Royal Tiger

14 hours ago, TSU88 said:

Well, it’s not official, but when a guy posts “what’s next,” with a 🏀, it’s safe to assume he’s not pondering whether he’s going to have fish or chicken for dinner. 

I hope he’s just thinking out loud, but he does have a history of moving around. Counting JUCO, aren’t we his 3rd school already?

Assuming he’s gone, the pressure is really on to bring in a number of quality transfers and/or JUCO’s. Holden’s scoring should be able to be replaced, but his rebounding and passing are where he really stood out in my opinion 

 

Towson MBB dynasty: 2/28/22 - 3/7/22. Very disappointing, where does he think he can go with no jump shot and undersized to play 4 in a bigger conference? We fit his game perfectly. Grass has never been greener for others who have left, Four made some shots in grad year at URI and Gorham had team success as 6th man for Houston. Had as good of a shot as any one bid league next year, would be difficult to replace second main cog to the system. I can only assume leaving a legacy at a school and getting the dance might just not be at the top of kids' priorities these days.

Disrespected with a 7, on show, and in region

1 hour ago, TSU88 said:

I think it’s extraordinarily unlikely Skerry gets URI, and unlikely he gets UMass. Let’s face it, he’s not a young up and comer anymore, plus he’s never even made it to a conference tournament championship game 

 And you’re right, we need a PG, a guy who can get his own shot off the dribble and a big to help out CT. Mat seems to think Coleman might be back. That’s fine. If so, it doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to figure out that between Gill, Jones and Bikeu, 2, if not all 3, might not be back. Still not sure why Gill was recruited in the 1st place; Jones is a great layup line dunker, but that’s about it, and Bikeu’s game is very limited. As far as Paar’s brother, if Skerry takes him as a walk-on, fine, but I certainly hope he’s not considering burning a scholarship on him 

Lol what could these schools be seeing on his resume to even remotely warrant consideration over another candidate at a bigger program. I was shocked seeing this twitter talk today. I'm a skerry supporter, but even I can admit he doesn't deserve another job (he barely deserves this one). This was the first season out of 10 or so that you could call legitimately successful. 

6 minutes ago, TSU88 said:

So wait, if you finish 11, 12, 13, or 14 you have to win 5 games to win the tournament? 

Yes, it should be deservedly impossible to win tourney if finish 11th through 14th

3 hours ago, Tiger93 said:

Went to the tournament last night and it actually stings a little more this morning that we are not playing in the title game than it even did last night. Two notions that I find silly reading this board last night is the amount of blame Skerry gets and notion that the everything but the conference tournament is meaningless. 

We won 25 games (all D-1), were consistently ranked in the top 75 in the NET rankings for a good part of the year, tied for first in the conference and are going in the NIT. If the loss yesterday flushes that all down the toilet I don't even know why you follow this team during the regular-season. 

As for Skerry, he did a great job for most of the season. He brought in three impact transfers, incorporated in them into the team, actually had some shooters and still kept some of the good parts of Skerry ball to make this team tough. Here is where I will be critical of him as a coach. In watching tonight's game and the 2014 game that we lost to William & Mary in-person, our players seemed tight and like the they just wanted it so bad that when it went badly they were not sure how to react. It felt that way tonight, and I do agree that mentality trickles from the coach down to the players.

Even saying that, I am in complete agreement with a lot of the defenders of Skerry that the shots were not falling. We were 4-23 from three-point land tonight and at least 2/3rds of those were good solid looks that just did not fall. I don't know if you want to call that choking or bad luck, but Timberlake had at least 3 or 4 shots go halfway down and come out (which was very reminiscent of the Northeastern loss in the regular-season). I would start calling people chokers if they were taking awful shots and making dumb decisions. However, that did not start until the last 4 or 5 minutes when we really panicked because we could sense the loss was coming. 

