vs UNI - 2/15/22 7 pm - ESPN+

[stielowp]

Those were 2011 models in the video

The downfall started when Dan got that damn truck and the O'Brien guy kept saying "Go get a W!". While I am at it, here are a few other things I don't care for at RBA (these are really not important, I am just venting)

-- Crowd pumping girl. I think her voice is annoying and she can't dance just jumps around.
-- Get new cards for the pizza boxes. It is either 3, 4, or 7. (also girl is a terrible gameshow host)
-- Reggie's Rollercoaster. He just spins around now, it isn't a realistic roller coaster affect
-- Does the band ever play anymore? (other than the school fight song)
-- Concession options are very poor (I understand it is COVID related and small crowds)
-- The R-E-D-B-I-R-D-S flags are looking old. Some of the cheerleaders can't hold up the flags or wave them.
-- I miss the Tubas for "the Horse" song. We haven't been to the NCAA since we had the Flaming Tubas!! Coincidence?

 

[LoudMello]

As a former pep band member, I agree with your comment about "Does the band ever play anymore?" That started back when I was a junior in 2007. More in-game promotions and advertisements, and then even some timeouts where there isn't one they just play the same 15 songs on a loop instead of letting the pep band play. It's the team that runs the event that makes the call for what happens in each timeout (the pep band director has a radio) and they simply aren't allowed to play anywhere near as much as they used to. In my opinion it really ruins the college basketball atmosphere. It really sucks for the band members, too. Makes the games more like an obligation than a fun time.

Compare it to how involved the band is during football games where they play in between downs sometimes even!

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

And if Dan had called that same play, you'd have been up in arms. Please. Strong was way off all night.

Why are you so obsessed w Dan? Nowhere in my post did I give credit to a coach. But it’s hard to pass up a wide open shot for your 2nd best player, regardless of the night he’s had. Reeves got a chance at the end and it turned out worse than strong

 

[DaveBird10]

The downfall started when Dan got that damn truck and the O'Brien guy kept saying "Go get a W!". While I am at it, here are a few other things I don't care for at RBA (these are really not important, I am just venting)

-- Crowd pumping girl. I think her voice is annoying and she can't dance just jumps around.
-- Get new cards for the pizza boxes. It is either 3, 4, or 7. (also girl is a terrible gameshow host)
-- Reggie's Rollercoaster. He just spins around now, it isn't a realistic roller coaster affect
-- Does the band ever play anymore? (other than the school fight song)
-- Concession options are very poor (I understand it is COVID related and small crowds)
-- The R-E-D-B-I-R-D-S flags are looking old. Some of the cheerleaders can't hold up the flags or wave them.
-- I miss the Tubas for "the Horse" song. We haven't been to the NCAA since we had the Flaming Tubas!! Coincidence?

-The girl doesn't bother me she is what she is.
- The Flags are looking old and need to be replaced.
- Flaming Tubas, yes bring them back.
- Concessions, I miss the lady with the sausage, brats and hot dogs. After that its bland and not paying $10 for pop and popcorn.

Game thoughts.
- Strong has struggled with his shot the last few weeks. If this team is gonna win any, need him making shots.
-Was nice to see Fleming and Lewis have good games. They both have been struggling.
- Last shot was fine even the Strong has been struggling. Other then Reeves, Strong is the guy I want shooting.
- Rebounding has been better for the Birds as of late but fact remains, this team is still what it is. They turn it over too much in crucial situations and foul too much. Not a smart team.
- Was nice to see Andrews and Malcolm Miller get playing time. I thought both handled themselves very well in limited time.

Thoughts from last night.
-It was nice to get back to Redbird and get the last few days over with and move on. I am excited for what ISU can be. They have pieces but with a coaching change and fresh eyes transfers and recruits can really help this team.
- I love what Abdou said in his post game, coach Jones comments were simple. Play for the Jersey, for the Redbirds on the front, for the fans, for the University. These are smart guys who have played hard all season and I don't look for that to stop.
-I really missed the "Welcome To Normal". I get it has the layup that Dan made in the NCAA tournament but imo you can edit that play out for a few years and put another play in. I love seeing the shots of McCormick, Horton, Collins, Rick Whitlow, Jepson's shot. That video just gives me chills. I hope they bring it back.

