OldHoyafan
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,387
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Post by OldHoyafan on Jan 2, 2011 14:34:50 GMT -5
The recent big men recruits and the liberal use of his bench during the OOC schedule gave a lot of us hope that "small ball" would not be as prevalent this year, especially in the BE games. However, ND and Depaul games suggest that might not be the case. Though the bench(Sims,Nate,Benimon,Vee and Markel) is still being used, "small ball" is still the favorite flavor of the day. When Sims and Nate are brought in together, instead of moving Thompson from BF to SF and keeping Austin/Clark at the 2G and Wright at the point, the Hoyas have sent Thompson to the bench and kept Austin,Clark and Wright in the game. Benimon could alternate between BF and SF depending on what was needed at the moment. If Hoyas needed more toughness and rebounding then, Sims/Vaughn and Nate could be used along with Benimon at SF with Austin/Clark and Wright/Markel. If Hoyas needed rebounding and Nate was unavailable then Benimon could play BF for a short period, with Thompson,Austin/Clark and Wright/Markel in the game also. These bench players are getting PT now. Its just when they are in, its during a variation of "small ball" rather than "big ball"
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Post by professorhoya on Jan 2, 2011 16:00:19 GMT -5
The other alternatives are to play Lubick and Benimon at PF. Hollis has rebounded better than both, those Lubick is in range, and is a better offensive player across the board. Benimon and Lubick are likely stronger, Benimon maybe a better overall defender (Lubick is not). I could see switching when each plays (moving Hollis to the bench but keeping equal minutes) but that doesn't solve your problem, does it? The only things that seems like it would work are these: - Play Lubick more and hope he develops better D and better O more quickly, despite the fact that Hollis is a better player in almost every facet right now I have no problem with Lubick playing or even backing up at center over Bennimon when Sims/Vaughn are in foul trouble. Lubick did fine in the Missouri game and played major minutes. Sure he makes the occasional mistake but he's not some stiff out there. His minutes seem to have regressed as Sims play has improved but I just don't understand why you just can't up Sims and Lubicks' minutes at the expense of Hollis/Bennimon or even Clark. As far as Lubick he does play PF when he comes out with Sims after they get rid of the starters (Hollis/Vaughn). That's the line up I have most confidence in because it's not playing out of position small ball.
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Post by professorhoya on Jan 2, 2011 16:05:27 GMT -5
Of course, we're "a work in progress"..."a young team "...a this or that excuse. Thing is as young as some of the players are we lose Freeman and Wright next year. So you have to make a run this year. What good is it to hold people back for next year when Freeman and Wright are gonna be gone. You have to give the best chance you can get to win this year.
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Post by professorhoya on Jan 2, 2011 16:14:36 GMT -5
The recent big men recruits and the liberal use of his bench during the OOC schedule gave a lot of us hope that "small ball" would not be as prevalent this year, especially in the BE games. However, ND and Depaul games suggest that might not be the case. Though the bench(Sims,Nate,Benimon,Vee and Markel) is still being used, "small ball" is still the favorite flavor of the day. When Sims and Nate are brought in together, instead of moving Thompson from BF to SF and keeping Austin/Clark at the 2G and Wright at the point, the Hoyas have sent Thompson to the bench and kept Austin,Clark and Wright in the game. Benimon could alternate between BF and SF depending on what was needed at the moment. If Hoyas needed more toughness and rebounding then, Sims/Vaughn and Nate could be used along with Benimon at SF with Austin/Clark and Wright/Markel. If Hoyas needed rebounding and Nate was unavailable then Benimon could play BF for a short period, with Thompson,Austin/Clark and Wright/Markel in the game also. These bench players are getting PT now. Its just when they are in, its during a variation of "small ball" rather than "big ball" Yeah, I'm just seeing a disturbing trend of small ball especially in the Temple, ND and Depaul games and am very worried. We are small to begin with with the 3 guard offense which makes it critical to have 2 bigs to support them instead of Hollis/Bennimon. It would be one thing if we didn't have depth but this is a deep team there shouldn't be this positional problem.
