That team sure displayed some bad attitude.
That team should never be invited back to our gym. No wonder they've only had 2 home games this season.
We really missed Dalton Banks tonight. Nice to see Trent Brown get some minutes and hit a couple shots. He certainly wasn't gun-shy.
We are so damn weak at the 5. Can't wait to see what Scottie Ebube brings to the table next season after a year of practice & conditioning.
Nope we will have a freshman at the 5 next year
Yep! Hornecker!!
You guys really think Hornecker will be ready next year?? The dude weighs like 150 lbs.
Lots of possibilities with both of these guys next year. Ebube is huge and just watching him warm up he looks agile for a big guy and sometimes it looks like his head is at the rim.
You guys really think Hornecker will be ready next year?? The dude weighs like 150 lbs.
The reality is I have absolutely no idea. But his potential is definitely the most exciting of our group of centers. And having an actual 7 footer on the floor brings something to the game that those 6’10 and 6’9 guys do not. Not to mention the dude had some serious big time offers. So… why not? Lol
Regarding Brown’s return, I look at it as shoring up the team’s floor moreso than raising the ceiling.
Essentially, he firms up things that already are somewhat strengths for the team: scrappy defense, 3-point shooting (at times), good team chemistry, etc. What he doesn’t do is address the major shortcomings that seem to be limiting the team’s upside, such as high-end athleticism, length and offensive firepower.
That said, glad to have him back in the mix. Nothing wrong with strengthening strengths, and the added depth will be helpful as well.
SIU finishes non-conference play with a strength of victory of 263.7 in KenPom (adding up the 7 D1 wins and dividing by 7, this also includes Evansville) and a strength of defeat of 140.6 in KenPom.
All together they've played the 38th weakest schedule in the nation even with the Colorado, Creighton, and San Francisco games. Although I would say last night's Grambling game brings them down a bunch but I still approve of this game over NAIA Missouri Baptist, who they still might play.
Even though they're 8-5, I'm coming out of this non-conference season disappointed. Didn't feel like they turned any corner and didn't feel like they prepared themselves well for the next 5 games that will probably make or break their season (vs Loyola, vs Drake, @ Valpo, @ Missouri State, vs Northern Iowa). This season has a chance to get out of hand if you can't beat the good teams at home because you almost have to double them up when they go on the road. Or this could be the point SIU turns that corner in year 3.
You guys really think Hornecker will be ready next year?? The dude weighs like 150 lbs.
I'd be very careful about getting too excited about Hornecker. With freshmen you just never know what you are going to get. Many, including myself, had high hopes for Wonders this season and he hasn't played a single minute despite a need for another guard (until Brown's return). This kid has the size to be a real difference maker, but often 7' players have slow feet and are slow in general. Don't misinterpret my thoughts as I am VERY excited that he chose SIU bc IF he does figure it out, he can be a real game changer, I'm just going to wait to see how things play out first.
You guys really think Hornecker will be ready next year?? The dude weighs like 150 lbs.
I'd be very careful about getting too excited about Hornecker. With freshmen you just never know what you are going to get. Many, including myself, had high hopes for Wonders this season and he hasn't played a single minute despite a need for another guard (until Brown's return). This kid has the size to be a real difference maker, but often 7' players have slow feet and are slow in general. Don't misinterpret my thoughts as I am VERY excited that he chose SIU bc IF he does figure it out, he can be a real game changer, I'm just going to wait to see how things play out first.
My guess is, it’s almost certain H redshirts next year.
While a lot can happen between now and then, I would agree with you as of right now. We unfortunately will have 3 players already who are limited to the 5 position in Muila, Filewich and Ebube. It wouldn't shock me to see one of these guys leave though, which would change things.
You guys really think Hornecker will be ready next year?? The dude weighs like 150 lbs.
I'd be very careful about getting too excited about Hornecker. With freshmen you just never know what you are going to get. Many, including myself, had high hopes for Wonders this season and he hasn't played a single minute despite a need for another guard (until Brown's return). This kid has the size to be a real difference maker, but often 7' players have slow feet and are slow in general. Don't misinterpret my thoughts as I am VERY excited that he chose SIU bc IF he does figure it out, he can be a real game changer, I'm just going to wait to see how things play out first.
I'd guess Hornecker plays next year but big men in general are more raw coming in than guards and take some time to develop. I think Hornecker will produce next year but I wouldn't expect him to be some game-changer.
I absolutely agree that Hornecker redshirts next year. The kid has TONS of potential, but he's going to need to get bigger & stronger. The skills are there, though. He runs the court well and has a sweet jumper with range all the way out to the arc.
He's a little thin at 210 pounds, but moves well, hustles and looks like a good passer. He has some talented teammates so he doesn't need to be the whole show.
“The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.”
-- Al McGuire
With what the 5 spot has NOT given us this year, I would be surprised if Hornecker redshirts next season. He's 7 feet tall and has plenty of skill and loads of potential. If he can't come in and get minutes even with Ebube available then that's a bad sign.
With Hornecker's ability to stretch the floor and Ebube's strength and athleticism, I'm salivating at a potential possibility of seeing Ebube at the 5 and Hornecker at the 4 at some point. Call me crazy, but think Falker/Shaw, but on steroids.
--Insert something witty here--
The full game was posted on YouTube for those interested, adding this to the list
And 18 minute highlights:
Because of Hornecker's ability to shoot the ball, it is possible that you could play him with another center out there. That isn't much of a possibility with the current 3 guys we have. I'd love the thought of being 7', 6'10", 6'7" as our 5,4,3.
