OK before everyone laughs me off the board.....Could Kyle Taber be our CURRENT answer at the 4spot? He has some size, when he gets in the game he goes after rebounds....and he can't be any worse offensively than Eli or DT right now....Maybe I need some more sleep....no time to panic.
Tyler
· 2 years ago
Totally agreed E. I was there and it seemed after every basket there would be some serious chest-pounding. Then the DJ and EJ quarrels just threw me off end. How Xavier did not get a T on one of those is beyond me.
Chuck
· 2 years ago
I think this game will help the Hoosiers more than any blowout could have. They know now that they have to develop someone at the four (while knowing you still have a solid player in Deandre, lets remember that it was his 4th Division 1 game). The Hoosiers had many open shot chances that just missed, we just hope it will not happen to everyone on the same night again. The best thing from this game... DJ White looking quite aggresive, if this continues, the Hoosiers will do a lot better due to teams having to put more focus on him while guarding Gordon. It makes sense that the others will have an easier time scoring (if they are not all missing on the same night). I marked this one as a loss when I saw the schedule... I think they will learn a lot from it.
jaime gongora
· 2 years ago
I don't mind the chest thumping, and the taunts from the xavier players. I hope each hoosier has that image in their heads. Hopefully it will give them extra motivation to work harder and play with a chip on their shoulders.
Jude Komyatte
· 2 years ago
Fellow posters, I commented in the previous article that Eric Gordon's game resembles that of Ben Gordon or Vinnie Johnson. Other comments disagreed. Well, who in the league does Eric Gordon's game resemble? If anybody thinks Michael or Kobe, then I disagree. I feel time will show that even if he stays healthy he will never be a transformational type or championship-quality difference maker. I also see some Michael Redd, Alan Houston in him- not much better then them offensively. He does show better defensive effort and energy.
Kelin
· 2 years ago
Jude if I had to answer that question I would go with a few players.....Dwanye Wade and Mitch Richmond. I would say wade because they are similar in build and with more maturity and opportunity EJ will and could be as good a playmaker as wade. I will say EJ has more range on his jumpshot than D-wade. They both can score in multiple ways and both are very good athletes. I am not sure what you are basing your comparisons on but if you look at the style of play you will see the Vinne Johnson comparison is way off.
I do find it interesting that you didn't say much when EJ was scoring 30, now he has an off night like the ENTIRE team and it is time to pile on...while he still found other ways to score.
Chuck you are 100% right, this could help more than hurt
Mark
· 2 years ago
Very well written and I agree with most of it. I also think Taber could benefit us for a couple minutes here and there. He has a knack for the boards, but by no means is a 15 minute player, but could spell some bigs for 2-3 minutes without hurting us on the boards or defensive end. Hopefully, Holman will get stronger and get into a groove along with McGee. A little less 1 on 1 NBA play wouldn't hurt either.
b-side
· 2 years ago
I wrote this in a more detailed explanation in Terry Hutchen's blog on the indystar website, but I just want to reiterate that we missed AJ Ratliff badly tonight. Crawford bringing the ball up in the 2nd half and trying to initiate the offense was miserable. His one-on-one game works against inferior competition, but not major conference teams.
AJ's perimter defense and ability to spread the floor was sorely missed. His experience playing away from Assembly Hall will prove to be vital during this young team's growing pains. Go to class AJ...we need you!
b-side
· 2 years ago
Just a quick addendum, I'm not trying to point out that AJ would be a better PG for this team than Crawford. Ellis or Bassett are better suited to initiate the offense. My only beef with Ellis is a lack of a consistent jumper from 15 feet out.
PMK
· 2 years ago
1) E's analysis here is very well done. Right down to my thoughts about Lavender launching the ball into the Sears Centre rafters. Kudos on a great wrap-up, and will keep me coming back to the site for my Hoosier fix.
2) Judy - I can definitely see the Ben Gordon comparison, but I feel like EJ has what Ben Gordon lacks and as a Bulls fan why I get so frustrated with him. EJ (at least in college) can create his own shot and rise over defenders while being able to finish strong at the rim. BG does not do this, but EJ may struggle with this in the pros as well.
