Myron's Live Chat

[GopherLady]

I know it was posted elsewhere, but if you'd like to join, the link is here:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/g...c8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUoD3aPc:_2yc:a_ncyD_MDCiU

This is the beginning of it:

Wednesday November 3, 2010
11:31


Myron P. Medcalf:
Hello, America. Time to go. The 2010-11 college basketball season is here. Whooo!!!! Leave your questions. I'll be back at noon.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 11:31 Myron P. Medcalf
11:45

Wednesday November 3, 2010 11:45
11:48

Wednesday November 3, 2010 11:48
11:59


[Comment From Devoe JosephDevoe Joseph: ]
Myron, my back is sore from carrying the team the 2nd half of the season. Tubby rewards me by having me come off the bench. This is a joke, right? Al Nolen couldn't score on one of those Fisher Price plastic hoops.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 11:59 Devoe Joseph
12:00


Myron P. Medcalf:
Calm down, Devoe. You have a leg injury. You hurt your quad and your knee over the summer during tryouts for the Canadian national team. And the team is better off limiting your minutes during an exhibition. You might face North Carolina in two weeks. They'll need you then.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:00 Myron P. Medcalf
12:01


[Comment From Jordan TaylorJordan Taylor: ]
I am looking forward to continuing my losing streak against Minnesota this year!
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:01 Jordan Taylor
12:01


Myron P. Medcalf:
The Border Battle should be a good one. But the Gophers have the edge right now.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:01 Myron P. Medcalf
12:01


[Comment From MacMac: ]
How are the coaches talking about Rodney Williams? Is it still just "potential" or is he going to deliver?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:01 Mac
12:02


Myron P. Medcalf:
Good question. After last night's game, Tubby praised him for a good game (13 points, three blocks). Then, he compared him to Donovan McNabb, saying he's not in good shape. I think they believe in Rodney. But they don't want the NBA buzz to go to his head.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:02 Myron P. Medcalf
12:03


[Comment From BrandonBrandon: ]
How much of a impact do you think Royce White could have had one the Gophers basketball team, had he of stayed? Also who are they going to have step up and fill the shoes of Damian Johnson, and Paul Carter?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:03 Brandon
12:03

Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:03
12:03

Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:03
12:04


Myron P. Medcalf:
Doesn't what Royce White could've done. He's not here. But I don't think the Gophers have to replace Damian and Paul Carter. This is a different team. Trevor Mbakwe and Mo Walker give the squad good depth inside. Rodney Williams and Austin Hollins have length and athleticism at small forward.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:04 Myron P. Medcalf
12:04


[Comment From DaveDave: ]
Every year during the beginning of the Gopher's season, someone is rumored to be taking Blake's starting job. Every year, he proves to be the most reliable scorer on the team and keeps the job. Who is supposedly going to take it this year?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:04 Dave
12:05


Myron P. Medcalf:
I think Hoffarber will stay in the starting rotation. But I believe Tubby will insert Devoe Joseph at some point. He might go with a three-guard again or he could put Devoe at point.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:05 Myron P. Medcalf
12:05


[Comment From bobbob: ]
Will R Williams Start
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:05 bob
12:05


Myron P. Medcalf:
He started last night.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:05 Myron P. Medcalf
12:05


[Comment From Kevin M.Kevin M.: ]
Do you think the Gophers can beat a team like North Carolina in the Puerto Rico tournament later this month?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:05 Kevin M.
12:06


Myron P. Medcalf:
Oh yeah. It's so early, so everybody is vulnerable. I think North Carolina will end the year as one of the best teams in the country, but the Gophers' depth and experience will put them in a good postiion to score the upset. But they have to get past Western Kentucky first in Puerto Rico.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:06 Myron P. Medcalf
12:07


[Comment From Jack Jack: ]
What needs to happen in the program so that we consistently get top recruiting classes - ie top 25. Can Tubby do that?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:07 Jack
12:09

Myron P. Medcalf:
You have to make a run in the tournament. That's the biggest stage at this level. Winning in March will boost the program's recruiting. The team also needs new facilities. High school kids don't care about the Barn's mystique. They want a new arena or practice facility. Tubby has done a good job of keeping the best kids home. And he's identified under the radar prospects like Andre Hollins out of Memphis. That's the best way to build this team because I don't think the Gophers will land any five-star kids from outside of the state anytime soon.

