Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2019 12:15:10 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. Aaron Mckie was an elite defender. Eddie Jones was an elite defender. Both were very disciplined and made everything tough on his opponent. I also think you're selling fans a bit short by saying they think "better athlete = better player" Fans will say Govan was our best player last year, and he was arguably our worst athlete. They will tell you Akinjo is now, and he's probably lower half when it comes to raw athleticism. Fans understand the nuance of the game more than you're giving them credit for, especially on this board where folks are pretty manic about Hoya basketball. Mac could tighten things up a bit. He's a young player who has a lot of talent, but he definitely struggles with knowing what's a good shot and what's a bad shot at times. It's not uncommon for kids his age at all, but the reason why he starts isn't because he's more athletic. It's because he's better than the guys behind him. Pat has options this year if Mac, or anyone else gets too shot happy. I'm sure he will utilize them. That's why the addition of Allen was so important. He can run a team, he's a natural ball mover and he makes winning plays. A lot of that stuff won't show up in the box, but he makes us better and he also provides a guide to the young guys for how to play winning basketball on both ends. It's not all about putting the ball in the hoop. Many times it's the small things that make the difference. Here's a good example of a subtle play, that looks totally normal to the eye, but is something we didn't do a lot last year. He doesn't leak out and count on the big to rebound. He reads this play beautifully, and cuts off the big who otherwise might have had an easy put back opportunity. The end result of that play is an easy two on the other end. http://instagram.com/p/B1HQ2lThbVV
|
|
|
Post by HoyaRejuveNation85 on Aug 15, 2019 12:19:41 GMT -5
The basketball people I talk to aren’t nearly as enamored with Mac like fans are. That’s because they take into account things like spacing, shot selection, and defense. Things that really can’t be measured by a box score. On the other hand Mac’s one elite skill also happens to be the one that fans love. Fans are often convinced the better athlete is the better player. It’s like in the NFL where fans love the QBs like Johnny Football and Tebow that run as soon as the pocket breaks down which makes for an exciting play. Whereas the coaches would rather have a guy that steps up and finds the open guy for the boring 8 yard gain. Can you imagine trying to convince Redskins fans back in the day that Cousins was better than RG3. If you even question the fan favorite you will be called some version of a bad or dumb fan which I am guessing you knew when you posted. Hate to think of what all of those smart “basketball people “ would have thought of Iverson. Agreed, MCI. Also, as he did yesterday (6-6 from the line to lead the team), Mac has a knack for getting to the line -- better than anyone on the team, in fact. Those are not all generated in the transition game. Mac's ability to break down a defense in the half court is VERY valuable. In a big road win last year (Marquette or the Hall, I think), Ewing had Mac attack in the half court until he was stopped. He wasn't and we won a big road game. I thought Mac was a pretty willing passer last year. Sure, he took some crazy shots, but he was only a frosh and was learning. We are going to benefit from him driving and kicking as his shot selection improves. Still, we should encourage him to take his man when he can and only counsel against this, when he can't.
|
|
hoyainla
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Suspended
Posts: 4,719
|
Post by hoyainla on Aug 15, 2019 12:39:06 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. Aaron Mckie was an elite defender. Eddie Jones was an elite defender. Both were very disciplined and made everything tough on his opponent. I also think you're selling fans a bit short by saying they think "better athlete = better player" Fans will say Govan was our best player last year, and he was arguably our worst athlete. They will tell you Akinjo is now, and he's probably lower half when it comes to raw athleticism. Fans understand the nuance of the game more than you're giving them credit for, especially on this board where folks are pretty manic about Hoya basketball. Mac could tighten things up a bit. He's a young player who has a lot of talent, but he definitely struggles with knowing what's a good shot and what's a bad shot at times. It's not uncommon for kids his age at all, but the reason why he starts isn't because he's more athletic. It's because he's better than the guys behind him. Pat has options this year if Mac, or anyone else gets too shot happy. I'm sure he will utilize them. That's why the addition of Allen was so important. He can run a team, he's a natural ball mover and he makes winning plays. A lot of that stuff won't show up in the box, but he makes us better and he also provides a guide to the young guys for how to play winning basketball on both ends. It's not all about putting the ball in the hoop. Many times it's the small things that make the difference. Here's a good example of a subtle play, that looks totally normal to the eye, but is something we didn't do a lot last year. He doesn't leak out and count on the big to rebound. He reads this play beautifully, and cuts off the big who otherwise might have had an easy put back opportunity. The end result of that play is an easy two on the other end. http://instagr.am/p/B1HQ2lThbVV I know Mac is going to start and that is fine. I am more worried about who finishes. I give Pat credit he did bench Mac a bit last year when the possessions started to matter. Believe me you don't need to sell me on Allen. He's the