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Scrimmage
Oct 25, 2014 14:45:36 GMT -5
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Post by ALioninWinter on Oct 25, 2014 14:45:36 GMT -5
I suspect this afternoon's scrimmage will be fairly well scripted for public consumption. That's all right. I'd probably do the same thing. It should still give us a fairly good perspective on where the team stands, how some of the new guys look, and how comfortable the guys look in Coach Dunlap's offensive and defensive schemes.
I imagine there will be a whole lot less errant passes than we've been used to seeing.
For those of us unlucky enough to be out of town today, we're expecting a heck of a scouting report from those who will be at Gersten.
Can't wait for the 6th. Pretty weak competition but FINALLY some action just around the corner!!!
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Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 25, 2014 21:14:53 GMT -5
Today’s scrimmage was full of surprises. When I arrived at Gersten, I was mildly surprised there was no informal roster sheet being handed out; only, postcard type schedules. How would I be sure to identify all the players correctly – including the walk-ons - and where would I put my notes on the scrimmage? Inside the gym, I was the second person present in the audience at 4:45 pm – surprisingly. Players were all there having shoot-arounds at the four baskets open for the evening. Then, when the clock passed 5 pm, coaches arrived and Coach Dunlap informed us there would be no scrimmage (SURPRISE!) – instead he wanted to try several ways to allow fans to get to know the players better. Players lined up and stepped forward one-by-one to introduce themselves. Dunlap then explained we would see various practice drills of two-on-twos and 4-on-3s by guards and big men. Not unlike the Loyolan’s report on Midnight Madness, it felt like the drilling went on too long. After the first 5 minutes of drilling, most fans were doing something other than watch the drills – like talk to each other or check their cell phones. Drills were halted from time to time by Dunlap’s ever-present whistle (which produces an immediate halt to all activity by the players) and Dunlap’s explanation of his coaching philosophy in some detail – frankly, much more detail than I really wanted to know. During drills, Dunlap gave “constructive” criticism on individual performance and we heard Payne’s name called out (too) often – all in the spirit of improvement of course. Anyway, the drills finally ended and the players lined up again for a Q&A with the fans. During this time, I learned a few interesting things: 1. Siame had some unspecified surgery in April and sprained his ankle a few days ago. His health was described as a “6.” I must say, he looked very good on the court displaying skills beyond my expectations. In warm ups, he “swished” 5 3-point shots in a row from various points beyond the arc. And he has very good hands and nice moves and shots inside. If he is healthy, he will be a real force inside. 2. The staff work hard on the players physical development and health maintenance. Each player (responding to a fan question) detailed how many pounds of “strength” they put on since Dunlap’s team took over. Their development was impressive. A few were encouraged to lose some weight, e.g., Flint, to improve their quickness. Players are weighed each week and their diets are monitored. They also practice yoga to improve flexibility. Players’ overall well-being is a major objective of the coaches. 3. Practices are very early – like 6 am or so - and the team works hard for 3 hours each morning. More practice at the coachs’ and player’s discretion can occur in the afternoon. Wednesday and Sunday the players have a day off. 4. Coaches monitor the players’ academic progress, offering help if needed with tough courses. 5. Between Siame, Herman, Godwin and Mornar, the Lions will have some major improvement in their inside game with scoring from Siame and Herman deep in the paint – both are working to hone both left-hand and right-hand hook shots. I noted Siame’s outside shot already, but Herman is right there also. Reason for optimism. 6. Guards are coached to take 6 foot jumpers with coaches fine tuning their “bank” shots – “money” - from close in rather than trying to dunk over 7 footers. I think this is working. 7. Practices are "open" to a degree - if you call ahead, you will be welcome to see the players in person.
Following the session, players were mingling and shaking hands with the fans as they left and answering any further questions.
This is an impressive gathering of young gentlemen who have a lot of team spirit and are a pleasure to interact with.
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Scrimmage
Oct 25, 2014 22:19:00 GMT -5
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Post by ironlion on Oct 25, 2014 22:19:00 GMT -5
I was very disappointed the team didn't scrimmage. Didn't they already have one of these special practices. I liked that there was some question answers but it would helped if there was a mic - poor planning by athletics. I was trying to listen to the q and a and all I heard were the little kids running around the bleachers.
I wouldn't be surprised if Evan transfers eventually.
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Post by thx4leavinjimlynam on Oct 25, 2014 22:32:01 GMT -5
90045, fantastic summary. Thank you for passing along the structure and insight from the evening. I'm excited for the season.
GO LIONS!
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Post by ALioninWinter on Oct 25, 2014 22:38:05 GMT -5
90045 - thanks for the rundown. Too bad it wasn't really a scrimmage. Hard to get much insight from drills. It does seem that Coach Dunlap is spending as much energy on building the guys as men as he is building their playing skills. That's not all bad. I'm guessing that's part of his long term plan. Very Wooden-esque.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Oct 26, 2014 20:11:28 GMT -5
Like you guys, I was very disappointed there was no scrimmage. There was nothing at all last year, which was sad, so some pre-season event was better than none. Aside from observing the skills of Siame and Herman, I really did not learn much about the players talents or demeanor on the court. From the demonstration, for example, I could not say one guard was better than any other guard. We'll have to wait for the first game to really get a sense of this team's potential. I'm optimistic. Go Lions!
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Post by aussielion on Oct 30, 2014 6:58:22 GMT -5
i dont think a scrimmage will tell you anything, you need game time to sort out the players who plays best under pressure etc, i dont think Dunlap is going to give anything away at question and answer time.not long to go for the games to start so it will all play out shoulnt take long to work out how the team will play through the season go you Lions
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