3) Kelin - couldn't agree more with you about trying Taber at the 4. I was begging for Holman last night but he looked (Gasp!) just as bad as Stemlar. After seeing Lance again in person last night, I am 100% convinced he is not worthy of a spot in the rotation on this team, sorry Hoosier faithful.
4)I was disappointed in specifically Sampson and EJ's ability to adjust during the game. Two parts here:
EJ: Wish he would have considered driving and dishing more than driving and lowering his shoulder (which he did multiple times). Lowering the shoulder with the head down will not allow him to find open teammates when guys collapse on him. However, being 12-12 from the line makes this point highly debatable, admittedly. And my other gripe for EJ: Stop with the scoop finishes at the rim. He had what should have been an easy and-1 in the second half but missed it because he tried to do that awful scoop layup he seems to like so much. He's a powerful finisher, use it by attacking the rim not finessing the finish.
Sampson: After seeing the way the first half went shooting wise, I would have loved nothing more than to pound and pound with DJ White in the second. Just going through the play-by-play box score of the second half, after watching a woeful first half of shooting, we still refused to go to our horse down low. I hope we do not become a jump shooting team, DJ is too good down there not to be a primary offensive threat. I know we were down and Basset has an improved shot, but he should never, ever, have 4 more field goal attempts than DJ White in another game this season. This phenomenon needs to stop.
james twitty sr
· 2 years ago
THIS WAS THE EXACT TYPE OF GAME THEY NEEDED.THE LOSS WILL HELP THE TEAM.THEY WILL LISTEN TO COACH SAMPSON BETTER.SO DON'T SELL THEM SHORT BECAUSE OF THIS LOSS.COME BACK STRONG HOOSIERS,SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT.
kelin
· 2 years ago
I think DJ needs to have as many shot attempts if not more than EJ. Games in the future would be so much easier if we would establish DJ, get him going offensively which gets him going into the game....THEN when the double teams come, assist to EJ, Jordan, Armon, Ellis, and our 4 man Tabar! We FINALLY have an inside out game that we could do damage with but have yet to really use it. I look forward to the GT game and how we respond.
kelin
· 2 years ago
Interesting game tonite....Southern Ill vs. USC and OJ "I look out for" Meyo
kelin
· 2 years ago
on espn2
Jason
· 2 years ago
There aren't enough pictures of Eric Gordon on this front page...
Witt
· 2 years ago
Nothing like being out of town for some important basketball games. Seems as though I missed an important weekend of basketball. I haven't felt IU has gotten D.J. White involved enough this season. It's understandable to give some of the newer and younger guys opportunities against our easier opponents, but I really think if D.J. had been more involved in previous games it at least could have opened something up offensively. D.J. White, by some "experts'" opinions, is All-American worthy, however, I haven't seen him do much this season. I'd really like to see more of him. I can already hear the pep band playing "Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life"
Eric
· 2 years ago
If you want to compare EJ to anybody, compare him to Richard Hamilton. If you've seen any one of the games IU played this season, then you would have seen that no one sets screens at all. It's hard to be productive in college basketball playing one on one the whole game. If IU would set screens for EJ like Detroit does for Rip, then there would be no problems getting good, open shots. Plus, screens can help EJ break a defender down, because the defender will either be off balance or not in position after getting through the screen.
Eric
· 2 years ago
I dont know what Sampson's been doing all pre-season, but if he's gonna bring in top 10 recruiting classes every year, then he needs to put in plays to open his key guys up. Plus, they all seem to watch, and stand around when the ball's not in their hands. He needs to not baby his teams, put in discipline to get his team playing hard every night, because you wont find the number 1 team playing sluggish any night or playing like they dont know what to do next.
kelin
· 2 years ago
I agree Eric, EJ could be a lot tougher match up for any good defender if you have him coming off some screens....otherwise it is him getting his own shot. I agree with Witt also, DJ has been a non factor and if that happens tomorrow night against GT we will drop two in a row!
