vs UIC (1-11) - Wednesday, 2/7/2024 - 7 pm - ESPN+/Marquee Network

[SgtHulka]

 

[Bird Friend]

The exclamation point on the comedy of errors came in the final 0:02 when Lewis fouls out and we are down three). Only chance is hoping Flames miss the first of one-and-one and we are able to get off an improbable three. Somehow, the coaches decided to substitute in Sissoko for Lewis. Before the free throw attempt, someone on the coaching staff realized, given the situation, Pence made more sense ...

I just assumed Sissoko was our best full-court shooter . . .

 

[DWRedbird]

There should be no extension for anyone who doesn't get us dancing. His clock is ticking.

No I agree. I'd say his seat is warm after this year, if we are in this position again next year, I don't see how he gets the final of year of his contract.

 

[Dmills]

Relationship Hire GLT

This article reminded me of some of what made my "Spidey Sense" tingle about "community cliches" ..but in fairness , I also get maybe it's a 5-year thing. Maybe JK and Chase those leaders you build on he talks about. But this is getting REALLY tough. I'm trying to be realistic.

I think I'm pretty on the record of where I stand regarding pessimism with Coach, so this is not Pedon apologist drivel, don't be mistaken.

Is Jacobson really making 900k? Now he does have 2 regular season titles since 2016, but 128-112 since their last tournament appearance is not exactly killing it. Has had a winning record just twice in the last 7 seasons not counting this year.

 

[TBS_20]

I'm alright with Pedon for another year but I dont want to lose out on McCullom (DII) or McMillen (Samford).

 

[MadBird]

I'm alright with Pedon for another year but I dont want to lose out on McCullom (DII) or McMillen (Samford).

Brief detour for this thread - I spose it's been detoured a bit already - but McCollum makes me think a little of Eric Bienemy, the former Chiefs and Commanders OC, who can't get or won't take a HC job. What is McCollum looking for? Or what is his problem - attitude, personalilty, etc.? Seems like he's had some chances but come up short. His record speaks for itself. Or just being very selective?

Ben McCollum could be a big catch in UWGB men's basketball coaching search

Ben McCollum has led the Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team to four NCAA Division II titles since 2017.

www.greenbaypressgazette.com

Multiple candidates reportedly turn down men’s basketball coaching job

Three candidates have turned down the UB men’s basketball head coaching job, according to reports from The Buffalo News and WIVB.

www.ubspectrum.com

 

[CaliRdBrd]

If this doesn't convince everyone that Redbird basketball is flat out terrible and is light years from being competitive, nothing will. A total embarrassment of a once proud mens basketball program. But, hey, we got that MVC all sports trophy going for us.

I know naming a permanent University President and a permanent A.D. does not equate to success but it sure as hell gives some stability. What in the world is wrong with the University that I was once so proud to call my alma mater? Get a president named and get a permanent A.D. But, this is exact kind of sh*t that ISU does. It's why we suck.

Other “once proud” programs that are now completely irrelevant…

Fordham football
Univ of Chicago football
DePaul basketball
St John’s basketball
Redbird basketball
St Mary football

That said, at least we’re not Dartmouth (last trip to the NCAA in 1959).
Getting there though…

 

[CaliRdBrd]

This right here. Pedon is a great guy and doing lots for the program in trying to drum up interests. Problem is, is year 2 we are now going backwards and not getting better. Interests will be there and people will show if you have a fun and basketball and win. Chase and Ty played 6 minutes and 4 minutes last night. Poindexter and Kasubke played 30 minutes and 19 minutes. Freshman won't get better or confidence if you don't continue to give them major minutes.

Is it possible JK and Walker aren’t getting the minutes because Pedon wants to keep them as a secret to build upon for next year?
I mean, if they’re getting the minutes they should be getting, then they’re likely to get more exposure and will be playing for a P5 next season. If that happens, Pedon has zero to build on.
Best to keep them healthy, hide their potential from the P5 schools, and pray the rest of the roster is replaced next season.

 

[Redbird222]

Is it possible JK and Walker aren’t getting the minutes because Pedon wants to keep them as a secret to build upon for next year?
I mean, if they’re getting the minutes they should be getting, then they’re likely to get more exposure and will be playing for a P5 next season. If that happens, Pedon has zero to build on.
Best to keep them healthy, hide their potential from the P5 schools, and pray the rest of the roster is replaced next season.

I don't think he is trying to hide them.

Johnny has averages 21.3 minutes per game for the season and the last 6 games are

Missouri St - 27
Belmont - 32
Evansville - 26
Murray St- 24
Bradley - 27
UIC - 36 (started)

Plently of minutes and exposure for him. He is further along especially defensively than Pence and Walker.

