|
|
 |
coming back home: The coaching career of Mike Schaplowsky
|
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:26 pm
Post subject: coming back home: The coaching career of Mike Schaplowsky
|
 |
| |
 |
 |
"Ashley! Ashley, come look at this." Mike had just seen a headline in the sports section that read WSU men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall has resigned. He proceeded to spit the dr. pepper out of his mouth and call his wife Ashley. "Yes hun, what is it... oh my god!" Ashley responded after taking a look at the headline. "Ash, this is my chance, I have to get an interview."
Let me introduce myself, my name is Mike Schaplowsky, and I am a 29 year old with a beautiful wife Ashley, and a gorgeous 6 year old daughter Taylor Renee. They are the 2 most important things in my life, next to my younger sister Stacy. You will be reading more about them as this dynasty progesses. I played 4 years of high school basketball before going to Butler Community College and playing a year, then transferring to WSU for 3 years. After winning a number of awards at WSU, one of those being conference player of the year twice, I signed a 2 year contract with the Denver Nuggets as a free agent. Unfortunately a back injury ended my playing days in my first year in the NBA. So I retired gracefully and started a coaching career. I first coached a year in middle school, then a high school JV coach for 2 years, before I moved up to South High school as the boys varsity coach where I led my team to 3 state tournament apperances, but never could win the big one, instead finishing 4th twice and 2nd once. I just completed my first year at Pratt Community College where I led my team to the region VI semifinals, and now I'm going to apply for the Wichita State job.
I am using Fast Break College Basketball for this dynasty report. Some of you may have heard it, some probably haven't. I think it is a solid game. I do feel that Draft Day Sports: College Basketball is a better game, and has more features, but it just doesn't cooperate at all with my computer. While most of the characters in this report are fake, I will be using some real characters such as real college basketball coaches and the real WSU athletic director. Hope you all enjoy!
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:39 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
June 1st, 2009
After weeks of interviews, second interviews, and even a third interview with Wichita State AD Eric Sexton, I got the final call I had been waiting for. *ring ring*. I answered the phone in a hopeful voice.
Mike: "Hello?"
AD: "Mike, this is Mr. Sexton, how are you doing today?"
Mike: "Well that depends on you and the news that you have for me sir."
AD: *laughs* "Well then you should be doing quite well because I am extending you an offer to be our mens basketball coach here at Wichita State for the next 3 years, and I will be offering you a salary of $125,000 a year. This is one thing I don't like about FBCB, head coaches don't actually get signed contracts, and they don't make money. Assistants do, so I just made up a figure for myself that I that was reasonable
Mike: Wow, I accept! I'm ready to start now!
AD: Good, then as of now you are the new coach at Wichita State University! Be in my office tomorrow so we can talk a little bit about what I expect from you.
Mike: Will do sir, thank you. *hangs up the phone* Ashley, Taylor Renee, Stacy, get in here now!
*all come in* Stacy: Big brother, this better be important, I was in the middle of watching 90210, and you know how I hate to be interrupted during my favorite soap opera. Those guys are so dreamy.
Mike: Well fine then Stacy, if you don't want to talk to the new Wichita State mens basketball coach, then go back to your show. *everybodys eyes get big* "WHAT?"
Ashley: Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Mike: I am indeed, I just got the job.
*all the girls start crying, and we all embrace*
Taylor: Daddy daddy, does this mean that you're a millionaire now?
*we all laugh* Mike: No honey, I'm not making that much money, but this could be the start of something big. *I wink at Ashley and Stacy*
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:52 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
*Mike Schaplowsky is getting ready for the press conference, sitting next to him will be his wife and daughter, younger sister, WSU AD Eric Sexton, and Pratt Community College AD Kurt McAfee, who was estatic when he heard the news of Mike's hiring at WSU*
Kurt: First let me say that I've known Mike for several years now. I taught him how to referee basketball, I refereed him during his days at West High, and Butler County, and I have mentored him for years on many subjects. This man will be successful at Wichita State. I am sad that I now have to hire a new coach, but I am happy for Mike.
