Redbirds @ Salukis 1-13-18 5pm

[ISU FAN 1]

One recurring theme has been the high rate of turnovers. Playing hard on defense has been a battle all year. Put those two together and it adds up for tough times on he hardwood.

A recent article in the Vidette reported DM saying that he is frustrated because bad passes are continually thrown after he has repeatedly told them not to make those kinds of passes. That has got to be frustrating to him.

Other teams have figured out a simple game plan -- double team MY and PF and make the others beat you; foul PF and put him on the line (backfired once) ; and frustrate MY so he tries to play beyond himself.

So, it is now on the team to adjust to this game plan. Coaching staff needs to corral MY and keep the team working on defense. This team can win some nice games but also lose some they should have won. They need to make some in season adjustments to how they are being defended.

Nice to see EC start looking confident and making some contributions. Tinsley is looking better as well.

We have two players able to creat their own shots (Evans & Yarborough). We have three players you can count on to put the ball in the bucket. I like what some of these other guys bring to the table...but if your 4th & 5Th starter are basketball challenged...this is an easy team to defend. This does fall on Muller. If you are going to recruit a 2/1...the player you are really going after better be what you thought he was. Pretty said that Hein has been the better player. DAVID has one more year left to make this recruiting strategy look like a good idea.

Not to mention, the big 3 can’t play 40 minutes, so sometimes we have 3-4 no ready for prime time D1 basketball players out there. Yet still, cough up a 14 point lead to SIUs 2nd string.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

I know every team does it, but it just seems we blow an inordinate amount of games....Northern Iowa, Wichita State, UCF, Wyoming, SIU...etc.

Tired of it!

I agree since muller has been our coach we have blown a lot of big leads. Not sure if it is coincidence or something with his style. Generally when we get out to big leads it’s because we are hot from 3 point range, when the other team figures it out, we don’t make necessary adjustments to win the game. Not exactly the case in this game, but some of the others mentioned it is.

:text-+1: I am very much pro-Muller but one area where I feel criticism is fair game and that he needs to improve upon and that is end of game coaching when the outcome of the game is on the line. I find myself perplexed at times by lack of time outs, plays out of time outs (or lack of), and personel management.

 

[gobirds85]

And the sun came up today, and thankfully it also came up for our Hawaiian friends. Just trying to keep things in perspective. Probably not working.

Yesterday's loss was incredibly frustrating. Good teams should not blow 14 pt leads with 8 minutes to go, home or away. Poor shot selection, slow defense and the lack of team chemistry have this team trending in the wrong direction. Now we hear that MY might be moving on to greener pastures. At what point do we take a look at our coach and ask, "what gives?" Love the upgraded scheduling, and have been impressed with incoming players but as we have seen over the past few years, the talent doesn't stick around. Who is to blame for this? If we cannot win the Valley this year, then when?

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Milik is not ready for the NBA yet. I think this is all rumour. He is already getting noticed but at a P5 he is just another forward. We see what happens when he buys in with what Muller is preaching. We see what happens when he doesn't. He needs to drop the ego and listen to coach. It worked well for Paris Lee.

 

[HT59]

:text-+1:

Something buried in all this is the loss of Coach Yak to Michigan. He's known for coaching defense. There was always going to be regression with Paris and Tony graduating and Deontae and Mikyle moving on, but Yak is enjoying rave reviews for the throttling Michigan just delivered at Sparty.

I have no idea how much credit (and also blame) you can assign a coach, but let's remember it's significant that Muller not only has a lot of players he's breaking into his system this year, but also a pair of coaches on his bench. I'm sure he won't use this as an excuse, but it can't be easy to carry over last year's expectations on D with so much turnover.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Milik is not ready for the NBA yet. I think this is all rumour. He is already getting noticed but at a P5 he is just another forward. We see what happens when he buys in with what Muller is preaching. We see what happens when he doesn't. He needs to drop the ego and listen to coach. It worked well for Paris Lee.

:text-+1: agree nowhere near NBAat this point.

 

[Sladerunningbear]

Something buried in all this is the loss of Coach Yak to Michigan. He's known for coaching defense. There was always going to be regression with Paris and Tony graduating and Deontae and Mikyle moving on, but Yak is enjoying rave reviews for the throttling Michigan just delivered at Sparty.

