brehms13

I'll be at the Charlotte game..with bells on.. I don't think this could've been our only win..I think we will win some more games..I think the team was overrated because everyone assumed we have "saviors" of recruits coming in and we forgot that they are still freshman, or newcomers to Division 1 ball, and that they have to learn and grow. Sloan and Fish were both 5th year players last year..Reg is a 5th year player this year..with the exception of Tom, Izik and Drejaj the rest are fairly new..So there's a big gap of experience when u compare the two teams and for some reason most didn't expect that. I was very skeptical coming into this season, I didn't expect this losing streak, but I didn't expect the Reg comments either..but I do think the team will turn around, the coach just need a different approach..that's part of the game being versatile, we have to adjust to new players and work within their capabilities, comparing them to Sloan and Fish isn't fair to me..because of the desparity in experience.

I knew Reg would be sitting out, I wondered what would happen with the game..Reg's defense, offense, heart, leadership and skills have all been called into question since these losses have mounted up(despite is injuries, he was shown no slack)...Most wanted and still do want the younger guys to play (which I think they actually did well under the circumstances)...but if nothing else I think this game gave fans the opportunity to see that at least it's not just about the seniors. You have new guys playing in a new system, old guys trying to show new guys when they're not that knowledgeable themselves and your leader (Reg-my opinion)trying to get everyone to play together and play their position. A leader who's constantly playing thru injuries, who's constantly blamed for all the losses, who's marked as the worst defender on the team...we as fans got to notice other problems with our team. I'm glad we started to press last night..we need MORE OF THAT!!, we need for the newer players to step up and make the most of their opportunity in games..(if we give them more time, then they should show something to keep that time) we got some shots into Ian..that was good..DP made some quick passes without giving SEMO time to set up their defense on our guards which was good, From what I heard on the game last night, the energy was there...So we have the basics..we just need to apply them in games..with your leader (REG) on the floor..

I personally think the guys played better in the second half, and that was because they moved out of that tired a** zone play and started to press. I think that was very important, u cannot play zone on every team, u have to press, cause some turn overs some fouls, get some steals...it's what drives the fast break opportunities.. I also think DP finally took some shots and did what he should do when Reg is in the game, quick passes and getting the ball to the shooters when they're open..The younger guys definitely showed some promise, gave energy...will they do that every game though? If they put forth effort like that every game, if they get the opportunities to get in the games then they should produce, SLU will start winning games..

I agree about the penetrating..I don't think Coach isn't allowing Polk to do that, I think Polk hasn't grown enough to know when to do it and how to do it effectively... I definitely don't agree that u focus on the new guys and leave your seniors and veterens hanging what r u saying to them...especially if they've given u good play and good years, u just drop them because they're having a bad season..what if Liddell comes in and does just like Reg..has a good year then the next year he doesn't would u advise the coach to move past him to the younger or newer players?

I think in the Dayton game, Tom's play at times were very good and helpful on the defensive end and he was taken out too, the same for Justin..they had some good spurts going, but when they got called to the bench and came back they were cold, I believe in keeping the guys going while they're hot...don't stop the flow.. I coached a player during the summer..who was slow to find his flow in a game..I realized that even if he didn't start the game, the earlier I put him in the better he played, for some reason it was a confidence booster and he played well. These guys need some confidence boosting...they're not playing with enthusiasm. Not playing with confidence...hopefully that's on the way.

U seem to have some accurate insight into what's going on behind close doors, I'll give u that..not accurate on all things, but some... Since that's the case, I thought u would've known that Reg can't dribble, he's told to shoot and nothing else(anyone who attends practice can atest to that, wants the catch and shoot only)..I would also think that you would know, since it was highly publicized that Reg is playing on a Bum ankle and foot, so the fact that he's still leading scorer tells me, at least he's putting forth some effort.. what about the other players... Reg isn't playing like last year, u're correct, he also wasn't hurt last year.. One could conclude that his injuries are hindering is play a little, what would u say?

Uhm...

yes I have it..I'll look for it..thanks

Please let me know, as I have nothing better to do than to watch the game, I'll be very excited to see it...