most important pickup on this team this year unless you consider Yurt7 this year. I said in a previous post that I think he should close games with James. I would be shocked if the offensive efficiency numbers this year when he's on the court with James is better than it will be with Mac and James. If James is OK with not being the PG for parts of the game it could really add a wrinkle that would make us hard to prepare for. The ball would likely move more which would wear down the defense as well. That would also cut down on the james drives to the bucket too early in the shot clock which is one of his faults. As you said he's not a great athlete so he doesn't finish at the rim well. If we could combine Mac's finishing with James shooting we would really be onto something. With Mackinjo there is way too much iso and standing around. I am not saying Allen should be the PG most of the time but he should't just get backup PG minutes. I really don't see a 3 guard lineup with James, Mac and Allen working either. People were quick to dismiss Allen's elite defensive stats because they gave Tacko all the credit, but anyone that has actually watched him knows he's on a different level than Mac. It could be argued that he's on of the best defensive guards in the country while Mac is arguably the worst defender on the team. Just watching Allen and Mac on both ends off the ball shows you a ton as I am sure you do. As for the Govan comment. He got absolutely dragged here and on other Hoyas social spots last year. I am not saying it was everyone but it was definitely more than half. I know you saw it. I am sure if there was a a poll who had a better year last year Govan or Mac the results would be shocking since it should be 100%-0% but it wouldn't be.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2019 12:40:24 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. Aaron Mckie was an elite defender. Eddie Jones was an elite defender. Both were very disciplined and made everything tough on his opponent. I also think you're selling fans a bit short by saying they think "better athlete = better player" Fans will say Govan was our best player last year, and he was arguably our worst athlete. They will tell you Akinjo is now, and he's probably lower half when it comes to raw athleticism. Fans understand the nuance of the game more than you're giving them credit for, especially on this board where folks are pretty manic about Hoya basketball. Mac could tighten things up a bit. He's a young player who has a lot of talent, but he definitely struggles with knowing what's a good shot and what's a bad shot at times. It's not uncommon for kids his age at all, but the reason why he starts isn't because he's more athletic. It's because he's better than the guys behind him. Pat has options this year if Mac, or anyone else gets too shot happy. I'm sure he will utilize them. That's why the addition of Allen was so important. He can run a team, he's a natural ball mover and he makes winning plays. A lot of that stuff won't show up in the box, but he makes us better and he also provides a guide to the young guys for how to play winning basketball on both ends. It's not all about putting the ball in the hoop. Many times it's the small things that make the difference. Here's a good example of a subtle play, that looks totally normal to the eye, but is something we didn't do a lot last year. He doesn't leak out and count on the big to rebound. He reads this play beautifully, and cuts off the big who otherwise might have had an easy put back opportunity. The end result of that play is an easy two on the other end. http://instagr.am/p/B1HQ2lThbVV I know Mac is going to start and that is fine. I am more worried about who finishes. I give Pat credit he did bench Mac a bit last year when the possessions started to matter. Believe me you don't need to sell me on Allen. He's the most important pickup on this team this year unless you consider Yurt7 this year. I said in a previous post that I think he should close games with James. I would be shocked if the offensive efficiency numbers this year when he's on the court with James is better than it will be with Mac and James. If James is OK with not being the PG for parts of the game it could really add a wrinkle that would make us hard to prepare for. The ball would likely move more which would wear down the defense as well. That would also cut down on the james drives to the bucket too early in the shot clock which is one of his faults. As you said he's not a great athlete so he doesn't finish at the rim well. If we could combine Mac's finishing with James shooting we would really be onto something. With Mackinjo there is way too much iso and standing around. I am not saying Allen should be the PG most of the time but he should't just get backup PG minutes. I really don't see a 3 guard lineup with James, Mac and Allen working either. People were quick to dismiss Allen's elite defensive stats because they gave Tacko all the credit, but anyone that has actually watched him knows he's on a different level than Mac. It could be argued that he's on of the best defensive guards in the country while Mac is arguably the worst defender on the team. Just watching Allen and Mac on both ends off the ball shows you a ton as I am sure you do. As for the Govan comment. He got absolutely dragged here and on other Hoyas social spots last year. I am not saying it was everyone but it was definitely more than half. I know you saw it. I am sure if there was a a poll who had a better year last year Govan or Mac the results would be shocking since it should be 100%-0% but it wouldn't be. I think the reason why he got so much criticism is because folks recognize he was our best player and that comes with the territory. Not so much because they thought other guys were better. I definitely think it was unfair to him fwiw.
