MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[tomt4525]

Are you serious UWRF?  There may be some Point fans talking to the refe and not liking some calls but if you're calling out some fans that is ridiculous.  I sat right next to the UWRF student section and the entire game, all they talked about was throwing racist comments to Jerrell Harris and making fun of Nick Krull because he can't grow hair on his head.  I wouldn't say anything because I think it's part of going on the road in the WIAC, but dont' throw the Point fans under the bus like that.

[East Beast]

Can anyone explain to me why coaches are more and more often staying in the locker room and then "making an entrance" just before tipoff? What can they do in the locker room at that point to better prepare their team to win?

Maybe they are holding out for one of those D1 style video entrances?  I just called Titan 2000 and he said he thinks Van Dellen is reading fishing magazines just prior to the game.  T2K sure dislikes him.

[East Beast]

After this loss, Point should probably just look forward to next year.  Maybe get a better look at some of the freshman and consider this a lost season.  Possibly make some trades and dump some salary while getting some prospects in return.  If things really go south, Point could be in line for a Top 10 draft pick! 

I think we all knew River Falls wasn't the 8th best team in the league!  Congrats to the Falcons. 

Stout and Superior also won, as did Eau Claire

Sup 80 PL 79 in OT
EC 77 LX 70
RF 73 STP 60
ST 85 WW 80

Tom:

I heard Semling is already applying for jobs. 

[UWRF]

Are you serious UWRF?  There may be some Point fans talking to the refe and not liking some calls but if you're calling out some fans that is ridiculous.  I sat right next to the UWRF student section and the entire game, all they talked about was throwing racist comments to Jerrell Harris and making fun of Nick Krull because he can't grow hair on his head.  I wouldn't say anything because I think it's part of going on the road in the WIAC, but dont' throw the Point fans under the bus like that.

I understand that, and I would never condone that kind of behavior! I am sorry that they resorted to that kind of stuff.  But let me make the point that those were kids... these were parents. I mean set an example. One call isnt going to make or break the game.

And they weren't just "talking to the refs and not liking the calls." They were def cussing at them.

I also dont think i was "calling them out" i just made an observation. I wasn't happy with people yelling swear words right next to my mic and I made a comment about it.  I am sorry if you took it personally.

[Just Bill]

Can anyone explain to me why coaches are more and more often staying in the locker room and then "making an entrance" just before tipoff? What can they do in the locker room at that point to better prepare their team to win?

Bobby Knight started this practice, but Knight had a valid reason.

He was such a polarizing figure that spending extra time on the court during pregame often invited hostility and rude behavior directed toward him from opposing fans. Knight didn't care so much, but he thought it was becoming a distraction to his team and established a negative, hostile environment on the game before it even started.

As to why coaches (particularily D-III coaches) do this now, I have no idea. I think they are just following the practice of the big-timers, so they can convey the image that they are also big-timers. I don't really get it either.

[bulk19]

Can anyone explain to me why coaches are more and more often staying in the locker room and then "making an entrance" just before tipoff? What can they do in the locker room at that point to better prepare their team to win?

Some of them are probably praying? 

[bgbacker]

Just Bill: 
As to why coaches (particularily D-III coaches) do this now, I have no idea. I think they are just following the practice of the big-timers, so they can convey the image that they are also big-timers. I don't really get it either.

I think you nailed it, Just Bill. But the funny thing is, I don't think the fans at Zorn (or Kolf, or anyplace else) even notice!!

[Brian Carroll]

I enjoyed my visit to Zorn yesterday, as did my pal chmarx. Fofana is a beast in the lane, and LC had only Al Chery to defend him. When Al got into foul trouble in the second half, there was no one to count on for strong inside play. 35-21 rebs. is the key stat in the game. Zorn is a great arena, and the pep band added to the atmosphere, but there was more enthusiasm from the fans in the women's game than in the men's. It appears LC will return to near the bottom of the conference this year unless the team gels. I am perplexed that frosh Luke Tweed starts ahead of Junior Jeff Heiden, who was a decent starter at the point last year. Coach might know something I don't, I suppose.