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bmartin
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,459
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Post by bmartin on Jan 2, 2011 17:47:51 GMT -5
JT3 tried at least a dozen different lineup combinations against Notre Dame and the lineups with Chris, Austin, and two of Jason, Hollis, and Vee with Julian or Henry were more effective than the bigger lineups. We don't have a strong big lineup. This team is better in a jump shooting contest but Abromaitis outset our guys that night.
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 18:35:01 GMT -5
"Every win is not going to be pretty and to say this was not an ugly win would be an understatement," said Hoyas coach John Thompson III. "But every league win is a damn good win." This is the quote of a loser. I don't think III is a loser--but people who talk like this are--and will lose. III has to address some issues very soon 1. Why is this team coming out and taking DePaul lightly? WTF has the current group accomplished? What derailed their season a year ago? What had the SR's on team PROMISING to address? It was not taking anyone lightly. If you saw this game and feel Georgetown brought an intense, ready to play effort, then please share why--because this was '10 season in a nutshell. They play like this Monday Night--they'll be blown off the court. 2. A Coach/Staff need to prepare the team for the opposition. In the initial 2 games of the Big East season--Georgetown has avoiding pressing a limited team in terms of depth/guard play (ND) and not played zone as a primary defense against a poor shooting team (DePaul). Offensive basketball is where you can do "what you do"--as you have counters for how you are defended--but a good coach has to prepare the team for the opponent and utilize a gameplan. These opening games of conference play look coached like a "newbie" on defensive end of the court. 3. Does Georgetown breakdown film? Do they know how? I mean it's one thing to watch opponents play--but do they get anything out of it--because the players sure dont' seem to follow any gameplan that suggests they understand what teams/players on opposing teams can/cannot do the past 2 games. It's really disturbing on defensive end of the court--and if it's not addressed-then the misery of losing is soon to follow. Nobody is perfect in a season. Fully understand that. Not what I am talking about either. I'm sick of a half assed effort on defense. If you don't want to play defense-then don't act shocked/disappointed when you lose games--and to teams you shouldn't be losing to. If Georgetown plays as hard as they can and loses--fine. I've yet to see the type of effort that shows any resemblance of this program learning a damn thing from the up/down season a year ago. This was a bad win. Those who don't think that is possible (which include the Head Coach)---better understand that if you tell people this performance is acceptible--the poor decision making, sloppy play, and "flip the switch" attitude will be present all season--as will a mediocre conference record. This type of game is to be expected from a young team--not a veteran team who has guys who have suffered painful lesson of not taking opposing teams without big names seriously. This team has played 4 mediocre/subpar halves of basketball since Conference play has started. What are they waiting for? MSG has bright lights and Big Monday is big stage--and SJU is ready to knoc,k the Edited out of them with physical play/aggressive athletes. They have beaten Hoyas 2 out of last 3 outings and in lone win a year ago on New Year's Eve--they pushed Hoyas in DC. Georgetown better make some adjustments in approach to game and that means from staff to players. III had done a nice job in non conference and I applaud him for doing what isn't easy--going to different way of coaching but in the conference--he's been as mediocre/lousy as the effort on the court. Do this crap and make your ticket for NIT now--because this type of effort won't win 6 games in Big East. WOW, Okay, I respect your comments, but to be namecalling (loser) is unsat. To tell our coach what do is just totally wrong. I'm sure as coach he is addressing this issue/issues. Remember, he's not out there on the court playing. ? Are you a "true" Hoya fan I just want to respond to some of your complaints, lol. I don't think a Hoya basketball team is to come out and take a team or any team for that matter, lightly. To ask the question what has the current squad accomplished is just ridiculous. Those young men are students, and most of us are adults? The are in college doing something the love and worked all their lives to live their dream playing for a team of their desires, but some of us get on here and carried away say all kinds of mean things about these student's first, basketball second young men. They are playing for