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Post by rogero1 on Aug 23, 2008 1:04:39 GMT -5
How about if we still played the old "side-out" scoring system? NBC would have been screaming that the last 2 men's matches would have taken over 3 hours easily. It would be great for the old traditionalists, but NBC would have lost most viewers by set 3 and would have never seen the last set.
If USA Volleyball can convert these medals into $$$ for their programs (national teams, national tournaments, and juniors), then I believe that this will have a trickle down effect to recruiting new players at the grassroots level. We need a pro league in this country to keep our players at home to keep improving OUR level and not all the other countries. We still are waiting for our best players to come back from the overseas leagues before each major competiton. We have some great up and coming players who can benefit from our veterans' experiences. Just because there is a great collegiate player does not mean they are going to end up being a great international player right away. How does one start a dynasty? Make sure you have replacements who can surpass the previous generation.
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Post by bownlovingfreak on Aug 23, 2008 1:10:02 GMT -5
Out of curiosity
USA had a pro-league at some point right? Were there foreigners involved?
I'm thinking of a team called the Minnesota Chill or something. Am I going crazy?
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Post by rogero1 on Aug 23, 2008 1:21:53 GMT -5
Out of curiosity USA had a pro-league at some point right? Were there foreigners involved? I'm thinking of a team called the Minnesota Chill or something. Am I going crazy? There was also the Chicago Thunder, Grand Rapids Force, and a team in St. Louis. United States Professional Volleyball was the name of this latest entry into a women's pro volleyball league from 2000-2002. There were a couple of foreign players who were drafted from American universities. There were no foreign pro players who came over to play. Previous to the USPV, there was Major League Volleyball (1987-1988) and IVA (a co-ed pro league based in CA) back in the early '70s. There has not been a men's pro league attempt (yet).
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Post by vbnerd on Aug 23, 2008 1:48:35 GMT -5
Men's Beach - We should expect Rogers to be back, for one more cycle, right? If not, could Rosenthal and Dalhausser contend? I believe we are the best beach country in the world so we should find at least one team that can contend.
Women's Beach - Do we expect Misty May to come back after starting a family? I thought the conventional wisdom was otherwise but I don't follow May-Walsh enough to know. Might Walsh compete with someone else for one more medal? If we need to turn the page completely, players like Ross and Engle show promise so the parts are there to compete with the Brazilians, the Chinese, and at some point, perhaps even in 2012 the French will be formidible with Alex Jupiter on the beach.
Men's Indoor - Sean Rooney is going to be a fine replacement. Matt Anderson is getting a head start on his international experience and should be ready for 2012. The question is if there is if Hansen or another setter can be ready by then. I think the answer the that will echo to a number of other questions about the men's national team.
Women's Indoor - We will have some stunning athletes available - Nnamani, Hodge, Hooker, Akinradewo, Kim and Alisha Glass to name a few, and some players like Davis should only get better. Also, if they can keep Ashley Engle indoors, do they move to a true 6-2 with Engle and Kelly Murphy? Before the games the thoughts among some in the know was that Lan Ping would move on after the games, but I don't see how USAV doesn't go out of their way to let her rebuild this team after this run...and I could imagine that being the crowbar to finally move the team to SoCal, where Jenny's daughter is.
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Post by rogero1 on Aug 23, 2008 2:02:10 GMT -5
Men's Beach - We should expect Rogers to be back, for one more cycle, right? If not, could Rosenthal and Dalhausser contend? I believe we are the best beach country in the world so we should find at least one team that can contend. Women's Beach - Do we expect Misty May to come back after starting a family? I thought the conventional wisdom was otherwise but I don't follow May-Walsh enough to know. Might Walsh compete with someone else for one more medal? If we need to turn the page completely, players like Ross and Engle show promise so the parts are there to compete with the Brazilians, the Chinese, and at some point, perhaps even in 2012 the French will be formidable with Alex Jupiter on the beach. Men's Indoor - Sean Rooney is going to be a fine replacement. Matt Anderson is getting a head start on his international experience and should be ready for 2012. The question is if there is if Hansen or another setter can be ready by then. I think the answer the that will echo to a number of other questions about the men's national team. Women's Indoor - We will have some stunning athletes available - Nnamani, Hodge, Hooker, Akinradewo, Kim and Alisha Glass to name a few, and some players like Davis should only get better. Also, if they can keep Ashley Engle indoors, do they move to a true 6-2 with Engle and Kelly Murphy? Before the games the thoughts among some in the know was that Lan Ping would move on after the games, but I don't see how USAV doesn't go out of their way to let her rebuild this team after this run...and I could imagine that being the crowbar to finally move the team to SoCal, where Jenny's daughter is. Men's beach - Rogers will be 36 by London. Depends on how he holds up the next couple of years. Women's beach - Both Misty & Kerri want to start their families. I doubt they will qualify in time for 2012. Having a baby can take a lot out of some people. Both indoor teams will need extensive retooling as both have quite a few veteran players who are on their last Olympics. Biggest questions are will both or either head coach return for another quadrennial?