[East Beast]

I enjoyed my visit to Zorn yesterday, as did my pal chmarx. Fofana is a beast in the lane, and LC had only Al Chery to defend him. When Al got into foul trouble in the second half, there was no one to count on for strong inside play. 35-21 rebs. is the key stat in the game. Zorn is a great arena, and the pep band added to the atmosphere, but there was more enthusiasm from the fans in the women's game than in the men's. It appears LC will return to near the bottom of the conference this year unless the team gels. I am perplexed that frosh Luke Tweed starts ahead of Junior Jeff Heiden, who was a decent starter at the point last year. Coach might know something I don't, I suppose.

Hard to believe that this EC team could get whipped by MSOE in Oshkosh over the holiday and be 2-0 in the WIAC.  But I am happy for them as they have lots of FVA and FRV kids in the lineup.  Maybe MSOE will be in the top 25 this year.

[badgerwarhawk]

Hard to believe that this EC team could get whipped by MSOE in Oshkosh over the holiday and be 2-0 in the WIAC.  But I am happy for them as they have lots of FVA and FRV kids in the lineup.  Maybe MSOE will be in the top 25 this year.

Or maybe it says more about the WIAC this year. 

[bgbacker]

I'm not "drinking the Kool-Aid" necessarily, but someone should point out that MSOE has won 14 of their last 15 games and has won three straight versus WIAC opponents.

[John Gleich]

Pointer radio show is on the air.  I'm going to miss the rest of it... can somebody else listen and let us know what Semling has to say?

[tomt4525]

I don't know how much time we missed between you not listening and me starting to listen, but I'll fill in as much as I can, PointSpecial.

I started listening with Semling talking about missing too many bunnies against RF, mainly the posts...Hurd, Hoelzel and Krull.

Semling wants to see Scott and Nick drive to the hole if late in the shot clock and can kick out to shooters like Giordana.  He says this will help against Whitewater because Whitewater will not guard Scott and Nick and will try to crowd everyone else.

Health status:  the worst Semling can ever remember...seems to be happening in practice and not in games. 

Semling has been very happy with Ritchay and Giordana coming off the bench.

Semling was felt the team was worn out against RF, RF made some runs that we didn't have answers for. 

I'll continue listening, not sure how much is left.

[tomt4525]

It is a GOLD out against Whitewater, if you're going to the game....Wear Gold

Frank O'Brien, the AD at Point is retiring at semester after 31 years with the University.  January 21st is his last day.  They talked with him for awhile.  O'Brien mentioned how great it's been for him watching the student athletes at Point compete.  That's what he will miss most.

Giordana and Ritchay are joining the show in a second.

[tomt4525]

Ritchay is feeling a lot more comfortable out on the floor, more comfortable with his role on the team.  Thinks getting regular minutes is helping him with the flow of the game.  He is also comfortable with taking smaller players down in the post to score, had to do it quite a bit in high school at Rapids.  He first and foremost worries about his defense and taking care of the ball.  Mentioned how they really get after each other at practice, it gets very physical.  Whitewater brings in a bunch of new guys, will be tough.  They need to play better than RF to have a chance.  Last thing he mentioned was how much he likes to golf during offseason.  Will have one more semester after his last season of basketball.

Giordana mentioned how big a difference it is in year 2 compared to year 1.  His role is bigger this year and in his first year he was just trying to learn the system.  People who guard him can't give him an inch to shoot so he is trying to get to the hole more to either pass off for a layup or get to the hoop himself.  He prides himself on his hustle and getting to loose balls, isn't afraid to throw his body around and dive for loose balls.  He misses football but doesn't regret his decision to just play bball.  He mentioned how close knit everybody on the team is.  They all hangout together even after they all spend 3 hours a day for practice.  He also said he's a golfer because its relaxing for him.  He plans to do something with sports marketing in the future but is still undeclared as a major at the moment.