|
|
prhoya
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 23,263
|
Post by prhoya on Aug 15, 2019 14:22:41 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. The BE coaches of the time disagree with you. Iverson spent two years in college and won BE Defender of the Year both years. I don’t think they were looking at just one aspect of his defense. Btw, I’m referring just to his college years. I don’t follow the NBA regularly.
|
|
jwp91
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 5,998
|
Post by jwp91 on Aug 15, 2019 14:39:56 GMT -5
I think good defense is just hard to measure because it comes in many forms. At the end of the day, it is about the expected outcome of a change in possession without points scored, but it could look like any of the following:
Block Steal Deflection Preventing penetration Preventing the desired evolution of a specific play Consuming shot clock time Forcing a bad decision (e.g. errant pass) Forcing a lower probability action (e.g. a lower percentage shot)
|
|
SirSaxa
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 15,620
|
Post by SirSaxa on Aug 15, 2019 14:44:55 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. The BE coaches of the time disagree with you. Iverson spent two years in college and won BE Defender of the Year both years. I don’t think they were looking at just one aspect of his defense. Btw, I’m referring just to his college years. I don’t follow the NBA regularly. Yes, and those same BE coaches of the time voted Iverson the Defensive POY, and he was the highest scoring player in the conference, yet somehow they voted for Ray Allen for POY. Maybe those BE coaches were not as wise as they could have been. I don't know if you were around at the time PR, but a number of posters on this board who were say the same thing: Iverson was a disruptive force on Defense - no doubt. Got a lot of steals by jumping passing lanes, anticipating passes, picking off dribbles from opponents other than his man, and so much more. But he was not a great straight up, man-on-man defender. Now you can include one more poster making the same point. All those guys mentioned were better. Gene Smith was out and out the best defensive guard ever to wear the blue and gray, and it is not even close. Here is a little Excerpt from DFW's history section on Gene Smith in the historic Final Four win over UK in 1984: Smith's greatest game remains the stuff of NCAA legend. Though he only played 17 minutes in the 1984 NCAA semifinal, Smith helped lock down the Cats' backcourt, and the rest of the team soon followed. Trailing by as many as 12 in the first half, Georgetown put on the defense and Kentucky could not respond. The Wildcats missed its first 12 shots of the second half, and 18 of its final 21, in a 53-40 upset to the Hoyas.
"No one had ever seen anything like it," said Miami coach Bill Foster. "A [Kentucky] team with three NBA first rounders...goes 16 minutes into the second half and scores two points? Incredible." www.hoyabasketball.com/players/g_smith.htm
|
|
prhoya
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 23,263
|
Post by prhoya on Aug 15, 2019 14:57:43 GMT -5
The BE coaches of the time disagree with you. Iverson spent two years in college and won BE Defender of the Year both years. I don’t think they were looking at just one aspect of his defense. Btw, I’m referring just to his college years. I don’t follow the NBA regularly. Yes, and those same BE coaches of the time voted Iverson the Defensive POY, and he was the highest scoring player in the conference, yet somehow they voted for Ray Allen for POY. Maybe those BE coaches were not as wise as they could have been. I don't know if you were around at the time PR, but a number of posters on this board who were say the same thing: Iverson was a disruptive force on Defense - no doubt. Got a lot of steals by jumping passing lanes, anticipating passes, picking off dribbles from opponents other than his man, and so much more. But he was not a great straight up, man-on-man defender. Now you can include one more poster making the same point. All those guys mentioned were better. Gene Smith was out and out the best defensive guard ever to wear the blue and gray, and it is not even close. Here is a little Excerpt from DFW's history section on Gene Smith in the historic Final Four win over UK in 1984: Smith's greatest game remains the stuff of NCAA legend. Though he only played 17 minutes in the 1984 NCAA semifinal, Smith helped lock down the Cats' backcourt, and the rest of the team soon followed. Trailing by as many as 12 in the first half, Georgetown put on the defense and Kentucky could not respond. The Wildcats missed its first 12 shots of the second half, and 18 of its final 21, in a 53-40 upset to the Hoyas.
