courtside

Marquette is doing what I would do, proactively listen. Big East equals a lot of exposure, money, gobs of media attention, recruiting, etc...Marquette doesn't want to get caught with their pants down, when a top couple of C-USA schools leave.

Absolutely no conference of any kind should have more than 12 teams. A 16 team conference? uh, in a word, no.

I saw UCLA and Maryland play each other this season. Both very strong, with their play, and physically. Spiess was solid on left side of field. I know that Peplinski is a player. Just lok for the shaggy blond hair, and always a smile on his face for Peplinski. I too would like to see the ball played on the ground more, and controlled better in the midfield. FIU had players from 7 different countries, and are used to a very technical physical game. A very good experience for the talented slight Billikens. You were right about Hutton, he is much better. I was always a fan of Kevin Johnston back in the day....as far as SLU keepers go.

1) Marty Hutton was spectacular and the reason SLU won the game. He looked much improved from last year(not as if he was bad last year, or not good because he was, but this is more of what I am looking for... but plays a much more decisive game with terrific saves) A very good sign. 2) Skip...Peplinski didn't dress last night, t-shirt and sweats on sidelines...perhaps you meant someone else? I was looking forward to seeing him play. 3) I have always been a Pusateri fan in back...I thought he didn't have one of his better games, but recovered well. He is a serious player. Along with Wickart and Gannon, the three seniors are solid in back, and experienced in big games. 4) It is obvious that guys like Cooper McKee will see less and less time as the Frosh get physically stronger and more experience. Guys like Wynn and Moses just aren't good enough...nothing against them...SLU is just getting better players, a good sign. Much more depth as some guys who even started some last year cannot get off of the bench...lots of guys will get a chance. 5) FIU was fast and physical, a good test. The deserved result was a draw, but take the fortune. I would like to see SLU hold the ball better with physical play, and gripe less. Could Vedad and Will John ***** any more than they did? With more experience and maturity, this will only improve, ...we don't need punks out there. Great leadershio again from seniors like Wickart in particular. I would also like to see much more effort in the air from Vedad and Will John up top on long balls and 50/50 balls. 6) DiRamaindo was terrific, and not just on set pieces. 7) SLU didn't control the midfield enough, and didn't sustain enough interior passing, but FIU played hard...they had a 4-2 loss to SMU as their blemish comng in. Wickart saved the equalizer on his header...some other breaks....and SLU just couldn't finish a few easy ones later. 8) The win locks SLU in good shape for a while...road conference games are the toughest, even if it isn't a top squad...tough to win all conference games on road. ...but it would be nice to have a two game lead on UAB heading to Birmingham late... 9) As well as Hutton played, I just don't think SLU will be a 1-0 win team. They will need to continue to finish up front and learn how to work together better up there. Will John and Vedad are very talented...a bit soft on the ball, and in John's case, lost sight of teammates and opportunities on different occasions. 10) Lastly, hopefully the game's comments don't come out too harsh...very exciting times for SLU soccer...they have a LONG way to go for any final four and beyond aspirations(Have you seen UCLA or Maryland etc...for example)...but they have serious young talent. Maybe by the end of the season, they will be title contenders...they have that chance, and talent...if it comes together that quickly...they will need to get stronger on the ball, control the midfield much more, and tighten up a little more, etc...to seperate themselves from the other top 20 teams. There are some good teams out there, and obviosuly they were fortunate to get out of the UVA and FIU games with wins. But you take it...do your job against lesser conference foes, and hope for some great games on road at IU and UAB...get the homefield in playoffs to get to final four...if they can win conference and conf tourney....then I would like their chances with home field, a bit more experience...and it is crap shoot in final four... one game at a time, Charlotte next.

If S. Miss can't fill their arena...then they only have themselves to blame. If you count the game at DePaul...Marquette gets two practically home games extra...When Marquette plays DePaul in Chicago, it is packed with a sea of Marquette fans, like a home game for them.

I don't think it will be an alarming trend. I don't think Marquette was looking for it. Now, GB's coach is former top Marquette assistant, GB is 2 hours or so from Marquette U. It spells road trip for any college student...even though S. Miss is not a good draw for anyone. Nobody gets up for them. In fact, it may even do better as a possible college road trip for the kids, than it would at Marquette, ...who knows? I know they draw incredibly well at Marquette, but a game against S Miss, yawn. Also, I don't know whatit is about the upper Midwest, but all those folks are buddies, Crean, Izzo, GB coach, O'Neil, etc...Crean was so determined to get his foot in the door in Minnesota, the only upper Midwest state he hadn't cracked, that he signed two players from there, one project, and one good ball player. ...and passed on other kids and filled up all of his slots. S. Miss must need the cash.

