Long Beach State Athletics!: Re: UCI thoughts

Irvine's defense on screens was immense, really good. that pressure caused strips and I think the overall pressure eventually led to us missing some wide open shots that could ahve swung it closer, just the pressure it creates to make a shot once you get one.

I think Beach could finish as high as 2nd, really! other than Irvine, and maybe Hawaii, I haven't seen a team really head and shoulders above us. we've played all teams above us

could be wrong, we aren't good enough to roll over any team, but we can beat any team, maybe even Irvine at the Pyramid (or Gold MIne lol). a 4 seed is possible, though I think a top 6 seed would be significant . Bakersfield will be telling - team has to back up the Poly win and begin to stack a couple/three wins together, now that we've played 3 of the top 4 preseason favs.

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I really liked what I saw from our team. we are so much more 'fluid' this year on both ends

1) We have a pt guard/scoring guard vs. Askew trying to be both

2) If only Diaz could shoot. he's physical, not a TO machine, just hopefully he acclimates to the pace for having better confidence/control of his shot. he really needs to hit just a couple more open shots a game

3) Petra. wow, maybe the biggest difference. Austin could do some things inside last year, but Petra really commands attention and can score shoot and move the ball

4) the veritable plethora of guards on D. we just have more overall team speed in stopping disrupting oppoents. add in Bender/Farrel who are a clear 3rd scoring option. Wainright could score but he was not as quick as those two and was so herky jerky

5) DMX has a ceiling, we need his growth. hopefully Acker knows what he's doing cause that grwoth sure looks and feels stunted as those two work out their 'personal issues' which I'm sure there is something Acker is trying to impart teaching wise, only on the court does not seem be getting us any practical effect. to Acker, if they have not learned, you have not taught. maybe try letting DMX play thru mistakes, or at least play thru one mistake? pretty please?!!