"No one had ever seen anything like it," said Miami coach Bill Foster. "A [Kentucky] team with three NBA first rounders...goes 16 minutes into the second half and scores two points? Incredible." www.hoyabasketball.com/players/g_smith.htmYes, I was around and also for Gene Smith (on tv). Loved Gene. But, we’re not comparing him to Allen, who was the best defender those two years. To say that is not elite does not make sense. As to POY, Ray’s ‘96 team won the BE regular and tournament championship. As the team’s most important player, I’m guessing that was the tipping factor for their decision.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2019 15:18:51 GMT -5
hoyainla Iverson wasn't an elite defender. People think that because he got a lot of steals/ played the passing lanes etc.. But by my eye he wasn't an elite defender in terms of staying in front and locking guys down imo. The BE coaches of the time disagree with you. Iverson spent two years in college and won BE Defender of the Year both years. I don’t think they were looking at just one aspect of his defense. Btw, I’m referring just to his college years. I don’t follow the NBA regularly. I can respect it Pr. Regarding what he was at Georgetown I was a little too young to know tbh, but here's AI on his defense..
|
|
Bigs"R"Us
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,641
|
Post by Bigs"R"Us on Aug 15, 2019 15:52:05 GMT -5
Mark my words, Mac will play in the NBA.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,420
|
Post by MCIGuy on Aug 15, 2019 16:06:23 GMT -5
Fact: when Big John wanted to shut an opponent down during AI’s final season, he would call on Toumu, Aw or Page. And who would know which of his guys were truly elite defenders more than him?
|
|
EtomicB
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 14,858
|
Post by EtomicB on Aug 15, 2019 17:12:43 GMT -5
Fact: when Big John wanted to shut an opponent down during AI’s final season, he would call on Toumu, Aw or Page. And who would know which of his guys were truly elite defenders more than him? Toumou couldn't guard a mannequin missing one of its feet... I'll give you Aw or Page but JT? No way...
|
|
jwp91
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 5,998
|
Post by jwp91 on Aug 15, 2019 17:53:17 GMT -5
Fact: when Big John wanted to shut an opponent down during AI’s final season, he would call on Toumu, Aw or Page. And who would know which of his guys were truly elite defenders more than him? Toumou couldn't guard a mannequin missing one of its feet... I'll give you Aw or Page but JT? No way... If shuffling your feet with tiny steps counted as defense JT was world class!
|
|
blueandgray
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,748
|
Post by blueandgray on Aug 15, 2019 17:59:22 GMT -5
Mac had a tough game.....he's going to have those. Early on in this thread however, there were quite a few posters who were really down on Blair....just wondering if the sentiment is changing after having watched a few games in the Bahamas.
I know we have a deeper team than last year with more offensive weapons....but I think Blair is one of the guys that is going to make a jump this year. Hoping for Pickett to do so....but feeling Blair will surprise.
|
|
SirSaxa
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 15,620
|
Post by SirSaxa on Aug 15, 2019 18:00:57 GMT -5
Blair played so well in the Bahamas. I also think both Alexander AND Gardner will see minutes and contribute
|
|
DanMcQ
Moderator
Posts: 30,494
Member is Online
|
Post by DanMcQ on Aug 15, 2019 19:24:41 GMT -5
Blair (and Pickett) could be the answer to the “who’s gonna hit the 3s?” question. Meanwhile:
|
|
|
Post by cgallstar02 on Aug 15, 2019 23:38:41 GMT -5
Probably a wild idea, but I have a feeling Ewing will use an array of different lineups to closeout games based on varying circumstances such as individual matchups... who's performing well and who's performing poorly in the game being played... who's been performing best throughout the season.... what exactly does the team need at the moment; a 3 pointer, ball handlers, defense, free throw shooters, etc. Somehow I doubt he's sitting around coming up with some sort of predetermined closeout lineup 3 months before the regular season begins and without even seeing an actual real game that counts with all his new players. Again, crazy to think that a coach might actually coach the game based on what's happening instead of saying "Oh, we got 5 minutes left, time to get that closeout lineup on the floor that I picked in August."