I give Charles Thompson a ton of credit for fighting through the ankle injury, but he was missing just that extra amount of explosiveness to grab a big rebound (11 in two games) or block a shot (he had one). The lack of that extra lift also made it tough for him to get up high enough on that mini-baby hook that his been so solid this year. Also, I have been the number one person (or at least right there with everyone) driving the Terry Nolan Jr. train, but he was just awful tonight. We can't win against a good team when Nolan Jr. goes 0-6 with 2 points, 1 assist and 4 turnovers. His bad play with Thompson's injury came at the worst time, and I know both are probably crushed that they couldn't give their best when it was truly needed. 

 There are two things I hope we can accomplish right now. One is get a meaningful experience out of the NIT and hopefully beat a good team and use it as a springboard to next season. That has always been the point of that tournament, and the regular-season champ auto-bid is one of my favorite college basketball rules. The other is find out who is coming back and continue to use the transfer portal effectively to fill in some needs. As has been mentioned, the additions of Monmouth and Stony Brook will make this conference more competitive in hoops, and we rally need to raise our level. 

Going into this year, I was bashing Skerry as well. I think he took a good, honest look in the mirror last year and became a better coach this year. We finally got some good shooters, it felt like we were able to press more effectively, and he made adjustments when things didn't go right more this year than previous ones. I think the next step is taking a look at his defensive principles and seeing if there are some wrinkles he can throw in to make it more difficult to scout from conference teams that see us three times in a year. I am sure he has already done this, but trying to look at some successful programs and possibly even working with sports psychologists to figure out if there is something missing from the mental preparation that is causing his higher seeded teams to come out so tight (seemingly from an untrained eye like mine) in these big games. 

This was the greatest D-1 regular-season in the history of our program. Rather than criticizing what went wrong with the coaching, we should be asking how do we take what was fun for everyone this year and build off it in the productive manner. We hit the checkboxes for a successful season in two big ways, 15-3 tying for first in the CAA and top 75 NET ranking for most of the year. How do we replicate those accomplishments and figure out a way to overcome our poor tournament performances. People can evolve and get better. Skerry did that in many ways this year, and now he has one more giant step to evolve and figure out why his teams come up short in the tournament. However, with what he accomplished we should have some confidence that he will turn over every rock to try to this offseason. 

All agreed, a ton to be happy with during the regular season. The tournament was a disappointing showing in both games as a whole and definitely think Skerry's nerves played into the teams start on Sunday which excuses or not was a big reason why lost last night. Pat definitely wears his emotions on his sleeve and if we had started out like we ended the regular season vs Northeastern, would have liked our chances much more last night. So while ultimately last night wasn't entirely on Pat (pathetic effort by everyone except 32, 55 was also not himself) he does get the overall blame for Sunday and not setting the tone for the tournament and coming out of that 100% fresh. 2014 margin of victory was larger but had a slugfest with #7 JMU, 2017 had a good effort vs better Charleston team in semis. Next years team has to play to win in quarters rather than play to just survive. Also shame the tribe couldn't hold on Saturday.

Should definitely take the NIT seriously as one of few times get good national exposure on the ESPN family of networks. Good for recruiting and especially transfer portal if can entice an good contributor to come in that wants a great shot at getting to the dance next year with this core. Assuming the final 4 is back at garden this year that's also something to play for.  Know that its a major long and would require running the table in the CAA (which very well could have done this year), but hopefully get a resume worthy OOC schedule next year. Nothing to lose building around the upper half of A-10s, Iona, MAC, and a good holiday tournament. It's obviously not explicitly stated, but committee would consider a run in NIT this year if were to finish say 28-3 next year.