their school first and foremost. We are just fans. I understand we have our own opinions, but if we call ourselves Hoya fans I don't think it's right for us to say "some" of these kinds of things. I read this comment and I was appalled saying to myself, "is this guy a Hoya fan? Is he angry? Does he bet on Hoya game? Is he a grown man trying to live his dreams through his team?" etc. In this game the team started out well for the first mins. of the game, and then they went into a lull and DePaul took advantage of the situation in the first half. We had some players under the weather the past few days, no one probably knew about, but are quickly to "judge negatively." Second half was a lot better, the Hoyas defense step up big time. If we stop and think of the good that came out of this game I could tell you. Check this out! Most of our second half points came from inside the perimeter and the paint!!! No ill-advised 3's. This gave the Hoyas a chance to say, "hey man, I got to get to the cup, we can't shoot and rely on all these 3's that we took in the ND game. We have to get to the cup, either make the bucket or get fouled and go to the line." Now, I do know this is Hoyaball and smart thinking especially going into New York. The Hoyas finished the second half with lots of energy, smart and tough play going into their next game, and that's all you can ask for! Of course the coaching staff will make the necessary changes, that's their jobs. But it's not our place to make those calls. True we have are opinions, but respectfully! This is the 2010-2011 season not 2010, so I hope by now we've beennnnnnnnnnnnnnn over last season. We are 12-2, not 2-12, but you think the way some of rant on here. To say if the Hoyas play like on Monday they will get blown off of the court is just terrible. Our kids need encouragement not discouragement. Of course the coaching staff break down film and know how that's why they are coaches, so why do you ask? You have to remember there is another team out there that has studied film on us also. And there is another team out there playing, and they are not going to lay down for our team just becasue we are GEORGETOWN! What you're missing is the fact that our Hoyas have to COMMUNICATE a LOT better and even POINT COMMUNICATE! This is one of their biggest problems on DEFENSE! When they communicate/point communicate they play better defense, but it starts with the point guard because he is the first line of defense. When his teammates behind him seeing him doing this it's becomes contagious for five on the court. I saw some of this second half in the DePaul game. I know you're concerned, but you seem to have a very negative outlook on the rest of the season. Just take it one game a time, step by step and everything will be fine man, trust me. Just keep it all in perspective and you won't be seem to be so angry man. To go as far to say, "losing to teams you shouldn't lose too", is a bogus statement especially in the Big East, the toughest and best conference in the land! The teams have good coaches and good players and on any give night can beat you. You can't take anything away from another team that comes to play, and that wants to beat you. "I don't care how sorry my team may be, but it's a new day, and I want to beat you, and I don't give a diddly squat who you are!" say's me! ;D This is how I'm thinking! Faith Through Adversity - John Thompson Jr. Life through basketball! This is what life is all about! You win some lose some, now how are you going to act when you lose something or someone? Pick yourself up and keep it moving!!! Your writing as if the players and coaching staff are reading this! Wrong, they probably are saying, "who is this .......!" Why he trying to tell us how to do our job?" Does he know what he's talkikng about? Do he's understand the game of basketball? Is this an adult or a college kid just ranting? Why does this person still live in the past and not understand losing is a part of life? But you get back and fight fight fight! Man we are 12-2 and this guy is just assuming the WORST! I'm glad I'm not in his shoes? I guess just acting like an internet coach or something hahahaha!" Shoot, any team is ready to beat us, not just St. John's, they are well coached, Steve Lavin! Senior starters playing some good ball. A bad win Move the 2nd half defense over to Monday night and the Hoyas should be fine. Let's just leave it at that and wait until the outcome of the game. Definitely don't need Hoya fans like this. This is just my opinion! Happy New Year! WOW
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 18:43:23 GMT -5
