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Post by eport on Oct 15, 2014 0:23:48 GMT -5
There's an additional SPU article below JC Hoops 10/4 article dated 10/10. Scroll down to the very bottom and it's under "Related Stories". JC Hoops states that SPU still looks like an undersized team after viewing a recent practice. He did have some interesting remarks and observations.
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Post by bergenbird on Oct 15, 2014 8:29:22 GMT -5
Siena claims six players at 6'7 or taller this year and Manhattan claims eight at 6'8 or taller next year, with four at 6'10. Allowing for some height exageration and assuming some are stiffs, this is still nice advantage to have.
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Post by junctionkid on Oct 15, 2014 9:11:41 GMT -5
This is a bit disappointing given that it is the perspective of a guy that has followed the team and has seen the guys up close this year . But I will still disagree that lack of height upfront will be anything close to a significant negative for this year's Peacocks . Some of the best MAAC "bigs" in history have been two or three full inches shorter than the guys they outplayed by a whole lot ( think Alex Franklin and tens of others that I have seen ) . Quadir , Marvin and Elias are big enough and talented enough to compete with any MAAC level front court combo . It might be true that you can't teach height but differences of two or three inches is way overrated . Bill Russell gave up four inches and lot of weight and muscle to the great Wilt and out played him though the competition was close . Not comparing our guys or the other MAAC frontcourt guys to these greats but on a relative basis this rule applies . Think Wes Unseld and Paul Silas , again on a relative basis .Being undersized will not be a problem this year for our Peacocks this year with the big proviso that Q , Marvin and Elias stay healthy . And we have seen how tough the " undersized " Kris can be and while we may all hope Rod bulks up over his career with us , 6'6 wiry guys with hops can be big factors at our level if they are tough and smart enough .
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Post by loyal on Oct 15, 2014 9:33:29 GMT -5
One of the definitive keys to the season is Q becoming a more consistent force on the glass....and better defensively underneath.
Q had a very good freshman season. If he significantly improves, Q can give SPU the inside presence it needs. If Q stagnates, our inside play may very well be a weakness.
There is every reason (reports are he bulked up; frosh to sophomore improvement is usually significant) to expect Q will make the required jump.
Marvin's hands getting stronger, making him a better rebounder, or Elias making significant improvement (there were few signs) are less likely, from this remote vantage point.
IMO, Q is a big key to SPU's success this season.
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Post by oldtimer1 on Oct 15, 2014 10:00:23 GMT -5
Re: JC Hoops comments. Know JC Hoops pretty well and IMO he has a pretty good basketball "eye". However, reasonable people can disagree. For myself, I really don't see a lack of height as a major problem for several reasons.
1) We are not really that small. Q is 6'7" to 6'8" ...and strong. Elias is atleast 6'8"...and strong and Dominique while at 6'6" plays 2 to 3 inches taller. He's an outstanding rebounder, especially offensively.
2) The MAAC is a guard oriented league and while several "bigs" have made impacts they are few and far between. Lack of height only comes into play when our champion plays in the NCAA.
My concern remains talent level and the need for that 3rd scoring option. Want to see who will fill that role
PS Agree with almost all of junctionkids comments and although I was never a big Wilt fan, Russell rarely outplayed Wilt. In fact, Wilt was extremely competitive and had some of his greatest games head to head against Russell. It was the Celtic team that dominated but head to head Russell rarely outplayed Wilt. Let's just say that he nutralized Wilt's dominance.
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Post by cindycrawford on Oct 15, 2014 18:21:31 GMT -5
Couldn't agree more, OT. I'd rather have 6'7" athletes than 7' stiffs. How tall was Charles Barkley,or for that matter Pete O'Dea and Elnardo Webster.
Look back at the number of key rebounds and blocks Rolle had for us last season. I don't think size will be our problem.
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Post by eport on Oct 15, 2014 20:10:45 GMT -5
Agree with all of the above......case in point is Rolle at 6'5"...... our version of Charles Barkley on a more modest level, but all must admit he plays much larger than his height. I haven't done the stats, but I would venture to say he is our leading rebounder and shot blocker per minutes played. Love to see this guy come off the bench at crunch time...... brings tremendous energy and hustle. The fact that Dunne uses Rolle down the stretch exudes the confidence Dunne has in him as a game changer.
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Post by oldtimer1 on Oct 15, 2014 20:44:17 GMT -5
Cindy, as you know, Pete O'Dea played center at 6'5" . Was selected as a Helm's All-American. Totally outplayed those two 6'10' stiffs from Duke one of whom was an honorable mention All- American. Was his name Mike Lee? Pete was killed in an automobile accident down South in his 20's. Great guy and a close friend of Tom MacMahon.
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Post by cindycrawford on Oct 15, 2014 21:09:14 GMT -5
Cindy, as you know, Pete O'Dea played center at 6'5" . Was selected as a Helm's All-American. Totally outplayed those two 6'10' stiffs from Duke one of whom was an honorable mention All- American. Was his name Mike Lee? Pete was killed in an automobile accident down South in his 20's. Great guy and a close friend of Tom MacMahon. I believe the player's name was Mike Lewis. Pete was 6'5" in elevator shoes. |
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Post by oldtimer1 on Oct 15, 2014 22:04:42 GMT -5
Cindy...Mike Lewis, you jogged my memory...at least I got the first name right! Pete, by the way, was a below average leaper. Like Rolle had very wide shoulders and an amazing ability to box out. Probably a lost art, except for a few, today.
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Post by eclecticed on Oct 16, 2014 11:52:38 GMT -5
Let us, please, not overlook 6'6" Tommy Best who could score on anybody.
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