PSAC WEST

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I think you diagnosed his flaw in one of your prior posts:



Perhaps any D1 and other PSAC coaching staffs that scouted him came to the conclusion that his conditioning would never develop to the point of being able to play heavy minutes, either based on his physical build/bodily changes or some sort of personality assessment/character references.

Well, that level of recruitment sure isn't happening on this level. Maybe at a couple places.

By and large, many coaches in this league are signing kids sight unseen. They don't even visit campus in many cases. Highlight tape and a phone call.

The actual game in question (at IUP), Sandhu played 34 minutes. He had a great stat line (23 points, 7 boards, 2 blocks), and was very disruptive on the defensive end.

Many guards struggle playing 34 out of 40 minutes, let alone a 7'1" guy who probably weighs in the 260-pound range. Edinboro basically played 5.5 guys against IUP. Their whole team was gassed the final 7-8 minutes.

If Sandhu was on a team with depth, I think you'd ideally want him playing 23 mpg or so to get the most out of him. I can't say that's really his 'flaw' because there aren't many players his size logging that many minutes effectively.

The vast, vast majority of 7'+ players we see in the PSAC, frankly, are pretty bad basketball players. Their skill level is horrible, etc. They are just simply big.

As I mentioned, I'd die to have Sandhu on this particular IUP team. He's the exact player they are missing under the basket. He would play 20-22 mpg (or less) and would thrive. He's a very strong player in a slower, half-court game (which is what essentially the whole PSAC plays outside of Gannon and ESU).

[bballfan03]

I feel like Grady cant wait for this season to end so he no longer has Herster or Austin and will have 2 viable scholarship slots open for players that may play more than half their career.

I obviously dont know the actual count, but it feels like they sat way more than they played for Rock. It's sad though - what could have been with them healthy and some of the players they've had around them.

With the way Clarion and Boro have been playing, Rock may be watching come playoffs. (I also fully expect Rock to now beat Gannon this weekend lol)

[Fightingscot82]

Grady's had a difficult last few years. He's recruited one hell of a roster but unfortunately only has 80% at his disposal on a given night. The talent is there and Givner seems like a future star if he sticks around. He and Boro's Carmichael have to be the front runners for PSAC West Freshman of the Year.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

We have an interesting lineup tomorrow. The battle is in full swing to make the conference tournament. Two teams from the West will get left behind.

As always, happy gambling, you degenerates.


Edinboro at Clarion - The saying goes you are what your record says you are ... and in this case both teams are around the .500 mark. Now, you could argue Clarion should be better than an average team. And, you can argue Edinboro is perhaps overachieving a bit given its roster limitations. Regardless, the Fighting Scots enter tomorrow winners of two straight, while Clarion has lost its past two games. In fairness, Clarion lost a tight one to IUP and got lit up by Gannon (which just about every team does). Going by the starting units, this matchup is pretty even. However, Clarion is the much deeper team. Add the Tippin Gymnasium factor, and Clarion 'should' win this game. Golden Eagles -3.5

Pitt-Johnstown at California - Prior to Wednesday night, UPJ had lost 6 of its past 7 games -- and lost arguably its top scorer to the transfer portal. So, naturally, the Mountain Cats lit up Seton Hill for 97 points in a big home win. Those Cats are a pesky bunch in the Dirty J. The road, however, is a much different experience. Tomorrow, Bob Rukavina's bunch will travel to Angelo's Dome to face one of the hottest teams in the league. On paper, this game shouldn't be very close. But, the Vulcans could have a little hangover after their thrilling win at the KCAC. UPJ's back-door passes, picket fences, etc., can put teams in a defensive lull. Expect this one to be close for a bit, but Cal just has too much size and speed. Vulcans -11.5

IUP at Seton Hill - The McKenna Center has been the scene of some drama in this series over the years. Joe Lombardi once compared it to playing inside Indiana High School. If you're the visitor, it's better to hit Greensburg on a Saturday than a Wednesday night. The weekend crowd is typically much smaller and drastically less enthusiastic. Regardless, a lot of powerful IUP teams have found themselves in dog fights inside the small, cramped gym. Tomorrow will be no different. After a hot start, the Griffins are just 1-5 in their past 6 outings. IUP is coming off one of the worst second half collapses of the Lombardi era. Seton Hill's post players will cause IUP some major fits. IUP has an edge at Guard. Gambler Beware on this one. Tricky game. The Griffins always get up for this guest. IUP is on UPSET ALERT. Crimson Hawks -2.5

Gannon at Slippery Rock - About the only way to make this one interesting is to put a big number on it. Being that SRU's lineup changes by the day, projecting how they'll perform is nearly impossible. In reality, it really won't matter who plays for The Rock. Gannon is too good. So, look for the Knights to drop a beating in Morrow. Gannon -22.5