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Post by Psychopotamus on Feb 2, 2003 9:05:19 GMT -5
i'm just repeating what my volleyball friend has told me, so i might be wrong, but the middle blocker position doesn't necessarily mean the best blocker on the team, though it usually does. she said that it just means it's the blocker in the middle of a triple block or the blocker closest to the center of the net in a double block. so it's just the person who's tallest? someone please correct me if i'm wrong. My observation is that the MB is usually the best laterally moving blocker. I have seen a number of MBs who don't close the net the best, but do a great job of anticipating where the set is going. Usually it is the biggest/best blocker considering how important height is to covering the net. Thomas isn't a fabulous blocking middle, but I think he is in there more for how well he hits the quick.
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Post by VBCrusin on Feb 2, 2003 13:41:46 GMT -5
Very perceptive concerning MBs, Not Richee. I've seen very tall players who didn't have fast feet to close the net angles, nor could they anticipate who would be set next. On the other side, I've known MBs who were 6'5" with a great vertical leap, great foot speed and an intuitive reaction to proposed sets to deliver a tremendous BLOCK. At times, Delano Thomas is an awesome middle with raw talent and good hang time. He is getting better with each game, but lacks consistency in the blocks. He quick-hits well, and works well in the Hawaii offensive threat. I agree with you on the "quick hits" with many middles...this year I've witnessed two middles who are 6'10" (different teams) who had adequate quick hit abilities, but don't dominate the blocking stats (at that height they should). Tall or not-so-tall, blocking is an "art form" mastered by few. Check out Pepperdine's MB Brad Keenan who I consider the BEST middle in the nation. At 6'8", he has it all...blocking, quick hits, foot speed, passing ability, a thunderous serve and rocket kill... incidentally, have you ever notice his arms? He has a wingspan of a seven footer which helps in his "roofing." He ended up 2nd in blocking last year...he's shooting for the top spot this year. Fans love to see some awesome kills from big hitters, but I LOVE to see a dominate middle do his thing. Nothing deflates a hitter more than a Big roof block.
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Post by roy on Feb 2, 2003 18:05:15 GMT -5
I doubt UCI plays anymore games in the bren. Not exactly a good streak in there, heh. I think Crawford is probably more comfortable for the players, and less comfortable for opposing teams(and the audience, unfortunately). There were some CIA guys there tonight, but a lot of people were turned off knowing there wouldn't be room. There was the basketball game too. And of course, though I hate to say it, Irvine fans aren't exactly the most dedicated of fans. When you're hot, they love you. Lose some games, and they don't know who you are. I think it will be interesting to see how UCI responds to the road. They won on the road against UCLA, Pepperdine, and UCSB and wins on nuetral courts against Stanford. But we saw last year as two good teams go at it, that on a nuetral court, anything can happen. Pepperdine beat Hawaii 3 straight times in Malibu but in Penn State, it was a totally different story. The Bren Center seemed more unfamilar to UCI so it is possible it was more like a nuetral court. If UCI does make it to the Final Four (who would have guessed a statement like that would have been made), it will be interesting to see how they fair against another team. This is all speculation, so any input from the UCI fans would be appreciated.
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Post by watcher on Feb 3, 2003 0:28:56 GMT -5
The name of the game is not always having the best individual player but having the best team. UCI has great TEAM chemistry!! They are unsung stars that have tremdous heart and play very well together. And the results prove true! The fallen teams are probably some of the best traditional volleyball schools around...UCLA (2), Peperdine, UCSB, Stanford, Hawaii. The season is a long one and after 12 games I'm not ready to crown UCI National Champions but I will say if they keep playing together they have as good a shot as anybody else! Give them time and they can make the Bren as much a home gym advantage as anybody. The 3,200 fans Friday made it a great game and the CIA can make it feel more at home!!!
GO EATERS!!!!!
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