3 hours ago, mat1992 said:

 

Would add one part that was downplayed in press conference is holden falls at end. holden shoulder in this video though

Outside of Charles injury, three plays that would have gone against us prior years and would have been a first round exit: Paar coming up with a loose ball and laying it in triple teamed after they cut it to 1, doherty's 5th could have been a hook and hold on cam, and northeastern missing a few open 3's on the one possession that would have cut it to 2. Shows that fate may be on this teams side. Whatever my hunch is worth thought we'd finish 6-0 (wasn't sure about suspended game), didn't feel as confident today, but do feel good about tomorrow. Hopefully we crushed any hens confidence they might have storming back on them last week. Tomorrow will be the gibson/rizzuto game and will help if CT can at least suit up to play some decoy in the beginning. Thought entire team, pat included came out today with an "uh oh here we go again" mentality and didn't blitz them right out of gate like have been doing offensively. Good job getting the 1st teamer involved and him wanting it in second half.

1 hour ago, Bay Area Tiger said:

NE-W&M line went from 5.5 to 8

Friends in Vegas for WCC tournament asking now..  NE can cover?

Yes. Huskies shifted their focus 2 months ago to this weekend

51 minutes ago, griggey20 said:

First time we’ve ever been able to say this. If we play our game and handle our business we are winning these games. 

100% agree, but coen is a good smart coach. I doubt they're scouting w&m much this week, more game planning solely for Towson. If comes back to bite them vs tribe, so be it they can just say they were 9 seed for a reason.

Will be there. Hopefully Crowley puts together a Towson reception although fortunate to have the noon start, so not sure what time it will be.

8 hours until inbounds for potentially the most strange Towson athletics scenario in terms of implications that I can remember. Perhaps one ups baseball winning title while being cut. Surprised it's not getting more local and national media attention, but I guess we better get used to playing the most important minutes of the season in an arena filled with empty seats for next weekend. Will expect there to be some sort of quality control inspection at the beginning and questions on personal fouls, time left on shot clock, etc. Very important first possession, Solomon's not here but let's double check what basket we're shooting on. Can't panic if we get down double digits though, I don't expect hens to just rollover because they've played two poor games in a row and will want to build some sort of momentum before tournament. But more motivation for them will be that nobody wants us on their side of bracket right now.

48 minutes ago, griggey20 said:

Moved to 59 in the NET!

Meanwhile rutgers in last 4 in with a net of 84.

This team would beat 2013-14 even with 14 maybe having a little more individual talent 1 through 6 outside of tj and ct. That team was blown out by nova, kansas, ndsu, oregon state, and blew a lead to a good stephen f austin team. Would have liked to see hairston fit in with rest of team.

This team much more fluid, entertaining style (although 5 of last 6 games felt zero stress). Could say as a whole every piece compliments each others style on this team.

44 minutes ago, TSU88 said:

Does Delaware have anything, besides pride, to play for Monday? They can’t move up in the standings, even if they win. If they lose, they’d have the same record (10-8) as Drexel, and they split with Drexel. 

Delaware was playing for pride today and came up empty. Their largest motivation for Monday would probably be to have us on the other side of the bracket.

More important question is if the game is needed to be played can it be moved back to 7 or 8? We have a late arriving crowd as it is. Let everyone in for free, all teachers give extra credit for coming and erase the 9 point lead before by 10 minute mark and hens will fold. Could be a meaningless half for them.

Caa doing everything they can to get Seahawks and pride on opposite side of bracket. Win out may be only hope. 1 through 4 in standings going to finish 43-5 vs 5 through 10.

2 minutes ago, TuTigers2012 said:

Yup. We would need to win out 4-0 if we lose tomorrow to get the 2 seed

In year 11 with no CAA regular season titles and zero (understatement) postseason success, this is a legacy defining and must win game. Sure, fingers crossed everyone eligible to come back and should be unanimous favorites next year, but can’t take these opportunities for granted. No available excuses left, healthiest been in a while and well rested after last week. Win and we have the inside post to the regular season title. Lose and looking at 3 seed in the brutal 9pm tip vs Charleston/Drexel while Hofstra waltzes into semis vs much easier tribe or phoenix.

