Falker vs. Funk

[JayBacker]

Alright I am new to this and I have been reading about how some believe Falker should be POY and since I am obviously going to be biased I believe Funk should be. What is everyone's thoughts, especially from fans of other teams becauase we all know who Creighton and SIU fans are going to choose.

[MVC 4 Life]

It is easy. It depends on who ever wins the valley or ever has the #1 sead in St. Louis.

[MSNSaluki]

It is easy. It depends on who ever wins the valley or ever has the #1 sead in St. Louis.

End of thread.
Thanks!

[jaypharmalum]

It is easy. It depends on who ever wins the valley or ever has the #1 sead in St. Louis.

It is easy, the POY is Nathan Funk of Creighton. Mark it down in ink or indelible pencil because you won't need to make any corrections.

[MVC 4 Life]

It is easy, the POY is Nathan Funk of Creighton. Mark it down in ink or indelible pencil because you won't need to make any corrections.

I am sure that is what you were thinking at half time of the :aces: vs :jays: game last night.

[Jayfan]

I am sure that is what you were thinking at half time of the :aces: vs :jays: game last night.


Good thing they play two halves in college basketball!

[DawgieStyle]

It is easy, the POY is Nathan Funk of Creighton. Mark it down in ink or indelible pencil because you won't need to make any corrections.

this is always fun for me to compare guards vs. big men. The arguement for Funk is that he always gets his points in every game and he is constant, which typically translates into the arguement against Falker in that he doesn't score a lot of points every single night out. However people forget one important item in that No one is ever double or even Triple teaming Nate Funk so it is much easier to "get" his points.

When Falker is double or sometimes triple teamed almost every single time down the court its pretty amazing to me that he still scores as many points as he does every game. Add in fact that simply by him being in the game and drawing that much attention he is helping his teammates find open shots, etc.

I honestly can't say much about Funk's defense, but I'm pretty confident its no better than Falker's. Add in Randal's rebounding ability and shot blocking this year, he has been quite impressive even with the double and triple teaming.

For me the answer to the MVC POY is simple. I'm biased yes, but my rationale above is not. It is simply more impressive and tougher to do what Randal has done when he is going up against double and triple coverage, while Nate Funk is guarded one on one.

Randal is the POY right now, there are still some games left, but unless things change drastically that is my explanation.

[MVC 4 Life]

Good thing they play two halves in college basketball!

you got me there. What was Funks line last night. I am lazy.

[cbjay]

7-10 from the field (4-7 three point shots), 1-1 FT, 2 RB, 7 assists, 1 block, 2 TO, 19 points.

Also, it should be pointed out that Funk has played out of position nearly 90% of the season and while he is rarely double teamed, the past few games he's been boxed and oned frequently. Not saying he's unquestionably POY but wouldn't exactly say he's just a shooter who doesn't play defense.

[cbjay]

this is always fun for me to compare guards vs. big men. The arguement for Funk is that he always gets his points in every game and he is constant, which typically translates into the arguement against Falker in that he doesn't score a lot of points every single night out. However people forget one important item in that No one is ever double or even Triple teaming Nate Funk so it is much easier to "get" his points.

When Falker is double or sometimes triple teamed almost every single time down the court its pretty amazing to me that he still scores as many points as he does every game. Add in fact that simply by him being in the game and drawing that much attention he is helping his teammates find open shots, etc.

I honestly can't say much about Funk's defense, but I'm pretty confident its no better than Falker's. Add in Randal's rebounding ability and shot blocking this year, he has been quite impressive even with the double and triple teaming.

For me the answer to the MVC POY is simple. I'm biased yes, but my rationale above is not. It is simply more impressive and tougher to do what Randal has done when he is going up against double and triple coverage, while Nate Funk is guarded one on one.

Randal is the POY right now, there are still some games left, but unless things change drastically that is my explanation.

While I certainly don't squirrel away quotes like some people on this board, aren't you the one who insisted that prior to the season that Funk wouldn't be the same player he'd been prior to his injury and that, in your opinion, really wasn't much of a player before that anyway? Not trying to call you out (not my style) but isn't that what you kept posting?

[Majik45]

I think Funk had 19 last night.

I really believe it will be whoever wins the regular season crown. Funk and Falker are both very deserving.

[TrueBlueJay]

this is always fun for me to compare guards vs. big men. The arguement for Funk is that he always gets his points in every game and he is constant, which typically translates into the arguement against Falker in that he doesn't score a lot of points every single night out. However people forget one important item in that No one is ever double or even Triple teaming Nate Funk so it is much easier to "get" his points.

When Falker is double or sometimes triple teamed almost every single time down the court its pretty amazing to me that he still scores as many points as he does every game. Add in fact that simply by him being in the game and drawing that much attention he is helping his teammates find open shots, etc.

I honestly can't say much about Funk's defense, but I'm pretty confident its no better than Falker's. Add in Randal's rebounding ability and shot blocking this year, he has been quite impressive even with the double and triple teaming.

For me the answer to the MVC POY is simple. I'm biased yes, but my rationale above is not. It is simply more impressive and tougher to do what Randal has done when he is going up against double and triple coverage, while Nate Funk is guarded one on one.

Randal is the POY right now, there are still some games left, but unless things change drastically that is my explanation.

They just run a Box and One on Funk is all.

I'll make a wager with you...Funk gets POY - loser must not post for 1 month.