Eric: Ladies and gentleman it is now time to officially introduce Mike Schaplowsky as the new mens head basketball coach here at Wichita State University!
*rounds of applause amongst the people attending the conference* Mike: It's a pleasure for me to be here. Obviously when I played here a few years ago I never expected to be a college basketball coach. My goal was also to play in the NBA and coaching never crossed my mind. I am happy to be back here at WSU in this capacity, and I am willing to take questions now
Reporter 1: Mike what was your first reaction when you found out Coach Marshall resigned?
Mike; I was in shock. I had just talk to him a few days before and he made no mention of not coming back. I was stunned. However, his loss is my gain.
Reporter: Do you think you can keep the good basketball going here at WSU?
Mike: Well there is always the adjustment period with a new coach, but we will be fine. I have met with all my players and we are ready to go to work. I will be hitting the recruiting trail soon and I am in the process of hiring my assistants now.
Reporter: Mr. Sexton, what are the goals for Mike here at WSU, I know you have talked about that with him.
Eric: Short term goals, we expect that he can take WSU and win the regular season conference title this year and advance to postseason play. Our hope is that within the next 5 years we can be a team that will compete at a national level, be consistently in the top 25, and consistently help the Missouri Valley conference by making the NCAA tournament every year.
Mike: Guys at this time I have to cut things short, my daughter has a basketball practice to get to.
Stacy: That's right, I'm coaching her in Biddy Basketball, and we have practice.
Taylor: I wanna be just like my daddy when I grow up, I wanna play in the NBA too. *laughter from the audience*
Mike: Hun, you can't play in the NBA, but you can play in the WNBA. *more laughter*
Thanks for joining in the press conference. More to come later.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:54 pm
Post subject:
|
|
|
At this point I am still deciding how I want to do my game reports, and even if I want to do game by game, or maybe week by week. I like the added roleplay that I'm using, because it gives readers a chance to learn more about Mike and his family. I will roleplay throughout my dynasty, however I will also have just very simple reports at times too. If anybody has any suggestions feel free to let me know.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:21 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
My first order of business was to hire my staff. I hired 3 of my best friends in the coaching business. My recruiting coordinator is going to be 35 year old Mitchell Linn. He has a recruiting rating of 60, and I think he can help me pull some good recruits around the Midwest area. Next is my coaching assistant, 37 year old Marty Frankamp. He is a rating of 49 in offense and 68 in defense. I think he will help us out a lot. Also is my scouting director, 37 year old Bryan Chadwick. He has decent offense and defense ratings as well, so he will be helping during practices. His scouting rating is 60. As a staff, I am looking for us to improve with every game, as I would like to keep these guys around for as long as possible. I have given them my word that they will never be fired by me, however, if they wish to pursue head coaching opportunites, or to retire, they have my blessing.
We were not invited to a preseason tournament, so it's time to turn my attentions to recruiting and scheduling. For the most part, I will let my assistants handle scheduling. Mitch Linn just told me that I have 4 scholarships to use, and it looks to me like I will not be needing to recruit at any certain position next year, as I will have 2 players in every position coming back. So I am looking to get the best 4 possible recruits I can get.
