James Madison University at Valpo: Saturday 11/23, 2 pm

[covufan]

Here's another question, when was the last time the Crusaders have had a freshman exceed his expectations any more than Lexus Williams.

Lubos?  Of course in the mid August before his first game, we really had no expectations for Lubos. 

[valpotx]

Did you guys have any expectations of Raitis?  I wasn't following this board while I was in school.  I knew nothing about basketball recruiting ratings FR/SO years, so I have no idea if he might have been rated anything at all, coming from Latvia.  There definitely wasn't as much information available back then, as there is now

[justducky]

when was the last time the Crusaders have had a freshman exceed his expectations any more than Lexus Williams.

By my count we have 2 freshmen who are far exceeding expectations (Yeo and Adekoya), one who is greatly exceeding expectations (Peters), and one who is phenomenally exceeding expectations in Lexus Williams. Poor Nick Davidson by only meeting expectations is clearly trailing the field and choking on their dust.

I can't wait for next year and this time I will define next year to include Jan, Feb, and March of 2014.

[valpopal]

The team shot very well against James Madison, and the rebounding was strong, especially Moussa's 11 rebounds, though surprisingly there were no blocks registered by either team. There were a few too many turnovers in the first half, but the team seemed for the most part to be comfortable with the various combinations with which Bryce experimented. There also were many fine performances and good plays, and special notice should be given to Jubril, who stepped up when given the chance. However, Jordan provided the most highlights, and he stunned everyone with the slam seen below, which I present step by step for enjoyment.

[historyman]

How is it that the namesake university of the father of the constitution has a nickname that violates the Constitution's Nobility Clause?

In all likelihood, James Madison University is the only college or university in the country whose athletic teams draw their nickname from the name of the school's president.
Men first enrolled at Madison College as regular session students following World War II as a result of a request to the college from the Veterans Administration. Thirty-nine men enrolled in 1946 and 101 during the 1947-48 session.[/size][/font]

The first men's basketball team was formed in 1947 and the players chose the nickname "The Dukes," in honor of Madison President Samuel P. Duke. The players told President Duke they would name their team for him if he'd provide them with towels and equipment.

[/size]About the same time, the women's teams began calling themselves the "Duchesses." Women's teams in earlier years had gone by a variety of names. The name "Duchesses" was dropped in 1982 when all JMU teams became the "Dukes."[/size][/font]


[/size]http://www.jmu.edu/centennialcelebration/dukedog.shtml

[chef]

Lubos and Raitis came in with huge expectations. Lubos was the second highest ranked player on the Czech junior national team. Raitis might have been ranked even higher. I believe it was Blue Ribbon magazine that made this statement "Valpo has a recruit in Raitis Grafs that could start at North Carolina".

[wh]

Pulling for Alec for HL POW (FOW should be a given):

- points 30 and 15 (22.5 ppg)
- 14-25 FG (56%)
- 9-16 3PT FG (56%)
- 8-8 FT (100%)
- 0 TO's in 58 min.

I wonder when was the last time a HL true freshman scored 30 or more? 

After a lot of searching it appears that the last HL player to score 30 or more as a freshman was Ray McCallum, who scored 31 points in a 3-pt. win over E. Michigan on December 11, 2010.  He had 10-19 FG (all 2's) and 11-22 FT.

No one on a current HL roster scored 30 or more as a freshman.  The closest was Sykes at 27.

[wh]

Pulling for Alec for HL POW (FOW should be a given):

- points 30 and 15 (22.5 ppg)
- 14-25 FG (56%)
- 9-16 3PT FG (56%)
- 8-8 FT (100%)
- 0 TO's in 58 min.

I wonder when was the last time a HL true freshman scored 30 or more? 

After a lot of searching it appears that the last HL player to score 30 or more as a freshman was Ray McCallum, who scored 31 points in a 3-pt. win over E. Michigan on December 11, 2010.  He had 10-19 FG (all 2's) and 11-22 FT.

No one on a current HL roster scored 30 or more as a freshman.  The closest was Sykes at 27.

