11/25 | #18 Arizona State | 7:00 PM (ESPN) | Empire Classic – Mohegan Sun

[Matunuck]

Sports Book Review has the line at 8

[sevegny7]

Is Jermaine harris playing tomorrow? Saw something on IG of him live videoing them warming up on the court. He was on the sidelines taping it. Just seemed weird.

[PeterRamTime]

Is Jermaine harris playing tomorrow? Saw something on IG of him live videoing them warming up on the court. He was on the sidelines taping it. Just seemed weird.

Hes always injured

[RhodyRams12]

[DC_Rams]

Is Jermaine harris playing tomorrow? Saw something on IG of him live videoing them warming up on the court. He was on the sidelines taping it. Just seemed weird.

He’s perfectly fine. Just showing the boys on the floor. They all do it.

[TruePoint]

Looking forward to another great season of insane readings of kids’ IG stories, the best part of college basketball.

[DevRam]

Looking forward to another great season of insane readings of kids’ IG stories, the best part of college basketball.

Not really “insane” when the whole team is practicing and he’s on the sideline in flip flops.

[TruePoint]

Any attempt to glean any news from an IG story is insane by definition. I’m not debating this, it’s just a fact. Do with the IG stuff what you want.

[reef]

Yes it’s ASU 8. 150.5

[JFrech21]

Harris did not practice last night. He did attend practice in street clothes, may have been limping.

[rhodyrudder]

Happy New Year everyone!!!
Hopefully you're all safe and sound, and making the best of 2020.
I'm obviously very stoked about the year, especially after it looked like we could have either:
a) no season at all; or b) a team made up of mostly walk-ons. It's good to be wrong sometimes.
I guess I can retire the #itoldyouso hashtag after all.
But like with many of you no doubt, there is more than a little sadness to mix in.
My family is doing pretty well and work has been good, so I indeed have much to be thankful for.
But I'd be lying if I said it isn't depressing to have to miss these games this week.
The last time Rhody played a game in New England (!) that I didn't watch in person...2002.

Looking forward to many things...
Being back in the RC (and elsewhere) with all of you, and talking about the successes and
occasional failures of the Rams here on Keaneyblue are high on the list.

GO RHODY!!!

[RhodyRams12]

[Urifan91]

It’s game day! Here are some Fatts highlights from last year to get you fired up.

[Brian Forster]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

[spookydog]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

I think I may do that & throw in Michigan to make it a 3 team.

[theblueram]

GAME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Urifan91]

ASU also has many new players in their rotation this year. Including two 5 star recruits. What a great opportunity for Rhody.

[ATPTourFan]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

I think I may do that & throw in Michigan to make it a 3 team.

Where’s THE EARLY LINE thread for our lovable degenerate gamblers?

[section(105)]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

I think I may do that & throw in Michigan to make it a 3 team.

Where’s THE EARLY LINE thread for our lovable degenerate gamblers?

.......this one saw ASU giving 8......like Reef’s line, and others......I like Rhody with the 8......

[steviep123]

Game Day!!!

[ace]

He’s perfectly fine. Just showing the boys on the floor. They all do it.

Harris did not practice last night. He did attend practice in street clothes, may have been limping.

Game one intrigue already!

[RI_Bred]

What a way to open the season, can't wait!

[steviep123]

guess-what-day-it-is.jpg

[RF1]

Yes it’s ASU 8. 150.5

What are the odds that the game actually takes place?

[Joe95]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

I think I may do that & throw in Michigan to make it a 3 team.

This game is going over 151 IMO. Both teams could reach 80

[FDshoes]

how about Rhody and under in a tease?

I think I may do that & throw in Michigan to make it a 3 team.

This game is going over 151 IMO. Both teams could reach 80

Agree 2 teams that play an up tempo style.

[Billyboy78]

Who do we throw at Remy Martin? Who is considered to be or best defensive guard? I'd prefer to not have Fatts on him the entire game? Sheppard? Carey? Ish? Can Malik guard a 6 footer?

[KevanBoyles]

Fatts is going to want the challenge and he’s earned it. He has an innate ability to rise to the occasion.

[rjsuperfly66]

Fatts is going to want the challenge and he’s earned it. He has an innate ability to rise to the occasion.

My only pause on that (and I obviously don't have a horse in the race), but if Fatts is going to go 110% offensively and 110% defensively in Game 1, may that have an adverse impact on the rest of the time at Mohegan, if not the end of Game 1 given lack of scrimmages, exhibitions, practices ,etc.?

Usually when you have an offensive weapon like Fatts, they tend to "rest" on defense until a crucial point in the game (last 5 or 10 minutes) where you can then unleash them defensively.

The worst thing they can do is sell-out on tonight, still lose the game, and then be burned out through Sunday given scheduling.

Obviously fatigue shouldn't be a massive issue tomorrow night (both teams 2 games in 2 days), but USF will come in on Saturday with only one game against a NAIA school so they should be pretty well-rested, and the other USF will also have 3 games in 4 previous days, but does have a day off Saturday, and could get extended rest on Friday if VA were to blow them away.

