Ball State game thread

[muskieman]

If players want to playtime, they should figure out what could make them indispensable; coaches are not fools. If something ticks off a coach, then don't do it; forget the hype you get from family, friends, and maybe fans because there are only a few people they need to satisfy, and all are called coaches or fellow players.

Average players make themselves better Example: Pete Rose built himself into the player he became and would do anything a manager asked him. Michael Jordan worked on his game when he wasn't, as a sophomore, included on his Varsity team in HS he went out and did something; first, he locked himself in his room and cried, but he did something many teens don't do, he set out to make himself a better player. Later he said: "Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I’d close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it.”

If players lack defensive skills, are they talking to coaches asking for help and tips? Are they spending time in and out of the gym making themselves better, or are they just working on their shot? It takes a tremendous amount of toughness and heart to commit to being a defensive player, and it starts by embracing the challenge. Watch the good D players, they have a defensive stance throughout a possession not just when they are guarding the player with the ball; it takes a will to be good on defense. We mention a player who doesn't show emotions, but being a good D player doesn't mean you have to jump up and down with every play or flex their muscles; it starts with talking... every coach mentions that they have to remind their guys to talk on the floor. This isn't for show. A good player watches lots of tape on his opponent because there is knowledge, that attention to detail extends to being on the bench. Sitting on the bench is not just for rest or cheerleading. You have the opportunity to study your opponent's tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. I remember Posey telling me that he had a good idea how he would attack a player or team while he was sitting on the bench, he would look where their passes were soft, how they telegraphed throws, etc. He didn't get into that position to tip or steal the ball because of luck but because he prepared, and he said if one guy prepared more than him, he would double his efforts so his teammates would know him as a person that was always doubling his effort.

Putting a player in to spark a team offensively is negated if they give up more points than they score, and at times even the best players do that, so why do they get playing time? Because it is more an aberration than a given, and the effort is still there. Every coach is afraid of turning on and off your game until the player gains respect through hard work and not just potential. I remember a certain player on Skip's team won the MVP of the summer league, and Skip brought him up to the front and presented him to the team at the opening of the first practice (with sarcasm) as the MVP....(deadpanned) OF THE SUMMER LEAGUE... the player got the message that it meant nothing. He had to earn starting time on Skip's team.

Finally, a coach fears that players believe the hype from friends, family, or the media and neglect working on their game, thinking there is nothing they need to do.

[AirJordan]

Seems like KyKy just had the flu didn't he? Now he has it again? I'm wondering if we've seen the last of him in a Muskie uniform. If he's not suited up Saturday, I'll bet he's gone. Hope not, because he brings a spark when he comes into the game. But even an eleven man rotation, when he's the eleventh guy, doesn't give him much hope of playing.

[X-lucidity]

Would like to drill down on J. Hunter since I see so many threads debating his worthiness of minutes and shooting woes. My two cents. I attended the gm last eve and was fortunate enough to be very near the court, especially near the student section end. The 2nd half was clearly a blowout so I decided to really concentrate on Jerome's play. On offense, he is a willing screener and keeps his head up while dribbling with an eye on passing if that is the best option, although at times he will decide he is the best option and hoist one. No need to expound on his poor 3pt %. On D is where he shines. Even towards the waning moments of last night's game, where Steele had him mysteriously still on the floor, Hunter was busting his tail hustling and playing smothering man D on the poor Ball St. player. That to me was impressive. Hunter was playing ferocious D with 80 seconds left in a game where we were up 43. Look, we are about to enter Big E play. Hunter has a Big E man's body. He will be needed in the trenches to rebound and play physical D. Other than Colby, we really do not have a similar type of power swing guard or small forward when that is needed. Stanley, God live him, isn't the answer vs top competition. There will be nights Jerome shoots too much from deep and goes 1 for 6 or oh for 4. But other nights he will go one for 3 or 2 for 5 and that ain't bad. I think the staff should encourage him to drive more to the hoop as he has a sweet FT stroke. Bottom line, we are going to want & we are going to need him in the trenches. I came away impressed with his presence on the court and desire to impose his will on D.

[Anti-Homer]

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???
Based on your reading comprehension and reasoning, I have to assume the batteries in your CO detector are dead. See the bolded comments my friend.

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. Uh, since I simply compared his demeanor, your assessment comparing their skillsets is irrelevant.

in addition, if he could shoot it as well as Redford, he would get more minutes. He couldn't shoot as well, though close, but definitely could create much better. How dumb must the BE coaches have been to name him to the All Freshmen BE Team.

he doesn't have EITHER of those things.

the fact is Tandy CHOSE, and Steele, the CEO of the program CHOOSE to allow him back. Funny how you forgot to mention that minor detail 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. Really. I didn't realize you were part of the staff. Is this J Hayes? 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 like the last three years you mean?, 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. I'll agree to that, if you agree to shelve you sycophantic adulation of Steele which is morphing into unchristian-like manifestations (not that there is anything wrong with it in my book).

and lastly, our bench guys deserve the minutes more than walk-ons do. Someone needs to share your words of wisdom to 99% of coaches who actually play walk-ons 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.

Yea, lots can learned up 45 in the last 90 seconds. I'm sure Page Buecker's parents and fan base agree with you.

[Anti-Homer]

Would like to drill down on J. Hunter since I see so many threads debating his worthiness of minutes and shooting woes. My two cents. I attended the gm last eve and was fortunate enough to be very near the court, especially near the student section end. The 2nd half was clearly a blowout so I decided to really concentrate on Jerome's play. On offense, he is a willing screener and keeps his head up while dribbling with an eye on passing if that is the best option, although at times he will decide he is the best option and hoist one. No need to expound on his poor 3pt %. On D is where he shines. Even towards the waning moments of last night's game, where Steele had him mysteriously still on the floor, Hunter was busting his tail hustling and playing smothering man D on the poor Ball St. player. That to me was impressive. Hunter was playing ferocious D with 80 seconds left in a game where we were up 43. Look, we are about to enter Big E play. Hunter has a Big E man's body. He will be needed in the trenches to rebound and play physical D. Other than Colby, we really do not have a similar type of power swing guard or small forward when that is needed. Stanley, God live him, isn't the answer vs top competition. There will be nights Jerome shoots too much from deep and goes 1 for 6 or oh for 4. But other nights he will go one for 3 or 2 for 5 and that ain't bad. I think the staff should encourage him to drive more to the hoop as he has a sweet FT stroke. Bottom line, we are going to want & we are going to need him in the trenches. I came away impressed with his presence on the court and desire to impose his will on D.

Great point. I like all things Hunter (rebounding, limited, controlled dribbling, decent passing and rebounder, tenacious defender, good FT shooter) except for his three point shooting. He has been a very good addition. I just wish he would act like Ed Scissorhands unless he has the ball in the half circle under the hoop.

[edgecliff hall]

Anti, I don't get the Ed Sissorhands reference. Understand, I have never seen that movie.

[muskieman]

Anti, I don't get the Ed Sissorhands reference. Understand, I have never seen that movie.

Mr. Movie has never seen Edward Scissorhands?

[edgecliff hall]

Right, MM, I know it's about a guy who trades hands for scissors, but somehow that has never been a must-see for me.