Iup basketball

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Good description. Star players can make a huge difference in basketball. If you want a great example of that, all you have to do is look at how the loss of two players, Ariel Jones and Lauren Pettis, have basically changed Ship's women's team from one of the best in the region to one occupying the nether regions of the PSAC East this year. The Ship men's team is suffering because it is largely made up of players who would be good sixth or seventh players off the bench, but struggle to be consistently outstanding over 40 minutes.

IUP has had a great run of success and a lot of places would certainly take the "down" year you're having currently as opposed to what they are contending with. There is something to be said for beating the teams you should beat, which is what IUP is doing this year. But as you point out, it usually takes a team that runs at least seven deep to run the table against the top dogs. The loss of Dillard, and the benching of other players have made the Hawks essentially a four-man team at this point. Kind of reminds me of the 19-9 Ship team of last season. Four good to great players and not much in reserve.

If anything it makes for a wild ride. You don't know what to expect from game to game.

They appear to have avoided another catastrophic injury with Petteno. With a bye date Saturday he should be ready to roll next Wednesday.

This team is actually more fun to watch than last year. It sounds odd but that was the hardest 32-2 team to watch -- especially in the second half of the season.

[Ship69]

Keep in mind Joe is 14-6, BUT he's 1-6 against top teams. The one win came with Dallis Dillard.

I think he has the best 'average' team in the league.

Now, if he'd play his roster correctly, I think they could be very dangerous to a top team on a given night.

He has two legit stars in Garvin and EP. Those two went for like 55 last night The supporting cast is what it is. Radford has lit up some teams but vanished against Cal and Gannon.


My point is Joe can beat (has beat) all the second and third tier teams he's played - even with the SF debacle. The rotation he is playing now, however, isn't going to take down a heavyweight.

Good description. Star players can make a huge difference in basketball. If you want a great example of that, all you have to do is look at how the loss of two players, Ariel Jones and Lauren Pettis, have basically changed Ship's women's team from one of the best in the region to one occupying the nether regions of the PSAC East this year. The Ship men's team is suffering because it is largely made up of players who would be good sixth or seventh players off the bench, but struggle to be consistently outstanding over 40 minutes.

IUP has had a great run of success and a lot of places would certainly take the "down" year you're having currently as opposed to what they are contending with. There is something to be said for beating the teams you should beat, which is what IUP is doing this year. But as you point out, it usually takes a team that runs at least seven deep to run the table against the top dogs. The loss of Dillard, and the benching of other players have made the Hawks essentially a four-man team at this point. Kind of reminds me of the 19-9 Ship team of last season. Four good to great players and not much in reserve.

[IUPalum]

Serious question:

What do you think Joe is seeing that we’re not? We’re fans and followers that aren’t college basketball coaches, let alone winning more than 400 games with an almost 80% win percentage and a full trophy case. Despite the proven track record and accolades, we see what we think are flaws, particularly related to playing time and rotations, that he either doesn’t see or just views differently. I know basketball to an extent but have never played or coached yet it seems obvious to me that Brooks should be on the floor a lot more than he is, and that KJ should be on the floor a lot less. There’s no doubt that KJ brings a lot of energy and hustles every second that he’s out there, but the talent gap between him and Brooks and others that aren’t playing seems significant.

If it was an issue behind the scenes and Brooks was in the dog house, he probably wouldn’t play at all. If it’s a lack of effort or poor performance in practice, I don’t think that is a good enough reason to not play a kid. I’ve coached football and baseball and every single team had a player or two that weren’t necessarily good practice players but when the uniform was on they were high performers. I’ve also seen great practice players that couldn’t carry the same level of play into games. It’s not just Brooks either. We’ve seen very little of Lambert or Waldo who I think both should be getting a few minutes, especially in a year when the team is already short handed and there are minutes available. This supports IUPbigIndians’ notion that Joe doesn’t develop his bench.

So how in the hell is he winning at the rate he does? I thought this year’s team was going to be under .500 even with Dillard, but they’re going to end well over that without him. It’s not always pretty, but they’re winning somehow and hanging in there with teams like Cal that are far better. I don’t care much about margin of victory and there were times last night when it got tighter than it probably should have, but they won a conference game on the road with a depleted roster.

