Starting Five!

[Midmajor??]

Unfortunately Weber got schooled by SUU, a team made up of journeyman. How can a team expect to win when their starting guards go 2-19? With the weak almost non existent defense of Bolomboy and Hill, two journeymen big men (Oliverson and Rawson) had career nights. Point is an equally big problem with no defense played and a shooting guard playing the position. Rahe is a problem also. He doesn't use his backups enough. Our bench was outscored 33-4 last night. SUU played 12 guys with 10 getting significant minutes. We played 9 guys with only 6 getting significant minutes. Our starting 5 was probably exhausted at the end of the game with all of them playing well over 30 minutes each.

Frontcourt Solution: Winning starts with defense. So I say start Hajek at Center and give him at least 20-25 minutes playing time every game. Start Bolomboy at the 4 and play him 20 minutes there with Hill picking up the second 20 minutes. For 15 more playing time Bolomboy can backup at center. Unfortunately, there is no one else to slot into these two positions since Braxton is redshirting and Coston should be playing D2 ball. I don't think Van Pelt will be back with the team next year. He's a good D2 or JC prospect.

Backcourt Solution: Gittens is solid, if not spectacular, at the wing. He will deliver solid defense and 10 points every night with good shot selection. I am surprised at the progress he has made in shooting the 3. Move Senglin to the 2 and play him 25-30 minutes with Richardson backing him up for 10-15 minutes per game. Richardson needs playing time to develop and if he doesn't get it Rahe will have wasted one of his eligibility years for no reason. Have him focus on defense while playing. He has the skills to be a good defender, just doesn't work at it enough. Sit Golden! He has only one "supposed" skill which is shooting the long ball. Reality is that he is more willing than capable. He needs to be playing at a lower level to shine. Sitting him free's up the time needed for Richardson.

Truth is, Weber needs a real point guard. They don't have one today that is ready to take on the load successfully. Senglin will never be a point first. Will always be a scorer first. He is willing to penetrate but has never seen a dish he likes. Play Hunter at the point. Yes, Hunter has potential but he is a ways away from being able to make a difference running a game. At least playing him now gives him development time in real situations. Hopefully Cannon will prove to be better at the point next year.

As for next year: Lose Coston and Golden. Hope that one of the incoming bigs is at the level to help and that Braxton is ready to be a productive starter who can play "D" and give us 8-10 points per game. Give up on the idea that Hill will ever be a three. He will not! Play him where he belongs at the 4. I think Emmanuel Nzekwesi, along with Juwan Williams, will help us next year. But Weber will probably not be at the level we expect again next year. The reality is that Rahe put his eggs in the Bolomboy and Senglin basket a few years ago and that basket has proven to have a few holes in it. They just are not as good as we expected them to be.

Conclusion: Weber is a 500 team. I hope that they don't somehow win the Big Sky conference tourney because it would be embarrassing to see them play in the NCAA's.

I keep hoping that maybe Randy might read this post. Its hard to beleive that a Weber State team has problem with toughness. It was interesting that when we went to our "big" line up last night we took the lead, when we went small Portland State made their final run. Old's I think you said earlier in the year that a Randy wanted this smaller line up to be able to better match the Portland States of the conference. Seems like we should stick to who we are versus changing to be like other teams. Rahe is too stubborn to admit that his starting line up isn't getting it done. I hate to say it, but his coaches on the bench need to help him with making adjustments during the game. Rahe is horrible at making corrections.

 

[n.ogdencat]

The best assistant was hired away. I think Smiley will end up being good, but right now he isn't comfortable asserting his opinions. He needs to start. Lever is good, but is really young and is in a rough spot. He doesn't want to piss off his boss. Duft...well, the guy put up cards with 40secs to go. We all know how good he is....ugh. Bovee, if Rahe leaves, best not be an idiot and hire Duft. That would be the biggest tragedy for Weber Basketball since the Larry hire. I'd take Joe again over Duft.

BACK to the BASICS!!!! This team needs to go back to fundamental basketball. Stay in front of your man. Box out, look for the open man, or in other words, pass up a good shot for a great shot. At the end of last nights game, the team took some awful shots. It became very individualist basketball. Don't depend on the refs to make the call and bail you out (Senglin) play tough, play smart and make the pass. Find the open man.

Anyway...after watching last nights game I felt that the starting five should be drastically changed. This has been said by others and I fully agree...for the Sac game I'd start.

Hayden Hunter PG
Jeremy Senglin SG
Ryan Richardson SF
Joel Bolomboy PF
James Hajek C

Gittens, Coston, and Golden would be the first off the bench. Once Kyndahl figures out how to play the game of basketball that is when I would let him play.

