Patrick Ewing so far?

[hoyasaxa2003]

Nov 21, 2017 12:00:39 GMT -5 seaweed said:

Nov 21, 2017 10:05:50 GMT -5 ColumbiaHeightsHoya said:

That's so unfair. Sure the program has risen from the dead, but he hasn't turned water into wine yet.

I think it’s also fair to question what happens when we face real competition. But the reality is except for Richmond and Syracuse we aren’t playing any good (or even mediocre) teams, so of course we are going to win the games. Esherick was undefeated in 2004 in the out of conference schedule and then got destroyed in the Big East. So yeah, the wins or winning streak don’t mean all that much.

To get back to the thread title, I definitely think there are plenty of good, positive things:

1. We seem to have good team spirits and chemistry, so far.
2. The team seems to be trying to play in a coherent manner on both offense and defense. The execution at times ranges from good to awful, but overall the team is clearly getting coached.
3. So far we are fouling much less than the last few seasons. If we can keep that up alone, it’ll improve our performance.
4. Govan has been great.
5. Mosely and Blair seem to be playing pretty well.
6. Our shooting has been great - debatable whether it’ll be sustained going forward but good to see nonetheless.
7. Ewing does seem to get that he needs a more public presence than JT3, which is nice.

You can make caveats to most of these things relating to the poor level of our opponents but I’m trying to keep it positive!

[drquigley]

Hey, I've been a big supporter of the OOC schedule. My point is that due to injuries to key players these OOC teams have been even worse than expected and their lack of big men or effective zone defenses makes us look a lot better than we are. We all knew the OOC schedule wouldn't be a real test of our overall strength but these first 3 OOC teams were terrible. There's an old joke about a guy high on Mescaline jumping off the Empire State building. The whole way down he can be heard saying, "So far so good". I think our Hoya high may be doing the same thing to us.

[hoyasaxa2003]

Nov 21, 2017 19:21:07 GMT -5 drquigley said:

We all knew the OOC schedule wouldn't be a real test of our overall strength but these first 3 OOC teams were terrible. There's an old joke about a guy high on Mescaline jumping off the Empire State building. The whole way down he can be heard saying, "So far so good". I think our Hoya high may be doing the same thing to us.

And we have 5 more games upcoming (including 4 in a row) that are worse than UMES. So yes - good chance we have no clue where we are heading into the Syracuse game.

[seaweed]

Nov 21, 2017 19:21:07 GMT -5 drquigley said:

Hey, I've been a big supporter of the OOC schedule. My point is that due to injuries to key players these OOC teams have been even worse than expected and their lack of big men or effective zone defenses makes us look a lot better than we are. We all knew the OOC schedule wouldn't be a real test of our overall strength but these first 3 OOC teams were terrible. There's an old joke about a guy high on Mescaline jumping off the Empire State building. The whole way down he can be heard saying, "So far so good". I think our Hoya high may be doing the same thing to us.

Mesc isn't like that - PCP would make more sense.

[eastcoastteddy58]

Seeing what Ewing has done with the big's makes me wonder how good Hayes, Mikael and Josh Smith could've been.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Coach Ewing is doing a great job!!!

[Bigs"R"Us]

Smith had real skills. With more direction, he could have made the league.

[tashoya]

I don't know the guy personally but, from the outside looking in, coaching didn't seem to be Joshua's issue. He seemed to lack the "want to" necessary to be a successful pro. He was talented and skilled enough to be a good college player without working all that hard. That's pretty rare. It just never seemed to be a passion for him. To each his own, I guess.

[michaelgrahmstylie]

Cautiously optimistic.

[dense]

i like how we are playing defensively. Offense seems to be a work in progress but we seem to be at the JT2 level of fast breaks again which is good. The fact that until last game Govan has not been in any major foul trouble is amazing.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Nov 17, 2017 0:18:40 GMT -5 WVHoyasfan said:

I am late to the party with it being two games in but just wondering how you feel about Ewing's coaching in these first two games?