 

[Dr.Don]

To me, the key to success is NOT recruiting 5 star players, they leave to soon. The key is "Coaching UP" the players we get. And we GopherHolers could do that!!! Go Gophers!!!!

 

[Facts34]

Someone tell Myron that Tyus Jones is in 9th grade.

[Comment From CliffCliff: ]
What are the chances Tubby will get a top 10 rated player in the next two years?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:23 Cliff
12:23


Myron P. Medcalf:
Google Tyus Jones.

 

[Myron P. Medcalf]

My bad on that. I misread the question. I got about 148 questions in 60 minutes. Try to answer as many as possible. My mistake.

 

[GopherLady]

I couldn't stay for the rest, but had the chat up, and here it is:


[Comment From JustGolden JustGolden: ]
Can Trevor play the 3 spot and if so, do you think Sampson, IVerson, and Mbakwe will work as a starting lineup.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:10 JustGolden
12:11

Myron P. Medcalf:
It's a good thought but you can't put three bigs on the floor together. It would take away too much from the second wave. I think Mbakwe is athletic enough to play small forward, but he's really a power forward. A true power forward. But I won't be surprised if he ends up starting at the 4 soon.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:11 Myron P. Medcalf
12:11


[Comment From Nat M. Nat M.: ]
Who's the most important 8th man on the team? Let's assume Iverson and Devoe come off the bench.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:11 Nat M.
12:12

Myron P. Medcalf:
Austin Hollins. I think he's very talented. And I believe he can come off the bench and contribute right away.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:12 Myron P. Medcalf
12:13


[Comment From Kalin, ETwaun & Mike T Kalin, ETwaun & Mike T: ]
So are you saying that Devoe Joseph will be the starting PG come Big Ten season? Please say yes so we can pencil in our defensive steals and break away basket stats ASAP.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:13 Kalin, ETwaun & Mike T
12:14

Myron P. Medcalf:
Maybe. Remember, Tubby used a three-guard lineup for the bulk of last season. I could see Al Nolen, Devoe Joseph, Blake Hoffarber together in the starting lineup, especially if Rodney struggles. But I do believe Devoe will continue to push Al for the starting PG spot.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:14 Myron P. Medcalf
12:15


[Comment From Gary Gary: ]
Who will be the Westbrook this year and get on Tubby's bad side?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:15 Gary
12:16

Myron P. Medcalf:
I think this team has better chemistry than last year's team. I don't think they have a guy with Westbrook's personality. Westbrook was sort of the Randy Moss on last year's roster. He said what he wanted to say. But he also produced. ... So maybe he wasn't like Randy Moss.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:16 Myron P. Medcalf
12:16


[Comment From Shawn Bradley Guy Shawn Bradley Guy: ]
How many teams and what teams from the Big Ten make the Big Dance this year?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:16 Shawn Bradley Guy
12:16

Myron P. Medcalf:
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Northwestern, Illinois ... seven teams. That's my prediction.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:16 Myron P. Medcalf
12:17


[Comment From hamdizzy hamdizzy: ]
Damian was one of the best defenders in the Big Ten. Who can step up and defend all positions this year?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:17 hamdizzy
12:19

