tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 4, 2010 0:41:26 GMT -5
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 16:38:23 GMT -5
I apologize if my posts in this thread just seem like ranting. I have no agenda. I just really want to see these Hoyas maximize their abilities, and go deep into March. I think that they can - and that they will.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 16:06:43 GMT -5
I am kind of scared to write this - but while I agree that a lot of our guys are further along this year than last - how much improvement have we seen "in season" in most of our guys.
I think Greg, Austin and Hollis are much better today than they were on Day 1 of the season.
I don't know if I'd say that Julian, Jason, Chris and Henry are better. They improved in the off-season -- but a lot of the off-season improvement is done away from the coaches.
Julian and Jason really seem to be dragging, some of that might be physical. Julian has always been injury-prone and the Big East banging may be taking a toll. He's having a really tough time getting his shot off these days. Jason, at least on offense, has reverted into basically a guy who settles on 3 or 4 threes a game and that is all he is giving you. As anyone who followed him in high school, or remembers his performances earlier in the year will tell you, he is capable of contributing so much more on offense. His defense in my opinion remains terrific, he's chasing around the other team's best player most nights.
Chris is the really tough case for me. I have followed him for a long time -- and it honestly really bothered me after Louisville how everyone was so pleased with his performance -- due to the fact that he was able to beat their press break w/o turning the ball over.
This is a guy with the ability to succeed at the highest level. I'm talking Chris Paul/Johnny Flynn/Ty Lawson ability. Do you think Wake/Cuse/UNC fanbases would be patting those guys on the back after that performance? Maybe I expect too much - but I still think he'll regain confidence in that jumper before this year is over and our fanbase will realize that he is a player capable of much more.
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tonyparker
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Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 12:49:33 GMT -5
Terps fans will likely be silenced next year. Gary is a good coach - but losing Greivas, Hayes, and Milbourne will likely prove too much given the recruits he has coming in. They will be lucky to be an NIT team.
Additionally, next year should be the year our local guys dominate. Austin might average 25 a game. J. Clark will look more like Jason Terry. Henry should get to operate more in the post where he feels more comfortable with Greg gone. Hard to say with Chris - if he plays up to his ability as he should as a senior - he may be the best point guard in the country.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 12:15:51 GMT -5
No, I don't. I love the Hoyas but I'm not blind to reality. The Hoyas that showed up at ODU, Rutgers, South Florida, first half of Marquette, Providence, UConn, Syracuse, and Louisville does not win that game.
The Hoyas team that plays up to their ability wins easy though.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 12:03:15 GMT -5
Look, it's easy to point out individual players who haven't played up to their rankings in both programs (Garrison, McCray, Macklin, Rivers...).
This is what I think the Terp present day argument is. Henry Sims was the Baltimore Player of the Year and a lot of people thought he had a higher ceiling than guys like Dino Gregory, Malcolm Delaney, Sean Mosley, etc. Chris Wright was a high school legend in the DC area -- as was Austin. Maryland fans were Editeded that they ended up in Hoya jerseys -- and figured that these guys would lead to a Hoya dynasty.
Hasn't been the case. Last year was a disaster. This year has been better - but Terps fans feel that even with much worse talent Gary has still built better teams that JTIII. A lot of Terps fans are making the argument that Gary would be gettting more out of the DC kids JTIII has brought into the program. I don't agree with this argument, but I've heard it a lot. Don't shoot the messenger - like I said - I still think the Hoyas win on a good day.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 25, 2010 11:13:42 GMT -5
My guess -- it would be a close game -- but on one of our "good" days we win.
The Maryland team, since the W&M game, has improved a lot. They are steamrolling through the ACC. They have a great, veteran backcourt and good depth.
The Hoyas, since the season's mid-point, are about .500. You can say, oh but they're in the ACC and we're in the Big East, but we also lost to Rutgers and South Florida. They've lost to Duke and Wake (in OT) on the road.
I have this debate w/Terps fans all the time and it's frustrating. The past two years, despite us having much more talent, by the end of the year it's hard to say we are a better team. I think the point a lot of people are trying to make is that Gary is just better at developing talent. I always bring up Roy and Jeff yada yada...but I just don't know.
