Upon further review ....

[Cuyahoga Falls Eers_rivals]

Upon further review

I went back and watched a replay of the WVU-St. John game and came up with conclusions based on my years of sportswriting experience.
This team has the assets to make a serious run in March Madness, IF:

1. It reduces the over-dribbling and the clumsy dribbling in a crowd.

2. It improves on the sloppy passing.

3. Turnovers caused by 1 and 2 must be reduced. Once you get past 10 turnovers a game you are in the “done” part of a one-and-done March Madness.

4. It improves free throw shooting percentage. It will take 70% FT shooting in March Madness to win. You are giving away points with NO ONE guarding you. Inexcusable.

The good things I saw that will help in March Madness:

1. Not cracking under pressure. Down by 9 late in the game, WVU made a 9-0 run to tie the game at 68-68.

2. Rebounding. I know we have height. But this is height that snares the ball.

3. 3-point shooting. The problem is that some of the better 3-point shooters give up more points on defense than those who don’t make the 3’s as well.

4. Huggins. His record cannot be denied. And March Madness pressure is nothing new to him.

Also, I watched the foul call with 5 seconds left over and over, with stop-action and millisecond after millisecond looks. St. John’s player slipped BEFORE he was touched. It should have been either a traveling call or a no call. The game on the line and the refs blew it.

Another observation: I am disappointed in McCabe. I really thought, based on last season, that he would be better than he has shown this season. Something is amiss. I can’t put my finger on it. But if McCabe doesn’t climb to the improvement needed from one season to the next, he could be a problem for Huggins.

I like this team. I think it can do outstanding things in the Big 12 and March Madness. But 1 through 4 on my improvement list are critical to making that happen.

Huggins will not be to blame. The players need to just do what he tells them to do, during the game and in the practices.

No charge for my expertise that paid for my travels to 56 countries and 44 states, 30 winters in Florida of up to 4 months, 20 years of season tickets in Mountaineer Field and a market portfolio -- with luck, of course -- that some who work overtime to knock me would give their right arm to have.

I love WVU. I love West Virginia, my native state. Hell, I married a Cinderella girl from West Virginia and we watched in Mountaineer Field for decades before she passed away way too young.

I am a coal miner’s son and I never forget that when I’m dealing with people or my decisions in life. I wouldn’t trade my Monongah childhood for all the money in Donald Trump’s vault. Hell, all the money that Warren Buffett has, too.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

They have played 1 probable NCAA team and looked pretty good in that game in Cancun.

But that is still only one game.
They have pretty much won the needed games. Before the season I put the OOC losses at 2. They have 1 with Ohio State and Mizzou coming up.
They are looking pretty good.

But still have them 4th-6th in the Big 12.

Need to see better guard play from McBride or McCabe to put them 3rd in the Big 12.

 

[skygusty_rivals]

We need to eliminate the play where Harler is holding the ball and says "I need a big man to get open, right now, or soon, OK that's close enough", turnover. Replace it with the play that sees him think "I think I'll throw it to an open man". Happens EVERY game.

McCabe isn't that much of an offensive threat and he is a defensive liability.

Note to Culver and Oscar, don't dribble when double teamed.

Note to McBride - yeah you pulled out one game, don't forget the rest of the team in a tight one.

Taz - take some 12 foot jumpers and see the ball go through the rim.

I thought that was a great game, would have been nice to win and YES that was a BS call on Culver at the end.

 

[The Bell Tolls for Thee]

Upon further review

I went back and watched a replay of the WVU-St. John game and came up with conclusions based on my years of sportswriting experience.
This team has the assets to make a serious run in March Madness, IF:

1. It reduces the over-dribbling and the clumsy dribbling in a crowd.

2. It improves on the sloppy passing.

3. Turnovers caused by 1 and 2 must be reduced. Once you get past 10 turnovers a game you are in the “done” part of a one-and-done March Madness.

