kevinfootes
-
Posts
3,465 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by kevinfootes
-
-
The incident(s) his ineligibility would have been based on happened in the summer semester and just like "the train" hearing the school was not going to rule on it until the fall semester began.
The fall semester had more than begun before the decision came down. If WR had academic problems in the summer, it should have been handled before the fall semester started or at least very early on.
I'm wondering why there wasn't much talk about WR's acedemic issues last fall.
-
he was not officially ineligible yet
I guess I don't follow how that all works. I thought it was based on his grades at the end of the prior semester. I didn't realize you could become academically ineligible during a semester, unless there was some sort of incident.
If WR was indeed going to be ineligible, all of our "what ifs" about this season didn't matter. Sure we'd be better if KM had been playing the full season, but I don't see this as a "big dance" lineup without both KM AND WR.
-
No
Again, wasn't he practicing with the team? I don't recall reading anything about Willie being ineligible, but maybe I missed something.
-
I've heard otherwise.
I thought he was practing with this team, was he not? Or is the story that he would have been inelgible after the first semester?
-
He'd be leaving before getting a degree. I don't see a difference between a junior that leaves a year before getting his degree and a redshifted junior that also leaves a year before getting his degree.
I do think the option kwamain has on the 5th year has value. If he has a great season next year and wants to leave early he can do so. If he has a bad year or gets hurt he has the option to stay in school to improve his prospects in Europe. Either way it gives him the freedom to do whatever he wants and by definition that is something of value...
I think he'd be better off getting a degree as well, but many kids his age see dollar signs and can't resist the temptation. Besides, going to play professionally doesn't mean that he'd never get a degree. That part is up to him.
I have no idea what the contracts in Europe are worth, and if he has anything to gain financially by playing an extra year here. I guess it could mean the difference between Italy and Bulgaria.
I appreciate the fact that KM is hungry and wants to get out there. I just hope he uses his head and makes the decision that is better for him. He's the only one who can make that decision.
-
Two things are wrong with your logic:
1) it implies that all U.S. college players would be better off skipping their junior or senior years to play in Europe and making $100-$200k. While I'm all for a player declaring early if he is going to be a first round NBA pick and make millions, declaring early with the knowledge that its only going to lead to a job in Europe is rare. Kwamain's situation is no different.
2) Playing the final 14 games of this season doesn't materially increase his financial value post graduation but it does forgoe his option value on the 5th year. For example, if he plays great next year and decides he wants to go play in Europe then fine. But what if he has a rough year or worse yet gets injured? Having that 5th year to go out and improve his value is worth far more to him that whatever he could prove in 14 games this season
KM wouldn't be leaving "early", he'd be leaving on time. That's a big difference, IMO. Do you think KM has anything to gain financially by redshirting this season (beyond maybe getting a diploma)? I'm just trying to understand your position here.
-
Mb it is understanding jan 3rd wasn't an option simply because he was expelled from the school, not suspended from the basketball team. Since he officially isn't a student until classes begin Tuesday, he couldn't play until then.
roy, is that really the rule? It seems like there are football teams that play games before classes start every year. If that was the rule, then no freshmen could play in a football game before classes started.
-
Kwamain looked like he was having a great time the whole game. He was and is the heart of the team. His confidence, attitude, and leadership is going to have a huge effect on this team. He worked with McCall all of warm-ups. He was encouraging everyone and showing tons of emotion before and after the game. Kwamain and Jake Barnett are just like having 2 more coaches on the bench during the games.
Kwamain is going to have a great effect on this team right now. I'm not saying that we'll make the NCAA's or NIT, but I think postseason play needs to be our goal. The CBI or CIT would be great for this team. These young players just need to keep playing games. Extend their season. Learn the feeling of a win or end your season game.
I'm always hopeful, but this team is a long way off from postseason consideration. IMO, the first goal ought to be making a run at a .500 record.
-
So do we just grin and bear it, lose 20+ games, not make the A-10 Tournament, and chalk it all up to experience? Not me, I'm getting too old for this perpetual wait until next year stuff.