Could not see this game but followed it on Yahoo. You can add me to the RDF camp of concerned fans. For the past 3 years this team has been led by the two senior guards Freeman and Wright. What has been a constant in that tenure is the unpredictaility of the team, i.e., they can beat anyone in the league and they can lose to anyone in the league. For the past two years the fate of this team has been held hostage by the attitude of the big three(Monroe,Freeman and Wright). If they collectively felt like the opposition deserved their best efforts on offense and defense, then they brought an intense effort that most times led to victories. If they collectively felt the oppsition was not worthy of their best efforts on offense and defense then the team would struggle and sometimes lost. Unfortunately JT3 has pooh poohed that attitude by making statements like today, i.e., not a pretty game but a good win. He has not called anyone out (not his style) nor has he sit them down the next game and started someone else. Therefore Wright, Clark and Freeman know that they are going to start every game barring an injury. There is no one else on this team more talented than Wright and Freeman and when they showcase that talent in offensive and defensive intesity from minute one of the game thru minute 40 of the game the Hoyas are a fun team to watch win or lose, but when they give you spurts throughout game and only show the real talent intesity towards the end of the game then they are not so easy to watch. We all know JT3 can coach offense, and we know from the team of Hibbert,Green, PE,JR, Wallace and Sapp which led the nation in defense for most of that year that he can coach defense. So why is the defense of this team so inconsistant? I think it is the reluctance of JT3 to trade defense for offense. Vaughn has given the Hoyas a fair replacement for the skill set of Macklin, but he is not a defensive presense that will strike fear in opponents. He may block a few shots but his footwork often gets him behind his man and often has him out of position and too far away from driving guards or forwards to make a stop. Henry is a better choice to start but his starting must be coupled with a legitimate big forward, and the only one the Hoyas have now is Nate. Now that sacrifices some offense Vaughn may give and a lot of outside shooting Clark or Thompson would give, but I think it would make your defensive intensity more stable. The 3 guard lineup is effective if you can play all your games against slower guards but in the BE unless you have 3 guards who can all handle the ball and have the footwork to stay in front of their man then it will not work. Freeman and Clark are very good 2 guards but don't have great handles like Wright. They also are not very quick laterally so their defense can create holes for the defense that a center like Vaughn can't cover. Moses is nine games behind the rest of the team, and I don't expect him to be the next Dikembe, but I do believe in the ability of JT2 to judge defensive pressense potential and if he thinks this kid has it then I would like to see the kid get a chance. If he gives up two straight layups or misses two straight layups then pull him but at least give him the chance at PT that Bennimon got last year. Right now I just feel that anyone who is thinks this game was solely a product if effort and intensity issues is overestimating the abilities of this team. We simply just aren't that good. We have one guy who can score at the moment and no one who can play defense. The issues on defense are much more complicated than effort. Going into Big East play I felt good about this team, because while their defense was horrid, I thought at least their offense would save them. Now that we have regressed so much on offense the last two games, I'm scared. We've had no offensive identity and look like team playing without Monroe in the middle. IDK what happened, but they better turn it around by Monday or we will be in for a long long season. Coaches statement was true and accurate. We all know how the Big East is. Just when WVU's foot was down on the ground and the referee didn't see it, he scored they won the BET! His coach said the same thing, in this league any way you can win a win is a win. There's nothing wrong with that statement, it's how folks look at the statement individually! Some folks have the tendency to change words and phrases around to accommodate themselves. Nothing wrong with that statement, there's only about two people out of a million lol, that said something negative about that statement
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 18:48:50 GMT -5
Just rewatched the tape. After watching, I have no problems with Jason's defense yesterday, none whatsoever. Other than outside shooting, I had no problems with his O either. THANK YOU! WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! THANK YOU!
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Post by HometownHoya on Jan 2, 2011 18:58:33 GMT -5
So now we know how SF gets so many posts ;-)
Like I've been saying, Henry needs to stay out of foul trouble for us to be successful. It has happened too of then this year.
