Wojcik's quick trip to San Antonio
11/20/2009 1:47:25 AM
Doug Wojcik had to catch a plane immediately following Tuesday afternoon's victory over Arkansas-Little Rock.
His destination? San Antonio to watch recently signed Jordan Clarkson play in his first high-school game this season. Wojcik was joined by assistant coaches Dave Cason and Jeremy Ballard.
Clarkson didn't disappoint, posting 21 points and 5 rebounds in Wagner's 58-52 victory over rival Madison.
"We promised him in the recruiting process if we got him and if we'd play early that day, I'd find a way to get us down there," Wojcik said. "We got down there.
"They played box-and-one and triangle-and-two and he still found a way to get 21 points, mainly from the free throw line. He really knows how to get fouled and he has great body control. I'm glad to see him get that first win."
Clarkson has been rated the fourth-best player in the state by texashoops.com.
----- Eric Bailey
All Jordan, all the time
11/18/2009 12:34:19 AM
It was a busy 48 hours for Jerome Jordan.
Tulsa's senior center played a Sunday game against Florida International, did an ESPN interview during the TU-East Carolina football that evening and then was featured on ESPN himself during Tuesday's afternoon game against Arkansas-Little Rock.
Jordan has impressed in his first three games and has showcased an outside shot this season as well as a turnaround fadeaway jumper over his right shoulder.
He was asked about his outside shooting during Tuesday's postgame interview.
"I know I needed to add it to get where I want to get in the future," Jordan said. "I got a lot of extra shots before practice and after practice, and just wanted to work on the little things."
Jordan had 19 points and 9 rebounds against UALR.
More notes:
*** Justin Hurtt missed his first six shots, but made up for it by crashing the boards. He had a career-high 10 rebounds. No doubt that Doug Wojcik pointed out to him that he had zero rebounds in the season opener.
*** Wojcik raced out of the Reynolds Center after the game. His destination? San Antonio to watch recently signed Jordan Clarkson play a high-school game.
*** I asked Wojcik if he received a lot of text messages and e-mails from coaching pals regarding his incident with Isiah Thomas on Sunday. He just smiled. I think I got my answer.
*** While Bishop Wheatley is sitting, Joe Richard is getting more minutes. With each game, Richard is getting more and more confidence. He was 4-of-4 from the field and made his only free throw. He even hit a jump shot, which has been his Achilles heel.
*** Speaking of jump shots, TU has made only 10 3-pointers this season. No one seems worried …. yet.
*** Team of the night: Memphis. The Tigers pushed top-ranked Kansas to the brink on Tuesday night. Memphis may not have the numbers of years past, but it still has talent. Don't sleep on the Tigers.
*** Ugh: East Carolina has an outstanding football program, as witnessed in Tulsa on Sunday night. What about its basketball team? On Tuesday night, the Pirates lost 74-68 to the Campbell Fighting Camels.
----- Eric Bailey.
Tulsa vs. Arkansas-Little Rock: Pregame thoughts
11/16/2009 11:54:28 PM
Thoughts before watching some Tuesday matinee basketball …
* Tulsa had plenty of trouble finding an opponent for Tuesday's 1 p.m. made-for-ESPN game.
The Golden Hurricane asked schools across the nation if they would visit the Reynolds Center to be a part of the network's College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon. Prominent schools from conferences like the Big West, the Mountain West and the WAC all turned Tulsa down.
TU had to shuffle its schedule and move Arkansas-Little Rock (which was scheduled for another date this season) into Tuesday's time slot. In the long run, it paid off. The Hurricane opened with a Division II school and is absorbing Bishop Wheatley's four-game suspension with four winnable games. (TU plays South Alabama on Saturday).
Ron Franklin and Fran Fraschilla are calling the action for ESPN.
* Isiah Thomas' visit to town is drawing national interest. Many outlets have picked up the story on Thomas' whining on the sidelines during Florida International's blowout loss to Tulsa.
