Tonka

GS, it seems the argument is about success. Maybe I am not reading things correctly though. Yes, the soccer team has had more success than the basketball team. But, so what does that have to do with it? It seems the article in the post states the same thing. It also goes on to say because of that success that soccer will give SLU it's highest profile. I have know idea where he is basing that off of. I have traveled the country for my job and when on appointments the subject of sports and college athletics comes up. When I say I went to SLU, if somebody is familiar with what a Billiken is, it's because of the basketball program. Honestly, I can remember about 2 times out of probably 100 conversations that somebody mentioned our soccer program and one of the times, one of the guys grew up in Quincy, IL and was familiar. So, I don't understand why success is used in the argument? The fact of the matter is basketball has a much larger fan base nationally and probably even here in St. Louis. I have yet to see an NCAA office pool for the tournament go around any office I've worked in for soccer. In fact, I would bet 9 out of 10 households don't even know the soccer tournament is underway. That's not a blow on the sport or say it's not legitimate, it's just the way it is. I said it before, if our diving team or our tennis team were as successful, would they be getting the arguments the soccer fans give?

A lot of you guys say you talk about factual information, but I don't think everybody does. I think pull factual information up when it's relative and when it can be used to make an argument. The fact of the matter is, there is as much opinion as there is factual inofrmation injected in a lot of these posts. I know some of you are better at this then others. I myself do the same things. Taj, I agree with you on a lot and disagree with you on a lot. I think a lot of these players deserve more credit than you are giving them. On the other hand, it's hard to debate expectations as we all have different expectations of this team. I've seem a lot of people here be way too satisfied with mediocrity. But again, then you'd have to define mediocrity. I see a lot of people who are full of optimism. Others are just plain fair. IMO, if you don't get to the tournament, then the season was mediocre. I know a lot of people will jump me for that, but that's what I believe. Some may say that's an unrealistic goal, but if we don't make it that far every year, then I believe we are not succeeding. There are always things that contribute to that - coaching changes, injuries, etc - and, those very reasons may keep us from tournament play. But, regardless it still is mediocre to me regardless of why. I might say we did well with what we had or we did good considering all that happened, but to me the season was still mediocre and that is my opinion. As far as Izik. If you look at factual information, what are you basing it on when you say Izik will be fine? What factual information are you using when you say that or believe that?

Alley oop plays? when's the last time we saw that? It seems like forever. I wasn't sure if we'd even see many dunks this years. Izik got one this week though.

This is one of the longer threads on this board - nice! Hey Rich, if you respond, you should start a new thread as I'm sure the soccer fans you have pissed off enjoy seeing the title of this thread, which say something about you being an ass, show up on the top of the board. By the way, fill me in, what started this whole thread anyway? I've lost track in all the posts. I want involved in the rustling. I know it's a holiday week and pathetic competition for the Bills, but there seems to be a lack of topics lately. I can't think of anything to bring up or I would.

Anybody know about these guys? Anybody do the research already? Yes, I know they suck, but what else? I didn't expect EKU to give us trouble either. A lot of seniors on the team? Big team? Offensive minded? What kind of game do they play? I hope we see more of JJ on Monday night.

I'm confused by this last post. Just because the soccer team has more success we should be more excited about them? If that's the case, I hope we never get a synchronized swimming team and they are contenders. I guess I'm really confused. Are you saying basketball is a weak sport?

Husak is redshirted, so no. Ian has to sit out till January. I think Ian will slowly get worked into the system, but as much potential as he may we may not reap the benefits of that till next year since he is out in the beginning of this year. He will some time though when he gets back.

I agree, Sloan should be benched. you know what else I was thinking, the band needs to go too - they suck! Kidding.

I meant to say "because Sloan has heart". Sorry.

Enough about Izik's ankles. Right now, Izik sucks - plain and simple! Why sugarcoat it? His ankles may be sore but rarely is any player not sore with something. He needs to get his shi# together soon. Even when RB comes back, we can't put it all on him. Fact of the matter is, we need all the pistons firing on this team for us to be good this year. Like Brad said, Sloan is not a go to guy and we can't expect 22 from him every night. He made things happen because he has talent. I doubt Sloan could pull off the same thing against Marquette, Louisville, or UC. Somebody has got to step up and be a surprise for us this year. Could it be JJ? Who knows? I have taken my confidence away from Izik all together. Hopefully, he will earn it back. I had to blink a few times last night towards the end of the game. I looked on the floor last night toward the end of the game and Hunt and Varner were in together I think with Fisher Sloan and I'm not sure who the 5th was, but it wasn't Frericks I don't think. I never thought in my wildest dreams that would be a line-up in a vital game situation. I know why they were in there for that brief minute, but that tells you a lot right there. I never thought in a million years that would be a line-up within the last 3 minutes of a game unless we playing a team like EKU and were up by 25. Oh wait a minute, we were playing EKU. If we don't dessimate Savannah State, we have problems, even with RB out.

