[libertyfan4life]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

[PAFlame]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

I saw this too, and it's a matter of a group of students being dumb (perhaps under the influence as well) but I imagine this occurs at many collegiate games across the country. I think the Big South should be at fault if anything for putting this nonsense on camera, not the students who were having whatever their definition of fun is. Additionally, I don't think LU needs to have this holier than thou (no pun attended)/we are much classier and better people because we aren't.

[Cider Jim]

The few times that Reid drove to the basket, he was absolutely unstoppable with his height and quickness. That needs to be his game, rather than shooting so many 3s. If Reid played closer to the basket, he could help us with rebounding as well.

Granted, Reid is only 6'5", but he is literally the third tallest player on the team, behind Maxwell and Talbert, so he needs to play more like a big than a wing.

Interesting stat in Damien's article in the local paper: LU had ZERO points off the bench for the first time this year.

http://www.newsadvance.com/sports/liber ... 2d900.html

[ballcoach15]

zero points off bench is not good.

[VAGolf]

I'm not sure why people are complaining about last night. We played a team down to the wire that we had no business competing with. If you watched the game, you could tell that everyone on that Radford team was incredibly disappointed with their performance last night. LU was cutting off passing lanes, blocking shots and played more aggressive. Sure, the offensive performance was poor. But you watched UVA the past several seasons, right? If we're modeling ourselves after that, we aren't going to have anything resembling a strong output offensively...and even if we do, it won't be this season.

Overall, I was very pleased with last night's game. Radford should have beaten us handily and we stayed competitive throughout. You can tell there is already improvement on this team. One thing that I really, really like is that we are getting much better at creating shots. This was something that I could not stand about Layer's squads. This season is going to be rough but I'm seeing the foundation of a team that will be very good in a couple of seasons.

[bballfan84]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

I saw this too, and it's a matter of a group of students being dumb (perhaps under the influence as well) but I imagine this occurs at many collegiate games across the country. I think the Big South should be at fault if anything for putting this nonsense on camera, not the students who were having whatever their definition of fun is. Additionally, I don't think LU needs to have this holier than thou (no pun attended)/we are much classier and better people because we aren't.

SHHHH DONT TELL Kiwon

[olldflame]

zero points off bench is not good.

My confidence in McKay is high right now, but I have to admit when I see Reid playing over 30 minutes and Talbert and Homesley, who have been more productive (especially of late) on the bench. If he is on the court for defense, he needs to realize that is the case and stop jacking up 3s he only makes 25% of the time. I think Ritchie is reluctant to give the red light to anyone right now because he realizes that the 3 is and will continue to be a big part of our offense and he wants to be positive about taking open looks, but at some point if the player can´t figure out himself he is hurting the team, the coach needs to step in.

[Cider Jim]

First RPI released
The first RPI of the 2015-16 basketball season was released this week. Liberty checks in at #350 out of 351 Division I teams. The Flames spent much of last season at either 350 or 351. Other Big South teams: #46 Coastal Carolina, #157 Radford, #189 High Point, #192 Winthrop, #221 Gardner-Webb, #238 UNC-Asheville, #299 Campbell, #303 Longwood, #319 Charleston Southern, and #343 Presbyterian.

With 4 other Big South teams hovering around 300 in the RPI, LU should definitely win some home games against Big South opponents--esp. after Dawson becomes eligible in a week or two.

[JVP21]

The team's buy-in is very high and very visible. For those of you who haven't seen this team in person, the culture is healthier than ever.
Guys are committed to getting Evan the ball. He has been an all-conference player at times this year. Not that John is the savior, but his athleticism will increase the rebounding production overnight. Being that our first-shot defense is at a high level, just 3 more defensive rebounds a game can be the difference in winning or losing a handful of conference games (see last night's second chance points margin). GREAT things in store for this team.

[Sly Fox]

Welcome to the board, JVP21. We love having guys with experience like yours join.

Having been around Evan, what do you see as the sudden shift in gears for him? Is it simply confidence?

[Chippy]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

Watched the game on LFSN local 24.1 with Matt calling the play by play. Clearer picture and better announcers. Didn't see the RU fans much.

[jinxy]

Agreed. Matt and Naz are great.

[JVP21]

Welcome to the board, JVP21. We love having guys with experience like yours join.

Having been around Evan, what do you see as the sudden shift in gears for him? Is it simply confidence?

His confidence is grounded in the work he put in this off-season, having experience as a true freshman, and knowing that he has to carry the lion's share of the weight being the only true post on the team. Also, this staff is known for empowering young players to outperforming their perceived potential. Evan will only continue to improve. His hard work, selflessness, and competitive nature are what leads to his on-court success. Wont meet a nicer kid either.