Myron P. Medcalf:
Damian was special. He was 6-6, maybe. And he played power forward in the Big Ten even though he weighed about 200 pounds or so. And he could guard all five positions. I don't want to talk about Damian too much or I might think about the Big Ten's all-defensive team, the one that he wasn't on even though he was top 2 in steals and blocks. I don't think one guy has his all-around defensive ability. But adding Mbakwe, getting Nolen back and starting the Twin Towers should make this is a better defensive team.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:19 Myron P. Medcalf
12:20


[Comment From Kyle Kyle: ]
Any chance the Gophers compete for a Big Ten title this year? You've predicted 4th place, which I think is fair, but what do they need to do to get to the next level? Obviously win games, but what are their shortcomings that they need to improve on?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:20 Kyle
12:21

Myron P. Medcalf:
They'll have to win some tough road games. They'll have to crash the boards. And they need to unleash a playmaker. Maybe it's Rodney, maybe it's Devoe. But someone needs to take a "Kobe" attitude into games against Ohio State, Illinois and MSU. That plus their aggressive defense will put them in a good position to make a run at the title.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:21 Myron P. Medcalf
12:21


[Comment From Erik Erik: ]
Ever since Tubby arrived in Minny, I've been insecure about him leaving. Should I be?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:21 Erik
12:23

Myron P. Medcalf:
Not anymore. He's approaching 60 and I just don't think a lot of programs will pay him $2 million a year. Plus, if he gets to the NCAA tourney every year, Minnesotans will be happy. Sounds like a great job to me. But I thought Georgia Tech was a possibility earlier this year. Had Paul Hewitt left, I believe Ga. Tech would have gone after him.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:23 Myron P. Medcalf
12:23


[Comment From Cliff Cliff: ]
What are the chances Tubby will get a top 10 rated player in the next two years?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:23 Cliff
12:23

Myron P. Medcalf:
Google Tyus Jones.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:23 Myron P. Medcalf
12:23


[Comment From Norm Norm: ]
What is the plan for Oto? Is he out for this year or did he pass the clearing house?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:23 Norm
12:24

Myron P. Medcalf:
NCAA made him a partial-qualifier. So he has to redshirt this year. But he'll be in the lineup next season. I've heard good things about him.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:24 Myron P. Medcalf
12:25


[Comment From Craig Craig: ]
Myron - I think Mo Walker is the biggest guy in the history of this program. He's huge!!! He's gotta help.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:25 Craig
12:26

Myron P. Medcalf:
He's lost a lot of weight since he arrived over the summer. The program lists him at 289. Doubtbul. But he was way over 300 when he got here. He moves well. And you either foul him or risk bodily harm as a defender. He should help.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:26 Myron P. Medcalf
12:26


[Comment From VUC VUC: ]
When is the u going to build Tubby the practice facility he has always wanted?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:26 VUC
12:26

Myron P. Medcalf:
Good question. The question is ... Will Tubby sign an extension before the U makes its practice facility plans official?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:26 Myron P. Medcalf
12:27


[Comment From Pizdamen Pizdamen: ]
Devoe moved OK last night. How much should we worry about his injury(ies) lingering throughout the season?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:27 Pizdamen
12:28

Myron P. Medcalf:
It's something to worry about because he hasn't been healthy since last season. He got hurt in Canada over the summer. And now, he's dealing with another injury. Knees, quads ... that stuff can linger. But he's young. And when I talked to coaches, I never got the sense that they were concerned about his health.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:28 Myron P. Medcalf
12:29


[Comment From National Press National Press: ]
Why do we have no love for the Gophers in our preseason poll? Besides Big Ten fan boy Andy Katz, that is...
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:29 National Press
12:30

Myron P. Medcalf:
There was too much uncertainty surrounding the team in the offseason. We didn't know if Mbakwe would be here. We didn't know about Al's academics. Guys transferred. If the Gophers win ... and they'll have a lot of tough games during nonconference play ... they'll end up on the national radar. But they have so many new faces, I think folks want to wait and see how this team looks against good competition.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:30 Myron P. Medcalf
12:30