 

[BirdsEyeView]

The phantom foul call (reaching in on Carter) late when we were up 1 was huge. Obviously, nobody touched him and it would have been a turnover and our ball up 1. Instead, he makes two free throws and we are now losing by 1. Big turning point late in the game.

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

The downfall started when Dan got that damn truck and the O'Brien guy kept saying "Go get a W!". While I am at it, here are a few other things I don't care for at RBA (these are really not important, I am just venting)

-- Crowd pumping girl. I think her voice is annoying and she can't dance just jumps around.
-- Get new cards for the pizza boxes. It is either 3, 4, or 7. (also girl is a terrible gameshow host)
-- Reggie's Rollercoaster. He just spins around now, it isn't a realistic roller coaster affect
-- Does the band ever play anymore? (other than the school fight song)
-- Concession options are very poor (I understand it is COVID related and small crowds)
-- The R-E-D-B-I-R-D-S flags are looking old. Some of the cheerleaders can't hold up the flags or wave them.
-- I miss the Tubas for "the Horse" song. We haven't been to the NCAA since we had the Flaming Tubas!! Coincidence?

-I don't mind the girl. I think she is there to get the students going more than the rest of us.
-I do miss the band playing as much as they used to. In fact I wish we would double the size and let them get after it. I always loved the Wichita band at arch madness.
-We need to get a better intro song. Something to get the crowd going so we can be the sixth man for the team. I can't remember the last time we had a solid intro.
-Concessions need to be revamped. If we are going to serve beer then serve beer. I hate how it's just mobile coolers. The food is ummm the food is terrible. Wouldn't mind seeing a remodel of the concourse. Would be nice to have a bar there for people to congregate at before the game.
-I would like to see the video ribbon finished. How can I donate money for that purpose?

 

[DaveBird10]

The phantom foul call (reaching in on Carter) late when we were up 1 was huge. Obviously, nobody touched him and it would have been a turnover and our ball up 1. Instead, he makes two free throws and we are now losing by 1. Big turning point late in the game.

I would like to have that 3 on 1 fast break back when Tone threw the lob for Liam but ultimately hit the rim. In close games plays like that are costly.

 

[isuquinndog]

Flaming tubas should come back. Putting Tuba players up on peoples shoulders should not come back. And won't ever. I don't know if Kristen ever recovered from that.

 

[Redbird28]

-I really missed the "Welcome To Normal". I get it has the layup that Dan made in the NCAA tournament but imo you can edit that play out for a few years and put another play in. I love seeing the shots of McCormick, Horton, Collins, Rick Whitlow, Jepson's shot. That video just gives me chills. I hope they bring it back.

You shouldn't edit out one of the biggest shots in program history just because we let the coach go.

Agree that the Flaming Tubas should come back.

Also, what happened to the County Market Dash to the top of the Arena for a Student to buy 100$ or so of groceries? That always got everyone fired up. I'd bring that back with whatever grocery store wanted to sponsor it.

 

[DaveBird10]

You shouldn't edit out one of the biggest shots in program history just because we let the coach go.

Agree that the Flaming Tubas should come back.

Also, what happened to the County Market Dash to the top of the Arena for a Student to buy 100$ or so of groceries? That always got everyone fired up. I'd bring that back with whatever grocery store wanted to sponsor it.

I would agree with not editing it, just trying to figure out why it wasn't played. Play it and be fine and proud of it, don't edit or not play it bc Dan isn't here anymore. Although I would add PLee reverse layup vs Wichita State in 2017. That play was awesome.