|
|
dchoya72
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,488
|
Post by dchoya72 on Aug 16, 2019 3:15:30 GMT -5
Hell no. No offense but why is this even still a discussion? Are we so bored with the Who Should Kick Jamorko Out of the Starting Five debate that we have gone back to this for the time being? I think its a ridiculous suggestion. I recall at this time last year people brushing off the idea of McClung in the starting lineup over Blair. And all McClung did was end up on the Big East All Rookie Team, hit some clutch shots and helped the Hoyas finish tied for third in the BE. But this team is supposed to be better with him coming off the bench? Get out of here. First of all it is insulting and misleading to suggest that McClung is just some gunslinger jacking up shots. That's not the case despite how many times people try to press this theory. Yes, he is aggressive. That's part of his game at this point, part of which makes him special. But he's not putting up attempts like some second coming of Iverson. No doubt he takes bad shots but who on this team didn't last season? Did you see yesterday's game? McClung put up 8 shot attempts in 15 and 1/2 minutes. Akinjo, the guy who has the unofficial title of lead point guard for the team, put up 10 shots in under 18 minutes and yet no one ever charges him with being a chucker. Not on this board. The James Can Do No Wrong Crowd is no better than the Mac Can Do No Wrong Cult. Meanwhile for guys like me with no dog in the fight other than wanting what's best for the team and what's best for both players long term, I have to shake my head and wonder what's wrong with both groups. Both come off as a collection of fanboys. Without question at this moment Akinjo has the better handle and the better vision. The latter he'll probably always be better at. But McClung can create too, he's just has to much flair for his own good at times. But he is an asset with the ball in his hands and isn't selfish to the point that he only looks for his own shot opportunities. And by the way Akinjo dominates the ball far more than McClung, barely allowing him to bring up the ball past halfcourt. McClung gives our starting backcourt another guard with essentially point-guard level handle, and from all I've read he has continued to improve that handle. That's an asset. What McClung also gives the starting lineup is the one single player who can beat his man off the dribble, drive all the way to the hoop and FINISH when he gets there. That is a highly valuable commodity, a sought after skill. That is something Blair does not provide this team. Blair is a solid ballhandler but if he gets pressed too hard he is very likely to cough up the ball. I'm a fan of Blair but he isn't driving to the hoop against a tight defense either. Heck, he isn't even reliable enough from the one area he is supposed to provide this team: long-distance shooting. Despite all their flaws, despite not being a true perfect fit alongside each other, Akinjo and McClung add a dynamic nature to a Hoya backcourt not seen since Iverson and Page (if Freeman and Wright were capable of being that it was lost in the dynamic-dulling offense of III). I would argue that Akinjo and McClung complimented each other better than AI and Page because they have had a longer time to work alongside one another and because neither hogs the ball as much as Iverson did. The only issue with Akinjo and McClung is size. They make for a smallish backcourt. But there have been plenty of other successful backcourt duos of similar height in the history of the NCAA. Such as Anderson and Hunt of UNLV, Travieso and Padilla of UMass fame and Charles Smith and Dwayne Bryant of Georgetown. Besides what they lack in height they make up for in speed, moxie, skill and aggression. If Gardner in a short time develops a jumpshot to go along with his handle I could at least understand the argument of wanting him to be the starting shooting guard (although I would still say no). But Blair? Come on. James and Mac have aspirations to play at the next level but to do so they would have to play one specific position. Unfortunately its the same position. Right now James has the benefit of getting more reps at playing point guard for the Hoyas, but Mac is trying to steal a moment or two for himself as primary ballhandler. Nothing wrong with that. Let them learn. They're getting better all the time. Last of all every time I read these types of opinions the first thing I think of is folks here do not trust Ewing's decisions. Doesn't matter that he is getting better results quicker than the naysayers thought he would or that he keeps bringing in talented players who were under the radar. People still have doubts. I don't have those types of doubts and concerns. When I see McClung in the starting lineup I believe Ewing has him there because he thinks it gives his team a better chance to win. Who am I to argue? Long post, but, AMEN!!
|
|
|
Post by hoyalove4ever on Aug 16, 2019 6:38:15 GMT -5
Fact: when Big John wanted to shut an opponent down during AI’s final season, he would call on Toumu, Aw or Page. And who would know which of his guys were truly elite defenders more than him? Boubacar was one of the best defenders in Hoya history. I know he is not a favorite of yours MCI, but he is my second favorite Hoya ever after Charles Smith. I would take a Boubacar in every recruiting class. Amazing defender at 1-4 and excellent role player.
|
|
MCIGuy
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Anyone here? What am I supposed to update?