I have no idea how much credit (and also blame) you can assign a coach, but let's remember it's significant that Muller not only has a lot of players he's breaking into his system this year, but also a pair of coaches on his bench. I'm sure he won't use this as an excuse, but it can't be easy to carry over last year's expectations on D with so much turnover.

Maybe we shouldn’t trade 2 coaches for a weekend at South Haven.

 

[Bird Friend]

So I guess no matter who the coach of isu is and what kind of non conference schedule this team plays we should be supportive and not point out the flaws of this team? Is that what you are saying? Because, if a team plays an easy non conference schedule and can win games in the valley that’s the most important thing. Or, is it the team that plays a tough non conference and doesn’t bring it over to the valley season. I think it’s the natural reaction for people to be frustated for a team that can’t hold on to a double digit lead with 7 minutes left and get a little frustrated about the coaching. How do people need to be taking this loss?

Frustration is one thing. Hysteria is another.

No I think it was pretty on point and people are sick of your condescending attitude towards anyone that has as opinion anti Muller. Doesn’t mean we don’t want him as a coach but you need to welcome the world of sports now

And “people” are sick of the doom and gloom some on this board constantly express, as well as the “superiority” gloomers feel about their views. On point for some is missing the mark for others.

And we all need to realize that imperfect opinions will always have imperfect counter opinions. As I’ve said many times, if you express an opinion, you should expect someone to have a differing opinion, and that the person may be willing to express the disagreement.

It’s my opinion that expectations need to be tempered for this team. In line with this is that reactions to team performance also be tempered. The sky’s not falling, but I’ll agree that the clouds are dark and hanging low.

Those are my opinions. I will express them whether you agree with them or not.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Something buried in all this is the loss of Coach Yak to Michigan. He's known for coaching defense. There was always going to be regression with Paris and Tony graduating and Deontae and Mikyle moving on, but Yak is enjoying rave reviews for the throttling Michigan just delivered at Sparty.

I have no idea how much credit (and also blame) you can assign a coach, but let's remember it's significant that Muller not only has a lot of players he's breaking into his system this year, but also a pair of coaches on his bench. I'm sure he won't use this as an excuse, but it can't be easy to carry over last year's expectations on D with so much turnover.

Maybe we shouldn’t trade 2 coaches for a weekend at South Haven.

:text-+1: another fair criticism of Muller. What Muller did was certainly questionable and borderline grounds for dismissal at many companies...ie to have a leader of a specific area/unit recommend their employees for hire at a competing organization. Those assistant coaches were paid by and employees of ISU and not Muller. So if ISU basketball is suffering now because of it whose fault is it?

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Frustration is one thing. Hysteria is another.

No I think it was pretty on point and people are sick of your condescending attitude towards anyone that has as opinion anti Muller. Doesn’t mean we don’t want him as a coach but you need to welcome the world of sports now

And “people” are sick of the doom and gloom some on this board constantly express, as well as the “superiority” gloomers feel about their views. On point for some is missing the mark for others.

And we all need to realize that imperfect opinions will always have imperfect counter opinions. As I’ve said many times, if you express an opinion, you should expect someone to have a differing opinion, and that the person may be willing to express the disagreement.

It’s my opinion that expectations need to be tempered for this team. In line with this is that reactions to team performance also be tempered. The sky’s not falling, but I’ll agree that the clouds are dark and hanging low.

Those are my opinions. I will express them whether you agree with them or not.

My opinion is that there likely is no one that posters are more sick of than you ..aka Mr right.

 

[Bird Friend]

Something buried in all this is the loss of Coach Yak to Michigan. He's known for coaching defense. There was always going to be regression with Paris and Tony graduating and Deontae and Mikyle moving on, but Yak is enjoying rave reviews for the throttling Michigan just delivered at Sparty.

I have no idea how much credit (and also blame) you can assign a coach, but let's remember it's significant that Muller not only has a lot of players he's breaking into his system this year, but also a pair of coaches on his bench. I'm sure he won't use this as an excuse, but it can't be easy to carry over last year's expectations on D with so much turnover.