I still wish we were playing Puke tomorrow
SIU looked bad last night against USC
Corey James
· 2 years ago
Unfortunately I was hunting this weekend and spent most of my time in the wilderness away from the TV and unknowingly missed the Xavier game. I think the loss will due more good than any of the wins have this season, I think the younger players will all benefit, especially Gordon, and Sampson will benefit from this loss tremendously. I agree with what Eric says I have watched this team all season and at times I watch as 4 players stand outside the 3 point line and DJ tries to establish the post. This usually results in a one on one NBA style of approach that I pulled my hair out while watching under the Mike Davis tenure. I look for Sampson to try and get the offense to run a more screening and moving oriented type of play and I hope he gets DJ more involved. As for the defense I know that Sampson will eventually get things turned around. Finally give Taber some more playing time, the guy deserves it, lets see what he can do.
KENNETH
· 2 years ago
To see 4 guys standing around each waiting for somebody to do something (shoot it Bracey!) upset my stomach. Too many bad memories.
I think that the Hoosiers were exposed for what they are: thin on the front line and a poor defensive team.
I have not seen this team play well defensively yet. They can beat the hell out of people who are not as athletic, but once it gets even in that area or the other team may be more athletic, then they cannot guard anybody (yet).
I would also like to see Taber get more minutes. They need bodies inside. Anybody who can block-out, rebound, foul, anything.
I also thought that they should have pushed the tempo a little bit more offensively. They seem to be more productive playing that way when they can use their athletic abilitiy versus a structured offense.
kelin
· 2 years ago
I am now wondering if red shirting mike white is a good idea. I am going to assume it was more than a basketball decision and maybe giving the kid more time to graduate...nevertheless. I won't throw in the towl on DT or Lance and I still wish Tabar will get some time....
Moose
· 2 years ago
Thanks to all for an intelligent discussion. My 2 cents is really to build on the direction that Eric and PMK have taken . . .
I was as disturbed as everyone else at the lack of an offense, and agree that we really need some additional options at the "4." What was driving me crazy, though, is that down the stretch Sampson was playing Ellis at the 4, with Stemler and Thomas on the bench. Our interior defense was getting absolutely crushed - and we refused to deviate from a 4 guard lineup. I know that neither Thomas nor Stemler are a panacea, but they could hardly have done any worse than the undersized folks we had in there.
plane1972
· 2 years ago
I feel the inside-out game will come. That argument is a bit of a double-edged sword. The early games, while relatively quiet for DJ, have gotten the freshmen very involved and given them a taste of the college game (albeit, vs. some lessor talent until So. Ill. and Xavier).
I'm not as disappointed about this loss as I could be because Xavier is a quality team that we could have beaten with a little more season under our belts, but a tournament-quality team. This loss is a big wake-up call for the players, coaches, and some of us over-exhuberant fans. :-)
Steve O
· 2 years ago
Hey Jude:
Way to sidestep your comments about Gordon being "undersized for his position." I'd like to know what you think the right size for a 2 guard would be. Think before you answer... Remember, one of the best players in the world, a guy by the name of Dwayne Wade, is a megar 6'4 215. And I'm pretty sure he looks bigger than most NBA shooting guards. Oh wait, isn't Gordon 6'4 215? What a coinsidence!!!! And last I checked Gordon is also like 3rd in the country in scoring and shooting well over 50%. STOP HATING!
Go root for Purdue. IU doesn't need you negativity.
kelin
· 2 years ago
Jude....Allen Iverson 6ft 2 guard Mitch Richmond 6'2 2 guard Brandon Roy 6'3 2 guard (ROY of the year by the way)
Big A
· 2 years ago
Maybe I'm mistaken, but isn't Mitch Richmond like 6'5"?
MikeyD
· 2 years ago
No disrespect to Taber, but I feel Mike White would have been a serious contributor this season. Anybody ever see any press release or quotes as to why he was red-shirted? I think having him and AJ in the rotation would make a big difference. Both (especially MW) played with more heart and vigor than most on this team. We could easily have had a 10 man rotation. With as much talent that is in that mix, we could have flat worn out other teams every night.
All Comments
I commented in the previous article that Eric Gordon's game resembles that of Ben Gordon or Vinnie Johnson. Other comments disagreed. Well, who in the league does Eric Gordon's game resemble? If anybody thinks Michael or Kobe, then I disagree. I feel time will show that even if he stays healthy he will never be a transformational type or championship-quality difference maker. I also see some Michael Redd, Alan Houston in him- not much better then them offensively. He does show better defensive effort and energy.