[DawgieStyle]

While I certainly don't squirrel away quotes like some people on this board, aren't you the one who insisted that prior to the season that Funk wouldn't be the same player he'd been prior to his injury and that, in your opinion, really wasn't much of a player before that anyway? Not trying to call you out (not my style) but isn't that what you kept posting?

just answering the ? to the thread that's all.

Notice I picked Falker, not Funk for POY.

I think Funk is a quality player. Did he recover from his injury better than I thought he would, yes. But that was an unknown and I guessed the wrong way. It happens.

I never said Funk wasn't a good players, what I did say was that I didn't think he was the best player in the Valley. And no offense, I still believe that, which is obvious in my pick for POY.

[WSUbballer]

I'm biased yes
Thanks!

[3ontheway]

Its hard to say. Both are very good players. Falker is kind of a goon IMO, albeit a damn good one that can change the game from all over the court. Funk is just smooth and gets his 20 quietly and has been playing out of position all year.

As a Jay fan based on the first game b/n the teams it would be hard to imagine Falker not getting it. They play 17 other games though.

I can't remember a big man winning the award as it still is a guard oriented league by far.

Gotta go with NF!! :jays:

[Maggie]

I can't remember a big man winning the award as it still is a guard oriented league by far.

If memory serves some guy named Paul Miller was the POY last year.

That being said, I don't care who wins but I kind of hope it is Falker. Funk annoys me for some reason.

[3ontheway]

Oops about Miller, but out of the last 7 or 8 seasons that may be it for the big men. My memory is early Alzheimers. My wife reminds me constantly.

Focker really annoys me, but I respect how hard he plays.

That said, Nate deserves it more. I kind of think whoever wins the conf. that player will get it.

[DoubleJayAlum]

this is always fun for me to compare guards vs. big men. The arguement for Funk is that he always gets his points in every game and he is constant, which typically translates into the arguement against Falker in that he doesn't score a lot of points every single night out. However people forget one important item in that No one is ever double or even Triple teaming Nate Funk so it is much easier to "get" his points.


Hey Darth Vader:

Do you watch or follow any MVC games other than those SIU plays in? Your quote above is completely ridiculous. Many other MVc teams are running a box and one on Funk. Any credibility you had in reference to POY is out the window.

Funk is averaging close to 20 points a game in conference games, pulls down several rebounds a game, books multiple assists per game and is a great defender. More importantly, nobody has ever accused Funk of not bringing his all every night - the same can't be said about Falker...

[MoValley John]

The few games I've attended, Funk was doubled. I'm not taking a stance on the Falker/ Funk thing, but on how teams defend Funk, Dawgie is il-informed at best.

[SiuCubFan8]

RF does have some impressive stats in the MVC.
15 pts
8.2 Rbs Leads conference in offensive Rbs at 2.3
2.3 Blks

I bet Funk gets it but either one is an excellent choice.

[DawgieStyle]

The few games I've attended, Funk was doubled. I'm not taking a stance on the Falker/ Funk thing, but on how teams defend Funk, Dawgie is il-informed at best.

a box and one is not the same as having 3 guys leaning right on you in a triple team. I'm sorry that is much more physical and tougher to beat. I'm fullly aware of what a box one is, and that's how I would defend funk as well, but it is clearly imo not as difficult as having 2-3 guys physically in your space defending you. Sorry.

[MoValley John]

a box and one is not the same as having 3 guys leaning right on you in a triple team. I'm sorry that is much more physical and tougher to beat. I'm fullly aware of what a box one is, and that's how I would defend funk as well, but it is clearly imo not as difficult as having 2-3 guys physically in your space defending you. Sorry.

So what you are saying is that when Falker is in the game, teams triple team him, while two other defenders are left to guard four Salukis. Is that where Southern Illinois garnered thier reputation as an offensive machine? Is that why they score 80-90 points a game? Is it because opposing defenses leave two guys open?

Or did you really mean to say that when Falker gets the ball in the post, defenses collapse on him? Just as a box and one is not a conventional double, defenders collapsing on the post is not a double or triple team.

[TrueBlueJay]

They just run a Box and One on Funk is all.

I'll make a wager with you...Funk gets POY - loser must not post for 1 month.

Do I take your silence in this challenge as a "NO, I do not have the nads to back up my hollow words"?

[DawgieStyle]

Do I take your silence in this challenge as a "NO, I do not have the nads to back up my hollow words"?

no, its a dumb bet. Selecting a POY is subjectional, its chosen by humans, or in other words its opinion, only a moron would bet on opinion. It could go either way, I don't bet on subjectional items. If you want to bet on Saturday's game, that's a different story, they play an actual contest to decide the winner, where you have known quantities and the out come is not determined by opinion but by actions and the ply on the court. But I doubt you have the nads to take the bet of SIU v. CU at carbondale this weekend.

[DawgieStyle]

So what you are saying is that when Falker is in the game, teams triple team him, while two other defenders are left to guard four Salukis. Is that where Southern Illinois garnered thier reputation as an offensive machine? Is that why they score 80-90 points a game? Is it because opposing defenses leave two guys open?

Or did you really mean to say that when Falker gets the ball in the post, defenses collapse on him? Just as a box and one is not a conventional double, defenders collapsing on the post is not a double or triple team.

you make a good point, the latter is what I was trying to say, but my point remains that a double and triple team collapse on the post is much more physical to defeat than a Box and one.....but that is just my opinion. You may disagree.