Old school skerry ball with this team’s talent has got to get the job done in this one.  Seahawks have won the rebounding margin just once since they outrebounded us at home. Attack the glass, feed Charles non stop and keep Cam inside the arc. Throw the kitchen sink at Sims with Timberlake, Gray, Nolan and Cam and defend the 3 point line and have to be able to win this against a team who is still getting wins, but not shooting the lights out. Can’t be overstated enough, probably the most important regular season game in history for both regular season and tournament implications.

20 minutes ago, TuTigers2012 said:

Uncw losses at Hofstra.  Man Saturday hurts even more now. 10-2, 9-3 instead of 8-4

Two scrimmages this week (lord help patrick if they blow one of these home games), before a must win game at trask next thursday. Year 10, no more excuses with what should be a well rested team in a great environment, time to win a big one. D'Antonio better get that on cbssn as well, league got good publicity with a great game tonight.

1 minute ago, mat1992 said:

 

Mat's chat or Terry's watch party. Decisions, decisions

Meh, the equivalent of a Ryan Fitzpatrick signing in the nfl. Let's get next year over with and a real staff in here.

Have we ever had sole possession of first place in the CAA? Double checked 2013-2014 (trailed Delaware wire to wire) and 12-13 (banned year, trailed Northeastern wire to wire) started off 3-0 both years, can't recall another year that came close. With a win tomorrow would that be first time in our CAA history?

In the words of the late Herb Brooks: Great moments are born from great opportunity!

12 minutes ago, Bay Area Tiger said:

He’s 6’5” and he threw a bounce pass to CT from just over mid court so naturally like he was Magic Johnson.  The broken jaw, the way he sets screens for his teammates..  his patience and poise when he has the ball in his hands.   He’s a special player and truly a Swiss Army Knife.  
 Again I mentioned this before.  Unlike seasons past this group of players just fits together nicely.  

55 most important player to team in CAA that I can remember in terms of making rest of team better overall. Let me know if can think of any others, obviously Riller final year, Knight teams, even JB teams would have probably bad if not for their more individual type efforts. Wright-Foreman pure scorer, talent around him. Thornton maybe? Cam plays with a grit and chip in such a poised manner and rest of team feeds off his controlled confidence and movement. Hopefully never have to find out, but think there's a large drop off if he's ever out - even with Nolan out there as him and 1 and 25 would battle it out for shots, 11 and 0 not as many good looks and frees up space for Charles. Anyone have +/- when he's off court, hasn't been much outside of Navy.

Test will be what happens end of game in close games as 0 for 2 so far. All 11 of the wins have been pretty handily (NE late run when game was over). Some "good efforts" in losses to Monmouth after start, USF, and Ohio State. Will be interesting with larger sample size to see who's hand ball is in end of close game or if have a plan to get Cam ball on wing or inside the arc, as not going to want to iso him/Nolan at the logo like the prototypical killer guard.

Winning on the game thread post count: https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/board/123/Contents/towson-ohio-st--177476757/?page=1

The question I have for the numbskulls who made this decision (cough, Tim Leonard, cough) is what is the cost in dollars to have a moribund basketball program, no hope, no alumni engagement, just a worthless activity run by a failed regime. Whatever money is guaranteed to this guy is already wasted - there is no chance of success. If that is the only cost, then go ahead, let him run this program further into the ditch for 5 more years.

But if it is worth anything to the institution to have a basketball team that brings alums together, provides a positive social activity for people based on their connection to the school then its high time to stop throwing away seasons and make a change. I'd love to care about Towson basketball again, but as long as the school doesn't care there is no point in anyone else investing their time or interest either. It won't happen, of course, because the Fordham playbook that dictates decisions these days says athletics are unimportant, a waste of resources, and simply an expense that must be managed to lowest possible number. It not whether you win or lose, but how much you paid to play the games.

Is zane in harrisonburg?

9 minutes ago, TuTigers2012 said:

Everyobe looks awful. Air balling layups. Threes off the side of the hoop.  Skerry ball!

SOT. Pieces change, but always know what you're gonna get. Incapable of beating above average, well-coached teams.