KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

adam914 wrote:

rhodyrudder wrote:Ncaa women are there monday

Yeah my fault, didnt realize they were a Saturday/Monday regional. To me that actually makes it even less likely that we play there.

The facility will have to be available for practice as well.

Fun game to watch! Biggie was from another planet. How about cloning that for next year? Loved our freshman point guard who, for the most part, is no longer a first year player. There has got to be a message some where when the laid back alumni boo the refs off the court at half time. The Gaels had 24 foul shot attempts after twenty minutes. Did watch the first half of Stanford/Davis. Hope we get the game here, but Stanford is beatable. Go Rhody!

On Sunday there will be only 2 women's teams left to practice. Why can't the women practice late morning or early afternoon and the men play at 8:00 at night? As much as I'd like to have the game here, I don't see this as that big of a scheduling problem at Stanford.

That's an interesting point that you bring up at the end. Maybe the delay in announcing the location was Stanford waiting to see what attendance looked like. Texas A&M and Tulsa have both already announced that they're hosting in round 2 and Alabama already announced they're going to Miami. Ours is the only established game where the location is TBA.

Notes on Garrett, the bench, and the state of the team (a beat-up Gil, an exhausted Hassan)-


http://www.providencejournal.com/articl ... 13933/NEWS

Here's the game article. It's been really nice to hear Biruta and Buchanan express how happy they are for their younger teammates and the future of this program. They won't be here, but they understand where this program is likely headed and how important their role has been in that process.


http://www.providencejournal.com/articl ... S/?Start=1

can watch the replay for free on espn3.com

From Iona's thread:

"Rhode Island's arena was impressive, but their fans not so much. Lots of booing, even during Pre-game lay-ups. Tasteless signs. 40 minutes of whining at the refs . Booed the refs as they left the court and as they returned to the court at halftime. I wouldn't go back. The dateless guys under the basket reminded me of the worst HS teams I used to play against. On the positive side, I guess you could say they were passionate. Not what I expected."

This makes me feel so good. 2600 in the building, no students...and we're making away fans uncomfortable. Welcome back home court advantage. We've missed you. Hats off to all - hopefully we have another one or two of these games to add to the fun!

*also - calling our fans "dateless guys" when your cheerleaders look like they collectively did 100 meter sprints in a 90 meter gym, and had a lot of recovery time on the couch, is a questionable strategy. Woof.

We were at International Pockets before the game and a couple of
Iona people came in.
I asked them if they were going to the game, hoping to strike up
a conversation.
They walked right past me, as if I were a ghost.

Just put up a couple pics on my IG feed, more later....have a pic of RhodyJay having a "chat" with one of the refs and the Iona cheerleaders....I'll work on that one later. Off to deal with real life stuff now....

RE game, good show last night, unbeatable value for $10....I had crowd pegged at about 4200 and agree the noise level was pretty decent.

I didn't hear the Iona dance team get booed....no one around me booed them that's for sure or the Iona cheer squad, again good show all around. The officiating was at the high school level though IMHO....actually most high school games I see are called better.

My guess we would win the MAAC.....I'm thinking we should push the ball more, though the defense played by Iona was zip.

Using some selective position assigning, crazy how much our backcourt dominated the game.

Frontcourt (Hass/Gil/Earl/Jarelle): 5-17 from the field, 14 total points
Backcourt (TJ eventhoughhe'sbasicallyourbackuppowerforward/Biggie/Jarvis/EC/Jared/Butler): 24-56, 74 pts.

Blue Man wrote:From Iona's thread:

"Rhode Island's arena was impressive, but their fans not so much. Lots of booing, even during Pre-game lay-ups. Tasteless signs. 40 minutes of whining at the refs . Booed the refs as they left the court and as they returned to the court at halftime. I wouldn't go back. The dateless guys under the basket reminded me of the worst HS teams I used to play against. On the positive side, I guess you could say they were passionate. Not what I expected."

This makes me feel so good. 2600 in the building, no students...and we're making away fans uncomfortable. Welcome back home court advantage. We've missed you. Hats off to all - hopefully we have another one or two of these games to add to the fun!

*also - calling our fans "dateless guys" when your cheerleaders look like they collectively did 100 meter sprints in a 90 meter gym, and had a lot of recovery time on the couch, is a questionable strategy. Woof.

Love reading things like this. I want our crowd to be known as hostile. I want opposing fans and teams to be uncomfortable. That is the hallmark of a real home court advantage. We already have this reputation among A10 fans.

