The cavalry has arrived.

Posted by: @austinsaluki

Posted by: @bleedfknmaroon25

@austinsaluki

I was only referring to the size and girth of our post players. I hope their potential can match the physicality of their appearances. If so, then we're on the verge of having a lot of fun the next few seasons.

And, I don't know, but to me Ebube looks quite a bit larger in that regard than I'd expected. His physique looks more like a defensive lineman than the more typical rail-thin freshman centers like we're more accustomed to seeing.

I agree that Ebube looks bulkier than the 215 lbs. listed on Verbal Commits. 

I too hope, as you say, that their potential can match their physicality!

Ebube is way north of 215lb! I would put him at 6'9" 255lb-260lb. He is bigger and stronger than Filewich who is listed at 250lb. They are probably about the same height, but Ebube's leg's, chest and arms are much bigger.

Posted by: @austinsaluki

Posted by: @bleedfknmaroon25

So, a theme I'm noticing with guys like Ebube, Filewich, Muila and Dembele; the BEEF is definitely BACK in Carbondale!

Certainly, nobody is pushing these fellas around.

Man, I just can't get so excited about our frontcourt yet--at least not for this coming year; there are just too many question marks, too much inexperience. (I hasten to add that I'm happy that we're better off than last year!)

Ebube: a freshman--nuff said; he's not as beefy as I expected. I think he has potential to turn into a good one though. 

Filewich: showed promise and was much more advanced, skill-wise, than I thought he'd be. Still, his defense needs serious work. Despite the obvious similarities, he is no Cameron Krutwig (yet). Lots of upside down the road, but again I'm talking about this coming year. 

Dembele: He's obviously still hobbled and probably not good for much more than 5-10 minutes a game. Not to say that isn't valuable, because it is; it's just that he's a role player. But who knows? Maybe he will make great strides--still a big question mark. 

Muila: the biggest question mark of all. This kid won't have played competitive basketball in two years by the time he takes the floor this fall. (Or is it even longer?) My biggest worry: his injury might have been along the lines of Ibby Djimde's or Thik Bol's, and he will never be anywhere close to the player we recruited. 

Sorry--I'm sure that seems really negative, but I don't see any way that what I have said can be completely discounted. 

I think we might all wind up being happier than we expected to be about Anthony D sticking around. 

Can't completely disagree with front court analysis. However, nothing will diminish my optimism about the big's and this season.  Yes, there is rust to be shaken off, injuries to correctly heal and experience to be gained, but much progress was made last year and the upside is huge. My hope is that Mullins instills an unshakable Floorburn U. mentality, swagger and confidence. For me, that is the biggest ingredient for an impact season. The talent is here.

Adding Muila and Ebube to the frontcourt should go a long way in clogging up the lanes. Hell to the yea, baby! Let's get it this year! 

@resaluki-88

I would say the biggest difference is that Ebube is significantly more athletic that Filewich.  He won't struggle to dunk the ball standing under the basket, let alone on a drive.  I also expect him to be a much better defensive player.   That being said, I am SO glad we have BOTH guys on the team as they each will bring an important piece to winning.  

Posted by: @insaluki

@resaluki-88

I would say the biggest difference is that Ebube is significantly more athletic that Filewich.  He won't struggle to dunk the ball standing under the basket, let alone on a drive.  I also expect him to be a much better defensive player.   That being said, I am SO glad we have BOTH guys on the team as they each will bring an important piece to winning.  

I agree, we get a lot more athletic with Ebube, Muila* and Coupet Jr. The asterisk represents if he Muila is healthy and fully recovered from his injuries. 

I think D'Amico, and possibly Wonders may even be a little more athletic than most of last years active roster. I do think Jones and Banks are fairly athletic, it's just that they are so small their athleticism doesn't have the same impact as a bigger player's does.

I'm really glad we have Filewich. He brings good post moves, passing, and court vision to the the 5 position. He has a ways to go on defense and rebounding, which are supposed to be strengths for Ebube and Muila. If all 3 center's are healthy we have some really good options depending upon the matchup! 

Posted by: @resaluki-88

Posted by: @insaluki

@resaluki-88

I would say the biggest difference is that Ebube is significantly more athletic that Filewich.  He won't struggle to dunk the ball standing under the basket, let alone on a drive.  I also expect him to be a much better defensive player.   That being said, I am SO glad we have BOTH guys on the team as they each will bring an important piece to winning.  

I agree, we get a lot more athletic with Ebube, Muila* and Coupet Jr. The asterisk represents if he Muila is healthy and fully recovered from his injuries. 