I think you have a valid concern about Walker's playing time since the redshirt was lifted .... 8.3 minutes over the 9 games. He played 12 minutes in the Bradley and Murray St games.

I think it's more a trust issue than anything. JK has earned Pedons trust, Chase is earning it, and I don't think Pedon has appropriate confidence in Pence at this moment. Just my speculation

 

[Dmills]

I don't think he is trying to hide them.

Johnny has averages 21.3 minutes per game for the season and the last 6 games are

Missouri St - 27
Belmont - 32
Evansville - 26
Murray St- 24
Bradley - 27
UIC - 36 (started)

Plently of minutes and exposure for him. He is further along especially defensively than Pence and Walker.

I think you have a valid concern about Walker's playing time since the redshirt was lifted .... 8.3 minutes over the 9 games. He played 12 minutes in the Bradley and Murray St games.

I think it's more a trust issue than anything. JK has earned Pedons trust, Chase is earning it, and I don't think Pedon has appropriate confidence in Pence at this moment. Just my speculation

Speaking of defense, Johnny's defense is really good for a 5'11" freshman. He is constantly in position and moves his feet well. It sucks that his height can make him a liability at time despite the effort and good fundamentals. Coaching staff needs to adjust and not switch every screen... they don't seem like they want to. Could also use some better help defense.

I distinctively remember Muller's last year that we would get burned on defense and then make incredible recovery plays. However, we had the athleticism and height to be in position to help (or recover) and block shots. Lewis, McChesney, Ndiaye, Chatman is who comes to mind in that regard. Sometimes we had 3 guys going for a block which left the boards open. I guess that is the trade off. Still think we could do a significantly better job helping Johnny in the paint.

Looking at the stats we had 4.7 BPG in 2021-22 compared to 2.1 BPG this year. Rebounding margin +.4 per game in 2021-22 compared to +1.5 per game this year. Lewis had 32 blocks compared to only 8 so far this year.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

Speaking of defense, Johnny's defense is really good for a 5'11" freshman. He is constantly in position and moves his feet well. It sucks that his height can make him a liability at time despite the effort and good fundamentals. Coaching staff needs to adjust and not switch every screen... they don't seem like they want to. Could also use some better help defense.

I distinctively remember Muller's last year that we would get burned on defense and then make incredible recovery plays. However, we had the athleticism and height to be in position to help (or recover) and block shots. Lewis, McChesney, Ndiaye, Chatman is who comes to mind in that regard. Sometimes we had 3 guys going for a block which left the boards open. I guess that is the trade off. Still think we could do a significantly better job helping Johnny in the paint.

Looking at the stats we had 4.7 BPG in 2021-22 compared to 2.1 BPG this year. Rebounding margin +.4 per game in 2021-22 compared to +1.5 per game this year. Lewis had 32 blocks compared to only 8 so far this year.

The big issue on switches resides with JK (and all our guards) himself. he has to get physical and be able to body his man up and ultimately force himself over the top of the screen. He doesn’t get over the top then a switch is likely to happen especially if he is guarding a good shooter. Being physically small AND an 18 /19 year old guarding bigger/older players is tough situation. Hopefully he will be much better as he matures and gains weight/strength. To call JK a really good defender seems odd to me. As of now I personally see him as a bit of a liability on the defensive end. I will give him top marks for his defensive hustle/effort/energy.

 

[Dmills]

The big issue on switches resides with JK (and all our guards) himself. he has to get physical and be able to body his man up and ultimately force himself over the top of the screen. He doesn’t get over the top then a switch is likely to happen especially if he is guarding a good shooter. Being physically small AND an 18 /19 year old guarding bigger/older players is tough situation. Hopefully he will be much better as he matures and gains weight/strength. To call JK a really good defender seems odd to me. As of now I personally see him as a bit of a liability on the defensive end. I will give him top marks for his defensive hustle/effort/energy.

Speaking of defense, Johnny's defense is really good for a 5'11" freshman. He is constantly in position and moves his feet well. It sucks that his height can make him a liability at times despite the effort and good fundamentals. Coaching staff needs to adjust and not switch every screen... they don't seem like they want to. Could also use some better help defense.

It only seems odd if you strip the context of what I said. He is absolutely a good defender for his size and age. He has a high basketball IQ, stays in front, moves his feet, and uses his body. He is also one of our quickest help side defenders. His hands are active and he gets tie ups with much bigger players. I wouldn't be surprised if he leads the team in charges. He's 3rd on the team in steals. Heck, he's 5th on the team in blocks... at 5'11".