Thomas thought Doug Wojcik kept his starters in the game too long while his team was getting throttled midway through the second half. He even shouted "no class" toward Wojcik during the game.
TU only had eight scholarship players available and there was still 10 minutes remaining. The walk-ons entered the game with more than three minutes left.
This isn't the NBA. Good teams don't quit playing when the outcome is settled. Plus, this is college. Coaches are trying to teach. The players aren't pros.
I think we know who has "no class."
* Did anyone notice Jerome Jordan's turnaround fadeaway toward the baseline? It can only make his offense that much more effective.
* TU sounds like they want to redshirt Kodi Maduka. It's a 50-50 call. There will be some games when Jordan and Idlet will get into foul trouble. It would be nice to have that third big body this season. But then, Maduka could be a big-time player as a fifth-year senior. It's a tough call.
* Donte Medder has flown under the radar in his first two games, but that's a good thing. He's handling the transition with ease and looks to not have too much put on his shoulders early. It's good to have a Ben Uzoh to learn from.
* UALR has struggled early and even dropped an exhibition game to Division II Harding (80-77) and opened with a 92-64 loss at Ole Miss.
* Missouri State will be Tulsa's first road game and beat Auburn on Monday night. If the Hurricane takes an undefeated record into Springfield on Nov. 28, it could face a tough, hostile environment.
As always, if you have any basketball questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to get an answer.
----- Eric Bailey
An invisible crowd
11/16/2009 6:05:57 PM
Tulsa has played in front of many empty seats on the road during the past five years. Games at Tulane and Rice come to mind.
You can add Chapman Stadium to the list after Sunday night's contest against East Carolina.
A popular TV sportscaster walked up to me in the press box during the fourth quarter and said he actually counted about 450 fans on the east side during East Carolina's 44-17 win over Tulsa.
The announced crowd was 17,453 but who is fooling who? Sunday's numbers may rival the Keith Burns' era, when one-win seasons were the norm at 11th and Harvard.
There were ready-made excuses. The weather and playing on a Sunday night quickly came into conversation.
But perhaps the biggest reason why they didn't show up may be because of way Tulsa is playing. The Golden Hurricane has lost four straight home games for the first time since linking the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
I know the coaching staff doesn't like being linked to the days of Burns, but the longer that things carry on, comparisons will inevitably continue.
----- Eric Bailey
Postgame thoughts on East Carolina-Tulsa
11/16/2009 2:34:04 AM
The fifth consecutive loss was an embarrassing one in many ways for the Tulsa football program.
1) Tulsa looked uninspired early, giving up 20 quick points and being forced to dig itself out of a hole. The defense allowed 401 yards … in the first half.
2) The offense, which looked so good against Houston, looked bad against East Carolina. ECU has a talented defense, but the flow didn't seem to be the same as one week earlier. It begs the question of who actually is in control of this offense.
3) A nationally televised audience saw empty seats at Chapman Stadium from beginning to end. It was a bad night weather-wise, but fans stayed away. It's hard to sit in cold, gusty conditions when your team has lost four (and now five) straight games.
More game thoughts:
- Shavodrick Beaver should have redshirted this season. He's a good talent, but isn't ready for game action.
- Charles Clay is the most underused talent in America. Sure, he's a great blocker, but he's a playmaker being handcuffed.
- G.J. Kinne needs to throw the ball away when pressured. Aim for the band, the opposing coach, the press box. Anywhere.
- Damaris Johnson could play anywhere in the country. Tulsa fans will be talking about him for years after he graduates.
- Mike Bryan never comes to the press conference after a loss. He showed up on Sunday night. He's always a gentleman, but you could sense his frustration. It's a side of him rarely seen.
- East Carolina has forced Tulsa into 11 turnovers over the past two seasons. That's a ridiculous number.
- There is no doubt that all those schools that Tulsa hammered in 2007 and 2008 are loving the Hurricane's demise.
- How will this late-season swoon affect recruiting? Many commitments were sold on Tulsa's high-octane offense. Will they stay loyal to TU? What about grabbing new recruits?