Speaking of McCallum, the Detroit board is reporting that he got moved down to the D League.  He has not played any minutes in the regular season for the Kings, so it's probably better for his long term development.  The Timberwolves did something similar to Robbie Hummel.  He played last year in Spain and made the Timberwolves roster this year.  There is one difference.  Robbie was a 2nd round draft choice; Ray was a 1st.  I would guess it's probably more uncommon for a 1st round draft choice to get moved down for seasoning, although I don't follow the NBA closely enough to know for sure. 

Kings' NBADL Assignee Ray McCallum Has Promising Debut Despite Loss

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2013/11/23/5136780/bighorns-fall-short-of-comeback-despite-28-points-from-ray-mccallum

[vu72]

Pulling for Alec for HL POW (FOW should be a given):

- points 30 and 15 (22.5 ppg)
- 14-25 FG (56%)
- 9-16 3PT FG (56%)
- 8-8 FT (100%)
- 0 TO's in 58 min.

I wonder when was the last time a HL true freshman scored 30 or more? 

After a lot of searching it appears that the last HL player to score 30 or more as a freshman was Ray McCallum, who scored 31 points in a 3-pt. win over E. Michigan on December 11, 2010.  He had 10-19 FG (all 2's) and 11-22 FT.

No one on a current HL roster scored 30 or more as a freshman.  The closest was Sykes at 27.

Speaking of McCallum, the Detroit board is reporting that he got moved down to the D League.  He has not played any minutes in the regular season for the Kings, so it's probably better for his long term development.  The Timberwolves did something similar to Robbie Hummel.  He played last year in Spain and made the Timberwolves roster this year.  There is one difference.  Robbie was a 2nd round draft choice; Ray was a 1st.  I would guess it's probably more uncommon for a 1st round draft choice to get moved down for seasoning, although I don't follow the NBA closely enough to know for sure. 

Kings' NBADL Assignee Ray McCallum Has Promising Debut Despite Loss

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2013/11/23/5136780/bighorns-fall-short-of-comeback-despite-28-points-from-ray-mccallum

I'm pretty sure Ray was taken in the second round.

[classof2014]

Was unable to watch the game but I was glad to see them win big and dominate the game. Heard Adekoya as well as Williams got the start which was nice to hear. Overall this freshmen class has more than exceeded expectation. We have got some great players and this group can definitely do something special during their 4 years here.

Decided to look at every player and see if they have met or exceeded expectations for this year.

LVD -- I would say he has met expectations so far. He's played well and has looked good but and will have a very good year.

Jordan -- He has exceeded expectations. He's made some great strides from last season and has looked really good in every game and is averaging about 15 ppg.

Bobby -- He has not met expectations. He's been subpar this year and hasn't seemed comfortable at his position. I'm glad to see his 3-point shot has been on the mark but other than that he hasn't played too well.

Moussa -- He has not met expectations. He's just a defensive shot blocker. I think we were hoping he'd bring a little bit more offense but all he is, is a defensive specialist.

Vashil -- Exceeding expectations. He seems to be more aggressive and has worked on a lot of things with his game. He still isn't a powerhouse but based on last season he has looked pretty good.

Chadwick -- Hasn't met expectations. He's barely played, need I say more?

Keith --

Davidson -- He's met the expectation of a freshman. He's on the back of the bench and looks like a true freshman.

Jubril -- Exceeding, I wasn't expecting him to be a contributing factor this year but based on the past 2 games he shows he can play and be a big part of this team.

Clay -- Exceeding. He is incredibly smart and has a pretty good shot. He doesn't turn the ball over and makes smart decisions. He hasn't been a big scoring threat but he has made everyone around him better. He plays good D and has great vision

Alec -- Well exceeding. People expected him to be the best freshman but I don't people expected him to be this good. He's averaging close to 15 PPG, hasn't turned the ball over, and plays great D as well. Hope he gets PoW honors because he deserves it. This kid is gonna be great. If we thought Rowdy was great, just wait to see what Alec does during his 4 years in the brown & gold. The only place for him to go is up.

