FLHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by FLHoya on Aug 2, 2009 17:46:55 GMT -5
The Kenner League can be a lot of things to different people. Depending on your level of seriousness, it might be a fun afternoon outing to watch some current and former Hoyas get some run, a chance to see how current and future players have developed their skills, or a ready made metaphor for our impending rise/slide to the Final Four/NIT.
Whichever you choose, it's out there for you--a big open gym for hours at a time on a weekend afternoon.
And if you take the opportunity, it can certainly be a time drain. It occurred to me on the way home that between the full Kenner League schedule on Friday and Saturday and my after-Kenner social life (close friend was leaving town to move to the opposite coast this weekend to start a new job), that as I wrote this I was spending the only time more than about 15 token minute in my apartment during the daylight hours since about Thursday.
Not that I'm complaining--August is probably the most boring month annually on my calendar when it comes to things to keep me entertained and distracted. It's probably not the worst thing in the world that Kenner was moved back into the first half of August. I certainly won't be bored or lacking things to do if I need them.
Sometimes this works out great like yesterday, when the few hours in McDonough gave us the chance to watch 10 2009-2010 Hoyas and a scattering of NBAers and big time college ballers play three entertaining games.
And then...sometimes there are days like today.
Beyond Belief 51 WE ARE ONE 47
I have no idea where all the scoring went in the Kenner League. Used to be, you'd have free flowing games with shotmaking, lots of fast breaks, and high scorelines for a 40 minute running clock.
Matter of fact, the summer before the Final Four season, the Tombs-Clydes game was a 102-87 affair that saw Jeff Green score 34 and Hibbert, Sapp and Wallace all score 24.
Fair to say that ain't gonna happen this summer. For whatever reason, the games are much lower scoring, fewer players have breakout games (although as of now three GU players have topped 25 in a game), and there are a lot more free throws.
This one was just straight ugly...never thought you'd see a KL game that was 22-19 at the half. What is this, the Ivy League?
Even Rodney seemed entirely disinterested in the game after his trademark angry ranting timeout 2 1/2 minutes into the first half.
Hollis Thompson: 5 points, 2-4 2pt, 0-3 3pt, 1-2 FT, 7RB, 2TO, 1BL, 2STL
This was probably the worst game for Hollis in terms of being the odd man out trying to get touches. After winning the opening tip, which led directly to a teammate's layup, Hollis didn't touch the ball on WAO's next five possessions. To finally actually get a piece of the action, he stole the ball from a BB player coming up court and took it to the rim for an athletic layup and foul.
He almost looked to anxious to actually make something happen on the rare occasions when he did get the rock. Even when he was trying to make something happen, he was snakebit today--he'd be raked on a fastbreak going to the basket, or a defender would make a terrific leaping defensive play to swat one of his passes away.
Had one very nice post play in the second half when he pinned his smaller defender directly under the basket and shielded himself for an easy layup.
But in general he was having trouble getting anything going. Early when he wasn't getting touches, he turned his attention to the glass where he acted like he was trying to rectify all of GU's rebounding woes last year in a single KL game. But by the second half that fell off a little. What's more, he noticeably tired in the second half, even as Rodney pulled off the full court zone press and had WAO playing a lot of 2-3 zone (Hollis on one of the corner spots). He seemed to drift a lot during that period, just kind of playing passive, and probably cost himself some stats.
Tough assignment for him, but he's handling it about as well as you can. His teammates are talented and have extensive college experience, so he's gonna have to earn his.
Ryan Dougherty wasn't in attendance today.