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Post by totesmasc4masc on Aug 23, 2008 4:49:26 GMT -5
Men's Beach - We should expect Rogers to be back, for one more cycle, right? If not, could Rosenthal and Dalhausser contend? I believe we are the best beach country in the world so we should find at least one team that can contend. Women's Beach - Do we expect Misty May to come back after starting a family? I thought the conventional wisdom was otherwise but I don't follow May-Walsh enough to know. Might Walsh compete with someone else for one more medal? If we need to turn the page completely, players like Ross and Engle show promise so the parts are there to compete with the Brazilians, the Chinese, and at some point, perhaps even in 2012 the French will be formidable with Alex Jupiter on the beach. Men's Indoor - Sean Rooney is going to be a fine replacement. Matt Anderson is getting a head start on his international experience and should be ready for 2012. The question is if there is if Hansen or another setter can be ready by then. I think the answer the that will echo to a number of other questions about the men's national team. Women's Indoor - We will have some stunning athletes available - Nnamani, Hodge, Hooker, Akinradewo, Kim and Alisha Glass to name a few, and some players like Davis should only get better. Also, if they can keep Ashley Engle indoors, do they move to a true 6-2 with Engle and Kelly Murphy? Before the games the thoughts among some in the know was that Lan Ping would move on after the games, but I don't see how USAV doesn't go out of their way to let her rebuild this team after this run...and I could imagine that being the crowbar to finally move the team to SoCal, where Jenny's daughter is. Men's beach - Rogers will be 36 by London. Depends on how he holds up the next couple of years. Women's beach - Both Misty & Kerri want to start their families. I doubt they will qualify in time for 2012. Having a baby can take a lot out of some people. Both indoor teams will need extensive retooling as both have quite a few veteran players who are on their last Olympics. Biggest questions are will both or either head coach return for another quadrennial? Women's Beach- I really think you''ll see Barboza/Larson begin to shine by 2012. Not sure if they have the firepower to make it as consistent options at the OH for the national team, but I think they'd be tailor-made for the beach. Didn't Logan dabble in the sand for a bit? Could she be paired with Kerri if Misty's done? Women's Indoor- Scott and Ah-Mow are dunski. Maybe Bown as well? I'm assuming Akinradewo and Joines will be ready to slip into the MB slots and McGinnis/Spicer could be groomed for that setter position. The next oldest players are Haneef/Tom/Berg/Sykora/Willoughby(born from 77-80), leaving them in that late 20's early 30's age. OHs-to choose from: Hodge/Faucette/Fawcett/Klineman/Hooker + Barboza/Larson. Miyashiro has to be considered as the best libero prospect right now. And again, Spicer/McGinnis have the chance to be special+ Thompson had some experience this past year. Assuming everyone (assuming the worst) who's over 30 by 2012 leaves(options are alphabetical): MB: New MBs (Akinradewo? Harmotto? Joines? Stalls? Wilson? ) S: New Setter (Engle? McGinnis? Spicer? Thompson?) OH: Glass/Nnamani who'll be 28-29 (Barboza/Faucette/Fawcett/Hodge/Klineman/Larson..the list goes on) OPP: New Opp (Fonoimoana ;D) Libero: Davis (T. Ailes? Miyashiro?) This is the absolute worst case scenario I guess. Best case- We only have to replace our MBs and only one of our S positions?
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Post by volleysean27 on Aug 23, 2008 9:18:04 GMT -5
I think you will see a new breed of players for the2012 games.. The indoor teams will be very good, if the usva does its job it wil field ateam with a mixture of vets and newcomers. The big question is will they move the womens training to so cal so they can keep Lang Ping. The choice is obvious there. Here is my break down of what 2012 should look like
Mens Indoor: David Lee will be the one of the best middles in the world, I hope Rooney sticks around cause he is the next great OH for the US, but hints are that he is heading back to the beach, Stanley should be the go to guy, Hansen and Jon Winder will battle for the setting job
Womens Indoor: This team should be very good if they stick together, McGinnis and Spicer should be given the opportunities to train full team right away. The big question is Logan Tom, she has already express her intentions to qualify for the 2012 in the beach so that would leave Glass/Nnamani/Willoughby/Hodge/Klineman will battle for the spots, I expect someone out of the radar to make a splash.. the middles should be very strong, Akinradewo/Joines/Paolini, the opposite should be between Fonoimoana and Engle, with Engle more of a utility player. Fonoimoana will be a beast at opposite, but then again Engle could hit the beach.
Womens beach: the talks of Larson/Barboza partnership is absurb, most players coming out of college cannot make up the experience playing in the beach. As you have notice it takes years to master the beach game, and the fact that they are from the US, in which the talent pool is big, it is likely that they will make an impact. I expect Walsh/Tom and Branagh/Ross to partner up and make the olympic team.
