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SEMO just about ready to open season

Posted Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 4:41 PM

I didn't go on the road with the SEMO men's basketball team, but I'm anxious to see how the Redhawks' first two games turn out, Friday at New Mexico and Sunday at Kansas State.

Although SEMO looked pretty decent in its two exhibition games -- especially against MacMurray College -- it's hard to tell too much from that because the competition was pretty bad, and very undersized.

New Mexico, 24-9 last year and with four starters returning from an NIT squad, might be the best team SEMO plays all season.

Kansas State lost two NBA draft picks from last year's NCAA tournament squad -- including No. 2 selection Michael Beasley -- and isn't expected to be a Big 12 power, but the Wildcats should still have plenty of talent compared to the OVC.

I'm curious to see if SEMO can at least hang in there with these two opponents, especially without Calvin Williams, who will miss both games.

I like some of the things I saw in the two exhibitions and I think Zac Roman is going to do a good job as coach. Just attending his practices, you know he and the assistants are on top of things and pay plenty of attention to detail.

Roman is trying to get SEMO to defend, but something like that won't happen overnight. The two exhibition opponents shot 45 percent from the field against the Redhawks, which is higher than SEMO gave up last year when all people did was criticize the defense.

Actually, pure defense wasn't SEMO's problem last year. The Redhawks were second in the OVC in field-goal defense, while conference champion Austin Peay was eighth. But the Redhawks were deficient in so many other areas.

SEMO definitely looks more organized in the half-court this year, which is something that plagued the Redhawks last season. They need to cut down on their turnovers, a major problem last year. SEMO had 32 turnovers in the exhibition games, way too many against that level of competition.

The Redhawks will be a whole lot better -- especially with their inside defense -- once Williams returns, and the competition won't be nearly as stiff on a consistent basis as it is this first weekend.

So I wouldn't read too much into what happens at New Mexico and Kansas State, although I'm still anxious to find out.


I'm looking forward to covering the SEMO women's opener Friday night at home against Missouri State.

Missouri State is rebuilding after slumping the past two years following a run of 17 straight winning seasons -- including two Final Four appearances -- but the Bears came on toward the end of last year and look to be much improved.

It should be a good test for the Redhawks, especially if senior point guard Tarina Nixon can't go. Coach John Ishee didn't think Nixon's finger injury was serious when it first happened, but he told me Wednesday that she is doubtful to play Friday.


Comments
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semoredhawk: Actually is DOES matter FBall and Men's BBall teams do. People do care. If not, then why is everyone so ****** off right now at Samuel, Edgar, Dobbins...and Kaverman until he was shown the door.

I agree that the Women's BBall team has a great team, but we'll probably never have a following here like the women did at Missouri State....unless we make a huge run at the National Championship.

Now until the year, the SEMO soccer was better than any team. They were always good, won a few OVC titles and made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. But, the general public doesn't care. Only a small handful just like women's BBall.

Look at the success our Gymnastics team has had over the years...but for the most part, the general public doesn't care.

So unless it's FBall or Men's BBall, we're never going to get any big time hoopla at SEMO. Look at the STL Post-Dispatch, they hardly mention SEMO when it comes to the "local" men's BBall teams.

-- Posted by semosoccer on Wed, Nov 19, 2008, at 9:20 AM

Someone explain the logic behind having the mens game first on Friday? Do they think everyone will show up to see the men (since this is the only home game in the first 6) and then just stay to see the women? What is the reasoning behind them doing this??

-- Posted by RCIR on Wed, Nov 19, 2008, at 7:10 AM

Whitey, someone is going to take this job. Someone is going to take the AD job. I think talk of the next bb coach, is way to premature until the AD is hired. Despite what 316 thinks, it will matter who the AD is, and they will have a role in who the next bb coach is. But let's not get worked up, WBB is the marquee sport at Southeast, so it doesn't matter what the fb team or mbb team do.

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Tue, Nov 18, 2008, at 8:24 PM

No argument about "Schubie's" credentials here. He's an excellent choice. I meant "young" as a head coach. He's definitely experienced and qualified.

But the whole point is present circumstances. The question is not whether Dobbins would hire anyone, it's who in their right mind would take this job with the Dobbins administration in charge? "Schubie" may still want it under those circumstances, but then you'd have to question his sanity.

I go back to my previous comment several blogs ago...If Roman wins 5 games with this crew he should get the job, an extended contract, and Coach of the Year.

-- Posted by whitey11 on Tue, Nov 18, 2008, at 5:49 PM

boomerang,

Life was good back in Myers Hall.... After 20yrs of friendship - you havn't changed - still have that big Jug..lol

Go JACKSON!!!!! win this Friday...

Go New Madrid - Bootheel Basketweaving Champions..

