Bigs"R"Us
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,640
|
Post by Bigs"R"Us on Dec 1, 2017 15:41:31 GMT -5
This is Pat's first year. He still needs to see what the starters can do in games.
|
|
prhoya
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 23,158
|
Post by prhoya on Dec 1, 2017 19:40:53 GMT -5
I like his athleticism for his size and I think he plays with great effort, but the game is just too fast for him right now and he fouls way too often. This got me thinking, so I took a look at his stats. I'll preface this by saying it's an extremely small sample size given his limited play, but it might give some insights into why he's not playing more: - Thus far, Sodom has played in 4 games: 12 minutes against Mount Saint Marys, 3 minutes against UMES, 2 minutes against Maine, and 1 minute against Jacksonville. So he's played a total of 18 minutes, which is a very small number. - That said, in those 18 minutes, Sodom has racked up 8 fouls. - You can parse this any way you want, but if you look at it in terms of fouls committed per 40 minutes, it yields 17.7 fouls per 40 minutes. ''' Right now, this does not concern me. Young big men often have foul problems. Roy Hibbert had a very high foul rate in his poor freshman season, and it came down a lot after that. Granted, the rules were probably more favorable in that era, but still, I think Sodom has the athleticism where he can bring that fouling rate down a ton. I watched those 18 minutes and IMO he just needs Pat to rein him in on defense. He was overly aggressive with his hands, arms and body. I liked that he is agile and liked how he got down to an athletic position to guard outside the paint. But, he's a frosh who probably should have been redshirted (a la Mutombo) if Pat had that luxury this year. Pat doesn't and, considering what we've seen the last two years of MD's and JG's fouling rate, Pat will find himself having to play Sodom a lot during the BE. Therefore, I would go with a zone defense when he's in. Teach him to stay in the paint and to stand tall with his arms extended and he will be a presence. Teach him to deal with small guards penetrating a zone. From those 18 minutes, it looks like he likes to block shots from behind the opponent (i.e., the opponent goes around him, goes up for the lay-up and Sodom blocks the ball at the backboard). Teach him how not to get into foul trouble in those situations. Unless Govan and Derrickson improve their fouling rates against BE competition, Sodom will have to play a lot. There is no other back-up and I don't want Pat doing a Caprio with Antwan, Kaleb or Pickett.
|
|
|
Post by professorhoya on Dec 2, 2017 11:05:17 GMT -5
Ewing sees what he is capable of in practice. Kid is very raw. Need patience. We need to recruit over him IMHO. yes, I did say I respect coach's decision. Good coaches (not saying Coach Ewing isn't a good coach, I think he is)also know some players are game players, some are not good practice players. Sodom is 7'3" put him out there to learn, guide him as the game goes along. He's intimidating just being out there. I've done this before coaching. I love it, it works. My players got better right in games. It was unbelievable. It's something I tried, but didn't know it would work and it did. I do know you can't rush talent. But this is a different beast. Again, he's 7'3". Roy Hibbert couldn't even run the court when he arrived on the Hilltop. I would say of course we need another big man. Maybe more of a solid player, but I watched this kid all summer and saw more good things than bad. Guards have to know how to get him the ball. Throw it high. This is why we need true point guards that know the game. When and where Sodom likes the ball. It is you point guards job to make Sodom better. Kid has great hands, soft touch around the basket. Will put it on your head and block shots. Look at the little average he has only playing 4 games. Kid has 4 blocks. If he had more time he'd probably be one of the blocking leaders in college basketball. Jessie is 9th in rebounding. Sodom rebounds on both ends of the court! I think he's still lost out there and lacks lower body strength. And I'm sure Ewing sees him in practice everyday and is a better position to evaluate than we are. However, because of the shortage at center, we will really need Sodom by Big East time. When Govan sits or is in foul trouble, Marcus Derrickson just can't cut it as a center. Marcus was getting abused by Golden of Richmond (6-10 260 lbs) and even Radwan Bakvali (6-10 250 lbs) of Jacksonville. Marcus is just not big enough or strong enough or athletic enough to guard someone that size. So we have to accelerate Sodom's development by putting him out there in these easy games even if he's not ready. If he fouls out in 5 minutes, so be it but at least he will learn and get experience.
