HoopJunkie

This thread is too long to read through, so if someone has already said this, I apologize. I think the difference in the game was so simple. The trenches. Cincinnati couldn’t keep Bama’s D-line out of the backfield, and their D-line couldn’t get any type of push to disrupt the run. I love the way the secondary, outside LBers, and special teams played. And hopefully Coach Luke can keep building. Overall, Alabama is the most talented team in the country. But there wasn’t a massive gap anywhere except on the lines. Pierce had that drop in the end zone on a ball that he usually comes down with. That was a momentum killer. But other than that, Ridder never had time to let any type of play develop.

It’s actually quite common in college basketball now. Lance Ware didn’t want to go in late against WKU. But he isn’t the lightning rod that Allen is, so nobody is talking about it.

The depth of GRC was the undoing in this one. But you are also correct, consolation games can get weird.

I have a really credible source that told me almost a month ago that he was going to Lafayette. Obviously he could be wrong. But it sounded more like they were working out details. Other than that, if he were “let go”, the principal is a football guy. I could see him being upset with yearly job flirtations.

I think he’ll just hang out with his thumbs up at his Chop House now.

Anyone outside of Ashland surprised?

Well. I did say “could be wrong” about how long they did the platooning.

Historically, he likes to keep it to 7, maybe 8 that actually see double digit minutes. Aside from the “platoon” season. But if I recall, the platoon didn’t last all that long once they got into conference play. Could be wrong. Like I said, a lot of talent and personalities to juggle.

Definitely way too early to worry about this. But Calipari’s annual “it’s an open competition to fight for time” thing is so tired. He knew in September who would be playing. The experience and talent balance of this team will be tricky to navigate. He has some guys that have been “the guy”. These aren’t 18 year old 5 stars. 22 year olds won’t fall for it. If they don’t win big and spread the love early, there could be major chemistry issues.

I’ve watched them some. They don’t seem to have a great rhythm.

There are several people defending these acts on social media. Common phrase “it’s a tradition”. But what if the principal at Male got a lap dance from a student while other students dressed as Hooters girls and gave out fake beer while spanking one another?

Well. If a certain head coach of a high profile basketball program hadn’t openly told his players “if you’re sick, stay home. But under no circumstances do you get tested”, this may have been avoidable. I’m sure he’s not the only one that has said this.

At least they were able to finally pull away. Oklahoma didn’t exactly inspire confidence against a 1-5 Kansas team. And that game was highly in doubt with only a few minutes left to play. Cincinnati will stay #2. Navy is a weird team to play against. Especially there. You never practice against the option, because only a couple of schools even run it anymore.

Odd timing

As a UC guy, the last few off seasons have been “what big job is he taking?”, but I think the move to the Big 12 could be enough to keep Luke. He’s declined some good interest the last couple seasons. He’s an Ohio guy. And the king of UC. Bohn trying to lure him to USC is a little scary though.

If you read carefully, it looks like Bender could, and most likely will, get his job back. After some “training” of course. The whole thing feels like a smokescreen to drop football. Most likely for a lack of resources.

He’s a great guy. Be nice to see him as a head coach.

there it is.

By the way, I heard yesterday that Louisville Prep isn’t a thing anymore. If true, shocking indeed that all of those guys couldn’t get it together… So this looks like a transfer to Evangel to play for Larry Miller with Bender overseeing the whole operation.

Love watching that kid play! I told 2 coaches about him on Tuesday.

KOB is always a great time. I try to see at least a couple of games there every year. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a little trip.

Maybe they’ll do a little better than Martin County’s epic performance in the last KOB.

The timing is surprising. Made it through one Covid shortened season.

As far as I have heard, and seen on their twitter, it’s Tim Barnett (Focus), Branden Bender, and Deon Lee (Legends Training). The kids will go to school at Evangel, but play a prep schedule. While Evangel will continue to play a normal KHSAA schedule. There’s no way a partnership between those guys works out. The “prep” will collapse, and the kids will end up playing at Evangel. Which really could be Bender’s plan this whole time.

Sisk is more of a combo. Looks to score more than run the offense. There’s nothing wrong with that. Plenty of teams in the modern game have a PG that can score. But Sisk is just more natural off the ball. Edelen missed the season injured, but also transferred to Male during the season.