 

[Back2WSU]

Anyway...after watching last nights game I felt that the starting five should be drastically changed. This has been said by others and I fully agree...for the Sac game I'd start.

Hayden Hunter PG
Jeremy Senglin SG
Ryan Richardson SF
Joel Bolomboy PF
James Hajek C

Gittens, Coston, and Golden would be the first off the bench. Once Kyndahl figures out how to play the game of basketball that is when I would let him play.

I'd put Gittens in over Richardson, and have Richardson come off the bench. Otherwise I agree with ya

 

[SWWeatherCat]

The best assistant was hired away. I think Smiley will end up being good, but right now he isn't comfortable asserting his opinions. He needs to start. Lever is good, but is really young and is in a rough spot. He doesn't want to piss off his boss. Duft...well, the guy put up cards with 40secs to go. We all know how good he is....ugh. Bovee, if Rahe leaves, best not be an idiot and hire Duft. That would be the biggest tragedy for Weber Basketball since the Larry hire. I'd take Joe again over Duft.

BACK to the BASICS!!!! This team needs to go back to fundamental basketball. Stay in front of your man. Box out, look for the open man, or in other words, pass up a good shot for a great shot. At the end of last nights game, the team took some awful shots. It became very individualist basketball. Don't depend on the refs to make the call and bail you out (Senglin) play tough, play smart and make the pass. Find the open man.

Anyway...after watching last nights game I felt that the starting five should be drastically changed. This has been said by others and I fully agree...for the Sac game I'd start.

Hayden Hunter PG
Jeremy Senglin SG
Ryan Richardson SF
Joel Bolomboy PF
James Hajek C

Gittens, Coston, and Golden would be the first off the bench. Once Kyndahl figures out how to play the game of basketball that is when I would let him play.

Part 1: Rahe isn't going anywhere and there's no reason to believe his staff will change or be changed so that talk is rather moot. What we can hope for is that as a staff they can figure out the game and coach dynamically instead of the clad-iron static style used.

Part 2: 100% agree. How 2-3 star high school stars can need so much development with the basics, mechanics, etc. is hard to understand. Too bad there are not stats that correlate well to desire and toughness. For that matter, a better gauge on defensive ability would be nice too.

Part 3: I, too, agree with the exception of Gittens over Richardson. Unfortunately, last night, neither played particularly well.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

I actually like Richardson's body and potential as a true 3 (true 1, 2, and 3) over Gittens, so I guess it depends on what look is on the floor. I think Gittens may be the biggest loser on the team when it comes to Weber's inability to move, share the ball, and have quality in-game coaching.

 

[sacstateman]

The best assistant was hired away. I think Smiley will end up being good, but right now he isn't comfortable asserting his opinions. He needs to start. Lever is good, but is really young and is in a rough spot. He doesn't want to piss off his boss. Duft...well, the guy put up cards with 40secs to go. We all know how good he is....ugh. Bovee, if Rahe leaves, best not be an idiot and hire Duft. That would be the biggest tragedy for Weber Basketball since the Larry hire. I'd take Joe again over Duft.

BACK to the BASICS!!!! This team needs to go back to fundamental basketball. Stay in front of your man. Box out, look for the open man, or in other words, pass up a good shot for a great shot. At the end of last nights game, the team took some awful shots. It became very individualist basketball. Don't depend on the refs to make the call and bail you out (Senglin) play tough, play smart and make the pass. Find the open man.

Anyway...after watching last nights game I felt that the starting five should be drastically changed. This has been said by others and I fully agree...for the Sac game I'd start.

Hayden Hunter PG
Jeremy Senglin SG
Ryan Richardson SF
Joel Bolomboy PF
James Hajek C

Gittens, Coston, and Golden would be the first off the bench. Once Kyndahl figures out how to play the game of basketball that is when I would let him play.

Part 1: Rahe isn't going anywhere and there's no reason to believe his staff will change or be changed so that talk is rather moot. What we can hope for is that as a staff they can figure out the game and coach dynamically instead of the clad-iron static style used.

Part 2: 100% agree. How 2-3 star high school stars can need so much development with the basics, mechanics, etc. is hard to understand. Too bad there are not stats that correlate well to desire and toughness. For that matter, a better gauge on defensive ability would be nice too.

Part 3: I, too, agree with the exception of Gittens over Richardson. Unfortunately, last night, neither played particularly well.

As far as Part 2 is concerned I think a lot of the star rating is done based on AAU competition which does not stress basics, mechanics, etc. Unfortunately it's not going to change so you can't rely on highlight tapes or stars to recruit....you have to see players play in a structured team environment to be able to pick out the attributes you are wondering about i.e. desire, toughness, defense, and my favorite, heart and willingness to sacrifice personal stats for the good of the team.

