Topic: H-D: D'Antoni era begins

[ZackUSAF82]

RICK McCANN

HUNTINGTON -- Head coach Dan D'Antoni's run and gun Marshall Thundering Herd offense was on display Thursday night.

Throughout the Thundering Herd Madness men's basketball preseason event D'Antoni yelled "Let's Go" from the sideline.

And, run they did.

The result was Marshall putting 87 points on the Cam Henderson Center scoreboard during a 20-minute scrimmage played with a running clock. For the record, the team in White jerseys won, 50-37.

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/marshall/x1814471087/New-coach-exhorts-Thundering-Herd-to-run-floor

[_sturt_]

I know we're all football fanatics at the moment, but no comment on this?!?

Sure would love to see some video if it's out there somewhere.

[muherdfan]

Gonna be a long ride for several years. Im afraid.

[BHFIOHIO]

Not sure about scholarships available for the early signing period next month but it will be telling imo. Saw one claim that the player from Israel will be eligible second semester. If true there cant be but 1 or two scholarships left.

[2xBison]

I hope I am wrong but this looks like a mistake.  Year two we should see it, if not ouch

[BuyNtelos4]

I hope I am wrong but this looks like a mistake.  Year two we should see it, if not ouch

Worried you are right, I think the coaching ability really is there, but the recruiting seems to be way below, where it needs, to be thus far.

[Luke80]

It is way to early to reach any conclusions.

[backontrack]

At the very least he has a PLAN, unlike his predecessor...

[muherd41]

Here is a short video from the scrimmage.

http://vid240.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/muherd40/20141023_195327.mp4

[_sturt_]

Thanks, 41!

I'm always an optimist until proven otherwise. And in spite of a lifelong "addiction" to sports (per my wife), I do have enough humility to think coaches generally know better what they're doing and why they're doing it than I necessarily do... but that's a whole different topic.

There's reason to believe Dan D'Antoni can be successful, particularly in a time when, for lack of a better term, "system" basketball, is in vogue, thank you Gregg Popovich.

That's not to suggest you don't have to have talent on the roster, any more than it is to say you don't have to have physical size on the roster. Won't be able to have zero talent, won't be able to win with 6-2 guys playing the post.

But assuming you can get "average" talent and "average" size, then discipline, hustle, team play, and physical endurance can be what puts you in the running for a CUSA championship year-in-year-out.

And all of that happens when players buy-in to the system. And all of that happens when you have a head coach whose knowledge and leadership make players want to play for him.

[elginherd]

Thanks, 41!

I'm always an optimist until proven otherwise. And in spite of a lifelong "addiction" to sports (per my wife), I do have enough humility to think coaches generally know better what they're doing and why they're doing it than I necessarily do... but that's a whole different topic.

There's reason to believe Dan D'Antoni can be successful, particularly in a time when, for lack of a better term, "system" basketball, is in vogue, thank you Gregg Popovich.

That's not to suggest you don't have to have talent on the roster, any more than it is to say you don't have to have physical size on the roster. Won't be able to have zero talent, won't be able to win with 6-2 guys playing the post.

But assuming you can get "average" talent and "average" size, then discipline, hustle, team play, and physical endurance can be what puts you in the running for a CUSA championship year-in-year-out.

And all of that happens when players buy-in to the system. And all of that happens when you have a head coach whose knowledge and leadership make players want to play for him.

Add to these points: The system DD is installing will likely draw in more talented players, even if he loses the first season or two.

[lovetheherd2]

Who was the Coach at Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers who took a team to the dance with somewhat unkown players but had a system?

Then there's Butler University who won very consistenly over a number of years with a system, unselfish players in top condition who could shoot the 3 and make free throws.....

Not saying it will happen quickly but it CAN be done.

I am pulling for Danny, Bring on the HERD.... :)

[2xBison]

Butler had some Talent.  Pretty sure couple had NBA shot

[VA Herd Fan]

Hayward and Mack were both drafted.  Which tells me we only need a couple of players. The early signing period doesn't concern me much since he hasn't coached a game yet. If we don't have anyone this spring then we may have an issue. If Dan can get the facilities upgraded who knows what might happen.

[Luke80]

Hayward and Mack were (are) very talented, but they were very highly rated recruits when they got to Butler.  Mack was actually being recruited by Jirsa to come to Marshall. The big thing that separated the Butler kids from other teams is the desire.  Those kids were all gym rats that wanted to get better. Lots of college teams have players that get a look in the NBA, but the key to Butler was not Hayward and Mack, it was Matt Howard.  He was a GREAT college basketball player who did whatever the team needed to get better.