This is in response to several posters comments...just to summarize and put them all in one... Billikan- u charted the offense... in doing so u pointed out the misses, the baskets, free throws, etc..u didn't include the the passes received...the situation in which the players got the ball..namely Reg..How many times was he on the wing and got the pass right away, or did he have to go to the ball and get the pass on the ass end and try to find a way to put up a shot. (he's the shooter, part of him making baskets is for him to catch and shoot; the problem he doesn't get the ball quick enough to get a good shot off; that's a point guards problem and the coach in teaching the point guard how and when to pass) Alumnifan- U talk about a "free education" how u paid for college and worked 30hrs+ a week to pay for school...what does that have to do with the guys...Reg earned is scholarship and even without basketball he would've still went to school on full ACADEMIC scholarship...the only difference between u and them is u paid for school. U shouldn't minimize their grueling workout, practice and game schedule, their academic requirements, their community obligations...it takes up a lot of their time...no don't feel sorry for them...but don't think because their on scholarship, they sometime have all this free time..etc..not the case Roy- You talk about playing with heart. Reg has heart...he has talent, he can lead..if given the opportunity..he's not getting it, hopefully it will change as the team works on getting along more and establishing a relationship with the coach.. Kshoe- U're right the coach can get some of the blame. He's adament to play his style of play,..the veteren's barely have it together and the younger players are struggling. Proof- in practices they have it down packed...in games their confused..and the other team knows their strategy and blocks it everytime. The team's cohesiveness has a lot to do with the Coach (any coach, if your team has issues internally with each other, or problems communicating to each other, any coach that doesn't address this issue is fostering a hostile environment.)Have more than one strategy in your bag as a coach, that's all I'm saying..we've had a lot of close games..the guys don't even practice being in close game situations...or what to do in certain situations, with lets say 20 secs on the clock etc...surely those who go to practices notices these things.. Billikan for the record I'm not saying anything personally about the coach, I'm stating how I feel he's not exempt in this bad play here of late and how everyone and everything associated with the teams bad play needs re-evaluating... Davidnark- I feel more like Coach is losing the trust of the players..their not believing in his style of play...they themselves aren't playing with confidence and it's showing in the games...the guys aren't talking to the coach either about if they are in fact confused or not..that's another problem aj acrete- My insight is that...it's so much blame being tossed around that no one but a few players and the coach himself are willing to take responsibility for some of the bad play...I've seen Reg and Izik state in articles that when their play was bad, was the first to admit...But their also only about 2 of a few players who hit the gym for extra practices...Coach took responsibility for a few of the losses..he said himself "I have to find a way to reach these guys, to connect with them".... Cheeseman- u brought up Coach's recruits and who he didn't recruit...u said Reg was one described as a "stop gap", that's the problem...someone said he can't handle being the man, if u didn't recruit him to be "the man" and u're just using him for the meantime..I'd say he'd have a hard time adjusting... I've talked to the coaching staff this past few days, All I can say is..I'm staying optimistic about this season.

I actually followed that...sometimes breaking it down, helps me to understand better...I know it's nothing intentional of Reg not getting the ball..but if DP is never told what to do...how will he learn it...In practices..it's a different team than whats on the floor in games...I don't know why the team is good in practices and in the games freeze up... Anyone in SLU, am I the only one that picked up on that?

U're exactly right..Reg isn't 100%, but he's still busting his tail out there...he's busting it in practices..he doesn't complain or sits out...he pushes on...that's my point...some poster said they play as if they don't care, there's no excitement...I don't agree...it's much pressure on Reg to get better and in the mean time even though u're not 100% save our team... play the way u did last year with no injury..not u in particular but this is what he gets..and even with the fact that most posters on this board already know that Reg isn't 100% his efforts versus the teams efforts aren't being acknowledged. His situation isn't considered.. but anyway...I said it before and I agree with u...play the people who's ready to play...I don't care which teammate it is...whom ever is ready to play...play..

My bad..I had forgotten what section u all said, but I was in section 105 in front of Polk's father and behind someone that said he reads my post often..Our section was very repsonsive and loud... I don't know if I'll ever make that drive again...I'll ride..but the drive still has me aching..I'm not as young as I used to be...15 hrs..I'm still having nightmares about it.. Reg wants me to come out for Senior Night I told him no...I may surprise him...but If I do I'm flying...those who are scared to fly will have to stay home..

sent PM

It seems as if u're responding to me?? Reg isn't sensitive...he's played in the BIG EAST...a major conference...he's played for many different teams in various cities... Camps...etc...he can deal with getting yelled at...I never played college sports, but I have played sports, I do Coach from time to time and I yell at my players too....but I make sure I don't ever disrespect them.... U kill me with this tone in your post as if I'm BREASTFEEDING my brother. I'm not...it's u who can't see the separation between sister and fan...I spoke when things were said about a whole lot of players, I came to their defenses, Ross, Tom, Izik, Anthony....stop trying to make my post groundless because u don't like what I have to say...It's like I keep hitting a Brick Wall with u...I don't know what it is..maybe it's our signs..our statements, our backgrounds but u and I are mostly combative and it's exhausting...

