It's Miller Time - Introductory Press Conference Monday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m.

[eli#10]

He could consider being a red shirt this year.

[reef]

I can see him getting 10-15 minutes a game but we do have a log jam of guards so someone probably will be unhappy with their playing time

[bigappleram]

Bassy needs to re-work his form/technique or his shooting ceiling will remain limited.

There are the occasional Lonzo Ball's out there that can shoot it ok even with a flawed technique but in general good shooters have good form. I have no idea how a kid with his other skills (quickness, passing, vision) didn't get his shot remade in high school when it was clear he could play at the next level. Bishop Hendricken, RI Elite and any other coach he has had failed him a bit in that regard.

[Rhody15]

Bassy needs to re-work his form/technique or his shooting ceiling will remain limited.

There are the occasional Lonzo Ball's out there that can shoot it ok even with a flawed technique but in general good shooters have good form. I have no idea how a kid with his other skills (quickness, passing, vision) didn't get his shot remade in high school when it was clear he could play at the next level. Bishop Hendricken, RI Elite and any other coach he has had failed him a bit in that regard.

It's probably like what's plagued Ben Simmons in his career, albeit on a smaller scale.

Simmons was so physically dominant and could get to the rim whenever he wanted, that he never really wanted to work on shooting.

Thomas was probably so quick and shifty, especially in the RIIL, that he could score in the lane and at the free throw line, that he didn't feel like need to work on his jumper as much as he would have if he played in a better league.

Just a complete guess on my part, but I think it has some merit to it.

[Rhody72]

Re-making one's shot is one step backwards before two, three, four ... steps forward. For this reason you don't do it in the middle of a season. This season will tell us what type of future Bassy has as a D1 basketball player. The longer you have been using inferior technique, the longer it takes to correct it. In the best of cases, you can't expect him to become an 80% FT shooter in one off-season.

[Billyboy78]

When I think of shooters, I always go back to Magic Johnson. Ok, it's not fair to use one of the greatest players of all time. But he was a TERRIBLE shooter who became a very good shooter.

[steveystuds06]

Bassy needs to re-work his form/technique or his shooting ceiling will remain limited.

There are the occasional Lonzo Ball's out there that can shoot it ok even with a flawed technique but in general good shooters have good form. I have no idea how a kid with his other skills (quickness, passing, vision) didn't get his shot remade in high school when it was clear he could play at the next level. Bishop Hendricken, RI Elite and any other coach he has had failed him a bit in that regard.

Lonzo's form looks much better now.

[steveystuds06]

When I think of shooters, I always go back to Magic Johnson. Ok, it's not fair to use one of the greatest players of all time. But he was a TERRIBLE shooter who became a very good shooter.

Jason Kidd did it as well. He was a solid shooter in his later years.

[Billyboy78]

When I think of shooters, I always go back to Magic Johnson. Ok, it's not fair to use one of the greatest players of all time. But he was a TERRIBLE shooter who became a very good shooter.

Jason Kidd did it as well. He was a solid shooter in his later years.

Yes, another good example.

[bigappleram]

Bassy needs to re-work his form/technique or his shooting ceiling will remain limited.

There are the occasional Lonzo Ball's out there that can shoot it ok even with a flawed technique but in general good shooters have good form. I have no idea how a kid with his other skills (quickness, passing, vision) didn't get his shot remade in high school when it was clear he could play at the next level. Bishop Hendricken, RI Elite and any other coach he has had failed him a bit in that regard.

Lonzo's form looks much better now.

Lonzo Form.jpg

Yep they finally remade Lonzo's shot after 4 years in the NBA.

And with guys like Lonzo, Magic and Simmons you can almost understand that it took a back seat when they were so elite at many other things with amazing god given athleticism. That isn't the case with Bassy.

It's a Carlos Easterling scenario...as soon as we got someone (Jason Alexander) who was almost as good at all the other things (passing, defense, running an offense) as he was but superior at shooting Carlos was marginalized to a role player.

It is really hard to be effective as a 6'0 PG in D1 if you can't shoot. Yuri Collins is a close comp in our league...he led the country in assists and has become at least a serviceable outside shooter over time.

