Miyagi-Do Karate

I am glad I am not alone. I think it was right in that 2002 timeframe that MLB changed for me too, and I couldn't put my finger on it. But I think you are right-- that Giambi move was a real watershed moment. Then came the gutting of the small markets. I can't even believe teams like pittsburgh and cleveland can field teams. As a Bills' fan, I sort of had the realization too then-- do I want to be rooting for some big market team like the Mets? The whole league just seems poorly designed. But, man, I used to love those old mets. Remember how Turk would never touch the baseline? Gilkey would have those bugged-out eyes at the plate! Todd Hundley was a baller. Olerud always wore his hard hat. I even remember fondly Pat Mahomes Sr.'s stint with the Mets--real effective reliever.

agreed. People forget about Bazley too. That was just bad luck. If he had played his one year even, it would have boosted our recovery even more. The thing that stings now is that we look like we are losing an entire good class to the transfer portal (Richmond, Newton, and probably Anselem). But I think every team is losing guys, so it’s a bit of a wash.

I was a die hard Mets fan as a kid from the 1980s. Hit my peak in the late 90s and early 2000’s. When Bobby V was the manager, I would probably watch 90% of their games in a season. I knew that team so well that I knew every move Bobby V would make (when he would hit and run; how he would work his relief pitchers, etc.). Loved guys like Alfonzo, Ordonez, Gilkey, Olerud, Piazza, Ventura, Turk Wendell, etc. But when the Mets decided to just outspend people (Mo Vaughn, etc), and baseball became increasingly boring and boring, I lost interest. MLB now is so utterly and hopelessly boring and broken; I just can’t generate any interest in it.

Kinda interesting to see Syracuse ranked in the top 15 of a few “early ranking” articles I have read. I do think Swider is going to be an upgrade over Braswell, and Edwards and Guerrier will get a lot better. I also get the sense that Griffen may be back.

Congrats to Baylor! Amazing that the NCAA pulled off this tournament with only one COVID hitch. if I had one complaint, this tournament showed the need for college Bball to start cracking down on the overly aggressive defense. They let a ton of physical bodying and hand checking go all tournament, and it’s why the most aggressive defensive teams went very far in the tournament (Baylor, Houston, Loyola, etc.). At some point, you want to make sure college Bball doesn’t devolve into 1980s Knicks Bball.

yeah, that has to be it. Maybe had some kind of medical incident that caused it. Hope he is okay.

Agreed. Even when he is on, everyone just stands around and watches him make contested jumpers. I really believe Griffin is one of those guys that will make a much better pro than college player. He ought to just leave and play overseas or in the G league.

Agreed. I really believe he is continuing to get better too— wouldn’t surprise me to see him become a proficient 3-point shooter soon. what I don’t get with guys like Marek that are definitely Going overseas— why not just Stick Around for another year in college? Another year of fun in college to replace the covid-riddled year he just had. These are the best times of their lives!! I wish I could have stayed in college 5 years (in a non-flunky way).

to your last point, this is one of the few Syracuse teams over the last several years that was a joy to watch on offense. Maybe one of the best since the Andy Rautins/Onauaku tourney teams. Multiple shooters. A few guys that could create their own shots. Pretty good movement. Great passing by Marek and Kadary. in years past, the offense has grown stagnant with a lot of iso and pick and rolls that basically devolve into iso.

I am sort of fascinated by this transfer portal, and the timing of it all. Some guys have declared early, Some are waiting on specific moves by other players, and some seem to just be waiting. There’s a lot of strategy, but it seems like there is imperfect “market” information for students because of coaches not being able to communicate with students until they enter the portal. Also, as far as I know, there is no deadline to enter into the portal. But I have to think that if you wait too long to enter, you will mostly hurt your chances.

i was thinking the same thing about Gmac and Autry, and then realized that they have been on the staff for like 10 years. Time flies!

well said. Expresses my views too. I have never really criticized JB (maybe griped at times regarding some tactical issues). But he has had a terrific run of success and turned the Syracuse program into a powerhouse. I also expect the program to take a dip when he retires. I think it’s inevitable. These young coaches have up and down seasons, and cycle through programs. People will miss the luxury of having a steady veteran head coach.

It is looking like Florida state is in the Lead to snag Kadary. That would be a really nice move for him, IMO. Stinks too for us, because we will have to face him and be filled with regret.

Anyone know how to say “git Er done, Mr. Beane,” in Cockney English? Go drop some Derry and Tom’s, Beanie, ole boy?

I have a different view. He seems to be confused as to how to clap from his picture. But I believe that clapping can be coached up.

Man, that’s just a depressing outlook on the state of the Syracuse program. We have been on the bubble, but I worry we are about to enter the dark ages once JB retires.

obviously a huge drop from Kadary, but much needed help at guard anyway. Hopefully they can land another player or two here, Especially a big.

I DVR’d this series, but haven’t started watching yet. Will have to tune in! Thanks!

The old reverse psychology move! I love how he so gently taps this defender.

It looks like even if a player enters the transfer portal, he can come back to his old team, assuming there is a scholarship and mutual interest. You wonder how many of these guys are entering the portal 100% with their mind made up to leave, or whether they are just testing the waters but leaving the door open in case they don’t find a better fit? This is wishful thinking, but I can see a guy like a Braswell realizing he is better off staying and coming back to Syracuse. I am not sure he is going to get a lot of better opportunities. Edit: Also, I am reading that so far, the teams that have reached out to Kadary are pretty meh. Iowa State, West Virginia, Seton Hall, UConn, Creighton, Maryland and George Washington. Not sure I am seeing the appeal of a transfer to those other schools, unless he just really hates it at Syracuse.

It’s not Tyrell, it’s “tuh rell.”

Agreed. There are some players that you need to accommodate at least a little given the state of the program and the state of the transfer rules. by the way, this is me talking as the old rec league player that I am, but I would be transferring too if I were KR and Braswell. When I play, I want to start, play the whole game, and score as many points as I can!

Really dumb move by JB. How can he so definitively say JG will start.

Dang, are we even going to be able to field a team? I guess we are going to have to hit some homeruns in the transfer portal ourselves.

worst case scenario.