4. It improves free throw shooting percentage. It will take 70% FT shooting in March Madness to win. You are giving away points with NO ONE guarding you. Inexcusable.

The good things I saw that will help in March Madness:

1. Not cracking under pressure. Down by 9 late in the game, WVU made a 9-0 run to tie the game at 68-68.

2. Rebounding. I know we have height. But this is height that snares the ball.

3. 3-point shooting. The problem is that some of the better 3-point shooters give up more points on defense than those who don’t make the 3’s as well.

4. Huggins. His record cannot be denied. And March Madness pressure is nothing new to him.

Also, I watched the foul call with 5 seconds left over and over, with stop-action and millisecond after millisecond looks. St. John’s player slipped BEFORE he was touched. It should have been either a traveling call or a no call. The game on the line and the refs blew it.

Another observation: I am disappointed in McCabe. I really thought, based on last season, that he would be better than he has shown this season. Something is amiss. I can’t put my finger on it. But if McCabe doesn’t climb to the improvement needed from one season to the next, he could be a problem for Huggins.

I like this team. I think it can do outstanding things in the Big 12 and March Madness. But 1 through 4 on my improvement list are critical to making that happen.

Huggins will not be to blame. The players need to just do what he tells them to do, during the game and in the practices.

No charge for my expertise that paid for my travels to 56 countries and 44 states, 30 winters in Florida of up to 4 months, 20 years of season tickets in Mountaineer Field and a market portfolio -- with luck, of course -- that some who work overtime to knock me would give their right arm to have.

I love WVU. I love West Virginia, my native state. Hell, I married a Cinderella girl from West Virginia and we watched in Mountaineer Field for decades before she passed away way too young.

I am a coal miner’s son and I never forget that when I’m dealing with people or my decisions in life. I wouldn’t trade my Monongah childhood for all the money in Donald Trump’s vault. Hell, all the money that Warren Buffett has, too.

For God's sake, why must you be so insufferable? First, your initial comments are a huge list of big what ifs. Just about any group of misfits will be a March Madness contender if they do all the things you just mentioned. Not dribbling in garbage situations is the only thing you mentioned with any real observation or logical hope they could improve and point 3 is just filler. The rest is just as inane as Wanny saying that Pitt "just needed to get faster" in regards to one of the previous Backyard Brawls. Doesn't take a genius to say "I think this team can really make a run if they suddenly start making really great passes, shoot the ball better, and never turn the ball over." You know, all the things they have shown very LITTLE in the way of being able to do and thus is not a realistic expectation that they become proficient at it with two thirds of the season left. The real sports writer angle would be to factor in the things that we know are weakness and how we can use our strengths to minimize those. Guards are unlikely to suddenly become great drivers or great passers into tight windows. So what are the things they have a good chance of becoming better at during the course of a season? Like I said, not being stupid with when and where they dribble is one such thing.

Second, you are right about McCabe. He looked like he made great strides across last season. The way he played in the TTU upset during the Big XII conference tournament looked like he would be a key contributor to this year's team, but so far he seems to have regressed.

Third, Everything starting with the paragraph of "No charge for my expertise..." is utter BS. Don't try to pull this "Aw shucks, I'm just a regular guy from country beginnings" shtick while beating your chest about how great you are in the same breath. You utter, attention seeking hypocrite. People paid for a newspaper, not SPECIFICALLY your content. How many books have you written that people have bought? How many seminars have people paid to hear just YOUR words of wisdom? What is your wisdom really worth? It's observational skill and nothing more. I'd respect that you'd know more than the average person in regards to writing a column and the inner workings of a newspaper, but just watching sports and putting forth your thoughts on what you see isn't anything more than what the average guy can do. Problem is, the lack of conciseness and meandering of your posts along with the NUMEROUS factual errors you make in many of your postings belies any credibility you have regarding the ability to "write a column." Your thoughts on sports are no more expertise than mine. And I know for damn sure I get paid much more for my expertise in my profession. I know for damn sure I'm worth more while being less than half your age.

