knoxbball

just found out some BS that really stinks. Nate Rucker is suspended 2 games. Tonight against Hamilton and Friday against Central. For getting the technicals against central the fist time. The timing stinks.

I understand. Rucker's aggression is OK; he just needs to learn to control it. I agree that Rucker will be a better College player. For one thing, they will have the coaching necessary to develop his game, make him more well-rounded and versatile. That's when he'll likely make the critical "jump" to playing with more controlled aggression! I see Rucker blossoming by his Junior year, provided he commits 100% to improving his offensive game. Rucker is unquestionably a critical part of Melrose's performance, especially defensively. As you pointed out, that Central game underscored Rucker's importance. While Rucker's offensive production is not the focal point of Melrose's ofense, Rucker's physical presence and relentless play (regardless of points scored) often causes problems for opposing team's big men. It certainly caused problems for White Station, getting them into foul trouble. As for Tarik Black, I think that he is going to be an outstanding player @ the next level! I won't be shocked to see him ultimately average a double-double (points/rebounds), by his Sophomore year at the University Of Memphis. Heck, depending on how much work he puts in next Summer, I honestly believe that Tarik could ultimately crack the starting lineup during his Freshman year! Nothing against Rucker, but Tarik is clearly a better/ more skillful big-man at this point, from what I've observed. Tarik plays with that "controlled" aggression, possesses both a power and outstanding finesse game, and he is an outstanding post-defender! Ridgeway plays exponentially better, with Tarik in the lineup. ------------------------------------------- At the end of the day, whille Nate Rucker and Tarik Black's skill-set may vary widely, they do share one hugely important common denominator: Their physical presence on the court makes a dramatic difference in how well their teams perform, overall. Excellent comments Trader as usual. Both them guys I think will do well on the next level. Tarik will have more time to learn while Nate at northern will have to do it quick. Northern is loosing all their post but center. So he will be in the line up pretty quick.

I agree 100% with your points #1, 2, 3.... Very accurate observations. -------------------------------------------- One other thing about Rucker-- he plays out-of-control waaaaay too much! He plays like a wild man, too too often, from what I've observed. That then leads to silly fouls, frustration, poor concentration, sub-par performance...the negative cycle then repeats itself. Rucker seriously needs to work really hard on developing a short shot, a finesse game -- like a jump-hook or something. As it stands-- everytime he gets the ball in the post, he wants to turn, lower his shoulder and bulldoze his way to the rim and dunk! He seems oblivious or unconcerned that a defender might be planted and waiting to draw the charge, which is what usually happens. As for Melrose being the best team... believe it or not (call me crazy), I STILL think that they have the best team! I don't see any flaws, except maybe stretch-FT shooting (and inexperienced coaching). That one issue could come back to haunt them, in the Regionals. Ridgeway's lack of post-depth is what concerns me the most, about them. Yet, they somehow keep on winning! Thanks in large part, no doubt to smart tactical, experienced coaching. I would be tempted to bet against Melrose beating Ridgeway, however, but Melrose's depth and talent won't let me.... Nevertheless, despite losses to Central and WS, I'm still convinced than Melrose is the better than those two teams.... I'll take Melrose in both rematches. You're dead-on accurate about Joe Jackson, as well! That trait of his will make WS very difficult to defeat, come Regionals. I still expect to see Ridgeway vs Melrose for the MIAA City Championship! Ridgeway and Melrose are also my picks to make it to the 'boro. TraderB The Rucker Situation is very unfortunate because there is no one there to develop him. Im told its all JJ that has Nate constantly dogging to the rim. Got to remember he is the 5th option on the floor So u only going to get 5 to 6 shots a night. He has had some big games this year. Out of town he has been outstanding because ref call more college level games. Ricardo Patton said he dont not want any of that agressive play to go away, because on the next level he going to need it. Big man coach will develop and get him in the mentality to change that. He will be a better college player than high school. I think the same of Black also. I thought he was the factor in the first half. Player cant develop until u go to him. Take him off the floor and see how melrose play. Not so good. They got to have him in games and on the floor to win this year. Central game showed that.

TraderB u are right on point. JJ could have made some tactical Moves like maybe zone late, but this was not a Classic WS won the game. This was a classic for the decade Choke Game. U guys have seen me promote Melrose because i went there, but u got to leave bias at home here and call it like it is. It was not some great game strategy by WS, it was basic BB foul at the end. U have a 14 point lead in the 4th quarter and loose. JJ did a good job. Who would not want a 14 point lead with 3:36 left against WS. I went over Ruckers home last night and his Dad was livid and said the same thing they Gagggggged. U could see the look in WS players face they knew the game was over. Choke choke choke LOL. Lets see how this play out on the 13th which is a sat night so most of the town will be there. They need to rent a bigger facility. But in the end guys Leave JJ out of this one this is %10000 players loss.