TU fans, what are your thoughts?
----- Eric Bailey
Wojcik talks about his three new recruits
11/11/2009 4:50:16 PM
Doug Wojcik signed three recruits during Wednesday's opening of signing day.
Here are his comments on each player.
Jordan Clarkson, G, 6-4, 180, San Antonio
Jordan Clarkson is the fourth-rated player in the state of Texas. He's a talented young man from a wonderful family. We put a lot of effort in recruiting Jordan. He was our No. 1 target at that combo-point guard position. He can really shoot the basketball and has led his team to successful season. He's played against good competition and has an understanding of the game and has great character. He's a very good student. He fits all the criteria that we're looking for. It's nice to have that connection with the San Antonio-area. Ben (Uzoh) has had such a great career and I believe that had a lot of influence there. Jordan and his family feel comfortable coming here.
Tim Peete, G, 6-4, 185, Memphis
Tim Peete is a very personable, social young man from Memphis. I'm really proud to have a recruit from Memphis, especially following Willie Biles. We've reconnected with Willie Biles in the Memphis area. In fact, Willie Biles' daughter went to Central High School as well, so they know the Peetes. I'm excited about Tim's potential. He's similar to Jordan. He's a little bit more of a wing player than a point, but both young men can shoot the basketball well. They're both 6-4, which is legitimate. They're long, they're athletic, they can run and are very skilled.
Blondy Baruti, F, 6-9, 210, Mesa, Ariz.
Blondy Baruti is a former teammate of Donte Medder's. He's a very athletic post player. He's somewhat young to the game, similar to Jerome (Jordan) when he first got here, but at the same time very athletic. He has a strong personality, a very out-going personality which I like a lot. All three are doing a great job forming their relationships now, whether it's talking, texting or Facebook. We really like the class coming in combined with what we have returning.
----- Eric Bailey
Houston play-by-play announcer calls out Graham
11/8/2009 9:44:00 PM
Todd Graham may be public enemy No. 1 in the city of Houston.
Two seasons ago, the Rice band mocked the coach and the script called him an unflattering name over the public address system during a halftime show.
In Saturday night's game, a Houston radio announcer called out the Tulsa coach immediately following the Cougars' last-second win over the Hurricane.
Houston's Tom Franklin, immediately after the 51-yard, game-winning field goal spilt the uprights on the final play: "Graham, stick it in your pipe and smoke it."
----- Eric Bailey
You decide: Who should be Tulsa's starting quarterback?
11/2/2009 8:13:00 PM
Todd Graham will stick with G.J. Kinne as his starting quarterback in Saturday’s game against nationally ranked Houston.
The decision has upset some fans, who think Jacob Bower should start after he took over for Kinne in the second quarter of a 27-13 loss to SMU.
There’s different ways to look at this situation.
Kinne has eight games of experience, much more than Bower. But Tulsa is 4-4 during Kinne’s starts, and in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
Bower made plays immediately when he entered the game. But his inexperience showed at times and he led TU to only one other scoring
drive after guiding the team to a touchdown on his first series.
Don’t forget about Shavodrick Beaver. Is this athletically gifted freshman ready to make the next step and dserve more playing time? Or should he have redshirted this season to absorb the playbook?
Does it matter who the quarterback is since the offfensive line has had trouble with pass protection?
Who do you think should be the starter? And what are your thoughts?
 Poll question: Who do you think should be TU's starting quarterback?
Dark days for TU football
11/1/2009 2:03:04 AM
This is a dangerous time for Tulsa football.
The three-game losing streak is the program's first since 2006. A quarterback controversy could be brewing. Just reaching bowl eligibility could be a challenge this season.
Todd Graham – who always is positive – was finally relegated to saying "We're not very good right now" after Saturday's 27-13 loss to SMU.
1) It may be time to scrap the "New York Punt" formation.
In the past two home losses, TU tried to throw out of the formation on fourth down instead of quick kicking. Both Boise State and SMU defenses swatted down passes, took over at midfield and scored game-changing points.