 

[stielowp]

I definitely noticed that we attempted to run a lot more set plays last night. In fact, a few times our guys looked lost, especially Ndiaye and Andrews. I always thought that was a weakness of Dan's coaching. We never run any in-bounds plays under the basket either. I understand that Dan wanted to give guys freedom and he wanted to put them in position to make plays, but sometimes when you need a bucket to stop a drought (which we often had) it would be nice to run Reeves through some screens for a shot. That would also help eliminate those painful shot attempts at the end of games by guys that honestly shouldn't be shooting anything but layups in the last 5 minutes (i.e. Ndiaye 3's, Chatman 3's, Lewis 3's, heck anybody but Strong and Reeves in the last 5 minutes.) I really thought Dan would have been good at setting plays. That was one of Stallings' strengths and Dan often benefited from it. Whether it was a baseline lob pass to Dan for a dunk, or I vaguely remember Dan getting a shot at the top of the key to start every game in the 1998 Arch Madness Tourney (which we never trailed in any game for a second). All good teams run set plays at key times. You could tell we must have some, but it looked like they are not practiced much.

I also think we are a much better team without Freeman on the floor. He is a defensive liability against most teams in the Valley and he kills our half court offense. He is only valuable in high tempo games and possibly at the end to make free throws to protect a lead (which we didn't have very much). I am a little disappointed in Fleming this year. I really thought he would progress more. I thought last year he was able to make more plays within our offense (i.e. get the ball inside, or swing it around to the shooters). He still is a weak shooter and I don't think he uses his strengths very well. Last night on a couple of occasions he posted up a smaller guard and was successful. He also missed opportunities to make the extra pass to a shooter and was late. He always seems to get in foul trouble with some touch fouls. He should be one of our best defensive players, ball handlers, and a potential match up problem on offense, but it seems like it is hit or miss with him.

 

[stielowp]

As a former pep band member, I agree with your comment about "Does the band ever play anymore?" That started back when I was a junior in 2007. More in-game promotions and advertisements, and then even some timeouts where there isn't one they just play the same 15 songs on a loop instead of letting the pep band play. It's the team that runs the event that makes the call for what happens in each timeout (the pep band director has a radio) and they simply aren't allowed to play anywhere near as much as they used to. In my opinion it really ruins the college basketball atmosphere. It really sucks for the band members, too. Makes the games more like an obligation than a fun time.

Compare it to how involved the band is during football games where they play in between downs sometimes even!

I miss the classics like the "Hey Song" and "Carry on Wayward Son" or even "Sweet Caroline". I understand the need for the promotional stuff and some of it is enjoyable too. I would like to see a compromise. Band plays for the set media timeouts, the promotions for the coaches timeouts or vise versa. I loved the atmosphere at Arch Madness with the bands and their student sections. SMS Bear Hair and the song where they held the note at the end. I will admit that the UNI fight song would get in my head and I would lose sleep. The "I love B-Jays" shirts of Creighton. Bradley's band always sucked!!

 

[jamminjamarsmiley]

Flaming tubas should come back. Putting Tuba players up on peoples shoulders should not come back. And won't ever. I don't know if Kristen ever recovered from that.


I remember the flaming tubas well. Was that unique to ISU? Any other schools do it. I agree bring them back!

 

[Bird Friend]

The defense was bad again! We gave up too many easy buckets in the paint! Heck, I would rather have up the 30 ft three than the two foot shot-layup!

Agree on the D, though they did tighten up on Green. But that left the paint open.

 

[Bird Friend]

You shouldn't edit out one of the biggest shots in program history just because we let the coach go.

Agree that the Flaming Tubas should come back.

Also, what happened to the County Market Dash to the top of the Arena for a Student to buy 100$ or so of groceries? That always got everyone fired up. I'd bring that back with whatever grocery store wanted to sponsor it.

I think their insurance company strongly suggested having someone run up the steps, especially on the concrete steps, was a huge liability issue should one the contestants fall and get hurt. Having spent 32 years in the insurance business, I can confirm that “insurance” can take the fun out of life. Of corse you can also blame liability litigation attorneys.

