Bamba Fall

[Pony_Fan]

Hmmm. Sounds like someone knows what the hell they are talking about.
Is this the CPC? Glad to have you back if it is.

[Hoop Fan]

well done XTC, thanks for the effort. it had to take some serious time just to type that up.

[Stallion]

I took a quick look at Street & Smith's BB Preview issue and Bamba Fall is listed as a High Honorable Mention recruit which appeared to be roughly the Top 200 players in America-didn't have time to count. Also, SMU was picked to finish 6th in the WAC this year.

[ponyboy]

He's really an unknown, isn't he? Like our crippled chicken friend suggested -- well, his alter ego -- it will be interesting to see how he plays this year. One thing's for sure: He looks the part.

[OldPony]

I'm not sure how the recuiting services work after they get past the handful of guys who are obviously NBA talent. For instance, how many 7' guys are rated below the top 200? I'm not being negative. I think we are in the position that we must take projects that the coaches think have real possibilities and I don't see Bamba being a lot different than Rack. The payoff on Rack will start this year or probably won't come about. Maybe Tubbs style will develpo both more rapidly or better. The experts picking SMU to come in 6th in the WAC doesn't seem to show a great deal of respect for Tubbs. I hope he can prove them wrong because this is the most mature and experienced we will be for some time.

[Hoop Fan]

I thought we would be picked middle of the pack, 6 is a little low, but not much. New coach or old, this group still has problems rebounding the basketball, defending the post and shooting the ball. Those are some fundamental weaknesses. Our strengths are experience, team quickness, BHops dribble penetration and passing the ball. Yes, passing the ball. Simpson and Castro are great passers for bigger guys and work particularly well together in the hi-low passes from the top of the key.

[OldPony]

You're right. Maybe a more run & gun game can take a little pressure off of offensive rebounding but shooters have to make'em if that is to work. Defensive rebounding bothers me the most because that starts the offense. If we have to crash 4 guys to rebound, it's hard to get the running game going. Rack is now big enough to do some damage if he has learned the ropes. Simpson may have to help a lot carrying the rebounding load. Has he put on weight? Even though we have the experience, the new style will negate some of that. If we have to go back to the zone, we are probably picked about right. If we can really play man, things could change.

[Pony_Fan]

Probably not the right thread (off topic) but.... the competition in the WAC - is still pretty good. Rice, Boise, UTEP, Nevada (Lost coach), etc. should still be very competitive. Not to mention they can add missing pieces with JC's. I expect Pearson to play a big role this year with rebounding. Tubbs mentioned man to man defense for the most part. I have given up on Isham (I have seen him do some nice things but as a whole I am not impressed - not a good shooter). Our shooting % must improve if they are going to be in the Top 5. Lindburg had them playing much better at the end.

[PonySnob]

The experts picking SMU to come in 6th in the WAC doesn't seem to show a great deal of respect for Tubbs.

How much respect should the magazines give Tubbs? He has been a long-time assistant at a program that did absolutely nothing post season while he was there (SMU) and he was brielf an assistant up at OU which clearly has a program led by a top-notch head coach. Maybe if Tubbs had spent 4 or 5 seasons as as assistant he would bet more respect in his first head coaching job in a D1 conference.

[Stallion]

in the WAC you can't go by last year because last year two thirds of the best players in the WAC were not even in the league the year before.