[bigappleram]

Also like Lonzo the problem is that Thomas sets his shot in the middle of his body. He will never be consistent until he moves his release point closer to his left eye/shoulder. That will cause him to take 2 steps backwards but in long run will be better for his game. From the clips I have seen it doesn't look like much has changed in that regard.

[RJRam]

I love Thomas because he is a local kid that dreamed of playing for our RAMS. If Cox had put together a better team, Bassy would have redshirted and been allowed to gain some strength, maturity, and confidence last year. It was a big jump for a player with his background. I agree with those who like his court awareness. I think he sees the floor better than anyone we have had in recent memory. He needs to gain strength to help him protect the ball better and get to the rim. He also needs to improve his shot. But do not dismiss his ability to distribute the ball and make good reads. That is a difficult skill to teach.

[RhowdyRam02]

I love Thomas because he is a local kid that dreamed of playing for our RAMS. If Cox had put together a better team, Bassy would have redshirted and been allowed to gain some strength, maturity, and confidence last year. It was a big jump for a player with his background. I agree with those who like his court awareness. I think he sees the floor better than anyone we have had in recent memory. He needs to gain strength to help him protect the ball better and get to the rim. He also needs to improve his shot. But do not dismiss his ability to distribute the ball and make good reads. That is a difficult skill to teach.

I'm not sure what you mean by recent memory, because Jeff Dowtin feels pretty recent to me. That said, I still think the early 90's were like 15-20 years ago, so I could be off too...

[RJRam]

I love Thomas because he is a local kid that dreamed of playing for our RAMS. If Cox had put together a better team, Bassy would have redshirted and been allowed to gain some strength, maturity, and confidence last year. It was a big jump for a player with his background. I agree with those who like his court awareness. I think he sees the floor better than anyone we have had in recent memory. He needs to gain strength to help him protect the ball better and get to the rim. He also needs to improve his shot. But do not dismiss his ability to distribute the ball and make good reads. That is a difficult skill to teach.

I'm not sure what you mean by recent memory, because Jeff Dowtin feels pretty recent to me. That said, I still think the early 90's were like 15-20 years ago, so I could be off too...

Forgive me. JD feels pretty recent to me, too. Tough to defend my thoughts now. Jeff was also good at seeing the floor, and certainly had a beneficial height advantage and a great all-around game. But I think that as freshmen, Bassy may see the floor as well, or better. I think his decision making is quicker, but he certainly is not as good taking care of the ball or shooting. But that may come with strength and experience. He is no JD yet, and may never be. But I do think he has potential. Plus, I usually root for the local kids when possible.

[PeterRamTime]

I love Thomas because he is a local kid that dreamed of playing for our RAMS. If Cox had put together a better team, Bassy would have redshirted and been allowed to gain some strength, maturity, and confidence last year. It was a big jump for a player with his background. I agree with those who like his court awareness. I think he sees the floor better than anyone we have had in recent memory. He needs to gain strength to help him protect the ball better and get to the rim. He also needs to improve his shot. But do not dismiss his ability to distribute the ball and make good reads. That is a difficult skill to teach.

How could he have lost confidence because he got to play and even start in his first year of college basketball, at his dream school, at the A-10 level, after he reclassified???

Pretty sure he's quite confident in himself after he's already overachieved early in his career here.

I also don't see how people aren't more excited about him. Like he should have been a class of 22 guy, but he came in here and immediately proved he can play at this level despite the coaching he had last year. Now he's got Archie and his crew coaching him up. He might get recruited over, but it's pretty clear to me we at least have a very solid back up PG for the foreseeable future.

[reef]

I love Thomas because he is a local kid that dreamed of playing for our RAMS. If Cox had put together a better team, Bassy would have redshirted and been allowed to gain some strength, maturity, and confidence last year. It was a big jump for a player with his background. I agree with those who like his court awareness. I think he sees the floor better than anyone we have had in recent memory. He needs to gain strength to help him protect the ball better and get to the rim. He also needs to improve his shot. But do not dismiss his ability to distribute the ball and make good reads. That is a difficult skill to teach.

