This team is good

[97spiderfan]

I had a healthy dose of skepticism coming into this year, given the past 2 seasons, well really the past 8 seasons, but this team has shown to be that they are legit good. There are several things, that I see that is setting this team apart from the past 8 iterations of Spider basketball.

1. Gilyard is a legit POY candidate in the league. Having the best player on the court every single night is a huge advantage. What he is doing on both ends of the floor is frankly unbelievable.

2. Defense: Everyone knew we were going to be a high powered offensive team, but our ability to defend was a huge question mark. Well, our defense is shaping up really nicely. I honestly don't know what has happened but the Flying Dutchman is suddenly gone and we are playing a really tough good man to man defense.

3. Mental toughness: Outside of 2 first games, we are not winning by fluky plays or through good luck. We are dominating teams. Yeah, we haven't beaten a top 25 team yet, but since our first 2 games, we have flat out dominated teams and some of those teams (Wisconsin, BC, South Alabama) are good solid squads.

4. Bench. Everyone knew our starting 5 was legit, probably one of the best in the A-10. Our bench was a huge question mark. Our bench can't score much, but they sure can defend, and Goose is probably our most promising 6th man, since I don't know when.

5. Blake: He is an alpha on a team that lacked one. He plays both without conscience and with a gigantic chip on his shoulder. Yeah, he takes some ill advised shots every game, but he is afraid of nothing and we needed a player who exactly like this. One of the reasons KA was so good was because he had Gonzo as his backcourt mate. I don't think it is an coincidence that Gilyard has taken his game to an entirely different level, with Blake as his wingman.

 

[Eight Legger]

Agree with everything here. These guys are playing hard and doing what it takes not only to win but to win comfortably against lesser teams and some that seem equal. It’s very impressive so far. Gilyard did some things today that were just spectacular. It’s going to be an incredibly rare occasion when all of our top scoring options go cold all together, which means we should be a pretty resilient team and difficult to slow down.

I only wish Mooney had realized we needed a defensive strategy change three years so. Might have avoided some of the heartache from the past two seasons. But glad change has happened.

 

[97spiderfan]

Agree with everything here. These guys are playing hard and doing what it takes not only to win but to win comfortably against lesser teams and some that seem equal. It’s very impressive so far. Gilyard did some things today that were just spectacular. It’s going to be an incredibly rare occasion when all of our top scoring options go cold all together, which means we should be a pretty resilient team and difficult to slow down.

I only wish Mooney had realized we needed a defensive strategy change three years so. Might have avoided some of the heartache from the past two seasons. But glad change has happened.

And when all 3 of Gilyard, Frances, and Sherod are hitting, forget about it. I don't like when we fall in love with the 3, but when you have 3 of the Top 60 3 point shooters in the country....

 

[spider23]

I only wish Mooney had realized we needed a defensive strategy change three years so. Might have avoided some of the heartache from the past two seasons.

Agree completely EL, just about everyone could see the "tired old match up" was not working for the last several years, but he kept going with it.

I will give credit this year - it seemed after the first two games that he couldn't teach defense at all anymore, but it is clicking nicely. Pulling all the right strings so far. And agree with 97 - Gilly playing at this level just makes everyone better. Great to see.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

I think there was at least one football recruit on his official visit today. It has to help when our MBB team is this fun to watch. I doubt it has a huge effect on their decision, but I can only imagine what a kid who came to a poop game last year with a discouraged crowd was thinking. The energy is completely different this year.

 

[spider23]

Yes Choppin, I think winning begets winning and helps with recruiting, and positive energy, etc, etc. I remember in 2011, thinking WOW, we are ready to go next level and become a Wichita State. Instead, we could not capitalize - it was really unfathomable, not that we couldn't go to the next level but we slid into being OK to pretty good most years. VCU capitalized. I would love to see a heavily incentivized contract for the head coach going forward - to keep motivation up. But I doubt PQ and Hardt will push this. Hell, the NE Patriots do this with star players. Hopefully we can acheive in March this year, and the next contract will be a good motivator!

 

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

Agree with everything here. These guys are playing hard and doing what it takes not only to win but to win comfortably against lesser teams and some that seem equal. It’s very impressive so far. Gilyard did some things today that were just spectacular. It’s going to be an incredibly rare occasion when all of our top scoring options go cold all together, which means we should be a pretty resilient team and difficult to slow down.

I only wish Mooney had realized we needed a defensive strategy change three years so. Might have avoided some of the heartache from the past two seasons. But glad change has happened.

the players they last 2 years were not ready to play like this---even playing M to M last year we stunk. We had too many new guys (yes, I know the "we're young" got thrown around alot) which made sustained consistency difficult.