How’s he doing it? What are we missing looking from the outside in?

I can tell you this much, I coach MS through HS level and I wouldn't recommend KJ to a top tier D2 program. He's slow, uncoordinated and can't shoot a lick. Yes, he hustles but that only gets you so far.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Serious question:

What do you think Joe is seeing that we’re not? We’re fans and followers that aren’t college basketball coaches, let alone winning more than 400 games with an almost 80% win percentage and a full trophy case. Despite the proven track record and accolades, we see what we think are flaws, particularly related to playing time and rotations, that he either doesn’t see or just views differently. I know basketball to an extent but have never played or coached yet it seems obvious to me that Brooks should be on the floor a lot more than he is, and that KJ should be on the floor a lot less. There’s no doubt that KJ brings a lot of energy and hustles every second that he’s out there, but the talent gap between him and Brooks and others that aren’t playing seems significant.

If it was an issue behind the scenes and Brooks was in the dog house, he probably wouldn’t play at all. If it’s a lack of effort or poor performance in practice, I don’t think that is a good enough reason to not play a kid. I’ve coached football and baseball and every single team had a player or two that weren’t necessarily good practice players but when the uniform was on they were high performers. I’ve also seen great practice players that couldn’t carry the same level of play into games. It’s not just Brooks either. We’ve seen very little of Lambert or Waldo who I think both should be getting a few minutes, especially in a year when the team is already short handed and there are minutes available. This supports IUPbigIndians’ notion that Joe doesn’t develop his bench.

So how in the hell is he winning at the rate he does? I thought this year’s team was going to be under .500 even with Dillard, but they’re going to end well over that without him. It’s not always pretty, but they’re winning somehow and hanging in there with teams like Cal that are far better. I don’t care much about margin of victory and there were times last night when it got tighter than it probably should have, but they won a conference game on the road with a depleted roster.

How’s he doing it? What are we missing looking from the outside in?

Keep in mind Joe is 14-6, BUT he's 1-6 against top teams. The one win came with Dallis Dillard.

I think he has the best 'average' team in the league.

Now, if he'd play his roster correctly, I think they could be very dangerous to a top team on a given night.

He has two legit stars in Garvin and EP. Those two went for like 55 last night The supporting cast is what it is. Radford has lit up some teams but vanished against Cal and Gannon.


My point is Joe can beat (has beat) all the second and third tier teams he's played - even with the SF debacle. The rotation he is playing now, however, isn't going to take down a heavyweight.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

So Brooks got benched at Gannon after 3 quick turnovers. my take is that its a mental discipline problem, and he has problems handling the ball against aggressive defenses. He makes a ton of mistakes under pressure, maybe doesn't follow instructions in tense moments. I don't know, but I think Joe decides how much to play him based on the opponent. Clarion was a good team for his abilities. Sure you could say his athleticism makes it worth the risk, will never know.

Going along with that theory, though, doesn't explain KJ playing over Petteno (who is better on both ends).

KJ is good for several boneheaded plays a game and gets waxed on defense nightly. He's also too small to play down there and gets physically moved out of position constantly.

I don't see any possible scenario I can be sold on KJ playing ahead of Petteno or Brooks.

I'd like to see:

Brooks 20 mins
Petteno 15 mins
KJ 5 mins


Brooks had better stats in 11 mins than KJ had in 29 last night. Think about that. Brooks is also a beast at the point of that 1-2-2 press. Fast. Huge leaping. Long arms.

The biggest thing, by far, is teams pay attention to Brooks and Petteno. They ignore KJ and double EP. Brooks is also a great **** blocker and causes hesitation by teams to drive the lane.

Joe mixed friends and business. Bad combination. Unfortunately I think that's the answer to the question. Nothing else makes sense to the entire building.

[ironmaniup]

Serious question:

What do you think Joe is seeing that we’re not? We’re fans and followers that aren’t college basketball coaches, let alone winning more than 400 games with an almost 80% win percentage and a full trophy case. Despite the proven track record and accolades, we see what we think are flaws, particularly related to playing time and rotations, that he either doesn’t see or just views differently. I know basketball to an extent but have never played or coached yet it seems obvious to me that Brooks should be on the floor a lot more than he is, and that KJ should be on the floor a lot less. There’s no doubt that KJ brings a lot of energy and hustles every second that he’s out there, but the talent gap between him and Brooks and others that aren’t playing seems significant.