Coach has to see something about Moses in practice that we don't see. Personally, I don't understand how it isn't worth putting him out there for even just 5 fouls. Maybe its because both Henry and Julian play the 5 only ahead of him. We have enough offense, we'll see though. Behindthebench seems to believe he is coming along and I have this odd feeling that poster may know some insider stuff on this team ;-)
Chris and Jason making the adjustment to drive rather then shoot the 3 was one of the biggest things we were missing in the ND game and I am glad that they have realized it is an adjustment that needs to be made early in the game, not just the second half.
I agree that we should move Hollis to the bench, if not just to provide extra offense off the bench. The only problem re Hollis that I see is moving him to the 3. As much as I would love to see that, and hope we do, we don't have the experienced depth in the front court to move him away from the 4 full time.
On rebounding, Hollis tends to get his rebounds by slashing into the hoop...more of what a typical SF does. Nate gets it by boxing out and fighting down low. But a line-up change wouldn't be to fix rebounding issues, it would be for defense.
Finally, Moses is a 5! As much as I want him to get more minutes, that will give us 3 players that pretty much play only the 5.
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:00:12 GMT -5
Offensively--the team played better today then against ND--they were moving ball more-looked a bit hurried at times against pressure-and Markel Starks looked awful against the press--but at least ball moved in halfcourt/they took good shots and were unselfish. Chris Wright played well in last 12 minutes of game---he was assertive on both ends and played some defense--not great-but it was effort and created some opportunities. Defensively--this group is just disgusting. That's on III. They are soft, give soft fouls, and they love to "bat or tip" missed shots--which lead to not just 2nd chance pts for opponents but often "And 1's". Julian Vaughn is left fighting on boards by himself as the guards/little guys swipe/hack from behind and he's outmanned. Just one of the reasons I've seen Vaughn tip the ball in Georgetown hoop more in his 2 years of serious playing time then all my other years as a Hoya fan. It happens so often-I expect to see Georgetown lose a game on a "friendly hoop". He also has some of the softest fouls in Hoya history too but that's been discussed. Clark/Freeman's defense--well they had nice offensive games. Hollis--who knows--he's hands on--and gets cheap fouls--but he at least attempts to help on glass. Benimon tries-but is limited when Hoyas face size. Henry plays hard/did some nice things--but he too got some cheap/soft fouls today. The team defends on perimeter like they have Patrick, Zo, or Dikembe back there and they want to funnel offensive player to lane to swallow him up. Problem is--this leads to easy hoops--2nd chance opportunities, and foul trouble for the big men. After some great rotations in 2nd Half of Memphis game--some of the best in III's time at Georgetown-they have been lazy/back to sloppy team defense--which leads to the "I thought you had him" looks/disagreements--which do nothing to help the crappy team defense. It makes me ill to read what the Head Coach said about this game--it's like giving Charlie Sheen an apartment in South America next to a brothel. These guys will think "Win in Big East is a good win"-its not. It's not a success. Level of play is far more important--leads to good things. This was half assed, lazy, and disinterested. Maybe the players didn't like that they didn't get to party on New Year's Eve--who knows? Just know-they play like this too much more--III will have a spotlight on him much brighter then he'd like. It's just a total letdown to not respect opposing teams--especially conference teams. Hoyas are 17-19in the previous Big East seasons--and now 18-20. Of course they should be overconfident--I mean who else can hang with the mighty Hoyas in this league? The Hoyas are fine, calm down man, it's okay Hoya family! Geez LOL!