[Comment From Andrew Andrew: ]
Wow! I know it was just an exhibition game, but dang we are gonna be good. Do you think this team can finish in the top three of thebig ten?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:30 Andrew
12:32

Myron P. Medcalf:
Possible but it's so early. So early. The difference between Northeastern State and Ohio State is comparable to the difference between Brandy and Rick Fox on Dancing with the Stars. No comparison. This season will get much tougher. They look good on paper. But we'll see what happens in the coming months.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:32 Myron P. Medcalf
12:32


[Comment From paul paul: ]
Any input on what pro scouts think about the talent on the squad?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:32 paul
12:34

Myron P. Medcalf:
They love Rodney Williams' athleticism. But I've heard Austin Hollins mentioned as a pro prospect, too. If the Gophers beat UNC, a team filled with future pros, I'm sure the NBA buzz will grow, assuming their pro possibilities perform.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:34 Myron P. Medcalf
12:34


[Comment From MN MN: ]
Winona State beat the Gophers a few years back, and this years team could be even better than that one with Iowa transfer Anthony Tucker, Iowa State transfer Clayton Vette, and not to mention two other D-I transfers. Obviously the Gophers are better too, but is there any chance that the U could fall?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:34 MN
12:36

Myron P. Medcalf:
Yes. Lewis nearly toppled Illinois last week. Plus, there's the hometown factor. The Gophers know a bunch of the Winona State kids from high school. So it's personal. Still, the Gophers should have too much size, skill and athleticism for Winona State. But that's what Monson's boys assumed, too.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:36 Myron P. Medcalf
12:36


[Comment From Robbie Hummel Robbie Hummel: ]
How will the Boilermakers fare without me this year?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:36 Robbie Hummel
12:37

Myron P. Medcalf:
First, sorry about your situation. What a tough deal. You're the heart of that Purdue team. I could see it in Matt Painter's eyes at last week's Big Ten media day in Chicago. He was trying to convince himself that his team will be OK without you. But he couldn't do it. Purdue is still very talented. But Hummel is its pulse.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:37 Myron P. Medcalf
12:37


[Comment From Joe Joe: ]
Will the half court offense be better this year? We blew many big leads last year in the big ten season by not being able to score a basket in the second half...
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:37 Joe
12:39

Myron P. Medcalf:
I agree. It's a challenge for the Gophers, especially when they face good teams. That's why they may end up starting Devoe and Trevor by the time Big Ten season begins. They need guys who can create shots against high-caliber opponents.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:39 Myron P. Medcalf
12:40


[Comment From Jay Jay: ]
Was anything of value learned about this Gopher's team from last night's blow out?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:40 Jay
12:41

Myron P. Medcalf:
Yes. The Gophers have a lot of size. Their bigs have been working on their free throws during the offseason. And some of the freshmen are ready to contribute, others aren't. That's about it. We'll learn a lot next week when they face Wofford. We'll learn a lot more if they play North Carolina in Puerto Rico.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:41 Myron P. Medcalf
12:41


[Comment From Jim Jim: ]
Do you think Ralph S. will ever get more aggressive?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:41 Jim
12:43

Myron P. Medcalf:
Not really. He is who he is. As long he produces, it won't matter. The challenge is when Ralph plays hesistant basketball, like he's intimidated. That can't happen. That's where he has to become the aggressor and push back when matched against physical players like Draymond Green. But he'll never have a KG persona on the floor.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:43 Myron P. Medcalf
12:43


[Comment From b-dub b-dub: ]
North Carolina as one of the best teams in the country? Just like last year huh? Granted Barnes should be for real but let's play this thing out before you go crowning UNC a la last year.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:43 b-dub
12:45

Myron P. Medcalf:
Nope. Not crowning them. But I think they'll be very good. Barnes is the truth. And they have a lot of talent and some good guys coming back. And that's why it's the preseason, you know. You make predictions before you see these teams play. I might be wrong. We'll see.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:45 Myron P. Medcalf
12:45