I think D'Amico and possibly Wonders may even be a little more athletic than most of last years active roster. I do think Jones and Banks are fairly athletic, it's just that they are so small their athleticism doesn't have the same impact as a bigger player's does.

I have a feeling Ben Coupet is going to get a LOT of playing time due to his defensive abilities.  With his athleticism and long reach, I expect him to create havoc against opposing guards/forwards.  

Posted by: @insaluki

Posted by: @resaluki-88

Posted by: @insaluki

@resaluki-88

I would say the biggest difference is that Ebube is significantly more athletic that Filewich.  He won't struggle to dunk the ball standing under the basket, let alone on a drive.  I also expect him to be a much better defensive player.   That being said, I am SO glad we have BOTH guys on the team as they each will bring an important piece to winning.  

I agree, we get a lot more athletic with Ebube, Muila* and Coupet Jr. The asterisk represents if he Muila is healthy and fully recovered from his injuries. 

I think D'Amico and possibly Wonders may even be a little more athletic than most of last years active roster. I do think Jones and Banks are fairly athletic, it's just that they are so small their athleticism doesn't have the same impact as a bigger player's does.

I have a feeling Ben Coupet is going to get a LOT of playing time due to his defensive abilities.  With his athleticism and long reach, I expect him to create havoc against opposing guards/forwards.  

No doubt, I think the coaches see Coupet Jr. in the Lucas Williamson role. Williamson was a huge piece for Loyola, with his length and defense. No way Coupet Jr. is as good a defender as Williamson, no one is! However, he is even taller than Williamson at 6'7", and is long. He fills a big need for us. He will be guarding players like Mosely for Missouri State and Hemphill for Drake.

In a December 2019 article, a Chicago Tribune sportswriter described Ebube as being 6-8/230.  Supposedly he has grown an inch taller. I doubt seriously he has lost any weight since then. I would post a link but it is subscription only. The article describes him as the best big man in Chicago area, who doesn’t realize his own skill set. 

Posted by: @dawgbytes

In a December 2019 article, a Chicago Tribune sportswriter described Ebube as being 6-8/230.  Supposedly he has grown an inch taller. I doubt seriously he has lost any weight since then. I would post a link but it is subscription only. The article describes him as the best big man in Chicago area, who doesn’t realize his own skill set. 

He's every bit of 250.

Posted by: @wood

Posted by: @dawgbytes

In a December 2019 article, a Chicago Tribune sportswriter described Ebube as being 6-8/230.  Supposedly he has grown an inch taller. I doubt seriously he has lost any weight since then. I would post a link but it is subscription only. The article describes him as the best big man in Chicago area, who doesn’t realize his own skill set. 

He's every bit of 250.

I know!

Posted by: @dawgbytes

I was at the game. Pretty surreal in that high school gym. Some obnoxious IL got in my 14 yr old daughter’s face, didn't go over real well with me. I had the pleasure of riding on ILL. bus back to hotel. They were all crying over their lost bets. They were feeling very entitled pre-game, not so much afterwards 

I only encountered one obnoxious Illini fan at that game.  He was sitting directly behind me saying all southern Illinoisans were dirt poor or something to that effect.  I turned around and said "I make six figures.  How much do you make?"  Didn't hear another word out of him.   

Posted by: @resaluki-88

I do think Jones and Banks are fairly athletic, it's just that they are so small their athleticism doesn't have the same impact as a bigger player's does.

Ya think Jones is "fairly" athletic???

LOL

Posted by: @mr_woogers

Posted by: @resaluki-88

I do think Jones and Banks are fairly athletic, it's just that they are so small their athleticism doesn't have the same impact as a bigger player's does.

Ya think Jones is "fairly" athletic???

LOL

 

Don't be a D-Bag. Fairly is a relative term. Thanks for keeping everyone in line....

We now, with three bigs (I’m leaving Dembele out of the equation) will not have to be cobbling together a lineup with a D’Avanzo at the 5 (4.5?) spot as when Filewich needed a blow or got into foul trouble. Until Mulia or Ebube prove to me they aren’t the answer, I’m not going to worry about them not contributing. I have infinite confidence in Bryan  Mullins and his staff, that applies to both recruiting and coaching. Am I drinking the Maroon Kool-Aid? Hell yeah, and I’ll have another please. Besides, I have never known a successful pessimist. 

Yeah, because there are only two choices available at any time in regard to one's take on a basketball team's chances: happy bunny Pollyanna and "pessimist."

NOT being a resident of Stepford doesn't make one a "pessimist." 

JFC. 😆😉