Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I think you've alluded to Tomiwa coming back previously. Regardless of whether he does or not with 2 new post players, where does that leave Damir, Waldo, Calum and Gabriel?

Well, you need four bigs (ideally) in the rotation.

Damir and Waldo will be long gone (portal) in the opinion of most. If Joe wanted either long-term he wouldn't have benched them all year. Calum is a walk-on. He may stick around and be a deep bench guy. Romero-Sanz ... I could see him staying but it wouldn't shock me if he leaves.

[Cobra Hawks]

Well, Joe's an ego maniac (and his ego has taken a beating this year) so if he does return I can promise it's not going to be with a cast of high school kids. I also agree I don't think he'll go out with this mess as his last dance.

I suspect Garvin, Dallis, Denzel, Stewart and Sarp all return. That's a pretty solid guard group. He'll add a transfer shooter.

The rest of the roster will likely leave. Maybe Romero-Sanz will stay.

He's really only 'replacing' one post player next year (EP). The SF position really didn't exist this year so he'll just be shopping for an actual SF. Let's just pray he doesn't want the 5'9" Jordan Lambert to convert to forward. Lol.

There are some exciting rumors out there about two post players, but, that's all they are at this point. If true, however, things change real quick (and Joe's back in a hurry).

I think you've alluded to Tomiwa coming back previously. Regardless of whether he does or not with 2 new post players, where does that leave Damir, Waldo, Calum and Gabriel?

[Cobra Hawks]

Amazing how the fair weather fans are now here to bash Joe.

Think most of the points raised here are pretty valid. There is no doubting Joe's credentials and he is one of the best D2 coaches in the country no question. Better than anyone on here for sure! This season however he hasn't appeared to the fans to have developed players and there is more than a whiff of nepotism. Everyone knew this would be difficult with half the team being new to the roster. Some players haven't turned out as expected but that's where the coach earns his money to coach and develop. Win or lose the buck stops with him, that's the deal. I doubt he will retire and certainly hope he doesn't. I feel there are exciting times ahead......

[IUPbigINDIANS]

This year's foosball and basketball seasons are what happens when you hire an AD who went to Slimey Pebble and not an IUP person.

Awful year for the two sports. It was overdue but to have both tank in the same season was pretty rough.

Make no mistake, 'tank' is the correct word. Both had the talent to be much better.

This was far and away Lombardi's worst coaching year and Tort had quite the banner year himself.

Luckily, this year is almost over.

[IUPNation]

This year's foosball and basketball seasons are what happens when you hire an AD who went to Slimey Pebble and not an IUP person.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

You say it’ll be an entertaining off season, I beg to differ! You know the only way we’ll find something out is if it is leaked on social media. Joe keeps things on lock and key.

Well, Joe's an ego maniac (and his ego has taken a beating this year) so if he does return I can promise it's not going to be with a cast of high school kids. I also agree I don't think he'll go out with this mess as his last dance.

I suspect Garvin, Dallis, Denzel, Stewart and Sarp all return. That's a pretty solid guard group. He'll add a transfer shooter.

The rest of the roster will likely leave. Maybe Romero-Sanz will stay.

He's really only 'replacing' one post player next year (EP). The SF position really didn't exist this year so he'll just be shopping for an actual SF. Let's just pray he doesn't want the 5'9" Jordan Lambert to convert to forward. Lol.

There are some exciting rumors out there about two post players, but, that's all they are at this point. If true, however, things change real quick (and Joe's back in a hurry).

[IUPalum]

The best thing that can happen is for the 23-24 season to end. From there the “Joe watch” will be on regarding a potential retirement. I have to say though, I think that’s highly unlikely because who would want to go out that way after all the years of success? I sure wouldn’t. I suspect they’ll make some significant roster changes (or be forced into them) and take a run at it again next year. They have some good guards to build around if they stay and in Dallis’s case, returns healthy. Obviously it’s going to be a complete rebuild under the basket.

I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that anyone stays on the roster though. I could make a case for just about any of them to enter the portal. I would be shocked if Brooks, Waldo, Lambert, or MacNamera return. It also wouldn’t surprise me if at least one of the two (maybe both) guards that were hurt leaves considering how many guards this team has. For entertainment’s sake, it’s going to be one of the most interesting off seasons we’ve had here in a long time. The results of this season should have felt like a cold glass of water in the face.