I Would have to agree with B-Law, I think Marquette would jump if offered to Big East. Maybe newly hired Jack Harbough, Jim's dad, and Tom Crean's father-in-law can shed some light on the Marquette athletic dept. DePaul...same as always, the talk is potential potential potential...Huge Market, and it is appealing to them.

Is Liddell going to qualify this year? Thanks

S. Miss must be getting something out of it. Obviously they want to do something for Favre who played there, but you would think there would be something else. I know UWGB is trying to sell a new building for hoops as well...and their coach was a Marquette assistant after leaving Rutgers.

Yes, Ralston played there(FIU)...always a good program. Amazing how well Ralston has done...always thought he was good, but not to the point of what he has accomplished(Oakville High) And yes the FIU program was almost cancelled. Nice it is still kickin'

Peplinski was a a finalist for national gatorade player of year in high school. I expect big things from him in midfield after this season. Hutton, I thought he was good at times, but not consistent enough for me. He let in soft goals that cost a handful of games. ...Including to Maryland in post-season. I think he was a good keeper, not great...sounds like he is off to terrific start. As long as SLU can get a couple of studs next year...no offense to last year's class, the 4 Texas kids and Chaminade kids, but they are not elite players...a few will be starters later in career and solid players, but nothing special. Cooper McKee is a terrific example. Played on great high school team, is a good player...but this is a different level. If you can get some players like that with elite players sprinkled in you can do fine. McKee is not fast enough to play up front or creative enough...but had to part of last season. At midfield, he is in much better spot. As long as Hutton plays great, and Wickart, Pusateri etc...hold up in back...by mid-season, the guys up front can put SLU in a position of playing with first half leads of 1-2 goals, and create some comfort level with possession soccer. Like in any sport, I believe BALANCE wins championships...now you can get that in different ways, great offense, not so great defense, great defense, with not so great offense, or both equal, you just cannot have a glaring weakness, and either be solid in every area, or elite in a few. So far so good this season, and I love the schedule non-conference.

UAB has been the most feared conference opponent for the past 5 or more years, and after a down year last year, apparently, they are back...pre-season #28, they tied IU and Notre Dame, both 0-0 scores last weekend at IU. They are 1-0-2. Now moving up to 13th nationally. S. Florida and Memphis have been solid but not elite like UAB, and Marquette always gets in on the conference title, despite not being able to finish or get up for the little teams after playing big ones tough. They are awful so far this season, and will be a cupcake. UAB should be the big conference game. They traditionally get a lot of nice foreign players, as they do with their other non-major sports there. As for national title this year,...sure by end of year could have chance, but to be honest, SLU needs all home playoff games until final four, and they will need two elite finishers. If Vedad, or John etc...turn into that, then maybe they will have a chance. I really liked Hammes in back last year...I just think SLU needs to make sure they find consistent finishers against top teams. If they can do that, they can go far. They have always had an elite player, last of which was Brad Davis of Chaminade. They have a chance for a handful of them this year...maybe they will be too young, maybe not. For solid players, who are not special, like a Cooper McKee for example, the transition to elite college is difficult and takes 1-2 years. For SLU to win a title, they will need 3-4-5 elite players, some luck, and many home playoff games. I don't doubt that this is a possibility this year, but there are some great teams out there, just as talented and more experienced than SLU. One big question I had was Hutton in goal, and apparently it is being answered. I really thought he was average last year.(when I sayaverage, I mean for national level) If he is much improved, that increases SLU's chances a lot. There is certainly a lot of buzz and excitement with the new kids. By the way, still looking for any update's on Cole, McKeon, etc...I know that Nick Walls and Joe Hammes are thriving in the A league for the Wave United, best team in league, and despite some injuries to both, they have been terrific in A league.

