Sports did broadcast some games). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Box and Won Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I'm having a hard time figuring out which of the remaining games are winnable. I'd probably be disappointed if we were to lose to St. Joe's at home, Fordham on the road, and George Mason at home. I have to think that based on our recent efforts versus GW and VCU, we could potentially pull off upsets against any of the remaining teams we play at home. Then again, this team is also capable of crapping the bed against any of the three games I mentioned earlier. Is 15-17 wins attainable for this team? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierPal Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 As far as any of the freshmen transfering - hard to say - those playing now know they will still have playing time next year and that is usually what triggers a transfer - not playing. Hopefully JC can keep the core freshmen in place and add to them - after all that is a big part of his job. Sophomores can transfer (that is what Ash did) and juniors can transfer (or graduate). I don't want anyone to leave, but just sayin' you can look at the full roster is you are looking at someone possibly leaving. Right now, no new guards are coming in and two unknown quality 'post players' are coming. We are losing Manning, Glaze is TBD, so to me the 4 and 5 slots are where I look for future playing time being highly contested and thus a higher potential for the 'after season discussion'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 -I don't think the staff is recruiting hs seniors just for the fun of it, so they think or know something will happen to open another scholarship -might be a benefit down the road to more balance the classes if filled with better players -reading the tea leaves I think we have seen the last of Grandy but that is speculation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slu72 Posted January 26, 2015 Author Share Posted January 26, 2015 I don't like discussing transfers in the season, but this article intimated that during a bad season players get discouraged and the thought enters their mind. There are a lot of reasons for transfers, but probably the major ones are; 1.) falling out with the coach, 2) lack of playing time due to competition, 3) homesickness or family issue, 4) program's not going anywhere. As I said, there are many reasons, but these 4 are probably the most common. When you look at our team, I'd surmise a couple of guys might consider it based on number 2. Don't know about how many might consider it for the other 3 reasons, but number 2 doesn't strike me as a good reason for the majority of players, given the rotations we've seen. Now closing out the season on a high note, ie some Ws and some more games like VCU against the league's best, should also eliminate # 4 as a reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 I'm having a hard time figuring out which of the remaining games are winnable. I'd probably be disappointed if we were to lose to St. Joe's at home, Fordham on the road, and George Mason at home. I have to think that based on our recent efforts versus GW and VCU, we could potentially pull off upsets against any of the remaining teams we play at home. Then again, this team is also capable of crapping the bed against any of the three games I mentioned earlier. Is 15-17 wins attainable for this team? -I'll take a shot at your question, we have 9 wins now, I agree with the 3 you mention as being the most likely wins so let's book those even with one of those on the road, that gets to 12, since we seem to alternate wins and losses with SVU that means we beat them at home gets us to 13, so we need 2 more to get to 15, any of those are most likely to come at home against Bonny, LaSalle, UMass, can we win 2 out of those 3? -not playing on Wed, March 11 would be a very good thing which if we play like we did on Friday is likely, if we play like did at Davidson not likely at all -let's see what team shows up in the next 13 guaranteed games in hopes of playing 18 or more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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