[meatballs]

The thing that most impresses me about Funk is how he is able to control the game for the Jays without dominating the ball. He seems to know when it's best to stay back and play within the offense, and let the rest of the team get involved in the game. Then when Creighton needs a run he takes over, creates for himself and scores six in a row.

[MoValley John]

you make a good point, the latter is what I was trying to say, but my point remains that a double and triple team collapse on the post is much more physical to defeat than a Box and one.....but that is just my opinion. You may disagree.

Every "big man" has to deal with collapsing defenses, not every guard has to deal with trying to create while being harrassed with a box and one. That said, I don't have an opinion on who is the so-called "POY". I could go either way. Does Falker have to work hard in the post, sure, but post players spend much of their time just there, in the post. Does Funk get manhandled on the perimeter, not nearly as much as Falker does underneath, but he has to run and work harder than most just to get the ball, much less shoot. Which guy has to work harder, I don't know.

[TrueBlueJay]

no, its a dumb bet. Selecting a POY is subjectional, its chosen by humans, or in other words its opinion, only a moron would bet on opinion. It could go either way, I don't bet on subjectional items. If you want to bet on Saturday's game, that's a different story, they play an actual contest to decide the winner, where you have known quantities and the out come is not determined by opinion but by actions and the ply on the court. But I doubt you have the nads to take the bet of SIU v. CU at carbondale this weekend.

The offer was not "who is the better player" - the offer of the bet was, Who Will Win POY - I say Funk. There is nothing subjective about it. He either gets more votes or he doesn't. Obviously I have more faith in Funk thank you do in Falker.

I'll bet you on the game if you man up and bet me on the POY. Deal?

[MVC 4 Life]

Every "big man" has to deal with collapsing defenses, not every guard has to deal with trying to create while being harrassed with a box and one. That said, I don't have an opinion on who is the so-called "POY". I could go either way. Does Falker have to work hard in the post, sure, but post players spend much of their time just there, in the post. Does Funk get manhandled on the perimeter, not nearly as much as Falker does underneath, but he has to run and work harder than most just to get the ball, much less shoot. Which guy has to work harder, I don't know.

The thing everyone is forgetting is that Falker has to rely on his guards in order to even get the ball, let alone make a good pass to put him in potion to score. While Funk can bring the ball up court and automatic have the ball every position.

The only reason I bring this up is because anyone who has watched a SIU game knows that are guards suck at the post pass and are best guard Tatum is the worst on the whole team. So a lot of times Falker will be open but they can not find him or they are scared to throw inside and turn the ball over.

Also as we all know SIU likes to run the shot clock all the way down. Which makes us shoot a lot of forced out side jumpers.

[DawgieStyle]

The offer was not "who is the better player" - the offer of the bet was, Who Will Win POY - I say Funk. There is nothing subjective about it. He either gets more votes or he doesn't. Obviously I have more faith in Funk thank you do in Falker.

I'll bet you on the game if you man up and bet me on the POY. Deal?

no deal, because those "votes" you are counting are cast by subjective voters, i.e. humans. Their votes represent their opinion. Again, no one should bet on the out come of human opinion, bad idea.

[Brave2001]

The offer was not "who is the better player" - the offer of the bet was, Who Will Win POY - I say Funk. There is nothing subjective about it. He either gets more votes or he doesn't. Obviously I have more faith in Funk thank you do in Falker.

I'll bet you on the game if you man up and bet me on the POY. Deal?

Ignore this....Dawgie beat me to it. Was just trying to clarify.

I think the point is that the number of points in basketball in a game aren't based on someones opinion....where as the votes for POY are based on the voter's opinion. Points aren't subjective. Votes on POY are.

[cufan]

You can't compare stats of guards against big men. With Dotzler's injuries and lack of other options, CU has the ball in Funk's hands a much greater percentage of the time than it is in Falker's hands. Obviously, a guard is not going to have better rebounding or blocked shot stats than a center. On the other hand, look at Funk's stats last night, 19 points and 7 assists, which means he had a hand in no less than 33 points (more if any assists were on three pointers). For the year, Nate is averaging 19.1 points and about 3 assists per game. So he has a hand in 25 points (give or take) per game. Falker is averaging 13.2 pts and 1.1 assist, so he has a hand in about 15.3 points per game. Nate plays about 35 minutes while Falker plays about 30. Falker does get about 4 more rebounds per game then Nate, but then again 7.4 rebounds per game isn't exactly dominating stuff for a center.

I think the question can be answered by asking one question: Who does the team turn to when it needs a big play? For Creighton, it is Nate and everyone in the gym knows who it is going to be. Nate has delivered many more times than not (heck even Jordan missed a game-winner once in a while). Can you honestly say that about Falker?

[jayfan04]

I may be biased, but Funk is the clear winner. He has been playing out of position most of the year. He has to run the point since Josh Dotzler hasn't been the same player since returning from his injury. Funk is averaging almost 19 a game playing the point. I would like to see how many he would average with the Josh Dotzler from last year running the point and Funk being able to play the 2. However, Funk also controls the game very well when running the point, he doesn't force up bad shots he creates shots for himself and teammates. Altman himself has been quoted as saying that Funk doesn't take enough shots. Plus add in the fact that Funk brings it every night and is a great leader and I believe you have the POY.

[MoValley John]

The thing everyone is forgetting is that Falker has to rely on his guards in order to even get the ball, let alone make a good pass to put him in potion to score. While Funk can bring the ball up court and automatic have the ball every position.

