richfame
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,266
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Post by richfame on Aug 23, 2009 14:40:27 GMT -5
So I come back from a week vacation and I see 4 locked up threads!! Wow, I hate to rush the summer but i think we need the season to start! I LIke the title of this thread and i hope everyone gives this team a chance and is a little patient. There are indeed so many positives like any tem going into a season. We are still relatively young but I think by the end of the year were going to hit our stride, unlike last year. So all im saying if we lose a few in a row lets not all start calling each other trolls or clowns. Heres to a great season!!
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GIGAFAN99
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 4,487
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Post by GIGAFAN99 on Aug 23, 2009 22:30:20 GMT -5
We will destroy Tulane in New Orleans on a Friday and the over-under on Hoya fans who remember the second half is 6, counting Jack. For the first half it's actually 3.
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2ndRyan
Bulldog (over 250 posts)
Posts: 329
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Post by 2ndRyan on Aug 24, 2009 8:59:50 GMT -5
The 07 Final Four team was the team that lost in preconference play at Home to Old Dominion by 13. My point is, we may start slow, but it's how you play in February and March that matters.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,387
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Post by hifigator on Aug 24, 2009 11:10:41 GMT -5
dudeslade wrote:
Many are pumping up Duke this year,
And that differs from any other year in exactly what manner?
seaweed wrote:
Don't sell yourself short AU, you're a tremendous slouch.
You've got to love those Chevy Chase-Caddyshack references. What was it ...
"Doctor Beeper's been club champ 3 years in a row, and I'm no slouch myself ..."
grok:
That was excellent. Is that all your own work or did you borrow some of it ... aside from the Supertramp part, of course. Either way, very well done!
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Post by grokamok on Aug 24, 2009 12:02:26 GMT -5
Thanks, all. It was fun, but I have developed a considerably greater respect for lyric writers; coming up with enough relevant -als, -les and -uls was a bit harder than expected
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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 24, 2009 18:14:52 GMT -5
positive not from the love fest here but from ESPN in their preseason big east predictions yup HOYAS NUMBER FOUR YUP HOLLIS FROSH TO WATCH WILL SHOOT AND GREG WILL BE AN ALL AMERICAN AND CHRIS AND AUSTIN GREAT WOWOWWOWOWOOWOW NOW THATS objective positive a doulbe double yes ye syes go hoyas go espn and if they dont change the freaking format for the nyc tourney we WONT PLAY TILL THURS dont change the format and get into that top four yup ITS ALMOST FEBRUARY NOW YUP WRIGHT NOW WOOOOOOOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWWOWOOWOOWWOWOOW
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MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,426
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Post by MCIGuy on Aug 24, 2009 21:45:02 GMT -5
Here I go. Positive spin only. ;D
1) The ball-handling should be much improved. As many made point of mentioning last season whenever Chris was not in the game the dribbling got a bit shaky for the Hoyas. Even when Chris was in the game the lack of other confident ballhandlers was a problem because Chris could wear down after awhile. Now from most reports Austin has made strides in this area. That was only a matter of time IMO because he did a lot of that in high school. Once he finds his comfort level at the college level that improved handle should make him a tremendous help for Chris as his backcourt teammate. Should take some pressure off of Chris. From all reports Jason has really improved his handle. He still has his own kinks to work out and he isn’t all the way there yet but with a much more confident dribble and a year of major college hoops under his belt he should be an upgrade over Jesse in this area. Not only may he be the second best player after Chris in beating a press, he could also end up pretty soon being the most dangerous attacker off the bounce.
With the addition of Vee we appear to have another guy capable of playing minutes at lead guard. This is an upgrade over Omar for that reason alone. Then there’s Hollis. The most unexpected description of his play in the KL was ability to handle the ball comfortably. Its only a summer league sample but I gotta say guys like Bowman and Summers (and even Green) never got as glowing reviews concerning their dribbling skills…not even during summer league play. If he truly can handle the rock when needed then the Hoyas have a team that should be able to beat and attack an aggressive press.
But the bonus is Greg. No other Hoya big man (outside of Jerome Williams…if you considered him a big man) has ever been able to dribble like Greg. He is a legit option and this year he needs to step up and take on those responsibilities if needed. With his height and passing skills he can also find someone to dish it off to if he draws the defenders while having the ball in his hands. If the assumed starting lineup includes Chris, Austin, Hollis, Greg and one other big guy this should hopefully mean the Hoyas will have four guys who can bring the ball up the court or lead a fastbreak. That is something that needs to be exploited for the Hoyas’ benefit. If there comes moments in which Greg plays the five, Hollis is plugged in at the four for a couple of minutes and III has three guards on the floor with them, that would give Gtown five players at once who could dribble and pass. Think the 2006 game with Duke in which you had stretches with Green, Bowman, Cook, Wallace and Owens. But this version as a group would be superior overall (easily) in ballhandling.