Congratulations to Chris Sloan! This would be an L if not for Sloan. TF looked good and I think will get even better as his endurance picks up. Once again, Izik has shown me nothing. You guys said to give him time, so I am - but he still isn't much, as of yet. His ankles looked fine. He ran, he pivoted - there is no way his ankles are an excuse. For some reason, he can't get it done and turns the ball over way too much. Guy Phillips - shut up! I wish we could have seen more of JJ. He looks like an athlete. Let's hope he is a surprise this year. Varner got worse as the game went on. If he is not completely alone and set for a shot, he will not make it. He looked good in the beginning, but as soon as they looked for him to shoot, he threw up bricks. EKU played tough defense and I think I heard they shot over 60% from the field which is outrageous anyway you look at it, but even more impressive on the road. Guy Phillips - shut up! I don't like Drejaj slashing to the basket and when he does he throws up prayers. Let's just get through these three games! Curious, what were Brad's comments after the game, I didn't hear? We did win and that's always good!

If JJ is still stirring up trouble, think Coach will play with 4 tonight?

nice Torch! I have come to learn one thing, when somebody posts something about grammar, spelling, etc - they have nothing else to add. I'm surprised at all the Mike Owens fans. That's good to hear. If we get rid of Guy and Mike can only fill in, I'd be happy to do the games. Who do I talk to about that?????

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but who do you guys prefer announcing at the games, Guy Phillips or Mike Owens. Guy Phillips always gets on my nerves and I can do without his little comments from time to time. I think he thinks he is funnier than he is. I hear Mike Owens is a wonderful guy. I do like Guy Phillips in the fact that he is louder than Mike, so I'd have to go with Guy. Just curious for your thoughts?

We will win one way or another. It's our home opener and the season opener. We will find away to win. We schedule games like this in the beginning to put a quick W on the board. I think we start off slow and it's tight at half. we find a rhythm in the second half and win by 11 with Fisher as the high scorer.

Oh no no no, cheeseman. You must have forgot about me when you just stated that. My opinion is ALWAYS right. Isn't it?

What round do you guys think Varner will go in the NBA draft?

They are all cute girls. The Baby Blues in terms of performance have seemed better in past years. Although, like out team, it's still early. I am sure they will get better. As far as the cheerleaders, Skip, I don't think it's the outfits. There are two groups. The second group was at my end in the second half and they seemed a lot more fit. I can deal with the little pooch, but it's hard to deal with back fat! I am not saying that any of these girls are really fat, as none of them are. When you usually think of cheerleaders and dancers, you usually think of more fit people. Nevertheless, bless them for their effort and support!

And what basketball powerhouse do you represent making such comments like that? Just curious.

Certainly Coach has a better feel for the game, but that's not why Varner will be getting minutes in the beginning. It's because of lack of options. You still are missing the point. I'm not trashing Varner, I'm only saying if he is getting a lot of minutes, then we could be in trouble. You're right, wins are the most important thing. That being said I don't care if the Billiken mascot plays center and two of the Baby Blues play guard positions. As long as they are winning - great! But, is that a realistic expectation - no! Just as Varner playing a lot of minutes and us winning a lot of games are not realistic. Yes, I have been to a practice and both exhibition games as well as all but one home game since Varner has been a Billiken. And, it's because of that, that I say these things. If you think Varner should and can stand up to some real competition as the season progresses then great. I guess time will tell. IMO, though Varner is not a better player then some of our other options once everybody is up and playing. If he is, then like it has been stated before, we're in trouble and to add to that we will be again next year - because the players that are supposed to be who we were told they are - apparently aren't just that.

I was not a Varner fan before practice even really started and posted on Tuesday that my exasperation should not be taken out on Varner, but rather IO at this point. I don't think Varner was ever expected to be much and to contribute on a limited basis. Well, if anything he is doing that and more. IO on the other hand is not living up to the billing. I know there have been reasons and I will patiently wait, but up to this point regardless of the situation, he hasn't contributed much. I think the message that a lot of people were trying to get across, is that if Varner is seeing a lot of time come mid season, then the year's been a disappointment. Sure, Ross works hard and his effort is appreciated, but every player only has so much ability. If Ross plays up to his ability and beyond, he is till only so good. So, if he is getting a lot of minutes mid season, then others aren't trying, aren't playing well, etc. And if that is the case, and Ross is outplaying others on our team then when we face conference teams we are in trouble. I don't think that point is too harsh and a direct bash on Varner. I think if anything it's as shot on others.

A lot of you have already submitted your pick, but if you haven't - you have up till game time Friday night. Remember pick which Billiken will score the most points in a game this year, how many points that player will score, and in case of a tie brekaer whether that was a home game or an away game. I am buying a Savvis meal for the winner just prior to the last game of the regular season.

You're right, we will never agree on what that line is. Some people are more uptight than others I guess.

You may be againt hate, but I hope you aren't against fun. I don't think A_Bomb was refrring to hate in the harsh way you are referring to. I think he's having fun, which should be allowed here or on any board.

Keep it up Blew Crew!!