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Post by michaelgrahmstylie on Jan 1, 2020 11:08:09 GMT -5
While this loss cannot be pinned on any one individual, the team as a whole, has to step it up on defense and stop playing as if the objective of the game is just to trade baskets. We need more of a killer instinct; we need to weaponize our 3 point shot; we need more fire under our a***; and more ice in our veins! To put it bluntly, we are playing soft. Come on guys, step it up! This is Big East play! Every game, every half, every possession has to be treated with a sense of urgency. We allowed them to pick us a part. They were getting whatever they wanted, having their way with us. I will not use Mac’s absence as an excuse. We need to toughen up, play like we know how to play basketball, get in their faces, do what we have to do to win. Come on, guys! The opposition cannot be more savage and hungrier than us!
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Post by michaelgrahmstylie on Jan 1, 2020 11:10:47 GMT -5
By the way, I want to thank the moderators and whoever else for reactivating my account after an irritating pop up had me scrambling for answers.
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Post by professorhoya on Jan 1, 2020 11:26:53 GMT -5
While this loss cannot be pinned on any one individual, the team as a whole, has to step it up on defense and stop playing as if the objective of the game is just to trade baskets. We need more of a killer instinct; we need to weaponize our 3 point shot; we need more fire under our a***; and more ice in our veins! To put it bluntly, we are playing soft. Come on guys, step it up! This is Big East play! Every game, every half, every possession has to be treated with a sense of urgency. We allowed them to pick us a part. They were getting whatever they wanted, having their way with us. I will not use Mac’s absence as an excuse. We need to toughen up, play like we know how to play basketball, get in their faces, do what we have to do to win. Come on, guys! The opposition cannot be more savage and hungrier than us! I would disagree. If prime Golden State Warriors lost Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant, Iguadala, and Shuan Livingston and were left with Draymond Green and some scraps they would not be the same team. Nobody would be saying Kerr can’t coach or the remaining players just need to give effort, "want it" and weaponize. Same thing if prime bulls lost Pippen, Horace Grant and 3 rotation players. As thin as we are we can’t afford to lose Yurtseven, Mac or Terrel Allen. In order to succeed we need all 3.
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Post by michaelgrahmstylie on Jan 1, 2020 11:43:10 GMT -5
While this loss cannot be pinned on any one individual, the team as a whole, has to step it up on defense and stop playing as if the objective of the game is just to trade baskets. We need more of a killer instinct; we need to weaponize our 3 point shot; we need more fire under our a***; and more ice in our veins! To put it bluntly, we are playing soft. Come on guys, step it up! This is Big East play! Every game, every half, every possession has to be treated with a sense of urgency. We allowed them to pick us a part. They were getting whatever they wanted, having their way with us. I will not use Mac’s absence as an excuse. We need to toughen up, play like we know how to play basketball, get in their faces, do what we have to do to win. Come on, guys! The opposition cannot be more savage and hungrier than us! I would disagree. If prime Golden State Warriors lost Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant, Iguadala, and Shuan Livingston and were left with Draymond Green and some scraps they would not be the same team. Nobody would be saying Kerr can’t coach or the remaining players just need to give effort, "want it" and weaponize. Same thing if prime bulls lost Pippen, Horace Grant and 3 rotation players. As thin as we are we can’t afford to lose Yurtseven, Mac or Terrel Allen. In order to succeed we need all 3. That’s fine. I just didn’t see the effort, especially on defense. However, your analogy/point is well taken. Maybe I was being a little harsh on our guys. Just disappointed in the loss.
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Post by professorhoya on Jan 1, 2020 11:56:49 GMT -5
I would disagree. If prime Golden State Warriors lost Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant, Iguadala, and Shuan Livingston and were left with Draymond Green and some scraps they would not be the same team. Nobody would be saying Kerr can’t coach or the remaining players just need to give effort, "want it" and weaponize. Same thing if prime bulls lost Pippen, Horace Grant and 3 rotation players. As thin as we are we can’t afford to lose Yurtseven, Mac or Terrel Allen. In order to succeed we need all 3. That’s fine. I just didn’t see the effort, especially on defense. However, your analogy/point is well taken. Maybe I was being a little harsh on our guys. Just disappointed in the loss. I think part of that is a team like Providence can expose our lack of length/height at the wing position. Dialo is a 6-7 guard David Duke is a 6-6 point guard for them. Pipkins is 5-11 (so he's short) but matchup wise they are going up against 6-3 Allen, 6-2 Jagan and 6-4 Blair. It was easier for Diallo and Duke to see over our 3 guards and shoot over them. Not to mention their length led to more offensive rebounds, etc for them than they normally get. I think this is a game where we would have had Galen and Myron in alot to defend Dialo and Duke or LeBlanc patrolling the paint. That's the one hole we have even with a full unit (of our remaining players) unless we get an immediate grad transfer tall athletic wing or Galen/Myron decide to come back in January.