Maybe we shouldn’t trade 2 coaches for a weekend at South Haven.

:text-+1: another fair criticism of Muller. What Muller did was certainly questionable and borderline grounds for dismissal at many companies...ie to have a leader of a specific area/unit recommend their employees for hire at a competing organization. Those assistant coaches were paid by and employees of ISU and not Muller. So if ISU basketball is suffering now because of it whose fault is it?

This will throw me in the Muller’s Kool-Aid group, but wouldn’t you want to work for a boss who’s willing to help you grow in your career? Who identifies opportunities that will advance your development? Who’s willing to talk about your talents and sing your praises to others?

Dan recognized an opportunity for one of his guys to grow as a coach to make himself more competitive for future opportunities. In my opinion, that only helps Dan lure talented assistants to his side.

 

[Bird Friend]

No I think it was pretty on point and people are sick of your condescending attitude towards anyone that has as opinion anti Muller. Doesn’t mean we don’t want him as a coach but you need to welcome the world of sports now

And “people” are sick of the doom and gloom some on this board constantly express, as well as the “superiority” gloomers feel about their views. On point for some is missing the mark for others.

And we all need to realize that imperfect opinions will always have imperfect counter opinions. As I’ve said many times, if you express an opinion, you should expect someone to have a differing opinion, and that the person may be willing to express the disagreement.

It’s my opinion that expectations need to be tempered for this team. In line with this is that reactions to team performance also be tempered. The sky’s not falling, but I’ll agree that the clouds are dark and hanging low.

Those are my opinions. I will express them whether you agree with them or not.

My opinion is that there likely is no one that posters are more sick of than you ..aka Mr right.

At least your personal attack ended with the correct acknowledgement.

 

[birdballfan]

Maybe we shouldn’t trade 2 coaches for a weekend at South Haven.

:text-+1: another fair criticism of Muller. What Muller did was certainly questionable and borderline grounds for dismissal at many companies...ie to have a leader of a specific area/unit recommend their employees for hire at a competing organization. Those assistant coaches were paid by and employees of ISU and not Muller. So if ISU basketball is suffering now because of it whose fault is it?

This will throw me in the Muller’s Kool-Aid group, but wouldn’t you want to work for a boss who’s willing to help you grow in your career? Who identifies opportunities that will advance your development? Who’s willing to talk about your talents and sing your praises to others?

Dan recognized an opportunity for one of his guys to grow as a coach to make himself more competitive for future opportunities. In my opinion, that only helps Dan lure talented assistants to his side.

I would much rather work for Dan who has my best interest at heart than chibird who only has his!!!

 

[Baltimore Bird]

I loved what I saw from Clarence yesterday. He showed some of his potential. He can create a shot, drive to the basket and is big/strong enough to help in a lot of areas. It seemed like he was out of the game for multiple minutes starting at about the 8 minute mark of the 2nd half when we blew the game. IMO, for this team to have any chance to be decent, Clarence and Tinsley have to play lots of minutes. Now is the time for that to happen. I just want us to finish in the top 6 of the MVC. Those are very low expectations, but in this year's MVC, we can beat anyone and that is all we need.

 

[DWRedbird]

Maybe we shouldn’t trade 2 coaches for a weekend at South Haven.

:text-+1: another fair criticism of Muller. What Muller did was certainly questionable and borderline grounds for dismissal at many companies...ie to have a leader of a specific area/unit recommend their employees for hire at a competing organization. Those assistant coaches were paid by and employees of ISU and not Muller. So if ISU basketball is suffering now because of it whose fault is it?

This will throw me in the Muller’s Kool-Aid group, but wouldn’t you want to work for a boss who’s willing to help you grow in your career? Who identifies opportunities that will advance your development? Who’s willing to talk about your talents and sing your praises to others?

Dan recognized an opportunity for one of his guys to grow as a coach to make himself more competitive for future opportunities. In my opinion, that only helps Dan lure talented assistants to his side.

I agree whole heartedly with this. If I'm a good assistant coach looking for a place to go, I want someone who has my best interest at heart. I honestly see no problem with what he did.