 

[muraca777]

It has the tools. It has no consistent rhythm or at times confidence. There are players, 1 especially who early in the season had fun, was aggressive and a stand up the opponent attitude, that beginning with the Northern Iowa game personality is more like that of a hostage. Cutting down this and thet is fine and dandy, when players dont just play, or think about the game, but instead if I shoot this and miss I'm coming out forever, if this pass gets tipped I wont play again, if my man scores I'm done so do I go help on a drive, and there are too many lineup changes and the minutes game to game are crazy and where they should be for alot of players, there is no flow and those things are just going to keep happening. And 6 for 29 and still dominating minutes at your position wont cut it either. After every single tiny little thing players should not have to look over to see who is taking their place

 

[Cuyahoga Falls Eers_rivals]

They have played 1 probable NCAA team and looked pretty good in that game in Cancun.

But that is still only one game.
They have pretty much won the needed games. Before the season I put the OOC losses at 2. They have 1 with Ohio State and Mizzou coming up.
They are looking pretty good.

But still have them 4th-6th in the Big 12.

Need to see better guard play from McBride or McCabe to put them 3rd in the Big 12.

Agree 100% with better guard play. I'm particularly disappointed with McCabe. When I watched him last season I thought he could be a star this season. Hasn't happened ... yet. It's in him. Huggins just has to figure out how to get it to show up on the floor with McCabe. The 2 guards' names sound like an Irish Mafia.

 

[WVUALLEN]

 

[still5-0vstarheels]

They have played 1 probable NCAA team and looked pretty good in that game in Cancun.

But that is still only one game.
They have pretty much won the needed games. Before the season I put the OOC losses at 2. They have 1 with Ohio State and Mizzou coming up.
They are looking pretty good.

But still have them 4th-6th in the Big 12.

Need to see better guard play from McBride or McCabe to put them 3rd in the Big 12.

You said 3 to 5 so there is that. Damn you are tool.

 

[Rootmaster]

conclusions based on my years of sportswriting experience.

No charge for my expertise that paid for my travels to 56 countries and 44 states, 30 winters in Florida of up to 4 months, 20 years of season tickets in Mountaineer Field and a market portfolio -- with luck, of course -- that some who work overtime to knock me would give their right arm to have.

Good grief you are such a fake tool. You now are way to obvious in your desire to get attention. You prove, with every post, that you are a clown and a FakeSportsWriter.

Get this....no one cares about you, your posts, or your fake persona. Give it a rest. Post something honest and interesting and maybe somebody will pay attention.

Look dude...i worked in the industry....in and around Morgantown...with the Mountaineers...at the time you say you did. Fact is: no one has heard of you.

Go Mountaineers!

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

You said 3 to 5 so there is that. Damn you are tool.

I did. When?

I always said I thought the Big 12 preseason poll gave WVU the benefit of the doubt unlike some places.
Ultimately, though, they were correct where they put them.

Kansas and Baylor are the top teams.

The rest of us are a work in progress.
It is going to come down to who has the guards that will make the needed plays.

I was on high on Oklahoma St but Boykin hasn't gotten that team right yet.
Their backcourt to me has the experience plus they have the guy in the middle.


If WVU is going to get that third spot you need to see it with their PG.

Can get upset about it or not but this is where the conference is at and where WVU is at

Kansas
Baylor

Texas
Texas Tech

WVU
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State

Iowa State

TCU
Kansas State

 

[still5-0vstarheels]

I did. When?

I always said I thought the Big 12 preseason poll gave WVU the benefit of the doubt unlike some places.
Ultimately, though, they were correct where they put them.

Kansas and Baylor are the top teams.

The rest of us are a work in progress.
It is going to come down to who has the guards that will make the needed plays.

I was on high on Oklahoma St but Boykin hasn't gotten that team right yet.
Their backcourt to me has the experience plus they have the guy in the middle.


