First time I got to see team this year and it was on my laptop so take it for its worth,
1. Starting lineup looks kinda slow to me defensively
2. Worried about getting killed on the boards and think Donte is going to have to log a lot of minutes
3. We are still best offensively when Milton has the ball. Nice to see him get it in better more productive positions .
4. I thought Glorind Lisha looked smooth and quick,,,,more so than Skokna who logged a lot of minutes. As backup guard I hope Tyson Smith is able to log more minutes soon.
5. Even though minutes were brief Woodyard and DiNardi intrigued me. Anyone know more about them?
6. Eureka played 20 guys!!!!! and I would take Kendall Davis....I thought they were kind of fun to watch, I think Regan would have been proud of them.
7.Agree with whoever said previously that we may play some 4 guard lineups with Jackson at the 5. That is a pretty small lineup.
8. I am not as encouraged now as I was earlier but not pessimistic.

Fair assessment, I think. Although some of the starters looked a bit slow to start this game, it was the third game in four days, and against an opponent they were probably not overly excited for. They all looked better vs Alcorn. Especially in the second half. Well, maybe all except Kirby. The Custer, Richardson, Doyle, Ingram, Jackson lineup is quite good.

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Didn't go to the Eureka game but Lisha did look pretty good against Indiana Northwest. Seems confident with the ball and pretty athletic. But better than Skokna?
As for Woodyard and Dinardi, Woodyard played at a good high school program in Whitney Young and Dinardi has some size, but I don't see either getting meaningful minutes this year.

I think Nate may be experiencing a case of Backup Quarterback Syndrome, where disappointed fans see salvation in the second string qb. regardless of the evidence.

On the Optimism/Pessimism Scale, I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be a little better this year (Chastain's injury kind of took some of the bloom off this rosy scenario though).
Next year I see more reason for optimism with Townes becoming eligible and Negron and Krutwig coming in to man the frontcourt.
But it is year 3 that I am truly optimistic that (barring injury or defection) we will be in the running for an NCAA bid, and I truly believe we'll break our streak of (by then) 34 years being outside looking in.

There, I said it.

Lisha looks to be the one walk on who may sneak in during game time (especially if we lose anyone else to injury). He's been the first walk on to hit the floor each game, and ran the B team well in the open scrimmage. I still like the fire Byron Burt plays with on both ends of the floor though. He had a 4 quick points last night. I doubt any walk on does anything to meaningful, but it's nice to see a group out their that looks competent.

Really impressed with Skokna thus far. Kid looks confident on the court and plays like someone who's been out their before. He plays physical down low and I'm confident his 3pt % will rise over the course of the season. He put up 15-5-3 plus one steal in 23 minutes. Excited to see him grow.

Interesting that Smith finished the game with the walk-ons. Gotta keep giving him minutes to get him up to speed by conference play. Still think he's pressing too much. Needs to let the game come to him. Was glad to see him score though.

Regardless of what happens this season, this team really seems to have a stronger bond than any team I've seen play here. True buy ins to the scheme, and a lot of support for one another on the court. A couple players waited while Matt was attended being attended to so they could help him up. Love to see that; hope it continues. Real test begins Friday. The boys gotta get their legs back in the meantime.

I think Nate may be experiencing a case of Backup Quarterback Syndrome, where disappointed fans see salvation in the second string qb. regardless of the evidence.[quote][/quote]

After the Cutler years can you blame me? No,,,I did not think Woodyard or DiNardi were any kind of answer just kind of impressed that they looked like they were better than the average walk-on. I will give you I was watching the team for the first time on the back end of 3 in 4 days.
I am also confused about Kirby getting the start. I think he has improved but,,,,,,?

Well I am guessing we will know more at the end of the week? and hope things work out for Matt C

Maybe Porter really likes winning the opening tip.

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Kirby starts but doesn't get a ton of minutes. My guess it's a motivational thing or a reward for good citizenship or exemplary practice habits.

I'm with you Nate on my assessment of Kirby's ability. He seems like a great guy and I don't like to criticize players, so suffice it to say he has limitations.

OK !! It is what it is !!
--We go with what we have sans Chastain
--We warmed up against lesser teams than us--Alcorn Di1 though
--We played well overall and we ran !!
--Our defense should be just fine
--St Joe will be a tough game but winnable IF we dictate.
--Milton with his new helpers will truly shine--Book it !
--On the minus side our lack of height could hurt but we will adjust same as in past--I really hope Kirby comes on quickly
--SMITH really will help down the line

Doing well at Paradise Jam will tell us a lot

I am optimistic !! Porter's bunch will convince his MVC detractor that he is as good as any in Conf and better than most !!

RUN RAMBLERS !!!