Shootout

[MUFAN2000]

Has the NCAA ruled yet? interesting...

[kwyjibo]

>Have we ever had a "project" that was 7'2" and over 250

>lbs.?

David King in a diving bell?

[tseugnekillib]

I hear your and others concerns about IO. To date, IO has played in 27 games as a Billiken (22 last year and 5 this year). That is a few games shy of one college season. I'm not ready to write him off. I believe it is evident thus far that the coaching staff sees Izik do some offensive things in practice that they believe he can do in a game and help SLU win.

Like you, I would have liked for IO to have been more successful after a total of 27 games, but for whatever reason , it hasn't happened. Perhaps unlike you, I am willing to give IO additional time this season and next to get over whatever is holding him back. Until SLU gets 8 or 9 better players than IO, he remains a part of the picture.

BH is not "extremely skinny". Former 7-0 Billiken David King was extremely skinny! BH is doing the strength training bit, and getting stronger in the hips and legs is a part of the plan. Remember, BH won't be 19 until next April 11th and he is listed at 250 lbs today.

Tonka, you stated that IV is "tremendously undersized". Absolutely not true. IV is in the 6-10 to 6-11 range and has some size. While listed at 250 lbs., he needs more upper body strength, but his legs/hips are of decent size now. Remember, IV won't be 19 until next May 31. He is still a kid.

As everyone knows, our big problem is that SLU needs post help this year, same as we did last year, and the season before that, etc., etc. Unfortunately, IV may not provide all that we need and want this season, but he could be a big part of our team over the next 2-3-4 years.

Tomka, be realistic with your expectations and stay patient with our young players.

[tseugnekillib]

broy, I was with a friend high in sect#116. imo, somebody needs to investigate that Mt. Zion bunch as nobody should be able to collect that much talent in one school!

I can't think of a time that SLU had the proper balance of perimeter talent and post talent. This year seems no exception. I remember in some of Grawer's years we had everything but a point guard, or depth on the point, to keep up with Xavier at conference tournament time. Something lacking most years. Reminder....."it's not easy being a Billiken fan"!

[Tonka]

I'm hoping IO's problems are just confidence issues at this point. I also think they need to work on his aggressiveness. Clearly he has skills, but can't seem to put it all together in a game.

As far as Ian is concerned, I would like to see more upper body development. You're right, he is young. I tend to think players are usually smaller than other people do when it comes to muscle.

You're right, patience is key! It's hard not to get antsy though!

[Billikan]

I was most impressed by the coach at the Billiken Club meeting who said that Ian had improved dramatically since the beginning of practice this fall. He will need some upper body strength to go against the big boys but he clearly has the potential to be an excellent big man. It will probably not happen this year because everyone seems to need 10 games or more to get back to game shape and the propper feel once they have been sitting out.

With regard to BH, everyone seems to forget that he is a voluntary redshirt who is lifting weights and trying to improve. Even if he cannot play big minutes until his junior year--almost 3 years from now--if he is then stronger and more talented, at 7 feet plus he will be a big help to our team. It is worth the investment to see if he can be the real thing.

[Box and Won]

Didn't we have a center named David King during the Grawer era who was a similar size but was constantly hurt and/or sucked?

[Billikan]

You are right--the best possible team as to balance would have been the one that got away when Upchurch committed and then the summer program idiots blew it and he did not get in. We needed Upchurch to help Bonner match up with the two monsters inside for Xavier--remember Hill and Stong!!

But now I think if we can get an enforcer and one of the two youngsters turn out ok in the middle we will have a fairly balanced team that has stong guard play--and absolute necessity in today's D! wars.

As to Zion--they were two deep at every position with super high quality players. I guess they recruit by telling players they will compete every day against top talent and telling the moms and dads that they will stay out of trouble and go to church at least twice each week. I know that Oak Hill has had some great teams but I think this may be the best ever. My son noticed within 30 seconds that the look and feel of the last game was so much different than the earlier games because of the incredible talent of the players. Wow!