[Comment From Jon Jon: ]
What is your take on Chip and Maverick?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:45 Jon
12:47

Myron P. Medcalf:
I like both guys. Chip is aggressive and athletic. And Maverick can play solid minutes at backup PG. He won't play backup PG when the tough games start, they'll put Devoe or Al in that position. But he can be a solid, reserve guard.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:47 Myron P. Medcalf
12:47


[Comment From Mike Mike: ]
How far do you think this team will go this year? Also who are the gophers actively recruiting for next year? Who are seniors on this squad?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:47 Mike
12:49

Myron P. Medcalf:
Sorry, Mike. I get a lot of questions. But I think this year will be disappointing if the Gophers fail to win at least one game in the NCAA tourney. Minnesota has already received verbal commitments from G Andre Hollins, a talented combo guard from Memphis, and Joe Coleman, a star at Hopkins. Very athletic players. But they're looking for a true PG. Al and Blake are seniors. Trevor is a senior is school but a junior on the floor.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:49 Myron P. Medcalf
12:49


[Comment From Jared Sullinger Jared Sullinger: ]
What are my chances of being Player of the Year? Who would you compare my game to past or present?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:49 Jared Sullinger
12:50

Myron P. Medcalf:
In the Big Ten? You'll have a shot. You have some Elton Brand qualities. Rumor is that you dropped 40-plus points against Baylor in a recent scrimmage.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:50 Myron P. Medcalf
12:51


[Comment From ONeal ONeal: ]
What's you favorite building to visit in the Big Ten? How does the Barn compare to other Big Ten arenas?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:51 ONeal
12:53

Myron P. Medcalf:
The Barn is cool. Nothing like Wisconsin v. Minnesota at Williams. The crowd is crazy. But I like Michigan State's arena, too. And I'm a Wisconsin native. The Kohl Center is nice, too.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:53 Myron P. Medcalf
12:54


[Comment From ONeal ONeal: ]
Will the addition of Nebraska change anything from a basketball perspective?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:54 ONeal
12:54

Myron P. Medcalf:
Yes. They have a brand new building. The Big Ten's current teams will have fun breaking in the rims.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:54 Myron P. Medcalf
12:55


[Comment From Frank Martin Frank Martin: ]
What do you think of my coaching style? Do you think Tubby should be more energetic and in your face like me?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:55 Frank Martin
12:56

Myron P. Medcalf:
You're aggressive. But I wrote about you last year. Sounds like you have a special connection with your players. Tubby is not the same in-your-face coach he was a few years ago.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:56 Myron P. Medcalf
12:57


[Comment From Roy Williams Roy Williams: ]
How good is Tyus Jones?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:57 Roy Williams
12:57

Myron P. Medcalf:
I can't tell you because you'll sign him.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:57 Myron P. Medcalf
12:58

Myron P. Medcalf:
But seriously, he's legit. He has size, high basketball IQ. If I took you to a game and told you to watch him, but I didn't tell you how old he was ... you would think he was a senior.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:58 Myron P. Medcalf
12:59


[Comment From jason jason: ]
why dont the gophers play more big name teams in pre-big 10? Iowa State, Kansas, Notre Dame are all midwest team that would draw fan interest
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:59 jason
1:01

Myron P. Medcalf:
I was told that the team talked to Kansas last year, but the Jayhawks wanted to play at the Xcel Center. I talked to a Jayhawks official who told me that Kansas talked to Minnesota about a series and that they were willing to play at Williams. Who knows the truth. The bottom line is that these teams worry about their RPIs. They don't want to lose at home in the nonconference season. That's why teams play each other at neutral sites. The Gophers, however, wouldn't want to face Kansas at the Xcel. That limits their advantage.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:01 Myron P. Medcalf
1:02

