Welcome back to Western Illinois’ quest for greatness in College Hoops 2K8. You can find a full explanation of exactly what we’re doing here + spoiler-free links to previous seasons on the About page of this website. Share it with a friend!
This team's backcourt rivals the 2014-15 squad (Nelke and Hendricks) as the best in program history. Draughan playing like Pippen, Goode playing like Rodman ... can't wait for Thursday.
If Assel stays after this year and makes two deep tournament runs, he could be in the conversation for the best player in program history. You get the feeling he won't let this team lose.
It might be worth considering adjusting minutes so it's closer to even? Since they're ranked similarly, a fresh Harper playing an additional 14th minute might be a better option that Goode in his 30th (and having the starters feeling more rested might also pay benefits in crunch time.)
1. Seems weird to name the highest rated player, but I'd say Terrell. I feel like Draughan and Assel are consistent as scorers; honestly, throw Hoyer in there, too. But when Terrell gets going too, we're really hard to stop.
2. Tough question, but I'm gonna go with Orien Newton. He's not even in the rotation, but he's improved a ton this year and strangely was given minutes vs. Gonzaga. I was struck by how huge he is (around Bowens' size), and he seemed really good defensively and on the glass vs. the Zags. I think he's going to be sixth man next year and then start as a senior when Harper graduates. Not a super flashy player, but I like having depth in the front court that can defend and rebound.
3. I would say rim protection and rebounding at the five. Hoyer is dope but he's definitely an offense-first center, but I prefer my fives to be superior at defense. He's 7'1 (four inch growth spurt since we recruited him!) so that helps, but I feel like we'd be better with a great rim protector in the middle.
Would love for the game to give us a matchup with Duke and Fats Geiger! :D May have to schedule them next year just to see Fats show up in the stat sheet.
Seems like a weird (and not realistic) dynamic in the program if you were ranked #15 after the first week conference play and went undefeated... and then somehow dropped to #22 in the rankings.
True. It's because the Summit is all cupcakes. I will say the year we stuck at No. 1 in the polls throughout all of conference play the year we started 35-0.
I am not surprised by this team at all. All of these guys possess years of playing together. Going through the pain of losing in the Final Four will help them through this season. I dare say it feels like this dance can go the distance. Cinderella will not leave the ball early this year! Go Leathernecks!
This team's backcourt rivals the 2014-15 squad (Nelke and Hendricks) as the best in program history. Draughan playing like Pippen, Goode playing like Rodman ... can't wait for Thursday.
If Assel stays after this year and makes two deep tournament runs, he could be in the conversation for the best player in program history. You get the feeling he won't let this team lose.
The first Two Tourney Games show consistency as a team:
Vs Pitt - 95 Points, 37-71 FG, 24 Ast
Vs Gon - 94 Points, 37-70 FG, 26 Ast
(Please don't check my math! Lol)
How are the minutes being split between Goode and Harper at this point, now that both are 91s at PF?
I haven't changed the rotations since the preseason. Harper is playing 13 minutes per game, believe Goode is playing 30.
It might be worth considering adjusting minutes so it's closer to even? Since they're ranked similarly, a fresh Harper playing an additional 14th minute might be a better option that Goode in his 30th (and having the starters feeling more rested might also pay benefits in crunch time.)
Coach, I'm curious -
1. Who do you consider the 'X' factor on this team?
2. Who is the most underrated?
3. Depth is a strength, but was is this team's biggest weakness?
Loving this series and this season in particular. I'm really looking forward to Thursday's stream.
Go 'Necks!
1. Seems weird to name the highest rated player, but I'd say Terrell. I feel like Draughan and Assel are consistent as scorers; honestly, throw Hoyer in there, too. But when Terrell gets going too, we're really hard to stop.
2. Tough question, but I'm gonna go with Orien Newton. He's not even in the rotation, but he's improved a ton this year and strangely was given minutes vs. Gonzaga. I was struck by how huge he is (around Bowens' size), and he seemed really good defensively and on the glass vs. the Zags. I think he's going to be sixth man next year and then start as a senior when Harper graduates. Not a super flashy player, but I like having depth in the front court that can defend and rebound.
3. I would say rim protection and rebounding at the five. Hoyer is dope but he's definitely an offense-first center, but I prefer my fives to be superior at defense. He's 7'1 (four inch growth spurt since we recruited him!) so that helps, but I feel like we'd be better with a great rim protector in the middle.
Who else is left in the field? Cards going for a 3-peat?
I'll include that when I send out the stream email on Thursday.
Would love for the game to give us a matchup with Duke and Fats Geiger! :D May have to schedule them next year just to see Fats show up in the stat sheet.
Seems like a weird (and not realistic) dynamic in the program if you were ranked #15 after the first week conference play and went undefeated... and then somehow dropped to #22 in the rankings.
True. It's because the Summit is all cupcakes. I will say the year we stuck at No. 1 in the polls throughout all of conference play the year we started 35-0.
I am not surprised by this team at all. All of these guys possess years of playing together. Going through the pain of losing in the Final Four will help them through this season. I dare say it feels like this dance can go the distance. Cinderella will not leave the ball early this year! Go Leathernecks!