The only reason I bring this up is because anyone who has watched a SIU game knows that are guards suck at the post pass and are best guard Tatum is the worst on the whole team. So a lot of times Falker will be open but they can not find him or they are scared to throw inside and turn the ball over.

Also as we all know SIU likes to run the shot clock all the way down. Which makes us shoot a lot of forced out side jumpers.

It still comes down to different positions, different skill sets and different expectations. My only input into this debate is regarding a misstatement by Dawgiestyle. Then again, the ball in your hand thing is kind of an overstatement. Except in the NBA, and it's rare there, how often does the point get the ball, bring it into the frontcourt, drive the lane and shoot. Most of the time, running an offense requires the point to give up the ball (pass), then work to get it back.

I'm still not sure who the POY should be, I guess I'll go with the younger "Cooz".

[DawgieStyle]

It still comes down to different positions, different skill sets and different expectations. My only input into this debate is regarding a misstatement by Dawgiestyle. Then again, the ball in your hand thing is kind of an overstatement. Except in the NBA, and it's rare there, how often does the point get the ball, bring it into the frontcourt, drive the lane and shoot. Most of the time, running an offense requires the point to give up the ball (pass), then work to get it back.

I'm still not sure who the POY should be, I guess I'll go with the younger "Cooz".

Kyle Korver should be POY....doh....wrong league...:lol:

[MoValley John]

Kyle Korver should be POY....doh....wrong league...:lol:
What about Klayton? Kaleb? Kenton or whatever the heck "K" name they came up with for the youngest.

[jays1044]

What about Klayton? Kaleb? Kenton or whatever the heck "K" name they came up with for the youngest.

kirk..

[Aceman96]

I want Darren Brooks for POY... at least someone told me I wanted that.

I will say that Funk will probably win it. But, I do think that Falker is the most dominant player in the league when he's on. Last night, against Bradley, he had a bad game and still got 12 and 13 even when the defense of BU was keeping the ball from getting inside.

Your arguement about box and 1 vs. double and triple teaming is breaking my brain in half... you are dumb. Box and 1... can be screened, unlike most zone defenses. Funk can get open for shots and shoot over the 2-2 zone. Which is what they do for mr. Funk... with all respect to him... it's easier to shoot over 0 people, after your guy has been screened, than it is to shoot against 2 people bodying up against you and pushing you away from the goal.

Like I said... Funk will win it, Falker deserves it.

[DoubleJayAlum]

I will say that Funk will probably win it. But, I do think that Falker is the most dominant player in the league when he's on.

In a way, this proves my point as to why Funk should win the POY. Funk is always on. Falker is not; even SIU fans have complained in other threads that Falker does not always "bring it" every night.

[Ictjay]

Love Falker, but Creighton is a middle of the pack team (at best) without him

[MVC 4 Life]

In a way, this proves my point as to why Funk should win the POY. Funk is always on. Falker is not; even SIU fans have complained in other threads that Falker does not always "bring it" every night.


If Falker does not get the ball, then how can he bring it. That was the point of my post. It is much easier to run plays to get a shooter open that it is to run plays to spot the double down.

[MoValley John]

I want Darren Brooks for POY... at least someone told me I wanted that.

I will say that Funk will probably win it. But, I do think that Falker is the most dominant player in the league when he's on. Last night, against Bradley, he had a bad game and still got 12 and 13 even when the defense of BU was keeping the ball from getting inside.

Your arguement about box and 1 vs. double and triple teaming is breaking my brain in half... you are dumb. Box and 1... can be screened, unlike most zone defenses. Funk can get open for shots and shoot over the 2-2 zone. Which is what they do for mr. Funk... with all respect to him... it's easier to shoot over 0 people, after your guy has been screened, than it is to shoot against 2 people bodying up against you and pushing you away from the goal.

Like I said... Funk will win it, Falker deserves it.

I guess you're right. Funk just stands there and the other guys screen for him. He doesn't have to work, just stands there. Funk doesn't need to work hard with the box and one, he just stands there, somebody will set a screen, (which works so well when the guy you are screening for is just standing around doing nothing) and you can take your open shot. Coaches are stupid, why would they play a box and one, it doesn't work, Funk is just going to stand there, somebody will set a screen and WHAMO!!! Funk has an open shot!!!

Let me back up and restate my opinion, I HAVE NO OPINION ON WHO SHOULD WIN POY! But for anyone to say that Funk doesn't have to work for shots is rediculous. If you want to look at a pure shooter who doesn't always work to create shots, look at Blake Ahern. Best shooter out there. When he's on and getting looks, I wouldn't want to be on the other side, but sometimes when he's subjected to a box and one, he just doesn't get open. Somebody needs to set a pick!

[TrueBlueJay]

If Falker does not get the ball, then how can he bring it. That was the point of my post. It is much easier to run plays to get a shooter open that it is to run plays to spot the double down.

Let's see Falker bring the ball up against the press.

blah blah blah - each has their upside and both are very good players. Take Funk off Creighton and how many games do they win this year? Take Falker off SIU and how many games do they win? In my opinion, CU loses a lot more games without Funk than SIU does without Falker.

[creightonfever]

wow.. this thread is laughable.

