Look, you gotta plan at least one of these before they start to count. Get the fellas under the lights, between the crowd, with the whistles blowing. Yes… it’s gonna feel like the 2004 Cards playing against a single A affiliate, but that’s the point.
Get the morale as high as humanly possible… hit the regular season with all the confidence you’ll need. So why am I here? One, I need to see some hoops live to stay sane. And two, to see the new Bills that Travis Ford brought to the gateway for 2018-2019.
First, the transfer, Tramaine Isabell. Last season at Drexel dude dropped 21 a game to go along with 7.5 boards, 3.4 dimes, and a tick over a steal a game. Tonight, he was a point guard in the truest sense. Controlling the floor, getting his guys in position, and getting them the rock. His jumper was working and against DII Quincy, he entered the paint at will. On a side note… he and I have one sure bond. Gumby’s > Imo’s by a Pokey Stick
Second, the big get, Cart’Are Gordon. On the court, his size, the contrast, it’s evident at first glance. The kid has an NBA body at 18. Double double and the rebound chain first time in a the Bills’ white and blue… not a bad start.
Third, the kid from Sikeston, Fred Thatch Jr. Junior has some hops, a jumper that looks NCAA ready, and when he gets a head of steam coming down the hardwood he is going to be frightening to get in front of.
Some Extra Notes
D.J. Foreman from the line: DJ was looking like Chris Mullin out there. Just net every time. If he can do that for an entire season, the last two minutes get a lot easier for Travis Ford to coach.
Javon Bess from Deep: The jumper is remade. More arch, more rotation, and much better results. In the post-game presser he said it was his focus this off-season as one of his weaknesses. He put in the work, and it showed.
Jordan Goodwin’s off Season Conditioning: The sophomore is back after a late season suspension and in serious shape.
Hashan French’s Hair: It’s in mid-season… hell… post season form. He’s a legit 7’0” when it’s at it’s pregame best.
Ingvi Gudmundsson: Best name in DI Basketball. From Iceland. This is a story I can follow.
In all… you can’t tell much from games like these, other than that, this team appears to be loaded with talent. Will they master their offense and play the same kind of stifling defense they were able to at times last season? They have the players, they have a coach looking to reestablish himself as the leader of a top flight program. Will this Billikens squad reach their potential as A-10 champs and a possible Sweet 16 sleeper? Only the cold St. Louis winter months will tell.
Until then, Long live Gumby and the Pokey Sticks.