|
|
|
Post by glidehoyas (Inactive) on Dec 2, 2017 13:21:50 GMT -5
yes, I did say I respect coach's decision. Good coaches (not saying Coach Ewing isn't a good coach, I think he is)also know some players are game players, some are not good practice players. Sodom is 7'3" put him out there to learn, guide him as the game goes along. He's intimidating just being out there. I've done this before coaching. I love it, it works. My players got better right in games. It was unbelievable. It's something I tried, but didn't know it would work and it did. I do know you can't rush talent. But this is a different beast. Again, he's 7'3". Roy Hibbert couldn't even run the court when he arrived on the Hilltop. I would say of course we need another big man. Maybe more of a solid player, but I watched this kid all summer and saw more good things than bad. Guards have to know how to get him the ball. Throw it high. This is why we need true point guards that know the game. When and where Sodom likes the ball. It is you point guards job to make Sodom better. Kid has great hands, soft touch around the basket. Will put it on your head and block shots. Look at the little average he has only playing 4 games. Kid has 4 blocks. If he had more time he'd probably be one of the blocking leaders in college basketball. Jessie is 9th in rebounding. Sodom rebounds on both ends of the court! I think he's still lost out there and lacks lower body strength. And I'm sure Ewing sees him in practice everyday and is a better position to evaluate than we are. However, because of the shortage at center, we will really need Sodom by Big East time. When Govan sits or is in foul trouble, Marcus Derrickson just can't cut it as a center. Marcus was getting abused by Golden of Richmond (6-10 260 lbs) and even Radwan Bakvali (6-10 250 lbs) of Jacksonville. Marcus is just not big enough or strong enough or athletic enough to guard someone that size. So we have to accelerate Sodom's development by putting him out there in these easy games even if he's not ready. If he fouls out in 5 minutes, so be it but at least he will learn and get experience. just Radwan wanted so badly to come to Gtown.
|
|
SDHoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,306
|
Post by SDHoya on Dec 2, 2017 14:09:05 GMT -5
Can we stop this Bakkali nonsense already? He is a JC transfer who barely registers for one of the worst D1 teams. He would have been a warm body for us and barely above the walkons in the pecking order.
Sodom has a ton of upside and will improve tremendously over time under Ewing’s tutelage (and I hope Dikembe makes a few appearances for training sessions as well). Right now he looks a bit lost and clearly doesn’t yet know how to use his giant frame. In the Maine game he didn’t get as much time I’d assume because the game was a bit closer than expected and Maine was playing a small ball style not well suited for sodom. He did get 12 minutes against MSM, so I’d imagine that if we get into comfortable positions in the next few games we’ll see a bit more of him. But I think we should temper our near term expectations for Sodom.
|
|
|
Post by glidehoyas (Inactive) on Dec 4, 2017 11:58:57 GMT -5
Can we stop this Bakkali nonsense already? He is a JC transfer who barely registers for one of the worst D1 teams. He would have been a warm body for us and barely above the walkons in the pecking order. Sodom has a ton of upside and will improve tremendously over time under Ewing’s tutelage (and I hope Dikembe makes a few appearances for training sessions as well). Right now he looks a bit lost and clearly doesn’t yet know how to use his giant frame. In the Maine game he didn’t get as much time I’d assume because the game was a bit closer than expected and Maine was playing a small ball style not well suited for sodom. He did get 12 minutes against MSM, so I’d imagine that if we get into comfortable positions in the next few games we’ll see a bit more of him. But I think we should temper our near term expectations for Sodom. All I said is Bakkali wanted to come to Gtown and that was it. Why all of this? Sodom should be playing right now period. He's 7'3". You have your opinion but it doesn't make it right.