 

[Adunk33]

I like the way Jones delegated. Not sure if Muller did something similar but he mentioned the he focused on offense, Belcher focused on defense and Johnson had the scout. Seems like an effective and efficient way to work. It was kind of cool during time outs to see all of the coaches interacting with each other and the players. It seemed real dialogue was had and decisions were made versus Jones having his mind made up and going with it regardless.

Thanks for those sharing what it used to be like at RBA. It's the little things you forget. I totally had forgotten about the brat/sausage cart. That was such a distinct smell right when you step into the area. I ate one every game at RBA for a couple years.

Overall, I do agree. Gameday experience needs some work. More band, and more engaging promos would help a lot. I'm sure it's covid related but get some little kids on the court competing for a $25 Hyvee giftcard or something. Help them make lifelong memories. In the early-mid 2000s and before, they used to have kids sit by the basket and help wipe up sweat. Bring that back too. These things will help overall fan engagement. Just one last complaint and I'll get off the soap box - I hate that fans do not stand until the first basket is scored. Most that stand sit right after tip off, others don't even stand for lineups. I know its been a couple years since fans have had something to cheer for but, we gotta be better with our support. Hopefully the new HC will bring a lot of energy to BN.

 

[Matt Hein Fan]

I noticed they started to phase out the crowd pumping girl throughout this season (as they should have sooner) probably based on some sort of fan feedback.

Agree with the other poster regarding the beer, sell it at the actual concessions and not just have one vendor in the entire arena. They may have two, but it feels like an eternity walking around to find one.

 

[Redbird222]

You shouldn't edit out one of the biggest shots in program history just because we let the coach go.

Agree that the Flaming Tubas should come back.

Also, what happened to the County Market Dash to the top of the Arena for a Student to buy 100$ or so of groceries? That always got everyone fired up. I'd bring that back with whatever grocery store wanted to sponsor it.

They don't want to bring attention to the upperdeck these days?

 

[dpdoughbird06]

I like the way Jones delegated. Not sure if Muller did something similar but he mentioned the he focused on offense, Belcher focused on defense and Johnson had the scout. Seems like an effective and efficient way to work. It was kind of cool during time outs to see all of the coaches interacting with each other and the players. It seemed real dialogue was had and decisions were made versus Jones having his mind made up and going with it regardless.

Thanks for those sharing what it used to be like at RBA. It's the little things you forget. I totally had forgotten about the brat/sausage cart. That was such a distinct smell right when you step into the area. I ate one every game at RBA for a couple years.

Overall, I do agree. Gameday experience needs some work. More band, and more engaging promos would help a lot. I'm sure it's covid related but get some little kids on the court competing for a $25 Hyvee giftcard or something. Help them make lifelong memories. In the early-mid 2000s and before, they used to have kids sit by the basket and help wipe up sweat. Bring that back too. These things will help overall fan engagement. Just one last complaint and I'll get off the soap box - I hate that fans do not stand until the first basket is scored. Most that stand sit right after tip off, others don't even stand for lineups. I know its been a couple years since fans have had something to cheer for but, we gotta be better with our support. Hopefully the new HC will bring a lot of energy to BN.

I used to be able to smell my way to my seats in TT - right above the sausage stand!

Or I could use purple-clad (Farmington Farmers attire) Redbird Recon as a homing beacon when we were playing UNI…

 

[Redbirdfan06]

And if Dan had called that same play, you'd have been up in arms. Please. Strong was way off all night.

Maybe it’s because no one had any expectations for Jones being able to design a play to get a wide open shot. You have to admit, you have been pretty vocal about the crappy offensive coordinator we hired 3 years ago.

But Jones ran two plays down the stretch that got wide open looks. The first to McChesney out of a timeout and the Strong miss.

It sure beats the Reeves going one on four and either forcing something up or passing to a teammate who isn’t prepared to shoot last few seconds play.