I said pre season, if you compared our line up last year vs this by adding BF and NS and moving Goose and Woj to the bench and replacing Noah and JJ with Sal and Burton, we just have more talent playing in the right spots at the right time.

 

[SpiderTrap]

Yes - the team is good. But we have also had to endure terrible teams the last 2 years, so lets not get ahead of ourselves. Pretty much everyone on here admits the schedule in OOC is weak. Which is okay - at this point in time, I rather be 8-1 with a weak schedule, than 4-5 with a tough schedule.

Next few games might be a little tougher, but we will see. Charleston should be a Win. ODU on the road will be a good test, and I think the Radford game in DC and Alabama on the road will be good tests before starting A10 play.

I like starting A10 play at home vs. St. Joes - as that should be a win, before we head off to Rhode Island for a tough matchup.

Overall - if we can head into A10 play with 3 or less losses - we are in a position for NCAA conversations with a top 3 A10 finish.

 

[97spiderfan]

Yes - the team is good. But we have also had to endure terrible teams the last 2 years, so lets not get ahead of ourselves. Pretty much everyone on here admits the schedule in OOC is weak. Which is okay - at this point in time, I rather be 8-1 with a weak schedule, than 4-5 with a tough schedule.

Next few games might be a little tougher, but we will see. Charleston should be a Win. ODU on the road will be a good test, and I think the Radford game in DC and Alabama on the road will be good tests before starting A10 play.

I like starting A10 play at home vs. St. Joes - as that should be a win, before we head off to Rhode Island for a tough matchup.

Overall - if we can head into A10 play with 3 or less losses - we are in a position for NCAA conversations with a top 3 A10 finish.

Three losses would have us go 2-2, the rest of the way. We should be pretty heavy favorites in our next 3 games with the Alabama game probably a toss up. Would like to see us go 3-1 and end the OOC 11-2 with no bad losses and a couple of wins (Wisconsin, BC, Vandy, South Alabama) that could end up looking good come March.

 

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

Yes Choppin, I think winning begets winning and helps with recruiting, and positive energy, etc, etc. I remember in 2011, thinking WOW, we are ready to go next level and become a Wichita State. Instead, we could not capitalize - it was really unfathomable, not that we couldn't go to the next level but we slid into being OK to pretty good most years. VCU capitalized. I would love to see a heavily incentivized contract for the head coach going forward - to keep motivation up. But I doubt PQ and Hardt will push this. Hell, the NE Patriots do this with star players. Hopefully we can acheive in March this year, and the next contract will be a good motivator!

While we enjoy 8-1, you keep preaching the hate and reliving the past.

It is over. I don't think that GG, Gilly and the gang care, why should you?

 

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

Yes - the team is good. But we have also had to endure terrible teams the last 2 years, so lets not get ahead of ourselves. Pretty much everyone on here admits the schedule in OOC is weak. Which is okay - at this point in time, I rather be 8-1 with a weak schedule, than 4-5 with a tough schedule.

Next few games might be a little tougher, but we will see. Charleston should be a Win. ODU on the road will be a good test, and I think the Radford game in DC and Alabama on the road will be good tests before starting A10 play.

I like starting A10 play at home vs. St. Joes - as that should be a win, before we head off to Rhode Island for a tough matchup.

Overall - if we can head into A10 play with 3 or less losses - we are in a position for NCAA conversations with a top 3 A10 finish.

"pretty much everyone"? Only the people who don't understand basketball maybe.

Go check out Duquesne and George Mason. Those are weak schedules. There is a reason that they are not getting the "it doesn't matter its only early December" discussion that we are. We beat 3 P5 teams. One of them is 2-0 in the ACC. The other just knocked off Indiana when they were unbeaten.

Vandy will not go 0-18 in the SEC. They beat a decent Buffalo team this weekend. We will learn more about them coming up:

--Liberty, Loyola and Davidson before end of the month.

We have another shot at SEC end of month. That is 4 potential wins against P6

I watched the ODU game vs. VCU. They can't score, but it will be a good chance for all haters to bring up why Mooney "lost" Marquis Goodwin.

I am not getting ahead of myself. The only things that matter are:

Grants Ankle
Nathans Ankle
Burton's Illness
Exams
Woj's confidence and 3 PT shot
C of C

Everything else is just window dressing.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

the players they last 2 years were not ready to play like this---even playing M to M last year we stunk. We had too many new guys (yes, I know the "we're young" got thrown around alot) which made sustained consistency difficult.