|
|
Bigs"R"Us
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,640
|
Post by Bigs"R"Us on Dec 4, 2017 12:02:01 GMT -5
It seems odd to me that he hasn't seen minutes. Maybe, there is an unknown.
|
|
|
Post by blazers44 on Dec 4, 2017 13:18:06 GMT -5
No, Sodom just isn't ready. Ewing sees him everyday in practice. Trust me, he knows what he is capable of.
|
|
|
Post by glidehoyas (Inactive) on Dec 4, 2017 14:31:57 GMT -5
No, Sodom just isn't ready. Ewing sees him everyday in practice. Trust me, he knows what he is capable of. Hmph, I don't believe that! The little time he played he played well. Stop it!
|
|
|
Post by glidehoyas (Inactive) on Dec 4, 2017 14:32:32 GMT -5
It seems odd to me that he hasn't seen minutes. Maybe, there is an unknown. Exactly, I could tell who knows basketball and who doesn't in this room. LOL...
|
|
thedragon
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Enter your message here...
Posts: 2,194
|
Post by thedragon on Dec 4, 2017 15:00:35 GMT -5
From what I have seen of Sodom - he has not rebounded well, his offensive moves are extremely limited, and he cant walk and chew gum at the same time in terms of coordination let alone have any lateral foot speed to guard or play help defense.
Sodom is a 4 year project that you hope grows into his size, and that Ewing can develop into a defensive presence with a back to the basket game over the years. But anyone who watches him right now and thinks he can contribute in any meaningful way is seeing something I (and obviously Ewing and staff) clearly don't see.
He doesnt get minutes because the staff doesnt trust him in a game that is still in a doubt, plain and simple.
|
|
Bigs"R"Us
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,640
|
Post by Bigs"R"Us on Dec 4, 2017 16:09:29 GMT -5
While I agree with your general sentiment, I don't see why Sodom doesn't get a few token minutes in each half as part of his development. Easier now than when BE play begins. I still think he ultimately needs to be recruited over. Pat should be able to land a quality big who is good to go from day one.
|
|
BigmanU
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 915
|
Post by BigmanU on Dec 4, 2017 22:16:45 GMT -5
While I agree with your general sentiment, I don't see why Sodom doesn't get a few token minutes in each half as part of his development. Easier now than when BE play begins. I still think he ultimately needs to be recruited over. Pat should be able to land a quality big who is good to go from day one. Recruited over? Adding another quality big is still a need regardless. Worst case scenario, he can be groomed to be an adequate rim protecting backup center.
|
|
dchoya72
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,488
|
Post by dchoya72 on Dec 4, 2017 23:44:27 GMT -5
I've always heard big men take longer to develop. Hakeem Olajuawn could hardly make a layout when he first played for Houston....look how he turned out. Sodom needs to gain weight, strength, agility, and yes experience. Believe me he's working in practice. Patrick recruited hom...Give him time.
|
|
bostonfan
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 2,495
|
Post by bostonfan on Dec 5, 2017 10:47:25 GMT -5
I've always heard big men take longer to develop. Hakeem Olajuawn could hardly make a layout when he first played for Houston....look how he turned out. Sodom needs to gain weight, strength, agility, and yes experience. Believe me he's working in practice. Patrick recruited hom...Give him time. He absolutely needs time to develop, it is just a case of, does he need time during games or will working hard in practice against other D1 players be enough to help him develop to a point where he can contribute. At this point he should only see time in blow outs, or situations where Jessie gets in early foul trouble and his height is required to defend another big center. He just is not ready yet. One of the things I have really enjoyed about Coach Ewing is his honesty with how the team, and individual players, are playing. I have to believe he is doing the same thing with Sodom privately in practice and letting him know what he needs to do in order to get playing time. It is frustrating for any player to sit and not play, but if they are having an open dialogue about his development and he is taking that coaching, then I think he will become a useful player over the next few years
|
|
TC
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 9,428
Member is Online
|
Post by TC on Dec 5, 2017 10:57:29 GMT -5
He absolutely needs time to develop, it is just a case of, does he need time during games or will working hard in practice against other D1 players be enough to help him develop to a point where he can contribute. Why not both?.gif Seriously, I do not understand this "staff doesnt trust him in a game that is still in doubt" attitude. These games don't matter. Despite whatever Ewing says to the contrary, the schedule speaks volumes and this year we are doing this just to do it. The calculation here is that garbage wins in year one matter more for Patrick Ewing's reputation and keeping the nutso delusional fanbase from calling for his job in year three than getting this 7'2" kid who needs a ton of development work five to ten minutes of run a game. That's a horrible set of priorities.
