Drake Nation / Specific Sports Topic Forums / Bulldog Men's Basketball / 2010-11 / Latest Posts

RE: 2010-11

WSUProf — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:15:43 GMT

Gallo (5/21/2010)

Ray Rice? The Baltimore Ravens running back? Also, is a "newcomber" something like a "beachcomber"? Does the MVC have beaches?

RE: 2010-11

hoosierbulldog — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:24:33 GMT

Gordon Gottschalk (5/24/2010)

[quote]Drakey (3/9/2010)

I think you would have to have a very tall team to succeed with the offnse we saw the last 5 or 6 games.

How tall is "very tall"? I think Coach P agrees and is bringing in the pieces:

1: Alexander, 6'2"

2: Rice, 6'4"

3: Simons/Hawley, 6'7"

4: Woods, 6'9"

5: Van Deest, 6'10"

[/quote]

Alexander is not 6'2", maybe 6'1.
Rice is maybe 6'2".

It wouldn't be unusual to see Wedel, Alexander and Rice out there together, not big, but the "Rice Match-up Issue" is huge.

I hear Seth is over 230 now. That is great progress in only two months. He weighs more right now than Craig Brackins does. I realize Brackins is a forward but Seth is growing. Interesting and Exciting!!!

RE: 2010-11

Gordon Gottschalk — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:58:46 GMT

Drakey (3/9/2010)

I think you would have to have a very tall team to succeed with the offnse we saw the last 5 or 6 games.

How tall is "very tall"? I think Coach P agrees and is bringing in the pieces:

1: Alexander, 6'2"
2: Rice, 6'4"
3: Simons/Hawley, 6'7"
4: Woods, 6'9"
5: Van Deest, 6'10"

Compared to: 6'0", 5'11", 6'1", 6'5", 6'10".

RE: 2010-11

Gordon Gottschalk — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:54:20 GMT

[quote]Mecha_Bulldog (5/21/2010)

I thought I'd dig this up now that we know what the roster should be for fall. This is my latest guess at the depth chart:

1- Alexander, Wiseler, Madison

2- Wedel, Rice, Smith

3- Simons, Jeffers

4- Hawley, Clarke, Woods

5- VanDeest, Uhlenhopp, Parker

VanDeest and Wedel are the only two guys who are likely to start, the other three starting positions are wide open. I especially have no idea how the minutes at the 4 will turn out. All of the 14 guys listed should be in the mix for playing time, but some of them will certainly be left outside the rotation. There should be plenty of hard work over the summer to earn spots in the starting lineup and the rotation, and I wouldn't be surprised to see 1 or 2 guys redshirt next year. It's good to see that Drake has three quality options at most positions. I'm looking forward to the summer league to see how all the new guys look, and to see how much the returning players have improved.[/quote]

I see Madison and/or Jeffers as redshirt candidates because of the depth at their respective positions. I don't think Hawley will see many minutes at the 4 because Coach P is no longer mentioning him when he discusses who the 4-5s are, he only mentions SVD, RU, JC and now KW. There is a lot of versatility among this group, I think all four are capable of playing either spot (SVD obviously is the "truest" of the 5s). I think Hawley and Simons battle for the minutes at the 3.

RE: 2010-11

Big Bull — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:59:39 GMT

[quote]Gallo (5/21/2010)

Ray Rice is a monster and will make an impact He'll be the newcomber of the year for the MVC. He's going nowhere but up. That kid that's transferring from Ft. Dodge looks like a good player as well. Only thing that sucks is that they don't have a true big body in the middle with Van Deest.

Drake without question will be better next year than they were last. JY wasn't 100% healthy all year, they were extremely young and are now a year older. I wish guys like Ulenhopp got a little more PT back half of the year. They'll be a quick team that can run up and down, will be able to move the ball and slash to the hoop.

Other teams in the conference has some good young talent coming in, but a lot of the other schools lost a bunch too. UNI will not be as good next year.[/quote]

Gallo, I agree especially about RH, he should have had more minuets last year especially towards the end of the year. The kid has lots of upside. Mr. Woods will ad some length and athleticism next year. I think we could be significantly improved. Can wait to see RR on the floor.