It's the challenge of the current environment, every game is very important, but with no extended rest period, makes it very hard to fully sell-out for any one game.

[PeterRamTime]

Fatts is going to want the challenge and he’s earned it. He has an innate ability to rise to the occasion.

My only pause on that (and I obviously don't have a horse in the race), but if Fatts is going to go 110% offensively and 110% defensively in Game 1, may that have an adverse impact on the rest of the time at Mohegan, if not the end of Game 1 given lack of scrimmages, exhibitions, practices ,etc.?

Usually when you have an offensive weapon like Fatts, they tend to "rest" on defense until a crucial point in the game (last 5 or 10 minutes) where you can then unleash them defensively.

The worst thing they can do is sell-out on tonight, still lose the game, and then be burned out through Sunday given scheduling.

Obviously fatigue shouldn't be a massive issue tomorrow night (both teams 2 games in 2 days), but USF will come in on Saturday with only one game against a NAIA school so they should be pretty well-rested, and the other USF will also have 3 games in 4 previous days, but does have a day off Saturday, and could get extended rest on Friday if VA were to blow them away.

It's the challenge of the current environment, every game is very important, but with no extended rest period, makes it very hard to fully sell-out for any one game.

I dont think Fatts gets tired.

[PeterRamTime]

Who do we throw at Remy Martin? Who is considered to be or best defensive guard? I'd prefer to not have Fatts on him the entire game? Sheppard? Carey? Ish? Can Malik guard a 6 footer?

Sheppard is suppose to be very good on D. So its likely gonna be him and Fatts mostly. They have the quickness. Carey may see some time too.

[rhodylaw]

Carey was billed as a good defender coming out of high school - throw Malik into the mix as well and I think we have a damn good defensive backcourt.

[Blue Man]

*takes a BIG OL swig of kool aid*

I can't think of a better opportunity to knock off a top 25 team than the first game in a pandemic-delayed season.

No tape to look at. No prep time. Literally just roll the balls out and play.

If it were boxing, we're an underdog with knockout power. We've got a punchers chance at this. I would HATE to be ASU right now. Prepped for Vital and the backcourt of Teague/Butler - and now you're playing a completely different offensive style with a never-seen before lineup.

You've got 3 starters who were either on different teams or on the bench last year. I don't think anyone, even coach Cox, knows what to expect.

ASU also needs to adjust to a new lineup as well - as they're expecting a freshman starter and a new starting frontcourt.

It's going to come down to who plays better - and that's anyone's guess.

We have as talented of guard play that you could expect from anyone in the country. The question is how we all gel together. We'll get to find out tonight.

LFGGGGGGGGGGGGG

[KingstonLane]

Fatts said last night on IG live he expects to cramp up during Game 1. Obviously could be a factor in playing time tonight

[Rhody Sody]

LFG Rhody!

[mjg13x]

We'll either win by 2-3 or lose by 11-12. Hoping for the former.

[steviep123]

*takes a BIG OL swig of kool aid*

I can't think of a better opportunity to knock off a top 25 team than the first game in a pandemic-delayed season.

No tape to look at. No prep time. Literally just roll the balls out and play.

If it were boxing, we're an underdog with knockout power. We've got a punchers chance at this. I would HATE to be ASU right now. Prepped for Vital and the backcourt of Teague/Butler - and now you're playing a completely different offensive style with a never-seen before lineup.

You've got 3 starters who were either on different teams or on the bench last year. I don't think anyone, even coach Cox, knows what to expect.

ASU also needs to adjust to a new lineup as well - as they're expecting a freshman starter and a new starting frontcourt.

It's going to come down to who plays better - and that's anyone's guess.

We have as talented of guard play that you could expect from anyone in the country. The question is how we all gel together. We'll get to find out tonight.

LFGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I gotta agree with this. Really, though there really should be no surprising result based on the info we have.

[section(105)]

.......it be interesting to see the level intensity in defense Coach has these guys coming out of the box......hopefully not traffic cop defense.......

[Billyboy78]

I think the rotation goes deeper than 8 for this week with 4 games in 5 days.

[Rhodyram]

Fatts said last night on IG live he expects to cramp up during Game 1. Obviously could be a factor in playing time tonight

How can someone “expect” to cramp up??? If that’s a thing, wouldn’t preventative treatment be used? ie fluids/massage. I’ve never heard of an athlete expecting to cramp.

[Rhody83]

I would guess Fatts plays around 32 minutes. 5 others play 20-26 minutes. Leggett and Makhel get around 15 minutes. With Jermaine out Makhi & Walker need to stay out of foul trouble. Makhel will be the big off the bench (and part of tonight’s 8 man rotation). DJ could get 5-10 minutes to give others a rest.

[DC_Rams]

*takes a BIG OL swig of kool aid*

I can't think of a better opportunity to knock off a top 25 team than the first game in a pandemic-delayed season.

No tape to look at. No prep time. Literally just roll the balls out and play.

