PSAC WEST

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Excellent point. Already mentioned but Palek already entered free agency, excuse me the portal with intentions to do just that after being out for most of the year. Didn't McClurg from Cal also jump back up last year?

For Gannon, I think Ernest Shelton is the most obvious one that could get poached. Has the height, length, and obvious shooting ability to be a highly coveted 3 and D prospect at the higher level. A month ago I wouldn't have been worried about Prosser, but he's put up some great tape down the stretch so will have to sweat that one out.

My question for you is do you think Merraro and Herring have the goods to potentially get scooped up as well? The 2 games I saw IUP in person, Herring looked like a freshman with the build of a junior/senior and is obvioulsy quite skilled. While Merraro is undersized, he was ultra quick and looked incredibly poised. Looked like the best player on the court at times against Gannon and given the circumstances of IUP's roster situation this year, the numbers he put up on the year is extremelty impressive. I would expect them to generate quite a bit of interest.

Palek may have D1 aspirations ... just not sure D1 is going to come calling. We'll see. In my opinion, his speed and weight will be an issue. But, he can shoot from outside pretty well and he's in that 6'8" range.

Merraro had an amazing season -- especially considering A) he was a true freshman and B) he didn't exactly have a whole lot of help (they started a walk-on at guard all season). IUP played the entire season without two starters. I fully suspect he will be an All-American candidate next season. He's not jumping in to the portal this year. I can 100% tell you that. After next year ... we'll see. His height will be a concern. However, he's lighting fast and very smooth.

Herring has incredible athletic ability. He has great height for a guard (he's just under 6'6"). But, he's still raw. In normal times at IUP, he'd have (likely) redshirted. That said, his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll likely be the 4th guard next season. Dallis Dillard will return and take over the 2 or 3 spot.

Perhaps the most likely future D1 player of this years freshmen trio, however, you didn't mention. Tyler Grove had his moments this year. He had some bouts with confidence, etc. But, with a year under his belt and an off-season in the weight room, he could explode next season. He's nearing 6'8" and has a great outside shot. Again, he had his freshman funks this year (as they all do). They'll bulk him up some by next year. With his shot and size, he's going to be highly attractive to D1 programs. Grove does have family ties to IUP, so perhaps that will make his stay.

I think the hardest thing for IUP fans this year was to remember what we saw wasn't supposed to be the team. Those freshmen weren't supposed to play 30 mpg (or more). But, they got it over with and learned a lot. Joe's going to be pretty strong next year.

The best player in last year's class didn't play this season (Bautista Rodriguez). He's getting docked a season, however, so he'll be a 22-year-old sophomore next season. He had a mini career of sorts overseas, which played a big part in him being ineligible this past season.

They are also bringing in two transfers. But, I have to be quiet about them for now.

Joe's going to have this team for at least one more season. Beyond that, who knows.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Totally agree about Ernest. He has struggled a bit now that he has had to carry the load offensively. I think he could really excel on a D1 one team where all he has to worry about is spotting up for 3s and playing defense.

If Ernest goes in ... he'll have 25 calls on Day 1.

As you said, if he doesn't have to be 'the man' ... deadly. He can be an elite SG.

[GUbigGOLDEN]

Palek may have D1 aspirations ... just not sure D1 is going to come calling. We'll see. In my opinion, his speed and weight will be an issue. But, he can shoot from outside pretty well and he's in that 6'8" range.

Merraro had an amazing season -- especially considering A) he was a true freshman and B) he didn't exactly have a whole lot of help (they started a walk-on at guard all season). IUP played the entire season without two starters. I fully suspect he will be an All-American candidate next season. He's not jumping in to the portal this year. I can 100% tell you that. After next year ... we'll see. His height will be a concern. However, he's lighting fast and very smooth.

Herring has incredible athletic ability. He has great height for a guard (he's just under 6'6"). But, he's still raw. In normal times at IUP, he'd have (likely) redshirted. That said, his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll likely be the 4th guard next season. Dallis Dillard will return and take over the 2 or 3 spot.

Perhaps the most likely future D1 player of this years freshmen trio, however, you didn't mention. Tyler Grove had his moments this year. He had some bouts with confidence, etc. But, with a year under his belt and an off-season in the weight room, he could explode next season. He's nearing 6'8" and has a great outside shot. Again, he had his freshman funks this year (as they all do). They'll bulk him up some by next year. With his shot and size, he's going to be highly attractive to D1 programs. Grove does have family ties to IUP, so perhaps that will make his stay.

