WSU (3-3) vs. PSU (3-3) / SAC ST (5-1)

[wsucatfan]

Your way off on that one..... yes 90% of teams want to, but we were executing. We've totally abandoned our inside game and now it guards hoisting away. take a second and look at the stats. Where we are losing out is our inside production. SUU dominated us 30-10 in the paint. SUU! The reason our guards were so productive is that they got open looks with passes from the post.

I agree losing to SUU was pathetic, but again, away game, I think when all is said and done parity will be the theme of the conference this year. Win at home and try to steal a few on the road.
Ok, let's look at the stats:
00-03 Leading scorer, Jemaine Boyette, he had Jake Shoff, Pat Danley, and Ocokoljic as his centers, two of the three are not exactly a intimidating presence in the post. Slobodan was pretty good. We go 15-14, 18-11, 26-6
03-04 Leading scorer, Slobodan Ocokoljic 15.1 ppg, inside presence yes, but only ok guard play, record 15-14
04-05 Leading scorer, Lance Allred, with Tres probably our two best centers in the last 15 years, record 14-16
05-06 Leading scorer, Coric Riggs, Patten’s first year, record 10-17
06-07 Leading scorer, David Patten, also lead the team in rebounds, blocked shots and steals, record 20-12
07-08 Leading scorer, Dez Harris, pretty good guard, with a pretty good center, Arturas Valeika, record 16-14
08-09 Leading scorer, Kellen (the real) McCoy, Damian’s freshman year, High Flying Daviin Davis, who’s the center, Steve Panos record 21-10
09-10 Leading scorer, Damian Lillard, with Tresnak and Mahoney at the center spot, record 20-11
10-11 Leading scorer, Lindsey Hughey, would have been a special year if Dame hadn’t of broke his foot, Tres at center, record 18-14
11-12 Leading scorer Damian Lillard, with Tresnak and Mahoney at the center spot, record 25-7
12-14 Leading scorer, Davion Berry, Tres, Hajek, and Bolomboy, record 30-7 and last year 19-11

What are these stats supposed to tell me? When we had a good defensive presence inside we do well. When we don't we are mediocre at best.

When I look at the stats I see it's more important to have a dynamic guard than a dominant center. Obviously we want both. Our "dominant" bigs except Patten's senior year had lousy, average seasons without a great guard. I don't see all the hype with our past bigs. I'm excited for next year with Bolomboy, Braxton, and Dallas.

 

[Itiger]

Thanks so much for responding because I saw the same thing! I thought I was reading it wrong and didn't want to look off base! It's clear..... Weber does better when we have strong post play! I look at who we have coming in on verbal commits. Weber doesn't have any bigs coming into the program.

Zach Braxton isn't a big? Or, am I misunderstanding something? 6'9" might be a tad small at center but he's got some weight and good HS credentials. Seeing what Joel and Hajek have produced defensively this year I'm wishing more and more he wasn't a RS.

Or 6'10" Jordan Dallas?

6' 10" 190 lbs Jordan Dallas!!!!! :-D :-D
I hope he likes potatoes because he's going to eat a lot next year!!!

 

[Cats meow!]

Thanks so much for responding because I saw the same thing! I thought I was reading it wrong and didn't want to look off base! It's clear..... Weber does better when we have strong post play! I look at who we have coming in on verbal commits. Weber doesn't have any bigs coming into the program.

Zach Braxton isn't a big? Or, am I misunderstanding something? 6'9" might be a tad small at center but he's got some weight and good HS credentials. Seeing what Joel and Hajek have produced defensively this year I'm wishing more and more he wasn't a RS.

I still can't believe that we red shirted this kid. Probably trying to turn him into a point guard! We need to get back to the basics and move Joel to 4 and put someone in the middle that can bang! I'm sure there is a master plan somewhere, but fans aren't happy being in the middle of the BSC...... one of the worst conferences in D1 basketball! We can do better!! :twocents:

 

[WSUfan4ever]

Here is the master plan, from what we have seen so far this year. Coston will grow 5" over the summer and dominate at the 5 next year. Joel will move to the 4 and have the best year of his career. He gets drafted by the Knicks. Gittens plays the 3 and gets even better next year. Golden goes to Jimmer's summer camp and shoots 48% from downtown. Jeremy finds out he needs contacts and realizes there are 4 other players on the floor. He averages 12 assists and 10 points a game. Weber wins the Big Sky and advances to the sweet 16 before falling to Kentucky in a tight game.

 

[Da Bears]

Here is the master plan, from what we have seen so far this year. Coston will grow 5" over the summer and dominate at the 5 next year. Joel will move to the 4 and have the best year of his career. He gets drafted by the Knicks. Gittens plays the 3 and gets even better next year. Golden goes to Jimmer's summer camp and shoots 48% from downtown. Jeremy finds out he needs contacts and realizes there are 4 other players on the floor. He averages 12 assists and 10 points a game. Weber wins the Big Sky and advances to the sweet 16 before falling to Kentucky in a tight game.