As of November 1st, I have signed my first recruit. Ernest Haberman. He is a 6' PG out of Valley Falls, KS, and he is the #40 rated PG in the nation. He's a 3 star recruit with lots of potential. I also have 2 four star recruits that are very close to signing. I'm hoping by December they will have signed because as of right now, WSU is the only school that has offered them a scholarship.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 11:28 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Wichita State 2009 Season Schedule
11/16/09 Sam Houston
11/20/09 St. Francis-PA
11/22/09 at Bethune-Cookman
12/04/09 Oklahoma
12/10/09 Centenary
12/12/09 Southern Illinois
12/22/09 Stephen F. Austin
12/24/09 at Southwest Missouri State
12/28/09 South Alabama
01/04/10 at Idaho State
01/07/10 Drake
01/12/10 Creighton
01/14/10 Evansville
01/16/10 at Bradley
01/23/10 at Creighton
01/26/10 Southwest Missouri State
01/28/10 Indiana State
01/30/10 at Drake
02/04/10 at Evansville
02/06/10 Bradley
02/09/10 at Illinois State
02/11/10 Northern Iowa
02/16/10 at Texas-Pan American
02/18/10 Illinois State
02/25/10 at Indiana State
02/27/10 at Northern Iowa
03/01/10 at Southeast Missouri State
03/04/10 at Southern Illinois
Taking a look at the schedule, it appears that Oklahoma is the biggest non-conference opponent on the schedule. When they offered to come to Wichita and play us, I could not pass it up. This will really help our RPI consierably, win or lose. Unfortunately, other than a home game against South Alabama, the rest of the non-conference schedule seems to be an RPI buster. I don't like that we have non-conference games mixed in with conference games, but it is what it is.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:28 am
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
WSU Roster
Wichita State Roster
# Name Pos Cl Ht Wt Hometown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Tim McCaskill PF Sr 6' 9" 232 Towanda, KS
33 John Tso SG Sr 6' 4" 219 Claremont, CA
14 John McNeill C Sr 6' 9" 259 Marion, OH
51 Danial Causey SF Sr 6' 5" 238 Hugoton, KS
34 Chris Krueger PG Jr 6' 1" 194 Andover, KS
53 William Knotts PF Jr 6'10" 260 Baxter Springs, KS
22 Doug Hurdle SG Jr 6' 4" 225 Kings Mills, OH
3 John Corpuz SG Jr 6' 5" 220 Des Lacs, ND
31 Gary Sherry PF So 6' 7" 214 Durant, IA
23 Gerald Cole SF So 6' 6" 222 Cherokee, KS
5 Jared Linkous PG So 6' 1" 186 Hillsboro, KS
2 Shane Humphrey PG So 6' 2" 213 Hutchinson, KS
24 Gregg Burkholder C Fr 6'11" 249 Saranac, MI
43 Tony Wolter C Fr 7' 0" 245 Iola, KS
42 Nathan Lavender SF Fr 6' 7" 227 Toledo, OH
Of those guys, I have decided to redshirt Hurdle, Wolter, and Lavender, as I don't expect them to contribute much this season.
Our team strategy this year is as follows:
Pace- 5
Motion- 4
3P Usage- 4
Offensive Focus- Balanced. I want the guys to take the 3 if it's there, but I'd like us to be able to get the basketball in the paint and get some easy looks.
Key Players- PG John Tso, C John McNeill, SG John Corpuz
On defense we will primarily play man, as it looks to be what most everybody is comfortable with. As far as defensive pressure, don't look for us to trap or press much, as we just don't have the speed defensively that we'd like to have. We will be a 9 on doubling inside the paint though, as I think we've got the bodies to cause problems and force some turnovers there.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:43 am
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Nov. 16, 2009
Mike Schaplowsky walked into Koch Arena in anticipation of his first game as WSU coach, and it wasn't a dissapointment. The defense was incredible as the Shockers (1-0) got 9 blocks and 9 steals defensively in route to a 58-42 win over Sam Houston. John Corpuz was the only player in double figures for the Shocks, with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
Nov. 20th
St. Francis (PA) came to town to test the Shockers, and had Mike Schaplowsky sweating bullets in the first half, as Evert Schledel was lighting it up with 21 first half points for St. Francis, and WSU only had a 46-44 lead going into the locker room. "The guys knew they needed to pick it up in the second half, and they did in a big way" said Schaplowsky. They held Schledel to just 3 second half points and only allowed 18 points in the second half altogether, rolling to an 80-62 victory. Gerald Cole had a nice game for the Shocks, with 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Corpuz had another solid game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Nov. 22nd
The Shockers travelled to Bethune-Cookman and took control early, jumping out to a 33-16 halftime lead. With backup PG Jared Linkous out for the Shox, Chris Krueger came off the bench to see good minutes, scoring 8 points, adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals as WSU ran to a 66-50 victory, finishing off the month of November with a 3-0 record.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:46 am
Post subject:
|
|
November wrap-up
Good month for us as we finish the month 3-0. Our current RPI is now 72, and our record vs. 51-100 RPI teams is 1 and 0. We are ranked 16th in the nation right now in team defense, giving up just 51.3 ppg. Also, our 41.7 rebounds a game is good for 20th in the nation, our blocks per game is 17th in the nation at 6.3 a game, and we are averaging 13.3 turnovers a game, good for 21st in the nation. Unfortunately the rest of our stats and percentages are not so good. To say we are struggling offensively is an understatement.