Believe me..I promise u and others on this board, I know when it comes to Reg, I can be off the hook (u haven't even seen or read the worst of my attitude and I apologize, if I do seem overly sensitive) But I would never, and I mean never take up for Reg if he were wrong. I'm the first one all over him, I'm the one (believe it or not) telling him to look at this side of it, or that side of it. But after so long, how much sweeping can I do. So I reserved my decision, for when I can see firsthand or hear firsthand for myself of what's going on. That's how I based my synopsis of things. U won't understand where I'm coming from, because u wouldn't know if anything is going on unless we said something. As opposed to saying this happened, that happened, I just throw out statements to get this board to see things from a different point of view. Being an athlete on this team isn't easy. Being away from your family isn't easy. Reg is very responsible for his age, he's never been in trouble, very grounded, very respectful and should at least get the same respect in return.

Then close the practices..things that were said, were said in public, in front of media etc...so I don't really give a DAMN, if he can dish it he can take it.. but for the sake of the board, Steve let me see if I can send u this private message thing...

I call them a Freshman and Prospects...College is a whole new ball game, Roy. U have to adapt to the team u have, no where but SLU will u see FRESHMEN taken over a team (except when there's only Freshman or underclassment to take over). Most schools u have to earn your starting spots in some collegiate sports play, u don't get a spot because u were good in high school. I will never understand that concept...I've beaten this horse to death..I can't wait until SLU gets to the A-10, I think maybe then U'll see what I'm saying. Next year will be a learning and rebuilding year..I guarantee it. This year, I don't know... we'll take the wins we get.

I hope he never stops driving, that's his game..I hope he does get the ball to catch and shoot though.

So Reg plays like he doesn't care? He's not pumped? He's always encouraging the guys, he's always talking to them and cheering them on.

Reg has to get the ball to catch and shoot and that's the problem, Polk doesn't look to give Reg the ball at all, I said that previously. He doesn't know his role on the team, watch for yourselves, how many times Reg is overlooked. Reg's real game is the cut to the basket...He's a stop and pop shooter...the three jumper was added at NOVA. His game has been changed to much..I told him play his game. I think Drejaj at the point is better, he hits the open man plus he's not afraid to shoot.

All I can say about behind close doors, it's ugly. I couldn't believe some of the comments not to just Reg, I mean period. I can tell u it's discouraging...It's not what we read at all, it's not what I'm told by the coaching staff on the phone or in an email, I had to see and hear first hand. I can understand motivation, and trying to get the guys pumped to play, but there's a fine line, between motivation and personal commments. As for me, I would have been suspended from the team, I will not be disrespected.

What positive is said to the players, about the players...what positives does the coaches have to say about the players...there's no enthusiasm, who would be enthused getting yelled at all the time...these guys aren't happy....and sooner or later they may stop caring but to say they don't care right now, I don't agree. Why would they even play?? I know for one Reg doesn't have to if he doesn't want to.. if the players didn't care, they wouldn't stay playing for a team who is 2-7, who the coaches constantly ridicule, who the media and fans doubt, why would they put themselves thru this, if they didn't care...these guys have options, for none of these players is Basketball their only option in life. I'm inclined to believe they care, or they wouldn't even waste their time. I said it before, I'll say it again..What was expected...did the coaches not know the talents of their players when they recruited them. Reg wasn't recruited for Defense, so why do have articles where coach says he wants Reg to be like Marquee and let his defense lead in his senior year...The players are who they are, if we stop trying to make them something they're not, we wouldn't have this problem. Fisher was a quiet leader, he didn't have to yell, he lead quietly, Chris lead with passion and loudness, no one ridiculed them, but Reg gets those same critcism. If we were winning, no one would ever bring these things up.

Well actually the shirt backwards thing wasn't a marketing strategy on SLU'S part..yes the guys intentionally wore their shirts that way. Reg started this last year with the team pictures at SLU. There told to have fun at the photo shoot, so they do. Reg turned his Jersey around last year and was the only one on the picture who did so, because he felt he was new and wanted to be recognized. It was in fun, it's definitely not to show personal interest in his stats etc...if it were, he would never pass the ball, ... we wouldn't be talking about this issue right now.

Agreeing with your point 3 star...