If it was an issue behind the scenes and Brooks was in the dog house, he probably wouldn’t play at all. If it’s a lack of effort or poor performance in practice, I don’t think that is a good enough reason to not play a kid. I’ve coached football and baseball and every single team had a player or two that weren’t necessarily good practice players but when the uniform was on they were high performers. I’ve also seen great practice players that couldn’t carry the same level of play into games. It’s not just Brooks either. We’ve seen very little of Lambert or Waldo who I think both should be getting a few minutes, especially in a year when the team is already short handed and there are minutes available. This supports IUPbigIndians’ notion that Joe doesn’t develop his bench.

So how in the hell is he winning at the rate he does? I thought this year’s team was going to be under .500 even with Dillard, but they’re going to end well over that without him. It’s not always pretty, but they’re winning somehow and hanging in there with teams like Cal that are far better. I don’t care much about margin of victory and there were times last night when it got tighter than it probably should have, but they won a conference game on the road with a depleted roster.

How’s he doing it? What are we missing looking from the outside in?

So Brooks got benched at Gannon after 3 quick turnovers. my take is that its a mental discipline problem, and he has problems handling the ball against aggressive defenses. He makes a ton of mistakes under pressure, maybe doesn't follow instructions in tense moments. I don't know, but I think Joe decides how much to play him based on the opponent. Clarion was a good team for his abilities. Sure you could say his athleticism makes it worth the risk, will never know.

[EyeoftheHawk]

Serious question:

What do you think Joe is seeing that we’re not? We’re fans and followers that aren’t college basketball coaches, let alone winning more than 400 games with an almost 80% win percentage and a full trophy case. Despite the proven track record and accolades, we see what we think are flaws, particularly related to playing time and rotations, that he either doesn’t see or just views differently. I know basketball to an extent but have never played or coached yet it seems obvious to me that Brooks should be on the floor a lot more than he is, and that KJ should be on the floor a lot less. There’s no doubt that KJ brings a lot of energy and hustles every second that he’s out there, but the talent gap between him and Brooks and others that aren’t playing seems significant.

If it was an issue behind the scenes and Brooks was in the dog house, he probably wouldn’t play at all. If it’s a lack of effort or poor performance in practice, I don’t think that is a good enough reason to not play a kid. I’ve coached football and baseball and every single team had a player or two that weren’t necessarily good practice players but when the uniform was on they were high performers. I’ve also seen great practice players that couldn’t carry the same level of play into games. It’s not just Brooks either. We’ve seen very little of Lambert or Waldo who I think both should be getting a few minutes, especially in a year when the team is already short handed and there are minutes available. This supports IUPbigIndians’ notion that Joe doesn’t develop his bench.

So how in the hell is he winning at the rate he does? I thought this year’s team was going to be under .500 even with Dillard, but they’re going to end well over that without him. It’s not always pretty, but they’re winning somehow and hanging in there with teams like Cal that are far better. I don’t care much about margin of victory and there were times last night when it got tighter than it probably should have, but they won a conference game on the road with a depleted roster.

How’s he doing it? What are we missing looking from the outside in?

[IUPalum]

I'd guess he was dressed for an emergency-only role. Looked like his wrist was still heavily taped up.

KJ sucking ass must not be an emergency.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Petteno dressed and no run?

I'd guess he was dressed for an emergency-only role. Looked like his wrist was still heavily taped up.

[IUPalum]

Petteno dressed and no run?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Any win with this remaining roster is a good win. But, tonight shouldn't have been close. Joe needed to drop the hammer rather than subbing constantly. IUP had several chances to bust that game wide open.

Stewart vanishing to the pine in the second half was mind-boggling.

Damir played great when he was in. Shocker. As soon as he'd go out, Clarion would go on a run. Clock work. He literally altered everything Clarion did. How the big guy can't see that is amazing. He had some massive blocks and rebounds. I feel bad for him. He's a legit starter in this league and at minimum should be playing 25-26 mpg.