The Ryan Center should be a lions den. I want opposing teams peeing down their leg in fear before the game

Da_Process_Survivor wrote:

Blue Man wrote:From Iona's thread:

"Rhode Island's arena was impressive, but their fans not so much. Lots of booing, even during Pre-game lay-ups. Tasteless signs. 40 minutes of whining at the refs . Booed the refs as they left the court and as they returned to the court at halftime. I wouldn't go back. The dateless guys under the basket reminded me of the worst HS teams I used to play against. On the positive side, I guess you could say they were passionate. Not what I expected."

This makes me feel so good. 2600 in the building, no students...and we're making away fans uncomfortable. Welcome back home court advantage. We've missed you. Hats off to all - hopefully we have another one or two of these games to add to the fun!

*also - calling our fans "dateless guys" when your cheerleaders look like they collectively did 100 meter sprints in a 90 meter gym, and had a lot of recovery time on the couch, is a questionable strategy. Woof.

Love reading things like this. I want our crowd to be known as hostile. I want opposing fans and teams to be uncomfortable. That is the hallmark of a real home court advantage. We already have this reputation among A10 fans.

The Ryan Center should be a lions den. I want opposing teams peeing down their leg in fear before the game

What does "dateless guys" mean? The cheerleaders-- WOW. Tasteless signs? What is this supposed to be, a church group? I'm not sure why the Iona fans would take offense to "booing" at another team's home arena. I could understand if it was a high school game.

I also thought it was a bad idea for the Iona dance team to be sitting right with The Ruckus. The dance team should have been behind Iona's bench since there were tons of empty seats there.

I've heard that NIT numbers are usually on the lighter side, since the home team needs to pay a portion of the ticket proceeds. That number represents paid bodies in the building (and students). A normal games attendance number will usually also include season ticket holders (even if they aren't there) as well as freebies/give aways.

I'm in the minority -- I think playing at Stanford would be great.

WHY?
So some swells can make a trip to SF?
We stand a 100% better chance of winning, if they travel 3,000 miles,
instead of our gassed team going there.
I'm sure Dan Hurley and everyone in URI Athletics hopes somehow, we
get them at home.

and with students back a chance at 6,000 for that game. Plus a rabid alumni base that remembers 1998 and will be into the game. Could be best crowd ever in Ryan center history. PERFECT STORM!!!!!

If you want to prep your young team for a NCAA experience, then you want the team to travel out West for this game. It will closely simulate the travel needed. Next year, they play in the A-10 championship, find out where you're headed that night and then travel quickly and probably out of region to play your next game. Only Dayton gets home games without being a 1 seed, ha ha.

Now, if you want revenge for a game played 17 years ago where most of our team and students were between the ages of 1-5, then enjoy. The game will only truly benefit those fans who witnessed the horror of that final minute in 1998 complete with a horseshoe bank shot 3, a mugging of a Cat, an 0-3 at the line and a miscommunication leading to errand pass.

I think the travel to Stanford perceived benefit is much smaller than you state, Sweep. You might have been able to argue had we traveled there for last night's game, which would have simulated the quick turnaround from Sunday to Tuesday night.

If they go to Stanford, it would be a charter from what I understand provided by NIT.

I'd like to win this thing. THAT would be a great experience for the team,
and preparing for next season.
Losing their second game, accomplished zero.
The team spent 3 days in NYC in a pro venue.
They've traveled to Florida this year.
Our guys are banged up and tired.
Going to Palo Alto, for "experience", is counterproductive.
Talking to people around the program after the game,
not one person was psyched about going to Stanford.
Same people hoped Stanford would lose, to get another
game at the RC.

neil wrote:Fun game to watch! Biggie was from another planet. How about cloning that for next year? Loved our freshman point guard who, for the most part, is no longer a first year player. There has got to be a message some where when the laid back alumni boo the refs off the court at half time. The Gaels had 24 foul shot attempts after twenty minutes. Did watch the first half of Stanford/Davis. Hope we get the game here, but Stanford is beatable. Go Rhody!

I've always said this about Biggie. He plays his best and sometimes fantastic when it's up tempo and in space against a lower conference team. It's the halfcourt game where he looks completely lost and doesn't seem fully engaged and makes bad decisions and lazy passes.

I think he would benefit playing in Iona's offense and conference.

ATPTourFan wrote:I think the travel to Stanford perceived benefit is much smaller than you state, Sweep. You might have been able to argue had we traveled there for last night's game, which would have simulated the quick turnaround from Sunday to Tuesday night.