How were the other frosh? The other national teamer from Edwardsville, or Peplinski from Milwaukee or Spiess form DeSmet...etc... I have seen some of these Frosh play in high school/club ball. Easily the best SLU class I have seen in long time. I thought they would struggle early, especially to finish, but apparently getting off to great start. The rankings are crazy...Clemson, 9 in one poll, 19 in another...SLU 4 in one poll, saw 14 in another. All over the place. It counts big to beat two traditionally strong ACC teams on the road. Big for eventual post-season home games...never too early to think of it. If SLU gets a a very good class for next year, they should be shooting for a national title possibly. No offense to last year's class, but it was ordinary at best. A win over Furman puts them in good shape. Conference shouldn't be too tough...some solid clubs but traditonally strong UAB has been down, and Marquette is terrible this season. Need to get those non-conference national opponent wins, for rankings and future post-season home games. ...I just watched a tape of the Maryland/UCLA, one vs two game this weekend, and both are very very strong. Looking forward to attending the home opener vs FIU(nice to see traditionally strong FIU not lose their program, ...almost did) after a good meal at Vito Lafata's place.

To have two very good ex pro soccer players to be able to lace em up and practice with the kids every day, is a nice bonus. I think the kids are stunned that they can still play a bit. Great class, but a LOT of new faces and changes. I think next year could be a big national year. I like the tough schedule approach they are taking. The only way to be a top national program is to play the big boys. Creighton? Brian Kamler still kicking it around in MLS, New England, class of 1990 Parkway West.

Agreed, too many new faces for elite success this year, and some tough games. Only a few kids can contribute significantly right away at that level. i.e. Brad Davis as a recent example. If SLU gets another stud class next year, they will be tough to beat. I think they can be top 15 this year if things fall right. But anything more I think is reaching this year, and it wouldn't surprise me if they had to fight for top 25 a little bit early. They will be much better late. For those who do not attend, people are definitely missing out on the school's top program. at IU, a good trip to take.

If your point is pertaining to a kid or kids who go away to a KU or wherever, and then come back and act big time or like a jerk etc...because they went big time or thought they went big time, fine. If your point is disliking every good prospect that leaves STL for somewhere else to ball? then I think I got your point and we disagree. Kissing those kids butts that go away? No...saying good riddance, and disrespecting them, uh no on that one too...at least for me. Obviously the kid who plays for the local team for local fans will get more time and attention, because they were around more and played for the fans favorite team. But if Ryan Robertson or Zo Martin or whomever are good people, I have no ill will or grudges. I would hope they made the right choice for themselves and are happy. I wouldn't start rooting for their teams or schools(unless I knew them personally) Let's put it this way...I went to Cards/Cubs at Wrigley all weekend for 4th of July...I am a huge Cardinal fan, and do NOT root for the Cubs. I quietly hope they lose every game. Do I bark and rant and rub it in at Wrigley(if only Morris held the 5 run lead Sat for the sweep, sigh)? No, do I wear red and cheer enthusiastically for the Cards, absolutely. I was the guy with the 35 Morris jersey, probably jinxing him...lol...When the Cubs whom I do not enjoy do something well, I can objectively point it out etc...obviously without cheering. And when Cards do well, I stand and applaud when warranted, enthusiastically, without being the jerk, etc... The baseball example is for the purpose to let you know how I am and where I am coming from....

Then we disagree. As long as a kid is a good kid, I hold no personal ill will that you seem to carry. These are kids, 18 years old, and they want to go away to college. There are also kids out there who want to go away to a SLU from somewhere else. How do you treat those kids? You get some locals to stay and you lose some...you want some locals to stay, and you don't some others. We shall disagree. Peace

Different strokes for different folks. Some people like to stay home for school, others do not. Take the SLU soccer program for instance, using the example because it is a national player in soccer...for every Matt McKeon there are a few more Taylor Twellman's or Chris Klein's. etc... I think each kid should do what they want...very very tough to begrudge an 18 year old for deciding to go away to school. The only thing I do not like is parents pushing their kids to one school or another, for athletics or not, or to for just college without the athletics...obviously in the non-scholarship dept, cost is important, and parents play a role, but cost should never disuade a kid from going somewhere alone. Kids should decide the college of their choice, period. I know I recognize Zo Martin, or Ellis, etc...or whomever, and do not hold them in less regard as Highmark, or Claggs, etc...different sure. Grimes moves on to Mizzou, wash your hands of it and go after someone else...recruiting isn't easy...and he isn't the only fish in the sea.