I said pre season, if you compared our line up last year vs this by adding BF and NS and moving Goose and Woj to the bench and replacing Noah and JJ with Sal and Burton, we just have more talent playing in the right spots at the right time.

Speaking of Noah, I saw him sitting under basket during an inbounds play. I assume he is still in grad school.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

I did notice defensively that when Gus is in with Francis and Gilyard, they will switch off
coverage without hesitation. That says a lot about their defensive ability.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

"pretty much everyone"? Only the people who don't understand basketball maybe.

Go check out Duquesne and George Mason. Those are weak schedules. There is a reason that they are not getting the "it doesn't matter its only early December" discussion that we are. We beat 3 P5 teams. One of them is 2-0 in the ACC. The other just knocked off Indiana when they were unbeaten.

That Pomeroy guy must not understand basketball. He has us in the bottom third of schedule strength among all teams, and 8th in the A10.
Yes, Duquesne and GMU have very weak schedules.
Davidson, Rhode Island, St. Joe's, La Salle and Dayton have played strong schedules to date.
These last four OOC games should improve our SOS.

 

[gcarter52]

I'm pretty sure most everyone has heard of Lot, Abraham's nephew...He was instructed to not look back unless you relive the past...The past is the past where it belongs. We need to keep our eyes on the prize which is before us. My sermon has been completed.

 

[SpiderTrap]

I am not saying our schedule is the weakest in the country - but by all accounts, it is weak. Again - I have no problem with the schedule. I think it serves two purposes really. 1 - Job security for Mooney. Which I can understand. 2 - But I also think it sets up nicely for next season - when we have a real shot at an NCAA tourney. Because having a good record this season and with all returning next year - should get us an even better in season tourney. Not to mention - if the Vandy, BC, and Alabama games continue - they should be improved next year as well.
The team is improved and building confidence. I think 3-1 is expected down the stretch here is OOC. I am fearful of the ODU game because I think they may be coming into that game on 7 game losing streak - and they might just be due and hungry on their home floor. We are the better team, but I think it will be a close game.

 

[spiderman]

our teams the past couple of years would not be 8-1 with this schedule.

 

[97spiderfan]

I am not saying our schedule is the weakest in the country - but by all accounts, it is weak. Again - I have no problem with the schedule. I think it serves two purposes really. 1 - Job security for Mooney. Which I can understand. 2 - But I also think it sets up nicely for next season - when we have a real shot at an NCAA tourney. Because having a good record this season and with all returning next year - should get us an even better in season tourney. Not to mention - if the Vandy, BC, and Alabama games continue - they should be improved next year as well.
The team is improved and building confidence. I think 3-1 is expected down the stretch here is OOC. I am fearful of the ODU game because I think they may be coming into that game on 7 game losing streak - and they might just be due and hungry on their home floor. We are the better team, but I think it will be a close game.

Right now, Wisconsin is a Top 50 win, even with there early season troubles. Vandy is 6-2, BC is 2-0 in the ACC. South Alabama is picked to win the Sun Belt. And Alabama looks like a bubble team as well

Now on the downside, ODU is trainwreck, Radford was supposed to be good but is 2-5.

Still early, but I think our schedule has a decent chance of being a real asset for us and I think some of the BCS teams that we beat are going to beat some good teams in conference which will make it look better.

What are schedule lacks is the big ticket win (such as VCU win over LSU), but we have a lot of good wins that could collectively add up to something better than 1 big ticket win. Time will tell.

 

[spider23]

While we enjoy 8-1, you keep preaching the hate and reliving the past.

It is over. I don't think that GG, Gilly and the gang care, why should you?

I actually tried to let it go about a half hour ago, and then I see you posted this. To answer your question, if we can have a run like 2010-11, I hope we can build on it this time - not slip into mediocrity following. No reason to. Now I will try to go back to being positive until your next post, Thanks alot!

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

our teams the past couple of years would not be 8-1 with this schedule.

This is true.

And also sad.

 

[urmite]

You really want a tough OOC look at UNO.
They play 20 conference games, 10 OOC.
4 non-D1 home games and at:
Butler
LSU
Memphis
Miss St
SMU
Hawaii

 

[gcarter52]

I am not saying our schedule is the weakest in the country - but by all accounts, it is weak. Again - I have no problem with the schedule. I think it serves two purposes really. 1 - Job security for Mooney. Which I can understand. 2 - But I also think it sets up nicely for next season - when we have a real shot at an NCAA tourney. Because having a good record this season and with all returning next year - should get us an even better in season tourney. Not to mention - if the Vandy, BC, and Alabama games continue - they should be improved next year as well.
The team is improved and building confidence. I think 3-1 is expected down the stretch here is OOC. I am fearful of the ODU game because I think they may be coming into that game on 7 game losing streak - and they might just be due and hungry on their home floor. We are the better team, but I think it will be a close game.