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dchoya72
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,488
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Post by dchoya72 on Jan 1, 2020 13:02:13 GMT -5
Without Mac, you force a number of players to play larger roles they are not accustomed to. You can’t just have other guys shoot more to make up the difference. We lost four key players, we can’t afford any injuries. I concur: We are down four solid players. Players that for the most part made up for deficiencies we have had in the past, solid wings, rebounders....real players...not shooters or ball handlers, etc. The guys that left had solid skills. That is a big hole to fill. Mac is is a very good player. But he is not superman. We need him because he is skilled and a good teammate. If Mac was out there and Jamorko was not, given our team structure, chances are he would not be as effective as he usually is. Teams require chemistry. We've had some good chemistry, even with the great personnel losses we've suffered. But our margin for error is small, as was said before. But a missing key ingredient, Mac, ruins the recipe for success. I don't necessarily believe in the "stars" system of rating, but some players are better than others'-- a given! We are operating at a lost against stronger competition with lesser skilled players....it makes a difference! Games will be tougher. Even with Mac on the court, to be successful, everybody will need to step up!! Including Jamorko. Still, he Jamorko, is not doing everything that many would like, but he is in the fight. We've got to fight harder and more skillfully to win. And we need help at the wing position. Just my opinion!
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Post by iheartdurenbros on Jan 1, 2020 13:17:25 GMT -5
Without Mac, you force a number of players to play larger roles they are not accustomed to. You can’t just have other guys shoot more to make up the difference. We lost four key players, we can’t afford any injuries. I concur: We are down four solid players. Players that for the most part made up for deficiencies we have had in the past, solid wings, rebounders....real players...not shooters or ball handlers, etc. The guys that left had solid skills. That is a big hole to fill. Mac is is a very good player. But he is not superman. We need him because he is skilled and a good teammate. If Mac was out there and Jamorko was not, given our team structure, chances are he would not be as effective as he usually is. Teams require chemistry. We've had some good chemistry, even with the great personnel losses we've suffered. But our margin for error is small, as was said before. But a missing key ingredient, Mac, ruins the recipe for success. I don't necessarily believe in the "stars" system of rating, but some players are better than others'-- a given! We are operating at a lost against stronger competition with lesser skilled players....it makes a difference! Games will be tougher. Even with Mac on the court, to be successful, everybody will need to step up!! Including Jamorko. Still, he Jamorko, is not doing everything that many would like, but he is in the fight. We've got to fight harder and more skillfully to win. And we need help at the wing position. Just my opinion! Second this take. Throughout this past month, I have really been so impressed by the chemistry of our team. They really seem to like each other, and most importantly are not weighed down by resentments because of their circumstances. During this month, I have really feared that something would crack, that the chemistry was more superficial than it appeared after Akinjo and LeBlanc left. When Alexander and Gardner left the team, I really feared they would become overwrought. They showed no signs of that. Last night, I had that same fear, but that bounce back in the second half -- when they showed their trust in each other and the offensive scheme -- was super important to me. That was the team I had come to admire this past month. And, they weren't nearly as good as they can be or will need to be. I have been super impressed with Mac during this run. His shooting is obviously critical, but he shares the game well. I'm also inclined to agree with his Gate City fans (like nattybumpo3152) who see him as the heart and soul of his team. I don't mean to take anything away from our senior leaders, but it is huge that our emerging star shares with his team so well. He has the character to improve, and I for one am very excited to see it play out.
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rhw485
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
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Post by rhw485 on Jan 1, 2020 17:30:12 GMT -5
Got to watch this one in person, yikes: - Echoing the comments from others, it really didn't seem like the team knew about Mac much before tip. Before the tip it almost looked like Blair was asking where to stand or there was at least some conversation about where to be
- Our success has been a top 15 offense carrying an average (at best) defense. Without Mac you knew the offense wouldn't be amazing and the defense would have to step up. Clearly didnt happen
- We're not just unlucky that teams happen to take / make more 3s vs. us. Our defensive scheme forces rotations that opens those cracks for high-value shots.
