Charm City Challenge

[Justafan]

I do not think anyone has posted this. Jessie Sapp and Marc Eggerston (sp?) will be playing in the Charm City Classic at the Towson Center at Towson University on Sunday April 10 at 5:00 pm. There is a subruban/city game at 3:00 a la the Captial Classic format. You can get tickets at Corrigan Sports on the internet.

Jessie Sapp will also be playing in the Capital Classic at the Patriot Center on I think April 15th

[RBHoya]

Any word on how this went?

[Air Jordan]

Yeah the word is
Sapp 12 points
Egerson 16 points

Sapp ran the point some in this game, but the word I received is the Egerson is a beast in the paint, and that GTown got a steal in this recruit.

[Justafan]

As reported above, by my count Jessie Sapp had 12 points and Marc Egerson had 16. The U.S. All Stars lost by 3 points after having been down 16 at half time. The coach elected to play two platoons with Sapp and Egerson on seperate platoons. So they never played together except for the last minute or so. Egerson was on the second platoon and I thought that it was largely on the strength of his game that they got close. Unfortunately, he also had two misplays at the end that probably lost the game for them. The first was an ill conceived 3 point attempt (probably not his game) and then a bobled ball out of bounds in the closing seconds.

That having been said, he is going to be a blessing inside. He is a little short at 6-6 but he has a solid body, blocks out well, rebounds, wants the ball, and finishes. I think he will be even better when he gets in the weight room. After all Barkly was about 6-6, not that he is in that class, -- yet. He also had a nice block and at least two assists.

Jessie is the higher touted recruit, but he never seemed to get on track. Part of that has because the Louisville point guard seemed to always pass to some one else. His game appeared to be driving to the basket. Most of his 12 points came on layups. I do not think that I saw him shoot from outside, and his shots in the warm up did not seem to be going down. One school yard type game does not make a season. There will be a lot more opportunities for him to excell.

FWIW, neither Sapp or Egerson were particularly effective from the free throw line. Probably a point for some work.

Rumor has it that apparently there is some interest in a kid, Kyle Cannon from Towson Catholic, who played for the Balitmore All Stars. Unfortunately, he did something to his leg the first time he came into the game and never returned.

Dante Cunningham, 6-8 from Oxxon Hill, may have been the best player on the U.S. All Stars. He is going to Villanova, where he will be a thorn in our side for the next 4 years.

Jessie will play in the Captial Classic at the Patriot Center on April 22, not April 15 as I reported earlier. Egerson is not on that rooster.

[DanMcQ]

Baltimore Sun: Coleman leads Baltimore to Charm City win
Walbrook player is MVP as U.S. team falls, 110-107; City stars top Suburban

www.baltimoresun.com/sports/highschool/bal-sp.challenge11apr11,1,6513636.story?coll=bal-hs-bbasketball&ctrack=3&cset=true

[RBHoya]

Ok, now based on those reports, heres a thought or two. It's tough to really base a lot on one all star game, but my thoughts may be sorta random and speculative anyhow.

I keep hearing the term "steal" associated with Egerson, it's starting to be difficult to envision anything other than success for him with the Hoyas. He's got the accolades already, and by all accounts is a superb athlete. I think he's going to be another player with potential for big things. He's sorta gone under the radar as far as recruits go, I think he's definitly been overshadowed by Jessie even on this board and among Hoya fans, but I have a good feeling about him. Justafan says he's 6'6, I thought I remembered hearing that he was about 6'5 and trying to adjust to SG, but 6'6 is big enough to play the 3. He may be the man who takes over for Bowman (that is, when Brandon leaves, after his SENIOR year ). The battle for PT between Marc and Tyler next year ought to be interesting.

It doesn't sound like Jessie necessarily had his best game, but no biggie--I've heard Jeff didn't play too well in All Star games last year either. We all know he can create/slash to the hole, but can Jessie hit outside shots consistently, and does he have the ballhandling/court vision to play point? Those, I imagine, are questions a lot of people have about him, and Id say its still inconclusive.

The possibility of playing with Sapp, Thornton, and Egerson on the floor at the same time intrigues me. It seems like it might have a good mix of everything: a slasher/penetrator in Sapp, a shooter in Thornton, and an all around/paint player in Egerson. Obviously I'm looking ahead a ways, but maybe JTIII saw the potential of the 3 to succees together as well.