-- Posted by TIDAL on Tue, Nov 18, 2008, at 9:02 AM

Whitey11: Like I've said on here many times, it's not a matter of IF Schubie wants the SEMO job or not...it's a matter of DOBBINS making him the offer. Others besides me have stated on here that Schubie really wants this job. Plus, I wouldn't exactly call Schubie a "YOUNG" coach. He's not old, but no spring chicken. I believe he's in his late 40's. He has great experience that he'll bring to the table and he's just the guy we need.

-- Posted by semosoccer on Tue, Nov 18, 2008, at 8:27 AM

"No feet on the bed their buddy!", said her RA. Memories, sigh.....

**This commentary brought to you by the memories of TIDAL.

-- Posted by boomerang on Mon, Nov 17, 2008, at 9:34 PM

At this stage of his career, I'm sure any move TS makes will be to better himself. This job at this point in time may not be it. Let's put it this way: What young head coach on the rise in his career would take this job right now?

As far as the trainer issue is concerned, if it is mere rumor spreading, it is uncalled for. If there is something to it, then it is more corruption in an already corrupt department. A little investigative reporting could take care of that one real quick.

-- Posted by whitey11 on Mon, Nov 17, 2008, at 7:31 PM

I'm only 50% sold on TS right now as the next head coach. I think he is great, and would do great, just not sure if right now, this is the right fit for him. Guess a lot will depend on who the new AD is, and what his background is.

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Mon, Nov 17, 2008, at 6:08 PM

Who cares? Just WIN baby!!!

The men's BBall team will finally get turned around when Dobbins offers the coaching job to Tom Schuberth as soon as this season is finished.

-- Posted by semosoccer on Mon, Nov 17, 2008, at 10:46 AM

A new low is far too dramatic. This subject is well related back to how these guys are performing on and off the court. They should be souly focused on their sport. The staff of the athletic department should not interfere with their personal lives unless they are trying to make some type of arrangement on when they need to come in to get therapy. There are going to be people who effect our atheles personal lives, but we shouldnt have to worry about it being the ones that are trusted to be professional and help our men grow as athletes.

-- Posted by Concerned_Sponsor63 on Sun, Nov 16, 2008, at 6:50 PM

A new low in blogging for sure. Who cares who the trainers are "working" with? Hey if they can't score on the field/court, at least they can score off of it.

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Sun, Nov 16, 2008, at 5:48 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
I agree, a new low in blogging. I don't know how to delete those comments but I have e-mailed the people who run our web site to get those taken off. What an idiot.

We did what I expected, but let's be honest, this isn't a legit DI team. Legit DI teams don't lose by 43 points, even on the road, but hey after 30, whose really counting. Does anyone think Peay, Murray, or UTM would have lost to NM by 43? I would expect SIUE to lose by 43, right now to NM. But hey, it is what it is..

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Sat, Nov 15, 2008, at 10:14 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
I'm not saying SEMO is going to be any good this year -- I doubt it -- but I think plenty of OVC teams would lose by a huge margin at New Mexico. Austin Peay, the defending champion, lost Saturday to a bad Evansville team that SEMO routed last year. Tennessee State, which played for the OVC tournament championship last year, lost at home to a lower-division opponent (Cumberland). I don't think the fact the Redhawks lost by 43 at New Mexico has any bearing on the type of season they'll have. Even a good SEMO team would have probably gotten blistered at New Mexico.

Well did anyone expect us to keep it close? Same with K-State. If anyone thinks we're going to pull of an upset, they must be an idiot.

-- Posted by redhawks07 on Sat, Nov 15, 2008, at 2:32 PM

The line opened at New Mexico -23 and ended up at New Mexico -27. It was like stealing!!LOL....

-- Posted by semosupporter on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 10:59 PM

Should have taken the over..

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 10:33 PM

Tidal, the new AD needs to look at the whole ticket/price structure.

Any over/unders on tonight?

I'll set the bar..

NM by 35

108 - 73

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 4:17 PM

SLU is selling tickets for $2 & $5 to non-conf home games in December, in a BRAND NEW BUILDING! But Semo is sticking to $10 upper level seats?

Typical.

-- Posted by devin on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 1:39 PM

Marty,

How will it work for Coach Roman once a new AD is hired? Will he be allowed to finish coaching the remainder of the season? They wouldnt bring in a new head coach half-way through would they? I'm not 100% familiar with how all of this will work. I do like the way Roman is handling everything and the team looks promising. What are the odds of a new AD coming in and KEEPING Roman as head coach or even as an assistant if he would want it? Can you give any insight into that?

