I'm with you there - in a way. I'm with you in that most teams have 2-3 guys who ride the pine most of the year. I like McMurray, and think most of his lack of PT is simply because of who is ahead of him. Murrell is puzzling to me, as I expected a little more. I had no expectation that James or Springs would get much PT this year though. I'm with you in that "instant impact guys" don't grow on trees, and it would make sense to reflect back on previous coaching staffs to consider whether or not this is all that different. I don't know if it is, or isn't.



While the lack of Dartis and Gollon plays a factor, there's no good reason to lose that one to Loyola. None. They couldn't throw the ball in the ocean, and didn't seem to adapt enough. That was a troubling thing for me as a I watched.

Another troubling thing for me, and it has been for the last 3-4 years, is that there isn't a second defensive look to switch things up. Or if there is, it's not used nearly enough. At the end of the game, with 3 minutes to go, they cranked up the pressure and got results. Why not do that once in awhile throughout the game to change the tempo? I don't care if it's pressure trapping, a zone, or whatever, but a way to change looks defensively is, and has been, needed.

The team should've learned from Taylor yesterday. He got the ball on the perimeter, took a step in (foot on the line) and drained a two. What they should've gotten was that is that when threes aren't working, try twos. 3=0 and 2>0.

Saul has said he does not do zone defense. Don't know why because we're hardly ever out-athlete anybody. And here and there, you're going to run into teams where it's better to play zone against them than man.

I also can't remember a time under Saul where we've played any sort of defense in the backcourt unless it was under four minutes in the game and we were behind. I don't understand his stubbornness with his defensive approach.

Agreed. That's exactly my point. And it makes no sense. Trying the same things and expecting different results...I'll be darned, it must be the Ohio Athletics way, because that seems like a Frankball thing too. Funny thing is, it's not what I perceive the Ohio Women's team to play like, or how softball and baseball are operating.

I think you will find that this will not be a below average MAC team by the time we get into conference play. Let's look at a few reasons.
- Jason Carter, who will be an all-conference player by year end is just beginning to get rust off after being out all of last year.
- Two best shooters are not playing because of injuries. Both should be back by start of conference play. Without the ability to spread the floor with shooters much of the offense is difficult to run.
- Three newcomers will end up having a good year as they continue to grasp offense. Their defense is already being impactful. Ben, Jason, & Antonio will play major roles this year.
- What most outsiders don't see is the tremendous leadership role Doug has on team as well as all the little things he does both offensively and on defense.
Year is just starting and we have already played two really good teams, don't jump to conclusions.