Mens Beach: this is where it gets tricky because there are so many mens players in the US pool, it all depends on who gets hot and the right partnerships. There are currently so many big players in the beach game. Dalhauser, Gibb, Williams, Lambert etc.. I will go out in a limb and say Dalhauser/Rogers will stick it out and try to defend there 2008 title. Rosenthal will possible team up with Rooney who is a great blocker or possible Mark Williams.
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Post by pogoball on Aug 23, 2008 11:44:37 GMT -5
Volleysean, good general analysis. I don't know enough about Men's indoor, but I suspect that it will be a down cycle unless we have an unusually talented group of committed young ones ready to come up.
I think beach is completely up in the air for both men's and women's. I agree that there is no chance of someone currently in college being able to qualify by 2012. I know McGinnis/Price grew up together and talked about playing beach, but I'm guessing that's no longer the case. Jenny Johnson-Jordan and Annette Davis had babies the year after the Olys and qualified for the next cycle, so I see no reason Walsh & May couldn't do the same.
Gibb is 32. 36 is still often a very productive age for a big volleyball player, so I wouldn't count him out.
Women's indoor -- I don't know how many of you caught Misty's comment in an interview that she might go back to the indoor team. It was more of an off-the-cuff comment, so I'm guessing that she wouldn't do it after more sober reflection.
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Post by OverAndUnder on Aug 25, 2008 12:22:10 GMT -5
It's interesting that almost all the people saying "Move women's volleyball to Anaheim so we can keep Lang Ping", as if the idea were a just-discovered consequence of our strong finish, already had this on their agenda before Lang Ping was an issue. Kinda like the plans for attacking Iraq that pre-dated 9/11.
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Post by Keystonekid on Aug 25, 2008 12:47:05 GMT -5
Barboza and larson isn't absurd at all. If my math is correct 2012 is 4 years from now. I do agree the transition takes time, but 4 years for players who have incredible all around skills, is hardly absurd. How long did it take Walsh to transition from indoor to great beach?
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Post by VolleyTX on Aug 25, 2008 13:14:39 GMT -5
Just my opinion.... but NNamani is done at the left side hitter position. She has had 4 years since Athens, yet she still is a horrible passer/defender. Either the US system changes, or she needs to start playing on the Right side.
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Post by Murina on Aug 25, 2008 14:29:26 GMT -5
Interesting. My $.02:
Setters: lots of potential in McGinnis and others. OH: Willoughby, Glass would be a nice combination 4 years from now. Hodge will get 3 international seasons in which should be enough if she goes to the right clubs. Larson is going to need a few professional seasons I think. Fawcette and Klineman will be developmentally young still.
MB: Akinradewo is going to play? I thought she was going to medical school? If she plays that helps! Crimes, Harmotto... I like these names and could be coming together in 2012. I'm still the only one who think Nnamani's best role is M2...
OP: I never here Fawcett's name for this role, but it might suit her. Engle is going to need more heat. Hooker? Isn't Fonoimoana going to college? I also doubt she would waste her time indoors anyway. Maybe either Fawcette or Klineman here?
L: I have to believe the USA can do better than just a solid player at this position. Barboza?
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Post by beachman on Aug 25, 2008 14:32:44 GMT -5
This is big for USA volleyball!!! Yes, who would have thunk? Only if USA Volleyball can capitalize on all the medals. I absolutely and totally agree with your comment....USA Volleyball has to be 'creative' enough to figure out how to capitalize on the successes of these two teams so that they can continue to build the programs, both of them.....
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Post by pogoball on Aug 25, 2008 14:46:31 GMT -5
Barboza and larson isn't absurd at all. If my math is correct 2012 is 4 years from now. I do agree the transition takes time, but 4 years for players who have incredible all around skills, is hardly absurd. How long did it take Walsh to transition from indoor to great beach? Don't forget that it's a 2-year qualification process. They would be graduating next year, so they would only have a one year learning curve before the matches counted. Walsh started 2 years with the national team before beach and May grew up with a beach volleyball legend and both were able to partner immediately with one of the best players in America -- BECAUSE of these proven backgrounds. Not a good comparison, really. I can go into much more detail, but basically, their best chance would be to show so much potential in their first year on the beach that one of the top players in America would pick them up as a partner instead of partnering with a proven player. It would likely be a financial hit for that player as well (short term pain for long term gain). final edit: Just forgot that they could start beach next year. That gives them 2 years to show that potential. I wouldn't bet on it, but I wouldn't call it absurd, either.
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Post by Keystonekid on Aug 25, 2008 15:20:33 GMT -5
why wouldn't Walsh be a good comparison? Which is the person I brought up in the first place. Obviously May had previous beach experience. The qualification process being what it is would make it tough, I agree completely. Tough? maybe. Absurd? Not at all.
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