While the pooch punts were effective out of the formation against SMU, TU has an outstanding punter in Michael Such. It may be time to let him handle fourth downs on his own.
2) What has happened to Charles Clay?
In preseason, coaches said they wanted him to touch the ball 20 times a game. It isn't happening. It's a shame because he's one of TU's most talented players in the past few years and his talents seem to be getting wasted.
3) Who should be the quarterback in next week's game against Houston?
Maybe it is time for a change. Todd Graham said he needed to find something to spark his team against SMU and inserted Bower. After three straight losses, maybe it's time to give Bower a shot.
Bower made mistakes, but it came because of inexperience. A week's preparation could help the offense.
4) TU will struggle to make a bowl game.
The Hurricane needs two victories to become bowl eligible. Can you pick two sure wins in games against Houston, East Carolina, Southern Miss and Memphis?
Final thought: Graham has to make sure he doesn't lose this football team. This is the biggest adversity that he's faced at Tulsa's coach and these last four games will tell a lot.
TU entered October with high hopes. It leaves the month with many questions.
----- Eric Bailey
Moving on
10/26/2009 8:34:16 PM
What else did a midweek game for Tulsa’s football team do for the program?
It’s allowed a disappointed fan base a few extra days to stew.
Like the coaches and players say, it’s time to move on. There’s still plenty of football to play and a Conference USA championship is still within grasp.
But one final thought (I promise) on the TU meltdown.
Why did this one hurt so much for Tulsa fans? Co-worker Barry Lewis, who has an amazing sports almanac in his brain, researched and said it’s only the second time in at least 40 years that the Golden Hurricane has given up a double-digit, fourth-quarter lead in the final seven minutes.
Against UTEP, it was a 24-13 lead that was surrendered in the final 6:35. In John Cooper’s finale in 1984, Tulsa led visiting Southwestern Louisiana 17-7 with four minutes left and lost 18-17 on a 45-yard field goal as time expired.
Tulsa fans no doubt hope that this never happens again for another 25 years.
----- Eric Bailey
Who calls Tulsa's plays?
10/22/2009 9:52:01 PM
Todd Graham spent 15 minutes with the media on Thursday, one day following Tulsa's 28-24 loss at UTEP.
Discussion has gone on about who is calling the plays for TU football this season. Many assumed that it was Graham, who entered the season saying that he was working with offensive coordinator Herb Hand and the quarterbacks on playcalling.
During the past few weeks, he's giving the job to Hand and passing game coordinator Mike Norvell. Both assistants called the offense during the loss at UTEP.
“We started the year off where I was guiding them through it and we turned the reins over to them," Graham said. "It was very difficult for me in helping with special teams and the defense. I have input in everything we are doing and ultimately I’m responsible for everything that they call.”
Graham steadfastly defended the pair. He said that Hand recently had four job offers, including an SEC offensive coordinator position, and reiterated his trust in the entire staff, saying they were the same guys that have won many football games at TU.
Graham also answered questions about the final three-and-out series before UTEP's go-ahead score, the reason the team couldn't move the ball late in the fourth quarter and quarterback G.J. Kinne in Friday's Tulsa World.
----- Eric Bailey
An embarrassing loss
10/22/2009 1:37:07 AM
One week ago, Tulsa fans were talking about how close they were to beating Boise State, the nation's No. 5 football team.
After Wednesday night's 28-24 loss at UTEP, they are shooting blame at everyone from Todd Graham to backup players that didn't see action.
I predicted Tulsa to win this game. The Golden Hurricane – under Graham – had only lost one Conference USA game that I felt it should have won in the past three seasons.
That loss was a 48-47 defeat at UTEP in 2007. Another game can now be added and also was played in Tulsa's personal House of Horrors, aka the Sun Bowl.
Championship teams don't give up fourth-quarter double-digit leads. Championship teams can pick up key third-and-short yardage situations. Championship teams don't give up five quarterback sacks against a UTEP team that had a total of four all season.