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:04:53 GMT -5
This is the quote of a loser. This was a bad win. So if coach calls it an "ugly win" that makes him a loser but you can call it a "bad win" which makes you some kind of master analyst and expert on how our guys should play. I still can't figure out why he is the one making millions coaching and you are sitting alone in a cave spewing this crap... Has it ever occurred to you that one thing a coach does in this day and age is shield kids from abusive media attention so that he can teach them himself rather than have them learn the wrong lessons from critics like you? Is it possible that he called it an "ugly win" for the media but then told the kids, privately, that some things were unacceptable? Is it possible he was sympathetic to Jason's struggles while at the same time HELPING HIM get through it rather than just demanding he get it done? Is it possible that you don't know everything there is to know about how he coaches? What have you done to help this team through your tough love approach? RDF you are in serious need of a cold shower and some (life) lessons. This team WON THE GAME. Who are you to decide that is not good enough, that the style of the win was more important? No guard on DePaul scored more than 10 pts and you take this occasion to criticize our guard's defense. Coach experimented with small line-ups, got young players quality BEast experience, our team handled their good press so that it was not a factor (in fact, they stopped pressing) and numerous other good things came from this game, including our Sr leaders shutting down the game when it mattered and everyone figuring out what to do when the shots aren't falling. My favorite thing you say is that somehow the decision to play OUR GAME and do OUR THING reflects an inability to analyze game tape. This is one of your great misconceptions about how this team is going to get to great by March. You think that we need to be malleable and adjust to each thing our opponents do. Why not dictate instead? You seem to want a hard team that hits each other and opponents but you also want them to be changelings who react rather than act. Get a reality check because the rat-bile stuff you have been alleging against the fine young men of our program is embarrassing to everyone here who thinks of this as a forum for FANS OF GEORGETOWN. Yoooooooooo, I just saw this post, it's similar to what I wrote, hahahah, I'm glad I'm not the only one to know and acknowledge these rants. I guess some keep it all in perspective and some don't or whatever it may be, no disrespect to whomever. Yeah man, I think he thinks the coaching staff and players feed into what he writes...I see he's a Platinum guy on here, so sometimes when you've been doing something for so long you tend to think you're all the above and can say anything and get away with it, IDK, I'm just saying??? IDK
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:07:33 GMT -5
Some thoughts... 1. Probably has been said a million times, but the expectations that we have this team have probably been inflated given the continued problems that we have defensively - some are not fixable over the next 3 months IMO. It is just a personnel issue that some guys are not quick laterally (among many other issues). On a core group laden with upperclassmen, if there was a way to make them better defenders, it would have been found already IMO. 2. What we can do a better job of is minimizing our risk on the defensive end. We saw some pressing today, but I don't quite get why we have basically shelved it. It allows us to chop 10 or so seconds off of the time that we have to defend in the half court, and I would think that would be valuable given our plight there - see the last 2 games. 3. We have not been able to dictate tempo in a long time and did not really do so today and certainly not against ND. Not a good sign IMO given that we are guard-centric offensively - just shows how we really need more out of our D if we want to control serious league games. Excellent stuff Ambassador! Absolutely right on IMHO, especially #3. Can anyone explain why this team is so horrible in transition? Horrible in transition? Maybe a few mistakes on Saturday, but any other time other than ND I don't think so #whatgamesishewatching??? LOL!
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:11:04 GMT -5
I'm so glad I live in my delusional positive fantasy world rather than in the cynical negative fantasy world a lot of you guys live in. Everyone take a deep breathe. It's January. No team is a final product right now. And if they are they're doomed. Teams continue to progress over the course of the year. No team is with out it's issues. Teams work on them and improve. I'm sure coach is upset about this game and is pushing them extra hard in practice. The team isn't satisfied let's all take a step back from the accusations. The truth is none of us know what's going on inside the kids heads or coaches heads. We don't know how hard they're working in practice or how they're preparing for games. Maybe they're doing everything people think they should be doing. That doesn't automatically yield the results you think they should yield. Go back and watch the tape of the game and see how many of our lay ups just roll of the rim there's at least 10. That's 20 points right there. The bounces didn't go our way. Our shots were hitting every part of the rim and rolling out while their shots were hitting every part of the rim and rolling in. Like it or not luck plays a role in this game. A couple more shots fall in and this game never gets close and it's a blow out. Maybe that just masks our issues, or maybe it just means our issues aren't as big as some people think. This team is very good. We've got a big game on monday that could go either way. It's games like this that will determine our season. We dropped our first 1 at ND we need to win at least 3 of the 6 remaining toss up road games. Then we have two big home stands. We need all the fans who are bitching here to get their asses to verizon and cheer on the team and give us a good home court advantage for the WV and pitt games. Shaking HSB's hand and taking photo with him, LOL! Some just understand Life through basketball! I think that's where some of the problem lies, and also knowing/being a "true Hoya fan"...lots of these guys are betting on the Hoyas and when they lose LOOKOUT!!! LOL! I already know all to well...
