The Keys to Success

by **Wufan** » October 27th, 2015, 6:46 pm

What's the key to success for your team this season, and what "outcome" would you consider to be a good season?

For WSU, it's efficient minutes from the big men. We have lots of guys that are capable, but when they are in, they need to be efficient with their allotted time. None of them are returning studs, but raw potential oozes. The ability to be effective on the court without mental lapses will be critical in determining how far this team will go.

Optimism is high and expectations have never been higher. Thirty wins, a Valley Championship and sweet 16 are necessary for this season to be considered a success.

**Sponsor**

by **Ace75** » October 27th, 2015, 7:16 pm

I think the keys for my team all depends on how Marty coaches them. We have all the pieces to be a very good team. We look to have a decent big that can come in for Mock and we won't lose much. Willie Wiley will fill a huge hole that has been a problem. We are set at the guard position. We have had kids playing out of position for years. If anybody plays out of position this year we have a huge problem. This is the deepest team I have seen the last 20 years. If we don't make the big dance it will be a disappointment for me. If Marty is going to do anything this is the year. I love the players he is recruiting but he needs to change his coaching. I wished he would let them play the way he did.

by **isumvc1** » October 27th, 2015, 7:37 pm

keys for Indiana State....keep everyone healthy! Success would be yet another top 3 finish and a visit to the post season again. (And a record above .500)

by **ACECARD** » October 27th, 2015, 8:06 pm

Ace75 wrote:I think the keys for my team all depends on how Marty coaches them. We have all the pieces to be a very good team. We look to have a decent big that can come in for Mock and we won't lose much. Willie Wiley will fill a huge hole that has been a problem. We are set at the guard position. We have had kids playing out of position for years. If anybody plays out of position this year we have a huge problem. This is the deepest team I have seen the last 20 years. If we don't make the big dance it will be a disappointment for me. If Marty is going to do anything this is the year. I love the players he is recruiting but he needs to change his coaching. I wished he would let them play the way he did.

I can't add anything to this. Very well thought out post.

by **Wufan** » October 27th, 2015, 8:54 pm

isumvc1 wrote: Success would be yet another top 3 finish...

Interesting quote! In the past 5 years the Sycamores have finished 2nd once, 3rd twice, 5th once, and in 2012 they finished 8-10 in conference and one game out of third (with a real finish of 8th). That's five straight seasons at 8-10 or better. I think Lansings success in this league is seriously under-valued.

Come to think about it, there are several coaches that are currently having success in the MVC. Beyond Marshall and Jacobson, Lansing and Muller both have a .570 winning percentage, but need to find some post season success.

by **Tom Servo** » October 28th, 2015, 9:49 am

ACECARD wrote:
Ace75 wrote:I think the keys for my team all depends on how Marty coaches them. We have all the pieces to be a very good team. We look to have a decent big that can come in for Mock and we won't lose much. Willie Wiley will fill a huge hole that has been a problem. We are set at the guard position. We have had kids playing out of position for years. If anybody plays out of position this year we have a huge problem. This is the deepest team I have seen the last 20 years. If we don't make the big dance it will be a disappointment for me. If Marty is going to do anything this is the year. I love the players he is recruiting but he needs to change his coaching. I wished he would let them play the way he did.

I can't add anything to this. Very well thought out post.

Yep, couldn't have said it any better.

by **ahunte1** » October 28th, 2015, 9:57 am

For Loyola to break into the top 4, I'm looking for these three things:

1. Health and continued development for Doyle.

2. Montel James and the newcomer Kirby replace the production of Christian Thomas. Loyola needs them to be threats to score inside and more importantly to rebound.

3. The guards who stepped up and played much improved basketball at the end of the year, namely Earl Peterson and Ben Richardson, need that level to be their baseline and build upon it.

If those three happen, then you have a more balanced attack and a team that is deep at the guard positions.

by **Khan4Cats** » October 28th, 2015, 10:18 am

Aside from health which will affect any team (including WSU) if key injuries occur:

The key for UNI will be the production/contributions they get from their young big men.

We will fine at positions 1-3 with Washpun, Morgan, Bohannon, Lohaus, and Jesperson (once healthy) adding Juco Aarias Austin and a healthy Robbie Knar gives depth.

What we can get out of sophomores Bennett Koch, Ted Friedman, Klint Carlson and maybe freshman Justin Dahl or Luke McDonnell will determine how well we do.

A grueling early season schedule could either forge these guys into a contender or break them down and be only a middle of the pack squad.

by **COUTEAU** » October 28th, 2015, 2:24 pm

Ace75 wrote:I think the keys for my team all depends on how Marty coaches them. We have all the pieces to be a very good team. We look to have a decent big that can come in for Mock and we won't lose much. Willie Wiley will fill a huge hole that has been a problem. We are set at the guard position. We have had kids playing out of position for years. If anybody plays out of position this year we have a huge problem. This is the deepest team I have seen the last 20 years. If we don't make the big dance it will be a disappointment for me. If Marty is going to do anything this is the year. I love the players he is recruiting but he needs to change his coaching. I wished he would let them play the way he did.

Agree with your assessment.
Would like to add, winning a minimum of two, in LA, would generate "swag" to their step.
Also...drawing an average of 6K plus at The FC. The ACES do seem to play much better, knowing the Evansville community actually cares about their effort.

go aces

by **glm38** » October 28th, 2015, 6:36 pm

Wufan wrote:What's the key to success for your team this season, and what "outcome" would you consider to be a good season?

For WSU, it's efficient minutes from the big men. We have lots of guys that are capable, but when they are in, they need to be efficient with their allotted time. None of them are returning studs, but raw potential oozes. The ability to be effective on the court without mental lapses will be critical in determining how far this team will go.

Optimism is high and expectations have never been higher. Thirty wins, a Valley Championship and sweet 16 are necessary for this season to be considered a success.

Excellent post. I completely agree that the Shockers will go as far as the frontcourt lets them.

I might say that Grady qualifies as a returning " stud " though? Obviously not a WSU returnee but he has 4 years of Division I experience. He'll have to learn the Shox system which may slow him down a bit at first but he looks to be very skilled and capable.