-- Posted by Grace1212 on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 1:20 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
I'm positive Roman will coach the entire season regardless when a new AD is hired. As much as I like Roman, and as much as I think he'll be a good coach, I can't imagine him getting the job after this season based on his limited experience. Usually the new head coach is allowed to pick his own assistants. Sometimes he'll be told he has to keep this person or that person, but not very often.

I agree semoredhawk......sometimes the almighty dollar rules the roost.......

I just hope we compete....SEMO has a history of keeping coaches too long due to contracts...its hard to pay that money out and hire another coach...

I've been a SEMO fan since 1985 - I've seen ups and downs.....we are hurting right now... I hear my friends say that they are given up their season tickets......I sit on the front row and its not cheap.... its hard to keep paying for three seats $800.00 and some change, when the program is in this shape... but I will continue...... being a diehard SEMO fan is sort of like dealing with your family...You get upset with them and don't agree with stuff that they do, but come Thanksgiven, your watching the Cowboys eating turkey... Come game time, I'm sitting in those expensive season ticket seats with the other 1000 diehard fans rooting for the indians.......redhawks..lol

Something that bothers me.... I'm sitting in a seat that is costing me approx. $70.00 or so (I have three seats)...and here are these students sitting right next to me....oh well, I guess having any students at the game is good thing...

-- Posted by TIDAL on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 1:15 PM

If Roman was able to lead SE into the teen's in wins, he wouldn't get OVC COY, but he would get strong consideration for the HC job if they let Edgar go. Or, it may be one of those things that they extend Roman for another year as "acting" HC. What I think the new AD would want to see is what recruiting plan is taking shape. How is that staff able to recruit. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense that they will extend Roman as acting HC until it makes $$$ sense to terminate Edgar. The new AD will have a ton on his/her plate, and they may want to keep things the stable until they know what the NCAA plans to do with us.

-- Posted by semoredhawk on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 9:19 AM

If SEMO finishes with a .500 record, Zac should be COY. This would be the best season since SEMO's 15-14 season when they went to Nashville the last time. I've heard the team respects Zac a lot more that Edgar. To see this team actually play defense was quite enjoyable. It was frustrating to see the lid go over the bucket at times in the first half of both games. It came about the 12-13 minute mark. SEMO was getting good shots, they just wouldn't fall. At least they're going after rebounds on the offensive end and getting second chances. We'll see how things turn out. GO SEMO!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by teacher_guy11 on Fri, Nov 14, 2008, at 8:29 AM

Marty

Unless you can get a all-american type of juco, I would much rather sign highschool players. It takes almost all jucos' one year just to learn your system and adjust to the speed and quickness of D1 ball. That means you only get their best for one year. In the long run highschool players are the best way to build your program. 4 year players on this years team. 1)Rachel Blunt 2)Sonya Daugherty 3)Tarina Nixon 4)Szandra Pal. I think this class he just signed will be a pretty good class. I've seen most of them when they were here on their recruiting visit and if nothing else they look like ballplayers. LOL....and I mean that in a good way.

-- Posted by semosupporter on Thu, Nov 13, 2008, at 10:57 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
Makes sense. The only reason I brought it up is because SEMO has had some really good jucos the last several years.

Watch the Garrison girl from Missouri State..she is a freshman..can shoot, pass , dribble with either hand..Miss Basketball in Missouri last year..all-state four years...as she goes so will go Missouri State this year..point guard as a freshman.

-- Posted by semograd71 on Thu, Nov 13, 2008, at 9:54 PM

As long as there are blogs about this season instead of who should be the coach next season. The name Tom S. makes me want to vomit.

What do you think Marty, 10 wins this year??

-- Posted by RCIR on Thu, Nov 13, 2008, at 6:28 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
I think 10 wins would probably be a good over-under number to start a betting line. If things break right, if the top players all have really good years and if there are no injuries, I could see SEMO maybe getting into the teens. If SEMO gets in the .500 range, then I'd say Roman did a tremendous job.

At practice Wednesday Tarina couldn't dribble or catch a pass with her injured hand. I don't expect her to play. With Toré Fite not being eligible the first semester it looks like Bianca Beck will be thrown into the fire right off the bat. With Tarina at full strength I expected a hard fought Redhawk win but now I think it's a tossup. Bianca looked very good in the one exibition game. By the way Tore Fite looks very good in practice. She's come back with a great attitude and has made big strides from last year.

-- Posted by semosupporter on Thu, Nov 13, 2008, at 5:01 PM
Marty Mishow's response:
semosupporter, I respect your opinion on SEMO basketball as much as anybody and more than most. You probably know more about the women's team than anybody other than Ishee and his assistants. What's your take on Ishee signing all these high school players, with no jucos mixed in? It's going to make for an extremely young team next year. I'm not questioning Ishee, because he's proven to me that he really knows what he's doing. I just wanted your take on the recruiting.


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