Game 1, 2012-13: Harvard (ESPN Tip-Off Marathon - 10am)

InnervisionsUMASS · Post by **InnervisionsUMASS** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 1:37 pm

NilesGold wrote: By virtue of playing good in 1 pre-season game?

Maybe he has been a stud in practice thus far, combined with whatever the reason Morgan was suspended for a game.

Chris20 · Post by **Chris20** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 1:48 pm

After 3 years, I think a couple of things are clear with Freddie.

1, He is very talented....his size and skill are a great combination, and potentially great in the A10 and beyond.

2, He hasn't always had the right frame of mind/confidence to consistenty contribute, and therefore hasn't consistently received a substantial opportunity to contribute.

Whatever has and hasn't happened, Freddie could have a MAJOR impact on the fortunes of this team this year. Whether the staff can get it out of him could be the difference between another solid season or a big step forward.

EBox · Post by **EBox** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:08 pm

InnervisionsUMASS wrote:
NilesGold wrote: By virtue of playing good in 1 pre-season game?

Maybe he has been a stud in practice thus far, combined with whatever the reason Morgan was suspended for a game.

I'm a bit surprised about Riley getting the start, but hey - if he can play with confidence, make good decisions, and contribute on the floor, I'm all for it. If he doesn't show that in the first couple of minutes, DK can pull him off the floor and change the rotation.

DoctorJ · Post by **DoctorJ** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:09 pm

To me it looks like Freddie has worked his butt off during the off season and he looks like he is in very good shape.

Maybe just a vote of confidence for a Senior player.

I expect both Freddie and Jesse to get big minutes this year.

iwearglovesndhat · Post by **iwearglovesndhat** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:12 pm

Not sure I agree with Freddie starting unless for some reason Morgan still isn't 100%. I am soooo happy freddie worked his ass off, I really am, but morgan, on a lot of other teams is a stud. The only the thing freddie does better than Jesse is shoot 3's, and even then, he has to be HOT to make those.

gosox22 · Post by **gosox22** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:22 pm

If DK has enough confidence in Freddy to start him and bring Jesse off the bench, this can only be a good thing in my mind. I think it's safe to say that none of us even considered for 1 second that Freddy would be starting over Jesse. Maybe its just a temporary thing (and that is my hunch), but still... if Freddy gives us starter quality minutes all year, we could really be something special. Jesse though clearly will get his minutes. Less than 20 hours until tip-off, woo!

Chris20 · Post by **Chris20** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:27 pm

What we don't know is how much of this, if any, is based on the discipline issue with Jesse. If it's 100% sitting Jesse as part of punishment, then it means little. But it could mean something to Freddie, anyway....getting introduced as a starter on ESPN is pretty cool.

NilesGold · Post by **NilesGold** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:57 pm

We can only guess as to why Riley is starting and Morgan is sitting. I'm not too concerned, regardless of the reason. My comment was more a question as to why Old Cage believed that Riley has"earned" the starting spot.

Unless someone has inside team information, the only thing we have to go on in determining who deserves to start is performance in past seasons and the one preseason game. I don't think Riley has earned the starting spot based on last season, so unless we're making assumptions about work ethic and practices the only other reason Riley would have earned a starting spot would be his play in the pre-season game.

Ron Burgundy · Post by **Ron Burgundy** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:58 pm

If we get further word that Cady isn't in the starting lineup, then we can probably conclude that discipline is a part of this decision. Until then, I'd like to think this is a reward for Freddie. I've had high hopes for Freddie ever since he stepped on campus and have been a bit disappointed at times. However, I couldn't be more proud with how he ended last year. Based on his tweets and body language at times, it's safe to say he has been more than disappointed with how his career has gone at times. At the end of last year, he bought in and played an important role, and vastly improved his defense while coming of the bench.......hoping its carried over into this year.

UMass87 · Post by **UMass87** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:17 pm

Old Cage was at practice yesterday and talked to people.

Old Cage · Post by **Old Cage** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:18 pm

Open 5 1/2-10

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-bas ... las-vegas/

On the Freddie subject, I was at practice today. Nuf sed.

mlaconte459 · Post by **mlaconte459** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:30 pm

^ wow X favorite over butler?? i personally do not agree with that one

vanmeter · Post by **vanmeter** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:43 pm

Unless Morgan has some lingering issue starting Fred over him makes no sense at all.

UMASS2010 · Post by **UMASS2010** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:49 pm

Hi Folks,
I have 2 extra tickets in section J row 12 for tomorrow. Would anybody want these for $20 each? Let me know and we can try to arrange something.

On another note...I can't believe it is finally here. THANK GOD!

NilesGold · Post by **NilesGold** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:52 pm

Old Cage wrote:Open 5 1/2-10

On the Freddie subject, I was at practice today. Nuf sed.

Saying stuff like "he's earned it" is highly subjective, it helps to give at least some explanation. That you've watched practice is great and I'd love to hear some details, because without some more explanation it's pretty meaningless to the rest of us. Is your opinion based on how he's playing in practice? Is it his attitude and effort?