|
|
|
Post by hoyasaxa2003 on Dec 5, 2017 11:58:42 GMT -5
No, Sodom just isn't ready. Ewing sees him everyday in practice. Trust me, he knows what he is capable of. Hmph, I don't believe that! The little time he played he played well. Stop it! The guy has played 18 minutes, and has gotten 8 fouls. That's not playing well. As for those clamoring for more playing time, he's fouled so much, realistically he wouldn't last very long in a game anyway. That's why I am skeptical he would be able to fill in for Govan in foul trouble anyway. Sodom might very well contribute in the future, maybe even this season, he just has a lot of work to do. Keep in mind Hibbert was pretty awful his freshman year too. I am not saying Sodom will ever be as good as Hibbert, but it shows that big men can develop fairly quickly depending on talent level/effort.
|
|
Filo
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,906
|
Post by Filo on Dec 5, 2017 12:58:10 GMT -5
He absolutely needs time to develop, it is just a case of, does he need time during games or will working hard in practice against other D1 players be enough to help him develop to a point where he can contribute. Why not both?.gif Seriously, I do not understand this "staff doesnt trust him in a game that is still in doubt" attitude. These games don't matter. Despite whatever Ewing says to the contrary, the schedule speaks volumes and this year we are doing this just to do it. The calculation here is that garbage wins in year one matter more for Patrick Ewing's reputation and keeping the nutso delusional fanbase from calling for his job in year three than getting this 7'2" kid who needs a ton of development work five to ten minutes of run a game. That's a horrible set of priorities. You really have turned into the worst Hoya fan on this site. Can you make any more ridiculous assumptions about the motivations of the current coach because your panties are still in a bunch over the firing of the previous coach? i won't get into name-calling here, but there are several that are warranted. Go away.
|
|
TC
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 9,428
Member is Online
|
Post by TC on Dec 5, 2017 12:59:33 GMT -5
Sodom might very well contribute in the future, maybe even this season, he just has a lot of work to do. Keep in mind Hibbert was pretty awful his freshman year too. I am not saying Sodom will ever be as good as Hibbert, but it shows that big men can develop fairly quickly depending on talent level/effort. Hibbert averaged 15.8 minutes a game and played in every game his freshman year. If we're using Hibbert as a comp, why isn't Sodom at least getting into every game?
|
|
guru
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,582
|
Post by guru on Dec 5, 2017 13:02:26 GMT -5
Why not both?.gif Seriously, I do not understand this "staff doesnt trust him in a game that is still in doubt" attitude. These games don't matter. Despite whatever Ewing says to the contrary, the schedule speaks volumes and this year we are doing this just to do it. The calculation here is that garbage wins in year one matter more for Patrick Ewing's reputation and keeping the nutso delusional fanbase from calling for his job in year three than getting this 7'2" kid who needs a ton of development work five to ten minutes of run a game. That's a horrible set of priorities. You really have turned into the worst Hoya fan on this site. Can you make any more ridiculous assumptions about the motivations of the current coach because your panties are still in a bunch over the firing of the previous coach? i won't get into name-calling here, but there are several that are warranted. Go away. The dude just beefs
|
|