GAME THREAD Official Game Thread -- WVU vs Northern Kentucky

MountaineerWV

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Well, the new "fouls" suck. Just like every year. They will enforce them until the big games come around, then the whistles will disappear.
 

MountaineerWV

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The 30 second shot clock has really sped up the possessions. At least I think so. Especially for teams like WVU who press and like to run.
 

Vernon

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May 29, 2001
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WVU shooting 55 percent from the field. 10 assists on 16 made baskets.
 

wvpaper

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excellent team

projection: 25+ wins

most improved: carter, macon

needs a little time: esa

4th guy picked in my church league: adrian
 

pressvirginia

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Lot of 3 guard lineups. I like it.

Would like to see more of Ahmad. Picked up 2 early fouls. Looked solid when he was in there. 2 pts, 1 ast, 1 stl.

I'm fine with the shot clock deal, but the ticky tack touch foul calls suck big time.
 

GoWVU

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I'm fine with the shot clock deal, but the ticky tack touch foul calls suck big time.
press, isn't it fair to wonder whether WVU might be the team most hurt by the announced tighter emphasis on fouls? Since the "Press Virginia" strategy is virtually predicated on interchangeability of defenders, doesn't an increased focus on calling such marginal fouls seriously eradicate our game plan by getting us into trouble even earlier and shortening our lineup sooner?

I see a lot of 23-25 win predictions for this team, but I can't help but think this season's refereeing focus is the absolute worst turn of events for our team that could possibly occur. If the NCAA officiates it as tightly as they seem to be planning, won't that almost have to result in fewer victories this year?
 

pressvirginia

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press, isn't it fair to wonder whether WVU might be the team most hurt by the announced tighter emphasis on fouls? Since the "Press Virginia" strategy is virtually predicated on interchangeability of defenders, doesn't an increased focus on calling such marginal fouls seriously eradicate our game plan by getting us into trouble even earlier and shortening our lineup sooner?

I see a lot of 23-25 win predictions for this team, but I can't help but think this season's refereeing focus is the absolute worst turn of events for our team that could possibly occur. If the NCAA officiates it as tightly as they seem to be planning, won't that almost have to result in fewer victories this year?

yeah without a doubt the new emphasis to blow the whistle on every possession works against our aggressive pressing style.

tonight there were 58 fouls called. 58 in a 40 minute game. 69 free throw attempts.

but the press still worked really well & overcame a lot of that -- 30 turnovers and 20 steals.

They'll just keep pressing anyway despite the whistle fests. It's what we do and what we do well. It creates match-up problems and got us to the Sweet 16. It gives us more possessions, a lot of easy buckets and transition opportunities.

Three ways to neutralize the officials: 1) defend with your feet and position and not your hands reaching 2) use depth and spread out fouls/minutes and 3) get the other team in foul trouble too.

Devin Williams is a master at drawing contact in the paint and often finishes buckets with fouls. Use fundamental things like pump fakes and penetration to rack up fouls and get to the line. Huggins will get them adjusted. It's just a part of the game now even though we don't like it.
 

pressvirginia

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I'll add our backcourt is really good and really deep. That was obviously the integral component that's replacing Juwan Staten and Gary Browne.

Tonight the collection of Carter/Miles/Phillip/Paige recorded 56 points, 11 assists, 13 steals and 10 rebounds. A complete, dominant performance. Yeah it's NKU and stuff, but still.

Once Teyvon Myers assimilates to the speed of Division I basketball, his contributions will be icing on the cake.

Devin Williams is the leader and the anchor in the paint, but the bread and butter is guard play. This is going to be a fun team & season to watch.
 
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