Drake @ Fresno State 11/29

[DUBulldog]

After falling behind 10-0 in less than 2 minutes, Drake came back to take the lead at halftime....and never relinquished it.

Gary Ricks Jr with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, Rich Carter with 21 points. Drake's centers (Van Deest and Enevold) combined for 12 points and 15 rebounds.

Amazing what a difference a real coach makes.

[lime]

Here is an example of the difference between Phelps and Giacoletti:

Gary Ricks Jr was a JUCO transfer brought in last year. Admittedly, he was hurt early (two broken thumbs) that probably hurt his shooting, but for the season (441 minutes) he attempted 72 three-pointers, 27 two-pointers, and five free throws while collecting 45 rebounds, 32 assists, and 8 steals. Those were totals for the season. Basically he was exclusively a three-point specialist who wasn't asked or expected or allowed to do much else (and 34.7% on threes isn't even that great for a specialist).

So far this year his playing time is up (158 minutes already, so just over 1/3 of last season's minutes total) but he's already 20 two-point shots, 16 FTAs while collecting 24 rebounds, 18 assists, and 10 steals. Instead of just standing in the corner, he's being allowed/asked to drive, collapse in for rebounds, etc. And wait, he's actually fairly effective in that role. In five games, Giacoletti has found a pretty effective use for him as sort of a combo 2-guard that can do a little bit of everything, penetrate and score or kick. He's quite effective at an expanded role when he wasn't even that good in a specialist role that apparently was never a good fit for him.

[Aargh]

Buldogs are quite a pleasant surprise this year. I don't think anyone was expecting a 3-1 start this year. Only loss is to a solid St. Mary's.

Preseason pick for DU is WRONG!

'Grats on a great start to the young season.

[Wufan]

Keep it up Bulldogs!

[m-v-c]

After falling behind 10-0 in less than 2 minutes, Drake came back to take the lead at halftime....and never relinquished it.

Gary Ricks Jr with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, Rich Carter with 21 points. Drake's centers (Van Deest and Enevold) combined for 12 points and 15 rebounds.

Amazing what a difference a real coach makes.

Just like MSU, that's another very nice win. On the road against a decent team, the type of game a supposedly bottom-tier MVC squad is supposed to lose, if you read about the 'watered-down MVC.' Good for Drake, looks like a team getting the most out of what it has (for a change). And good for the conference, these type of wins will help with the RPI.

[Drakey]

The difference in Drake's level of play from last year to this year is amazing. The Bulldogs don't have a ton of talent, but they are competent. After watching five years of complete coaching ineptitude it is so refreshing to see players making passes with a purpose, going after offensive rebounds and making substitutions based on the game situation instead of a script.

I will admit I had marked this game down as a loss. Pleasant surprise.

[DUBulldog]

Buldogs are quite a pleasant surprise this year. I don't think anyone was expecting a 3-1 start this year. Only loss is to a solid St. Mary's.

I was very confident that Drake would be better than most predicted, but I thought it would take them a while to get in sync with new coach/system. With 3 of the first 4 on the road, I never expected the Bulldogs to be 3-1 right now.

[rlh04d]

Great job by Drake so far.

[2livewu]

It is apparent Coach G used his time with Coach Few well. He's much better equipped for success now.

The biggest question will be can he sustain this early season coaching success. The Bulldogs are on the low side, talent wise, even though they're adding another piece shortly. Often times a new coach can get a lot early out of a group, but fails to sustain the effort throughout the season, not necessarily due to his own faults. It happens.

I wish I could say Drake won't play Thursday. 3 of the Illinois teams appear to be mortal locks for the 7-10 spots. Drake is the most likely candidate for the 4th spot, but at least they're able to talk about moving up, unlike Loyola, Illinois State and SIU. Tell me who is going to have injury problems, and I'll tell you who will finish 7th.

[DUBulldog]

One statistical note from yesterday's game:

Drake's 3 guards (Madison, Carter and Ricks) combined for 17 assists and 1 turnover.