Sky's not falling...

[Scotch]

I think we, as fans, can see how valuable Fab is because we know how bad he was last year. Had this been his freshman year I don't think the reaction would be as spastic.

He's much, much better this year. He anchors the zone and let's our guards and forwards be more aggressive on the perimeter. He's a solid if not great rebounder, and he's our best offensive threat down low (although still a work in progress). This is a major blow. I don't know if there is another player that's more important to our success, just because of the uniqueness of what Fab brings.

 

[JD]

Professors need to learn their place just give a C and be done with it. Don't they know we are number 1. The other point is who in the academic advisory services actually let him take a class with a prof who is not with the program. :bang:

 

[marz09cuse]

If you ask me, the sky sure as hell is falling. Obviously, if he is only gone for the two games, we can all live with that. In fact, this could be a positive for guys like Rak to try and get on track and build up more confidence before March. But the possibility of no return is a major game changer for this team, as many have pointed out. No way will we see the type of defense we have displayed all year if Melo is indeed done. Depth is now a major concern as well, so I think the entire landscape of how this team is built has now been turned upside down.

With that said, I still think we roll tonight, but Monday will be a big big test, and we'll get a better look of what we have to work with if Melo is done.

 

[Oakland]

First off let me say I am a big fan of Fab. From last year to this year he has made huge improvements.

With that being said he is still very much a work in progress. Before this season very few of us fans would have predicted this level of improvement. He has has stretches where he has played very well, but he has also had quite a few game where he picked up a few quick fouls and played much like he did last season.

My point is we have won every game this season. Some games in large part because of Fab. Other times in spite of Fab. Being ten deep is a huge advantage for us in situations like this where one or two of our guys can't play (regardless of the reason). When one of our guys hasn't played well other guys have had to step up. That's what needs to happen and will happen today and Monday.

I am hopeful Fab returns this season. However, there is plenty of time left for us to adjust to him not being there. It isn't like when AO was out an we had two tournament games to try to adjust to his absence.

Fab not playing will undoubtedly hurt us, but we still have a very very good basketball team. We were a top 5 team before we saw how much better Fab and Dion had gotten. We are still a very good team without Fab.

The tone (which I momentarily fell into also) on this board I that without Fab we can't win certain games. I think we can still win every game we play and will (rightfully so) be the favorite in the games. Part of sports is adjusting. We will adjust with the help of our HOF coach if Fab is out long term. The road may be bumpier but we still have the talent to be playing on a Monday night in early April!

You're correct, it has already fallen.

 

[Hoov50]

He's much, much better this year. He anchors the zone and let's our guards and forwards be more aggressive on the perimeter. He's a solid if not great rebounder, and he's our best offensive threat down low (although still a work in progress). This is a major blow. I don't know if there is another player that's more important to our success, just because of the uniqueness of what Fab brings.

He does have a unique set of skills. At the same time he has the unique ability (even this year) to play very poorly, make knucklehead decisions, pick up dumb fouls, etc.

Before this started to go down I had NO doubt when playing well we would beat ANYBODY we played. I have doubts now, but even with my doubts my thinking goes from Final Four lock to Final Four contender. Not many teams can claim they are a contender.

 

[suthrills]

I think we, as fans, can see how valuable Fab is because we know how bad he was last year. Had this been his freshman year I don't think the reaction would be as spastic.

Couldn't disagree more. It's not all about numbers with Fab. He's the defensive anchor and obviously it screws up the rotations.
Also, you couldn't be more wrong in your original post that weve won games in spite of Fab. He hasn't had any piss poor games to the point where anyone in Cuse Nation has said "wow we won despite Fabs horrible play". He's been terrific this year and it's reflected way more than in his numbers.
I hope the team can overcome this loss, but make no mistake it's a huge loss.

 

[orangefan13]

Professors need to learn their place just give a C and be done with it. Don't they know we are number 1. The other point is who in the academic advisory services actually let him take a class with a prof who is not with the program. :bang:

A ND booster who knew the exact dates it would be penalized.

In all seriousness ...
I feel alive again. At worst scenerio we lost one or two and come march the talking heads return to say where are weakness is without Melo.

All that matters is the last 6 games, everything else is just enjoying the journey.
When you win all 6 you look back as champions if you lose which happens in other seasons then you look back and enjoy the season still.