Legend that is so frustrating to watch that. They be running teams off the floor and JJ stop and call whatever play and momentum gone. uururrrrgggghhh

Ok guys being a Melrose Alum and fan for life, im totally shocked. It is simple Whitestation Did not beat Melrose they beat them self. With 2:10 left in the game Melrose was up 12. They missed 12 FTs within 2 minutes. Rucker prob should have been in for defense only but u cant blame him when Parks and Chris Jones missed 4 in a row and they suppose to be the good shooters. Never should have had Nate in there late. Why WS big men was giving them no problem at all. The only thing I have a Prob with JJ is for some reason he always take the foot off the Gas. White Station had no answer for Melrose. In the First half when they was going to nate Neither big man could stop him. Can someone tell me why these 21st century coaches play outside in instead of inside out? They go to him twice in the second half. He call too many darn plays. I will run one play all night if its working. Nino was still in the game in the first half with 3 fouls how do u not go right at him. Congrats to White Station for winning but Melrose Choked and gave it to them. If u cant count on Jones and Parks to make FTs, who can u trust? Choked Choked Choked. Trader u right Melrose is 20 points better than WS I see how Ridgeway beat them as bad as they do. But Henning is an experienced coach he not going to go in cruise control. U have to play 32 minutes not 30.

Im hoping that the officials dont decide the game. If they dont call every little touch on Joe or any other player Melrose runs away with it. Hopefully the bigs can bang a little. Melrose is bringing some length on the wings. WS cant just shoot over them. Melrose brings Hollimon and Ced off the bench. Man what an option to have.

4. Melrose has enough weapons where AT won't have to be involved constantly. The key to Melrose is Nate Rucker my friend. You can disagree with me on that, but Rucker is to Melrose as Joey Dorsey was to Memphis. Jodyjoe u said something that I have not heard any of these experts say. Rucker is to Melrose as Joey was to Memphis. He has been called everythng from bone head to reckless which I still cant see why adults to attack kids the way they do. Coach Johnson said their state title hope run thru Rucker. He is pretty much like joey was, meaning he wont get u too many point because they only go to him a couple times a game but the things he does that dont get in the stat books. The intimidation of being in the middle, shot blocking, rebounding, the toughness and I mean u will get a bow here and there. Watch what happen when he is out of the game. They have no post whatsoever. Melrose is a team of guards, a couple wings and 1 nasty post. Central took advantage of him being out. This week will decide a lot in 16 - AAA.

To AAUFAN and others. I just saw on the Melrose site that they are streaming the Game they played against Liberty in the Penny Hardaway Classic. Good Game to watch. Its on the Melrose TV link. http://www.melrosehoops.com/

AAUFAN looks like next week is the test week for Melrose. They Play at home Tuesday Night vs White Station and Friday night they go to Central. U cant get any better than that. Look on their schedule for the rest of the games. Fair Warning. Get to these games early. Before the Girls game start. U dont want to drive that far to have the fire marshall standing at the door saying sorry. Melrose gym is huge and parking lot big, But they cannot handle the crowd for this game nor Central on friday night. Next week will decide a lot in 16 - AAA. Here is their site http://www.melrosehoops.com/

Just found out Ruckers situation. He did not have 2 techs. He had 5 fouls.1 foul at the half and 1 foul early in the 3rd. The on the stokes block he picked up his third then the stupid tech was 2 more fouls. 5. So after that central took over. So second half no rucker and entire game no hollimon. They can't win without them 2

First off officials was horrible. Rucker never should have been kicked out of the game. In the first 2 minutes of the 3rd Quarter. And they wonder why the police was everywhere. After he was kicked out Central came back and took game over. So basically Melrose was without Rucker and Hollimon. Sorry Nate Jr I know u was ticked so please dont post anything while u in that frame of mind. OK my friend your son will be ok. Jermaine Hollimon was injured and did not play just in case anyone needed to know why.

Central has put themself in a bad situation after their brawl last night. They going to be short handed tomorrow night. Not good at Melrose

Possible but one thing i know is that him and Nate stay in foul Trouble. I saw Melrose play 6 Times this year and I was shocked at the fouls they call on him. The stats was ugly. Rucker had 26 fouls after the first 7 games. Black get his foule mostly because he try to block everything, Rucker get his because he is usually stronger than anyone else and in wrong place at wrong time. Post not really allowed to jockey anymore. Lot of away from the ball fouls that have nothign to do with the play. Thats why i said both of these guys will benefit from college play.