RE: 2010-11

Gallo — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:19:58 GMT

RE: 2010-11

getreal4 — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:05:53 GMT

Unbelievable talent! Watch out Valley, athleticism is here! DUB is right, can't beat quickness.

RE: 2010-11

Big Bull — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:23:50 GMT

Mc Bulldog (5/21/2010)

Who knows what is going to happen. If I were a Bulldog player right now, I'd be putting in the extra, extra, extra effort. Those in true pursuit of excellence will rise to the top.

Excellent post McB

RE: 2010-11

Mc Bulldog — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:36:45 GMT

Who knows what is going to happen. If I were a Bulldog player right now, I'd be putting in the extra, extra, extra effort. Those in true pursuit of excellence will rise to the top.

RE: 2010-11

Mecha_Bulldog — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:31:12 GMT

RE: 2010-11

dudistance — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:37:24 GMT

If the scheme is right, I think this team can succeed. The talent is there.

Agreed...we have talent. We just need to utilize it in they way that showcases it.

RE: 2010-11

DUBulldog — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:13:49 GMT

Questions for 2010-11.....

Which of this season's freshmen will step up their game?

Will the young guys put on enough muscle/weight to be effective rebounders?

Will somebody step up at point guard?

Will the coaches make the necessary adjustments to be successful?

Will any of the freshmen be good enough to be major contributors?

Will Wedel be more consistent with his shot?

Who will step up as team leader?

Will Drake send anybody to the offensive glass?

Who will be the go-to guy?

Will Sean Jones get off the bench at all?

I've got no answers, just questions.

RE: 2010-11

rawdawg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:51:19 GMT

Really Big Bulldog

Never would I suggest that it's a good thing to have lost JY or AT (I, for one, believe we will miss AT more than anybody)...

RBB, that is exactly what you suggested...read your above statement. It will be good to have
all of the Davis recruits gone ( including JY) so that we can really see if Scooter the Recruiter
can coach or that he needs to be constantly bailed out.

RE: 2010-11

Darth Vader — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:52:59 GMT

Once a coincidence
Twice a trend
Three times a problem

If the scheme is right, I think this team can succeed. The talent is there.

Again...there is the IF.

Regardless,all the mojo from 2008 is pretty much gone. Honeymoon's over, whatever cliche you want to use...the excuses are over.

RE: 2010-11

Fro — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:25:06 GMT

I love the positivity, I really do, probably wish I had a little bit more of that. BUT, I keep reading a lot of "hopefully's," and "if's," and "supposed to's," and I just don't see it all coming together in one amazing and glorious season (see 07-08).

I see us losing 2/3 key players and having a whole lot of potential (still a good thing) that people are banking on to help us immediately. I'm not sold. Looking to 2011-12, because I have to in order to stay realistic.

I agree with USMC, pipe dream...

RE: 2010-11

Big Bull — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:39:52 GMT

I think when we see the improvement in individuals a lot of the concerns will be addressed. Part of the rebounding issue (not all by any means but part) was the youth, Hawley and Simons were not as assertive under the basket, they were freshmen and tentative, at this level you have fight for every board, they are learning those lessons, Seth is a natural rebounder, RU improved greatly as the year went on and with him getting the bulk of the min as a reserve our overall defensive boards will improve. H and S had ball after ball taken away or they were not agressive enough to go after them. This will change as time goes on. I am hopefull that JC is also an agressive defender and rebounder. If JC is close to an AT and H and S improve our overall rebounding will be improved.

We don't know how ready the new guy's will be but I have a good feeling we are not looking at shy kids. RR should have an imediate defensive and rebounding impact. I am hopefull of the same from JJ and KM based on the reports we have seen.

The scheme for offensive rebounding, is a system issue more than a player issue in my oppinion. Coach needs to fix this.

We really need FW to step up in his Junior year, if we can spread the ball around with the athletisism we have we will create mismatches open things up.

