Thoughts on Sycamores vs. Drake

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Make that 3 strait wins since our 26 point thumping that Creighton put on us. I thought the Sycamores came out of the blocks well tonight - really got after it on defense and had good movement and good shots early on. Our defense in the first half was excellent. Drake shoots a pretty solid 46% from the field on the season, we held them well below that tonight at 33.3%. They really try and get to the rim as they only have one really nice 3 point shooter. We came out really flat in the second half allowing a quick 7-0 run. This is really nothing new, we have seen this from the Sycamores all season.

Odum: Was assertive on the offensive end tonight. I thought he did a nice job getting to the rim and finishing - sometimes he is getting to the rim and looking to pass, tonight he was getting to the rim and looking to shoot. It's easy for us to sit back and speculate which is the best, I will put my trust in him that more often than not he makes the right decision. The last time the Sycamores played Drake Carl Madison put up 24 on the Sycamores (9 of 9 shooting) Jake was matched up with him most of the game holding him scoreless. Also added a team high 7 rebounds.

Lathan: Was in foul trouble most of the night. That is worth noting because in past games/seasons that would have totally taken him out of the game mentally. Tonight that wasn't the case, he picked up his 4th foul with about 8 min. left in the game - he came in late and was able to get to the rim for a big bucket and then converted 6 of 6 from the free throw line (has made 14 of his last 14 and shooting 78% on the year) to put the game on ice. I am most impressed with his decision making and his ball handling these last couple games. He is really doing a good job playing within himself and the framework of the offense. Do you all see the difference? Worth noting that he continues to suck shooting the 3 ball (0-3 tonight)

Carl: For the second strait game I thought he played like dog shit. In his defense he was getting mugged pretty good inside any time he did try and post up - so most of his missed buckets were made with him trying to face up and make something happen, a lot of off balance difficult shots. Look, 5 rebounds and 5 points in a team high 34 minutes is just not very good. I'm not sure what the deal is with him? Am I being too hard on him? I don't believe that I am.

Steve: Up and down night for Steve. First the positive, it is nice to see that he has gotten it going on the offensive end. His ability to score the ball - in addition to his effort and excellent D is huge for us. His D tonight, especially in the second half was excellent! Now the bad, he had 5 turnovers tonight and 3 of them were just flat out inexcusable - 2 awful passes and one travel trying to do too much. He had 5 of our 12 turnovers, Steve is a big reason that Drake was able to hang around making dumb turnovers. Any reason that Steve plays 29 min. and Jake 28?

JP: 17 minutes played and 0-4 shooting, 0-2 from long range. Hope he gets it going soon. It's time for him to start shooting the ball better. I'm not sure I would start RJ and bring JP off the bench or start Steve and bring JP off the bench - one or the other. JP simply needs to shoot the ball better than he has the last couple games. Did have nice base-line help D on a couple occasions. We do a lot of switching and rotating and he was in good position on more than one occasion.

Walker: His minutes have been down the last couple of games - that has been by design. I thought he passed the ball well (2 assists) out of double teams. He also had a pretty good basket on a mid range jumper late in the second half - it was a bigger bucket than most realize. Walker is going to be alright - he is going to have a break out game before the end of the season. His biggest contribution was about a 2 min. stretch of the game in which Lansing moved Walker to guard Rice (who was in heat check mode) and he clamped down on a much smaller player. Great D by Walker but a better move by Lansing.

RJ: 8 points and 3 rebounds in 24 minutes - he did take another charge (in other news) tonight. It was the right call, although the call came late. He was 1 of 4 from 3 point range and on the 3 that he made the bank was open late tonight... He is a really streaky shooter, I thought he was more of a pure shooter than he has been this season. Granted some of the time he is getting fouled (no calls) and forcing tough 3s but he's gotta knock the open looks down. As a team we went 2-14 from the 3 point line. I wasn't sure we could win a game that we shot that bad from deep.

Eitel: The one guy on this team who had been shooting the 3 ball well has suddenly gone cold (0-2 tonight). He did have a nice steal on an inbound pass and scored in transition - I thought he was fouled on the play but didn't get the call. Did make 2 big free throws late and he went 4 of 4 from the line in the game - as a team we were a solid 15-18 while Drake was abysmal (11-20)

Gant: 2 rebounds (both offensive) and a block in limited action. He did attempt a 3, it was a good look but back iron. Not a bad effort off the bench but minutes have been hard to come by - somewhat beyond me how he doesn't get more of a look with Carl struggling. I mean if he doesn't play well or Carl starts playing better then go back with Carl - I would totally understand. Just my opinion though.

