Ball State game thread

[Anti-Homer]

PUT THE WALK ONS IN COACH! Ya know, like Tandy and the others who work their asses off. I think Steele is trying to get the team's assist to To ratio up to 1:1. Astounding it is actually below that. Kind of an indictment of the AAU offense X employs. As I've predicted, talent will have to trump the "other" deficits for X to be successful, and their ridiculous depth and talent is proving that this year.

Steele can recruit!

Putting Tandy in tonight would have required a miracle because he was not on the bench tonight. He did not participate in shoot-around.

I know.... it's that damn 13-month flu....until he needs him, like when X is down 12, or when four other guys are sick. What about the other managers and walk-ons? A 45-point lead isn't safe with 3 minutes? I can see why you would be concerned considering who the HC is, but I doubt even he could screw it up. He also couldn't work the MEAC (or whatever league he played in) Player of the Year Ben Stanley in until four minutes.

It ain't a secret that X isn't known as a developmental program....at least in the last three years.

[muskieman]

PUT THE WALK ONS IN COACH! Ya know, like Tandy and the others who work their asses off. I think Steele is trying to get the team's assist to To ratio up to 1:1. Astounding it is actually below that. Kind of an indictment of the AAU offense X employs. As I've predicted, talent will have to trump the "other" deficits for X to be successful, and their ridiculous depth and talent is proving that this year.

Steele can recruit!

Putting Tandy in tonight would have required a miracle because he was not on the bench tonight. He did not participate in shoot-around.

I know.... it's that damn 13-month flu....until he needs him, like when X is down 12, or when four other guys are sick. What about the other managers and walk-ons? A 45-point lead isn't safe with 3 minutes? I can see why you would be concerned considering who the HC is, but I doubt even he could screw it up. He also couldn't work the MEAC (or whatever league he played in) Player of the Year Ben Stanley in until four minutes.

It ain't a secret that X isn't known as a developmental program....at least in the last three years.

especially when you are blind, like you. BTW did you behave during the halftime show?

[Anti-Homer]

Putting Tandy in tonight would have required a miracle because he was not on the bench tonight. He did not participate in shoot-around.

I know.... it's that damn 13-month flu....until he needs him, like when X is down 12, or when four other guys are sick. What about the other managers and walk-ons? A 45-point lead isn't safe with 3 minutes? I can see why you would be concerned considering who the HC is, but I doubt even he could screw it up. He also couldn't work the MEAC (or whatever league he played in) Player of the Year Ben Stanley in until four minutes.

It ain't a secret that X isn't known as a developmental program....at least in the last three years.

especially when you are blind, like you. BTW did you behave during the halftime show?

I know Tandy is no picnic, and his entourage makes it even worse. A buddy of mine and big UK booster said Calipari and two assistants were going to watch Tandy for a 2nd time in H.S. but got wind that someone in his inner circle said "They have two pgs. Kyky is not going there." Calipari then canceled. Funny thing is Kyky doesn't even have the skills or confidence to be a PG.

I don't doubt his attitude isn't the greatest, but I do see him cheering on his teammates. He isn't an animated guy. Even when he hits a big three, his affect is understated. Guess what, so was Justin Cage's. In all honestly, I don't think Steele is a malicious guy at all. I do think he is inconsistent with what he says in public and how he coaches in games and think that has contributed to discontent with Tandy and other players. I also have an issue with him taking Kyky back this year as well, knowing he wouldn't see any playing time. That is on Kyky also, but there is a reason he returned to X. We can only speculate what was said or promised.

Don't even say it was because no other big named schools wanted him b/c everyone knows the guy is a scorer. He struggles on D, but so do other players on the team. There was another guy who struggled on D and played a pivotal role for X; Brad Redford. Steele was on the staff during his time at X. Also, if it is his attitude, why play him at all? Even when X was down three players ag V Tech, Steele's integrity shouldn't be flexible. He shouldn't have played Tandy at all.

He also didn't play the managers and walk-ons who get a penny's worth of glory, but the bulk of the work. What value is there having Odom, Hunter, and other players like that on the court with a 45-point lead and two minutes to go? If nothing else, from a practical standpoint, why risk them getting injured.

Steele is doing a good job this year. It doesn't hurt when you have top 20 talent, but a lot of other coaches with comparable talent are underachieving. I want X to win and know playing at this level is a privilege. I just think a lot of coaches would have handled this situation better. That goes for Stanley as well, who is the poster child of what a good teammate is.

