HoosierPal

Shooting better from the arc than from the line.

Geez. I hope the refs swallow their whistles second half. We can’t buy FTs. Roby and Hines great half.

And Welmer. Is he coming back? I have no idea how similar the injury is but our towns Courtney Stockard spent 2 years on the St. Bonnie IR with foot problems.

One other item I forgot to add Ford said yes he anticipates signing at least one more recruit. His words wee we have one or two open scholarships. I found that interesting.

Frank C interviewed Coach this AM. I caught the end of it. A couple of new items, Coach said that DJ Foreman moves without the ball as well as any player he has ever coached. He said DJ and French have developed a nice connection where they are anticipating DJ's movements, for a French assist. He commented on French's FT. French makes them in practice. Yes, he has tweaked French's stroke, but this summer they will spend ample time on it. Coach said it is all with hand placement and with follow through. Frank asked and Coach said he probably made 115ish FT's in a row during practices and games. Team is unique for Ford in that he is emphasizing Offensive Rebounds. In the past he has been a "get back' offense, but this year he is pushing offensive boards. He really, really likes Pearson. Said he would be one of the better ball handlers on this year's SLU team. His body is finally starting to fill out. Brings the ball up for Hardin against the press and is at the point on their press. Frank asked and Coach said yes, he could see Goodwin and Thatch as next year's backcourt. Said Gordon's best basketball is ahead of him. (Geez, I hope so.) Also, yes, he can communicate with Goodwin. After Coach hung up, Frank ended it with 'there are those who think Gordon will never wear a Billiken uniform'.

From Feb 20 Post Dispatch BLOSSOM GOES ALL IN ON GORDON Jay Blossom has never dealt with anything like this before. He hopes he'll never deal with anything like it again. But in the moment, Blossom, the longtime Webster Groves basketball coach, is doing what he thinks is best. Statesmen senior post Carte'Are Gordon will not be further disciplined for leaving the bench and making contact with Vashon's Mario McKinney Jr. at the end of the first half of their matchup Thursday at St. Louis Community College–Meramec. Gordon was ejected from the game for making contact with McKinney as he rushed across the court to celebrate teammate Courtney Ramey's monster slam dunk as time expired in the first half. The reaction in the gym was so loud and wild that many in the gym did not know the official under the basket whistled a foul on McKinney as he attempted to block Ramey's dunk. The half was not complete despite no time remaining on the clock. Because of his ejection, Gordon was automatically ineligible to compete in Webster's game the next night at Pattonville due by National Federation of State High School Associations guidelines. “My plan right now talking to our administration, talking to Carte, talking to our staff and people I trust, is to give him another opportunity. And it's not an easy decision,” Blossom said. “I'm not 100 percent sure it's the best but I got into this business to help kids. He's made progress in the classroom this last month. He's worked hard. We still have work to do, but we're making progress.” The showdown against Vashon, the No. 1 small school and two time defending Class 4 champion, was Gordon's second game back after he was suspended for two weeks and three games for an altercation before Webster's 65-58 win Jan. 26 over St. Louis U. High. Blossom has gone back and forth about the best course of action to help Gordon, a 6-foot-8 power forward who has signed with St. Louis University. Gordon is among the most decorated high school players in the country. Between his sophomore and junior years, Gordon was part of a state championship team at Webster, won a national championship with the MoKan Elite in the rugged Elite Youth Basketball League and helped Team USA win a gold medal at the Under-17 World Championships. Last season he averaged 19 points and eight rebounds in 15 games after transferring from Vianney midway through his sophomore year. This season Gordon is averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in 19 games. “He's got some personal issues that we're dealing with and I think it affects things. I know I'm out there on an island with him now. In my 29 years of coaching this is the toughest thing I've dealt with,” Blossom said. “I want to do the right thing. I know the easy thing would be to kick him off. I could justify kicking him off. I just don't know if that helps him in the long run. He's going to get another chance and hopefully we can push forward.” Blossom understands that by not jettisoning Gordon from the team it gives the impression that basketball is more important than the principles he's built his program upon in his time at Webster. Blossom said basketball is the best conduit through which to reach Gordon. “I'm not going to change anybody's opinion about that. I'm trying to give this kid who's had a lot against him, I'm trying to get him through,” Blossom said. “I'm trying to get him through academically, socially. All those things are more important than basketball. But I think if the basketball goes away it'll be harder to reach him on the other two and we are reaching him on the other two. A lot of people don't see that. A lot of people have no idea what he comes from, no idea.” Gordon will be in the lineup when Webster travels to Hazelwood Central for a Suburban Conference crossover game at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The No. 3 large school, Webster (15-8) won the Suburban XII South for its 17th consecutive conference championship. In that time the Statesmen have gone 112-1 in conference play, including a state-record 89 consecutive victories. “I remember when we won the first one we came back (to Roberts Gym) and cut down the nets,” Blossom said. “We were 5-19 the year before and what a big deal that was.” The No. 1 large school, Central (22-2) won the Suburban XII North to allow the two powerhouses to meet in what should be a high-quality matchup. Blossom is looking forward to seeing how his team handles itself against another top-tier opponent. Webster lost its matchup with Vashon 75-70, but what bothered Blossom the most was how the Statesmen unraveled after Ramey's dunk. From Gordon leaving the bench to Vashon blasting Webster with a game-deciding 13-0 run to start the third quarter, the Statesmen did not show mental toughness. “The idea of that whole schedule was to prepare us for games like Vashon, Hazelwood Central and districts and credit to Vashon, we came unglued at the end of the half and in the third quarter. They kept their composure and in the long run it cost us the game,” Blossom said. “Hopefully we can grow from that and hopefully we're on the right path now.”

