Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

He's definitely registered, Tony had an article yesterday and he's penciled in as a starter. It looks like Debo, Morris, Foster, Miller are "starters." The 5th starter wasn't named in the article. They have flexibility! No "legit" PG either. Looks like a lot of moving parts which could be tough to defend.

Perfect timing for this trip, season-wise. They got 10 legit practices in and these 3 games. That's huge with many new faces.

I saw in the article they are playing Elon in exhibition.

[IUPalum]

Debo isn't in the photo. He's here (on campus) for sure. Maybe he took the photo or didn't make the trip. But, he's been practicing. I know that factually.

He's definitely registered, Tony had an article yesterday and he's penciled in as a starter. It looks like Debo, Morris, Foster, Miller are "starters." The 5th starter wasn't named in the article. They have flexibility! No "legit" PG either. Looks like a lot of moving parts which could be tough to defend.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

No clue, I haven't been to the Canadian side in years. I looked at their twitter photo at the falls, it looked like they were missing a body.

Debo isn't in the photo. He's here (on campus) for sure. Maybe he took the photo or didn't make the trip. But, he's been practicing. I know that factually.

[IUPalum]

Wonder if Joe will let them stop at Jack's Cantina in Niagara Falls?

Is Rumors still open? YANKS?

No clue, I haven't been to the Canadian side in years. I looked at their twitter photo at the falls, it looked like they were missing a body.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Wonder if Joe will let them stop at Jack's Cantina in Niagara Falls?

Is Rumors still open? YANKS?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Here's hoping that the IUP men have a successful trip to Canada this weekend.

Cheers

[IUPalum]

Here's hoping that the IUP men have a successful trip to Canada this weekend.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I would love for him to just go outside the norm and play 9 or 10. But I know 8 is asking a lot out of him.

When you break down the roster, despite losing Dante's production from last season, the guard group this year is much more dynamic/deeper. You lose Dante and Bearer but replace them with Shawndale Jones (they haven't had a guard with his physical stature in years) and David Morris (who is Joe's next star PG). Add to it a year-older version of Malik and Armoni ... that's a scary four-man rotation. Lot of size, speed and talent. Defensively, they should be night and day better at the guard position. Add to it Anthony White is a pest defender when he gets inserted.

I just can't see Joe burning a year of Bryce Radford and K.J. Rhodes eligibility to play 5 minutes a game.


HOWEVER, one absolute item I'm convinced of watching Joe's teams year after year (especially the past four years) is that they tire out down the stretch. In my opinion, you can directly link that to his stars playing 38 minutes in 30-point blowouts of Clarion, etc. I truly believe last year's 30-3 team peaked in late January.

If he'd say 'screw the redshirts' and get his stars down to 28-30 mpg would it help late in the season? Probably. This group is going to blow a ton of teams out this year. I'd rather keep legs fresh and limit the chances of injuries in meaningless minutes.

[IUP24]

He may go Norman Dale and play four.

Joking aside I think he rolls with 8 this year. All three freshmen redshirt. Four guards and four bigs. Anthony White is the 9th man (if he doesn't redshirt) and gets some minutes here and there. He can play.

Luckily he would have depth in an emergency unlike other years.

I would love for him to just go outside the norm and play 9 or 10. But I know 8 is asking a lot out of him.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The real question though, is how many of these guys does Joe actually run? The talent and depth is great, but not if you only play 7.

He may go Norman Dale and play four.

Joking aside I think he rolls with 8 this year. All three freshmen redshirt. Four guards and four bigs. Anthony White is the 9th man (if he doesn't redshirt) and gets some minutes here and there. He can play.

Luckily he would have depth in an emergency unlike other years.

[IUP24]

Ousmane Diop (Niagara transfer) is a freaking giant. The photos we saw of him from two years ago tell no part of the story. Dude looks like he's lived in the weight room the past 24 months.

I'd guess he's about 6'10" to 6'11" and about 240-250 lbs.


He'll look real good in the team photo. That said, hopefully he looks real good on the court. From what I'm told, he's not going to be here to score many points -- at least not early on. He has an incredible wing span and is said to be extremely aggressive/physical on the glass. He's also very athletic for his size (former soccer player).

On another positive note, the whole listed roster reported and is enrolled. No late surprises.

The real question though, is how many of these guys does Joe actually run? The talent and depth is great, but not if you only play 7.

[IUPalum]

Taco Tuesday


Awesome

What?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Taco Tuesday


Awesome

[IUPalum]

It's going to be interesting with what Joe does. Players need to stay out of the doghouse too. I'm excited for IUP basketball...

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Didn't think there would be any late surprises. The fact that Diop has put on muscle is great. We already knew he was long but strength wise is what I was worried about. He'll be a rim protector that's for sure.

We haven't had a true rim protector for several years now. It will be a nice addition.

The guards have been justifiably getting all the buzz but that 'big man' crew is pretty solid.

Chucky should explode this season -- ultra athletic and can be a shutdown defender.

Ulrich is a big body under there at 6'8" and 235 lbs. As per Joe formula he redshirted a year ago but word is he tore up practices.

Tommy Demogerontas should fill that small forward role well at 6'8" and 215 lbs. He has a nice outside shot and is also pretty smooth around the basket. Plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Diop is a giant. I'd imagine Joe works him in a little slow.

Porterfield is already big at 6'8" and a 'listed' 220 lbs. We all saw what ESU's star freshmen big did a year ago. However, I'd be shocked if he doesn't redshirt.


Ulrich, Diop and Demogerontas have already taken redshirt seasons. I can't see Joe playing (5) bigs.