I do find it interesting that you didn't say much when EJ was scoring 30, now he has an off night like the ENTIRE team and it is time to pile on...while he still found other ways to score.
Chuck you are 100% right, this could help more than hurt
AJ's perimter defense and ability to spread the floor was sorely missed. His experience playing away from Assembly Hall will prove to be vital during this young team's growing pains. Go to class AJ...we need you!
2) Judy - I can definitely see the Ben Gordon comparison, but I feel like EJ has what Ben Gordon lacks and as a Bulls fan why I get so frustrated with him. EJ (at least in college) can create his own shot and rise over defenders while being able to finish strong at the rim. BG does not do this, but EJ may struggle with this in the pros as well.
3) Kelin - couldn't agree more with you about trying Taber at the 4. I was begging for Holman last night but he looked (Gasp!) just as bad as Stemlar. After seeing Lance again in person last night, I am 100% convinced he is not worthy of a spot in the rotation on this team, sorry Hoosier faithful.
4)I was disappointed in specifically Sampson and EJ's ability to adjust during the game. Two parts here:
EJ: Wish he would have considered driving and dishing more than driving and lowering his shoulder (which he did multiple times). Lowering the shoulder with the head down will not allow him to find open teammates when guys collapse on him. However, being 12-12 from the line makes this point highly debatable, admittedly. And my other gripe for EJ: Stop with the scoop finishes at the rim. He had what should have been an easy and-1 in the second half but missed it because he tried to do that awful scoop layup he seems to like so much. He's a powerful finisher, use it by attacking the rim not finessing the finish.
Sampson: After seeing the way the first half went shooting wise, I would have loved nothing more than to pound and pound with DJ White in the second. Just going through the play-by-play box score of the second half, after watching a woeful first half of shooting, we still refused to go to our horse down low. I hope we do not become a jump shooting team, DJ is too good down there not to be a primary offensive threat. I know we were down and Basset has an improved shot, but he should never, ever, have 4 more field goal attempts than DJ White in another game this season. This phenomenon needs to stop.
I still wish we were playing Puke tomorrow
SIU looked bad last night against USC
I think that the Hoosiers were exposed for what they are: thin on the front line and a poor defensive team.
I have not seen this team play well defensively yet. They can beat the hell out of people who are not as athletic, but once it gets even in that area or the other team may be more athletic, then they cannot guard anybody (yet).
I would also like to see Taber get more minutes. They need bodies inside. Anybody who can block-out, rebound, foul, anything.
I also thought that they should have pushed the tempo a little bit more offensively. They seem to be more productive playing that way when they can use their athletic abilitiy versus a structured offense.
I was as disturbed as everyone else at the lack of an offense, and agree that we really need some additional options at the "4." What was driving me crazy, though, is that down the stretch Sampson was playing Ellis at the 4, with Stemler and Thomas on the bench. Our interior defense was getting absolutely crushed - and we refused to deviate from a 4 guard lineup. I know that neither Thomas nor Stemler are a panacea, but they could hardly have done any worse than the undersized folks we had in there.
I'm not as disappointed about this loss as I could be because Xavier is a quality team that we could have beaten with a little more season under our belts, but a tournament-quality team. This loss is a big wake-up call for the players, coaches, and some of us over-exhuberant fans. :-)
Way to sidestep your comments about Gordon being "undersized for his position." I'd like to know what you think the right size for a 2 guard would be. Think before you answer... Remember, one of the best players in the world, a guy by the name of Dwayne Wade, is a megar 6'4 215. And I'm pretty sure he looks bigger than most NBA shooting guards. Oh wait, isn't Gordon 6'4 215? What a coinsidence!!!! And last I checked Gordon is also like 3rd in the country in scoring and shooting well over 50%. STOP HATING!
Go root for Purdue. IU doesn't need you negativity.
Mitch Richmond 6'2 2 guard
Brandon Roy 6'3 2 guard (ROY of the year by the way)