Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

As I tend toward the old-school, I generally flavor the wood-plank floorings. Smooth surfaces make me think of a community all-purpose rec center rather than a dedicated basketball arena or gym.

No disagreement here. For years and years UPJ had some sort of 'floor' in their gym. The visiting teams all hated it.

I was surprised IUP was replacing the floor so fast (15 years or so) but they take it apart and put it back together so many times a year I could see how the joints probably started to go. I've gotten to know many of the staff there over the years ... court removal/assembly is not one of their favorite jobs. That whole floor just comes apart (and back together) in like 4' x 4' squares.

[IUPalum]

No disagreement here. For years and years UPJ had some sort of 'floor' in their gym. The visiting teams all hated it.

I was surprised IUP was replacing the floor so fast (15 years or so) but they take it apart and put it back together so many times a year I could see how the joints probably started to go. I've gotten to know many of the staff there over the years ... court removal/assembly is not one of their favorite jobs. That whole floor just comes apart (and back together) in like 4' x 4' squares.

I'd be willing to bet the court assembly is the reason why the IUP basketball teams practice at the Field House. It's unfortunate that they don't practice at the KCAC because it such a different back ground and would help their shooting to be there more often.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I'd be willing to bet the court assembly is the reason why the IUP basketball teams practice at the Field House. It's unfortunate that they don't practice at the KCAC because it such a different back ground and would help their shooting to be there more often.

I can't tell you how many games I've seen in the KCAC - way too damn many. IUP shoots in to the horseshoe in the first half of every game. Their shooting percentage typically increases at least 20% in the second half at the other end (if not more). It's night and day.

I've also seen tons of visiting teams light it up on the video board end in the first half -- and then can't hit anything on the horseshoe end in the second half.

I don't have much of a life, but when I get to having no life I will actually pull those numbers. It would take some time but I 100% guarantee my theory.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The roster is posted. The big news, obviously, is Garvin Clarke isn't listed. The other big news, however, is Alfonso Pickens Jr. is now listed.


Guard

Dallis Dillard
Christian Moore
Denzel Kabasele
Alfonso Pickens Jr.
Kymani Merraro
Ian Herring
Anthony Watson
Sarp Furtun


Forward

Damir Brooks
Bautista Rodriguez
Tyler Grove
Luke Triggs
Callum MacNamara


Initial thoughts:

Garvin is obviously a major loss. But, Moore and Pickens will more than make up for him. Dallis returning and the long-awaited debut of Kabasele will give Joe a very deep guard pool.

I still suspect (reading between Joe's always-cryptic comments) that Ian Herring will play all over the place this year (G/F).


Rotation projections (my opinion)

Starting lineup:

PG - Pickens Jr.
G - Dillard
G - Moore
F - Rodriguez
F - Triggs

Bench

G - Kabasele
G - Watson
F - Brooks
G/F - Herring
F - MacNamara


Redshirts

Merraro ----------> pending emergency Joe isn't playing a true freshman PG
Grove -----------> some don't agree here and think he'll play
Sarp -------------> I know Joe likes him but he should have redshirted last year. His minutes would be very low this year. I suspect Joe stashes him rather than wasting a year.



Overall, I like this rotation much better than a year ago. After Dallis went down last year it was essentially a two-man team. This roster is tremendously deeper and more balanced. We'll see ... but, I think it looks pretty solid.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

So, now ... turning to the elephant in the room.

Garvin Clarke isn't on the IUP roster -- and, he's not in the transfer portal.

So, where are you, Mr. Clarke?

[IUPalum]

So, now ... turning to the elephant in the room.

Garvin Clarke isn't on the IUP roster -- and, he's not in the transfer portal.

So, where are you, Mr. Clarke?

I second that.

[Ship69]

So, now ... turning to the elephant in the room.

Garvin Clarke isn't on the IUP roster -- and, he's not in the transfer portal.

So, where are you, Mr. Clarke?

Yeah, it is very weird for a player of that prominence to disappear from the roster and sight. It would almost as if Jake Biss hadn't returned for his final year at Ship a couple of years back.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Apparently in a small town the roster posting (which is mysteriously minus the teams' star player) isn't newsworthy.

[IUPalum]

Apparently in a small town the roster posting (which is mysteriously minus the teams' star player) isn't newsworthy.

Missing the star player and missing the only assistant coach.

[IUPHawks24]

Missing the star player and missing the only assistant coach.

Noticed that as well.

Anyone with any information on that? Can’t be by accident.

[IUPalum]

Noticed that as well.

Anyone with any information on that? Can’t be by accident.

Wonder where our Gannon friend is that defended Stevie P?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Joe's no-brainer decision for an assistant (my opinion) is Chucky Humphries. Easy call.

He is a good guy. He cares about IUP and the program. He'd be a TREMENDOUS recruiter. He can even suit up for practice.

[IUPalum]

Joe's no-brainer decision for an assistant (my opinion) is Chucky Humphries. Easy call.

He is a good guy. He cares about IUP and the program. He'd be a TREMENDOUS recruiter. He can even suit up for practice.

My concern, how good would he be at X's and O's?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

My concern, how good would he be at X's and O's?

I don't think it matters. In 18 years I've never seen a Joe assistant do anything with X's and O's.

That said, I think Chucky would be just fine. It's not like Joe's system has changed a lick.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Apparently in a small town the roster posting (which is mysteriously minus the teams' star player) isn't newsworthy.

Week later ... apparently this still isn't newsworthy in a small town.

Nothing from WCCS or the Gazette.

Come on.