If it were boxing, we're an underdog with knockout power. We've got a punchers chance at this. I would HATE to be ASU right now. Prepped for Vital and the backcourt of Teague/Butler - and now you're playing a completely different offensive style with a never-seen before lineup.

You've got 3 starters who were either on different teams or on the bench last year. I don't think anyone, even coach Cox, knows what to expect.

ASU also needs to adjust to a new lineup as well - as they're expecting a freshman starter and a new starting frontcourt.

It's going to come down to who plays better - and that's anyone's guess.

We have as talented of guard play that you could expect from anyone in the country. The question is how we all gel together. We'll get to find out tonight.

LFGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Just take your chill pill now, bro. Mistakes will be made and you’ll be doing a lot of head scratching over the next few games...just have faith that we will figure it all out. GO RHODY!!!

[rhodyruckus]

Who do we throw at Remy Martin?

I usually like to throw some ginger ale on top as a mixer, very delicious and refreshing.

[steveystuds06]

*takes a BIG OL swig of kool aid*

I can't think of a better opportunity to knock off a top 25 team than the first game in a pandemic-delayed season.

No tape to look at. No prep time. Literally just roll the balls out and play.

If it were boxing, we're an underdog with knockout power. We've got a punchers chance at this. I would HATE to be ASU right now. Prepped for Vital and the backcourt of Teague/Butler - and now you're playing a completely different offensive style with a never-seen before lineup.

You've got 3 starters who were either on different teams or on the bench last year. I don't think anyone, even coach Cox, knows what to expect.

ASU also needs to adjust to a new lineup as well - as they're expecting a freshman starter and a new starting frontcourt.

It's going to come down to who plays better - and that's anyone's guess.

We have as talented of guard play that you could expect from anyone in the country. The question is how we all gel together. We'll get to find out tonight.

LFGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Just take your chill pill now, bro. Mistakes will be made and you’ll be doing a lot of head scratching over the next few games...just have faith that we will figure it all out. GO RHODY!!!

I would hate to see Blue Man chill out...

If Fatts is on we can beat anyone. I feel like this will be one of those games. Let's go!!!

[DC_Rams]

I know, I know, Blue Man knows I love him the same. LOL

[rhodyruckus]

Fatts said last night on IG live he expects to cramp up during Game 1. Obviously could be a factor in playing time tonight

You sure he wasn't saying RAMP up? That's an odd statement, unless something is recurring in practice or he's describing lingering soft tissue soreness and not a "cramp" per se.

[section(105)]

......Red, how is the gravy tasting.......?

[RhodyKyle]

Listened to the podcast hosted by Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish. Matt mentioned he watched the URI practice last night and said URI is in great spirits, Cox ran a hell of a practice, and if URI took a run at ASU he wouldn't be surprised.

Somehow I'm even more excited for the game tonight.

[KingstonLane]

Fatts said last night on IG live he expects to cramp up during Game 1. Obviously could be a factor in playing time tonight

You sure he wasn't saying RAMP up? That's an odd statement, unless something is recurring in practice or he's describing lingering soft tissue soreness and not a "cramp" per se.

100% sure he said cramp. Connor Gillespie on Nova was watching and commented “Better start hydrating”.

To clarify Fatts says he “always cramps up in the first game of the season”. So hopefully unrelated to any injuries/lack of conditioning this off season

[rhodyruckus]

Fatts is going to want the challenge and he’s earned it. He has an innate ability to rise to the occasion.

My only pause on that (and I obviously don't have a horse in the race), but if Fatts is going to go 110% offensively and 110% defensively in Game 1, may that have an adverse impact on the rest of the time at Mohegan, if not the end of Game 1 given lack of scrimmages, exhibitions, practices ,etc.?

Usually when you have an offensive weapon like Fatts, they tend to "rest" on defense until a crucial point in the game (last 5 or 10 minutes) where you can then unleash them defensively.

The worst thing they can do is sell-out on tonight, still lose the game, and then be burned out through Sunday given scheduling.

Obviously fatigue shouldn't be a massive issue tomorrow night (both teams 2 games in 2 days), but USF will come in on Saturday with only one game against a NAIA school so they should be pretty well-rested, and the other USF will also have 3 games in 4 previous days, but does have a day off Saturday, and could get extended rest on Friday if VA were to blow them away.

It's the challenge of the current environment, every game is very important, but with no extended rest period, makes it very hard to fully sell-out for any one game.

To keep the floor high and get to at least 2-2 for the weekend I agree. I expect Coach Cox is going to start the experienced guys without having extended practice time together and scrimmages to evaluate the newcomers, but am also expecting a lot of hockey substitutions during the game. Dudes are really going to expend maximum energy knowing that any game could be the last game they play this calendar year. Cox has to put a governor on this machine. Unless you go down the line of guards and literally no one else can bring the ball up safely, a 4-minute break each half will be beneficial to get the best from Fatts. Once the schedule is spaced out with 3 days off between every game, then you can play him 38-40 again.