Kitch: Although he hasn't gotten much play this season he continues to cheer his teammates on off the bench. Kitch seems to be a great kid and a better teammate - some of the most loved Sycamores of all time were never the best players, but just great teammates. Ben Anderson comes to mind.

Out rebounding Drake by 4 tonight was very well done. Drake out rebounded one of the best rebounding teams in the country in triple overtime vs. WSU so it takes great effort, position and jumping ability to out bound Drake - we did a nice job on the glass tonight. Final side note, Ben Simons and Rice are very nice players. Rice is a man - he is much, much improved this season from last (if you ask me). Simons is going to be a player, Steve did a nice job on him tonight.

Boy would it be nice to steal one at Wichita State! Nice to see the Sycamores bounce back like we have. We might not finish 3rd in league play - but if we can avoid that play-in game anything can happen.

 

[bent20]

McWhorter might be the best outside defender Indiana State has had in ... a long time. Have to get the guy minutes if he can help shut the other team down from the perimeter.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

McWhorter might be the best outside defender Indiana State has had in ... a long time. Have to get the guy minutes if he can help shut the other team down from the perimeter.

Don't disagree at all and I understand him playing - just don't understand how he can play more than Odum. It was just a minute, really not that big of a deal and I know why he did - because Lansing wanted him on Simons probably makes a lot of sense because Simons got off on us early. However his 5 turnovers were just pathetic, like you don't make some of the bad passes that he made. It wasn't like he was fouled and it was a no call that caused the TO's.

 

[bent20]

Combine the strengths of Odum, McWhorter and Printy (when his shot is on) and you have the perfect guard. Split them up and you have a lot of playing time to divide.

 

[SycamoreLynch]

I was impressed with McWhorter when he took on the assignment of chasing that one kid around in circles for a couple possessions. He looked as if he took that to heart and when he poked that one pass away you could tell his game face on at that point.

 

[meistro]

I think our defense is improving every game. Steve had a lot of turnovers, but I like how he is looking to shoot more and thought he played great defense. RJ is struggling with his shot but he is playing better defense and rebounding better than I ever thought he would. I would like to see Kitchell get a few more minutes but I think he is still a step slow defensively. I think coach has been doing a much better job of substituting lately. He's getting our main guys breathers when they need them and he's going with who's playing better at the time rather than going back to the starters all the time. ie: Eitel for Printy and RJ for Walker.

 

[bbpride]

Don't disagree at all and I understand him playing - just don't understand how he can play more than Odum. It was just a minute, really not that big of a deal and I know why he did - because Lansing wanted him on Simons probably makes a lot of sense because Simons got off on us early. However his 5 turnovers were just pathetic, like you don't make some of the bad passes that he made. It wasn't like he was fouled and it was a no call that caused the TO's.

Yes McWhorter had 5 turnovers, but that is not the norm for him. He doesn't usually make many in a game and sometimes none at all. Lets also be realistic here, not every pass Odum makes is good. Some of his plays tonight weren't the wisest I've seen. You also seem a bit hung up on that 1minute. What gives?

Although, I agree that Carl isn't playing well lately, the "I THOUGHT HE PLAYED LIKE HORSE SHIT", was some harsh wording. Especially since no words like that were directed towards anyone else's poor performance.

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate that you post your thoughts on all the players, but we all don't always see the same thing. That is why this is a forum.

Thanks

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Combine the strengths of Odum, McWhorter and Printy (when his shot is on) and you have the perfect guard. Split them up and you have a lot of playing time to divide.

Throw some of Eitel in there. Kid has earned his stripes this year. I love watching him play as he's usually good for 2-3 plays that can change or boost momentum in the game. He's quickly shooting up my favorite Sycamore list.

 

[bbpride]

Throw some of Eitel in there. Kid has earned his stripes this year. I love watching him play as he's usually good for 2-3 plays that can change or boost momentum in the game. He's quickly shooting up my favorite Sycamore list.

I totally agree with you about Eitel's play

 

[sycamorebacker]

Yes McWhorter had 5 turnovers, but that is not the norm for him. He doesn't usually make many in a game and sometimes none at all. Lets also be realistic here, not every pass Odum makes is good. Some of his plays tonight weren't the wisest I've seen. You also seem a bit hung up on that 1minute. What gives?

Thanks

I agree that SM had some lapses tonight, but I never worry about TO's when he has the ball. Besides, he was working his tail off every minute out there on a great shooter that is 6'8".

 

[Bones]

Lathan has improved leaps and bounds in his decision making. he no longer tries to go 1 on 5 and has shown some point guard skills and hit his open teammates. That is the biggest reason he won his starting job back. We all knew he could score but lately he has become more than just a freakish athlete. He is drawing fouls and making his free throws... he is going to be tough to replace next season.