- When Mosely guarded Stevens on PSU I was surprised it wasn't Pickett but didn't overthink it. Pickett looks the part physically but it's just clear he lacks the flexibility / lateral movement. Diallo's easiest basket of the game was with Pickett on him and he just blew by him to his left for a layup. On offense he's a straight line driver that can't make adjustments at the rim. He has value on this team and can be a role player with good weakside defense, rebounding, and open catch and shoot 3s. But that's a missed opportunity with a top 75ish recruit w NBA characteristics. Comparing his development to Tyshon Alexander (same class / range of ranking) is not a great look. Naji Marshall was higher up the recruiting ranks but you've seen the growth in his game by junior year as well
- Ewing attempted a zone...and it was a joke to watch. The most basic rotation in a 2-3 zone is the bottom wings have to rotate up to the 3 point line if the guard is forced to move to the middle. The first time, Wahab didn't even get close to trying, 2nd time Mosely was late but at least he made an effort. Basic stuff if we're going to try that
- And when it rains, it pours, with Reeves hitting multiple step-back 3s vs. Jaden Robinson. Didn't look like bad defense but at that point we just weren't going to get a break
- Agree that Yurt7 got muscled out of the post for much of the first half, but there was no plan on how to beat that. Would've liked to see some high/low action with Pickett flashing to the free throw line then you can lob over. He needs shot attempts when Mac's not playing, it's on Yurt but its also on Allen and Mosely to be leaders and get us into stuff that can get him the ball. Allen was definitely forcing a little bit with the floaters.
- We've had the turnover bug the last 2 games now and those are killers because offensive rebounding has been one of our strengths. Can't do that if we're not even attempting shots.
- Everything was better in the 2nd half, so it could've just been getting over the shock of no Mac and adjusting to a new environment. Hands in passing lanes got us tons of deflections, and we were able to find some open 3s.
I left at the 4min mark but not sure there was much to see at that point. Really bad timing for the Mac injury as a road win at Providence was one you had in pencil if you're looking to get to 9-9 or better. Season-defining response on Friday
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DallasHoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
Posts: 1,634
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Post by DallasHoya on Jan 1, 2020 17:56:42 GMT -5
- When Mosely guarded Stevens on PSU I was surprised it wasn't Pickett but didn't overthink it. Pickett looks the part physically but it's just clear he lacks the flexibility / lateral movement. Diallo's easiest basket of the game was with Pickett on him and he just blew by him to his left for a layup. On offense he's a straight line driver that can't make adjustments at the rim. He has value on this team and can be a role player with good weakside defense, rebounding, and open catch and shoot 3s. But that's a missed opportunity with a top 75ish recruit w NBA characteristics. Comparing his development to Tyshon Alexander (same class / range of ranking) is not a great look. Naji Marshall was higher up the recruiting ranks but you've seen the growth in his game by junior year as well
Pickett was a highly ranked recruit because he looks like a highly ranked recruit. He’s tall, long and a fluid athlete, and that’s where the KD comparisons you hear from announcers end. Problem is his basketball skills. While he’s an above average three point shooter (46% this year!), he’s a below average ball handler, post-up player, midrange shooter, passer and defender. Judging by the look at Ewing’s face after about the third post-up he called for Pickett against American that went nowhere, maybe he will realize that Picket should be shooting three pointers on offense and doing nothing else.
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mdtd
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
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Post by mdtd on Jan 1, 2020 18:06:09 GMT -5
Got to watch this one in person, yikes: - Echoing the comments from others, it really didn't seem like the team knew about Mac much before tip. Before the tip it almost looked like Blair was asking where to stand or there was at least some conversation about where to be
This is what it seemed like. You can't have the guys feeling defeated, as if they had already lost to start. Instead Allen was forced to throw up shots as obody wanted to help out and shoot with Mac out. He was off his game because other players didn't try to step up. Which is why I wanted to give walkons a chance. Let these guys know that the second half was better, but show them what other players wil try when given the opportunity. Give these guys rest and let them move on.
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NCHoya
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
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Post by NCHoya on Jan 1, 2020 19:26:05 GMT -5
Also made the trip up for this game, and once we saw Mac in a suit, we knew what was going to happen. Sure, we did not expect the unconscious PC shooting performance, and the nearly immediate foul trouble for Blair, which made things very ugly in the first half. But, I am surprised that the board is taking anything away from this game? Yurtseven was the only offensive option so when the score mattered PC just doubled him and forced the role players to be the main option. The team is already down 4 players, and if they lose the team leader, how the heck are they supposed to win?
The difference in the second half was simply PC finally missing shots and turning the ball over, which gave us a chance to speed up the tempo against a defense still setting up leading to multiple open looks. I take nothing from this game other than the guys were still playing hard in the 2nd half, which is a credit to Ewing. PC has not had a terrific season but they did dominate Texas and have a very solid record at home (6-1?)
