I know X has increased his production so far this year but a question to ponder has he improved that much or has he become the guy because he has more freedom to show his ability
If someone could tell Troy he has no business shooting 3's and going 1-5 attempting them that would be great. That, some missed layups, and the complete absence of anything productive offensively from Ferguson lost the game. The officiating crew certainly did not help matters, they were pathetic. That aside glad they almost won and played fairly well. Would have been a good game to watch if there were not 60 fouls called, A tri-c 3rd grade game has just as good of a flow. Praise X
Ferguson is hurt. He sat out last week's practices. Ditto what you said about D'Amico to Rupert. At least Troy makes one once in awhile.
@usmcsaluki I think Michigan State thinks they should be rated!
Ferguson is hurt. He sat out last week's practices. Ditto what you said about D'Amico to Rupert. At least Troy makes one once in awhile.
I agree with Rupert...even if he hits them in practice, it's not there in games and it doesn't even look close (missing pretty badly). D'Amico shot 36% last year and his shots have looked good for the most part, had quite a few rattle out. I'm willing to give him more of a leash and honestly for him to be successful he needs to be able to knock those shots down.
I know X has increased his production so far this year but a question to ponder has he improved that much or has he become the guy because he has more freedom to show his ability
Surely X has gotten much better because he's a hard worker but I don't think there's any doubt that Lance leaving has opened up an opportunity for X. And we don't live in a vacuum like this, but Xavier is the more superior player at this point for adding positive possessions in a high usage role.
Maybe I just hate the timing of Troy's misses. I think the offense would be better if he took one or two a game at the most, but it is merely my opinion.
Troy needs to be shooting, otherwise there isn't much more he can do to help offensively. He is too slow to consistently beat anyone off the dribble. I still think he is underutilized as a point forward. He adds a lot of value with his versatility and we just need to see that more in the game.
When did AJ "get hurt"? I find it odd that we always find out someone was "injured" when they have a bad game. If he is hurt, however, that explains why he wasn't driving. Converse to Troy, he needs to be driving as he's not that good of a shooter.
One last thought, and this is more of a question that anything........... does anyone think it is at least feasible that XJ's improvement can be related to the staff, or a particular coach (Howard?) development? I believe someone (Salukiworld?) lamented previously about the staff's inability to develop the players and I agreed with them based on what we've seen the last 4 years but I sure like what I've seen so far this year from AJ, XJ, Brown, etc.
Problem is, you won't know if JMU is really a top 25 team till the NCAA tournament, because we were more than likely their last tough game on their schedule. I'd say they have a legit shot at going undefeated the rest of the regular season. Their conference is pretty weak. Of course, road games in any conference are always tough, so they could lose a game or two.We'll see how the season shakes out and if JMU can prove out to be a top 25 team, but I think we're seeing signs of this SIU team being way undervalued - this has got to be a top half Valley team at this point, for sure.
X is just out of this world improved, and if we can keep balance going on the offensive end (and keep our bigs in the game) this team can literally play with anyone, period.
Let's get NMSU today and keep this going!
Have to disagree on D'Amico, he can shoot the 3. Rupert should never EVER shoot another one though. Troy has shot 38% his first two years here though, thats pretty darn good in reality.If someone could tell Troy he has no business shooting 3's and going 1-5 attempting them that would be great. That, some missed layups, and the complete absence of anything productive offensively from Ferguson lost the game. The officiating crew certainly did not help matters, they were pathetic. That aside glad they almost won and played fairly well. Would have been a good game to watch if there were not 60 fouls called, A tri-c 3rd grade game has just as good of a flow. Praise X
JMU is facing Fresno St today who is ranked significantly higher than SIU and there are a couple teams in their conference who have similar rankings to SIU and, as you said, playing on the road anything can happen.
I think you'll see them end up with 24-5 wins before their conference tournament.
I certainly hope so, I drafted them in my college hoops $ preseason pool.
@insaluki Well, let's just say i believe we are better than Fresno State, or Appalachian State, or whoever else they have in conference. I don't think they will play another team as good as us till postseason play.
If you're questioning whether AJ is actually hurt, I can tell you he sat out last Saturday's practice because of injury. I believe it's his foot.
Mullins said in the post game they hope to have him against Indiana State. Said he hurt it in the Chicago State game and the x rays were negative. However, he said it has been swelling up and is week to week.If you're questioning whether AJ is actually hurt, I can tell you he sat out last Saturday's practice because of injury. I believe it's his foot.