POY goes to.. DRUMROOOOOOLL yep you guessed it. Nathaniel FUNK


Came off an injury, one which could have changed his entire career... and is living up to his much awaited hype. Funk has the ability to create his own shot, and shoots a pretty sweet fade away jumper off the screen wether a guy is guarding him or not, count it he makes those. Believe it or not hes better at making shots with players on him than he is if he were standing wide open. And hell yes he is constantly being double teamed, he was preseason POY people.. He can also drive in the lane for layup and get the foul. Not to mention, he is not the point guard of this team.. yet works his arse off and does it beautifully since Josh is definitely not up to par right now.

Falker is a great player--dont get me wrong. However he cant make any FT's and yes he IS inconsistent. Just because he owned Tolliver in omaha doesnt mean hes dominated in this league.

If Falker would have made his damn FT's you would have blown us away in omaha!


Saturday is gonna be fun.

[go bluejayss]

wow.. this thread is laughable.

POY goes to.. DRUMROOOOOOLL yep you guessed it. Nathaniel FUNK


Came off an injury, one which could have changed his entire career... and is living up to his much awaited hype. Funk has the ability to create his own shot, and shoots a pretty sweet fade away jumper off the screen wether a guy is guarding him or not, count it he makes those. Believe it or not hes better at making shots with players on him than he is if he were standing wide open. And hell yes he is constantly being double teamed, he was preseason POY people.. He can also drive in the lane for layup and get the foul. Not to mention, he is not the point guard of this team.. yet works his arse off and does it beautifully since Josh is definitely not up to par right now.

Falker is a great player--dont get me wrong. However he cant make any FT's and yes he IS inconsistent. Just because he owned Tolliver in omaha doesnt mean hes dominated in this league.

If Falker would have made his damn FT's you would have blown us away in omaha!


Saturday is gonna be fun.

:yes:

[jt45]

The sad thing is about this whole funk vs Falker thing is....Falker isn't even our best and most complete player. I don't think he'll win it this year. It will probably go to Funk but, Tatum is our man. Damn the stats he is our bread and butter!

[Ricky Del Rio]

this is always fun for me to compare guards vs. big men. The arguement for Funk is that he always gets his points in every game and he is constant, which typically translates into the arguement against Falker in that he doesn't score a lot of points every single night out. However people forget one important item in that No one is ever double or even Triple teaming Nate Funk so it is much easier to "get" his points.

When Falker is double or sometimes triple teamed almost every single time down the court its pretty amazing to me that he still scores as many points as he does every game. Add in fact that simply by him being in the game and drawing that much attention he is helping his teammates find open shots, etc.

I honestly can't say much about Funk's defense, but I'm pretty confident its no better than Falker's. Add in Randal's rebounding ability and shot blocking this year, he has been quite impressive even with the double and triple teaming.

For me the answer to the MVC POY is simple. I'm biased yes, but my rationale above is not. It is simply more impressive and tougher to do what Randal has done when he is going up against double and triple coverage, while Nate Funk is guarded one on one.

Randal is the POY right now, there are still some games left, but unless things change drastically that is my explanation.

You forgot to mention that Falker can bank in free throw attempts, while Funk has not even come close to doing it.

[jt45]

You forgot to mention that Falker can bank in free throw attempts, while Funk has not even come close to doing it.
:lol:
True dat!!

[MVC 4 Life]

wow.. this thread is laughable.

POY goes to.. DRUMROOOOOOLL yep you guessed it. Nathaniel FUNK


Came off an injury, one which could have changed his entire career... and is living up to his much awaited hype. Funk has the ability to create his own shot, and shoots a pretty sweet fade away jumper off the screen wether a guy is guarding him or not, count it he makes those. Believe it or not hes better at making shots with players on him than he is if he were standing wide open. And hell yes he is constantly being double teamed, he was preseason POY people.. He can also drive in the lane for layup and get the foul. Not to mention, he is not the point guard of this team.. yet works his arse off and does it beautifully since Josh is definitely not up to par right now.

Falker is a great player--dont get me wrong. However he cant make any FT's and yes he IS inconsistent. Just because he owned Tolliver in omaha doesnt mean hes dominated in this league.

If Falker would have made his damn FT's you would have blown us away in omaha!


Saturday is gonna be fun.

This thread shows how bias you really are. Imagine a guy with his sig as creightonfever picking Funk in a landslide. Did not see that coming from a CU fan. Open your eyes there are good players everywhere in the Valley just not at CU.


If SIU beats the greatest player in the world, Nate Funk, and CU on Sat. what will that make Funks career record against SIU?

[MoValley John]

This thread shows how bias you really are. Imagine a guy with his sig as creightonfever picking Funk in a landslide. Did not see that coming from a CU fan. Open your eyes there are good players everywhere in the Valley just not at CU.


If SIU beats the greatest player in the world, Nate Funk, and CU on Sat. what will that make Funks career record against SIU?

Way to overstate the obvious! Great job!

This is a message board full of fans, from schools, who just might, maybe, possibly, well could be- a little biased. Wow! What a concept!

Now as far as biased goes, my only point on the debate is that maybe, just maybe, a few Southern Illinois fans were also a little biased when they claimed that Falker had it so much worse off then Funk. Fact is, he has it no more difficult than any other big man, just as Funk has to work through the same challenges as any other guard. Different positions; tough to debate apples and oranges. That is, unless you are biased and like one fruit better than the other. Me, I like peaches.

[MVC 4 Life]

Way to overstate the obvious! Great job!

This is a message board full of fans, from schools, who just might, maybe, possibly, well could be- a little biased. Wow! What a concept!