[AHEAD: Addressing another important Hoya basketball issue for next season--finding a replacement for "Swagga Like Us" ASAP.}
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FLHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by FLHoya on Aug 2, 2009 18:13:58 GMT -5
Seeing as how his first album should be out about two months before the GU home opener, isn't Wale pretty much the overwhelming favorite for choice of pre-game lineup song? Perhaps I'm not quite well-versed in the DMV rap music scene* but it strikes me that it's pretty rare to see a music video on moderate to heavy rotation on MTV2/MTV Jams these days that opens with shots of Georgia Ave, Cardozo HS, and Ben's Chili Bowl. (*If you've ever met me, you are laughing hysterically at the ludicrousness of this thought.) Chorus singer Lady Gaga's solo career holds the same place in my heart reserved for the Black Eyed Peas. Still, you gotta think that it'd be cool to embrace the local artist at the Verizon Center this season. CLYDE'S 60 Bearcats 47Speaking of P.G. Chillin'...it's Hyattsville, MD native Jeff Green! And he brought a few friends. Clyde's featured a past and present Hoyas starting line today, with a backcourt of Jon Wallace, Jason Clark, and Tyler Crawford, and Green and Henry Sims patrolling the paint. So the MD native provided the NBA star power, but the star of the game was the Arlingtonian. Jason Clark had the half of the Kenner League so far, scoring 21 of Clyde's 33 points, including three consecutive makes from downtown to end the half and finally pull Clyde's ahead for good. Another strangely low scoring and not particularly beautiful game. By the second half, the only real suspense was whether Clark was going to pass Henry Sims' 30 point performance Friday night for the high point total of the summer for a Georgetown player. Ultimately, he didn't score his first points of the second half for nearly nine minutes, and only converted again on garbage time free throws...so he nestled in behind Sims and Austin Freeman's 29 also on Friday. Jason Clark: 28 points, 4-8 2pt, 3-3 3pt, 11-12 FT, 2RB, 5A, 2TOHe even bookended it with two nice one-handed throwdowns on fastbreaks (actually the one bright spot of the day was a boatload of thunderous dunks and heinous blocked shots). Very energetic performance all day from Clark. It was looking like a ho-hum statsheet filler a lot like Austin's Freeman's multiple 20 point games so far this summer--Clark went to the line for 6 FTs and had a few nothing special baskets with a couple minutes to go in the first half. Then, a corner three off an inbounds feed from Green. Next possession, same spot, swishes again. Next possession, opposite wing, in rhythm and nothing but net. 9 points in about 60 seconds to get to 21 at the half. It's actually too bad his team didn't overtly set him to gun for a big number in the second half, but the level of pay was pretty sloppy anyhow. He did have two spectacular plays setting others up in the second half. On one fast break, he went between the legs blindly on a 3-on-1 to set a player up for a would-be dunk. But on the more impressive one, in the rare KL situation of a dwindling shot clock, Jason curled to the top of the key around a screen, rose as if to shoot, and tossed a perfect flat lob pass to a cutting Henry Sims, who caught it in mid air and finished in the same motion. Sweet. Henry Sims: 15 points, 5-8 FG, 5-6 FT, 5RB, 1A, 1TOHenry had maybe the biggest crowd pleaser of the afternoon, when he took a layoff from Jason Clark on a fast break and obliterated the defender who tried to block him with a one handed dunk. Henry's funny like this--and I wondered on occasion how much of the "play Henry Sims" hype last season was influenced by the fact that for as few buckets as Sims had, an unusually large percentage were spectacular--mostly dunks and putback dunks (see his follow jam at Notre Dame). It's almost like people extrapolate and say "See--he jammed that one time, if we'd just play him 3x the minutes, he'd do that 3x a game!) Of course, you have to play for all situations, not just the odd follow jam or chippies. This is why the full spectrum of Henry's summer will be much more useful than the probably-anomaly 30 point performance on Friday night built on dump down layups and easy putbacks. Henry did a lot of different things in the center position today. For one, he was driving at the basket more, for hook shots and for layup attempts, and that's a good thing. He can be explosive at times, but I'd rather he be proficient at a variety of post moves/basket attacks most of the time. He looks a bit lost at times on defense, leaving himself out of position for defensive rebounds. Probably drifts a little too much rather than bodying his defender. In case you were wondering, Jeff Green had 12 and 7, Jon Wallace got his only 3 points late, and Tyler Crawford had a goose egg. [Next: CSI: Kenner League on the case of the mystery DCX NBA player] |
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jgalt
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by jgalt on Aug 2, 2009 18:24:55 GMT -5
Seeing as how his first album should be out about two months before the GU home opener, isn't Wale pretty much the overwhelming favorite for choice of pre-game lineup song? This i support wholeheartedly mostly because of his support for Alex Ovechkin and his ability to say "Ovechkin" in the rhythm of a hip hop song with out making it sound ridiculous. |
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rjmaxx
Member
the REAL Illest
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Post by rjmaxx on Aug 2, 2009 18:45:09 GMT -5
In case you were wondering, Jeff Green had 12 and 7
WAIT ... Jeff Green only had 12 points? He'll never make it in the NB ... oh, never mind ;D
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FLHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by FLHoya on Aug 2, 2009 19:01:57 GMT -5