Myron P. Medcalf:
But you can get midmajors to come here because they'll play anybody. Just playing these teams boosts their strength of schedule. They get paid. And if they win, it increases their chances of making the NCAA tournament. To be honest, I'm surprised the Gophers are playing Siena and Wofford at home. Risky.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:02 Myron P. Medcalf
1:03


[Comment From Steven Gerrard Steven Gerrard: ]
How does a team like Kansas State get the ball rolling on new practice facility and the Gophers can't?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:03 Steven Gerrard
1:03

Myron P. Medcalf:
Great question. Tubby was promised a facility before he came here in 2007. Not one shovel in the ground. I know they've studied possible locations. But it all comes down to money. They don't have it yet.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:03 Myron P. Medcalf
1:04


[Comment From Doubting Thomas Doubting Thomas: ]
I agree that this team will be a monster at The Barn, but is this going to be the same song and dance where road wins will be hard to come by? And WHO is going to be the go-to player? The Hoff is a non-factor if a team decides to play defense on him; Rodney and Mbakwe are high-fliers only with no ability to consistently score outside the paint; Devoe looks the most likeliest, but even his scoring is inconsistent.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:04 Doubting Thomas
1:04

Myron P. Medcalf:
I have the same questions. But by the end of the month, I think we'll be able to answer them.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:04 Myron P. Medcalf
1:05


[Comment From Casey the NU alum Casey the NU alum: ]
Do you really think Northwestern can make the NCAA tourney this year without Kevin Coble?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:05 Casey the NU alum
1:06

Myron P. Medcalf:
They nearly made it without him last year. The Big Ten is the best conference in the college basketball. You have to find 68 teams for the expanded version of the tourney. So the Big Ten will benefit. Not that the committee goes by conference, but a solid finish in the Big Ten and a good nonconference win might be enough to put the Wildcats in the field of 68.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:06 Myron P. Medcalf
1:06


[Comment From Randy Moss Randy Moss: ]
Do you know a good caterer?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:06 Randy Moss
1:06

Myron P. Medcalf:
If I did, I wouldn't tell you.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:06 Myron P. Medcalf
1:06


[Comment From D.J. D.J.: ]
You speak and write English pretty well, considering you're from Wisconsin.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:06 D.J.
1:08

Myron P. Medcalf:
Thanks. Oh Wisconsin ... that state with the first place team in the NFC North.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:08 Myron P. Medcalf
1:09

Myron P. Medcalf:
Thanks everybody. I appreciate your time. We'll get this rolling again once the season starts. In the meantime, send emails to [email protected] if I didn't get to your question. I'm going to do a Monday Mailbox on my blog this season. Thanks again.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 1:09 Myron P. Medcalf
1:10

 

[Mother Vandelay]

Myron thats good stuff and the questions were solid.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

[Comment From Jared Sullinger Jared Sullinger: ]
What are my chances of being Player of the Year? Who would you compare my game to past or present?
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:49 Jared Sullinger
12:50

Myron P. Medcalf:
In the Big Ten? You'll have a shot. You have some Elton Brand qualities. Rumor is that you dropped 40-plus points against Baylor in a recent scrimmage.
Wednesday November 3, 2010 12:50 Myron P. Medcalf
12:51
OSU guy, help me out here. Is Myron referring to Baylor University? (didn't know they could scrimmage one another) Sorry, I meant OSUfan.

 

[OSUfan]

Myron, I wouldn't call this season's UNC team as one filled with future NBA guys (though in a sense that might be accurate). To me, it's a misrepresentation because they most likely have only one player who will be drafted in the 2011 NBA draft. I think the moment you call a player who won't be drafted for 2 or 3 years a future NBA guy, you're overrating him because if he was legitimately one of the top talents in the sport, he'd be going pro after this season. Let's not pretend this team is like the '05 and '08 versions of UNC that had several players drafted. UNC should be very beatable once again, especially early in the season.