You say it’ll be an entertaining off season, I beg to differ! You know the only way we’ll find something out is if it is leaked on social media. Joe keeps things on lock and key.

[EyeoftheHawk]

The best thing that can happen is for the 23-24 season to end. From there the “Joe watch” will be on regarding a potential retirement. I have to say though, I think that’s highly unlikely because who would want to go out that way after all the years of success? I sure wouldn’t. I suspect they’ll make some significant roster changes (or be forced into them) and take a run at it again next year. They have some good guards to build around if they stay and in Dallis’s case, returns healthy. Obviously it’s going to be a complete rebuild under the basket.

I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that anyone stays on the roster though. I could make a case for just about any of them to enter the portal. I would be shocked if Brooks, Waldo, Lambert, or MacNamera return. It also wouldn’t surprise me if at least one of the two (maybe both) guards that were hurt leaves considering how many guards this team has. For entertainment’s sake, it’s going to be one of the most interesting off seasons we’ve had here in a long time. The results of this season should have felt like a cold glass of water in the face.

[IUPalum]

Amazing how the fair weather fans are now here to bash Joe.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

IUP in danger of ending up 4th in the West

IUP is 2-4 in the second loop through the West.

Opposing teams have clearly adjusted to IUP's few strengths, and have exploited their easy-to-see inadequacies.

IUP hasn't adjusted to anything. Same approach. Same glaring weaknesses.

Bryce Radford is no longer a surprise, and aside from Ethan and Garvin, IUP has no scoring threats.

Bryce and KJ are major liabilities on defense, which teams have also exploited the second time through.

IUP could be in for an historic beating in 72 hours.


Also, consider IUP barely beat Clarion without Jayson Harris. With him this Saturday, IUP is going to really struggle under the basket, which in turn is going to let Clarion's big guards have a field day.

IUP will play either Mercyhurst or Seton Hill in Round 1.

The positive is this season is almost over. If Joe's still here next year (retirement?), he has some serious work to do.

Several players are likely to leave (Brooks, Waldo, Lambert) and a couple others could / should be let go.

Brooks should enter the Portal the day after they are eliminated. He will quickly have a long list of offers to pick his new home. His entire year was wasted. I'd hate to see him waste another one.

[PennYork]

Stink, Stank, Stunk. You adapt or die and guess what. Joe no adapt. Josh, Kj and Sharp don't even attempt to score. Riddle me this Joe. Why is Garvin leading almost all games in rebounds?

[Cobra Hawks]

IUP in danger of ending up 4th in the West

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Damir got 10min and produced 3 blocks and 2 steals BUT he's not good enough to crack this line up.

Oh he's plenty good enough.

We'd much just rather watch the SF position ruin the whole season.

Consider he had more (and better) stats in 10 minutes today than the other two had in 30 minutes (combined). He had better stats in the Clarion game in 7 minutes than the others had in 33 minutes. When they 'had' to play him at Ship he was the best player on the floor (18 and 8 and shot around 70 percent).

I'm sure Ethan loves getting doubled all game, too.

Who doesn't like when the SF position can't rebound and is manned by guards? It's also a nice luxury to have a 6'9", 230 lb redshirt in a tracksuit.

This season went from travesty to comedy.

All (painful) joking aside, I hope Damir finds a good home next season. What's going to be funny is the day he goes in the Portal he's going to get about 25 calls. I'll crack up when he smokes IUP next year.


And, speaking of the SF, why isn't Waldo playing at this point? This season is toast. Why isn't he getting any work for next year? Or, is it already known he's also leaving?

My guess is the big guy is afraid to play Brooks and Waldo at this point. When they do well, it will make him look terrible for NOT playing them all year.

[IUPalum]

Damir got 10min and produced 3 blocks and 2 steals BUT he's not good enough to crack this line up.

[Cobra Hawks]

Lombardi not talking any responsibility for that loss. All down to Ethan being sick at half time. Couldn't fault the effort apparently! Seriously??