I really like the up tempo so far..It gives us a whole new look on the offensive side of the ball after all those years watching them run the clock down every position.Defense looks decent and it has gotten better from game one to game two.It looks like the team is already getting the feel and play together.Its only two games in but I have liked what I have seen from Ewing and his team.

the question is how do you feel about "COACH" Patrick Ewing thus far?

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Dec 22, 2017 17:09:13 GMT -5 eastcoastteddy58 said:

Seeing what Ewing has done with the big's makes me wonder how good Hayes, Mikael and Josh Smith could've been.

So true.

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Funny how our fans don't give Coach Ewing any credit. Hmmm. I'll wait.

[TrueHoyaBlue]

Dec 23, 2017 7:32:40 GMT -5 glidehoyas (Inactive) said:

Funny how our fans don't give Coach Ewing any credit. Hmmm. I'll wait.

Glide, I'm confused--you've been the main person on this board criticizing playing time decisions (Sodom, Dickerson, walkons), but now you're saying that other fans aren't giving Ewing credit?

[glidehoyas (Inactive)]

Dec 23, 2017 7:43:17 GMT -5 TrueHoyaBlue said:

Dec 23, 2017 7:32:40 GMT -5 glidehoyas (Inactive) said:

Funny how our fans don't give Coach Ewing any credit. Hmmm. I'll wait.

Glide, I'm confused--you've been the main person on this board criticizing playing time decisions (Sodom, Dickerson, walkons), but now you're saying that other fans aren't giving Ewing credit?

I've been rallying for Sodom to play more minutes, but let's be real here, "OVERALL" Coach Ewing has done a terrific job with his troops especially during the NT game. Once his players saw he was relaxed they relaxed and overcame adversity. Got it? Hopefully you not confused anymore. Thanks for at least have the respect to ask instead of assume. Oh, I did mention I wanted to walk-ons to play. Dickerson has played more. I guess Coach Ewing heard me. Ha. I also said I respect CE's decisions. I think you may have left that part out. Never have said anything negative about CE, never. Some people just like to assume. The main person though lol. Love it. Remember, I eat, sleep and coach this game for years. Learned from the best out here. Coach Wooten, Thompson, Colson, Penders on and on ...

Happy Holidays.

[hoya70hoops]

Grade so far: A
and the team is a lot more fun to watch

[calhoya]

Impressed so far and was skeptical from the outset. However, he has only been tested a little. Like his offense, the aggressiveness on defense, even if they may be lacking the talent, the development of Govan and MD, how he handled the lethargic start against UNT, and the willingness to play the freshmen in big situations. Dislike the schedule, the failure to get Walker more time (and Sodom when he was here), and the management of the game down the stretch with Syracuse--thought he waited too long to bring another ball-handler in the game to help Mosley and stayed in the zone too long when the Orange were killing it from 3. Mostly, I really like the energy he has shown on and off the court to promote the team and the program.

[lichoya68]

Good so far learning and exciting the team gets them to \hustle. we will see in the big east but think he may pull off a few more wins than i thought. depends if guards do ok in big east and marcus and jessie stay outa foul trouble. G O HOYAS beat the dogs today and move move move on and hope the guys did well in school GO HOYAS WE WILL SEE go PAT.

[BeantownHoya]

I am very happy so far...

1. I don't think has been mentioned and I realize we are focused on him as a coach but I love the 2018 recruits. I think we are bringing in not only talented kids but hard workers, kids wanting to get better, seem to be very team oriented. Great first group and hopefully we add 1 or 2 more. I am excited about Pickett as well, has all the talent in the world and is starting to use his length on defense.

1A. I am a big fan of Blair. I think he will be a solid 4 year player for this program. I was not as high on Sodom but in all fairness I saw very little between highlights in HS, Kenner and then obviously limited time on the court this season. Dickerson, I think is what Ewing was looking for. Back court depth, back-up PG, SR leadership, etc - I don't think anyone really expected him to be a starter or 10+ ppg player so he is filling the role he was brought in for.

2. In regards to offensively and defensively, I don't know how anyone could complain. He is putting his stamp on what he wants on both ends with players he did not bring in and thats not easy. I think both of these improve as he is able to bring in HIS players.