If WVU is going to get that third spot you need to see it with their PG.

Can get upset about it or not but this is where the conference is at and where WVU is at

Kansas
Baylor

Texas
Texas Tech

WVU
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State

Iowa State

TCU
Kansas State

Why would I be upset by a trolls opinion? You are entitled to your opinion but that does not make it fact. The upside of WVU is much higher than Texas or Texas Tech. When the new players start clicking it is going to be fun.

 

[still5-0vstarheels]

Of course after posting this, I see TTU up on UL at the half.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Beard has been coaching that team.
They may not be as good as last year but they are still going to be a threat.

I do think WVU has an advantage on them and will beat them at least once.
But not in the entire conference

Texas has experienced guards and probably once again has a one and done in Kai Jones.
He reminds people of Myles Turner.
Once they start hitting their shots and getting turnovers they could make a deep run.
The do hold teams to under 60 points a game.

 

[.Bodhi.]

sportsWRITING. Not sports coaching.

 

[WVUALLEN]

Texas Tech? . In the game tonight they look liked hell but lucky for them this so called #1 Louisville is looking worse. The way the little birds are playing WVU could beat them with ease.

 

[sg44gold]

This years team could be really, really good if we had a good coach.

Huggy is holding this team back.

 

[skygusty_rivals]

I was impressed with a couple of passes in the last game by the transfer from Arkansas. I can't pronounce or spell his name right now but I will in the future.

 

[Rootmaster]

This years team could be really, really good if we had a good coach.

Huggy is holding this team back.

That's supposed to br a joke right?

 

[5-Technique]

Upon further review

I went back and watched a replay of the WVU-St. John game and came up with conclusions based on my years of sportswriting experience.
This team has the assets to make a serious run in March Madness, IF:

1. It reduces the over-dribbling and the clumsy dribbling in a crowd.

2. It improves on the sloppy passing.

3. Turnovers caused by 1 and 2 must be reduced. Once you get past 10 turnovers a game you are in the “done” part of a one-and-done March Madness.

4. It improves free throw shooting percentage. It will take 70% FT shooting in March Madness to win. You are giving away points with NO ONE guarding you. Inexcusable.

The good things I saw that will help in March Madness:

1. Not cracking under pressure. Down by 9 late in the game, WVU made a 9-0 run to tie the game at 68-68.

2. Rebounding. I know we have height. But this is height that snares the ball.

3. 3-point shooting. The problem is that some of the better 3-point shooters give up more points on defense than those who don’t make the 3’s as well.

4. Huggins. His record cannot be denied. And March Madness pressure is nothing new to him.

Also, I watched the foul call with 5 seconds left over and over, with stop-action and millisecond after millisecond looks. St. John’s player slipped BEFORE he was touched. It should have been either a traveling call or a no call. The game on the line and the refs blew it.

Another observation: I am disappointed in McCabe. I really thought, based on last season, that he would be better than he has shown this season. Something is amiss. I can’t put my finger on it. But if McCabe doesn’t climb to the improvement needed from one season to the next, he could be a problem for Huggins.

I like this team. I think it can do outstanding things in the Big 12 and March Madness. But 1 through 4 on my improvement list are critical to making that happen.

Huggins will not be to blame. The players need to just do what he tells them to do, during the game and in the practices.

No charge for my expertise that paid for my travels to 56 countries and 44 states, 30 winters in Florida of up to 4 months, 20 years of season tickets in Mountaineer Field and a market portfolio -- with luck, of course -- that some who work overtime to knock me would give their right arm to have.

I love WVU. I love West Virginia, my native state. Hell, I married a Cinderella girl from West Virginia and we watched in Mountaineer Field for decades before she passed away way too young.

I am a coal miner’s son and I never forget that when I’m dealing with people or my decisions in life. I wouldn’t trade my Monongah childhood for all the money in Donald Trump’s vault. Hell, all the money that Warren Buffett has, too.

It was just a bad game, that's all.