I'm proud to say that I have my first 4 star recruit, as Marcus Lathan, a 6'6'' PF from Canada signed with us. He is ranked #27 overall and the 6th best PF. As far as foreign recruits go, he is the 4th best foreign recruit. So this is definitely a steal for us.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:57 am
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Dec. 5th
*Mike Schaplowsky finished reading the Wichita Eagle article about last nights loss to #1 ranked Oklahoma, and flung the sports section, along with a few other items, across the front room, scaring the life out of his daughter Taylor, who naturally as a 6 year old girl would do, started balling. Then Ashley came storming into the room.*
Ashley: What the hell is going on here? And why the hell is all this crap all over the room and why is our daughter crying? *she picks up the paper that is now spread out across the room
Mike: Aww, come here Taylor, baby girl, I didn't mean to scare you. *Mike picks up his daughter and gives her a big hug, as Ashley begins reading the article*
Shocks lose in a big way tonight, getting toasted at Koch Arena by the #1 Sooners by a score of 106-76. This game was over 2 minutes into the game, as the Sooners jumped out to a 13-2 lead, and by the end of the first half it was a 64-31 drubbing that cleared about 20% of the building. I don't know what head coach Mike Schaplowsky said to these guys last night, but whatever it is obviously didn't work, as the team looked flat and overmatched all game. I don't care if Oklahoma is the #1 team in the nation, good teams, as Schaplowsky claims the Shockers to be, do not give up 64 points in a half and 106 for the game. I'm not sure we have the right coach in place, and I was doubting athletic director Eric Sextons decision all along. I think Mr. Schaplowsky better keep Kurt McAfee's number on his speed dial, because he may be relegated to an assistant coaches job at Pratt next year.
Ashley: *looks up* Oh my god, what is this guy talking about? He totally made you look like a fool.
Mike: He must not have seen the second half when we cut the lead to 13, and outscored Oklahoma 45-42, caused them to use 4 timeouts, and only allowed 5 turnovers. That Bob Lutz.. ooh he makes me so mad.
Ashley: Now stay calm, the last thing you want to do is go down and pick a fight with him.
Mike: *taking the article* oh don't worry, I'm putting this sucker in the middle of the locker room so everybody can see it when they get to practice today.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 4:16 am
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Dec. 6th
*Mike Schaplowsky is stapling the newspaper article on the wall in the teams locker room when starting PF Tim McCaskill walks in. "Coach, is that the article from yesterday?"
Mike: Yes it is Tim, I'm putting it up here so that you can know what this dumb newspaper reporter thinks of you and the rest of the team.
Tim: Hey guys, look at this. Coach is making a statement. *The rest of the team walks in and gathers around, looking at the article. John Corpuz shakes his head. "How does this Bob Lutz jackass still have a job."
Mike: Guys, listen up. *points to the article* This is going to remain in the locker room all season long, and I do mean all season, until we play our last game. When we travel, the article comes with us. I want you guys to look at it before every game, at halftime of every game, and after every game. We are so much better than what this article makes us out to be.
John: Let's go guys, let's win the rest of our games and show this punk ass reporter what's up.
Team in unison: YEAH, TO HECK WITH HIM, LET'S GO
Dec. 10th
The Shockers played their first game since their big loss to Oklahoma, hosting Centenary. The shellshock was still there early, as the Gents jumped to a quick 4-0 lead, and tempers were flaring as the Shox had 2 technicals called on them in the first 10 minutes. They finally starting to get it together and played solid ball, winning their 4th game of the season 76-51. The funny thing about this game was that Centenary took only 36 shots, and had 34 turnovers.