Hmm? That actually sounds great! The Sengln part I beleive could happen! If he ver figures it out! :lol: :lol:

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Since we've completely gotten away from this weeks games, I'll continue....

1) Who decided this season is lost? The first step is making the tournament and I still believe this is a top-8 team? Next, odds overwhelmingly go up if you host-- doesn't look probable based on the play so far this season but there is a lot of play to go-- but no byes this go around. Who knows who gets hot, matches up well, etc.?

- Weber's 2 games outta first with 12 to go. They are just not out of contention yet.
- Weber's played 2 of 6 at home. They are just not out of contention yet.
- SUU has another W at home, and 3 loses on the road. Weber lost-- move on-- but got the split on the road.
- SAC in 1st at 5-1, playing 4 of 6 at home. They still gotta earn it on the road in scary altitude (the 1 loss.)
- EWU/UNC/UM log jam at 2nd-- not impressed with UM, EWU looks legit, and UNC gotta tough week to prove the strong start.
- Weber is hanging around after that and I just don't see this season as being over by any means.

2) Who decided the only definition of success is winning the tournament. If it is, Rahe doesn't have the greatest track record. Even if Weber only slowly sets itself up for a better next year, that can be a success for the team. Sure, it isn't what we want as passionate fans but it can still be entertaining as the team figures it out.

3) Who decided Weber is in a 2-3 year rebuilding process. Weber, of all teams, knows many players just can't get it done as FR and SO but many do excel in their JR and SR years. Here's to hoping Rahe can get the "underachievers" stepping up their games throughout this season and the next several.

I don't see "nothing" coming into the program. All of these players could be busts but then again more than one could be special too. The only known is they'll be young and inexperienced. I don't recall so many players well recruited, with nice resumes joining the program so close together, so I'll stick with the optimism here.
-- McKay Cannon, 6-1 point guard, ID All-State
-- Jeremiah Jefferson, 6-2 shooting guard, three-star recruit ranked 20th best player in TX, averaged 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists
-- Juwan Williams, 6-5, 190-pound guard, top 50 seniors in TX, averaged 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game
-- Emmanuel Nzekwesi, 6-7, 215-pound forward, TX three-star recruit, averaged 19.4 points and 11.3 rebounds.
-- Zach Braxton, 6-9, 240-pound center, 5th best player in CO, averaged 12.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists
-- Jordan Dallas, 6-10 200-pound forward/center, CA three-star recruit, averaged 11 points and four rebounds per game

 

[WSUfan4ever]

As far as this year goes it isn't the fact that we lost to SUU, it's the way we lost. You're right, the season is far from over so let's get serious for a minute. SUU actually has a much improved team this year that played like a team - we did not but had better learn how soon. If we step it up for the next 4 games great. My problem is we don't have team chemistry and we play soft defense. As far as next year goes come on, a 3 star recruit who averaged 11 and 4 and weighs 190? He is a great prospect, don't get me wrong. But he is not going to be a major contributor next year. Van Pelt averaged 15 and 10 against Lone Peak, Timpview and Provo and he has done nothing. And he weighs 30 pounds more. Maybe he won't be with the team next year as baller thinks but I would rather have him than another JC kid.

 

[weberwildcat]

Talhad is a shight fan who has never been to the nest or the stott. He is half the fan as bengalhater (literally) and twice the fan of cheesus which means nothing.

I don't think I will worry over sac and psu...at least not this week. They are I believe a combined 2-42 in Ogden. Only idaho vandalizers are worse...oh and und and Unc and suu.

I like seeing sac improved. I hope they can keep winning and have their beat season in history which they are on track for but many games to go.

 

[WSUfan4ever]

Incidentally, SUU's bigs shot 0 free throws on their way to destroying us in the paint. This has been a pattern all year.

 

[n.ogdencat]

The frontcourt is soft. Every team has beaten the tar out of us in the paint. Not a secret on how to play us. Keep feeding the bigs. Weber's bigs can't stop you.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

 

[SDHornet]

That said all this back and forth is part of the entertainment in visiting these boards no?

Yes, visitors just need be careful & realize there's choppy waves on "weber pond" this season so far, high winds (lots of hot air) then cold spells (biting, freezing blasts)!! Fans go from fits of anger & frustration to periods of calm reflection & contemplation. (I'm certainly feeling it all!!) Hopefully, calm waters & some smooth sailing happens before the season ends. :rofl:

Most of us are feeling the effects of a gigantic whirlpool and are hoping that "weber pond" is not actually a flushing toilet this year.

Well if we pull off a win in Ogden on Saturday (we never win in Ogden) I think it will be the sound of a toilet. :stir:

 

[Webergrad02]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

You know your marketing department sucks when your compliance guy is the one announcing special events with the team,

Mr. Compliance - Lets say a player comes into your program listed by his previous school at 6'6. Lets say when he arrives he is only 6'3 or 6'4 at best. Is that fraud? Can we get our scholarship back?