Are you really saying the issue on switches is Johnny's fault? I'm pretty sure Johnny isn't voluntarily opting to switch onto 7 footers. If it is due to lack of effort or basketball IQ, I'd hope the coaches would correct that. They haven't because that's how they want to play. If he is getting backed down in the post by a 6'4" guard, someone should be coming over to help. He is not being set up to succeed defensively, yet holds his own.

As I said, Johnny's defense is really good for a 5'11" freshman. My point was relative (for a 5'11" freshman) and you're treating it like it was an absolute.

 

[The Beak]

It only seems odd if you strip the context of what I said. He is absolutely a good defender for his size and age. He has a high basketball IQ, stays in front, moves his feet, and uses his body. He is also one of our quickest help side defenders. His hands are active and he gets tie ups with much bigger players. I wouldn't be surprised if he leads the team in charges. He's 3rd on the team in steals. Heck, he's 5th on the team in blocks... at 5'11".

Are you really saying the issue on switches is Johnny's fault? I'm pretty sure Johnny isn't voluntarily opting to switch onto 7 footers. If it is due to lack of effort or basketball IQ, I'd hope the coaches would correct that. They haven't because that's how they want to play. If he is getting backed down in the post by a 6'4" guard, someone should be coming over to help. He is not being set up to succeed defensively, yet holds his own.

As I said, Johnny's defense is really good for a 5'11" freshman. My point was relative (for a 5'11" freshman) and you're treating it like it was an absolute.

Lewis has his moments, but JK and Davis are our best and smartest defenders.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

The one thing I would about JK’s height is that he appears to be a really short 5’11”.

I love having JK on the team. I think he will have a career here where he will be a crowd favorite. From everything I heard about camp, the kids really liked him. I am wondering if P5 teams will hold off on trying to poach him because of his size.

 

[WoodlandWarrior]

The one thing I would about JK’s height is that he appears to be a really short 5’11”.

I love having JK on the team. I think he will have a career here where he will be a crowd favorite. From everything I heard about camp, the kids really liked him. I am wondering if P5 teams will hold off on trying to poach him because of his size.

I hope he stays and we ultimately get his brother in the portal.

 

[SlackBooDom]

We're 5-8 in the MVC and have one "5'11" freshman who has scored in double figures twice since Christmas and another who has scored 0 more times than double digits and we think we're hiding them from Power 5 schools? We're losing games, but have two P5 players on the bench? Wouldn't that be a good reason to fire a coach who is losing on purpose? This makes no sense.

 

[Aggie]

No I agree. I'd say his seat is warm after this year, if we are in this position again next year, I don't see how he gets the final of year of his contract.

Good chance we finish lower in the standings than last year, how much is the buyout???

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

if you are saying that the definition of a " 5'11 frosh being a good defender" includes currently being a bit of a liability due to size and age then we are saying the same thing. jk does a lot of things the right way indeed and brings excellent energy but there are currently many limitations too. how do you feel jk will do guarding siu johnson one v one? do you believe if jk starts he will get that defensive assignment as point guard vs point guard? i too like jk and i am a fan but i do believe he is a target on the defensive end.

if jk or any guard does not get over/thru the screen then what are our bigs suppose to do?..... not switch/stay home and let the guard whose man was picked roam free for an open shot or pass?

 

[dpdoughbird06]

I don't think he is trying to hide them.

Johnny has averages 21.3 minutes per game for the season and the last 6 games are

Missouri St - 27
Belmont - 32
Evansville - 26
Murray St- 24
Bradley - 27
UIC - 36 (started)

Plently of minutes and exposure for him. He is further along especially defensively than Pence and Walker.

I think you have a valid concern about Walker's playing time since the redshirt was lifted .... 8.3 minutes over the 9 games. He played 12 minutes in the Bradley and Murray St games.

I think it's more a trust issue than anything. JK has earned Pedons trust, Chase is earning it, and I don't think Pedon has appropriate confidence in Pence at this moment. Just my speculation

Chase was dealing with injuries to start the year and had a longer way to go in getting his body conditioned for to sustain the Valley pace of play. I think he probably gets put out there enough to get exposure but is watched closely for signs of fatigue.

He’s also had games - more often at home, for whatever reason - where he seems lost or slow. But then he’ll have a dominant stretch in another game where you can project him as a future stud.

To quote one of my favorite Dazed and Confused lines: “It’s quality not quantity.”

 

[DaveBird10]

Good chance we finish lower in the standings than last year, how much is the buyout???

3 years left on Pedon deal, still paying Muller and an interm A.D. that buyout right now is a far cry. Seat will get hot next year but Pedon has 2 more years at least.