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541

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Basketball Hosts North Carolina Central Tonight At Beeghly

« on: November 20, 2019, 10:03:50 PM »

Strange game.  YSU seemed like the better team but really felt like we were going to lose in the 2nd half as it looked like a repeat of the Louisiana game down the stretch.  The difference in this game was making foul shots, which was good to see after struggling the first 3 games.  DQ is definitely the go to guy...it's hard to believe he's only a sophomore.   Was great to see Naz have the game he's capable of having...hopefully he can turn in more of these types of games down the road.  He played very confident.  We still struggle missing so many put backs, layups, etc. 

Obviously the story of the game was Geoff Hamperian.  Kind of reminded me of John Sally last year when he came off the bench and was key.  Was really nice to see him have success last night.   

The 3-PT shooting this year has been awful.  If you take Geoff's 3-4 last night away, YSU was just 2-18. 

Really hope Simmons, Cathcart, Morgan, and Akuchie can find their shooting touch soon.  It's been hard to watch.  Those 4 were 1-20 shooting last night...that's just hard to even imagine.  We got off 13 more shots then them last night including 9 more 3's.  Make a few of those shots and the game wouldn't even have been close. 

I thought maybe Covington was sick when he didn't get the start and didn't get many minutes.  He just didn't look like he had a lot of energy and wasn't his normal self, but Coach didn't say anything to allude he was sick or anything.  Seemed odd too Thomas only played 5 mins. 

At times it looks like YSU is jacking up 3's and other times it looks like guys are afraid to shoot when they're open.  At times I wish guys would take some mid-range jumpers. 

Akron is going to be a real challenge especially if we can't make shots.  Their only loss is to WVU and that was only by 10.  USC Upstate is definitely a winnable game and that's followed up by Westminster.  Wouldn't be terrible to go into Thanksgiving at 4-3.       

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: YSU vs Louisiana

« on: November 17, 2019, 02:45:24 PM »

After 3 games we're shooting 23% from 3 & just 55% FT. 

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: YSU vs Louisiana

« on: November 15, 2019, 10:43:20 PM »

That was a frustrating game to watch. Looked like YSU just wasn't into the game, content on jacking up 3's and not running the offense along with too many missed bunnies. The shooting % is really disappointing. I love how Naz plays but it's frustrating to see him miss so many close range shots & just can't shoot FT. Simmons continues to struggle. He's scored only 11 points in 3 games.

This game felt like a game from 2 years ago or early last year. This is a game we should be win.

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: MBB at number 5 Louisville

« on: November 11, 2019, 03:56:43 PM »

Is it possible that this Louisville team could have been one of the best teams YSU has ever played?  I know YSU played an undefeated Purdue 4 years ago when they were ranked 12th. 

To go on a 10-0 run to end the half and be down only 7 was impressive.  If you had said before the game you'd hold them to 78 points, out-rebound them by 8, beat them 25-4 on 2nd chance points, and turn the ball over 11 times, I think you'd be really happy with that and feel like you'd give yourself a chance. 

It always seems like it's hard to shoot the ball well against top D1 teams.  Though after 2 games our 3PT % and FT % is concerning at 21.4 and 52.6 respectively.  Hopefully we can get Simmons going...he hasn't been a factor the 1st 2 games.  Hard to read into much when your first game is against a D3 and your 2nd game is against the #5 team in the country.  We'll get a better look the next few games.   

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Men's Basketball

« on: November 06, 2019, 10:49:53 AM »

It's funny that you(mudclods) saw Morgan as fit and trim,  I saw him as the same as last year as was disappointed he didn't drop some lb's.  Devin didn't really get going last night but he's very clever and deceiving with the way he scores on drives to the hoop and he has quick trigger on his shot.  I think he'll be alright going forward and we will need his scoring and leadership.

I thought Simmons played below par last night and I expect big things out of him this season.  Not sure he got any bigger since last year.  He has monster potential .

Garrett Covington looked good and he'll will have some huge games.  He scraps for every loose ball and rebound.

Naz was great last night with his normal boards but he looks like he's taking the ball to the hoop and that's going to lead him to a lot of free throws.

Akuchie is like a totally different confident man than he was as frosh.  He showed growth last season but last night he hits a 3,takes a charge ,and dunks on a drive down the middle.  He in my mind is the x factor this season.  Really need him to rebound against the bigs and think he's up to that challenge.

Cathcart looked really good last night and he might be x factor2.  Nice stroke and he gets to the rim.

The new guys played well.  Thomas is a load and he'll get better as the seasons goes on.  impressed by the way he rejected some shots last night and he'll be tough on the blocks with that wide body.  I thought he was trying too hard(hurry) last night and just has to take his time.

Bentley ran the point well when he spelled DQ.  Looks like he can shoot and drive to the rim.

Didn't get a feel for Foster but it's one game.  Looks like the best athlete in the gym,got to see how his stroke is.

Almost forgot to mention Quisenberry.  As a YSU fan I feel spoiled because he can do it all.  Saw him drive left a couple of times.  he must of or coaches must of emphasized that in the off season.  he's a nightmare to defend.

It's only one game and it was against a d3 school so can't really judge too much.  Really need to get Ola back asap.  Need interior size and that will probably get exposed at Louisville on Sunday.

I would agree that Morgan still needs to shed some pounds, but I thought he looked in better shape than from the beginning of last season.  Trim wasn't the word I used haha  Definitely need his leadership.  He can do a lot of things that don't show up on the boxscore. 

Thought the same on Simmons.  I think him & Cathcart can be huge.  They both have so much speed and can get very hot. 