I think the players might well do better playing more up tempo. A guy like Mike McCall has high school experience playing that way. Coach Majerus said in the off-season that he wanted to play more up tempo. But the existing players seem to be bogged down in the system.
Again, I support the Coach. I want him to succeed. But thanks to The Situation, this team is struggling. Why not do some tinkering with the offensive and defensive systems? How can that hurt? It might help. What do we have to lose?
I had the same questions during RM's first season, and it wasn't a 20 loss season. RM doesn't seem to adjust his style of play to the skill set of his roster. However, you could see that he was building something. If it were up to me, I'd make some adjustments. That said, you can't knock RM's history.
Based on what we've seen so far, our best hope for this year is to somehow sneak into the A10 tourney. I'm as disappointed as anyone and hate to see us lose. However, I also see this as a one year deal. If we're struggling to win under RM's system next year, I'll be among the first to question his approach.
-
First, I remain a Coach Majerus supporter. He certainly knows much more about basketball than me, a mere fan of the game, as my coaching experience consists of 5 years in the CYO.
But how about retooling this SLU offense? Evidently due to The Situation, the existing players are struggling playing this offense. How about a little one on one, dribble penetration by McCall and Jett?
The current offense has morphed into the dreaded Shot Clock Expiration Offense, a staple of SLU Basketball since before there even was a shot clock, going at least back to yours truly's SLU undergraduate days under Ekker.
And while we're at it, may I renew my request for the playing of some zone defense, especially against teams with quick dribble penetration guards that are challenged in outside shooting? Why not? At least SLU could have the zone as part of the defensive arsenal.
I definitely hope Coach Majerus stays, even if, given current circumstances, I don't agree with his
complicated system on offense, especially with existing players that can't play
it, nor his total reliance on the man to man defense. SLU right now just
doesn't have the horses for either. Sure the defense looks good on the stats
sheet in terms of points allowed, but guards can drive on SLU, and there's no
Willie in the back to block their layups. The pass the ball around the perimeter offense may be playing a role in those defensive stats by limiting opponents' possessions.
People are on Majerus for his recruiting. But earlier, before The Situation, people said the talent level at
SLU is at an all-time high. It's hard to tell, but the existing team is really
struggling. I think there is talent there, but the team is without its 2 best
and important players. As for the existing team, it's almost like the Yogi Berra line that you can't hit
and think at the same time. Similarly, you can't shoot and think at the same
time, and from what I've seen lately, these SLU players are thinking too much, playing like robots.
Just go out there and play the game; for SLU that must be easier said than
done.
But I watch these teams out here like USF, certainly no power, and
tonight I'm planning to see USF play at St. Mary's, which has a strong team.
There is no such thing as the Shot Clock Expiration Offense out here. These
teams get up and down the floor and shoot the ball. One thing I told the CYO kids, if you don't shoot, you can't score, and if you can't score, you can't win.
I'm almost ready for some of the Guy V. Lewis approach, to "throw out the basketballs and let the boys play." We used to hear under Ekker that SLU couldn't play that way because we would get blown out. What difference does it make if you are losing anyway? Maybe it would do some good to loosen up the troops, lighten the load, take off some pressure.
I question some of what RM does, but I'm willing to defer to his judgment for the time being. If we're struggling next year then RM will have a lot of questions to answer based on the level of talent and the experience of his roster.
-
At least it doesn't look like Biondi paid for these.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/article_32467cae-1f56-11e0-89fb-0017a4a78c22.html
-
He has only been outside twice in the last couple of weeks. He is waiting to get clearance from the doctor before he returns. In the Temple game, the league has "apologized" for the officiating. He said Willie controls his own destiny ane he needs to make academics a priority. He praised the school and the faculty. Majerus sounded excited about the possibility of Mitchell, Reed and Barnett coming on board next year.
Apologies in these situations are essentially worthless. If the league relly thinks the refs screwed up they ought to be be cut loose or at least suspended for a few games.
Funny how the focus of all this has switched to Willie's academics. I don't doubt that he was on shakey ground, but he WAS eligible going into this season...correct? It seems to me that Willie was being punished for other things, as he obviously had much less involvement in the incident than Mitchell.
