The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

RPI falls to 90:

http://WarrenNolan.com/basketball/2012/s...Kent-State

I can't say I'm surprised by the loss. While the won-loss record is fine, I can't understand why the overall play this season, so far, hasn't been better. They returned five of their top six players from last year, losing only Rod Sherman (admittedly, a significant loss), and added Evans and Jackson to the mix. Sure, the coach left, but replacing Ford with Senderoff should not have been a very traumatic change, since Senderoff was the top assistant last year and was their "offensive coach". Again I have no problem with the won-loss record, so far, but I'm concerned with the quality of play. I thought it would be much better, at least by this point in the season. If this is going to be the "special season" many predicted, they have a LONG way to go.

Kent76, I agree with you but I can't say I'm as surprised as you. During the Geno Ford era it seemed to be the trend that this team played to the level of their opponent and that has continued. In addition to that we've been "a second half team" at least the previous two seasons and seem to be again. When the trend has continued as long as it has it starts to look more like the team is disinterested and feels they can flip the switch whenever they want and win. That kind of over confidence and lack of hunger will ultimately lead to this team underperforming if the trend isn't reversed.

Keep in mind if we don't finish in the top 2 in the MAC the deck is stacked against us in Cleveland and with our SOS any hope of an at large is pretty much out the window. If this is going to be the "special season" we've all been expecting we need some guys to get out of bed before halftime.

Good points, anti-zip. I recall many times during the 1999 through 2004 era the Kent State teams came out and destroyed opponents, often very good ones, from the opening tip. Then they coasted, after the game was out of reach. Every team has some slow starts, but the many slows starts in recent years is getting old.

Kent76, I was thinking about that last night too. Especially in non conference games against teams that have never seen you it is incredibly important to have a good first half. Make them believe right away that they can't beat you and the game can be over by half time.

Don't underestimate the loss of Sherman. He was the glue last year and he is gone. I like Porrini, but I liked Sherman a lot more. I have seen many a teams over the years go downhill even though 4 out of 5 players returned. Ohio St. when they lost Jim Cleamons (okay I know I'm old) is one example that comes to mind.

The boys will have it together by conference.

Agree, Burden. I liked Sherman a lot, and I knew his loss would hurt more than most people thought. Jim Cleamons I remember. ( Heck I remember him from HS, as his team beat my HS' team in the state semi's in 1967.) That is a good example. Another example closer to home is BG in 83/84. They only lost one player, David Greer, and they went from first to last - or near to last. Oh, I'm sure Kent State will compete for the MAC title this year, and could well win the regular season, or tournament, or both. But, they need to gel a lot more than they have so far to be a truly "special" team.

And, as far as the MAC being a multi-bid league for the first time since 1999, only OU is still alive for that possibility.

(12-22-2011 01:42 PM)Kent 76 Wrote:  Agree, Burden. I liked Sherman a lot, and I knew his loss would hurt more than most people thought. Jim Cleamons I remember. ( Heck I remember him from HS, as his team beat my HS' team in the state semi's in 1967.) That is a good example. Another example closer to home is BG in 83/84. They only lost one player, David Greer, and they went from first to last - or near to last. Oh, I'm sure Kent State will compete for the MAC title this year, and could well win the regular season, or tournament, or both. But, they need to gel a lot more than they have so far to be a truly "special" team.

And, as far as the MAC being a multi-bid league for the first time since 1999, only OU is still alive for that possibility.

For whatever reasons it seems that teams get up to play us. Any victory against us is good for other teams. No slow starts when conference starts I am sure.

I seem to remember that with our really good teams, whenever the ball went loose on the floor, we always came up with it. Floor burns were in abundance. Just listening to Ty announce the games, it seems as if the ball is loose and we never get the ball. The desire seems to be less with this team. I was not there, so I hope I am wrong.

GFlash68, I agree with the exception of 2 guys. Greene and Porrini get on the floor as much as anyone that's ever played here.