 

[PURPLEFORLIFE]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

I read in the Standard that not all of the players will be playing in the Dame's. I think it should be either a full team thing or no one. It will look dumb seeing some with them on and some with them off. A team should make decisions as a team not as individuals. Maybe a sign of what is affecting this teams performance? They aren't really a team? :shock:

But, lets all be honest, pretty sweet having these shoes available. Says a lot about what Damian is trying to do for Weber State and how he feels about the school. He is proud to have come from Weber!! Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat! I would love to see the entire team wearing them tonight and this weekend. :thumb:

 

[Cats meow!]

The frontcourt is soft. Every team has beaten the tar out of us in the paint. Not a secret on how to play us. Keep feeding the bigs. Weber's bigs can't stop you.

Thanks for putting it out there! I think Tal explained it clearly and the stats support it! Our bigs play like they're dancing in a ballet and we are getting manhandled inside the paint.

You guys keep harping on Dev, but it's Tres's graduation that's having the biggest impact!

 

[wsucatfan]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

I read in the Standard that not all of the players will be playing in the Dame's. I think it should be either a full team thing or no one. It will look dumb seeing some with them on and some with them off. A team should make decisions as a team not as individuals. Maybe a sign of what is affecting this teams performance? They aren't really a team? :shock:

But, lets all be honest, pretty sweet having these shoes available. Says a lot about what Damian is trying to do for Weber State and how he feels about the school. He is proud to have come from Weber!! Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat! I would love to see the entire team wearing them tonight and this weekend. :thumb:

I'd rather they just win and if they are more comfortable in their "regular" shoes so be it. Maybe one of the players prefer's a high top... As for the shoes determining if they are united or not, WSU has never had every player in the same shoe, just similar color schemes, again based on what each player is comfortable with. I don't have any problems with it, and if any of the players size 10.5/11 doesn't want his Dame1's I'll gladly take care of them.

 

[Itiger]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

You know your marketing department sucks when your compliance guy is the one announcing special events with the team,

Mr. Compliance - Lets say a player comes into your program listed by his previous school at 6'6. Lets say when he arrives he is only 6'3 or 6'4 at best. Is that fraud? Can we get our scholarship back?

I thought Weber didn't have a marketing dept.?

 

[Webergrad02]

Come to the game tomorrow and you might see the team wearing something you've seen floating around social media in the last week.

I read in the Standard that not all of the players will be playing in the Dame's. I think it should be either a full team thing or no one. It will look dumb seeing some with them on and some with them off. A team should make decisions as a team not as individuals. Maybe a sign of what is affecting this teams performance? They aren't really a team? :shock:

But, lets all be honest, pretty sweet having these shoes available. Says a lot about what Damian is trying to do for Weber State and how he feels about the school. He is proud to have come from Weber!! Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat! I would love to see the entire team wearing them tonight and this weekend. :thumb:

I'd rather they just win and if they are more comfortable in their "regular" shoes so be it. Maybe one of the players prefer's a high top... As for the shoes determining if they are united or not, WSU has never had every player in the same shoe, just similar color schemes, again based on what each player is comfortable with. I don't have any problems with it, and if any of the players size 10.5/11 doesn't want his Dame1's I'll gladly take care of them.

I agree. Just win tonight. Some guys need more ankle support than these offer.

 

[n.ogdencat]

The frontcourt is soft. Every team has beaten the tar out of us in the paint. Not a secret on how to play us. Keep feeding the bigs. Weber's bigs can't stop you.

Thanks for putting it out there! I think Tal explained it clearly and the stats support it! Our bigs play like they're dancing in a ballet and we are getting manhandled inside the paint.

You guys keep harping on Dev, but it's Tres's graduation that's having the biggest impact!

Amen!! :clap:

Under Rahe, the Cats have, for the most part, always had a solid center. The last time the Cats didn't have a great big was when Morris was a senior. Right now, I'd take Morris any day of the week and twice on Saturdays. If you are going to red shirt a kid in favor of playing a senior, then play the senior more. He isn't the greatest on offense, but he is a big body that can plug up the middle. Also, Bolomboy plays far better when he is playing at the 4 than at the 5.

Final thought...losing Beckner was a major loss for the Cats too. That guy got the most out of the players. Lillard has stated time and time again, that it was Beckner who drove him. Rahe may had been the best coach he had had, but it was Beckner who developed him. We need a coach who can put the fear into Bolomboy and get him fired up.

 

[n.ogdencat]

As for tonight. PSU plays small ball. They like to run and have some great weapons. PSU has had success away from the Stott, with its giant green screen, this season. Weber has to play tough defense to have a shot. I think PSU is the scarier team this week. Yes, Sac has the better players, but Weber matches up with the Hornets far better than they do with the Vikings. Weber has to come prepared to play. Ready to run, and play 40 mins of punishing defense; 40 mins of HELL! To do that Rahe has got to use his bench. You can't run your guys for 40 mins and expect to do it again two days later. More time needs to be shared with the bench.