If they go to Stanford, it would be a charter from what I understand provided by NIT.

Closely simulate, not exact. You're not getting home games in the NCAA was my main point. I want them to travel far and get that experience in a postseason tournament.

If they're beaten down and gassed right now, it could provide a great gut-check moment for them if they pull it off. I like the challenge of it.

Rod and I would argue that getting to MSG would best simulate NCAAs. But gotta win some games yet to enjoy that.

ATPTourFan wrote:Rod and I would argue that getting to MSG would best simulate NCAAs. But gotta win some games yet to enjoy that.

True, but you know that we aren't being sent to the East if we make the NCAAs next year.

NYC is a 3 hour drive, that isn't exactly a brutal travel location for us.

We didn't do that well when we were in Orlando. Got beat up by Kansas and lost to a bad GT team. And people said our game against Dayton in the A-10 semis was one of the worst we played. So, there is something to be said for going away from home when this tournament provides that opportunity. We know we can compete and win at home against almost anyone.

I like the experience of the NIT, but won't be heartbroken if we don't win. Like getting a 1st round home game, so the fans can thank the team and get cheer them on. But, from that point on, I want them on the road to gain valuable experience and play in different arenas.

We're traveling to Cancun next year. I'll take that as prep for a long trip.

Billyboy78 wrote:Were traveling to Cancun next year. I'll take that as prep for a long trip.

Cancun has become a scary place outside of the resorts.

Sweep The Leg wrote:

Billyboy78 wrote:Were traveling to Cancun next year. I'll take that as prep for a long trip.

Cancun has become a scary place outside of the resorts.

Has been for a while now. I personally would never go to Cancun because there are so many other more desirable places to travel to, but I would travel there for Rhody Basketball.

Its a win/win, go on the road and dig deep to get a win.

Elite A10 teams go on the road and beat the middle of the P5.

Stay home and raise the chances of getting back to NYC.

The only sign I would imagine the Iona fans found offensive was the play on words with Coach Cluess' name.....the sign read "Clue-less".....but I would imagine that he has gotten this many times on the road....if not on a sign then it was shouted at him.....

....as I stated on another thread....I liked the Iona spirit squads.....they embraced diversity in size, shape, color and tradition.....maybe I am too much of a hippie who doesn't like bullies.....

hrstrat57 wrote:Just put up a couple pics on my IG feed, more later....have a pic of RhodyJay having a "chat" with one of the refs and the Iona cheerleaders....I'll work on that one later. Off to deal with real life stuff now....

RE game, good show last night, unbeatable value for $10....I had crowd pegged at about 4200 and agree the noise level was pretty decent.

I didn't hear the Iona dance team get booed....no one around me booed them that's for sure or the Iona cheer squad, again good show all around. The officiating was at the high school level though IMHO....actually most high school games I see are called better.

My guess we would win the MAAC.....I'm thinking we should push the ball more, though the defense played by Iona was zip.

hrstrat57, can you provide the link to your pics?

Dave does a nice job covering URI Athletics on RhodyRampage

Da_Process_Survivor wrote:

Blue Man wrote:From Iona's thread:

"Rhode Island's arena was impressive, but their fans not so much. Lots of booing, even during Pre-game lay-ups. Tasteless signs. 40 minutes of whining at the refs . Booed the refs as they left the court and as they returned to the court at halftime. I wouldn't go back. The dateless guys under the basket reminded me of the worst HS teams I used to play against. On the positive side, I guess you could say they were passionate. Not what I expected."

This makes me feel so good. 2600 in the building, no students...and we're making away fans uncomfortable. Welcome back home court advantage. We've missed you. Hats off to all - hopefully we have another one or two of these games to add to the fun!

*also - calling our fans "dateless guys" when your cheerleaders look like they collectively did 100 meter sprints in a 90 meter gym, and had a lot of recovery time on the couch, is a questionable strategy. Woof.

Love reading things like this. I want our crowd to be known as hostile. I want opposing fans and teams to be uncomfortable. That is the hallmark of a real home court advantage. We already have this reputation among A10 fans.

The Ryan Center should be a lions den. I want opposing teams peeing down their leg in fear before the game

Once upon a time, there were gyms known as "snake pits" throughout the Northeast. Opposing teams dreaded playing in places like Curry Hicks Cage, the Palestra and (before renovations and fire codes) Keaney Gym, where the home team was good, the seats were on top of the court and the fans were of questionable psychological health. Buildings like the Mullins Center and the Dunkin' Dump will never be like that because the seats are too far from the court, but when we start winning consistently and the fans show up every night we'll have an old-fashioned snake pit (and with more than one men's room).