-
Despite our many shortcomings, we have been in some very winnable games (Austin Peay, Georgia, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Bowling Green, and Temple)
A few minor adjustments and THIS team is 8-8, 9-7, or even 10-6...
Woulda, coulda, shoulda.
This team doesn't have the experience or leadership YET. It is developing, and I do think this year is a blip. We'll be back to where we were (at least) next barring some unforeseen personnel moves.
This reminds me of the year that Frericks and Bryant got hurt and or missed many games, except that team was in a much better league.
-
Hopefully we'll see AC again in March 2012.
Unless there are some unforeseen personnel changes, I think you can take AC to the bank in 2012.
-
I know its only alphabetical right now, but here are the bottom of the A10 standings per ESPN as of today:
# 9) Rhode Island 0 -- 1
#10) Charlotte 0 -- 2
#11) La Salle 0 -- 2
#12) Fordham 0 -- 2
#13) St. Joe's 0 -- 3
#14) St. Louis 0 -- 3
St. Joe's, Umass, Charlotte and La Salle all come to our place. These are four must wins given that we can't seem to win any games away from home. Even if we make the touernament, it will be as a road team and we show no ability to win anywhere, let alone on the road. Such a season of hope, of arrival ... and we might not even get an invite from our own conference.
I have had a plunge with this program for practically forever. This one just seems harder to take than the rest given the CBI, given returning our entire substantial roster, given these ongoing rcruting jewels .....
I agree that we are in danger of missing out on Atlantic City.
-
Averaging 22ppg and 13rpg. High-major talent. Here's a brief clip.
but is he from Australia or New Zealand?
-
Same old debate.
Most JUCO players wind up somewhere they can get a degree in "Sports Management", or something. SLU does not offer such degrees. There are plenty of great basketball players out there that cannot get thru SLU academics.
Is this guy one? I'd say, it is 100-1 "against".
We have a communications program that housed some players when I was at SLU.
-
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2010-12-17-663265298_x.htm
Sorry if this has already been posted, but Akron's soccer coach has signed an extension through 2020. Are we still operating under 1-year deals?
-
I thought maybe it was the 20th anniversary of Stewart punching John Duff at practice and then running out the building.
-
No. Good try Roy.
Passing up a wide-open shot and tossing the ball to a teammate (often a Freshman) with 5 seconds on the shot clock are NOT the signs of a player who knows what a what a good shot is or is not. Also, these are not the signs of an experienced player. Don't get me wrong, I have been a defender of KC's for years. KC is not as bad as some make him out to but he also is nowhere close to being an NBA player. Is it possible that he ends up playing in the NBA? I guess everything is possible but not very likely for him. Yes, he has a better chance than I but to suggest he is close is also a mistake. In short, KC lacks the strength (I'm disappointed that his not stronger than he is now) to play in the NBA and, more importantly, he lacks the ability and desire to score. NBA players want the ball and want to shoot it (often too much). KC does not. If left open or unguarded, KC will burn his defender. If well guarded, though, KC will not score - and usually won't even try to scrore.
To answer Footes earlier question, having a role player at the 1, 2 or 3 positions IS a problem for the reason that it shifts the scoring burden upon the shoulders of the other 4 players. Now, when the other 4 players are willing and up to the task, then a good (not great) college team can get away with having such a role player. Unlike Dwayne Polk whom opponents did not even bother trying to guard and whom did not add other great skills, KC earns his keep by keeping the other teams honest with points (occasional outsite made 3 pointer and a few drives/layups -- 10 ppg) and usually makes good passes with few turnovers. Our problem last year, and this year, is we have too many of these types on the floor at the same time. KC would be a fine complement to KL but when KC and CS are paired together, the results are not pretty. Then, when you add PE or one of the Freshman point guards to the mix, we now have 3 guards who cannot/won't shoot. The end result is that our team must rely upon our Freshman. Is KC a bad athlete? Absolutely not, but at the same time, most 6'4" guards who play 30 minutes per game are among the best athletes, shooters and overall players on the floor. KC is not.
