Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

[Deuce2223]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Won't be able to do a game til next week. Sorry everyone.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Hopefully I'll get a few games in tomorrow night!

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Panthers shock Tigers!




Auburn bench after hitting a 3

Auburn,AL-The Florida Panthers (88 Overall) traveled to Auburn for their for their first true test of the year. The Auburn Tigers (84 Overall) came into the game at 3-0, as did the Panthers. The Panthers knew that they would be battled tested, and Auburn gave them just that. A team that will struggle to compete in the SEC this year needs to get some early wins for confidence. The Panthers are looking for a Sun Belt conference title and a birth to the NCAA tournament. At half the Panthers went into the locker room leading 38-33. They shot the ball out of their mind going 60% in the first half and knew that it wouldn't continue so they decided if they were going to win this game they needed to lock down on the defensive end. They followed through with the promise they gave limiting the Tigers to just 26 second half points, and escaping with a 65-59 victory. Tommy Clayton led the way for the Panthers scoring 12 points, and also dropping 6 dimes. Johnathen Mulligan was also a big boost off the bench also scoring 12 points, going 5-6 from the field. Coach Turner's thoughts are listed below.

"We played a great game. All 40 minutes of it we were focused, and we knew that we were not going to let down. Every player has confidence in each other and that means so much in these type of games. I want our guys to build on this and keep rolling for the rest of the season.

[Deuce2223]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Nice win, your team is rated really high (88), must me nice, OSU is just a 82 in my first year.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

FIU goes 2-0 on homestand; Signs 2 recruits



Game 1 of the two game home stand had FIU facing off against UTSA Roadrunners. The Roadrunners come into the game at 2-2, but started off like a 4-0 team. The starting center's of both teams stole the show. UTSA's Oswaldo Nesovic dropped in a game high 36, getting to the line 20 times, but only making 6 of them. FIU's Sonny Byrd scored 24 of his own, going 10 of 13 from the floor. FIU takes this one 89-78.

The 2nd game had the Panthers going against struggling Alabama State with a record of 1-3. That didn't stop them from playing a great first half, going in leading by 3. The 2nd half was a different story though, as FIU outscored Alabama State 53-40. Sonny Byrd led the way again going for 13 and 9. The Panthers advance to 6-0 winning 89-79. They now face off against Texas who is 5-2 on the year.

Florida International also signed 2 guys over the In-Season signing period.
2 Star SF Eni Soto - 6'5" 199 Pounds
2 Star C Channing Hamilton - 6'10" 218 Pounds

Coach's thoughts on the signings

These guys have been interested in us since the day we pursued them. We loved that from them, because it showed us that they wanted to play for us. Yes, they are only 2 stars, but they will develop into superstars one day. We are also pursuing 4 star JC PG Collins Leach, and a few others as we still have 3 remaining schollys.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Texas kills Florida International



Austin,TX-The game between Florida International (88) and Texas (94) was supposed to be close. It was not though. Texas won the game 70-41. After Florida International jumped out to a hot start with a 12-4 lead, everything fell apart. Every time down the court, the Panthers were shooting themselves in the foot, finishing with 21 turnovers. Texas also shot the ball extremely well from deep going 11-21. Any team that shoots that well is going to be hard to beat. Florida International also had a tough time getting any offense going, finishing the game with only 41 points. Halston Mark of Texas finished the game with a team high 19 points, going 5-10 from deep. Not one player from FIU scored above 10 points. FIU now has 3 games left in the non-conference schedule that should be winnable, one of them being @ UC Davis, coach Turner's old school. Turner's thoughts on the game are listed below.

They were good. Very very good in fact. However, I don't want to have this game be all negative. We played bad, yes. But we could be better. We play them 100 times, they win 95 of them. I was hoping this would be 1 of the 5 we would win, but it wasn't our night. Texas is the team that I want to build this program into someday.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

FIU 8-1 heading into UC Davis matchup

The first game had FIU going up against Loyola (MD). Loyola came into the game with a record of 2-8, so the Panthers knew what needed to be done. The Panthers did just that winning 73-55. Theodore Haney led the way for Florida International with 17 points and 7 rebounds.