Yes Red!! We're getting there.

Getting to MSG would be a great practice session for next year. Another trip to NY, big arena, hopefully some turnout in the later games. It let's the younger players become accustomed to "bigger games." The nice thing is that it is a stepping stone not a destination.

I am very much hoping that Stanford comes here but for some reason I can't see that happening. Still keeping my fingers crossed. From Stanford's perspective they lose the revenue at the game and then pay to travel, so they will do everything to avoid that. Imagine though...

Welcome back, XC Runner.

Thank you! It has been 996 days.

URI_IEP wrote:

hrstrat57 wrote:Just put up a couple pics on my IG feed, more later....have a pic of RhodyJay having a "chat" with one of the refs and the Iona cheerleaders....I'll work on that one later. Off to deal with real life stuff now....

RE game, good show last night, unbeatable value for $10....I had crowd pegged at about 4200 and agree the noise level was pretty decent.

I didn't hear the Iona dance team get booed....no one around me booed them that's for sure or the Iona cheer squad, again good show all around. The officiating was at the high school level though IMHO....actually most high school games I see are called better.

My guess we would win the MAAC.....I'm thinking we should push the ball more, though the defense played by Iona was zip.

hrstrat57, can you provide the link to your pics?

hrstrat57 on Instagram

I'll try and post a few more soon, have pics up from multiple games this season

Edit, got a few more posted just now, mostly the view from s 311.....

Blue Man wrote:From Iona's thread:

"Rhode Island's arena was impressive, but their fans not so much. Lots of booing, even during Pre-game lay-ups. Tasteless signs. 40 minutes of whining at the refs . Booed the refs as they left the court and as they returned to the court at halftime. I wouldn't go back. The dateless guys under the basket reminded me of the worst HS teams I used to play against. On the positive side, I guess you could say they were passionate. Not what I expected."

This makes me feel so good. 2600 in the building, no students...and we're making away fans uncomfortable. Welcome back home court advantage. We've missed you. Hats off to all - hopefully we have another one or two of these games to add to the fun!

*also - calling our fans "dateless guys" when your cheerleaders look like they collectively did 100 meter sprints in a 90 meter gym, and had a lot of recovery time on the couch, is a questionable strategy. Woof.

"no students" wasn't quite true. We had a small number of students there, but at least from my perspective it seemed like we were a passionate few. Would've been much better if it weren't break obviously, and if we get the home game third round, expect a good student turnout.

Also, like some of you have said, I love for it to feel hostile for the other team. Makes them uncomfortable and hopefully make mistakes.

Finally, definitely an awful spot to put their dance team, right in the first two rows of the Ruckus section. Not only did they steal my (and my peer's) seats, but they probably felt harassed because of our yelling.

I thought it a bit strange for Iona to bring their spirit squads to our home....a neutral tournament site, yes, but not the first 3 games of the NIT....

I think somebody said they haven't won a postseason [NIT or NCAA] game in 30 years.

Maybe they didn't know how to act.....ha ha

hrstrat57 wrote:

URI_IEP wrote:

hrstrat57 wrote:Just put up a couple pics on my IG feed, more later....have a pic of RhodyJay having a "chat" with one of the refs and the Iona cheerleaders....I'll work on that one later..

hrstrat57, can you provide the link to your pics?

hrstrat57 on Instagram

I'll try and post a few more soon, have pics up from multiple games this season

Edit, got a few more posted just now, mostly the view from s 311.....

Thanks hrstrat57!

3 made field goals through 10+ minutes of the PC/Dayton game. Say what you will about Iona's defense but I'll take their style of play over this garbage any day. Really hard to watch.

I understand what you're saying, but I disagree. I was almost offended watching English waddle towards the defense zone on a few different occasions, putting his team at a massive disadvantage defensively so he was ready for a transition to to offense. And sitting behind their bench, Cluess didn't seem to have any issue with it. Net hanging is ok in intramural floor hockey, but it has no place in Division one competition. While Iona's style might be easier to watch, I'll take ugly with effort over pretty and lazy any day.

Which is all a long way of saying, if I'm watching a game with two teams I don't care about I probably would rather it be two Ionas, but I don't want my team to play like them at all.