Last year, when KC was only a Soph, I cut him some slack b/c of his youth and b/c of the great leaps in development he made from his Freshman year. This year, KC again has made some big strides but just is not ready/able to be the "go to" guy. For a late addition to the RM's first year recruiting class, KC is a fine player. To ask him to take over the team in the absence of RM and KM is not realistic or fair. At the same time, his playing "hot potato" with the ball and dumping it off to Freshmen with 5 or less on the shot clock also is not fair. We need and deserve better. KC: take the shot. If you miss or fail, so be it.
Last year KC had only 22 attempts from the FT line in 30+ games. To me, that's an indication that a guy isn't mixing it up very much. This year, KC already has 22 attempts in roughly half a season. That's better, but it's still 6th on the team and he leads the group in minutes played. Most of us are hoping that KC will become more aggressive.
-
one of the things i like about kyle cassity is his perspective on what is a good shot or not. while we would all like him to force the action more, on the other hand, maybe it is a matter he is taking what he knows he can succeed at and no more.
if it was a problem, he would not be getting the minutes per game he gets. afterall we have a hall of fame coach.
and it cant be a matter that their hands are tied or he would be benched. heck most of you ripping on cassity also have posted just recently just how loaded our roster is stocked.
kyle is doing fine on shot selection. overall as a team, we could be rebounding better and cutting turnovers and making foul shots. but individually, i dont know if there is a place to direct mucho blame more than any one other player.
roy, if we were winning games and scoring more points I'd be more inclined to agree with you. Last year RM himself complained about KC not shooting enough. He's on the floor this year because he has talent and experience. We're hoping he comes out of his comfort zone a little bit and takes off the training wheels. IMO, he's a good enough player that the shots will find there way into the basket.
There are lots of things to improve on this team, as you mentioned.
-
Completely agree but his experience is to do exactly what he is doing. My point was that they were looking for numbers and performance in line with what KL gave. Again he is a good player but he plays way too many minutes to not get to double digits every night much less not even score. No matter what role he is playing.
Wait a minute!!! Last season when I made posts that KC got too many minutes without contributing enough scoring I was widely criticized.
I was told by many that it was okay to give 30+ minutes to a guy who would only shoot the ball 3-4 or times per game, even though we were a low-scoring team and he was one of our best shooters. RM expressed the same frustration a few times.Today he played 34 minutes and took 4 shots.
-
Not far fetched IMO.
Willie doesn't practice, misses a full yr. Unacceptable.
And we season ticket holders are supposed to pay for next season and have confidence that Willie will play 2011-2012... Dubourg Hall, the females paid attorney lingering, threatening? Yeah, right.
I think RM has had enough of the "the situation" nonsense along with everything else (charter renege, etc), and his traumatic inury is the last straw.
We have some ignorant, brutal posters who ridicule RM, but traveling is a huge risk for anyone on Coumadin. Flying increases the risk of a blood clot dramatically (pressure in the cabin, low humidity, sitting without movement). This is an absolute fact; ask an appropriate clinician.
64 y/o Majerus is courageous if you understand the facts.
SO I think maybe RM will call it quits soon or maybe after the season ends.
I hope he does not, Willie gets back on the team in the fall, he miraculously is in top form immediately.
Majerus is our only hope to get out of the death spiral we have been in all of these years.
I think you're predictions are a little presumptuous...especially the average crowd of 2500 for next year.
-
It is great that Willie is back in school. However, once again the Administration is not thinking. Keeping him away from basketball is not smart. It takes away his incentive achieve by keeping him away from the influences of the coaches and team which he strongly needs. He's not a nine year old getting a timeout. If he does not make the grades then he's gone but use some smarts!
If Willie can't hack it then he doesn't belong in school. If he doesn't have the incentive he should go home and tweet. If he doesn't want to be treated like a 9 year old then he should start to behave like a 3rd year student at a pretty good school. RM himself claimed that Willie was the only one on the team who needed to be motivated by coaches. IMO, I don't think it would break RM's heart if Willie washed out. It's up to Willie to act like a man now. Let's hope he steps up.
Majerus on 101.1
in Billikens.com Main Board
Posted
If the school was willing to allow WR the option to reapply, they should have also addressed his academic situation.