[pdxmuskie]

Ugly start but an easy win.

This team has the potential to make a deep run. The pieces are there. Decision making will likely dictate whether they are 1 and done or something much better.

Subs could have definitely been brought in earlier but luckily no injuries were suffered.

[Anti-Homer]

Ugly start but an easy win.

This team has the potential to make a deep run. The pieces are there. Decision making will likely dictate whether they are 1 and done or something much better.

Subs could have definitely been brought in earlier but luckily no injuries were suffered.

I know it was Ball State, and it was only one game, but Free looks like he has upgraded his skillset significantly. He was already arguably X's best offensive player, (along with Johnson) but his "up and unders", and use of his left-hand makes him very difficult to guard. He also beat everyone down the court twice for easy buckets, once even after a made shot.

This is by far the most complete team in the Steele era, and I agree, they have the goods to make a deep run. I'm obviously no fan of Hunter re: his treys, but he is a really good defender, and facilitates the offense well on fast breaks. Two of the reasons X is such a good defensive team this year relative to last is because they have two good shot blockers in Nunge and Miles, and a tall wing who can guard one through four. With guards ranging from 6'4" to 6'6," it's hard to create mismatches on switches.

Cut down the turnovers, and X can compete for the BE title.

[muskieman]

you siad: What value is there having Odom, Hunter, and other players like that on the court with a 45-point lead and two minutes to go?

How about letting them play together so they get to know each other's tendencies? Continuity is a big thing and these guys will be needed in games this season so you want them to get as much playing time together. Working different guys into a seamless team takes time and with new guys like Hunter and Jack along with Edwards you want to find out what works together.

Look I have never been a "play the walk-ons" if the score gets out of hand because it will be a rare time on this team they will be needed. Walk-ons know they are cannon fodder and they know they will not get playing time so why waste game-time situations even in a blowout. Now if we had a weak bench then maybe I might give them time if the other players were exhausted but it is not owed to them. If you were a bench player like Ben, Edwards wouldn't you want the minutes to get your game going. Do you really want ZAK SWETYE to be playing instead of Odom? OR maybe you want RAMON SINGH instead of Kunkle... or SPENCER CODY instead of Ben? I don't and never will.

[X-lucidity]

went to game, compliments of my Daughter who got me into the student section since many are still away. Lot's of fun and we looked very dangerous at times but sloppy at others. Oh well, you take the boring thrashing and move on. Nate stayed smooth as silk and is beaming with confidence. He is a problem for opponents. Paul is a warrior but tends to over dribble at times. Not sure if Steele starts Miles just to see how the game will be officiated to possibly save Jack from an early silly foul, which might be wise, but that could hurt us once the competition ramps up. Hunter and Miles on the floor really limit our offensive potency as Dieonte just isn't ready offensively yet at this level & we have well chronicled Jerome's shooting woes. I will say, watching closely from my seat near the floor, Hunter plays some nasty physical D and never let's up - which can be an effective weapon to attach to the other team's top scorer when needed. Freemantle got in some nice work and looked exhausted several times down which likely was the point. Welcome back Zach! Colby is relentless on the boards, reminds me a bit of Dennis Rodman for his knack of being around the ball near the glass and the strength to compete with bigger men. Enough of my reactions, anyone know what the hell is up with Kyky? Thought I saw him pre-game in layup line but wasn't paying much attention. I did look for him during 2nd half warm-ups and did not see him. Obviously in a normal world he would have gotten some run late in 2nd half so what the heck am I missing in this puzzle.? Thx

[kyzrex]

went to game, compliments of my Daughter who got me into the student section since many are still away. Lot's of fun and we looked very dangerous at times but sloppy at others. Oh well, you take the boring thrashing and move on. Nate stayed smooth as silk and is beaming with confidence. He is a problem for opponents. Paul is a warrior but tends to over dribble at times. Not sure if Steele starts Miles just to see how the game will be officiated to possibly save Jack from an early silly foul, which might be wise, but that could hurt us once the competition ramps up. Hunter and Miles on the floor really limit our offensive potency as Dieonte just isn't ready offensively yet at this level & we have well chronicled Jerome's shooting woes. I will say, watching closely from my seat near the floor, Hunter plays some nasty physical D and never let's up - which can be an effective weapon to attach to the other team's top scorer when needed. Freemantle got in some nice work and looked exhausted several times down which likely was the point. Welcome back Zach! Colby is relentless on the boards, reminds me a bit of Dennis Rodman for his knack of being around the ball near the glass and the strength to compete with bigger men. Enough of my reactions, anyone know what the hell is up with Kyky? Thought I saw him pre-game in layup line but wasn't paying much attention. I did look for him during 2nd half warm-ups and did not see him. Obviously in a normal world he would have gotten some run late in 2nd half so what the heck am I missing in this puzzle.? Thx