The enduring mystery of Kenner League continues for at least a few more days. In case you missed it, yesterday around halftime I was alerted to the buzz that one of the DCX players was Oklahoma City Thunder rising star and DC area product Kevin Durant. I hadn't even been paying attention to the lanky gentleman in the black jersey, but even after staring at him and Kevin Durant's NBA profile, I was stumped myself. I wasn't much interested anyhow, but it cause something of a mini-discussion last night and again into today when sorta-kinda-Durant again suited up. I told my buddy--there's one way to solve this: this guy's gotta score a basket so they can announce his name. Sure enough, the scorekeeper ditched the table for the final game, so the normal announcer had to run the book and thus not announce the final game. And ya know what? It turned out Bizarro Durant didn't score anyway. DCX 77 TOMBS 68Green, Crawford, and Wallace were back to play for the Tombs, but the men in blue were overwhelmed in the second half, outscored by a 45-28 margin. Austin Freeman: 25 points, 4-8 FG, 1-2 3pt, 14-14 FT, 4RB, 2A, 2TO, 3STLI don't see what the big deal is with anyone complaining that Austin and Chris are getting theirs in a summer league game. Seems to me the whole enterprise is just a way for players to work on various aspects of their game. If the Georgetown starting backcourt feels like they need to be proficient at attacking the basket off the dribble, or in Austin's case also pulling up from mid-range, so be it. The thing that bears following with Austin is how he holds up physically over the course of a game. He takes a ton of punishment in a typical Kenner League game because of how he attacks the rim off the dribble through traffic. He got absolutely whacked on a hard foul late and went tumbling into the side of the basket support. He doesn't necessarily look winded, but sometimes you gotta think he's picking up some bumps and bruises with this style of play. Here's the thing though--he's 44-50 from the FT line in his four games this summer, including a perfect 14-14 today--and he was swishing them all even to the end of the game. Could he pass more? Yeah. Do I care that much? Nah. Jerelle Benimon: 4 points,2-3 FG, 0-1 3pt, 2-2 FT, 2RB, 2A, 2TO, 1STLHe's probably not going to have many huge impact games in the Kenner League this summer. So don't be jonesing for some huge scoreline; rather, you gotta look for the subtle things Jerelle is doing or not doing. His post presence is okay I guess--he has a move or two and if he really asserts himself he can finish strong at the rim over a defender. What interests me more is what he does under pressure in the post or when attacking the basket. On one hand, he displays some nice vision out of the post with his passing. On the other, he seems too cautious when driving to the rim in wanting to kick the ball out vice go at the basket. Gotta remember these are young inexperienced kids. Julian Vaughn was not in attendance today. He was "replaced" on Tombs by Chris Braswell, who is the spitting image of Jerelle Benimon and even wore 35 to Benimon's 33. At least I think. Maybe the other way around. Greg Monroe: 13 points, 6-10 FG, 1-4FT, 7RB (3off), 5A, 2TO, 4STLIt seems the early discussion of Monroe this summer (after one game mind you!) is focusing on his post moves--specifically the reliance on the left hand. Probably an overreaction this early without more data. Indeed, Greg actually went right several times today both from the post and from the perimeter attacking the basket. On the whole the results were mixed, but a high point in the first half was him spinning right and going to the righty finish against Jeff Green, who guarded Monroe in the post during the majority of the game. (Just pointing this out too--the first two games saw Greg covered by James Gist and Jeff Green, two players with very successful college careers and a NBA contract.) What we're not talking about yet is his passing. That's the gift that really sets Greg apart from your run of the mill good centers, and makes him ideal for a point forward position in the GU offense (and thus, one would say, puts a ton of pressure on Sims and Vaughn to enable us to actually play him there.) Greg's assists were pretty darn good today, none better than when he ran the classic Princeton/UCLA, GU/Vanderbilt backdoor play from the high post to Chris Wright late in the second half. Don't get caught up on whether Greg is doing X well right now. What I can tell you from watching just two games--he is in fact trying X, Y, Z, and so on. Chris Wright: 20 points, 9-14 2pt, 0-3 3pt, 1-3 FT, 5RB, 4A, 3TO, 1STLReally he and Free are two sides of the same coin in the Kenner League, except maybe Free's side is, ahem, weighted more (I keed!). Both are doing most of the point guard work on their teams, and clearly looking for opportunities to get their shots by attacking the rim. Austin uses the pull up jumper far more often, where Wright--who is far more athletic--can hang and go for acrobatic finishes. Many of Wright's FGs so far this summer have been on reverse layups in traffic that for Freeman are more than likely fouls and FT attempts. It's hard to argue that he's being too selfish when he has 4 assists in a game, which in Kenner probably counts for double that. The questions for Wright that you SHOULD be looking at--when he attacks the basket, can he get to the rim reliably? Can he make the right choice on WHEN to attack? So far, so good. ------------------- Here's how the GU teams are doing after weekend 1: DCX 2-0 We Are One 3-1 Clydes 2-2 Tombs 1-3 Song of the moment I wrote this sentence: Gym Class Heroes: On My Own Time (Write On!): Happily, there's a two day break in the KL schedule. Looking forward to just...hanging out here, on my own time. Until then...write on! |
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lichoya68
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
OK YOUNGINS ARE HERE AND ARE VERY VERY GOOD cant wait GO HOYAS
Posts: 17,438
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Post by lichoya68 on Aug 2, 2009 19:09:40 GMT -5
henry started off sorta slow but GOT MUCH MORE MEANER as game went along less fumbling more finishing better rebbies and d in my opinoin he plays like the 30point game and julian plays like yesterday adn we MIGHT have a two headed center here so greg can be power forward and hollis the slinkey shoooter wing yup just might KEEP GETTING MEAN HENRY .. also benninmen is stronger and more patient than first thought might give some minutes and toughness here just might.. nice to tse the boys together on the floor the roomies jeff tyler and jon and the newibes chris who finished plays VERY WELL and only got caught stuck in side once adn a few good go in deepadn kick it out very nicely.. soooooo jason 21 first half in adn out and dunks and quickneesss and better handle MOST IMPORTANT MUCH MORE BETTER HANDLE DRIBBLING LOWER AND TIGHTER MUCH MORE BETTER those things might bring march surprieses JUST LETS WAIT AND SEE PS NO GAMES MONDAY AND TUES BUMMER I WAS GETTING ON A ROLL WHAT WILL I DO GO HOYAS ITS FEBRUARY
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russodj
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
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Post by russodj on Aug 2, 2009 19:52:57 GMT -5
I missed yesterday's game but no way Kevin Durant in the gym today. But does anyone know who #10 was for DCX. He had a really pretty jumper and I really liked his overall game. But, as FL said, they was no announcer so I couldn't figure out who he was.