[SFHoya99]

I've heard anywhere from 6'4.5" to 6'6" for Marc. All reports say he is a beast inside -- super athlete, built, likes to rumble. Kind of sounds like one that got away Sam Young to me.

I fully expect Marc to evolve to a perimeter player, but I wonder if we don't have our backup PF right here (for next year)? Princetown PF need perimeter skills, and he's got more bulk right now than Brandon, Cornelio or Diaw, at least from pictures.

Before anyone questions a PF at his height, keep in mind these things:

1. Corliss Williamson and Charles Barkley are about Egerson's height. While Marc is neither of those players, that's an All-American and an All-Time Great. Surely, it is possible that Marc can be serviceable backup as a 19-20 frosh in the PF slot?

2. The legend of Perry McDonald. You don't need to be taller than 6'4" to guard a NBA center, though it helps.

3. Tyler Crawford, all 6'3" was, along with Roy Hibbert, the best per minute rebounder on the team last year.

(Also, don't forget Spann when discussing 3's).

[the_way]

SFHoya99 said:

I've heard anywhere from 6'4.5" to 6'6" for Marc. All reports say he is a beast inside -- super athlete, built, likes to rumble. Kind of sounds like one that got away Sam Young to me.

I fully expect Marc to evolve to a perimeter player, but I wonder if we don't have our backup PF right here? Princetown PF need perimeter skills, and he's got more bulk right now than Brandon, Cornelio or Diaw, at least from pictures.

Before anyone questions a PF at his height, keep in mind these things:

1. Corliss Williamson and Charles Barkley are about Egerson's height. While Marc is neither of those players, that's an All-American and an All-Time Great. Surely, it is possible that Marc can be serviceable backup as a 19-20 frosh in the PF slot?

2. The legend of Perry McDonald. You don't need to be taller than 6'4" to guard a NBA center, though it helps.

3. Tyler Crawford, all 6'3" was, along with Roy Hibbert, the best per minute rebounder on the team last year.

Per minute rebounds are not an indicator of what a great rebounder is. During crucial times in games, both Hibbert and Crawford were on the bench a lot of times. If they were that good rebounding, they would be on the court. Lets be realistic now. Also, Perry McDonald was the exception to the rule. Those players are like finding needles in the haystack, particularly in this day and age. Now if Egerson is the second coming of Perry McDonald, then Egerson is definitely a "steal".

[SFHoya99]

"Per minute rebounds are not an indicator of what a great rebounder is. During crucial times in games, both Hibbert and Crawford were on the bench a lot of times. If they were that good rebounding, they would be on the court."

Well, that's true is you scored points by rebounding and nothing else. However, the complete player is taken into account.

Anyway, Crawford was actually in most games during crunch time as a defensive/rebounding replacement. But since he mostly subbed for DJ, when DJ was hot, Crawford didn't play as much crunchtime.

As for Roy, in crunchtime, we wanted the ball to run through Jeff. Roy wasn't not in because he was a poor rebounding. Your argument is silly.

As for Egerson, my points were merely to illustrate that even if Marc is 6'5", the idea of him playing the 4 is not outlandish. Giving us 10 quality minutes at the 4 is not impossible for a strong leaper like Marc.

[nychoya3]

1) Tyler played during key moments - those numbers weren't racked up against scrubs. He isn't the answer to our problems, but it's worth noting that he's a very good rebounder at either the 2 or 3.

2) Egerson is built and can jump, but let's split the difference and say he's 6'5'' - can he really defend 4's in the BE? I think it's more likely that Spann plays some 4. We may even have to play some more 2-3 zone this year - though we better teach our guards how to rotate on the permiter this season.

3) We will be an okay rebounding team if Jeff gets stronger. Green is going to play 35 minutes a game at the 4 and 5. He obviously has all the tools to be an awesome rebounder, but got worn down late in the season. It really showed up in some of his rebounding totals. I'm particularly thinking of the SJU game at MSG where he was getting out muscled by some really inferior players.

4) Roy is the wild card. We could actually field a very good rebounding starting 5 if he can make a leap next year. Bowman is a below average rebounder at the 4, but probably better than average at the 3. It changes the whole complexion of the team when Roy is out there - we go from undersized everywhere to big and long across the court.

