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One of the "Other People" here, checking in... Best takeaway from the day? After the scrimmage was over the guys were taking extra shooting practice, I was making my way out alone along the sideline in the corner where the visitor's bench ends, keeping my head down as I tend to do when I lope along, when I hear a voice from the corner of the court: "Thank you for coming out and watching us play today." I look up, and it's Max Abmas, taking time from draining another corner three, just to speak to a total stranger. I stopped dead in my tracks, and felt myself grinning widely. I couldn't help myself: I walked right onto the court, and sticking out my hand, I said: "Hey, man, let me tell you something: I've been coming to games in this buiding for 50 years. I watched Richard Fuqua play in this building. But let me tell you, man, I was DONE this time last year, I had had it up to here, but what you guys did in March made me do a compete 180. Not just the wins, but the way you represented the school in the media and all, it was nothing short of a MIRACLE. So, THANK YOU for that, and THANK YOU for coming back for another year. I'm all in now; I've got my season tickets, and I can't wait." "Oh well, thank you very much," Max said, no doubt by now questioning the logic of speaking to obviously crazy old men at scrimmages. "I'll be looking for you at the games!" he nodded with a big smile. And before we fit Max for a crown, I feel compelled to point out that ALL the members of this team seem like SUCH GREAT GUYS. Another case in point: just before my fan-gramp moment with Mid Court Max, the practice ended with what I assume is a tradition: a bespectacled manager was celebrating a birthday, and was given a basketball for one halfcourt shot with team and coaches all around, for what I presumed was some sort of prize. Sure enough, despite a flat shot lacking any rotation, he swished his attempt clean through, prompting an eruption that would rival a buzzer-beater in the Sweet Sixteen. The players mobbed him all the way down the court and even hoisted him up on their shoulders in celebration. From what we could tell, his shot had earned some sort of reward for the entire team, which based on the reaction I assume includes some sort of really good food. That's the stuff I love about watching practices: seeing how the team - and coaches - all interact. And while this squad may not be so different in that regard from other schools across the land (or previous ORU regimes, for that matter), it's still great to see that CLASS and RESPECT and TEAM are all still alive and well in this age of college players with agents, websites, and car dealership sponsorships. ORU simply has a lot of great guys, and they comprise a true team, and I'm really looking forward to supporting them this year, win or lose.

I attended a recent ORU MBB scrimmage with some other people and thought I would share a few observations It was actually a series of 10-12 minute scrimmages between different player groups. Mills coached one team and the assistant coaches were on the other side. Did not notice much (any?) pick & roll action… lots of picks, not any rolls - or passes. Did see rotation around the key where players (Weaver) would trail Max and he would pass back to them when he was double teamed for an open shot. When we first arrived, Jurgens was playing assertively and making all of his shots. He didn’t shoot as much during the other scrimmages. I think he finished 5 for 5 from behind the arc. His progression over the last year is remarkable. He is very confident and plays strong. Bergens ran the point for his team. Looked more confident. Don’t remember seeing him take jump shots; missed several lay ups/floaters. Better than last year but still has a way to go. Thompson looks smooth & confident; good drives to the basket. Do not remember him shooting from outside. Weaver drove the ball after head fakes (needs to do this more). Made shots from top of the key. We need him to stay focused and play determined. He and Thompson will be difference makers. Lacis was active (rebounds, blocks, etc) but don’t remember seeing him score much. He and Plet were most vocal. Lufile practiced some. Has lost weight. He is really active for a guy his size. Assume he still trying to get in playing shape. Plet is getting used to playing with his face to the basket. Took several passes in the key, but seemed hesitant as to what he should do. Looked good when he would drive to the basket. He is athletic and is probably the most verbal guy on the court - along with Lacis. Herron is athletic and has a nice jumper - made his only 3-point jumper. Clover is good on defense but didn’t seem to look to score. Blocked a couple of shots. Max is always dialed in and plays with such concentration. He was focused & determined on defense. His shots were off until the last scrimmage when he started draining long 3-pointers. Jurgens was guarding him early and really pushes Abmas because of his length - and his knowledge of Max’s tendencies. Makes Max better. McBride is good… really, really good. He handles the ball like a point guard and can shoot lights out. McBride gets tremendous elevation on his jump shot. He doesn’t force anything, but lets the game come to him. Plays hard on defense; really went after Max when he was playing against him. Phipps did not play. He was walking around, seemingly fine. Luka played a fair amount. He needs to add weight, but has height. He’s a project, but showed mobility - stole the ball from Max on the perimeter and made a 3-pointer. Some other people were at the scrimmage with me. They can correct my thoughts or add their own observations.

Very good interview with Coach Mills highlights: * Mills said that statistically speaking (defense/offense), our best lineup last year was: Abmas, Jurgens, Lacis, Weaver and Thompson * The players are really focused this year - especially on defense. * The interviewers were focused on Phipps since he transferred from OU. Mills said they had to tell Trey to stop practicing so much this summer because he was wearing his body down. Phipps and Abmas are roommates. * Mills said that he saw a difference in Max’s game when he came back from NBA tryouts.

LOL. Obviously a joke, but it IS very interesting that Kevin didn't make the cut. I also would not have guessed that Lacis would be included in the "best" lineup to be honest. Hard to know what "best statistically" really means. And that lineup was used so rarely relative to the entire season that it's hard to imagine enough of a sample size for it to really be applicable. Surprising nonetheless.

Any idea when the full 2022 ORU baseball schedule will be released?...thinking it should be any time now.....

Along those lines, I think the difference between really good and great lies on one man's shoulders: DJ Weaver. If he continues to be inconsistent, merely showing flashes of brilliance, ORU will still be really good. But if he can be counted upon to score, defend, and rebound at a high level? Sky's the limit...

That last photo speaks volumes: not sure who's running the show out top, but that's Max in the corner, playing the role of the "Plan B shooter" off whatever play is being run on the perimeter, in what was Thompson's or Jurgens' role last year. Which I have no problem with: a 40% 3-point shooter sitting wide open in the corner for whoever kicks it to him? Will be great, if the man out top with the ball makes good decisions...

Max is #14 in the story….

Thanks for the scrimmage and player analysis! You both did a great job! I have talked with Max recently and he is an outstanding young man who is very respectful. I met his parents at the TU game his freshman year and saw quickly why is is such a good young man. The cool thing is most of the players are similar to Max, very personable and love being at ORU. We should be in for a great season.

What upsets me more is that Max is the only ORU player to make the two all league teams, while each of the XDSU's each has 3. After what Kareem, Carlos, DJ, Lacis showed in the Summit tourney last year and then the three NCAA tourney games, it seems pretty disrespectful to me to not have at least ONE of those guys make the second team. It's probably a blessing though. It takes a bit of the target off our backs, and can be used as bulletin board material to fuel the guys.

Remember, the announcers for the Summit League tournament are employed by Midco, a regional production company that does all the games up in that area for the Dakota schools, Omaha, etc. Don’t get me wrong: those announcers are totally Dakota fan boys, but I think it springs innocently from calling so many of their games throughout the year, not anything malicious toward ORU. Like it or not, ORU is always going to be perceived by the Frost Belt schools - and their network - as the flashy, somewhat-odd uncle who lives in the big city, and shows up for Thanksgiving dinner on the farm with hummus instead of a green bean casserole. Let’s face it: they like our band, and they respect our talent, but we’re just never gonna be one of them. Which is fine: WE like who we are, and they’re all OK, too. ✌