Comments

No, Dan. That would, of course, not have been Dino’s fault. But, to play a freshman so very few minutes and burn a year of eligibility is and was Dino’s fault. I would bet you anything Walker wishes right now, with so few games left in his college career and when he is finally starting to contribute and compete and play with a correct attitude and demeanor, that he had another year to play, get stronger, and develop.

It wasn’t just Ty, although your post was specific to him. It was McFarland, too. What another year would have done for him, and what it would do for any developmental big man. Dino did not do a good job convincing those guys to redshirt, and it continues to affect the program.

High and Tight on 01/26/2012 (4:37 pm)

“Chances are Walker will struggle, but, given his newfound confidence, he might do better than anyone expects. And even if he does have a game he’d rather forget, then he should forget it.”

Way to set up success there Dan.

It’s hard to believe in yourself when no one else does.

Ty was having a great game last night until he got hurt. He had those hard grizzled veterans that dominated the talented bigs over in Durhan and Chapel Hill pulling their hair out.

Time to have a little faith. When Ty Walker got to Wake Forest he was the highest rated recruited C in the league. He’s a Senior now, he is living up to that standard. We should expect no less from him.

Once Ty Walker got hurt, those FSU bigs reminded us just exactly how good Ty Walker is by chewing the rest up and spitting them out.

JoeyD on 01/26/2012 (12:44 pm)

It was late last night
I was feeling something wasn’t right
There was not another soul in sight
Only you, only you
So we walked along,
though I knew there was something wrong
And a feeling hit me oh so strong about you
Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see
‘Cause I saw the light in your eyes

Though we had our fling
I just never would suspect a thing
‘Til that little bell began to ring in my head
In my head
But I tried to run,
though I knew it wouldn’t help me none
‘Cause I couldn’t ever love no one, or so I said
But my feelings for you
were just something I never knew
‘Til I saw the light in your eyes

But I love you best
It’s not something that I say in jest
‘Cause you’re different, Ty, from all the rest
In my eyes
And I ran out before but I won’t do it anymore
Can’t you see the light in my eyes

Casey on 01/26/2012 (11:23 am)

Its Lobo’s fault.

Billy Jo Jim Bob on 01/25/2012 (8:35 pm)

Of course not.  It would have been Buzz’s fault!  Come on, Dan, get with the program.

Dick H on 01/25/2012 (6:30 pm)

High and Tight,
As someone on the Wake beat when Walker was a freshman, I can attest that Dino tried and tried to have him redshirt. The next season, Walker himself said he should have. My question for you is this: if Dino had insisted Walker redshirt and Walker, as a consequence, had transferred to another program, then should Dino have been blamed for that as well?

Dan Collins on 01/25/2012 (5:48 pm)

Another good post, Dan, and I give you a lot of credit for writing it.  If you’re going to be (constructively) critical of someone, then you must also be able to give credit when it is due.  And Walker deserves credit for his improvement so far this year.  I was particularly impressed with his play against Maryland.  First off, he managed to stay in the game when you could get called for a foul simply by looking at the home player funny.  Second, he fueled our (near) comeback not only with timely blocks but also some great offensive rebounding.  I hope he continues to progress. 

Before I wrap up, I have one question for you: to what extent, if any, do you think our team defense this year has helped Walker to excel?  It sure seemes like we’re doing a better job of rotating back on defense when Walker goes for the block, which is something that never happened the last few years.  Thanks again.

DC on 01/25/2012 (5:34 pm)

I blame Dino. Walker should be a redshirt junior this year.

High and Tight on 01/25/2012 (3:54 pm)

Dan your assessment of Walker is right on

DTuttle on 01/25/2012 (3:47 pm)