|
|
Post by Dunga on Oct 10, 2005 6:20:39 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Copenhagen on Oct 10, 2005 6:41:43 GMT -5
An extremely well written, realistic, candid and certainly tactful account of our situation!
Based on that, why would any player on the squad not be humble, respectful, thankful .....to be a part of the program.
The opportunity to play and perform should be a honor and not taken for granted considering many factors each of them have.
Sorry, I have a big problem with bad attitudes or elitist behaviour from a player whose team has won 9-games the last 2-years. (whether they were here or not)
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Oct 10, 2005 10:10:18 GMT -5
WH does an incredible job with these previews. This is the most accurate and in-depth article you will read about the Bonnies this year. Really have to search to find anything I disagree with (can't have a quality discussion without difference of opinions):
I agree with WH, considering the numerous 20 point blowouts, it appeared the Bonnies were running an up tempo offense. Sadly, Solomon was attempting to run a discipline offense. At the start of the season Wade Dunston, openly criticized Solomon for insisting the team make 8 passes before a player could shoot. Games frequently began with the Bonnies passing the ball around the perimeter and with the shot clock counting down a player would hastily shoot. Hopefully with the influx of new players and experience gained for the veterans the offense will be improved this year.
I believe WH is under estimating the impact Tyler Relph will make. Tyler's performance last year at midnight madness was breath taking. Have to go back to Kevin Houston, to find a player with an equally impressive debut. I remember Tyler blowing by Isiah with ease. Even Isiah stated in the OTH that he can't guard Tyler, nor can anyone else on the team.
Bonnies weak out of conference schedule can't be dismissed. I can't possibly imagine the Bonnies losing at home to Robert Morris, Central Connecticut, Youngstown, Canisius and St. Francis. As stated by WH this is the year Solomon needs "to justify a contract extension that left more than a few fans scratching whatever hair is left on their head. Intensely loyal supporters of the team aren't looking for a miracle. Just steady progress and a more competitive team, especially at home." Hopefully WH registers with our board, as I would enjoy discussing the Bonnies with him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermit on Oct 10, 2005 15:48:45 GMT -5
Tyler Relph's 1st shot was an air ball....his next two clanked off the front of the rim....not a breath taking display...he needs to work hard and prove himself in the league
|
|
|
|
Post by mangham on Oct 11, 2005 8:55:33 GMT -5
WH does an incredible job with these previews. This is the most accurate and in-depth article you will read about the Bonnies this year. Really have to search to find anything I disagree with (can't have a quality discussion without difference of opinions): I agree with WH, considering the numerous 20 point blowouts, it appeared the Bonnies were running an up tempo offense. Sadly, Solomon was attempting to run a discipline offense. At the start of the season Wade Dunston, openly criticized Solomon for insisting the team make 8 passes before a player could shoot. Games frequently began with the Bonnies passing the ball around the perimeter and with the shot clock counting down a player would hastily shoot. Hopefully with the influx of new players and experience gained for the veterans the offense will be improved this year. I believe WH is under estimating the impact Tyler Relph will make. Tyler's performance last year at midnight madness was breath taking. Have to go back to Kevin Houston, to find a player with an equally impressive debut. I remember Tyler blowing by Isiah with ease. Even Isiah stated in the OTH that he can't guard Tyler, nor can anyone else on the team. Bonnies weak out of conference schedule can't be dismissed. I can't possibly imagine the Bonnies losing at home to Robert Morris, Central Connecticut, Youngstown, Canisius and St. Francis. As stated by WH this is the year Solomon needs "to justify a contract extension that left more than a few fans scratching whatever hair is left on their head. Intensely loyal supporters of the team aren't looking for a miracle. Just steady progress and a more competitive team, especially at home." "Hopefully WH registers with our board, as I would enjoy discussing the Bonnies with him". WH is a visitor to our board. We have had many lively jousts in the past! |
|
|
|
Post by wh on Oct 11, 2005 12:29:31 GMT -5
Okay, I finally got around to registering. I lurk on all the message boards at some point, especially during recruiting period and before the season starts.