I think the hardest thing for IUP fans this year was to remember what we saw wasn't supposed to be the team. Those freshmen weren't supposed to play 30 mpg (or more). But, they got it over with and learned a lot. Joe's going to be pretty strong next year.

The best player in last year's class didn't play this season (Bautista Rodriguez). He's getting docked a season, however, so he'll be a 22-year-old sophomore next season. He had a mini career of sorts overseas, which played a big part in him being ineligible this past season.

They are also bringing in two transfers. But, I have to be quiet about them for now.

Joe's going to have this team for at least one more season. Beyond that, who knows.

I always wondered why Gannon couldn’t get Grove to sign with them. I watched a few McDowell/ Erie High games where he was by far the best player on the floor. You guys picked up a great player.

[GUAlum92]

Palek may have D1 aspirations ... just not sure D1 is going to come calling. We'll see. In my opinion, his speed and weight will be an issue. But, he can shoot from outside pretty well and he's in that 6'8" range.

Merraro had an amazing season -- especially considering A) he was a true freshman and B) he didn't exactly have a whole lot of help (they started a walk-on at guard all season). IUP played the entire season without two starters. I fully suspect he will be an All-American candidate next season. He's not jumping in to the portal this year. I can 100% tell you that. After next year ... we'll see. His height will be a concern. However, he's lighting fast and very smooth.

Herring has incredible athletic ability. He has great height for a guard (he's just under 6'6"). But, he's still raw. In normal times at IUP, he'd have (likely) redshirted. That said, his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll likely be the 4th guard next season. Dallis Dillard will return and take over the 2 or 3 spot.

Perhaps the most likely future D1 player of this years freshmen trio, however, you didn't mention. Tyler Grove had his moments this year. He had some bouts with confidence, etc. But, with a year under his belt and an off-season in the weight room, he could explode next season. He's nearing 6'8" and has a great outside shot. Again, he had his freshman funks this year (as they all do). They'll bulk him up some by next year. With his shot and size, he's going to be highly attractive to D1 programs. Grove does have family ties to IUP, so perhaps that will make his stay.

I think the hardest thing for IUP fans this year was to remember what we saw wasn't supposed to be the team. Those freshmen weren't supposed to play 30 mpg (or more). But, they got it over with and learned a lot. Joe's going to be pretty strong next year.

The best player in last year's class didn't play this season (Bautista Rodriguez). He's getting docked a season, however, so he'll be a 22-year-old sophomore next season. He had a mini career of sorts overseas, which played a big part in him being ineligible this past season.

They are also bringing in two transfers. But, I have to be quiet about them for now.

Joe's going to have this team for at least one more season. Beyond that, who knows.

Wow forgot about Grove and he's and Erie kid to boot. Wondered why we didn't recruit him but makes sense now with the IUP connection.

[GUbigGOLDEN]

Tough L for the Golden Knights tonight. WL brought their A-game. I think Bazzoli let the team down a bit not sticking with the system. They only played 7 guys, who were all spent by the second half, and it made the offense very stagnant. This same crap happened when they had their losing streak earlier in the year, not trusting his bench players. I have to tip my hat to West Liberty, and wish them the best in the Elite 8.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Tough L for the Golden Knights tonight. WL brought their A-game. I think Bazzoli let the team down a bit not sticking with the system. They only played 7 guys, who were all spent by the second half, and it made the offense very stagnant. This same crap happened when they had their losing streak earlier in the year, not trusting his bench players. I have to tip my hat to West Liberty, and wish them the best in the Elite 8.

What jumped off the screen (to the neutral fan), however, was for all the talk of "the system, the system, the system" ... Bazzoli didn't run the system.

Gannon very oddly went with 7 guys. Four of them played 32+ minutes (31, 37, 34 and 32), and another played 28 minutes.

I don't even know what Gannon was actually running. It wasn't their normal style. It wasn't a half-court game. I guess it was some sort of hybrid approach.

I'm assuming he didn't trust his bench enough?

The obvious downside to what he did was his guys hit the wall the final 7-8 minutes. Full credit to them for lasting that long.

I'd guess Ben got in his head a bit, too. Bazzoli isn't a WL guy. He's running that system but doesn't have a background in it (aside from last year). Perhaps he got a bit gun-shy to go full throttle against WL?