On Wednesday night, ESPN showed a national television audience something.
Tulsa may not be a championship team.
----- Eric Bailey
Paging Dr. Lou
10/19/2009 2:53:00 PM
Todd Graham told his football team that he admired Bob Hope and John Wayne while growing up.
Then he asked the players in the team huddle if they knew anything about the two former Hollywood stars.
“None of them knew who they were,” Graham said. “It makes me feel old.”
The pop quiz was given as a lead-in to former Notre Dame and Arkansas coach Lou Holtz. Tulsa athletic director Bubba Cunningham asked Holtz to speak to the team before the Boise State game.
“I asked ‘Do you know who Coach Holtz is?’” Graham said he asked his team. “They said ‘Yeah, Dr. Lou.’”
Holtz is an ESPN commentator that takes on a “Dr. Lou” persona and gives advice to college football teams.
Graham’s point in this whole story? Playing on ESPN five times in the past nine games dating back to last season is big for Division I-A’s smallest football program — especially in recruiting.
“Perception is reality,” Graham said. “The fact that we have so much national exposure and playing on TV so many times helps us tremendously.”
----- Eric Bailey
Final TU-Boise State thoughts
10/16/2009 5:51:42 PM
Thoughts on Boise State-Tulsa as I decide where to rank the Broncos on my top 25 ballot in the Harris Poll on Sunday ..
1) Most national talk surrounding Boise State's 28-21 win over Tulsa has revolved around the Broncos only winning by at touchdown at TU. No one seems to realize that the Golden Hurricane has won 25 of 34 games under Todd Graham.
Fair or unfair, it will remain that way until Tulsa pulls off a big-time win or another conference championship. TU had a great opportunity on Wednesday night, but let it slip away.
2) G.J. Kinne won't throw his offensive line under the bus, and I don't expect him to. The quarterback has done a great job given an inexperienced line in front of him that's allowed 23 quarterback sacks. I think if he had either TU offensive line of the past two years, he'd put up Paul Smith and David Johnson numbers.
3) Tulsa's defense gave up 28 points to Boise State, which does have one of the nation's top offenses. This same defense gave up 28 points on five different times in a six-game stretch last season.
4) Each time Damaris Johnson touches the football, he could take it to the house. But it's important to give him breaks at times to keep him fresh at the final part of the season.
5) Tulsa's next game at UTEP will be a challenge. The Miners have won the past two home games against TU in the final minute. Don't think Todd Graham will be reminding his players about that.
----- Eric Bailey
Wojcik talks Memphis, players talk NCAA Tournament
10/16/2009 8:19:23 AM
The ingredients have come together for a magical Tulsa basketball season.
Jerome Jordan is Conference USA's preseason player of the year. Ben Uzoh has been named as a first-team all-conference pick. Many preseason publications have named TU as the league favorite. The C-USA Tournament is at the BOK Center.
Doug Wojcik was asked about his team's upcoming season during Thursday's media day. One of the questions was about overtaking four-time defending champion Memphis as the league favorite.
"Memphis is still the kingpin until people beat them," Wojcik said. "We have to show them the proper respect. They've done too much for the conference."
What about no Memphis players being on the all-conference team?
"It's just about who that person is, whether it's Doneal Mack, Elliot Williams, Willie Kemp or Roburt Sallie," Wojcik said. "Someone will step up there. No one knows who that person is. That's probably why there's not a Memphis player on the first team."
Another popular question to players: Would they be disappointed if TU didn't make the NCAA Tournament this season?
Justin Hurtt: "I'd say that's safe to say. We want to not just get to the tournament, but win a conference championship and win games in the NCAA Tournament."
Ben Uzoh: "That's been our No. 1 goal of the past three seasons. We've were disappointed last season."
Jerome Jordan: "It would be a disappointment knowing all that we've been through. It's definitely one of our goals, not just to get there but go as far as we can as a team."
----- Eric Bailey
|
