calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Mar 25, 2024 14:29:40 GMT -5
No surprise about Mashburn, Jr. leaving New Mexico. He is a 5th year and while he has a very nice mid-range shot, overall his shooting was poor this year. Suffered a wrist injury early on and it seemed to impact him all year. Not a PG and undersized at 6'. Dent would be another story. Saw him play in person against the Aztecs twice (the third time he was sick and barely played) and against Colorado State and Boise State at the MW tournament. The kid needs to work on his outside shot, but his ballhandling is very good and his ability to get to the basket is also top-knotch. He is an assist-oriented kid who does not hunt his shot. A true PG and while only 6' 2" would be a very good pick up for any team needing a true PG. He was 2022 California Mr. Basketball and John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year. For some reason does not appear to have been heavily recruited outside the West. Played for Pitino Jr for 4 years so it is a bit of a surprise that he followed him and decided to leave in the 5th year unless Pitino Jr isn't gonna be the coach there. Dent and Toppin have been rumored to be portalling by Trilly for awhile. Toppin is someone who might get 7 figures in the portal. He is close to being an NBA first round pick now on potential. There are some rumors about Pitino leaving and he had a good season but it is not as if he has been a wild success so far. New Mexico finished 6th in the MWC this year though I think he has them on the right track. I think another explanation is that the Lobos were hurt this year when they played teams with bigger guards (Clemson, Boise State, UNLV) and Pitino was fairly clear according to friends of my wife (a proud alum) who are very close to the program, that he planned to get bigger at the guard position next year. Toppin is very good, but clearly still a year away from even thinking about the NBA. He is out of Texas and I could see him getting the money and playing closer to home at a high major Texas school if that is what he wants. It will be interesting though as New Mexico supposedly has a pretty good NIL fundraising arm, as well as 15,000 rabid fans at almost every game and I would not see either Toppin or Dent leaving for another mid-major or a high major which is not already close to being a tournament contender. All that said if either Dent or Toppin would even look at the Hoyas, I would jump at it. A true quality PG and a 6'9" powr forward who can hit his shots, except at the FT line, would be welcome additions.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Mar 25, 2024 13:21:03 GMT -5
First unexpected name in Jamal Mashburn Jr. Also it expected that Donovan Dent will go in also. There a gonna be a few options available out here. No surprise about Mashburn, Jr. leaving New Mexico. He is a 5th year and while he has a very nice mid-range shot, overall his shooting was poor this year. Suffered a wrist injury early on and it seemed to impact him all year. Not a PG and undersized at 6'. Dent would be another story. Saw him play in person against the Aztecs twice (the third time he was sick and barely played) and against Colorado State and Boise State at the MW tournament. The kid needs to work on his outside shot, but his ballhandling is very good and his ability to get to the basket is also top-knotch. He is an assist-oriented kid who does not hunt his shot. A true PG and while only 6' 2" would be a very good pick up for any team needing a true PG. He was 2022 California Mr. Basketball and John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year. For some reason does not appear to have been heavily recruited outside the West.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 29, 2024 18:37:22 GMT -5
Another crushing defeat for the Hoyas. I, too, was upset at the careless TO from Heath with the game on the line, but to be honest while his TO and foul came at the worst possible time, the game was filled with enough mistakes by the entire team to justify more widespread criticism than just one kid.
I do not see Epps as a reincarnation of Primo, but he does hurt the team when he gets too ball dominant--even when he is hitting his shots.
Maybe I missed something at the outset but why was Fielder not used more in this game? Won't win any remaining games without Styles and Heath contributing more on offense. Not sure they are going to change much on defense. Critical misses at the FT line come back to haunt this team again. In addition to another post and a ballhandler hoping the new arrivals next year can shoot better or at least more consistently than this crew.