Now as far as biased goes, my only point on the debate is that maybe, just maybe, a few Southern Illinois fans were also a little biased when they claimed that Falker had it so much worse off then Funk. Fact is, he has it no more difficult than any other big man, just as Funk has to work through the same challenges as any other guard. Different positions; tough to debate apples and oranges. That is, unless you are biased and like one fruit better than the other. Me, I like peaches.

I am an SIU fan, but I also try and look at things in a non bias way. That is why I said that which ever team wins the valley or has the first seed in St. Louis the player from that respected team should win POY. But all these CU fans just think that Funk is the greatest no matter what.

[Dawgbit]

Maybe by his senior year Falker will be a decent player.

[blueness]

This thread shows how bias you really are. Imagine a guy with his sig as creightonfever picking Funk in a landslide. Did not see that coming from a CU fan. Open your eyes there are good players everywhere in the Valley just not at CU.


If SIU beats the greatest player in the world, Nate Funk, and CU on Sat. what will that make Funks career record against SIU?

Actually, he'd be 3-6 vs. SIU in his career, which is 2 games better than anyone else on the entire team, because Funk is the only player left who has beaten Southern.

[DawgieStyle]

Actually, he'd be 3-6 vs. SIU in his career, which is 2 games better than anyone else on the entire team, because Funk is the only player left who has beaten Southern.

which is pretty funny that it took funk 5 years (and we're not talking freshmen redshirt here) to be in contention for POY....oops, that was probably mean of me since I'm being a jerk because the dude got injuried last year, how insensitive of me.

[MoValley John]

which is pretty funny that it took funk 5 years (and we're not talking freshmen redshirt here) to be in contention for POY....oops, that was probably mean of me since I'm being a jerk because the dude got injuried last year, how insensitive of me.

Funk can't win the big one. He should be renamed Dan Marino or Fran Tarkenton. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/14/Tarkenton.jpg/200px-Tarkenton.jpg

[MoValley John]

He will be able to star in Real People and do infomercials. So he's got that going for him, which is nice.

[Bird]

I believe Funk was runner up to Brooks for POY his junior year.

[DawgieStyle]

I believe Funk was runner up to Brooks for POY his junior year.

key word, runner up, and im willing to bet it was a very distant runner up.

[cufan]

Box and 1... can be screened, unlike most zone defenses. Funk can get open for shots and shoot over the 2-2 zone. Which is what they do for mr. Funk... with all respect to him... it's easier to shoot over 0 people, after your guy has been screened, than it is to shoot against 2 people bodying up against you and pushing you away from the goal

Aceman96 wins the award for most ignorant post. Try actually watching Funk play before making stupid statements. The majority of Funk's points come off of drives to the hoop, pull up jumpers and free throws (fouled going to the hoop). He does hit the open shots when good movement frees him up, but that is far from where he gets most of his points. He takes his guy off the dribble and creates shots. CU rarely runs special plays just to get him open. Dana sticks with the offense and looks for its shots. One of the amazing things about watching Nate play is how quiet his 20'ish points are almost every game. You don't really notice that he is lighting it up until you look up at the scoreboard late in a game and realize that he is right up there again.

[Bird]

I think its pretty funny that it has taken Falker 4 years to make it into contention for all-conference honorable mention.

As to Funk as POY, you thought it was funny that it took 5 years for him to be in contention - I would say being runner up is "in contention" - and it was after 3 years in the program, without the benefits of redshirting as a freshman.

[DawgieStyle]

I think its pretty funny that it has taken Falker 4 years to make it into contention for all-conference honorable mention.

1) Falker is a Junior, so that's 3 years.

2) You were missing the intended jab at Creighton.....taking things way too seriously.

[Bird]

He redshirted, so that's 4 years.

[DawgieStyle]

He redshirted, so that's 4 years.

my bad, forgot he actually red shirted.

[jays1044]

wasn't nate player of the year his sophmore year? maybe not.. but i thought he was one year. if not.. who was?

[barkeep1967]

wasn't nate player of the year his sophmore year? maybe not.. but i thought he was one year. if not.. who was?

I am not sure but his sophmore year I think was Kent Williams

[cbjay]

I am not sure but his sophmore year I think was Kent Williams
DB?

[DawgieStyle]

i thought is was moses......oops, he's not been around that long.

[Bird]

Brooks won it Funk's sophomore and junior years.

[jaypharmalum]

Neither Funk nor Falker had great games tonight, but if Randall needed a big night to overtake Nate as the favorite for POY, he didn't get it.

I'm sure Nate would trade the award for a win, but things don't always work the way we'd like. Maybe in the MVC tourney?

[cufan]

I think the question was pretty much laid to rest. In the biggest game of the year, Falker gets 4 points and 6 boards, while Funk gets 17 points on 6 of 8 shooting. The only knock is the 4-7 from the line. Funk also handled the ball against some pretty tough D. He did have 5 TO's, but Falker bested that with 6 TO's in 10 fewer minutes.

IMO, Falker will have to wait until next year for his POY. Unfortunately, Nate doesn't have next year to get a win against SIU. But, that's the way the basketball gods sometimes play it out. Maybe, Sunday in St. Loui?

[JDawg]

Funk deserves it more than Falker, no question. Not knocking Falker, he's just not quite there yet.