Tandy was out for illness. Looks like his physical problems are continuing. I feel sorry for the kid and really wish that for his sake he could get healthy and stay that way. Probably would have been better off (BB wise) for him to have transferred last off-season, but if he wants to be at X, good for him. I wish him nothing but the best but will be surprised (pleasantly) if he ever becomes a major part of the team's success.

[longliveskip]

I know.... it's that damn 13-month flu....until he needs him, like when X is down 12, or when four other guys are sick. What about the other managers and walk-ons? A 45-point lead isn't safe with 3 minutes? I can see why you would be concerned considering who the HC is, but I doubt even he could screw it up. He also couldn't work the MEAC (or whatever league he played in) Player of the Year Ben Stanley in until four minutes.

It ain't a secret that X isn't known as a developmental program....at least in the last three years.

especially when you are blind, like you. BTW did you behave during the halftime show?

I know Tandy is no picnic, and his entourage makes it even worse. A buddy of mine and big UK booster said Calipari and two assistants were going to watch Tandy for a 2nd time in H.S. but got wind that someone in his inner circle said "They have two pgs. Kyky is not going there." Calipari then canceled. Funny thing is Kyky doesn't even have the skills or confidence to be a PG.

I don't doubt his attitude isn't the greatest, but I do see him cheering on his teammates. He isn't an animated guy. Even when he hits a big three, his affect is understated. Guess what, so was Justin Cage's. In all honestly, I don't think Steele is a malicious guy at all. I do think he is inconsistent with what he says in public and how he coaches in games and think that has contributed to discontent with Tandy and other players. I also have an issue with him taking Kyky back this year as well, knowing he wouldn't see any playing time. That is on Kyky also, but there is a reason he returned to X. We can only speculate what was said or promised.

Don't even say it was because no other big named schools wanted him b/c everyone knows the guy is a scorer. He struggles on D, but so do other players on the team. There was another guy who struggled on D and played a pivotal role for X; Brad Redford. Steele was on the staff during his time at X. Also, if it is his attitude, why play him at all? Even when X was down three players ag V Tech, Steele's integrity shouldn't be flexible. He shouldn't have played Tandy at all.

He also didn't play the managers and walk-ons who get a penny's worth of glory, but the bulk of the work. What value is there having Odom, Hunter, and other players like that on the court with a 45-point lead and two minutes to go? If nothing else, from a practical standpoint, why risk them getting injured.

Steele is doing a good job this year. It doesn't hurt when you have top 20 talent, but a lot of other coaches with comparable talent are underachieving. I want X to win and know playing at this level is a privilege. I just think a lot of coaches would have handled this situation better. That goes for Stanley as well, who is the poster child of what a good teammate is.

not sure if the bourbon you're drinking has a little extra somethin' somethin' in it this evening, but i believe i just read a post where you compare Tandy to CAGE and REDFORD???

Cage is in the HOF, and i realize you were only comparing the lack of animation/celebration these two show on the court, but if Tandy had HALF of Cage's game he'd play more.

in addition, if he could shoot it as well as Redford, he would get more minutes.

he doesn't have EITHER of those things.

the fact is Tandy CHOSE to come back to X. we have ZERO CLUE what was said or allegedly promised but Tandy needs to show in practice that he gives this team a better chance to win than other dudes ahead of him. right now, he isn't doing that. and now he's out with the flu. i'm guessing he would have seen some minutes in this game if he were healthy.

either way, until we start losing games for the sole reason of not putting KyKy in the game, then why don't we just give the "Tandy not getting in" thing a rest. it's getting old and worn out already and we haven't even gotten to the shootout yet.

and lastly, our bench guys deserve the minutes more than walk-ons do. if our roster was a little shorter or we had injuries, etc, i'd agree. otherwise, play the #6-11 guys and get them more minutes.

[X-lucidity]

Thanks for that update kyzrex, makes sense, and I agree with your sentiments about the young man.