A fun argument to have though - both teams are really good and in my opinion both teams will be in the Sweet 16.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 20, 2010 14:32:37 GMT -5
Folks, Hopkins is not going to come to Georgetown to redshirt. He is the starting power forward on the best team in the area as a junior, is a consensus Top-50 recruit for his class, and is/will have offers to play at top programs all over the country.
We'd be lucky to have him - period. I think we will, but it won't be as a redshirt.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 18, 2010 21:22:30 GMT -5
Agreed. This hurts like hell but I'm proud of those guys for continuing to fight...
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
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Post by tonyparker on Feb 15, 2010 0:41:58 GMT -5
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Apr 25, 2009 16:54:52 GMT -5
Any confirmation he's on campus? This would be a good sign given all the Memphis talk. I tend to like our chances if III gets a spring weekend with him.
A front court of Williams, Monroe, Sims, Vaughn, Nikita, Thompson and Benimon whould be tough, man. Would make Kenner a lot of fun to watch too.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Apr 23, 2009 23:09:17 GMT -5
To avoid studying I’ve been watching a lot of playoff basketball and it got me to thinking – if our current Hoyas kept developing – what is their ceiling?
Here are my brief thoughts:
Chris Wright = Chris Paul
Similarities: I thought this was a pretty natural comparison. Both guys are super quick and strong. Neither are amazing shooters. Both exhibit top-notch natural leadership abilities.
Differences: Chris Paul always makes the right decision. Chris Wright is still learning how to.
Austin Freeman = Deron Williams
Similarities: I know, I know – Deron Williams is a point guard. But it wasn’t always that way. For his first two years of college, Deron Williams was the overweight side-kick to Dee “the one-man fast break” Brown. Deron, however, went on to shed weight and develop his handle through hard work. In my mind, Austin has the ability to be an NBA player, but to do that he will have to do just what Williams did.
Differences: Austin is still carrying too much weight (I think he needs to cut at least 25 lbs of muscle/fat). Austin is a better shooter, but shoots a set shot. Austin’s handle is very mediocre.
Jason Clark = Rajon Rondo
Similarities: Freakish length. Tenacity. Mediocre Shooters. Great speed.
Differences: Rondo’s handle is much better. Jason is still a turnover waiting to happen.
Hollis Thompson = Rip Hamilton
Similarities: Neither are really vertical athletes. Specialize in the mid-range game. Limited handle.
Differences: Too early to tell.
Julian Vaughn = David West
Similarities: They both move like YMCA players. They both have terrific mechanics on their jumpers for big men. Similar size and length. Limited hops.
Differences: When David West shoots it, he believes it is going in. Julian just doesn’t seem to have the confidence yet when the lights come on. In high school/AAU, his jumper was his moneymaker. I hope next year he gets the opportunity to face up and show his jumper a little bit more.
Nikita M = Lamar Odom
Similarities: Like everyone else, I generally compare white players with other white players. I have to say though, Nikita is not the conventional white player because in primetime he’s just not a good shooter. He does, however, do a lot of things that most white guys just can’t do.
Nikita has good size, can get off his unorthodox southpaw shot whenever he wants, pretty nice handle for a guy his size, good rebounder, tries to make passes he has no business trying to make. These are all characteristics of Lamar Odom’s game – and if Nikita keeps working – who knows.
Differences: Lamar has more muscle on him and a high B-Ball IQ - takes risks but generally they work out for him. When Nikita takes risks terrible things happen – and he needs another 10 lbs of muscle to be effective going to the cup.
Henry Sims = Channing Frye
Similarities: I thought about saying KG, but Henry seems a little too docile out there. He also seems to want to be a perimeter player, not really a banger. This bothers a lot of people – but who knows maybe his jumpers will start falling. In that case he could turn into a nice player at the 4, like Channing Frye.
Differences: Channing Frye’s jumpers mostly go in. He doesn’t play much in the NBA because he doesn’t really do anything else well yet (like Henry).
Greg Monroe = LaMarcus Aldridge
Similarities: Very skilled big men. Great size. Above average athletes who don’t play above the rim. Good but not great rebounders/defenders. Thought about saying Dwight Howard but I just don't see Greg as the "I'm gonna try to dunk everytime I get the ball" type.
Differences: LaMarcus is more confident in his outside shot then Greg is. Greg is more of a banger and might be able to put on more weight. At this stage they are both about 6’11, 240.