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vv83
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
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Post by vv83 on Aug 2, 2009 20:17:11 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure #10 for DCX was Maurice Creek, who will be a freshman at Indiana U. this year. He really played well today - Rivers is going to have some competition for minutes in that backcourt
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skyhoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
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Post by skyhoya on Aug 2, 2009 20:24:20 GMT -5
#10 was Maurice Creek, he stopped by and talked to the people around me, they were kidding him about learning to play D from Baby Doc.
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Post by harwoodhoya on Aug 2, 2009 21:34:23 GMT -5
Creek isn't close to 6'8"
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skyhoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
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Post by skyhoya on Aug 3, 2009 5:58:41 GMT -5
6'5"
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lichoya68
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
OK YOUNGINS ARE HERE AND ARE VERY VERY GOOD cant wait GO HOYAS
Posts: 17,438
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Post by lichoya68 on Aug 3, 2009 9:43:50 GMT -5
ten was one of the consitant stars out there and if hes going to inidana old docs kis will have a greatteammate and alot of competitioin very very good player yup
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kellycpcm
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
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Post by kellycpcm on Aug 3, 2009 10:06:52 GMT -5
Look for Baby doc to pick up a lot of splinters down at the end of the bench.
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AvantGuardHoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
"It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something."
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Post by AvantGuardHoya on Aug 3, 2009 10:44:24 GMT -5
Look for Baby doc to pick up a lot of splinters down at the end of the bench. I'll bet you Rivers plays at least 20 minutes a game. |
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kchoya
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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Post by kchoya on Aug 3, 2009 10:51:14 GMT -5
Look for Baby doc to pick up a lot of splinters down at the end of the bench. I'll bet you Rivers plays at least 20 minutes a game. I agree. People act like Rivers was a no talent hack. Sure, he wasn't going to light anyone up for 20 points a game, but he's a high level D1 talent. Plus, if you think he's going to be stuck on the bench, you didn't watch a lot of IU basketball last year. |
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MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
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Post by MCIGuy on Aug 3, 2009 11:04:58 GMT -5
Word out of Hoosier Nation is that he is already the unofficial leader of the team.
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Post by gtowndynasty on Aug 3, 2009 13:06:13 GMT -5
Look for Baby doc to pick up a lot of splinters down at the end of the bench. Id give you two to one odds that he doesnt...You obviously havent seen the IU roster, but yet felt comfortable saying that. People on this board just say whatever they like, with no regard to facts/reality. |
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kellycpcm
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
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Post by kellycpcm on Aug 3, 2009 13:25:27 GMT -5
Indiana, Last year they played three guards who eat up almost all the minutes ( 80) for guard play. Dumes was their leading scorer, Jones was their second and Willaims pitche din about 8 points per game. they all are back. Who is Jeremiah going to take PT from, other than playing D on the other team's shooter, if they have one?
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Post by sleepyjackson21 on Aug 3, 2009 14:16:03 GMT -5
Indiana was awful last season. They won one game in the Big Ten and 6 games overall. They lost 21 of their last 22 games. Nick Williams is not returning, he transferred to Mississippi. Jeremiah got run on a team that went to the Final Four. He'll play at Indiana.
And just to make this post meaningful and to stay on track with the thread, i'd like to say thanks to all the people who have taken the time to post about our players/Kenner league.
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EasyEd
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
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Post by EasyEd on Aug 3, 2009 15:05:26 GMT -5
Just wanted to thank all who have posted recaps or comments on the Kenner league games regarding Hoyas and former Hoyas. Makes the summer much more interesting.
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