Need to keep Seth's butt on the court, he can't use his hands and pick up the ticky tack fouls, but between he and Reece we are solid at center.

The future is bright guy's.

RE: 2010-11

Drakey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:40:37 GMT

USMC: There were some adjustments this year for a little while. I specifically noticed that the spacing was greater and that the wings were out 4 to 5 feet further at one point which opened up the middle for penetration. Maybe it was something the players were doing contrary to orders, and it was corrrected (or miscorrected) but it was there for awhile. If he's going to play the no spacing prevent offense, he will have to switch his lineup and make Simons the 2. I think you would have to have a very tall team to succeed with the offnse we saw the last 5 or 6 games.

I sure HOPE you are wrong.

RE: 2010-11

usmcdog — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:30:31 GMT

Drakey (3/9/2010)

Agree with Big Bull. I have to believe that the coaching staff will review film and figure out what worked and did not work this year. I actually think the loss of Young in particular will cause one or more of the returning players to really pick up his game. Next year's team should be good. If they are not, it is on Phelps.

I didn't see much adjustment from year 1 to year 2.. You expect to see adjustments in year 3? Dream on. I see a lack of flexibility. A leopard don't change his spots. I will hope but I will also anticipate disappointment. If you don't train to be aggresive, you will most certainly not perform aggressively.

RE: 2010-11

4Bulldogs — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:54:31 GMT

Create the conditions to WIN instead of playing not to lose.

And please remove the "prevent offense" scheme from the playbook. Thanks.

Oh yeah, and please figure out appropriate times to call a timeout...nothing like seeing JY drive or AT put up a 3 only for the play to be dead because a TO was called at that precise moment...

[rant off]

RE: 2010-11

rawdawg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:44:50 GMT

Drakey,

I didn't say Phelps was as smart as you. I said that with 6 months to review things, I think he should be able to figure it out.

Like you, I'm just an average guy.... I think we agree on this point.
It's not a matter of intelligence here. It's basketball. This is what his job description calls for.
We all hope, after 2 years, something gets figured out around here. It may take longer and
we will have to accept it or push for a change......

RE: 2010-11

Drakey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:35:24 GMT

[quote]rawdawg (3/9/2010)

Drakey

Agree with Big Bull. I have to believe that the coaching staff will review film and figure out what worked and did not work this year. I actually think the loss of Young in particular will cause one or more of the returning players to really pick up his game. Next year's team should be good. If they are not, it is on Phelps.

Really !!! You would think that they would have done that this year when they were winning 5 in a row. I don't think they

did and if they did, they couldn't figure it out. You would also think that they would have reviewed video of how DU

went 28-5 the year before MP2 took over. That didn't happen either. Hopefully, the players and coaches will pick up their

games after losing JY, as well as the other seniors, for a better 10-11 season. MP2 owns it now...[/quote]

I didn't say Phelps was as smart as you. I said that with 6 months to review things, I think he should be able to figure it out.

RE: 2010-11

zman2 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:27:23 GMT

Drakey, Totally agree. We will be young (to bad) but it is time to quit using that as an excuse. If your team is young but talented (we think we are) you can still win. UNI will not be as good, Creighton is in free fall, ISU red I believe loses their big 2, so I believe Wichita should be the favorite. After that there is no reason for us not to be able to compete for an upper division spot. It is time for coach P to step up his game. 14-22 conference record so far w/consecutive 8th place finishes. Worst rebounding team in the conference & one of the worst overall in the entire country. Say all you want about scheme, but Dr. Tom's teams could scheme the heck out of rebounding the basketball, & most of the time w/the same kind of teams we have had the last 2 years. 0-5 in the state of Iowa this year. We make fun of Iowa's program but we lost to them this year. Find a way!

RE: 2010-11

rawdawg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:27:13 GMT

Drakey

Really !!! You would think that they would have done that this year when they were winning 5 in a row. I don't think they
did and if they did, they couldn't figure it out. You would also think that they would have reviewed video of how DU
went 28-5 the year before MP2 took over. That didn't happen either. Hopefully, the players and coaches will pick up their
games after losing JY, as well as the other seniors, for a better 10-11 season. MP2 owns it now...