Conclusion A starting lineup with Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Lamar Odom, David West and LaMarcus Aldrige; backed up by Rajon Rondo, Rip Hamilton and Channing Frye should win a bunch of games next year.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Apr 21, 2009 20:59:49 GMT -5
I'd like to add real quickly after reading all these threads - none of these top 2010 recruits people think we should be signing instead of Vee and Jerelle are guaranteed.
By most reports, Roscoe would prefer UNC. Will Barton isn't really looking at us. Jelan Kendrick is still looking around and is being recruited by some of the "hot" teams.
Let's face it - when we first got mentioned by a lot of the Top 2009 and 2010 names - we were the Kings of the Big East. Things have changed and changed fast. Our system is getting trashed on ESPN, on Rivals, and on the AAU Circuit.
Let JTIII bring in the boys who want to play in his system and get us back to the top. When that happens, it will once again be realistic to compete for the top recruits in the country.
Right now, I just don't think that is the case, and perhaps JTIII realizes that to some extent. He's proven that he doesn't need a roster full of five stars to be successful.
That said, let's not kid ourselves. I also don't think he'd mind it if John Wall and Xavier Henry were coming instead of Vee and Jerelle. Maybe in 2011. And I fully expect by 2011 we'll be back on top.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 24, 2009 14:25:27 GMT -5
I would agree that Summers would be wise to declare and test the waters w/o signing an agent. That way, he could test himself at camps and in individual workouts against the best college players at his position. Additionally, he could get honest feedback from NBA scouts and execs re: what he needs to work on in order to stick in the League. It really is a win-win for him. If he did not declare, I would be surprised, and would assume he is getting bad advice considering he is a junior and has yet to test the waters.
All we can hope is that in the next couple of weeks Dajuan's ball-handling ability does not reach an NBA level. I doubt it will, and accordingly expect him back next year.
Greg should not test. There is no need. He will be a lottery pick whenever he comes out - but he quite simply is not ready for action in the League. He needs another year to develop his body/skills/mental toughness. In the long run, staying another year, and not declaring, is in his best interest.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 24, 2009 13:05:20 GMT -5
Strummer, I second your thoughts. I'd add that I think the keys to the backcourt are:
1.) Wright improving his 3 point shot. Jon Wallace's shot inspired fear in opponents and thus really opened some things up inside. He wasn't the slasher that CW is - but I'm not sure a slasher at the point is what the Princeton O requires. Chris's 30% from beyond the arc is not going to cut it. Led to a lot of empty possessions. Can be improved.
2.) Not going to touch on Austin's weight because it has been discussed ad nauseam. That said, he needs to improve his handle, lateral quickness, 3 point shooting and ability to stay on the court. Has a lot of natural talent, but has regressed. This is a guy who most had pegged between Eric Gordon and James Harden out of high school. And it was deserved. His current level of play is unacceptable - but I think it can and will improve.
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 24, 2009 12:39:44 GMT -5
Next year's GU frontcourt could be very good. I know I might just be pointing out the obvious, but I need something to look forward to here...
I think people are seriously sleeping on Hollis. From what I have heard and seen, I think it is likely that he steals most of Nikita's minutes (hopefully).
Also, I think there is a good chance we get Latavious Williams.
The way I see it, we will probably trot out Dajuan, Henry and Greg at the 3/4/5 (obviously, making some assumptions). With Hollis, Latavious, Julian V and Nikita backing them up - that is a lot of talent and length in the frontcourt. If we get a late pick-up like Jamal O - we'd also have nice, active depth.
As long as these guys pound protein shakes all summer - I can't see another Big East team having a better, longer frontcourt than us coming into the season.
I am less optimistic about the backcourt.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 13, 2009 0:12:18 GMT -5
UConn pulling a G'town here with the bad threes...
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tonyparker
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 13, 2009 0:04:32 GMT -5
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 12, 2009 23:39:03 GMT -5
This is amazing. I just keep reminding myself that we crushed both of these teams.
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tonyparker
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 632
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Post by tonyparker on Mar 12, 2009 23:09:46 GMT -5
Really wish JTIII would leave his best players in the game like the Jims have here. Goodness, this has been an amazing game.
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