Game 2 was FIU facing off with Gardner-Webb. Once again, the Panthers should win, and they delivered winning 93-83. Just like last game, Theodore Haney led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Josh Powell was also a spark off the bench scoring 15 points.

The Panthers will now travel to UC Davis to face the Aggies in the last out of conference game of the year. Coach's thoughts for that game are listed below.

I'm excited. I wanted to go back, and I am glad both AD's could set up this great opportunity for me. They're having a down year only being 2-7, but I know they will get back on track and finish the year strong. However, I need to remember we still have a game to be played, and winning will be the first priority.

[Deuce2223]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

I am curious why sign 2* guy's in-season. Florida is a recruiting hotbed and I would think you should be able to land at least 3* guy's easy. You should really focus on looking for guy's who don't have any scholarship offers after the in-season is over and target them. Also same after the off-season. I typically can always find a 4* guy who has no offers and for me last year it turned out to be 5* AA PG R. Spears.

[southernmetalhead]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Nice start to the season. Things seem to be rolling for FIU at 8-1. I'm like Deuce though, I thought you would probably be doing a little better recruiting than just getting 2 stars.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

I am curious why sign 2* guy's in-season. Florida is a recruiting hotbed and I would think you should be able to land at least 3* guy's easy. You should really focus on looking for guy's who don't have any scholarship offers after the in-season is over and target them. Also same after the off-season. I typically can always find a 4* guy who has no offers and for me last year it turned out to be 5* AA PG R. Spears.

I'm on the top of 2 4 stars, and a 3 star with B+ Shooting. This class won't be a bust at all. These guys I signed can also shoot the ball (B+ and B) which is what I'm looking for. At the end of the day, stars mean nothing. It's all about building the system the way you want it to look.

[Deuce2223]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

I'm on the top of 2 4 stars, and a 3 star with B+ Shooting. This class won't be a bust at all. These guys I signed can also shoot the ball (B+ and B) which is what I'm looking for. At the end of the day, stars mean nothing. It's all about building the system the way you want it to look.

Gotcha, I didn't realize you still had 3 scholarships left, and you are correct you can find a 2* who can shoot the ball and sometimes that is all you need out of bench/role type player. I am currently using a 2* walkon SG who has a 71 3pt rating as my 10th man.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Panther's win in Turners return

Davis,CA-Coach Ray Turner made his homecoming party a party to forget for UC Davis. After only being down by 1 at half, the Aggies had some hope. That was until the 2nd half when the Aggies were outscored 40-29 in route to a 68-56 victory for the Panthers, who go into conference season with a 9-1 record. Fransisco Loughton, an ex-player for Turner led the way for the Aggies with 15 points, while also adding 6 assist. Only one player broke 10 points for the Panthers, and that player was Johnathon Mulligen who had 12 points. FIU now travels to North Texas for the conference opener. North Texas is 3-5. Look at Turner's post game below.

It was fun. The team honored me, but most importantly they came to play. I wanted a challenge, and I was glad they gave us one. Our guys need to learn how to handle themselves in close games, and they showed me tonight that they can. With only day off, the subbing pattern will be a little different. I want to go to North Texas and leave with a win though.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

FIU off to hot start

The first in conference game had FIU heading to North Texas. North Texas came into the game with a record of 3-5, but played better than that. Leading by 9 at the half, things didn't look good for the Panthers. However, coach gave a good half time speech and the Panthers came away victorious 87-78. Kent Perez led the way for the Panthers scoring 13 points, and knocking in 2 three pointers.