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:15:31 GMT -5
Seaweed--when a group that is 17-19 the past 2 Big East Seasons (so now we're including the '07 and '08 teams in discussion despite fact the approach of program/roster makeup was vastly different?) is making the same mistakes/ignoring the same weaknesses-then yes it's just ridiculous to be quoted saying "any win in Big East is a good one". DePaul is a bad team. This is a team that championship contending teams put away and hammer--especially when playing at home, after a poor performance on road, and with a tough road game 2 days later on Monday. Instead--the team is sloppy, plays bad defense, and the same group of guys who have received hugs/been coddled, gets more pats on back. That approach with this group hasn't produced success. Each team/group is different-but when you've been sub .500 in Big East and have players on record the past 2 years admitting "we've not always gotten up to play each game"--why would you not take the opportunity to light into them? If III is ripping them behind closed doors--has it worked? I'd say the answer is obviously no----because nothing has changed. They took DePaul lightly--played like crap and honestly the worst thing to happen could be winning with the "time to step it up" attitude. For those who want to paint it as I think III is a loser--read or quote me with the entire quote. Said I dont' think he is--but the quote/attitude that people who make comments like that is. Just being honest. Losers talk about "any win is a good win". It's not. If you play hard all the time-and possess the talent Georgetown has--you'll win a lot of games. If you play like Georgetown has to open the Big East season, make excuses about "how tough the league is"--you'll find guys making the "This year we promise to take every game seriously" speeches as we've heard the past 2 offseasons and possess nothing to show for it--but people throwing in useless references about the '07 and '08 teams--who played tough defense and accomplished things for the program. Austin Freeman is only guy on this team who contributed to that '08 team due to Chris's injury. He's also been the lone guy to show up as if the games have mattered since last week. My question to the "Hug A Hoya" fans is: 1. If you criticize fans who don't like how the team is playing. What is good about their level of play? What says it's different then past? 2. Team has more depth this year--used it and last 2 games has been reluctant to do so? Wouldn't you say that it's a return to last year but with no reason to not turn to roster to see if they can help? 3. Small Ball approach has produced a sub .500 conference record. Those of us who despise Small Ball have stated why--yet were told be patient--it's out of necessity. For the poster who mentioned that "early attrition has hurt"--yep--and you could argue that if Dajuan Summers would've stayed last year and been returned to SF spot where he should've been playing, they would've been a serious threat to National Title as well. Why did he leave? Well--I'd say playing out of position sure didn't help. Hollis Thompson is a SF/SG--not a PF. It hasn't/isnt/won't work with him playing with 3 guards and a PF in Vaughn or Center in Sims in the Big East. Teams are too physical, too athletic, and kill these guys on boards-just like it happened in '09 with Summers at PF, and last year when Vaughn/Monroe sat. 4. The annual "Thank goodness III is our coach....and what team do you coach" retort. This is more desperate response then the excuses III has served up the past 3 years. If I'm so ignorant about the game--why has the Head Coach who is paid millions not proven my analysis wrong? What has worked with his approach that I've been critical of?(focus on this too--not the numerous things I've complimented him/the job he's done which are several) Small Ball? Team Defense? Lack of Urgency/Toughness? Playing guys out of position? Gameplan? Ive called my shot well before the games have been played terms of my questions and it's played out for 2 1/2 seasons with this group. So far--I'd say that the guy who isn't paid millions to run a program is doing quite well in assessing the team--but why let facts get in the way when there are "hugs to be given out"? Players/teams don't improve because you want them to. They don't improve because you hug/yell at them--they improve when the man in charge understands what is wrong/corrects it. Small ball wise--we've seen this in recruiting. Great job by III. Going back to bigger team that was highly successful for him. Addressed it. This year's team--he was doing a great