Lexus -- He's been absolutely fantastic in my opinion. I thought early in the season we'd have issues with the PG but I think Lexus has proved he can play the point and play it well. He's had one game where he didn't look very good but everyone has bad games. He reminds a lot of Buggs except for the fact that Lexus can shoot. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start until Keith becomes eligible. Nobody expected much from him and he looks to be the 2nd best freshman on the team with 4 really good freshmen.

[wh]

Pulling for Alec for HL POW (FOW should be a given):

- points 30 and 15 (22.5 ppg)
- 14-25 FG (56%)
- 9-16 3PT FG (56%)
- 8-8 FT (100%)
- 0 TO's in 58 min.

I wonder when was the last time a HL true freshman scored 30 or more? 

After a lot of searching it appears that the last HL player to score 30 or more as a freshman was Ray McCallum, who scored 31 points in a 3-pt. win over E. Michigan on December 11, 2010.  He had 10-19 FG (all 2's) and 11-22 FT.

No one on a current HL roster scored 30 or more as a freshman.  The closest was Sykes at 27.

Speaking of McCallum, the Detroit board is reporting that he got moved down to the D League.  He has not played any minutes in the regular season for the Kings, so it's probably better for his long term development.  The Timberwolves did something similar to Robbie Hummel.  He played last year in Spain and made the Timberwolves roster this year.  There is one difference.  Robbie was a 2nd round draft choice; Ray was a 1st.  I would guess it's probably more uncommon for a 1st round draft choice to get moved down for seasoning, although I don't follow the NBA closely enough to know for sure. 

Kings' NBADL Assignee Ray McCallum Has Promising Debut Despite Loss

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2013/11/23/5136780/bighorns-fall-short-of-comeback-despite-28-points-from-ray-mccallum

I'm pretty sure Ray was taken in the second round.

Well, I said I don't follow the NBA very closely. 

[valpopal]

I have now posted a set of 26 photos from last night's game, including the three below of our freshmen starters, for everyone to check out. The three I include here represent what I see as the personalities developed thus far by the three players: Alec is beginning to look like a future star who has taken over Rowdy's position as a potential face of the Crusader team; Lexus has displayed a special ability to twist and turn through the lane with his quickness; and Jubril brings an enthusiasm and energy to the front court that is enjoyable to watch. Both Williams and Adekoya appeared thrilled to have their initial starts yesterday, and you can see that Jubril had fun answering questions at his first post-game press conference. I hope you like all the photos, which can be viewed at the following:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157637996091396/

[Smj]

Thanks so much for posting the pictures.      Really appreciate that you share these. ..

[bbtds]

Is this the one where Alec lost control of the ball going up for a possible dunk or lay-in?

It sure looked good until he lost control of the ball.

[valpopal]

Is this the one where Alec lost control of the ball going up for a possible dunk or lay-in?

It sure looked good until he lost control of the ball.

Yes, this was at 4:32 left in the first half during the stretch of 4 minutes when neither team scored and both missed shots or committed turnovers. The good news was that Peters ended the drought with 50 seconds left in the half by driving to the basket for a score and drawing a foul, which he converted for the old-fashioned 3-point play.

[agibson]

In all likelihood, James Madison University is the only college or university in the country whose athletic teams draw their nickname from the name of the school's president.

It's not such a bad idea, as far as naming schemes go.  Maybe when we finally ditch the Crusader we could become the Kretzmanns, or the OP's (Opie?  I suppose we don't _really_ want to play up the Mayberry connection...), or some such.

[bbtds]

In all likelihood, James Madison University is the only college or university in the country whose athletic teams draw their nickname from the name of the school's president.

It's not such a bad idea, as far as naming schemes go.  Maybe when we finally ditch the Crusader we could become the Kretzmanns, or the OP's (Opie?  I suppose we don't _really_ want to play up the Mayberry connection...), or some such.

You forget the obvious................why not the Hecklers?   

[LaPorteAveApostle]

we would have not one but TWO great mascots, then:


speaking of:
Statler and waldorf (excellent)

[FWalum]

you can see that Jubril had fun answering questions at his first post-game press conference. I hope you like all the photos, which can be viewed at the following:

Jubril also seemed very polished and articulate in the press conference.