RE: 2010-11

Drakey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:11:46 GMT

RE: 2010-11

Big Bull — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:02:48 GMT

Seasons over, don't want to start the Spring whining so here are a few goals.

Goal:
1. revise strategy on boards
2. Get big
3. Get strong
4. Add a little nutmeg and cinnamon to the Vanilla O
5. Get biger
6. Be agressive, be be agressive!

Can't wait till DT's post season play begins, I am dying to see the newbies in action.
We had a tough season, the difference between 8th and 4th was a couple last second shots, and I am excited to see who is going to step up and challenge for the records!

Save this post DT, I may pay for it but we will finish better next year than this or last. Prediction 6th or better.

RE: 2010-11

Dawg_tired — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:45:56 GMT

We'll be lucky to be ninth next year. Wisler at point upsets my stomach and give the opposition rushes of adrenaline. We well be out rebounded badly. We will run the prevent offense once again. We will be very young. Our defense will be weak. We'll have a good center. A good shooting guard(s) and youth everywhere else. We will win 10 games. OMMMMMMMM.

RE: 2010-11

usmcdog — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:21:12 GMT

To preface what I am about to post, I wish to say that I am as loyal and dedicated fan as anyone on this board. But I am also a realist and to me it seems that no matter what line up we may predict or have for next season or the ranking or abilities of the incoming recruits the results we all wish for is only a pipe dream without a complete revamping of the offensive scheme. Any halfway decent defensive team can adjust to our ball screens, which is the basis of the offense, and eventually pretty much shut us down as was evidenced on many occasions. Bringing two defenders to the ball is not a good thing to do on a continual basis.

RE: 2010-11

dog67 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:11:43 GMT

Re Register article:

Not going to put pressure on Rice. Going to treat him like his mother would.

Like I said yesterday on my above post..."Let Rayvonte be Rayvonte."

RE: 2010-11

Fro — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:47:10 GMT

dog67 (3/6/2010)

I agree with FRO's second paragraph, that is, not so much the first paragraph.

Thanks for the "half" props.

I will definitely begin by saying that I hope you are right, that we are going to be okay next year, I've just seen us play some terrible ball this year, and by losing our two best players, I don't see how we are going to improve.

I guess I don't know of what I said in the first paragraph isn't at least truthful. JY and AT were Drake's two best players this year, case in point. CS was our best "pure" ball handler, and unless FW improves his game, he won't replace that next year at least. The sophomores all had a great deal of playing time this year, which is good, but I didn't see a lot of great strides made from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, especially in BS and AH (but I see they are athletic guys who have great potential). We will most certainly not have players like JY or AT next, even if Reyvonte is as advertised, because we all know an adjustment period is needed to play D1 ball (unless you are John Wall). And only if RW can get a couple of open looks by creating shots is he going to be a solid scoring option, and that was one of the main complaints of the team this year, echoed by many members of this board.

Like I said, I just have my worries, but I don't want them to be right, I would LOVE to be wrong about all of this. All I can say is that I will continue to go to every home game and I look forward to watching this team grow.

RE: 2010-11

4Bulldogs — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:05:55 GMT

Phelps seeks stronger Bulldog team in 2010-11

"Hit the hardwood. Hit the weights. And continue to hit the recruiting trail. Those appear to be the three keys to Drake's basketball future."

Maybe add in a couple of coaching clinics too???

RE: 2010-11

urbyballinjt — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:46:31 GMT

DUBulldog (3/7/2010)

link

From the Article - Low point: Early losses to IUPUI, Akron and Austin Peay led to the Bulldogs opening the season 2-5. They never climbed above

didn't the bulldogs beat AP?

