WKU Basketball: Previewing the Buffalo Bulls with UB Bull Run's Mike Turski
Mike Turski of SBNation's UB Bull Run stops by to give us the Buffalowdown on the Bulls.
Earlier this fall, we made tons of new internet friends when it looked like, for a couple of shining weeks, that the Hilltoppers would be MAC bound.
One of those friends, the fine folks over at SBNation’s UB Bull Run, were kind enough to answer a few questions about the Bulls ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Hilltoppers.
So, without further adieu, lets sit back, relax and learn a thing or two from UBBR’s Mike Turski.
The Towel Rack: What were the preseason expectations for this year's Bulls team and how have they been met so far?
Mike Turski: Expectations were high (conference championship and NCAA tourney) and the results have been mixed so far. An up half and a down half against Michigan and then some up and down results. Still finding their level. I don't think we know who this team is yet.
TTR: Buffalo is 4-3 but their schedule seems to tell the story of an up-and-down year: They've played close in losses to Michigan, Stony Brook and Stephen F. Austin and all of their wins have come against pretty so-so competition. I guess the question here is do you guys know what this UB team is yet, or has the season been as much a roller coaster ride in actuality as it seems to be on paper?
MT: (Laughs) See above. I had this exact response before even seeing your thoughts. Yes, spot on; inconsistent half-to-half and game-to-game. You see the upside, but get frustrated when they go long stretches not reaching it. Have four settled spots, but still finding a fifth guy for the main lineup, which is contributing to this.
TTR: Fill in the blank, Part 1: Buffalo is at their best when...
MT: Defending, rebounding and running off of it. Get energy from open court play, especially threes off the break.
TTR: Fill in the blank Part 2: When (blank) happens, it makes for a long night for the Bulls.
MT: The rebounding isn't reliable, it hampers their transition game and pace/tempo. Don't shoot great, partly why they struggle in half court.
TTR: Who are the one or two players WKU fans need to know ahead of tipoff on Wednesday?
MT: Jeenathan Williams is the do-it-all guy and best scorer and player. Josh Mballa is primary interior player and Ronaldo Segu is [the] point guard\ and key to limiting turnovers.
TTR: Got a prediction for us?
Depends on which Bulls team shows up; either team could win by 20. I think, maybe, that they found a few things Saturday in a road loss at St. Bona and may be ready to settle in and roll a bit. I'd pick the Bulls by 6-8, but am, admittedly, not overly confident that will prove true.
We want to thank Mike for taking time to answer our questions.
Once again, be sure you go give the Bull Run crew some love.