[Purple Haize]

The team's buy-in is very high and very visible. For those of you who haven't seen this team in person, the culture is healthier than ever.
Guys are committed to getting Evan the ball. He has been an all-conference player at times this year. Not that John is the savior, but his athleticism will increase the rebounding production overnight. Being that our first-shot defense is at a high level, just 3 more defensive rebounds a game can be the difference in winning or losing a handful of conference games (see last night's second chance points margin). GREAT things in store for this team.

You're first sentence says it all

[olldflame]

Would love to have you continue giving us your insights JVP21. I know most of you associate him with his 5 years playing under DL, but he was in fact recruited to Liberty by Ritchie and his staff (I´m thinking Brad Sucie was instrumental?) and signed in Nov. of 08 along with Chris Perez, which gives him a pretty unique perspective on the current situation.

[JVP21]

Would love to have you continue giving us your insights JVP21. I know most of you associate him with his 5 years playing under DL, but he was in fact recruited to Liberty by Ritchie and his staff (I´m thinking Brad Sucie was instrumental?) and signed in Nov. of 08 along with Chris Perez, which gives him a pretty unique perspective on the current situation.

I am forever grateful to both Coach Layer and Coach McKays staffs. Brad Soucie is the reason I decided on Liberty, and he will be the reason this team will be able to recruit better than a BSC school should. Liberty basketball is in great hands.

[flamesfilmguy]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

I saw this too, and it's a matter of a group of students being dumb (perhaps under the influence as well) but I imagine this occurs at many collegiate games across the country. I think the Big South should be at fault if anything for putting this nonsense on camera, not the students who were having whatever their definition of fun is. Additionally, I don't think LU needs to have this holier than thou (no pun attended)/we are much classier and better people because we aren't.

welllllll..... there was a group of students(who will remain nameless) that went to the RU vs LU game at Radford several years ago and wore surgical masks... So I don't think i'm going to judge them for giving the bird to the camera... lol

[Chippy]

A Random Moment: So, tonight I am watching the LU vs. RU game at Radford online on Big South, and the camera man during a break in play is panning the Radford crowd of students... Now, at that moment, apparently some Radford fans decided one-by-one to give the camera man the middle finger salute as he pans the crowd. I've been to a ton of RU vs. LU games in the past, so not all too surprised by the general culture, but at the same time, I thought "really?!" The Big South must be proud.. This isn't a comment aimed about legalism, but more about oh-I-don't-know having some sense of dignity for oneself / others. It wasn't like it was just one random student either. Anybody catch this or the game tonight?

I was surprised somewhat that we hung with Radford in this game. It was a lot closer than I had thought or personally anticipated. Maxwell was a workhorse. Wish we had some more depth.

I saw this too, and it's a matter of a group of students being dumb (perhaps under the influence as well) but I imagine this occurs at many collegiate games across the country. I think the Big South should be at fault if anything for putting this nonsense on camera, not the students who were having whatever their definition of fun is. Additionally, I don't think LU needs to have this holier than thou (no pun attended)/we are much classier and better people because we aren't.

welllllll..... there was a group of students(who will remain nameless) that went to the RU vs LU game at Radford several years ago and wore surgical masks... So I don't think i'm going to judge them for giving the bird to the camera... I chortle audibly.

You can't compare wearing surgical masks to the bird - which is the universal sign for "FU". Sorry, I disagree with the comparison. I went to a game at George Washington and they were playing Duquesne and the students were very loud in saying "bull ----" through out the game when they disagreed with the calls. Some schools can have fun tormenting the opposition but then there's crossing a line. I have no problem judging classless and tasteless behaviors given there are usually parents with their kids in the stands.

[Wvflame2013]

If you want to see disrespectful just watch wvu sweet caroline videos, wvu student section videos during Pittsburgh basketball games, and I also remember Rick Petino being very upset about some chants the student section chanted about an adulteress affair he had.

[Schfourteenteen]

You can't compare wearing surgical masks to the bird - which is the universal sign for "FU".

I mean, I guess. I think the cheerleaders may have taken more offense to us telling them we didn't want their STDs.

Besides, the middle finger is nothing more than a watered down hand signal for the uncoordinated middle class white kid trying to look badass.

[TIMSCAR20]

Agreed. Matt and Naz are great.

I have enjoyed their banter and Naz is pretty insightful. I'm not saying that because we are childhood, friends, teammates, Coached together and hang out. Frankly when they canned me, he should have been the one they tapped to fill the position. #ASKNAZ is great too!