Dec. 12th
"If anybody understands why the valley is scheduling conference games in early December, when it is still supposed to be part of the non-conference season, and we have 2 valley games wrapped around 3 non-conference games the rest of the month, please let me know." Those were the words of head coach Mike Schaplowsky before a big conference opening game against a Southern Illinois team that was also 4-1 on the season. This game was back and forth all the way, as the Salukis actually held a 7 point lead late in the first half, but the Shockers turned it around to win their conference opener 73-65. Tim McCaskill was a force inside for the Shox, pulling down 8 boards, 4 of those offensive. Although he only scored 6 points, he helped the Shox down the stretch and got his first Player of the game award. The Shockers are now 5-1 and are starting to recover from the Oklahoma game.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:09 am
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Dec. 22
After a 10 day layoff, the Shockers hosted Stephen F. Austin, who is predicted to finish last in the Southland conference. And they didn't do anything to prove any different, as the Shockers jumped to a 22-6 lead and led 46-18 at halftime. It was so bad that the Lumberjacks had used all their timeouts by the 14 minute mark of the second half. The closest they could get was 26 as the Shockers (6-1) rolled to a 77-43 victory. John Tso led the way with 20 points, and John Corpuz added 16
Dec. 24th
If there were any doubts about whether the Shockers could win on the road in the Missouri Valley Conference, those questions were answered tonight, as Wichita State went to Sprinfield and hammered the Bears 84-63. It was going to be a long night for Missouri State when John Riccardi was kicked out of the game just 2 minutes in for throwing a basketball at the referee after being called for a foul. The Bears last lead would be at 11-10, that's when Daniel Causey tipped in a miss, and the Shox would go on a 35-18 run to end the half and take a 45-29 halftime lead. 58.6 percent shooting for the game and 60% shooting from the three point arc were big as the Shox improved to 2-0 in the conference and 7-1 overall with one game to go in the year 2009.
Dec. 28th
*Mike Schaplowsky walked around the locker room looking to find the right words to say preceding his teams big non-conference game against 8-1 South Alabama.*
Mike: Gentleman, listen up. South Alabama is tough, they are 8-1 for a reason. We have to be ready to play and defend our home court tonight. Do I need to remind you what happened last time we brought a really good team into Koch Arena? *points at the article* Let's not let Bob Lutz have a chance to destroy us again. are you ready?!?!?
*the team gathers around, starts pounding their fists into lockers, and runs out onto the court with a sense of energy not seen for some time. Schaplowsky smiles and nods to his assistant coaches* "I got a good feeling about tonight boys."
Unfortunately, the game didn't start out so wonderful as Tim Mccaskill was given a technical on the first play of the game and helped South Alabama to a 7-0 run. Schaplowsky let his team play through it and it would lead to the Shox scoring the next 13 points to take back control of the game. Unfortunately they never could pull away thanks to 14 first half fouls that had coach Schaplowsky about to rip his hair out. "We got lazy and wouldn't play defense with our feet, instead elected to play hack a shaq all half* Fortunately the Shockers were sparked by backup guards Chris Krueger and Jared Linkous who jump started the offense with some big shots as WSU built a 17 point lead, eventually holding on for a big, big victory 58-47. John McNeill was the man tonight with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, also holding South Alabama to 28.3% shooting. The Shockers finish 2009 with a good 8-1 record.
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:19 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Jan. 1, 2010
*Mike Schaplowsky sits in his office starting at a letter, then slams his fist into his table and buries his head in his hands as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Mitch Linn comes running in.*
Mitch: Mike, what's wrong buddy?
Mike: Mitch, we lost him. We lost him.
Mitch: What are you talking about? Who did we lose?
Mike: We lost Michael Redman.
Mitch: What? You mean he signed with another school? I thought we were his #1.
Mike: We were, and still are his #1. The MFer failed to qualify. *Shows coach Linn the leader as he reads it in shock* How did we miss the fact that is GPA was only 2.05?
Mitch: Hey buddy, we have to take this one as a staff. I didn't do my research very well either. We all have to take the heat on this one. Damn, that would have been a great pickup too, he was the 2nd best foreign recruit available.