5) I'm thrilled to see Egerson play well. The reports on him were so sketchy for a player who was a two time POY in his state and played at a big time prep school. I kept reading people who know offhandedly mentioning that Marc would be the best player in the class and stuff like that. But few had actually seen him. I'm not worried about Jessie - there should be an adjustment period, but he can flat out score. But hearing the Marc is going to be a big time player soon does my heart good.

[the_way]

SFHoya99 said:

"Per minute rebounds are not an indicator of what a great rebounder is. During crucial times in games, both Hibbert and Crawford were on the bench a lot of times. If they were that good rebounding, they would be on the court."

Well, that's true is you scored points by rebounding and nothing else. However, the complete player is taken into account.

Anyway, Crawford was actually in most games during crunch time as a defensive/rebounding replacement. But since he mostly subbed for DJ, when DJ was hot, Crawford didn't play as much crunchtime.

As for Roy, in crunchtime, we wanted the ball to run through Jeff. Roy wasn't not in because he was a poor rebounding. Your argument is silly.

As for Egerson, my points were merely to illustrate that even if Marc is 6'5", the idea of him playing the 4 is not outlandish. Giving us 10 quality minutes at the 4 is not impossible for a strong leaper like Marc.

How many games did you watch this year?? Crawford was in very few games when it matterd most. How is my argument silly. If you are a great rebounder you are on the floor in crunch time. That means higher probability of second chance shots for you on the offensive end and lower probability of second chance shots for the opposing team on the defensive end. Your statement about Crawford being a great rebounder by simply referring to rebound per minute average is stretching it little bit. When was Crawford a rebounding machine for us this year? I love the guy, and the way he plays hard, but to say he is a rebounding machine is going a little overboard.

As far as Egerson, leaping ability and solid rebounding does not go hand in hand. It also has to do with desire, positioning, blocking out, i.e. mental toughness,heart, and intelligence. I mean if all you needed was leaping ability to be a great rebounder, just recruit high jumpers on track teams for your basketball team. It sound like Marc is a banger by nature. I think he will be a multi-dimensional type player. I heard he can play spot-PG as well.

[SFHoya99]

1) Tyler played during key moments - those numbers weren't racked up against scrubs. He isn't the answer to our problems, but it's worth noting that he's a very good rebounder at either the 2 or 3.

Ditto. Sometimes I wonder what team the_way watches.

2) Egerson is built and can jump, but let's split the difference and say he's 6'5'' - can he really defend 4's in the BE? I think it's more likely that Spann plays some 4. We may even have to play some more 2-3 zone this year - though we better teach our guards how to rotate on the permiter this season.

Which is why I brought up Perry McDonald. If he could shut down Rony Seikaly, there's a chance that Egerson could play decent D versus mediocre BE PF, right?

Anthony Glover was, what 6'6", and played a beast of a center. Sam Young at 6'5" is going to Edited us off for years. Aside from UConn, who's starting a good, big, PF? Anyway, Marc is stronger than Brandon, at least it looks that way. He'd probably fare better versus a Troutman type but worse versus a Villanueva.

I'd like to get away from the zone, unless we spend a LOT more time on it.

3) We will be an okay rebounding team if Jeff gets stronger. Green is going to play 35 minutes a game at the 4 and 5. He obviously has all the tools to be an awesome rebounder, but got worn down late in the season. It really showed up in some of his rebounding totals. I'm particularly thinking of the SJU game at MSG where he was getting out muscled by some really inferior players.

I agree. But I'd also add that I think Jeff is a much better running jumper than a standstill one. Some guys just are -- and this is something he can work on as well.

4) Roy is the wild card. We could actually field a very good rebounding starting 5 if he can make a leap next year. Bowman is a below average rebounder at the 4, but probably better than average at the 3. It changes the whole complexion of the team when Roy is out there - we go from undersized everywhere to big and long across the court.

Agree. But I don't think it happens next year. Roy has a lot to improve on, and only six months to do it.

5) I'm thrilled to see Egerson play well. The reports on him were so sketchy for a player who was a two time POY in his state and played at a big time prep school. I kept reading people who know offhandedly mentioning that Marc would be the best player in the class and stuff like that. But few had actually seen him. I'm not worried about Jessie - there should be an adjustment period, but he can flat out score. But hearing the Marc is going to be a big time player soon does my heart good.