I've really enjoyed watching Akuchie mature and improve.  He seemed like one of those guys his freshman year could have a ton of potential.  Like how he improved last year and it appears he's ready to take the next step.  He seems like the type of guy that can really get the team going.   From what Coach says he really puts the work in and I think you can see that.  Really think we could see him put up some monster games.

Agree 100% on what you said on Garrett & Naz.  I just love watching Garrett play.  I was impressed with him from day 1- didn't even seem like a freshman.  Think he's a great leader, excellent speaker.  I would imagine he could be coaching someday.   

546

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Men's Basketball

« on: November 06, 2019, 09:06:52 AM »

It's really exciting to be entering the new year with a lot of continuity and to be able to really build off the last two years.  That's something that really hasn't been present for years. 

Even though it was against a DIII, the guys really seemed locked in last night.  Was impressed how YSU came out for the 2nd half last night too.  Thought everyone played well for the most part.  Jamir Thomas looks like a nice addition.  Little disappointed in the 3PT and FT shooting.  Devin Morgan looks more fit and faster.  It's crazy to think Darius is only a sophomore.  I just hope he can stay injury free.  It makes me nervous as many times as he falls to floor. 

Thiel had a lot more size and athleticism than I expected.  They didn't look like a local DIII school.   

547

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Men's Basketball

« on: November 05, 2019, 08:57:21 AM »

I'm super pumped for this season.   There's a lot of versatility where many can play different positions.   My biggest concern is the post.  Only two there and foul trouble can make us a small team.  This should be a team that can get out and run the floor and there is depth at every position except center.

Playing Thiel is more or less an exhibition .  Kind of like OSU played Cedarville.



I just read that Olamadie Pedersen is going to miss the first 8 games with a broken hand.  Post is really thin with depth.  Akuchie will most likely fill in .

I knew Ola had that broken hand back in the summer and missed those exhibition games but I didn't realize he wouldn't be ready for the opener.  He's one I really hope can improve this year.  Wish Sally had stuck around to give us size in the post. 

548

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Men's Basketball

« on: November 04, 2019, 09:06:27 PM »

Really looking forward to this year more than any in recent years.  I think this is best YSU team in years with what's returning.  Think there's a shot at a winning record and top 5 of the Horizon League.  Odd way to start the year with Thiel on Tuesday then Louisville on Sunday, which I've seen ranked anywhere from 3rd to 7th. 

Sports Illustrated has us ranked 189 & 5th in the Horizon.  I really think we have a shot at getting 8 non-conference wins.   Would be nice to have a winning record heading into League play, regain some of the magic from last year, be more consistent and play better defense.

549

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: YSU @ Virgin Islands

« on: August 20, 2019, 08:43:43 PM »

I listened to Wednesday's game against and their comeback at the end was impressive as the press really worked scoring the last 11 points of the game.  Thursday saw them end the game score 9 of the last 10 to win what was a tie game.  And then to hold Calgary to 59 points and win by 12 on Friday seems to be pretty impressive.  Apparently Calgary was 29-2 last year and won a title the year before.  We did this without 2 key players in Devin Morgan and Ola. 

Hopefully this trip will pay dividends as the season plays out.  I know I'm really looking forward to it.  Has anyone seen the non-conference schedule yet?

550

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: 2019-20 Men’s Basketball Schedule

« on: July 22, 2019, 10:38:01 PM »

Looks like Saturday, December 21 for WVU https://bluegoldnews.com/2019-2020-mens-basketball-schedule/

551

YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Men's basketball recruiting ?

« on: July 15, 2019, 09:39:21 AM »

I kind of wondered if there was going to be any room for Cameron Kane-Johnson.  He was certainly impressive at Westminster, I was looking forward to seeing him get a shot at D1 level, but not sure how he would do over the course of the season.

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Transfer bug started

« on: May 16, 2019, 10:17:56 AM »

Of the four that left,Kendale was the least of that group I wanted to see leave .   Great catch and shoot player. Someone you want in a game late when you need a three.  Can't blame him with Garrett Covington having two years left and Donel Cathcart moved ahead of him in the rotation.   Also coach was playing Morgan off of Quisenberry  late in the season.    I'm going to keep an eye on his progress at Central Missouri.

I agree...he could produce a spark off the bench and could get really hot.  Would think he could excel at D2. 

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: Transfer bug started

« on: May 14, 2019, 09:27:05 AM »

Kendale Hampton has signed with Division II Central Missouri.  He'll probably do well at that level.  He showed some great flashes in non-conference play, but his PT really diminished in league play and didn't dress for several games. 

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YSU Penguin Athletics / Re: NKU's MBB HC Brannen to Cincinnati

« on: April 16, 2019, 12:47:45 PM »

NKU has only been a D1 school in basketball for the last 7 years.  They were 42-75 in their first 4 years.   Brannen definitely turned their program around the last 3 years going 72-29.

I couldn't imagine Calhoun going there.

I think this will be a telling year for YSU.  There was some improvement this year, certainly the 6 game win streak brought excitement, but I think anything less than .500 record & not in top 4 of the league would be a disappointment with what we have coming back & where the rest of the league is. 

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YSU Penguin Athletics / NKU's MBB HC Brannen to Cincinnati

« on: April 15, 2019, 02:29:59 PM »

Northern Kentucky coach John Brannen has taken the job at Cincinnati.  I remember at some point this season during a press conference, Coach Calhoun said we need to get Brannen out of this league- meaning he deserved a shot a high major job.

Will be interesting now if anyone transfers out.  They had everyone returning other than Drew McDonald.