 

[CaliRdBrd]

Something buried in all this is the loss of Coach Yak to Michigan. He's known for coaching defense. There was always going to be regression with Paris and Tony graduating and Deontae and Mikyle moving on, but Yak is enjoying rave reviews for the throttling Michigan just delivered at Sparty.

I have no idea how much credit (and also blame) you can assign a coach, but let's remember it's significant that Muller not only has a lot of players he's breaking into his system this year, but also a pair of coaches on his bench. I'm sure he won't use this as an excuse, but it can't be easy to carry over last year's expectations on D with so much turnover.

Good point on Coach Yak and I do think we over look this

This is correct. As a Michigan fan I follow their boards and social media bloggers. Yak is getting all sorts of praise for their defense. I’ll see if I can find the stat, but their defensive rankings to date are higher then they have ever been by a Beilein coached team.

I've never played at a level high enough to understand the intricacies of coaching different defensive schemes and their potential effect on the opponent, but is it really rocket science? To me, it's always been more about attitude and getting players to "buy in". Am I wrong?

 

[CaliRdBrd]

Milik is not ready for the NBA yet. I think this is all rumour. He is already getting noticed but at a P5 he is just another forward. We see what happens when he buys in with what Muller is preaching. We see what happens when he doesn't. He needs to drop the ego and listen to coach. It worked well for Paris Lee.

I think most agree, but those in his ear are telling him differently...guaranteed. And, it's what those people are saying that will affect any decision he makes.

 

[V Boy]

With Wichita gone none of this matters this year. Valley is a one bid league.

Let’s all hope Clarance gets tons of reps. Evans heals up. And Malik starts playing on the wing where he belongs....by mid-Feb.

The team has a month to start figuring things out. Need to get into a groove last two weeks before Arch.

 

[Hamdonger]

Frustration is one thing. Hysteria is another.

No I think it was pretty on point and people are sick of your condescending attitude towards anyone that has as opinion anti Muller. Doesn’t mean we don’t want him as a coach but you need to welcome the world of sports now

He is welcoming it. There is as many people inside Redbird Arena that is on this board. Quinn does a very good job of running this board.

I appreciate Bird Friend's support of ISU athletics. He's not condescending. He loves ISU and... just stating his opinion. Like the rest of us. Keep talking em up, BF...even when I disagree with ya.

Next, "inside Redbird Arena"...not sure what you mean. If you mean fans who are attending games, yeah ok. If you're saying people who work in or around ISU athletics...that's an absolute bs statement, man.

3rd...I certainly agree with you on Quinn.

Roller coaster year, folks. I'll judge us on a full roster with some games under our belt. As for right now, we'll win some big ones and lose some big ones. Not happy about it, but won't lose my mind over it.

 

[MadBird]

Count me among those who think Coach Dan's "concern" for his assistants' advancement borders on professional malpractice. He's supposed to have the interests of the ISU program and players at heart, at least FIRST, not the personal and professional interests of his assistants. He should be trying to keep good assistants here, not shipping them out. Again, like everything here, just my opinion, doesn't make me any more right or wrong that any of the other geniuses who post here, except I know that and don't think anyone who disagrees with me is a doofus.

Also agree with the opinion voiced earlier, forget who it was, that the revolving door is a drag on this program. It's explained away by many of the posters here, but as much evidence as there is that some of the guys who've bailed are foul balls, they were "invited" here by Coach Dan. So he's either picking too many foul balls (many of you say we have to take "risks", I don't buy that either) or turns red-a$$ on them after they get here. One close look at Yarbrough on the bench yesterday and that look in his eyes wasn't saying, geez thanks again coach for helping me out. Well, maybe OUT out, but not helping me.

Nice to see Clarance show some stuff yesterday. I've said many times we expect too much from our young guys too early, and even tho he was hyped, Clarance had to sit out instead of working into the rotation this fall. Hopefully it continues.

I have no problem with Hein or Gassman getting some PT, 10 minutes per game would be "better" than 20. Would be nice to be able to send them in when match-ups were more favorable than having to start or play in the first 8. But I won't criticize either one, they're playing their butts off.

And I don't really dislike Coach Dan, I think many here overhype him. But his record is decent, even tho I would say his teams, over the whole 5+ seasons, have looked pretty lame at times. Wish he put a more consistent product on the court tho, game in and game out.