job of playing more people and putting guys on bench--and then once conference play started-it's been a return to last 2 years--and similar result--.500 record in league--which is what this program has been, same reasons they have struggled, and to me it's something worth talking about/pointing out. Then again--basketball/athletics are seen by so many of you as a field that "nobody can do" or "nobody understands". What makes some of you think that some posters here don't work in Athletic field? What makes you think some aren't Scouts, Coaches, or people who have done it--and moved on to the Business World? You don't have to be a coach/player to understand the game-and some of you that I disagree with make great points a lot of the time--which I find myself thinking "didn't think of it that way...." and it's when I'm frustrated and sick of seeing mistakes, etc.....but I tire of the attitude that nobody can be critical of this program--for making/allowing the same mistakes to be made. Losing doesn't matter as much as wanting to see improvement. Sorry but seeing the same crap for 2 1/2 years isn't improvement--the record reflects that. 18-20 in '09, '10, to today. Add BET record and Hoyas are 21-22. They've had same approach, we've heard the same quotes, and when the coach has responded in a manner those of us who want more urgency (Syracuse in BET the timeout where he lit into them, Memphis game 2 weeks ago in a timeout) it's proven to be quite successful. This group seems to respond better when they get criticized and ripped. They seem to coast when they are hugged. Fact coach doesn't see that--bothers me as a fan/financial supporter of the program. I'm NOT paid millions so maybe it's why I seem more troubled by this then the coach who does--he's got the security and knows no matter how it goes-he's "safe". Just because you are "safe" doesn't mean you can't work desperate/hungry. Just saying. Respect comment, but are you angry
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:17:43 GMT -5
All this above stuff should've been worked out by the coaching staff BEFORE the BE opened. Sorry...but our record in the BE in the past 5 yrs is only mediocre. Of course, we're "a work in progress"..."a young team "...a this or that excuse. Are we "ever" THERE, not getting there? Call it what you will but 5 more years of mediocre performance/recruiting...no practise facility, on court disorganization, TOTAL INCOSISTENCY, yada, yada and we'll be a has been mid major. Not bitter...just tired of waiting to see who shows up for each game, every game. Huh LOL! 12-2
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Post by btb (Account Inactive) on Jan 2, 2011 19:27:36 GMT -5
This is a new season, and the Hoyas are 12-2 and are learning from their mistakes, coaching staff as well. The Hoyas will be fine. This is a Hoya board not a board of the opposing team, I think we need to act like it as a whole. Other teams come on this board and read and say are some of these people true Hoya fans, I know we all are, but need to encourage to young man instead of look at every little fault and make it a big issue. Most of us are grown individuals, let those young men learn from their mistakes and continue to learn life through school and basketball while we sit back and watch them develop on and off of the court. That's the beauty of this whole thing when they get those graduation papers in their hand!!! Let's Gooooooo!!! DePaul game photos www.facebook.com/album.php?id=1410106&aid=2278018
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Nevada Hoya
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 18,433
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Post by Nevada Hoya on Jan 2, 2011 19:48:02 GMT -5
Is this a record for the Hoya Talk board (i.e., the GU bball board): seven replies in a row and 10 of the last 11? This puts lic to shame;-)
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Post by williambraskyiii on Jan 2, 2011 20:12:25 GMT -5
This dude is hoyafoeva/hoyaeighties rebranded...no doubt in my mind.
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Post by strummer8526 on Jan 2, 2011 21:14:12 GMT -5
Behindthebench apparently spends a lot of time behind the keyboard.
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tashoya
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 12,322
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Post by tashoya on Jan 2, 2011 21:20:53 GMT -5
And a lot of time behind the bench. Pretty sure he doesn't miss a home game. It's a lot of typing but you have to respect the dedication!
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