Yes all boards and teams have a few bad eggs. Don't let it get you down. Facts...the Metrodome is not close to anything in Minneapolis. Much worse location than the "Ed". However, from a hoops viewing standpoint, MUCH better view of hoops. Done much much better than the "Ed." imo. Much closer, louder, etc...I have Rams season tix ad I think for all of that $$, they could have done a MUCH better job with the Dome. DePaul...they just need a good coach, without the problems, and those DePaul fans will come out of the woodworks. That might happen sooner than you think. SLU is on course with new arena plans...I personally have not been a big Woolard fan. Cities? I am sure I will offend many here...but it is down right LAUGHABLE and SAD at the same time, that there is more traffic to St. Charles than the city. I am a big city advocate, and many other smaller cities like Memphis, Milwaukee, etc...are blowing right past St. Louis. You have to get young professionals to live there, and empty nesters with money to spend. As long as STL remains one big suburb of driving, it will have a mixed reputation. Free the city of St. Louis!

As I have posted many times...people have been EXTREMELY unrealistic in recent SLU soccer memory. I remember reading the disappointed folks with the national quarterfinal loss two years ago. I am all about winning it all, but for years and years and years Joe Clarke didn't even have ONE full time asistant to help recruit, or with the team. Laughable. Warming has had more success with Creighton, before and since he went back. I think Donnigan is an excellent fit with the program, hungry, relentless, young...he has Sorber. SLU should lock up many stud kids. But also as I said before, the best youth soccer has not been played in STL for years now. People have to move on and turn the page some time and understand SLU must recruit elsewhere too. Donnigan gets that. And, many kids like to go away to school anyway. Do your best for the top FEW local talent, as is the case this year...to be a national program, getting second tier local good, nice players, isn't god enough. This particular year, the kids happen to be national caliber. Hopefully they will adjust immediately. For example, last year's class was mediocre. HEre is to hoping for more like the current in coming years.

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I know I have posted on this topic before, but if there any Billiken soccer boosters out there who keep up with former players... Anybody know where Matt McKeon is this year? His contract was up for KC and he is no longer there. Also did Jason Cole latch on to an A league team or somewhere after he was cut by Colorado this Spring? I know Dipsy Selowane is riding the pine in Chicago, cannot get on field, same for Jackie Jewsbury, KC's developmental player. Joe Hammes is playing 90 minutes for Milwaukee A league club, and Nick Walls is getting playing time but not starting for Milwaukee as well. Anybody with info on McKeon and Cole would be appreciated. Thanks

West County is nice and pretty, and easier to get around, but they are lacking stores imo. Definitely disappointing, but give them a chance to add and change. Speaking of hats...anybody know where I can get an old style 3 bar hat , white with just the St. Louis Blues emblem on it. My great one finally fell apart after about 15 years.

It all depends imo on the kid and his background...can he succeed at SLU? I believe Dwyane Wade was first academic non-qualifier Marquette has ever had. SLU recruiting a non-qualifier who does the work and can succeed in school and graduate is more important. Obviously the kid must be a great character kid and great ball player. Spoon seemed to also start the juco trend at SLU...carried from his SMSU days. (by the way...how about that baseball team...SLU can have a good one too, I remember a post a while back questioning it...Mizzou had success this year as well.) I would not let the ACT deter me if I am SLU on Lidell. If he can practice and sit out a year and make it in school...then fine. Dwyane Wade had a 3.0 GPA and I bet it will open the door slightly more for those types of kids there...maybe not often or a lot...but ACT score won't deter them...it is a risk...but not all kids get same background or chance. SLU should make Lidell a #1 priority.

Crean is an interesting study with recruiting. I appreciate his inside/out style...Wisconsin/Illinois first, then Michigan, Minnesota...he would really like to tap into the Minneapolis market...just ask Bleedgopher, and perhaps STL area as well. I know he was hard after some NYC kids last year to get out East but they weren't the best fit...He recruits Chicago first, virtually Marquette's home market. He has made inroads in Texas too. The final four elevated their recruiting big time...the kids they are "in" on now, underclassmen, are more highly ranked and touted than ever. Sometimes that doesn't mean much...but it shows that they won't have to get talent under the radar anymore. Although Crean like sit that way. Crean has a serious coaching friend posse that he uses and extends all of the time...latest is connecting with Doc Rivers, former Marquette star about kids in Florida, including Rivers' kid and teammates and friends. And like so many other coaches he doesn't get them all, rival Wisconsin has locked a few superstar recruits Crean would have liked to have had. The other thing with recruiting, ...is that a coach like Crean offers a TON of kids, way more than spots available...some are much better than others. The one thing I notcie from their teams, is just that, lots of team play. They passed on highly touted DePaul signee Wesley Green. Crean apparently didn't like his attitude. Have to be a team first guy. I am curious how Green will wind up.