Comments on: The Morning After: Xavier

By: MikeyD

MikeyD — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:21:27 +0000

No disrespect to Taber, but I feel Mike White would have been a serious contributor this season. Anybody ever see any press release or quotes as to why he was red-shirted? I think having him and AJ in the rotation would make a big difference. Both (especially MW) played with more heart and vigor than most on this team. We could easily have had a 10 man rotation. With as much talent that is in that mix, we could have flat worn out other teams every night.

By: Big A

Big A — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:43:09 +0000

Maybe I’m mistaken, but isn’t Mitch Richmond like 6′5″?

By: kelin

kelin — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:17:35 +0000

Jude….Allen Iverson 6ft 2 guard
Mitch Richmond 6′2 2 guard
Brandon Roy 6′3 2 guard (ROY of the year by the way)

By: Steve O

Steve O — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:19:24 +0000

Hey Jude:

Way to sidestep your comments about Gordon being “undersized for his position.” I’d like to know what you think the right size for a 2 guard would be. Think before you answer… Remember, one of the best players in the world, a guy by the name of Dwayne Wade, is a megar 6′4 215. And I’m pretty sure he looks bigger than most NBA shooting guards. Oh wait, isn’t Gordon 6′4 215? What a coinsidence!!!! And last I checked Gordon is also like 3rd in the country in scoring and shooting well over 50%. STOP HATING!

Go root for Purdue. IU doesn’t need you negativity.

By: plane1972

plane1972 — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:12:57 +0000

I feel the inside-out game will come. That argument is a bit of a double-edged sword. The early games, while relatively quiet for DJ, have gotten the freshmen very involved and given them a taste of the college game (albeit, vs. some lessor talent until So. Ill. and Xavier).

I’m not as disappointed about this loss as I could be because Xavier is a quality team that we could have beaten with a little more season under our belts, but a tournament-quality team. This loss is a big wake-up call for the players, coaches, and some of us over-exhuberant fans.

By: Moose

Moose — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:55:12 +0000

Thanks to all for an intelligent discussion. My 2 cents is really to build on the direction that Eric and PMK have taken . . .

I was as disturbed as everyone else at the lack of an offense, and agree that we really need some additional options at the “4.” What was driving me crazy, though, is that down the stretch Sampson was playing Ellis at the 4, with Stemler and Thomas on the bench. Our interior defense was getting absolutely crushed – and we refused to deviate from a 4 guard lineup. I know that neither Thomas nor Stemler are a panacea, but they could hardly have done any worse than the undersized folks we had in there.

By: kelin

kelin — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:42:46 +0000

I am now wondering if red shirting mike white is a good idea. I am going to assume it was more than a basketball decision and maybe giving the kid more time to graduate…nevertheless. I won’t throw in the towl on DT or Lance and I still wish Tabar will get some time….

By: KENNETH

KENNETH — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:31:03 +0000

To see 4 guys standing around each waiting for somebody to do something (shoot it Bracey!) upset my stomach. Too many bad memories.

I think that the Hoosiers were exposed for what they are: thin on the front line and a poor defensive team.

I have not seen this team play well defensively yet. They can beat the hell out of people who are not as athletic, but once it gets even in that area or the other team may be more athletic, then they cannot guard anybody (yet).

I would also like to see Taber get more minutes. They need bodies inside. Anybody who can block-out, rebound, foul, anything.

I also thought that they should have pushed the tempo a little bit more offensively. They seem to be more productive playing that way when they can use their athletic abilitiy versus a structured offense.

By: Corey James

Corey James — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:39:00 +0000

Unfortunately I was hunting this weekend and spent most of my time in the wilderness away from the TV and unknowingly missed the Xavier game. I think the loss will due more good than any of the wins have this season, I think the younger players will all benefit, especially Gordon, and Sampson will benefit from this loss tremendously. I agree with what Eric says I have watched this team all season and at times I watch as 4 players stand outside the 3 point line and DJ tries to establish the post. This usually results in a one on one NBA style of approach that I pulled my hair out while watching under the Mike Davis tenure. I look for Sampson to try and get the offense to run a more screening and moving oriented type of play and I hope he gets DJ more involved. As for the defense I know that Sampson will eventually get things turned around. Finally give Taber some more playing time, the guy deserves it, lets see what he can do.

By: kelin

kelin — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:55:40 +0000

I agree Eric, EJ could be a lot tougher match up for any good defender if you have him coming off some screens….otherwise it is him getting his own shot. I agree with Witt also, DJ has been a non factor and if that happens tomorrow night against GT we will drop two in a row!

I still wish we were playing Puke tomorrow

SIU looked bad last night against USC