2) Austin’s weight. Maybe too big of a deal was made over this but there were plenty of Hoya fans who were downright disgruntled over Free’s girth. Some went as far as to suggest the Freeman that the Hoyas had recruited had yet to arrive on the Hilltop (or at the very least was absent all of last season). Well, the pounds are off and from all reports Freeman looked great physically this summer and much more explosive and athletic. This most likely means he’s a tad quicker too. And with a couple of months to go before the season begins its not out of the question that Freeman will continue to work on and improve all these areas. If Freeman is the player that some of us think he is then his new physique and added year of experience could result in a nightmare for Big East opponents. And as a junior he doesn’t really have to defer to anyone anymore. It’s as much as his team as anyone’s else. And this could lead to a more attack mentality for Austin. More aggression. Even if he shoots well from midrange and long distance the key may be his willingness to drive to the hole and earn trips at the line. Its not out of the question that he could be the leading scorer on the team.
3)Chris and experience. Chris is as capable of a ballhandler as the Hoyas have had in a long time. While not extremely quick his speed is above average for a college point guard. And he can find teammates with the pass. He’s way above average in terms of strength for a point guard and can get to almost any spot on the floor that he wants. When he gets to the basket he can finish, often displaying impressive acrobatics in the process. He can break the press and keep his dribble alive. His flaws are that there are still questions regarding his decision making and his outside shot is not up to high D1 par. The former complaint is probably a little overblown when you look at Chris’ numbers. The latter criticism though is legit. If I had to pick a former college player to compare Chris to I would say he is Jason Williams (of Duke) without the jumpshot. And anyone who watched Williams college career know that it was his ability to hit the three-point shot that made him so lethal. Any noticeable improvement by Chris on this front takes him to a new level. Most of all what’s important is that Chris has now gone through his first full season of college basketball and is now a veteran. There were a couple of short spans of games last season in which he looked absolutely special. I know he’s a competitor and one has to think he is anxious to get back on the court and lead his team back to respectability.
4)Greg’s back. Nuff said. This decision was huge. Despite the complaints about what Greg isn’t doing and what he needs to work on the fact is he is still a tremendous talent who is perfect for this team. If he puts it altogether and lives up to his immense potential, the Hoyas can beat anyone.
5)The X-Factors (Hollis and Henry). Or perhaps they are the wildcards. The media is so focused on Greg, Chris and Austin. And with good reason. But Hollis and Henry may be the keys for the Hoyas being a team that will challenge for the BE title.
Both players are essentially mysteries to opposing teams and fans and to an extent to Hoya fans. Henry had his struggles reportedly this summer and as a result people notice all the flaws. Too thin. Too raw. Too soft. But people are underselling this kid’s athleticism, his ability to get up and down the floor, his skill level and his upside. I am a big believer in Henry’s upside and I think it would serve the team best if he started alongside Monroe. Yes, he’s going to get kicked around a bit this season as he learns first had what it means to be a big man in the Big East. In my opinion the opponents better get in their shots this season. Because there is going to come a moment in which it all clicks with Henry and he stops getting pushed around and starts displaying his abilities on a regular basis. Obviously there is going to be games in which he struggles. And some fans’ patience will be tested as a result. Hey, its okay if Henry struggles. If he is in the starting lineup he will be the fifth option on offense and can always be pulled in favor of Julian Vaughn on defense. Besides starting him this upcoming season is in part preparation for his last two seasons at GU during which he will be relied on more. Nonetheless in the here and now a guy who can have impressive games in the KL against folks like Beasley and Jeff Allen of VTech is capable of having a few big breakout performances during the regular season. And that could lead to a couple of more wins that the Hoyas were desperate for last season. And in the meantime if he delivers some exciting plays (like the dunk against Notre Dame) on a regular basis that could energize the team and Hoya fans.
Then there’s Hollis. From all reports the Hoyas can have something very special with this guy. People were already stoked after reading the glowing comments about hi by JTIII during the spring. Expectations were raised even more once “insiders” started declaring him the best shooter on the team. And then Hollis goes out and mostly lives up to expectations during his brief appearance in the Kenner Leagues. He’s thin, he’s green, he still has to provide more effort. But nearly everyone who watched him play came away thinking he was the real deal. The only debate was his height. He was described as being anywhere from 6’6 to 6’9. So what’s the correct one? He looked to be at least 6’7 when I saw him standing by the other players during last season and its possible he’s grown since. Despite his weak frame folks doing writeups of KL play kept making comments like “ a very good ballhandler for a BIG GUY” and wondering if he could hold up playing the four position for Gtown. Typically one never suggests such a thing for a thin 6’6 guy. Still others insists he is nowhere near 6’9. I’ll stick with 6’7 for right now. Regardless he can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass, he can rebound, he has an elite athleticism. Can’t complain about that. Some see him as an eventual guard. I don’t know about the rest of you folks but I get excited about a 6’7 guard who can drive with both hands, has playmaking capabilities, can shoot both the pullup and the long range bomb and can soar above the rim. Have the Hoyas ever had anyone who fit those descriptions at that height? I don’t want to see the bar too high for him….yet. But he is another big potential guy. Because of the team he played for this KL folks may not have gotten even a clearer picture of his capabilities. I don’t care how thin he is he needs to start..