McWhorter plays mad Defense... but sloppy when trying to run the offense. his passes to no-one are awful... but he has some moves to get to the basket and has a decent mid-range shot. hopefully he can get smarter on his playmaking abilities.

Lucas Eitel- he had a fastbreak!! Dude has really impressed me on this 3 game winning streak. creating turnovers and hitting 3's... we don't lose much when he checks in. huge suprise this season.

 

[sycamorebacker]

Lathan: I am most impressed with his decision making and his ball handling these last couple games. He is really doing a good job playing within himself and the framework of the offense. Do you all see the difference? .

I don't think that is Lathan. I think someone stole his uniform.

What a difference a year makes! He is playing like a scoring PG. At UE, I think at least 3 times he penetrated the lane under pressure LEFT HANDED and kicked it out for scores or scored himself.

 

[sycamorebacker]

McWhorter plays mad Defense... but sloppy when trying to run the offense. his passes to no-one are awful... but he has some moves to get to the basket and has a decent mid-range shot. hopefully he can get smarter on his playmaking abilities.

.

I don't totally agree with this. there have been times this year when he has taken the point with JO on the bench and we have played well.

By conference season next year, we will be getting 25 ppg from SM and JO and a bunch of assists and steals.

 

[Southgrad07]

I thought the team played really hard on the defensive end and that is something we have seen the last 3 games that we have not the previous 9. Dont kid yourself that is a big reason we are 3-0 in the last 3 and 2-7 in the first 9.

As for the players other than Lathan the seniors have really been struggling for us. Carl I thought did a nice job on D but 5 points in that many minutes along with some bad shots is just bad. Anyone else think RJ and Eitel have outplayed Myles and Printy the last 5 games or so? I think coach sees it too with who was out there in crunch time. Steve played a really good game defensively and i'll take a few TO's if he will give us some buckets like he has the last 2 games. He needs to be more assertive on that end and he was last night. Odum had a really solid game out there and i'd like to see him do more of what he did tonight, look to drive and score. Now some of that might have been bc the Drake PG's were small but regardless the passing lanes will open up more if he scores the ball like that. Last thought is why cant Kitchell get into the game? Now I said eariler in the year that hey he has to do more with the little time he gets out there to get more pt but I believe he has in the last handful of games he played in. Its not like Myles or Gant have been so good lately you cant take them out. Not really that big of a deal at this point in his career just hope it doesnt turn into an Isiah situation where people always wonder why the kid doesnt get more time. Overall feels good to have some momentum again but we'll see where we are at come saturday.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Yes McWhorter had 5 turnovers, but that is not the norm for him. He doesn't usually make many in a game and sometimes none at all. Lets also be realistic here, not every pass Odum makes is good. Some of his plays tonight weren't the wisest I've seen. You also seem a bit hung up on that 1minute. What gives?

Although, I agree that Carl isn't playing well lately, the "I THOUGHT HE PLAYED LIKE HORSE SHIT", was some harsh wording. Especially since no words like that were directed towards anyone else's poor performance.

Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate that you post your thoughts on all the players, but we all don't always see the same thing. That is why this is a forum.

Thanks

I wouldn't expect everyone to agree.

I said this last game, my expectations for Carl are about as high as anyone else on this team. I think he has earned that - he's been a starter since he was a freshman - he can produce more than 5 points and 5 rebounds, I think that is a crappy effort yes. I won't apologize for holding him to a higher standard than JP - I think the Sycamores need Carl to play better for us to beat better teams.

I used to get criticized on here for protecting Odum all the time, often came in the form of "Odum isn't beyond criticism". Well neither is Steve, 5 turnovers isn't good but as much as he has the ball in his hands it's not really surprising. So it's not the total number it's how they were made - I can recall 3 passes in the last 3 games that were just plain terrible, either not reading the defense/how the teammate is going to come off a screen or just forcing in to a player that isn't really open. I don't have a lot of patients for that kind of stuff. I find it to be different if you are trying to make a player for your team and turn the rock over than turning it over passing the ball around the perimeter, just no excuse in my mind. This has nothing to do with his D or his effort - that has never come into question with Steve. He is just a Sophomore and I expect him to learn from his mistakes. The uptick in scoring from him has provided some nice balance.

It's worth noting that Steve didn't have a single turnover in 35 min. of player the other night/on the road at Evansville. I personally think that Evansville defends much better/harder/more physical than Drake. I am going to suggest that the 5 turnovers had to do with him being a little tired from the effort he was exerting on the defensive end. Like someone else about suggested - trying to defend a taller player that was moving around an awfully lot to get open.