Mangham and I certainly have had some lively debates. He's been right sometimes -- and wrong sometimes. But I am not keeping score! (-:
Thanks for the kind words, Chuck.
A few quick rejoinders. Yes, I am underestimating the impact of Relph, based on past experience with transfers. I do suggest, however, that the Bonnies could be much improved if he is as good as you think. Still, most of the other teams in the league have improved, and I am not sold yet on Solomon.
As for the sked, I think the Bonnies should win 8-9 games, but unfortunately, almost every A-10 teams fails to win the noncon games that I expect each year. As a result, I always add an extra loss or two when picking Ws and Ls. Among the home games, I penciled in C. Conn State as a loss. The Bonnies should win that one, but C Conn is well coached. These are the games that, if lost, are killers to the RPI.
Any other questions, fire away. I'd certainly be excited again as a Bonnies fan because the talent level clearly has risen. Now we have to find out if Solomon really can coach. His recruiting hasn't been half bad.
|
|
|
|
Post by wgt on Oct 11, 2005 19:41:13 GMT -5
Welcome to the Bandwagon WH. I have been enlightened by your analysis of A10 teams for some time. Your commentary is widely recognized as extremely well informed based on your diligent research of each team. Not surprising that your critique of the Bona squad is right on. I totally agree that last year the players “never seemed to lose their fighting spirit” even when getting their clock cleaned night after night. Coach scores an A+ in motivating their hard-nosed play. I agree that Lee would benefit from bulking up. However I don’t anticipate this happening. Michael has a lean frame that will strengthen but I don’t see him adding significant pounds. You indicate that Bona did not do enough sharing of the ball last season. Actually, I saw lots of ball movement & to the point that some criticized what was rumored as a mandatory number of touches before a shot. Certainly Carson struggled at the point in terms of involving others & getting assists (1.0 A/TO ratio). His strength is going to the hole & finishing. This could easily lead one to view the Bonnies as not sharing the ball. Indeed the critical keys are improved inside presence and defense. An old theme in recent years. This year’s squad should provide noticeable improvement in both areas and also add improved point guard play & perimeter shooting. Unfortunately for Bona the league has improved as well. Really looking forward to a more competitive team.
|
|
|
|
Post by wh on Oct 11, 2005 21:26:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words, wgt.
I'd make two points about passing. Obviously, the most crisp form of passing should lead to good looks or easy buckets. From that standpoint, the Bonnies did not do well. They threw the ball around, but often to little effect. One reason was the dreadful interior play. There really was no one to throw the ball, too.
As a result, at least later in A-10 play, I saw a lot of one on one by Dunston especially, and to a lesser extent, Smith. Lottin would force up some quick shots, too.
That's not surprising, given that they were the top three scorers and Carson didnt exactly cut it as a quarterback on the floor. All in all, they probably did move the ball around more than I suggest. They just didnt seem to accomplish much by doing so. (Which perhaps explains part of the basis of the complaints).
Re: Michael Lee. I dont expect him to pack on pounds, but wiry strong is better than wiry and not strong. (-:
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuck on Oct 12, 2005 6:29:53 GMT -5
I'd certainly be excited again as a Bonnies fan because the talent level clearly has risen. Now we have to find out if Solomon really can coach. His recruiting hasn't been half bad. Your above statement pretty much describes our upcoming season. Vinny Pezzimenti, beat writer of the Bonnies for the Olean Times Herald, stated the Bonnies could have one of the most dramatic turn arounds in the nation this season. There is reason for this optimism: Tyler should challenge Ahmad as leading scorer and should develop into one of the better backcourts in the conference. At the conclusion of last season, Michael Lee showed dramatic improvement in his game. I notice Michael became more effective as he moved his game closer to the basket. I do not know if he will ever become a scorer down on the blocks, but he does offer some threat inside. The key to this season will be the play of Paul Williams. Have been hearing encouraging reports of the devolpment of his game. Sadly during the early part of practice llast year there was not a significant difference between the play of Paul, Camara and Saulius. Despite the increase in the talent level, as you stated "this is the season we will find out if Solomon can coach." I think it is realistic to expect 10 to 12 wins. WH welcome to our board and I'm hoping to see you visit this upcoming season. |
|