6)Quality Bench. I think the team goes nine deep as the regular rotation and the four guys whom I have coming off the bench bring different but much needed skills and abilities to the table. Jason Clark brings offensive versatility, defense and energy/excitement when he steps on the floor. On offense he can shoot, he can drive, he can pass, he can run the fast break, he can finish the fast break. On defense his longs arms, quickness and tenacity makes him probably the best perimeter defender for the Hoyas at this point as well as a capable rebounder. And with his blazing speed, fancy (albeit often dangerous) dribbling and incredible hops, he brings an excitement to the floor that could provide the necessary sparks for much needed wins. Clark, this upcoming season, could end up being the fist guard off the bench during III’s tenure who is not a big step down on offense compared to the starters. I’ll go as far as to say that despite my thinking Jason should come off the bench, I think he has the most physical talent of any of the Hoyas current guards. And I love his passion. Cursing and kicking chairs during KL losses? The Hoyas need someone who cares that much on the floor for at least 20 minutes a game.
Vaughn comes off the bench to provide probably the best back-to-the basket post game of all our Hoya big men. That’s a nice switch that opposing defenses would have to adjust to when he gets on the floor. He apparently has gotten himself into better condition as well and seems willing to bang down low. Plus he as well has a jumpshot. As a junior he also provides nice experience after one season in the ACC and one in the Big East. He should be ready.
If Nikita finds his stroke he gives the Hoyas instant offense out on the perimeter. And with that 6-8 height that could be a devastating weapon. He is also a heck of a passer…a willing one too. If his dribbling and midrange game has improved he will be able to put tremendous pressure on defenses.
With Vee the Hoyas off the bench bring on a guard with size. He can run the point position which would lead his other perimeter teammates to concentrate on scoring. Its rumored he can hit an open outside shot too. His minutes may be limited but he is a nice option to have and call upon during important points of a given game.
Don’t want to overlook Jerrelle. He is the good bet to get the least amount of time but he has a strong body that gives the team more interior depth and I love reading about how good a passer he is for a big man. I’m intrigued.
7)More size in the paint. I liked DaJuan and all but a main issue with him was that as the team starting PF he spent way too much time out beyond the three paint line. Regardless of which other big man will be starting alongside Greg, the Hoyas will be much better off with another big who can help out on the boards.
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Post by bigelephant on Aug 25, 2009 14:04:21 GMT -5
That was a great write-up. Very astute and comprehensive. I agree with the commentary that our best potential starting lineup is Wright, Freeman, Thompson, Monroe and either Sims/Vaughn. Placing Monroe at PF could be huge, provided we have an effective rebounder/defender in the post. And Clark off the bench for 25-30 high energy minutes I think could be devastating to opposing teams. Plus, I think Nikita is a little undervalued and could play a pivotal 10-15 minute role as a 3 point specialist. But I have a sinking feeling that JTIII may be forced to switch to a smaller starting 5 of Wright, Freeman, Clark, Thompson, and Monroe at some point next season. I am worried that Sims and Vaughn can be effective Big East centers. In particular, I think Sims could be lacking at that position. Perhaps Julian can step up to be an effective defender, rebounder, and outlet man. He seems more likely than Sims to possess the necessary post skills the position requires. Sims is not that type of post player and I think it will take a remarkable transformation this season for him to get there. I suppose it could happen, but I don't see it.
All that said, I think with a nucleus of Wright/Freeman/Monroe, an improved Clark, and the addition of an elite athlete in Hollis, I predict no worse than a Top 5 finish in the Big East standings and an NCAA tourney bid next year. If we are pleasantly surprised to get consistently solid post play from Vaughn and Sims, then I think we are a Top 10 team. There is a lot of talent on this team.
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Post by HoyaSinceBirth on Aug 25, 2009 14:12:41 GMT -5
I think we more likely keep greg at the 5 and play Julian and Henry at the 4. But I'm not sure numbers liek 4 and 5 really tell you a lot about the role they will play. Greg's role will be exactly the same. Henry and Julian will be asked to play off of him. On Defense, it'll depend on match ups, but we play a lot of 2-3 zone anyway.
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hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,387
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Post by hifigator on Aug 26, 2009 14:21:30 GMT -5
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