My only concern at this point is how long Mac is out because GU is not winning BE road games without him.
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rhw485
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 742
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Post by rhw485 on Jan 1, 2020 19:32:23 GMT -5
Pickett was a highly ranked recruit because he looks like a highly ranked recruit. He’s tall, long and a fluid athlete, and that’s where the KD comparisons you hear from announcers end. Problem is his basketball skills. While he’s an above average three point shooter (46% this year!), he’s a below average ball handler, post-up player, midrange shooter, passer and defender. Judging by the look at Ewing’s face after about the third post-up he called for Pickett against American that went nowhere, maybe he will realize that Picket should be shooting three pointers on offense and doing nothing else. Right, you would expect player development over 3 years on campus and the rankings project that. And it doesn't seem like its for lack of effort on Pickett's part. We'll never know but he clearly has matured physically and spent time in the gym. While Ewing can develop bigs (not surprising), I feel like it's still a question for him w perimeter players. Mac looks to have made a leap (w help from outside program on his jumper) but Akinjo was backtracking, Blair is the same player he was as a freshman, and Mosely (while not a Ewing recruit) is a great glue guy but has not developed other skills to be the focal point of an offense. Something to monitor going forward
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Post by FrazierFanatic on Jan 2, 2020 11:57:38 GMT -5
Pickett was a highly ranked recruit because he looks like a highly ranked recruit. He’s tall, long and a fluid athlete, and that’s where the KD comparisons you hear from announcers end. Problem is his basketball skills. While he’s an above average three point shooter (46% this year!), he’s a below average ball handler, post-up player, midrange shooter, passer and defender. Judging by the look at Ewing’s face after about the third post-up he called for Pickett against American that went nowhere, maybe he will realize that Picket should be shooting three pointers on offense and doing nothing else. Right, you would expect player development over 3 years on campus and the rankings project that. And it doesn't seem like its for lack of effort on Pickett's part. We'll never know but he clearly has matured physically and spent time in the gym. While Ewing can develop bigs (not surprising), I feel like it's still a question for him w perimeter players. Mac looks to have made a leap (w help from outside program on his jumper) but Akinjo was backtracking, Blair is the same player he was as a freshman, and Mosely (while not a Ewing recruit) is a great glue guy but has not developed other skills to be the focal point of an offense. Something to monitor going forward I don't think it is at all accurate to say those guys have shown no improvement. Moseley was never going to be the focal point of an offense, but his perimeter shooting has developed tremendously. Blair is a better passer than when he came in, but still needs to learn to stop shooting on the move. Akinjo was only "backtracking" because he became more selfish trying to get his, for whatever reason. And while Pickett certainly has not improved his handle or his post-up game to any noticeable extent, his defense and his rebounding have improved significantly.
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rhw485
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 742
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Post by rhw485 on Jan 2, 2020 13:14:05 GMT -5
Right, you would expect player development over 3 years on campus and the rankings project that. And it doesn't seem like its for lack of effort on Pickett's part. We'll never know but he clearly has matured physically and spent time in the gym. While Ewing can develop bigs (not surprising), I feel like it's still a question for him w perimeter players. Mac looks to have made a leap (w help from outside program on his jumper) but Akinjo was backtracking, Blair is the same player he was as a freshman, and Mosely (while not a Ewing recruit) is a great glue guy but has not developed other skills to be the focal point of an offense. Something to monitor going forward I don't think it is at all accurate to say those guys have shown no improvement. Moseley was never going to be the focal point of an offense, but his perimeter shooting has developed tremendously. Blair is a better passer than when he came in, but still needs to learn to stop shooting on the move. Akinjo was only "backtracking" because he became more selfish trying to get his, for whatever reason. And while Pickett certainly has not improved his handle or his post-up game to any noticeable extent, his defense and his rebounding have improved significantly. Fair, I wasn't trying to say they haven't improved at all and I didn't make that clear. My opinion is the perimeter players have not made consistent, material leaps in their skill sets (that we see happen at other programs) despite spending multiple off-seasons on campus (again excluding Mac here). Govan and Derrickson made immediate and drastic gains as soon as Ewing took over and they went through the offseason program. Probably a discussion for a different thread once we get through this season and evaluate where we are after year 3.
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Post by FrazierFanatic on Jan 2, 2020 13:22:53 GMT -5
Fair point. I think Moseley and Blair were always going to be limited role players, but we all thought Jamarko would develop into a star. Would have been interesting to see how much LeBlanc improved this season and next.
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