 

[n.ogdencat]

The best assistant was hired away. I think Smiley will end up being good, but right now he isn't comfortable asserting his opinions. He needs to start. Lever is good, but is really young and is in a rough spot. He doesn't want to piss off his boss. Duft...well, the guy put up cards with 40secs to go. We all know how good he is....ugh. Bovee, if Rahe leaves, best not be an idiot and hire Duft. That would be the biggest tragedy for Weber Basketball since the Larry hire. I'd take Joe again over Duft.

BACK to the BASICS!!!! This team needs to go back to fundamental basketball. Stay in front of your man. Box out, look for the open man, or in other words, pass up a good shot for a great shot. At the end of last nights game, the team took some awful shots. It became very individualist basketball. Don't depend on the refs to make the call and bail you out (Senglin) play tough, play smart and make the pass. Find the open man.

Anyway...after watching last nights game I felt that the starting five should be drastically changed. This has been said by others and I fully agree...for the Sac game I'd start.

Hayden Hunter PG
Jeremy Senglin SG
Ryan Richardson SF
Joel Bolomboy PF
James Hajek C

Gittens, Coston, and Golden would be the first off the bench. Once Kyndahl figures out how to play the game of basketball that is when I would let him play.

Part 1: Rahe isn't going anywhere and there's no reason to believe his staff will change or be changed so that talk is rather moot. What we can hope for is that as a staff they can figure out the game and coach dynamically instead of the clad-iron static style used.

Part 2: 100% agree. How 2-3 star high school stars can need so much development with the basics, mechanics, etc. is hard to understand. Too bad there are not stats that correlate well to desire and toughness. For that matter, a better gauge on defensive ability would be nice too.

Part 3: I, too, agree with the exception of Gittens over Richardson. Unfortunately, last night, neither played particularly well.

As far as Part 2 is concerned I think a lot of the star rating is done based on AAU competition which does not stress basics, mechanics, etc. Unfortunately it's not going to change so you can't rely on highlight tapes or stars to recruit....you have to see players play in a structured team environment to be able to pick out the attributes you are wondering about i.e. desire, toughness, defense, and my favorite, heart and willingness to sacrifice personal stats for the good of the team.

Sac...please be sure to find a seat and maybe some water or smelling salts, but I thoroughly agree. AAU basketball isn't designed for competition, but stats and highlights. I know it is hard to find kids during the high school basketball season, but that is where I would look first. That is why I really like Jordan Dallas, he doesn't have great stats 11 and 4, but he is a guy that brings intangibles. Which is hard to believe in a So Cal kid. He can be a force, but is a team oriented guy who has solid fundamentals. I think for once ESPN got him right. BUT, and I know this might totally throw you for a loop, that is what I love about Katz, he is a coach he will change and brings in kids with solid fundamentals. Robinson is doing the same thing at SUU. Both schools are at a disadvantage with facilities and so you don't get the best, but you get solid basketball players. It has taken Katz some bad years to get the gravy rolling, but he is getting it done and like the kids he has.

 

[n.ogdencat]

My reasons for having Gittens come in off the bench is that He is a spark plug that brings energy with him. Weber desperately needs a spark off the bench. Gittens can play either 2 or 3 so he will still be on the floor a lot. I just see him as the best sixth man in the conference. He can really move and get things going. Also, I think Richardson is only going to get better and better. He needs encouragement and more push to develop. He is really going to be something special.

So...once again, I think the starting lineup should be:

Hunter
Senglin
Richardson
Bolomboy
Hajek

Gittens first in, Coston second, and Golden third. Hill is the fourth off for me, but I know that will never happen. Coston, to me, brings more hustle and has offensive skills that Hill just doesn't have. Yes, Hill kills him with his vertical, but if a player is constantly lost then what is the purpose of having on the floor for one intangible?

 

[oldrunner]

Hill and Gittens were the only ones to show any heart or desire down at SUU. Right now, Senglin and Gittens are the best two players we have. After that, it's Bolomboy and Hill. To me, Richardson would be the first guard off the bench, then Hunter, and lastly Golden. Coston would be my last big off the bench.

Obviously, I'm 100 miles from where the coaches are on this one. That is probably why I am not a coach.

 

[PURPLEFORLIFE]

Hill and Gittens were the only ones to show any heart or desire down at SUU. Right now, Senglin and Gittens are the best two players we have. After that, it's Bolomboy and Hill. To me, Richardson would be the first guard off the bench, then Hunter, and lastly Golden. Coston would be my last big off the bench.