The 2nd game had FIU at home against in state rival Florida Atlantic. FAU came into the game with a record of 5-5. It was an evenly matched game, but FIU pulled away with the victory 83-78. Kent Perez once again led the way scoring 20 points, going 4-6 from deep. Sonny Byrd also dropped in 12 points, while grabbing 8 boards.

Game 3 was struggling New Orleans, who came into the game with a record of 3-7. This one was ugly from the start, as Florida International won the game 91-75. The Panthers had 5 guys in double figures, with Tommy Clayton ahead of the pack. Clayton had 19 points, getting 11 of them from the free throw line.

The final had FIU going to Denver. Denver comes into the game with a record of 6-6, but played like a 3-6 team. FIU jumped out early, and never looked back winning 77-63. Chas Meiinieweather was the game high scorer scoring 17 points, with 2 three pointers. Theodorre Haney also had a double double. The Panthers advance to 13-1 on the year, and 4-0 in conference play. They are tied with ULM, and they will head to ULM on Saturday, as the winner gets conference bragging rights. Florida International also comes in ranked #19 on this weeks Mid-Major poll. They also boast the 25th best RPI, which could come in handy come selection Sunday.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

Panthers take conference lead

59

@

54

Monroe,LA-The Florida International Panthers and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks clashed Saturday night. Whoever won the game would hold sole lead on the rest of the conference. FIU knew the opportunity they were receiving, but knew that it would be tough. After falling out of the gates to a 9-2 disadvantage, coach Turner called a timeout. He asked the players if they really wanted to be there, and it seems like they did. Right after the timeout, FIU ran a backdoor cut that Tyler Haney a wide open dunk. This seemed to jump start the guys, but they still went into the half down 4. The 2nd half was a different story however, as the Panthers really picked it up on defense holding ULM to 20 2nd half points. Tyler Haney was the leading scorer for the Panthers, and he had 10. The thing that one the game today though, was the free throw shooting. They knew they needed to get to the line, and they did just that going 21-29 on free throws. The Panthers know face 5 sub .500 teams before heading to Western Kentucky.

[milldaddy35]

Re: Ray Turner Coaching Legacy | CH2K8

FIU goes 4-1, still on top of conference

In the first game, FIU defended home court to struggling Middle Tennessee. They came into the game with a 6-7 record, after being projected to finish 2nd in the conference. This was a battle the whole way however, but FIU proved to be to much as Chas Minnieweather buried his only 3 pointer of the game to win it, by a score of 78-75. Chas was the leading scorer with 16, as he also went 5-6 from the line.

The 2nd game was at 7-8 UL Lafayette. Lafayette was led by Junior Center Walk Konopka, who was his team's leading scorer with 17. However, that was not enough as FIU waltzed its way to a 76-54 victory. Kent Perez, the Panthers starting shooting guard led the team with 19 points, going 7-8 from the field.

The 3rd game was once again back at home, as FIU battled with the Arkansas State Red Wolves. There was not much defense played in this game, as some confused it with the NBA's all star game. Arkansas State's Ken Rand led all scorers dropping 23 points, going 10-19. This was not enough of an answer for FIU though, as they take this game 96-91. The Panthers were led by power forward Tyler Haney, who scored 22 points. Sonny Byrd also had a double-double going 13 and 12.

In game 4 FIU stayed home to play South Alabama. South Alabama came into the game with a 9-9 record, but not many were choosing South Alabama to win this game. They proved those people wrong however, winning the game 92-80. FIU was led by point guard Tommy Clayton's 19 points, but he was no match for South Alabama's Jermery Waters, who scored a career high 32 en route to the victory.

The 5th and final game had the 4-14 Troy Trojan's coming to town. Most were predicting this game to be a blow out, but it was closer than expected. FIU still ended up taking this game 72-61. Sonny Byrd was the games leading scorer, scoring 14 points in just 20 minutes of action. FIU advances to 18-2 on the year, and 9-1 in conference. They now travel to Western Kentucky who is 12-7 on the year.