 

[gcarter52]

I guess if keep looking for reasons to doubt any team, whether it is true or not, you will find it. Our team is on a rise. We got one more vote in the poll, which is saying a great deal.

 

[73CPA]

This is a good team. For the first time in a while, I feel like the team will be in every game. They have multiple players who can score, defensive play is getting better each game and the bench is strong. Mooney does not get credit on these boards, but he is also making very good in-game and halftime adjustments. This is also the first time in years he hasn’t been hampered by lack of talent and depth due to suspensions, transfers, key injuries. As we have all noted, winning begets many things and recruiting should be enhanced greatly if they continue to excel. Overall, this is truly a fun team to watch. Student attendance has picked up too.

 

[spiderman]

You really want a tough OOC look at UNO.
They play 20 conference games, 10 OOC.
4 non-D1 home games and at:
Butler
LSU
Memphis
Miss St
SMU
Hawaii

how's that working out for them?

 

[urmite]

how's that working out for them?

As a team who is ranked #280 but expected to be over .500 in conference and on a tight budget, it might be ok.

Just the toughest one I could find...

 

[spiderman]

agreed the buy games help the budget. but other than that an overly tough schedule isn't necessarily a smart schedule.

 

[urmite]

agreed the buy games help the budget. but other than that an overly tough schedule isn't necessarily a smart schedule.

I agree, I was just amazed how far some of the teams go. I think I saw another with only non-D1 home games...

 

[MrTbone]

Our schedule is fine. It’s not great but it’s not the pillow soft schedule from last year. In other words, it’s appropriate for a team starting five juniors all of whom have been starters In prior seasons.

I’m generally a fan of letting the games/season play out without getting overly critical or alternately, overconfident. 8-1 is a great start in just about any scenario though and something we haven’t done in a long time.

 

[SpiderK]

UR on last page of the RTD today. Sometimes it is good to be reminded why I don’t buy that rag.

 

[fatherspider]

While we enjoy 8-1, you keep preaching the hate and reliving the past.

It is over. I don't think that GG, Gilly and the gang care, why should you?

The headline of this thread is "This Team Is Good". I believe it is also. And if you believe it then this team should at the least beat CoC, ODU and Radford, and with a bit more difficulty, also beat Alabama on the road to finish 12-1 in OOC.

 

[gcarter52]

I am amazed how everyone are debating about our team except the players who believe that can achieve great things....

 

[MrTbone]

I am amazed how everyone are debating about our team except the players who believe that can achieve great things....

Why would it surprise you? The same guys have struggled mightily the last two years.

I expect that they felt they could win the last two years as well, it happens that this year they benefit from a lot more experience/maturity and some game planning changes that have put them in a better spot to succeed.

 

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

Why would it surprise you? The same guys have struggled mightily the last two years.

I expect that they felt they could win the last two years as well, it happens that this year they benefit from a lot more experience/maturity and some game planning changes that have put them in a better spot to succeed.

"The same guys have struggled mightily the last two years"

I beg to differ. It is not the same guys. There are many different players. These guys are not dealing w/ their best player getting suspended, 2/3 new freshman getting the starting line up, a torn ACL, etc, etc.

 

[Spider B]

I am amazed how everyone are debating about our team except the players who believe that can achieve great things....

It’s the Richmond basketball message board. What else would be discussed on here?

 

[Gospiders06]

Still too early to say how really good this team. A-10 seems really strong We need to finish third in the conference.

 

[fatherspider]

Why would it surprise you? The same guys have struggled mightily the last two years.

I expect that they felt they could win the last two years as well, it happens that this year they benefit from a lot more experience/maturity and some game planning changes that have put them in a better spot to succeed.

And Francis!!

 

[whampas]

Still too early to say how really good this team. A-10 seems really strong We need to finish third in the conference.

We're undefeated in league play, let's keep it that way. I'd set my sights on finishing first, not third.

 

[KE Spider]

This team is good. Our level of success will be driven by our defense. The offense is a given... and we are showing grit, poise, and determination.

Coach has shown more flexibility with regard to defensive approach importance of free throws, substitution pattern, importance of rebounding, in game adjustments.

Don't want to get too far over the skis, but this looks like a special season.

Nice to see the board go from despair, with reason, to exhilaration, with reason.

 

[urfan1]

Still too early to say how really good this team. A-10 seems really strong We need to finish third in the conference.

3rd or better