[MVC 4 Life]

Funk did play better than Falker, but Funk chocked in the end. I think he only had like 3 points in the last 12 min of the game. That is not POY. He also missed a big freethrow towards the end of the game. I think this game did not answer any questions about POY. The only thing this game showed us is that Funk and Falker are not locks for POY and someone else could step in a steal it from them.

[jays1044]

Funk did play better than Falker, but Funk chocked in the end. I think he only had like 3 points in the last 12 min of the game. That is not POY. He also missed a big freethrow towards the end of the game. I think this game did not answer any questions about POY. The only thing this game showed us is that Funk and Falker are not locks for POY and someone else could step in a steal it from them.

i think funk is a almost lock. i don't think he's suddenly gona play terrible at the end of the year. and you don't win player of the year by playing good at the end of the season. hense the title "player of the year"

[cbjay]

Funk did play better than Falker, but Funk chocked in the end. I think he only had like 3 points in the last 12 min of the game. That is not POY. He also missed a big freethrow towards the end of the game. I think this game did not answer any questions about POY. The only thing this game showed us is that Funk and Falker are not locks for POY and someone else could step in a steal it from them.

Who's going to "steal it" from either one of these guys? There's only 3 regular season games left.

[DawgieStyle]

well funk may have won the battle, but SIU won the War

[cufan]

The only thing this game showed us is that Funk and Falker are not locks for POY and someone else could step in a steal it from them.

Like who? Can you name anyone else who should even be in the conversation?

Neither Nate or Falker has had a year that will go down in the MVC annals as the most stellar season by POY, but no one else stepped up to take it away from either one. I am biased, but I think Nate has done more with less around him than anyone in the Valley. I shudder to think what this year would have been for CU had Nate graduated last year, and all else being equal. A Thursday night game in St. Louis would not have been out of the question. Yet, you take Falker out of SIU, and SIU doesn't skip a beat IMO (of course I'm talking out of my arse there).

Early in the year, I'd have said AT would have to be in the conversation. But, I don't think he has stepped up his game to that level. I just don't see anyone else out there who has performed at such a high level game after game after game. Yeah, he missed a couple of free throws at SIU that would have really helped. But, its not a player of the game award we are talking about.

[JayBacker]

What I personally think. I know I started this thread and I am biased about Funk deserving it. But my opinion is this, Nate was Pre-season POY, in my mind he has not done anything to lose the debate on POY and has done exactly what he has needed to, to live up to those expectations. Coming off shoulder surgery he has led his team to currently second place in the Valley with 3 games left and a tough BB game. I don't see him doing anything to make him lose POY in these games unless he decides not to shoot at all and turn it over everytime down the court. So having been preseason POY he has lived up to the hype and delivered.

[DawgieStyle]

Yet, you take Falker out of SIU, and SIU doesn't skip a beat IMO (of course I'm talking out of my arse there).

yah, talking out of your arse. SIU's offense is at its best when Falker is on the floor, whether he scores or not. when he is in the game spacing for SIU becomes much better because of the extra attention given to Falker, it creates passing lanes, driving lanes, and open jumpers because Although Falker isn't doubled until he has the ball, the help defender can't stray too far away. IMO Siu's offense is run through Randall Falker. SIU's offensive problems you all complain about typically happen when he is on the bench with foul trouble, that's how important he is to SIU, and I'm not even talking about his defensive presence. Other big men in the valley may stack up against Falker offensively, but he is by far the best defensive big man in the valley, hands down.

He may not win POY, but to say SIU wouldn't skip a beat with out Falker is flat out wrong and shows you haven't seen very many SIU games, or understand what is actually going on if you are watching.

[creightonfever]

What I personally think. I know I started this thread and I am biased about Funk deserving it. But my opinion is this, Nate was Pre-season POY, in my mind he has not done anything to lose the debate on POY and has done exactly what he has needed to, to live up to those expectations. Coming off shoulder surgery he has led his team to currently second place in the Valley with 3 games left and a tough BB game. I don't see him doing anything to make him lose POY in these games unless he decides not to shoot at all and turn it over everytime down the court. So having been preseason POY he has lived up to the hype and delivered.


Well said. He had a tough shoulder surgery but look where he is?

Look, Falker is an amazing player, but IMO he chokes at times a bit more than Funk, (yes im gonna be a little biased here) Plus the kids got another year. Nates been in contention previous years and I just think he deserves it.

[DawgieStyle]

Nates been in contention previous years and I just think he deserves it.

I absolutely hate this arguement. It's called Player of the Year, not Player of the years I was eligible. I can't stand when awards that are meant to be given on a yearly basis are given out to players based on previous seasons work or the culmination of accomplishments, its crap. It happens all the time, and it shouldn't. Perfect example: No way was Peyton Freaking Manning the MVP of the super bowl, especially when it was the colt's ground game that won them the dang game. I can't stand this type of crap. It takes recognition away from players who actually earned the award.

I'm not saying Funk isn't the POY, but if he wins it, it better for this years accomplishments alone, and not because voters feel sorry for him missing it other years and awarding him for his entire career. Its Player of the YEAR, not player of his career.

[MVC 4 Life]

Well said. He had a tough shoulder surgery but look where he is?

Look, Falker is an amazing player, but IMO he chokes at times a bit more than Funk, (yes im gonna be a little biased here) Plus the kids got another year. Nates been in contention previous years and I just think he deserves it.

Funk was the one that choked the SIU game away. I mean he only scored like 3 points in the last 12 mins. of the most important CU game of the year. He got the game tieing shot blocked (by who) and missed a very important freethrow in the end. So i do not know how you can say that Falker chokes more than Funk.

