Shocker Love

[cufan_mvcfan]

It is hard coming from a CU fan, but WSU and Gregg deserve major props. I expected them to be really good by the end of the year and be one of the favorites in Stl, but they are obviously way better than that. For those of us that don't get a chance to watch too many games outside our team, what has been the major characteristic of the team this year? Similar to last year?

[shockerengr]

It is hard coming from a CU fan, but WSU and Gregg deserve major props. I expected them to be really good by the end of the year and be one of the favorites in Stl, but they are obviously way better than that. For those of us that don't get a chance to watch too many games outside our team, what has been the major characteristic of the team this year? Similar to last year?

Defense. The offense has been downright ugly at times, but I'll chalk that up to inexperience as much as anything. It's been up over 50% finally for the last three games. But Gregg has always been big on defense and they're much further ahead than I think most of us expected them to be in that regard.

[shoxrox]

Thanks for the props. Creighton has impressed as well.

As engnr stated above, the defense has really been the catalyst so far this year for this group of youngins and newbies doing good things.

[musiccitybulldog]

I had a little Shocker Deja Vu this year so far...about 30 years apart on the deja vu factor.

I remember sitting in Vets auditorium in Des Moines watching the Shockers and telling a friend next to me "I don't think I have heard of anyone with the first name Xavier, and he looks better than just pretty good".

This year I caught myself saying the same to my wife as we watched the Shockers on TV "I don't think I have heard of the first name Cleanthony, and he looks better than just pretty good".

It is still fun no matter who the team is to see someone you think is exceptional, especially for the first time, even if they are among your stiffest competition.

[Shockerfan13]

It is hard coming from a CU fan, but WSU and Gregg deserve major props. I expected them to be really good by the end of the year and be one of the favorites in Stl, but they are obviously way better than that. For those of us that don't get a chance to watch too many games outside our team, what has been the major characteristic of the team this year? Similar to last year?

like its been said. Defense is better this year while not quite the offensive firepower of last year. Well, the half court offense is weaker anyway. If teams don't zone the Shox then there are players that can break down the man defense and get to the basket. This team is quite a bit faster than last year. Most teams won't want to try and outrun WSU. Instead slow it down and make it a half court game. Play zone defense and you have a shot.

[Aargh]

No matter who the Shox put on the front line, that unit is quite a bit quicker, faster, more mobile than last year's front line. The front court guys are also shot blockers. Last year the Shox gave up a lot of baskets on perimeter players going to the hoop. That's not as much of an issue this year.

Replacing Stutz on the defensive end has been a plus for the Shox. On the offensive end, we basically have Hall and Early to replace the output of Stutz and Hall. Stutz and Hall combined for 21.7 points and 13 boards. So far, Hall and Early are combining for 28.1 and 14.1. That relieves Orukpe from a need to score a lot, so his playing "goalie" is pretty much an inside bonus over last year's group.

The other front court comparison is Ben Smith from last year and Evan Wessel this year. Wessel is a hard-nosed "hustle" player that will remind you of Graham Hatch. Wessel is second on the team in 3's made (11) and 2nd in 3-pt. % (45.8). He's a couple of points and a couple of boards behind Smith's production, but he's playing 6 fewer minutes. Wessel is 6'5", 201 lbs. He was the PG for Perry Ellis (KU Fr) in HS and was offered a D1 (BCS) scholarship as a defensive back. Tekele Cotton and Demetric Williams also see time at SF.

Armstead doesn't have the offensive firepower that Ragland had, but he's quicker and slicker, and a "pass first" type PG. He drives the lane better than Rags and is better with the shot clock running down. He's WAY better on D than Rags was.

At SG, Ron Baker is a great practice sniper, but he's struggling from deep in games (32.5%). He's not as good a defender as Murry, but he's not a long way behind. Then there's Williams (45.2% from 3) and Cotton, who also see minutes at SG. VanVleet backs up the point, and is a Fr PG - (enough said?).

I talk a lot of smack about CU and downplay McD's talent, but I know what CU puts on the floor, and I believe CU is a legitimate top-15 team. If a BJ opponent were to design a team to give the BJ's fits, it would probably include a couple of athletic and quick 6'8" guys to dog McD (check), a 7' guy and a 6'9", 260 guy to hang around Echenique (check), a pain in the a$$ hard-nosed, athletic guy to just constantly harass Gibbs (check), a ball-stealing hard-driving Sr. PG to take on Chatman (check).

Gonna be some interesting games this year. Let's hope they're decided on the floor by the guys in the baggy pants instead of the striped shirts, and that they're decided by the best players both teams can put on the court (no injuries!)

[Wufan]

I don't know this, but I've said it on shocker net. I believe HCGM brought in Chadrack Lufile with the specific intent of competing against Greg Etchineckway. EO can guard him and CJ Lufile has the size to work him on offense and defense (not sure either will, but they might). The other additions, were just "best available" players for the system, but they will match-up quite well with CU as was pointed out above.

[saluki762]

I was expecting a dirty video when I clicked on this thread. Someone post a real shocker video, preferably involving a midget.

[MoValley John]

I was expecting a dirty video when I clicked on this thread. Someone post a real shocker video, preferably involving a midget.

I'll get right to work on it. This being the holidays, I'm thinking about a Christmas theme. Maybe an elf delivering his package to the naughty girl?

[musiccitybulldog]

I had a little Shocker Deja Vu this year so far...about 30 years apart on the deja vu factor.

I remember sitting in Vets auditorium in Des Moines watching the Shockers and telling a friend next to me "I don't think I have heard of anyone with the first name Xavier, and he looks better than just pretty good".

This year I caught myself saying the same to my wife as we watched the Shockers on TV "I don't think I have heard of the first name Cleanthony, and he looks better than just pretty good".

It is still fun no matter who the team is to see someone you think is exceptional, especially for the first time, even if they are among your stiffest competition.

My instincts were right about this player. This was a "Early" 2012 comment. Was great fun watching him. Best of luck to him.