These stats are always funny. A starter, averaging 7 minutes per game and 16.7 points per game (or 16.7 points in 7 minutes). That's 95.2 points for a full 40 minute game. Oh Baby!

Feb 19 Both Rammer and Coach in Dayton. It was the Lisa Stone show.

French is currently 6th on the Single Season block list. He will catch Ian Vouyoukos, who had 55 in 05-06 for 5th, and 57 in 06-07 for 4th. Big Chill has the third best season with 66 in 90-91. Ian is the career blocks leader with 135 which is easily attainable in 2 or 3 years by French. Of course both Willie and Robinson didn't stay four years, or the record would be much higher.

It's a interesting mix looking forward. My opinion, I'd minimize underclass transfers. They are transferring because they don't like their current situation - (I'm not getting enough PT). If I'm sitting someone for a year, I'd rather it be a freshman redshirting. Grad Transfers are slightly different, maybe, as they are looking for a winning situation to go out on. They might be looking for a team fit rather than a ME, ME, ME fit. IF everyone comes back, there is really only one heavy minutes slot available. Ford has historically played 8 with heavy minutes, with two others getting single digit minutes. That's what his record says and that's what he has stated. Looking ahead is dangerous, but with Bess, French, Foreman, Goodwin, Gordon, Johnson, and Santos, you assume that is seven. (I'm not sure one of these might be an odd man out, particularly in the paint.) So will Thatch or Pearson grab #8? Sure, injuries, and other stuff happens but to come to SLU you need to be able to fit in with this core. A guard who can handle the ball and shoot is likely needed, but then minutes for Thatch and Pearson will be minimal. Something to discuss as we roll along.

Two weeks ago I would have been happy with a 3-2 final five games. Now we are 1-0, so I'd still be happy with a split of the final 4. Bess had a huge game here against the Flyers with 20. Johnson had 16 in only 20 minutes, and Roby went for 14, mostly from the FT. Goodwin was a minor contributor with 6 points and 3 boards. Not saying we can repeat that performance, but there is no reason to wave the white flag. Dayton will be a desperate team as they are one game above the PIG. We gonna let the dogs out!

That's pretty neat. Yeah, you would think that they are/should be practicing FT at every break in practice. French is just not going to get there this year. It will be a summer project to get his stroke to where he is above 50%. Foreman seems to have turned the corner, but Bess had a hiccup last game. Team is shooting 66% for the year, which isn't all that great. Johnson needs to be on the floor during all of these 'hack a shaq' time frames.

Today we are tied with Kentucky for 43rd in Rebound Margin, at 5.1. North Carolina leads the nation at 11.7 followed by Wichita State at 10.7. We lead the A10 by a wide margin over Duquesne, coming in at 2.3. All of these stats are full year. Rebound margin is of course grabbing more boards than your opponent. This season our bigs are doing a very good job of blocking out their man, allowing a smaller teammate to scoot in for the board. Anthony and Foreman have been very good at this. Watch how they work as a team particularly on FT rebounds. They drive their man out, allowing Goodwin or whichever guard is in the third spot on the lane, to come in and grab the board. That's pretty good unselfish teamwork if you ask me.