Forget it JodyJoe the Officials will never let it be a good game between Rucker and Black. Both of them will have 3 fouls in the first quarter. Both of their games are more taylored for the College level. I do know what u mean tho. I would love to see a good ole fashion big man battle. The Refs just will not allow it. They will hurt both of them with all that ticky tack calling. Memphis game more leaning for the Guards. Look how Black and Rucker both plays out of Memphis. Even in the Arby's Rucker was Stunning the crowd. Get back to memphis same ole same ole 2 fouls in the first quarter and all on soft calls. Shameful

From Rumors and sourses in chicago. Its said that Nate Rucker the big guy from Memphis Melrose Commited to Northern Illinois University on wed night. With him being an underside big man at 6"6 240 the MAC conference is getting a stud for sure. Waiting on the press releases. My old school going to have a lot of D1's coming up.

15-AAA Ridgeway Overton Houston Southwind Germantown Collierville Kirby Wooddale 16-AAA Melrose Hamilton Central White Station Whitehaven Mitchell East http://www.mcsk12.net/admin/studentprog ... edules.htm 16-AAA is brutal. With the addition of Mitchell and White Station. Every game will be important. Loosing Fairley, Kingsbury and Northside will make the district stronger. But with a strange 7 team league. U cant afford to loose 1 game in this league.

Got it. Thanks a lot.

Hey do that because I will not get to memphis to see any of the July tournaments. And here in knoxville Memphis is not a priority unless a player commit to Tn u know. O yea thanks for that info about they have videos on the select site. Saw it on Youtube also.

Hey Jody I have no problem admitting im wrong when i'm wrong. Just as a Class of 1984 Melrose Alum. Im a little biased. And i just thought Rucker was not getting any respect on any sites. Im from a time when Big men played like him rough and rugged. And I talked to Melrose coach on Nate and he said Nate has always been a victim of his size. Because memphis no longer has true big men like the 80s. I was shocked to find out his sister is Candace Rucker. That family must jump out of the roof at home. LOL. Back durning my time guards was 6"4, 6"5 and the big men were Bedford, Bailey, Lefester Rhodes and the Master Blaster and so on. He should have been developed early as a wing player but when u the tallest player on every team u play on u know what the problem is. He get stuck in the post. Then as JJ said coaches get caught up more into winning than player development. He said he been working Nate out on the wing also and that he will be a serious surprise next season. JJ also said durning the stretch that got them to the Substate Nate and hollimon was the catalyst that got them there not Thomas or Jones. Looking back at the tapes now I agree. He got black into foul trouble in the first quarter and down the stretch against WS he was scoring at will and in the loss to Egypt brown was in the same situation as black on the bench because of foul trouble because they was not strong enough to stop him in the post. So dont hate on me to bad jody im a Memphis guy living in Koxville and just stick up for my school underdog players. LOL. So Jody and all the other unbiased bloggers keep up the good work thats what make this site work. We all have opinions and no one is more important than the next person.

Terop I totally agree. Have not seen a top 50 player game out of black. I saw him play a few times this year And saw him get outplayed in the game against melrose in the region. And yea show me the other 17 players ahead of jackson. The kid has matured past just a scorer. On the melrose situation, you are so right about the melrose problem. Im a melrose alum living in knoxville. They have almost too much talent. U have Thomas, Jones, and the new kids with Rucker lost in the middle. Most kids there will have to show their stuff in the summer showcases. I dont think they will have the so called superstar that everyone come on here raving about because they are loaded from top to bottom. And I hope it dont effect the team. I want to see Hollimon and Rucker get their due before leaving. But they might just have to do that next week instead of depending on the sason. And not care about rankings and ratings. July make everyone even.

For some reason people keep omitting Nate Rucker out of Memphis melrose. To me he is one of the best big men in the state. Saw him play against most of the big men in memphis and they could not handle him down low. Even Black and tank brown was in foul trouble in the first quarter after sticking him. And Hall from Whitestation would not even stick him in the region championship. Saw him a few weeks back playing on the wing for memphis select and that was scary, because he was taking players off the dribble and embarrassing them. And he is starting to develop a decent jumper. Rumors is that he is going to Southern Miss where his sister Candace Rucker now plays. Does anyone else have any info who is looking at him? I just think he is very underrated on a superstar laden team. Jermaine hollimon is also another player thats getting high major looks but no respect in town. Coach Rhodes of memphis select said the phone rings off the hook for Rucker and hollimon. When people start rating seniors for next season and leave these 2 off must just go off whats in publications and have seen them play.

Thats nice melrose. So on that melrose tv will that be live games? and how do you set it up to do video