I noticed at about the 6-7 minute mark of the first half he wasn't subbing as usual. That eventually becomes a recipe for disaster against WL. That game was still going 100 mph as Gannon wasn't trying to play slower despite not doing the mass subbing, etc. Eventually any 7 guys will just burn out playing that pace. Gannon was a post player short, at minimum. WL was getting pretty much anything it wanted in the lane.

Full credit, obviously, to WL. They made some incredible, tough shots last night.

Gannon put up a good fight. It was just odd so see the approach.

[GUAlum92]

What jumped off the screen (to the neutral fan), however, was for all the talk of "the system, the system, the system" ... Bazzoli didn't run the system.

Gannon very oddly went with 7 guys. Four of them played 32+ minutes (31, 37, 34 and 32), and another played 28 minutes.

I don't even know what Gannon was actually running. It wasn't their normal style. It wasn't a half-court game. I guess it was some sort of hybrid approach.

I'm assuming he didn't trust his bench enough?

The obvious downside to what he did was his guys hit the wall the final 7-8 minutes. Full credit to them for lasting that long.

I'd guess Ben got in his head a bit, too. Bazzoli isn't a WL guy. He's running that system but doesn't have a background in it (aside from last year). Perhaps he got a bit gun-shy to go full throttle against WL?

I noticed at about the 6-7 minute mark of the first half he wasn't subbing as usual. That eventually becomes a recipe for disaster against WL. That game was still going 100 mph as Gannon wasn't trying to play slower despite not doing the mass subbing, etc. Eventually any 7 guys will just burn out playing that pace. Gannon was a post player short, at minimum. WL was getting pretty much anything it wanted in the lane.

Full credit, obviously, to WL. They made some incredible, tough shots last night.

Gannon put up a good fight. It was just odd so see the approach.

To expand on that, a lot of what you saw last night was what they were doing when they went through that horrid stretch mid season....albeit I don't recall them ever playing just 7 like they did last night. Credit to WL...and watching from afar the atmosphere down there looked great, best of luck in Evansville next week...get revenge on one of those Cal schools for us. Like you said, they kind of played into exactly what the scheme they run is designed to do. Thought they shot it as well as they have in a long time, but obviously they were gassed and hit the wall just under 10 to go, and all the movement on offense stopped. On the other end, thought they played very good closeout defense despite being asked to play heavy minutes, and forced the misses they needed to...but again, fatigue...couldn't steal possessions because they couldn't get the boards.

I think its a bit of an interesting dilema. Bazzolli is obviously a great coach, but to your point he wasn't a system guy by trade---which is why I was surprised they did not conduct a search to bring in someone that was, just because of how they stressed they wanted to continue running the system. Fee obviously endorsed Bazzolli for what its worth-and he did a tremendous job having to start from scratch again. Bottom line, perhaps we look a bit different next season scheme wise and Bazzolli instills his imprint of what he did at Union.

[bballfan03]

What jumped off the screen (to the neutral fan), however, was for all the talk of "the system, the system, the system" ... Bazzoli didn't run the system.

Gannon very oddly went with 7 guys. Four of them played 32+ minutes (31, 37, 34 and 32), and another played 28 minutes.

I don't even know what Gannon was actually running. It wasn't their normal style. It wasn't a half-court game. I guess it was some sort of hybrid approach.

I'm assuming he didn't trust his bench enough?

The obvious downside to what he did was his guys hit the wall the final 7-8 minutes. Full credit to them for lasting that long.

I'd guess Ben got in his head a bit, too. Bazzoli isn't a WL guy. He's running that system but doesn't have a background in it (aside from last year). Perhaps he got a bit gun-shy to go full throttle against WL?

I noticed at about the 6-7 minute mark of the first half he wasn't subbing as usual. That eventually becomes a recipe for disaster against WL. That game was still going 100 mph as Gannon wasn't trying to play slower despite not doing the mass subbing, etc. Eventually any 7 guys will just burn out playing that pace. Gannon was a post player short, at minimum. WL was getting pretty much anything it wanted in the lane.

Full credit, obviously, to WL. They made some incredible, tough shots last night.

Gannon put up a good fight. It was just odd so see the approach.

Wasn't all totally by choice.

Kemp reaggravated an ankle injury in practice that day. He was available if absolutely needed, but it appears Bazzoli felt it was severe enough to just rely on Taz and Dez.