Mike: Well at least we got one 4 star recruit this year. Oh well, we'll have to settle for a couple more 3 star recruits. Let's head to practice and discuss this with Brian and Marty.
*Mitch puts his arm around Mike and they head to the gym to discuss the bad news with the other 2 members of the staff*
|
|
|
|
| sportsfanmike |
|
|
Posts: 14
|
|
|
|
Joined: 29 Dec 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:32 pm
Post subject:
|
|
| |
|
|
Jan. 4, 2010
The Shockers traveled to Pocatello, Idaho to take on the Idaho State Vandals tonight, and used 8-14 shooting from behind the three point line to coast to another victory, this time downing the Vandals 77-57 to improve to 9-1. The Shockers led by 20 at halftime, 37-17, when Idaho State came out and jumped to a 13-4 run, cutting the lead to 11. The run was sparked by a technical foul from Jared Linkous for arguing a foul call. The Shox committed 16 team fouls in the second half, and the Vandals were shooting 1 and 1 with 13 minutes to go in the half. "Had it been a closer game I might have been a little bit more upset with the officiating," said WSU head coach Mike Schaplowsky. "I like the way we come out and play aggressive defense, but I think sometimes we get too aggressive and the officials are starting to pick up on it." The Shox righted the ship and got the lead to as big as 25 before eventually winning by 20.
Jan. 7, 2010
*Mike Schaplowsky stood in the locker room after a conference game against Drake, gathering his team around after a tough game* "Guys, now I hope you understand how important it is for us to take every team seriously." Sure it would have been easy to overlook the Drake Bulldogs, who came into tonights game with a 1-10 record. "I'm telling you right now guys, a better team would have put us away early in the first half and not given us a chance to get back into it." What Schaplowsky is talking about is the fact that Drake started the game on a 15-4 run, knocking down three pointers with ease. What he's also talking about is the fact that the Shockers didn't take their first lead until 2:31 remaining in the first half. The starting frontcourt of John McNeill and Tim McCaskill did their part with a 25 point, 17 rebound effort as the Shockers eventually pulled away to win 64-47. A startling number is that after the last 2 games where the Shox were called for over 20 fouls each game, they were only called for 6 fouls tonight and they forced 25 turnovers. "We did a much better job trapping the ballhandlers and getting steals without fouling," said McCaskill who got the Player of the Game award. The Shockers now imporve to 10-1 and 3-0 in the conference and are now the only team without a loss in Missouri Valley play.
Jan. 11
*The coaching staff at WSU is gathered around looking at the latest version of the top 25 polls, expecting to see their names somewhere in the others receiving votes category, only to be dissapointed*
Bryan Chadwick: I can't believe it, we're 10-1, the only team in our conference that hasn't lost a conference game yet, and we still can't get one damn vote?
Marty Frankamp: Well let's face it guys, the media is still looking at our 30 point loss to Oklahoma, and they haven't exactly been tearing down the nets lately.
Mitch Linn: That's right, the Sooners have lost 3 games since they trampled over us. And it doesn't help that our conference RPI is 14th right now.
Marty: That's because only 4 teams in our conference even have a winning record. If we don't be careful as a conference, we're gonna drop down in prestige after the year.
Mike: Guys, I would hope that they would give the conference at least a couple years. I mean look at us and Southern Illinois. We should both be in the NCAA tournament if we keep playing like we have been.
Bryan: But that's only 2 teams Mike, what about Northern Iowa? Creighton? They are struggling.
Mike: It all comes down to this. We know that we are an NCAA caliber team, we have to keep winning. The only way we are gonna get any kind of respect from the voters is to keep winning. We know as a conference we are going to beat each other up once conference play starts, what we have to worry about now is taking care of our business.
Mitch: He's right. It sucks that the rest of the conference is down, but first and foremost we have to worry about us.
*everybody shaking their heads yes, knowing they have a big game coming up that could have a huge effect on the Missouri Valley conference*
|
|
|
|
|
Options and Permissions
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
| Page 1 of 1 .:. |
|
|
|