Obviously, I'm 100 miles from where the coaches are on this one. That is probably why I am not a coach.

I wasn't in Cedar, but I watched the game and I'm not sure if we were watching the same thing. Hill has been borderline bad all season. He looks confused. He has that deer in the headlights appearance.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Hill and Gittens were the only ones to show any heart or desire down at SUU. Right now, Senglin and Gittens are the best two players we have. After that, it's Bolomboy and Hill. To me, Richardson would be the first guard off the bench, then Hunter, and lastly Golden. Coston would be my last big off the bench.

Obviously, I'm 100 miles from where the coaches are on this one. That is probably why I am not a coach.

I wasn't in Cedar, but I watched the game and I'm not sure if we were watching the same thing. Hill has been borderline bad all season. He looks confused. He has that deer in the headlights appearance.

...and moves like a sloth except occational bursts. I don't get it. I've seen the talent in him but it rarely comes out. He's been so lost all season.

 

[Cats meow!]

I'm no math major, but if each team is doubling up on Bolomboy....... Someone should be having a career year just off of putbacks.

He's the kink in our armor! He reminds me of the movie dazed and confused! Tremendous athlete, but better equipped for football! If he steps up his game and can stay out of foul trouble Weber would be a better team!

 

[n.ogdencat]

Well two kids, in all likelihood, are out for tomorrow nights game. It was good to see Bolomboy reenter the game after he went down. I was a bit freaked to lose both of our top players in one half. So...if in fact Senglin is out what happens. I think the players with the most heart and passions should see the floor. I guess Golden is the only option to start in place of an injured Senglin.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

I think the players with the most heart and passions should see the floor. I guess Golden is the only option to start in place of an injured Senglin.

Agree, so Hajek should be out there. Why not Hunter for Senglin? I believe Hajek, Bolomboy, Gittens, and Coston would all benefit from a good passing PG not looking to be high scorer. I don't know why Golden couldn't benefit also as a 2. Of course they'd have to be able to move the ball and move without the ball and I'm not sure they know how to do that without turning the ball over.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think the players with the most heart and passions should see the floor. I guess Golden is the only option to start in place of an injured Senglin.

Agree, so Hajek should be out there. Why not Hunter for Senglin? I believe Hajek, Bolomboy, Gittens, and Coston would all benefit from a good passing PG not looking to be high scorer. I don't know why Golden couldn't benefit also as a 2. Of course they'd have to be able to move the ball and move without the ball and I'm not sure they know how to do that without turning the ball over.

Oh how I miss Mahoney, Hansen, Morris, Panos, Hughey, Van Brocklin, and Arturas. Guys who were team first glu guys. Blue collar athletes who gave it their all.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Well...I would start:
1. Hayden
2. Golden
3. Gittens
4. Bolomboy
5. Hajek

Coston and Jordan Brown first off the bench. We don't have anyone else who can play guard other than Brown and Kennedy.

 

[Webergrad02]

:lol: I say put Van Pelt at guard. He can jack up shots as good as anyone

 

[WSUfan4ever]

:lol: I say put Van Pelt at guard. He can jack up shots as good as anyone

Funny thought, but he would probably have a higher percentage than some of our guards. Too bad he is out for the rest of the year as well. At the rate players are going down we probably could have used some minutes from him. Jordan Brown is going to see some time very soon.

 

[n.ogdencat]

:lol: I say put Van Pelt at guard. He can jack up shots as good as anyone

Funny thought, but he would probably have a higher percentage than some of our guards. Too bad he is out for the rest of the year as well. At the rate players are going down we probably could have used some minutes from him. Jordan Brown is going to see some time very soon.

Too bad that Pelt is done for the year. Any chance that one of the scout players get called up. :?

 

[WSUfan4ever]

:lol: I say put Van Pelt at guard. He can jack up shots as good as anyone

Funny thought, but he would probably have a higher percentage than some of our guards. Too bad he is out for the rest of the year as well. At the rate players are going down we probably could have used some minutes from him. Jordan Brown is going to see some time very soon.

Too bad that Pelt is done for the year. Any chance that one of the scout players get called up. :?

Nobody left ... Grant is done for the year as well. I guess Kennedy but not likely he'll see any time? This is another problem with Rahe's teams. He uses such a tight rotation early in the season that when the injuries come later in the season we don't have players to back them up. Seems to happen every other year that we get into this type of bind. Almost every team we played before conference started was playing 10-14 players.

I saw a few practices this year and have to say that the scout team (Van Pelt in particular) got yelled at a lot for being too physical and fouling too much. Seems like the coaches should have been begging them to push the starters, especially the bigs. Perhaps they wouldn't be so soft if they weren't treated with kid gloves.