Opening round of Atlantic was Sekasis first game back in at least a month after suffering a nasty knee injury. He looked very awkward in the opening round, with a big brace, and didn't look much more comfortable in the 2nd round. When he entered in the first half vs WLU, he didn't have the brace on - knee just wrapped - and he looked even more uncomfortable. He appeared to walk off the court a bit gingerly when he was subbed out and he didn't return.

Morabito has been awful all season and was atrocious in the PSAC and Atlantic tourneys. I don't fault Bazzoli at all for not even contemplating putting him in.

Bennetts minutes went up a lot in this game and, although he is great on defense, Gannon essentially plays 4 v 5 on offense with him in. He finally hit a 3 vs WLU, but he's not even a great FT shooter.. so he brings literally nothing in offense (commits some horrible TOs too)

Was a little surprised that he didn't enter Robinson at all. He made his way to Unit 2 during the season due to injuries and wasnt anything spectacular but was much better than Morabito. He could've been helpful when JT got into funds to take him out and let him regroup and could've spelled Bennett a few times to attempt to add some offense.

Any game this season that Bazzoli tried to coach "normal" - whether by choice or unwillingly - Gannon lost. So I'm hopeful he'll be back to full system next year.

[bballfan03]

What jumped off the screen (to the neutral fan), however, was for all the talk of "the system, the system, the system" ... Bazzoli didn't run the system.

Gannon very oddly went with 7 guys. Four of them played 32+ minutes (31, 37, 34 and 32), and another played 28 minutes.

I don't even know what Gannon was actually running. It wasn't their normal style. It wasn't a half-court game. I guess it was some sort of hybrid approach.

I'm assuming he didn't trust his bench enough?

The obvious downside to what he did was his guys hit the wall the final 7-8 minutes. Full credit to them for lasting that long.

I'd guess Ben got in his head a bit, too. Bazzoli isn't a WL guy. He's running that system but doesn't have a background in it (aside from last year). Perhaps he got a bit gun-shy to go full throttle against WL?

I noticed at about the 6-7 minute mark of the first half he wasn't subbing as usual. That eventually becomes a recipe for disaster against WL. That game was still going 100 mph as Gannon wasn't trying to play slower despite not doing the mass subbing, etc. Eventually any 7 guys will just burn out playing that pace. Gannon was a post player short, at minimum. WL was getting pretty much anything it wanted in the lane.

Full credit, obviously, to WL. They made some incredible, tough shots last night.

Gannon put up a good fight. It was just odd so see the approach.

The other odd thing was that Gannon came out gunning and jumped out to a good lead. Bazzoli must have been afraid they couldn't sustain that pace and they switched to the half-assed press (they're defending full court, but not really trying to steal or get a 5 second or 10 second call.. more just slowing WLU down).. WLU took over.

[bballfan03]

Wow forgot about Grove and he's and Erie kid to boot. Wondered why we didn't recruit him but makes sense now with the IUP connection.

Grove isnt quick enough to play in the system. Not saying he's not good.. but he's just not quick enough for the system

[IUPalum]

Grove isnt quick enough to play in the system. Not saying he's not good.. but he's just not quick enough for the system

Maybe Grove said no!

[gman16506]

Maybe Grove said no!

And maybe he didn't have the opportunity to say no. Do not the accuracy of Verbal Commits, but it shows no offer from Gannon but does show offers from IUP, Edinboro, Walsh, and Bloomsburg. Maybe not a reflection on ability, but a decision on allocation of limited resources (i. e. # of scholarships available) at that point in time.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

And maybe he didn't have the opportunity to say no. Do not the accuracy of Verbal Commits, but it shows no offer from Gannon but does show offers from IUP, Edinboro, Walsh, and Bloomsburg. Maybe not a reflection on ability, but a decision on allocation of limited resources (i. e. # of scholarships available) at that point in time.

He was going to Joe's summer camp since he was 8 years old. It was a formality.

[gman16506]

He was going to Joe's summer camp since he was 8 years old. It was a formality.

Makes sense........relationships just don't happen overnight and did not some poster say that the parents had ties to IUP?

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Makes sense........relationships just don't happen overnight and did not some poster say that the parents had ties to IUP?

His grandfather does (athletic alumni). I'm sure his parents got to know Joe well over all those summers, too.