How could he have lost confidence because he got to play and even start in his first year of college basketball, at his dream school, at the A-10 level, after he reclassified???

Pretty sure he's quite confident in himself after he's already overachieved early in his career here.

I also don't see how people aren't more excited about him. Like he should have been a class of 22 guy, but he came in here and immediately proved he can play at this level despite the coaching he had last year. Now he's got Archie and his crew coaching him up. He might get recruited over, but it's pretty clear to me we at least have a very solid back up PG for the foreseeable future.

Yeah I’m still quite bullish on Bassy , I’ll stick to my prediction that he will avg 10-15 minutes a game this year

[ace]

Remaking a guy’s shot is way more difficult than it would seem. Nothing gets fixed completely in an off-season, aim for incremental changes that are repeatable.

[Ramulous]

I love Bassy because he is a local kid who wants to be here. My perception is he is constantly working to get better. He takes his weaknesses to heart and wants to improve and be a part of helping us win.

How can you not root for him?

[ramster]

I don’t know but there are plenty who don’t.

[adam914]

I love Bassy because he is a local kid who wants to be here. My perception is he is constantly working to get better. He takes his weaknesses to heart and wants to improve and be a part of helping us win.

How can you not root for him?

He is an easy kid to root for that's for sure.

[RhowdyRam02]

I love Bassy because he is a local kid who wants to be here. My perception is he is constantly working to get better. He takes his weaknesses to heart and wants to improve and be a part of helping us win.

How can you not root for him?

There's a giant difference between not rooting for a player and thinking they won't be a major part of a tournament team. I haven't seen anyone not rooting for him, but it's a fair discussion to wonder if his shooting form limits his potential to the point where he might not be a major part of a tournament team

[Jersey77]

I love Bassy because he is a local kid who wants to be here. My perception is he is constantly working to get better. He takes his weaknesses to heart and wants to improve and be a part of helping us win.

How can you not root for him?

There's a giant difference between not rooting for a player and thinking they won't be a major part of a tournament team. I haven't seen anyone not rooting for him, but it's a fair discussion to wonder if his shooting form limits his potential to the point where he might not be a major part of a tournament team

Not sure if playing a major role is meaning becoming a starter at some point in the future.

Depending on how much Bray, Ant, and Weston contribute this season, I can see the possibility of Bassy, Ish, and Carey all moving on for 23-24.

[STC]

I don’t know but there are plenty who don’t.

There isn't one person on this board who isn't rooting for Thomas.

[ramster]

I don’t know but there are plenty who don’t.

There isn't one person on this board who isn't rooting for Thomas.

Great

[steviep123]

[steveystuds06]

I don’t know but there are plenty who don’t.

There isn't one person on this board who isn't rooting for Thomas.

I've seen some pretty harsh takes about that kid, and even when he plays well, certain people refuse to acknowledge it...I do agree that most on here want him to succeed though.

[steveystuds06]

[Billyboy78]

He's pissed because Archie won't give him an interview.

[Dino611]

He's pissed because Archie won't give him an interview.

1000%, Archie has done an interview with local guy Adam Bernstein, someone is a bit jealous…

[Billyboy78]

He's pissed because Archie won't give him an interview.

1000%, Archie has done an interview with local guy Adam Bernstein, someone is a bit jealous…

He also did a 25 minute interview with Stone Freeman.

[Bill Koch]

Note the words used there -- 'unavailable to media.'

Rhody Vault isn't media. He's a fan running a content account -- which is fine. He's had some great guests and posted some throwback clips URI fans are certain to like. But that doesn't guarantee access or connections.

For the record, I haven't had any issues to date communicating with Archie Miller. He's been responsive every time I've reached out. And if that wasn't the case, I certainly wouldn't be airing my grievances on Twitter.

[reef]

He's pissed because Archie won't give him an interview.

Agree , not worried about this @ all . Indiana is a different animal than URI , just let Arch do his job I’m thinking he will be a top 3 all time coach @ URI when’s all said and done

[rhodylaw]

I am not concerned about media availability at all - get the team together (he did that) and get them to win (next step). Winning will bring everything we want.