Updated by A10 poster this morning. Looks good. If this stands, we might have to defeat Richmond 3 times this season. Dayton will be a desperate team Tuesday. They are one game out of the PIG. TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Wednesday, March 7 at Capital One Arena Washington, DC Game 1: 12. La Salle (5-9) vs 13. Fordham (4-10) 6:00 PM Game 2: 11. George Washington (5-9) vs 14. Massachusetts (4-10) 8:30 PM Thursday, March 8 at Capital One Arena Washington, DC Game 3: 8. Duquesne (6-8) vs 9. George Mason (6-8) 12:00 PM NBC Sports Network Game 4: 5. Richmond (7-7) vs Game 1 Winner 2:30 PM NBC Sports Network Game 5: 7. VCU (7-7) vs 10. Dayton (6-8) 6:00 PM NBC Sports Network Game 6: 6. Saint Joseph's (7-7) vs Game 2 Winner 8:30 PM NBC Sports Network Friday, March 9 at Capital One Arena Washington, DC Game 7: 1. Rhode Island (13-1) vs Game 3 Winner 12:00 PM NBC Sports Network Game 8: 4. Saint Louis (8-6) vs Game 4 Winner 2:30 PM NBC Sports Network Game 9: 2. Davidson (10-4) vs Game 5 Winner 6:00 PM NBC Sports Network Game 10: 3. St Bonaventure (10-4) vs Game 6 Winner 8:30 PM NBC Sports Network Saturday, March 10 at Capital One Arena Washington, DC Game 11: Game 7 Winner vs Game 8 Winner 1:00 PM CBS Sports Network Game 12: Game 9 Winner vs Game 10 Winner 3:30 PM CBS Sports Network Sunday, March 12 at Capital One Arena Washington, DC Game 13: Championship Game 1:00 PM CBS SEEDS 1. Rhode Island (13-1) 2. Davidson (10-4)* 3. St Bonaventure (10-4) 4. Saint Louis (8-6) 5. Richmond (7-7)& 6. Saint Joseph's (7-7)&& 7. VCU (7-7) 8. Duquesne (6-8)^ 9. George Mason (6-8)^^ 10. Dayton (6-8) 11. George Washington (5-9)% 12. La Salle (5-9) 13. Fordham (4-10)$ 14. Massachusetts (4-10) * based on head to head victory over St Bonaventure & based on 2-0 record against other teams 7-7 && based on 1-0 rocord against other teams 7-7 (VCU is 0-3) ^ based on 2-1 record against other teams 6-8 ^^ based on 1-1 record against other teams 6-8 (Dayton is 1-2) % based on head to head victory over La Salle $ based on head to head victory over UMass

Great win even with 16 of 28 from the line. And two of those misses were front ends. Wow. 4th place looks good. Feed the Beast worked.

Agree with Bess starting off with success is a key. He has been very streaky, sometimes on fire and sometimes you hardly know if he is on the floor. For me our most irreplaceable player all year has been French. He is our main rim protector we have and a player who can operate with his back to the basket. We need him 35+ minutes. Psimitis needs to play solid D for the minutes he gets in. If he scores, that is a plus. If he gets a rebound or an assist, that is a plus. Be solid on D, play within the framework, take an open shot if it is there, and he will be okay. We will be playing zone a lot to minimize foul trouble. We will have six players dressed today who all have scored in double figures in multiple games. Ford will have them ready.

A10 two bid league? Maybe now. Signature win for the Bonnie’s. Adams was 2 of 12 from the field tonight but Mobley hit for 26.

Bonnie by 1 @ half. Terrell is on Fire for Rhody.

I agree with you on Hurley. Bolt while you are on top. Next year Rhody will be bottom half. We have a strong nucleus, but Coach will be molding 8 new bodies into the mix. It's not easy. This team took a while to gel with significant early hiccups against Detroit, Western and Houston. I give a pass on Providence and Butler's whoopings.

Coach will have a large task putting together a cohesive unit on the floor next season. Assume Bess, Foreman, French, Goodwin, and Johnson all return. That means 8 players who didn't see game action this season will be added to the mix. Sure Santos has practiced and Welmer had last year in Ford's system, but neither practiced with the first unit. Coach will need to wear his hard hat next season.

I agree, but it has as much to do with the schedules as it does the horsepower we have. Even with Jordan, a 3-2 record in our final 5 would have been a nice result I would have accepted. Winning three road games isn't easy. Facing StB at home wouldn't be easy either. Now, who knows. VCU goes to GW, UMass and Fordham, and plays StB and GM at home (Looking at 4-1?) Richmond has us, goes to GW and GM and plays StJ and UMass at home. That could also be 4-1.

According to the poster on the A10 forum, who seems to know what he is doing, the Bills - today - are the 5th seed. Richmond, SLU and VCU all have 7-6 records, tied for 4th, yet Richmond gets the nod for the 4th seed with 2 wins over VCU and a loss to us. We are 1-1 v the other two, and VCU 1-2, earning the 6th seed. This all changes Saturday when we play Richmond. In a quirk, if we beat Richmond, and if VCU wins at GW, VCU jumps us having won the head to head.

VCU goes down at home to David and son. Tonight we are in a three way tie for 4th with VCU and Richmond. Dayton goes down and is only one game above the PIG.

At half time announcers said it wasn't as bad as it looked.

Mike Crawford is the most recent example of a SLU player graduating early and staying at SLU for an MS.