Bryce pulling up for an NBA trey on a 2 on 1 break (while up just two points with two minutes to play) was insane. Naturally nothing but net. But, wowsers. Balls of steel in that moment. Had he missed, he may have called an Uber to get home.

Garvin had another amazing game. Ethan, too.

Clarion was vastly bigger, deeper, faster and way more athletic than IUP. They just have some real sloppy stretches that kill them. That team is nearly all freshmen and sophomores. They're coming. Next year may be the breakout.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

1) Stewart 9 pts in the first half but barely touched the floor in the second half… why?

2) Brooks sparked IUP run in the second half then promptly yanked for KJ… why???

3) Joe is very blessed that this team was s coming together… shut up Joe! You’d kill people if it weren’t for your KJ man crush!

4) Goal tend vs Block… refs aren’t sure the difference.

If Damir played 30 minutes tonight IUP would've won by 25 points.

Clarion's offense vanished with him in the game.

Plain as day. Film doesn't lie.

[IUPalum]

1) Stewart 9 pts in the first half but barely touched the floor in the second half… why?

2) Brooks sparked IUP run in the second half then promptly yanked for KJ… why???

3) Joe is very blessed that this team was s coming together… shut up Joe! You’d kill people if it weren’t for your KJ man crush!

4) Goal tend vs Block… refs aren’t sure the difference.

[Cobra Hawks]

Couldn't agree more with the last two comments from IUPbigINDIANS and Ship69 (apart from Brooks going to Ship that is! lol)

[Ship69]

To quote the famous ESPN talking heads ... Come on, Man.


In yesterday's Gazette:


“There were a lot of lessons learned tonight,” Lombardi said. “Some guys have to understand you’ve got to be ready when your number is called and those guys learned that lesson, and some guys learned how hard it is to keep competing night after night.”



I don't know for certain whom Joe is referencing here. I'm going to assume it's Lambert, Waldo and Sarp.


So, in a nutshell, the head ball coach expects his lawn ornaments -- two of the three, by the way, haven't played in a month -- to suddenly (and, productively) enter a game against what is perceived to be perhaps the top team in the Atlantic Region. All three are freshmen.

As we've beat to a dead horse (for years), these guys cannot be expected to enter a game -- in that freaking moment -- without having played in weeks or a month. It just doesn't work that way.

This is the classic case (yet again) of Joe not developing a bench -- and, when the night comes (and, it always does) he ends up with several deer-in-the-headlight players on the floor.

The players didn't lose the Cal game. The coach did. His remaining team wasn't ready to play (remaining being those on the bench, and not the four starters plus Joe's golden boy).

The other elephant in the room, Damir Brooks, never took his warm-up jersey off. He was the only dressed player (there aren't many) to not play a second -- not a second in a brutally physical game against a giant lineup. For those not in the know, Damir is an imposing 6'6" and 220 lbs. Very quick and athletic. Very physical. Hard to move. Crazy hops. Tough rebounder. Is he perfect? No. His hands are shaky. He gets out of position frequently. But, Good Lord, live with it. He brings WAY more at SF than anybody else on that team. It's not even close. On a night when Josh Petteno wasn't even dressed, Joe STILL wouldln't play Damir. Instead he let his 4-position get mauled all night. Cal was so terrified of Joe's SF position they didn't even guard it -- instead smothering Porterfield for 40 minutes (thus clogging up the entire offense).

It's sickeing.

Joe's sure lucky he plays in the bus leagues and doesn't have to answer actual media questions.

The IUP bench (that needed to be ready lol) chipped in a whopping 2 points on the night. If he wants them to be ready, maybe he should get them ready.

At the risk of also beating a dead horse as I've posted this before, I am just baffled at why he doesn't play Brooks. We don't have a physically imposing team at Ship this year and Brooks just killed us. He shot 6-for-8 and grabbed 8 rebounds in 28 minutes of playing time. Obviously Cal is a much more formidable team, but I certainly have to believe Brooks's physical presence could have helped them Monday. If he gets into the transfer portal, I'd be glad to see him make a return visit to Ship.