[Billyboy78]

Note the words used there -- 'unavailable to media.'

Rhody Vault isn't media. He's a fan running a content account -- which is fine. He's had some great guests and posted some throwback clips URI fans are certain to like. But that doesn't guarantee access or connections.

For the record, I haven't had any issues to date communicating with Archie Miller. He's been responsive every time I've reached out. And if that wasn't the case, I certainly wouldn't be airing my grievances on Twitter.

Bill, you should post these same comments on his twitter post. He is trying to make our coach look bad because he is butt hurt about Archie not granting him an interview.

[adam914]

The guy has a lot to learn and some maturing to do if he really is trying to make a career out of this.

[ace]

His tweet aside, that Athletic piece was brutal toward Archie.

[Jersey77]

His tweet aside, that Athletic piece was brutal toward Archie.

The Hoosier alum and fans will never forgive Archie for going 0-7 against Purdue.

[Billyboy78]

Rhody Vault deleted my tweets questioning him on his comments, then he blocked me. Oh well...

[Rhody74]

RV seems a bit insecure …

[4Diffs]

His tweet aside, that Athletic piece was brutal toward Archie.

Yes they were. But the quotes were all from former IU players that never played for him. Would have been more relevant to him as a coach if they were from players that played for him. Curious as to what they would say.

But not to understand the importance of reaching out to former IU players and the importance of doing that at Indiana is a little concerning. Hopefully he has learned from that experience but marketing and being well liked in the Community is part of the job of a college coach. This is not the NBA. And being 0-7 against Purdue for an Indiana coach is a big problem. Would we be happy with being 0-7 against PC? No we would not and it is even worse when you are in the same conference.

[steveystuds06]

Rhody Vault deleted my tweets questioning him on his comments, then he blocked me. Oh well...

Are you kidding me? Wow

[Billyboy78]

His tweet aside, that Athletic piece was brutal toward Archie.

Yes they were. But the quotes were all from former IU players that never played for him. Would have been more relevant to him as a coach if they were from players that played for him. Curious as to what they would say.

But not to understand the importance of reaching out to former IU players and the importance of doing that at Indiana is a little concerning. Hopefully he has learned from that experience but marketing and being well liked in the Community is part of the job of a college coach. This is not the NBA. And being 0-7 against Purdue for an Indiana coach is a big problem. Would we be happy with being 0-7 against PC? No we would not and it is even worse when you are in the same conference.

There's a big difference in being 0-7 against your rival and not granting Rhody Vault an interview.

[RhodyKyle]

The author of that article should trigger some PTSD amongst the native New Englanders

[ElmCityRhody]

Archie has been nothing short of being genuine since he’s arrived

I appreciate that vs some BSer with “coach speak”

He’s been a joy to listen to and to support

GO RHODY

[Brian Forster]

I met Miller night prior to the FB golf tourney with a bunch of prominent boosters and to say everyone was surprised at how flat-lined his personality is would be the understatement of the year. Never seen a Coach like it. In any sport.

[Billyboy78]

Geesh, he's still about 4 months from coaching a game and people are bitching about him. If you want personality, go talk to Kenny or Duane. They're loaded with it.

[Jersey77]

Geesh, he's still about 4 months from coaching a game and people are bitching about him. If you want personality, go talk to Kenny or Duane. They're loaded with it.

All I care about is that he builds a winning program.
That will take care of everything.

Dayton loved him and tried their hardest to keep him.

It's not like I am going out having beers with him.

[theblueram]

I met Miller night prior to the FB golf tourney with a bunch of prominent boosters and to say everyone was surprised at how flat-lined his personality is would be the understatement of the year. Never seen a Coach like it. In any sport.

What do you expect from the MBB coach at a FB event for one of the worst D1 FB programs?

[theblueram]

Met Archie at the season tix holder event and he was nothing but genuine and talkative. Seems like an open guy to me.

[rhodylocal]

Archie gave this guy an interview.
https://youtu.be/KN0HE0WhPGw