3. I don't think anyone can argue that Govan and Kaleb are drastically better and that has to be a credit to Ewing and staff. Yes everyone was going to have better "stats" with the departure of Peak and Pryor but they are just flat out improved players. Again may be more exposure and different schemes on both end but I think Derrickson, Mulmore, and Mosely all look more comfortable.

4. Inbound plays! The struggle is over. Multiple options, inventive, may be a little thing but something we have struggled mightily with the last couple of seasons.

5. Everyone has a green light. I think this is big and important. I really feel under JT3 guys started off cold they just stopped shooting or being agressive (aside from Peak and Pryor). It appears that his mantra is if you are open and it's a good shot take it. Forget the last 10 shots, whether you made or missed them. If the shot you are taking is a good one take it. Kaleb is the ultimate example here.

6. My only complaints is playing time for Walker, because not only do I personally feel he can bring a lot to this team but also with the loss os Sodom we need all the depth we can get and Walker is one of those guys. Schedule and I am not going to beat this to death but as someone pointed out (I am not taking credit) that 1 or 2 more competitive games would have made us and I think even the coach much more prepared for Cuse. If you don't play any tight games and then all of a sudden are thrown into one, thats tough on not only the players but I would imagine a first time coach. I agree w/many that he stayed in the zone too long and maybe that would not have been the case if we had learned from previous games. I know a lot of folks complained about not getting Mosely off the ball, but I am not sure how much better Mulmore is at this point and Jagan was having a great game but I can see it both ways.

I am very excited for th future under Ewing.

[zxhoya]

Dec 23, 2017 11:19:45 GMT -5 BeantownHoya said:

I am very happy so far...

1. I don't think has been mentioned and I realize we are focused on him as a coach but I love the 2018 recruits. I think we are bringing in not only talented kids but hard workers, kids wanting to get better, seem to be very team oriented. Great first group and hopefully we add 1 or 2 more. I am excited about Pickett as well, has all the talent in the world and is starting to use his length on defense.

1A. I am a big fan of Blair. I think he will be a solid 4 year player for this program. I was not as high on Sodom but in all fairness I saw very little between highlights in HS, Kenner and then obviously limited time on the court this season. Dickerson, I think is what Ewing was looking for. Back court depth, back-up PG, SR leadership, etc - I don't think anyone really expected him to be a starter or 10+ ppg player so he is filling the role he was brought in for.

2. In regards to offensively and defensively, I don't know how anyone could complain. He is putting his stamp on what he wants on both ends with players he did not bring in and thats not easy. I think both of these improve as he is able to bring in HIS players.

3. I don't think anyone can argue that Govan and Kaleb are drastically better and that has to be a credit to Ewing and staff. Yes everyone was going to have better "stats" with the departure of Peak and Pryor but they are just flat out improved players. Again may be more exposure and different schemes on both end but I think Derrickson, Mulmore, and Mosely all look more comfortable.

4. Inbound plays! The struggle is over. Multiple options, inventive, may be a little thing but something we have struggled mightily with the last couple of seasons.

5. Everyone has a green light. I think this is big and important. I really feel under JT3 guys started off cold they just stopped shooting or being agressive (aside from Peak and Pryor). It appears that his mantra is if you are open and it's a good shot take it. Forget the last 10 shots, whether you made or missed them. If the shot you are taking is a good one take it. Kaleb is the ultimate example here.

6. My only complaints is playing time for Walker, because not only do I personally feel he can bring a lot to this team but also with the loss os Sodom we need all the depth we can get and Walker is one of those guys. Schedule and I am not going to beat this to death but as someone pointed out (I am not taking credit) that 1 or 2 more competitive games would have made us and I think even the coach much more prepared for Cuse. If you don't play any tight games and then all of a sudden are thrown into one, thats tough on not only the players but I would imagine a first time coach. I agree w/many that he stayed in the zone too long and maybe that would not have been the case if we had learned from previous games. I know a lot of folks complained about not getting Mosely off the ball, but I am not sure how much better Mulmore is at this point and Jagan was having a great game but I can see it both ways.

I am very excited for th future under Ewing.

Coach Ewing must have been reading HT.