 

[Daveinth]

In Carls defense for most of the game he was chasing Rice around and doing a pretty damn good job I think he was held to 4 at halftime but not sure . Drake moved the ball around and made you defend for 35 seconds so that had alot to do with the output. So far I predicted this 3 game win streak and I will stand by my 7-2 second half record prediction .
one last little note I thought the play of the day was by the camera guy on the kiss cam most everybody in attendance knows what I am talking about LOL .

 

[Eleven]

Quick thoughts:

Lathan is becoming a very good and complete basketball player. Last year, there were times that I dreaded him handling the ball, especially late in the game. Not at all this year. He is taking what the defenses give him, and I haven't seen him bury his head and bull rush to the hoop much at all this year. Solid FT Shooter (maybe the only guy I want on the line in a close and late game right now), and I know he had to have at least 3 assists in the game... and one turnover? Just a solid effort by Lathan. I thought he only really forced one shot all game.

RJ got his "one charge per game".. and probably should have had two, even though he wasn't completely set in the one that wasn't called, the Drake player was out of control and lowered his shoulder into him. Had a couple of VERY NICE baskets right around the rim... came close to a Posterized Dunk... that ended up a finger roll. Nice feel for the game going on around him. Defense is better and his rebounding is very good! Sure wish he'd start hitting those wide open 3's. I KNOW he can... I've SEEN IT.... He's a better 3 pt shooter than what we are seeing right now. I just hope it comes back soon.

Odum is starting to look to score! Those mid-range jumpers are what is going to make or break a season. Both JO and McWhorter played some offense today and both took the ball the hoop and both hit a mid-range jumper. That shot (right around the "Valley" logo in the paint) is open for either of them any time they want to take it... then when people start coming off to guard it, you dump it low..

FREE THROWS - played a very important roll again in tonight's game. It was a 7 pt victory... they missed 9 free throws and took more FT attempts than we did!! Fortunately, we only missed 3... if you swap those stats, we lose that game.

3 Point Shot We were only 2 for 14 in the game... and one of those came off a prayer that was answered as the shot clock expired. We will not be able to continue to win without the outside shot falling...but I'm glad that we did tonight. I was encouraged that we only took 14 3pt attempts, but MAN, some were wide open and we didn't hit them.

Students - Nice turnout by the students.. the ones in the lower level were nice and loud... although, we have to start doing a little more than just ragging on the officials or the other team. If the students continued to show that kind of support for the Sycamores, I can see them THINKING about moving them behind the benches for TV, etc... but they have to continually show the support.... and honestly, I'm not sure that we want some of those students sitting behind the visitor's bench.. THere is a difference between rooting FOR your team, and just harassing the other team. The "Lights Out" shirts looked nice..

That's about all I've got.. Nice win Sycamores! Let's keep the "Revenge Tour" going into Wichita!

 

[blueblazer]

Not to labor the point, but Steve and Lucas' defense was a major reason (second half) for the Trees victory

 

[bbpride]

I wouldn't expect everyone to agree.

I said this last game, my expectations for Carl are about as high as anyone else on this team. I think he has earned that - he's been a starter since he was a freshman - he can produce more than 5 points and 5 rebounds, I think that is a crappy effort yes. I won't apologize for holding him to a higher standard than JP - I think the Sycamores need Carl to play better for us to beat better teams.

I used to get criticized on here for protecting Odum all the time, often came in the form of "Odum isn't beyond criticism". Well neither is Steve, 5 turnovers isn't good but as much as he has the ball in his hands it's not really surprising. So it's not the total number it's how they were made - I can recall 3 passes in the last 3 games that were just plain terrible, either not reading the defense/how the teammate is going to come off a screen or just forcing in to a player that isn't really open. I don't have a lot of patients for that kind of stuff. I find it to be different if you are trying to make a player for your team and turn the rock over than turning it over passing the ball around the perimeter, just no excuse in my mind. This has nothing to do with his D or his effort - that has never come into question with Steve. He is just a Sophomore and I expect him to learn from his mistakes. The uptick in scoring from him has provided some nice balance.

It's worth noting that Steve didn't have a single turnover in 35 min. of player the other night/on the road at Evansville. I personally think that Evansville defends much better/harder/more physical than Drake. I am going to suggest that the 5 turnovers had to do with him being a little tired from the effort he was exerting on the defensive end. Like someone else about suggested - trying to defend a taller player that was moving around an awfully lot to get open.

Fair enough. I can see your point of view.

 

[Eleven]

The "over and back" turnover that he had was because he tried to pass the ball before he was knocked down and called for travel.. That one happened right in front of my seats..