Posts: 9,420
|
Post by MCIGuy on Aug 16, 2019 7:25:59 GMT -5
Hell no. No offense but why is this even still a discussion? Are we so bored with the Who Should Kick Jamorko Out of the Starting Five debate that we have gone back to this for the time being? I think its a ridiculous suggestion. I recall at this time last year people brushing off the idea of McClung in the starting lineup over Blair. And all McClung did was end up on the Big East All Rookie Team, hit some clutch shots and helped the Hoyas finish tied for third in the BE. But this team is supposed to be better with him coming off the bench? Get out of here. First of all it is insulting and misleading to suggest that McClung is just some gunslinger jacking up shots. That's not the case despite how many times people try to press this theory. Yes, he is aggressive. That's part of his game at this point, part of which makes him special. But he's not putting up attempts like some second coming of Iverson. No doubt he takes bad shots but who on this team didn't last season? Did you see yesterday's game? McClung put up 8 shot attempts in 15 and 1/2 minutes. Akinjo, the guy who has the unofficial title of lead point guard for the team, put up 10 shots in under 18 minutes and yet no one ever charges him with being a chucker. Not on this board. The James Can Do No Wrong Crowd is no better than the Mac Can Do No Wrong Cult. Meanwhile for guys like me with no dog in the fight other than wanting what's best for the team and what's best for both players long term, I have to shake my head and wonder what's wrong with both groups. Both come off as a collection of fanboys. Without question at this moment Akinjo has the better handle and the better vision. The latter he'll probably always be better at. But McClung can create too, he's just has to much flair for his own good at times. But he is an asset with the ball in his hands and isn't selfish to the point that he only looks for his own shot opportunities. And by the way Akinjo dominates the ball far more than McClung, barely allowing him to bring up the ball past halfcourt. McClung gives our starting backcourt another guard with essentially point-guard level handle, and from all I've read he has continued to improve that handle. That's an asset. What McClung also gives the starting lineup is the one single player who can beat his man off the dribble, drive all the way to the hoop and FINISH when he gets there. That is a highly valuable commodity, a sought after skill. That is something Blair does not provide this team. Blair is a solid ballhandler but if he gets pressed too hard he is very likely to cough up the ball. I'm a fan of Blair but he isn't driving to the hoop against a tight defense either. Heck, he isn't even reliable enough from the one area he is supposed to provide this team: long-distance shooting. Despite all their flaws, despite not being a true perfect fit alongside each other, Akinjo and McClung add a dynamic nature to a Hoya backcourt not seen since Iverson and Page (if Freeman and Wright were capable of being that it was lost in the dynamic-dulling offense of III). I would argue that Akinjo and McClung complimented each other better than AI and Page because they have had a longer time to work alongside one another and because neither hogs the ball as much as Iverson did. The only issue with Akinjo and McClung is size. They make for a smallish backcourt. But there have been plenty of other successful backcourt duos of similar height in the history of the NCAA. Such as Anderson and Hunt of UNLV, Travieso and Padilla of UMass fame and Charles Smith and Dwayne Bryant of Georgetown. Besides what they lack in height they make up for in speed, moxie, skill and aggression. If Gardner in a short time develops a jumpshot to go along with his handle I could at least understand the argument of wanting him to be the starting shooting guard (although I would still say no). But Blair? Come on. James and Mac have aspirations to play at the next level but to do so they would have to play one specific position. Unfortunately its the same position. Right now James has the benefit of getting more reps at playing point guard for the Hoyas, but Mac is trying to steal a moment or two for himself as primary ballhandler. Nothing wrong with that. Let them learn. They're getting better all the time. Last of all every time I read these types of opinions the first thing I think of is folks here do not trust Ewing's decisions. Doesn't matter that he is getting better results quicker than the naysayers thought he would or that he keeps bringing in talented players who were under the radar. People still have doubts. I don't have those types of doubts and concerns. When I see McClung in the starting lineup I believe Ewing has him there because he thinks it gives his team a better chance to win. Who am I to argue? Long post, but, AMEN!!
|
|