UND92,96

I didn't see Moody (the juco transfer LB) out there, but I did watch the replay on fightingsioux.com and Mussman, who was in the booth with Hammer and Mike Berg during the first half, talked briefly about the two jucos and said something to the effect that Moody is a little ahead of McKendry in terms of adjusting to this level of football, so he's evidently still on the team.

If anyone's interested, you can see a replay of the spring game on fightingsioux.com: link

I believe Anderson did play. It looked to me like the second group of receivers was Bamba, Anderson and Daggett, with Heimler also rotating in some. I can't remember if Dressler was playing or not. If I'm not mistaken, I think there are nine receivers on the roster, and five came to UND as walk-ons. It seems that since the incredible class of 2004 that included Dressler, Trenbeath, Nicholas and Caufield, we haven't had much luck finding receivers.

I have no problem with rewarding seniors who have stuck around despite not playing much. But it's hard not to be somewhat concerned when our likely top three receivers combined for something like 13 catches and 100 yards last year. If Bamba hasn't earned p.t., so be it. But somebody else with speed needs to step up and provide a deep threat/be a playmaker, or else teams are going to just put eight in the box and dare us to throw. Maybe a transfer gets brought in this summer?

I thought the defense looked pretty good today. The d-line and secondary in particular should be much improved. As for the offense, it was pretty vanilla and kind of hard to judge. I thought Sutton looked quite good at running back. My biggest concern may be the talent level at receiver. Bamba isn't starting, and he's the only receiver on the roster who has done anything in a game or who has really shown the ability to be a playmaker.

UND has received a verbal commitment from Josie Dillon, a 9th-grader from Benilde-St. Margaret's--link

The latest in this ongoing saga: link

I can't help but wonder whether Longie and his buddies would actually be kind of disappointed if the nickname ends up being retired due to Standing Rock either not allowing a vote, or its council not changing its stance even if a vote is allowed and turns out similarly to the Spirit Lake vote. In such a scenario, he wouldn't/shouldn't get any credit since Spirit Lake would still be on record as being in favor of the nickname, so he'd still be on record as having failed in his quest.

Rivals has him listed at 6'3", and the St. Cloud Tech roster lists him at 6'5", which probably means he's about 6'2".

I like the kid, but I just don't see a 2-guard as a big position of need compared to the dire need at the point and for bulk in the post.

I don't really think it's going to take another year to know what Standing Rock is going to do (if anything). I see nothing wrong with waiting at least a few more months. I'm not naive enough to think the issue is ever going to go completely away if the name is retained, but neither do I really want to disrespect the people on the reservations who have gone above and beyond to prove what we've known for some time--that the citizens view this issue quite differently from most of the politicians. I'd just like to avoid the inevitable backlash if it appears that the towel is thrown in prematurely, i.e. before the people of Standing Rock may have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

I'm afraid it's too late to add anybody who would be good enough to actually contribute for the 2009-10 season. We'd probably be better off holding onto the scholarship for somebody to come in for the 2010-11 season. I think Nick Haugen is considered a combo guard, so by default he may have to run the point next year. I really don't like the idea of converting Bledsoe for his sr. year, and Monsebroten is a walk-on (and a sr.) and IMO just doesn't have the quickness to play a lot at this level.

Did you get that from fightingsioux.com? I couldn't find a spring roster there, but I may have missed it.

From today's Fargo Forum:

I think Monsebroten can continue to contribute off the bench due to his outside shooting, but I really hope he isn't considered a true option at the point. Personally, I'd like to see us go with a young player. He may struggle at times, but we really need to be building for the future. The thing is, besides May I'm not sure that there's another point guard on the roster.

I am absolutely sickened that nickname opponents would sink to these depths. Truly pathetic.

He never ran track at UND.

Not surprisingly, the anti-nickname people are doing some campaigning on Spirit Lake: link Let's face it--these tactics worked in the past when lobbying all the various tribal councils. Of course, the difference may be that the other side actually has a chance to be heard this time.

Wayne Nelson blog on the now nearly-completed schedule: link

Is Bledsoe going to have to play point guard next year? I know it's not his natural position, but besides Jordan May, who wasn't able to practice this year, what other options are there?

It was in yesterday's Herald.

I couldn't help but chuckle when I read on the anygivensaturday.org board that Idaho State is apparently still looking for an 11th game. It would be poetic justice if they only end up with four home games.

We're near the late signing period for 2009-10. I believe the early signing period for 2010-11 will be in November.

It would be nice to have a 4 or a 5 with some beef, a la Vonesh, Gardner or Mustard. It's been difficult for us to find those types of players over the past 12-15 years.

There should be either two or three scholarships available for the class of 2010-11. Doug McDermott has apparently been offered, but I haven't heard of any other offers yet for that class. I would think point guard is a priority.