RE: 2010-11

DUBulldog — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:32:24 GMT

link

RE: 2010-11

zman2 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:35:24 GMT

Alright Gordon, You are the guy I want to hear from on this. What do you think of playing the bigger line-up next year? Can Van Deest & Uhlenhopp play together? Since we are a zone team, it's not like one of them will have to guard a quicker player. Also, how about Simons as a big guard? Again, more of the same. Put Rice at the small forward position. I just do not like the combination of Wadel & Wiseler together. To small & terrible defensively. Can Wedel play the point or does this take away his strength of shooting the basketball? We are not an athletic team but we have some skill & we can actually use our heighth. Just wondering? Why can we not be the team that creates mismatches for the other guys?

RE: 2010-11

SoCalBulldog — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:49:25 GMT

I think 2010-2011 will be another year of ups and downs. I agree with comments on this board about JY's absence making room for others to grow, and I think we have some great players who will do just that. Next year should be a winning year for coach P, and the fact that it will be done with his players and his system will give him some stready legs to stand on. He's shown us he can adapt and that he can recruit. His game coaching has improved and will be even better next year. I'm really excited about 2010-2011. Go Dawgs!!!

RE: 2010-11

dog67 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:42:39 GMT

I agree with FRO's second paragraph, that is, not so much the first paragraph.

RE: 2010-11

dog67 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:39:15 GMT

I agree with FRO, DRAKEY and REALLY BIG. Every year at every level of b-ball (high school, college) a team loses their go to guy and high scorer. Every year a new guy, or two, emerge. We all see it, all the time. I'm not worried about who will take Josh's place as our scorer. As DUB was saying, there may be a couple of them in the wings. I will say right now, though, that if they let Rayvonte be Rayvonte, whether a 2 or a 3 ( although I can't see him at 3, really), he will be the way the team goes. Yes, I truly believe that he is that much of an impact player. Simons, Hawley and Reese, by virtue of experience and playing time (and not having to rely on the seniors) will vastly improve. Jeffers, Clarke and my diamond in the rough, Parker should contribute. If Smith comes back healthy, his speed and hustle should help on defense and under the boards.
It has been quite a while since I have posted the following, but it sums up what everyone carries on and on about. No need to analyze everyone's play inside out, up and down. It all comes down to the following:

Defense and free throws win games.

The team that controls the boards, controls the game.

Passing is the most important art of the game

Go Stevenson, beat Waukegan

RE: 2010-11

zman2 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:04:16 GMT

19 out of 20 years makes you a better fan than me! Let's hope for better next year & valley title in 3 years!

RE: 2010-11

puttheDbackinDrake — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:59:17 GMT

I hear ya Z. Don't disagree with ya either. I've been to St. Louis 19 of the 20 years the tourney has been hear, and I'm as tired as anyone of having to sweat it out on Thursday night.

My goal for next year is simple, stay out of the play-in game.

My goal for two years from now will be something more.

Go dogs. Time for my spring break.

RE: 2010-11

4Bulldogs — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:37:24 GMT

DUBulldog (3/6/2010)

[quote][b]Get back on defense, so the opponent can't fast break. But......nobody in the MVC runs much, if at all, so I'd rather see us crash the offensive boards and take our chances.

DUB, I copied this to this thread because it sums up this season's rebounding "strategy"... Is running away from the boards a strategy??? It seems like this scheme *could* be put in place IF the opponent is a run and gun team but like you mentioned, no one really does it. So why keep it in place?

That said, *when* the guys stay back to crash the boards then have to get back to play defense, they better be in pretty doggone great shape. Here's hoping the guys work hard with the strength and conditioning coach in the offseason!

RE: 2010-11

zman2 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:31:45 GMT

PuttheD, As far as I know, nobody is a d-1 coach on this board. However, most of the people on here are the hard-core fans. This is a place where we can give our opinions. Feel free to agree or disagree. You also don't have to read the thread if you don't like it. We were coming off the most incredible season in 40 years when Phelps got here. We have limped to two 8th place finishes in a row. We supposedly had the #1 recruiting class in the Valley this year & next year as well. That doesn't mean a thing if we keep coming in the bottom of the conference. I want to see improvement in our overall record & conference record next year. I won't be happy w/8th place. I would like to see us challenge for a conference title in the next 3 years. That's just how I am. If you are happy w/8th place year after year that's fine to. Just don't expect me to be.