 

[OSUfan]

Yes, they scrimmaged Baylor U, featuring frosh PF/C Perry Jones (who is my pick for the "Derrick Favors/BJ Mullens annual 1 & done big man who'll be drafted more on long term potential than production" - IMO he's not going to have quite the impact in college that his recruiting ranking would indicate he could be capable of). SG Lace Dunn (he of the domestic violence charges) did not participate in the scrimmage (according to reports).

 

[Gopher Warrior]

OSU guy, help me out here. Is Myron referring to Baylor University? (didn't know they could scrimmage one another)

Many schools practice/scrimmage with another D1 school... I think it's a good idea. The folks that can be present at such a practice is quite limited (and certainly the public cannot view) and the coaches generally can't say anything about how it went... if you do participate in one of these sessions, you lose the right to have one of your two preseason games (and thus you lose the ticket revenue)... but, IMHO it's much more valuable to a team to have one of these days vs. a game against a non-D1 school.. (in the scrimmage, an official score isn't 'kept' but you can bring in officials for the scrimmage(s) and can essentially have an exhibition game in private)...

 

[OSUfan]

This chat does bring up one thing that I've thought was important regarding the Gophers. I think the key for MN this year (if they want to improve that conference record) is how they play on the road. They need to be tougher when they go on the road than they were during much of the Big Ten season last year. I know a big part of the lackluster road performances last year can be attributed to Nolen being ineligible, but nevertheless you've got to play tougher D (especially on the perimeter) on the road than they did much of last year. Last year the Gophers were one of the worst teams in the Big Ten on the road in terms of not covering point spreads, and I think a lot of it had to do with bad perimeter defense. Great at home, average on the road - that's the story of the Gophers' season last year in a nutshell. Being tougher and winning more games on the road is how MN could improve that conference record this season & it needs to be a point of emphasis.

 

[underground629]

Pretty good stuff from posters and Myron. Thanks for posting

 

[Myron P. Medcalf]

Myron, I wouldn't call this season's UNC team as one filled with future NBA guys (though in a sense that might be accurate). To me, it's a misrepresentation because they most likely have only one player who will be drafted in the 2011 NBA draft. I think the moment you call a player who won't be drafted for 2 or 3 years a future NBA guy, you're overrating him because if he was legitimately one of the top talents in the sport, he'd be going pro after this season. Let's not pretend this team is like the '05 and '08 versions of UNC that had several players drafted. UNC should be very beatable once again, especially early in the season.

I disagree. Harrison Barnes and John Henson are potential lottery picks. Reggie Bullock might get drafted, too, although he'll probably stay.

 

[fan of Ray Williams]

Many schools practice/scrimmage with another D1 school... I think it's a good idea. The folks that can be present at such a practice is quite limited (and certainly the public cannot view) and the coaches generally can't say anything about how it went... if you do participate in one of these sessions, you lose the right to have one of your two preseason games (and thus you lose the ticket revenue)... but, IMHO it's much more valuable to a team to have one of these days vs. a game against a non-D1 school.. (in the scrimmage, an official score isn't 'kept' but you can bring in officials for the scrimmage(s) and can essentially have an exhibition game in private)...

Oh thanks for the insight. (I didn't see this yesterday or I would have responded.)

 

[OSUfan]

Henson is not going to get drafted after this season. Bullock is not going to get drafted after this season. UNC has one player (Barnes) who will get drafted after this season. None of the other guys are likely to turn pro after this year, and even if they did, their draft stock is debatable. They are not "loaded with pros," because they only have one player who's likely to go pro after this year.

To say "loaded with future pros" is misleading because it makes people think they are like the UNC teams of '05 and '08 when they had 3 or 4 first round picks in the draft immediately after the season. This UNC team is nowhere near those teams. They will be a 4 or 5 seed in the NCAA tourney this season if they don't have a rash of injuries like last season - a good team sure, but not unbeatable/intimidating by any stretch of the imagination.