[BradleyBrave]

Hibma v Boyle. That's the matchup.

[JayBacker]

I don't think he choked the SIU game away. He shot 6 for 8 from the field. Also yea the last shot got blocked by Young but if I am not mistaken Funk got fouled (mugged) about 3 times during the course of that second half. This is not coming from just me either the announcers even mentioned that Young was getting away with hacking Funk while he was driving. You can say he scored 3 points in the last 12 minutes but he was also the main reason why they were still in the game. His shots he made were not easy by all means. A better thing would be Funk is a hell of a lot more consistent then Falker is during the course of this season.

[MVC 4 Life]

I don't think he choked the SIU game away. He shot 6 for 8 from the field. Also yea the last shot got blocked by Young but if I am not mistaken Funk got fouled (mugged) about 3 times during the course of that second half. This is not coming from just me either the announcers even mentioned that Young was getting away with hacking Funk while he was driving. You can say he scored 3 points in the last 12 minutes but he was also the main reason why they were still in the game. His shots he made were not easy by all means. A better thing would be Funk is a hell of a lot more consistent then Falker is during the course of this season.

I will admit that Young was being very physical with Funk, but if he is the best player in the league hands down, like most CU fans think he is, then he has to be able to come through down the stretch like all of the other great ones. Even though every one knows that he is going to get the ball and he is the one that is going to shoot it. That is what separates the great players from the good ones. If you ask me who the POY is after the CU and SIU game. I would go with Tatum hands down. That guy is good.

[T-Dawg]

Sorry, but I'm going with option C- Tatum over Falker. What's funny is Tatum is clearly the team MVP. Tatum is what makes this Saluki team special. Falker is a great inside presence but Tatum is the driving force behind SIU. Tatum is the heart of the team, the scorer, plays great Defense and wills our guys to victory.

Falker plays great and I like him alot but I don't think he's the best big man in the MVC. Top five, yes, but best, no.

The most important player for SIU is Tatum.

[OmahaBen]

He got the game tieing shot blocked (by who) and missed a very important freethrow in the end.

If by blocked you mean hacked, then sure. Not that I expect that call to be granted in the last minute of a game. I'll grant you the free throw, though, especially after he did the same against WSU.

[MVC 4 Life]

If by blocked you mean hacked, then sure. Not that I expect that call to be granted in the last minute of a game. I'll grant you the free throw, though, especially after he did the same against WSU.

Here we go. It all comes down to the refs. WAAAAAAAAAA.

[BUBraves55]

funk.

[Ricky Del Rio]

Sorry, but I'm going with option C- Tatum over Falker. What's funny is Tatum is clearly the team MVP. Tatum is what makes this Saluki team special. Falker is a great inside presence but Tatum is the driving force behind SIU. Tatum is the heart of the team, the scorer, plays great Defense and wills our guys to victory.

Falker plays great and I like him alot but I don't think he's the best big man in the MVC. Top five, yes, but best, no.

The most important player for SIU is Tatum.

It is not often you find this much common sense wrapped up in a single Dawg.

[dogdays]

My opinion is this, and someone else has already stated it.
Nate is the best player in the league. He missed the free throw because he was dog tired from having to work so hard the whole game.
Great players still miss shots.
Now , that said, I think Jamal Tatum is the MVP. If JT had played last year the way he has this year SIU would have been more successful. His emergence this year is the difference. Randall is a ***** for sure but JT is MVP. That said, the guy we really cant afford to be off the floor is Mullins. Without him we are a ship without a rudder. Still , his numbers keep him from being and MVP candidate.

[MoValley John]

Since everyone is picking an alternate, I will throw one out. Adam Lottino, Indiana State.

[Little Eddie]

Here we go. It all comes down to the refs. WAAAAAAAAAA.

The player himself, Nate Funk, when asked if the block was clean he stated no that he had gotten hit. I'll go w/ the person who actually experienced the play. I couldn't tell from either angle they showed at the end. My bro asked him though and he did get hit...

[MVC 4 Life]

The player himself, Nate Funk, when asked if the block was clean he stated no that he had gotten hit. I'll go w/ the person who actually experienced the play. I couldn't tell from either angle they showed at the end. My bro asked him though and he did get hit...


Just like I am sure no SIU player felt like he had been fouled during a shot in that game. NO REF IS PERFECT. GET OVER IT.
:no:

[Little Eddie]

Just like I am sure no SIU player felt like he had been fouled during a shot in that game. NO REF IS PERFECT. GET OVER IT.
:no:

I'm merely pointing out that he got hit...I didn't blame the loss on this. Some of the posts made it sound like Tony Young's brilliant D stopped Funk...

The Jays lost the game on the freethrow line.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Back to the original topic -----

When is the last time that the POy did not rank in the top 10 in the conferene in scoring? I only ask because currently Falker is not in the top 10 and I found that to be pretty interesting.

[JDawg]

I'm pretty sure most of us have come to the conclusion that Falker is not POY.

[BMull10]

Back to the original topic -----

When is the last time that the POy did not rank in the top 10 in the conferene in scoring? I only ask because currently Falker is not in the top 10 and I found that to be pretty interesting.
I don't have the stats in front of me, but I'd bet Randal is in the top 10 in scoring during league play.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either and add JT to that list.

All that being said, my choice is still Kobby.