I think the issue with Marc is simple. I read an old article during the summer before his senior year where the author was eager to see him. But it leaked out quickly that he was going prep for sure. And so everyone dropped him, including most of the gurus. And once you're in prep, people tend to forget about you unless you're Top 50 material. I don't know where Marc would rank, but I can see how he went under the radar.

[the_way]

Since I know you love stats, with the exception of the 2nd Rutgers game, when did Crawford play significant minutes during crunch time, when the game was close? Don't cite the BC game, because that game wasn't even close and his points were in garbage time. So the real question is, what team are you watching?

[nychoya3]

What is this crunch time crap? Why doesn't the BC game count? Yeah, we were losing the whole way, but they were still playing Jared Dudley and Craig Smith. Getting a rebound in the paint is getting a rebound in the paint. It doesn't matter how much time is on the clock.

Do you think rebounds inside 5 minutes in a close game are the only real measure of a player's rebounding ability?

Do you think that Crawford is NOT a good rebounder for his size?

[the_way]

nychoya3 said:

What is this crunch time crap? Why doesn't the BC game count? Yeah, we were losing the whole way, but they were still playing Jared Dudley and Craig Smith. Getting a rebound in the paint is getting a rebound in the paint. It doesn't matter how much time is on the clock.

Do you think rebounds inside 5 minutes in a close game are the only real measure of a player's rebounding ability?

Do you think that Crawford is NOT a good rebounder for his size?

I'll give you the BC game. Thats TWO games where he played during crunch time. Look at his stats and box scores for the year. There is nothing that indicates he is great rebounder. Again, I love Tyler, the way he hustles, and he is energy. I think he has a forward's game in a guard's body. He is a banger by nature.But to say he is a great rebounder based on the limited playing time he received this year is inaccurate.

[SFHoya99]

the_way said:

Since I know you love stats, with the exception of the 2nd Rutgers game, when did Crawford play significant minutes during crunch time, when the game was close? Don't cite the BC game, because that game wasn't even close and his points were in garbage time. So the real question is, what team are you watching?

That's pretty hard to find that information to back it up with something more than my memory. I'll see what I can find.

Amazing how you try to make it sound bad that someone likes to use facts to back up claims.

[the_way]

SFHoya99 said:

That's pretty hard to find that information to back it up with something more than my memory. I'll see what I can find.

Amazing how you try to make it sound bad that someone likes to use facts to back up claims.

Make it sound bad!? How I am I making it sound bad. I said look up the stats. Thats what you like to do,so support satement.

[SFHoya99]

the_way said:

Make it sound bad!? How I am I making it sound bad. I said look up the stats. Thats what you like to do,so support satement.

I can't seem to find anything that links well PT to time of game without significant effort. So it'll go unsupported.

But I'll work on that if you want to find factual support for your idea that it is significantly harder to rebound in "crunch time." (and while you're at it, define crunch time).

[the_way]

SFHoya99 said:

I can't seem to find anything that links well PT to time of game without significant effort. So it'll go unsupported.

But I'll work on that if you want to find factual support for your idea that it is significantly harder to rebound in "crunch time." (and while you're at it, define crunch time).

Just what I thought. You cannot admit you were wrong in your assessment, so you change the subject. Oh well.

[SirSaxa]

SFHoya99 said:

.



Anthony Glover was, what 6'6", and played a beast of a center.

I don't think he was even that tall. But playing the 4/5 at SJU, he was an extremely effective college player in all aspects of the game. Doesn't mean he had pro potential, but that's not what this is about.

Can Egerson be a key inside player for us?
I haven't seen him at all.
But if we are only going by height, it is not always the crucial factor.

As for Crawford, he didn't get a lot of PT this year over most of the season. For whatever reason, JT3 kept the rotation really tight and Crawford saw little time early. Toward the middle to end of season, he got a lot more time and demonstrated a good understanding of the offense and an ability to rebound. Doesn't make him a "machine". Doesn't mean he is the answer to all of our rebounding needs. But clearly, he can contribute... if and when is in on the floor.

Still, I believe all of us would agree that one more big guy who can give us some serious minutes at the 4/5, get some boards, play some D and be an intimidator in the middle would certainly help. If Egerson can do some of those things too... great!