'Nova will start four guards

[GIGAFAN99]

Per Wright on ESPN.

So they'll go 6'0, 6'0, 6'2, 6'3, 6'8.

This might mean another brief appearance for Roy. Even without him we're 6'1, 6'2, 6'6, 6'9, 6'8 and infinitely more mobile. It would be a good time to play like we did the last 12 minutes of Rutgers for the whole game.

[HOYAPLAYA]

I say we go with size as opposed to adjusting to what they put on the floor. Basically, if they aren't red-hot shooting from the outside and they haven't been all year, then they stand no chance of being able to guard us. Let them pack it in a tight zone and we'll just have to hit our shots. I think that we'd be playing right into their hands if we went small, but then again I'll trust whatever III decides to go with at this point.

[SFHoya99]

The difference is that our small is:

6'8" versus 6'8"
6'9" versus 6'3"
6'6" versus 6'2"
6'2" versus 6'0"
6'0" versus 6'0"

Although it would be nice if Brandon would post up once in a while to take advantage of those five to six inches.

[HOYAPLAYA]

SFHoya99 said:

The difference is that our small is:

6'8" versus 6'8"
6'9" versus 6'3"
6'6" versus 6'2"
6'2" versus 6'0"
6'0" versus 6'0"

Although it would be nice if Brandon would post up once in a while to take advantage of those five to six inches.

Good point, but if we keep Hibbert in the starting lineup then they have a very tough decision to make. With a 6'8, 6'9 and 7'2, there on the floor we should be able to play down low all day long. At least Roy has shown some post moves and if there ever was a game for him to catch the ball in the post and keep it up at eye level, this would be the game.

[the_way]

Nova can start 4 centers for all I care. We are still gonna kick butt. ;D


LETS GO, GU!!

[SFHoya99]

HOYAPLAYA said:

Good point, but if we keep Hibbert in the starting lineup then they have a very tough decision to make. With a 6'8, 6'9 and 7'2, there on the floor we should be able to play down low all day long. At least Roy has shown some post moves and if there ever was a game for him to catch the ball in the post and keep it up at eye level, this would be the game.

Good point as well. Just don't make him dribble it...

[HOYAPLAYA]

I must admit that a lot of my logic/reasoning stems from wanting to see Big Roy have a good game and not lose confidence for the rest of the year. We'll need him in the next game against Syracuse and I just think it would be a big plus if he were to get some positive things going in Saturday's game. Only time will tell.

[BubbleVisionBiff]

HOYAPLAYA said:

I must admit that a lot of my logic/reasoning stems from wanting to see Big Roy have a good game and not lose confidence for the rest of the year. We'll need him in the next game against Syracuse and I just think it would be a big plus if he were to get some positive things going in Saturday's game. Only time will tell.

This would be a good game for Roy to get upwards of 25 minutes, and agreed, a big boost to his confidence. All he has to do is just stay home on defense. Let's hope so.

I wonder also if we get into a situation where we have to match their guards defensively, if we might get a good look at Tyler. If RaMell is back, maybe an opportunity for him as well.

[A2Mich]

Also, can you just see some passing between Jeff and Roy in the paint!? Roy could just hold the ball up high, turn and let go for points. I look forward to when Roy's excitement turns into some poise and presence in the post... I know it's coming.

It seems to me that with a big or small line-up we can take it to 'em. I like both. Go Hoyas!

[hoyadrummer]

My prediction is that we don't go small, 'nova trys plays zone, roy gets 4 points, but 6 assists as he keeps passing to Green/Bowman who dunk over a hapless 6'3 guard, and then 'Nova stops playing four guards about ten minutes into the game.

Nova plays well the rest of the game, but never closes the gap, we win.

[GIGAFAN99]

That is a good point. Roy in the high post would be tough to guard with a 6'8 guy especially with Green and Brandon cutting on much smaller players. Again, the tough match-up is Jeff guarding a perimeter player, something I don't know if he's done this year.

[TBird41]

as nodak sang-lefty hooker in the lane, don't you know they can't reach that...

PLAY ROY! He's due for a big game and the matchups would be ridiculously favorable for Gtown on the offensive end. Of course, it depends on if Green can defend a perimeter guy (but then again, maybe just play zone and force them to hit their shots)

[A2Mich]

How often does GU play zone? I get the impression we're mostly a man-to-man team...

And, I guess there could be problems with Green on a guard out on the perimeter. But he could just be on the 4th best guard they've got, it seems like that could help. We've got other guys for their other guards.

[MCIGuy]

GIGAFAN99 said:

Per Wright on ESPN.

So they'll go 6'0, 6'0, 6'2, 6'3, 6'8.

This might mean another brief appearance for Roy. Even without him we're 6'1, 6'2, 6'6, 6'9, 6'8 and infinitely more mobile. It would be a good time to play like we did the last 12 minutes of Rutgers for the whole game.

Oh, this is gonna be fun. In the past when the Hoyas had a lot of beef on the team and structered their offense and defense around the presence of a big man, this type of game would have given the Hoyas fit. But now going up against a four guard offense is a good matchup for Gtown. This is not to say the Hoyas will win or win easily. But Nova going small wil allow the Hoyas to play arguably their most effective lineup (Bowman, Owens, Green, Wallace and Green). The only thing I worry about is Bowman guarding a bunch of small guards. To make up for that JT3 must have Bowman post up those Nova guards all game long and punish them. Its a damn shame this won't be on TV.

[SFHoya99]

A2Mich said:

How often does GU play zone? I get the impression we're mostly a man-to-man team...

And, I guess there could be problems with Green on a guard out on the perimeter. But he could just be on the 4th best guard they've got, it seems like that could help. We've got other guys for their other guards.

There's no way we can play man to man with a big lineup.

Ray and Foye are the biggest guards Nova has -- Foye is much too quick for Jeff, and if Ray isn't also, he's their best shooter -- not a guy you want your shot-blocker defending.

[wildhoya]

Nova may start four guards, but expect to see plenty of Austin and Charles (and Sumpter) as well as Sheridan.

Take it at them Jeff and be ready to shoot some free throws (especially courtesy of Sheridan).

[HoyaSox04]

Just an FYI - Ramell won't be playing in the Nova game - tomorrow is his mother's funeral.

[TrueHoyaBlue]

Defensively, this may be a good game for Tyler to get some run, as his long arms (along with DJ's) will come in handy against a guard oriented offense.

[kchoya]

MCIGuy said:

But Nova going small wil allow the Hoyas to play arguably their most effective lineup (Bowman, Owens, Green, Wallace and Green).

Two Jeff Greens!?! That would be a good lineup ;D

[nodak89]

I think this is a golden opportunity to get Roy out of his funk and get his FUNK ON!

I will predict Roy goes 3-7 from the field and 3-4 from the line for 9 pts. Also with 6 assists, 12 boards (3 offensive), and 4 blocks. He'll play 29 minutes and commit 3 fouls.






Also, he'll have pancakes and OJ for breakfast, be the third team member to show up at McDonough to get on the bus, and listen to "Drop it like it's Hot" on his I-pod on the ride up.