Attended the game of my wife's alma mater--New Mexico v. Nevada--last night in Albuquerque and aside from realizing just how strong the Mountain West is this year, it was amazing to see and hear the "hate" still directed at Steve Alford a decade after he bolted for UCLA. Also interested to see Rick Pitino at his son's game even with St. Johns playing a game in a couple of days. He was behind the bench and clearly rooting hard for his kid's team.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 20, 2024 11:08:29 GMT -5
Understand the frustration with Akok but it is a new world and he played within the rules. Don’t blame anyone for this situation. Cooley tried to get some bigs and missed. He has already proved to me he can coach. He can promote the program. The kids are trying now—no more questions in my mind about effort. They just are not a complete team. It’s just frustrating, particularly for those of us who are older alums as it gets more difficult to wait for next year. If anything I blame the Administration for taking so long to switch to a proven coach. If you have anger it should be placed at the traitor who left us high and dry and not our current players and coach. If Akok had left when Murray and Primo left nobody would have a problem with it because that would have given us time to find a serviceable rim protector for his scholarship. Leaving us at the last minute screwed us over because there was no longer time or anyone available to fill that roster hole. It screwed up our roster construction for this year. If you are going to get angry and complain that is where your anger should be directed. Anger? Why would I have anger towards the kids on this team? Frustration at the results of course, but as long as their is effort and there is, who can be angry. The roster is not balanced which is unfortunate and you can blame Akok all you want for the timing of his departure, which was horrible for the team, but that is the world in which we live now and he was within his rights to go play with his friend.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 20, 2024 9:03:29 GMT -5
I admire you all for your perseverance and ability to watch these games. Unfortunately, there have been too many crushing defeats for me over the past three years. I have been reduced to watching the first half of games and then turning it off. Watch the second half later after knowing the final result. It's easier for me to absorb the disappointment. Yes this team is improving on offense (and God knows these kids deserve a couple bounces to go their way), but any satisfaction from that improvement is offset by the horrendous defense played inside the arc. Game after game the opponents get to the rim, often uncontested, while the Hoyas continue to miss half their layups on the other end. No matter how bad the officiating was, if the Hoyas could have stopped even one of the parade of layups last night over the final 4 minutes, the outcome changes. Sadly, I do not see any magic solution with this roster, barring some late season leap in the development of Fielder or finding a way to add 3 inches to Cook. We know that the guards are not going to become more athletic or suddenly develop the lateral quickness that is clearly lacking. Combining the mental mistakes that occur regularly with the limitations of this roster in terms of size and depth is just too much for any coach to overcome. Rowan looks like a shell of the player he was just a few weeks ago. He is indecisive, cannot shoot, cannot play defense and looks shaky with the ball. Cooley cannot keep him out there in close games but kid needs a major confidence boost. If you are that mad about our interior defense you should blame Akok for screwing us over at the last second. Understand the frustration with Akok but it is a new world and he played within the rules. Don’t blame anyone for this situation. Cooley tried to get some bigs and missed. He has already proved to me he can coach. He can promote the program. The kids are trying now—no more questions in my mind about effort. They just are not a complete team. It’s just frustrating, particularly for those of us who are older alums as it gets more difficult to wait for next year. If anything I blame the Administration for taking so long to switch to a proven coach.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 20, 2024 8:05:04 GMT -5
I admire you all for your perseverance and ability to watch these games. Unfortunately, there have been too many crushing defeats for me over the past three years. I have been reduced to watching the first half of games and then turning it off. Watch the second half later after knowing the final result. It's easier for me to absorb the disappointment.
Yes this team is improving on offense (and God knows these kids deserve a couple bounces to go their way), but any satisfaction from that improvement is offset by the horrendous defense played inside the arc. Game after game the opponents get to the rim, often uncontested, while the Hoyas continue to miss half their layups on the other end. No matter how bad the officiating was, if the Hoyas could have stopped even one of the parade of layups last night over the final 4 minutes, the outcome changes. Sadly, I do not see any magic solution with this roster, barring some late season leap in the development of Fielder or finding a way to add 3 inches to Cook. We know that the guards are not going to become more athletic or suddenly develop the lateral quickness that is clearly lacking. Combining the mental mistakes that occur regularly with the limitations of this roster in terms of size and depth is just too much for any coach to overcome.
Rowan looks like a shell of the player he was just a few weeks ago. He is indecisive, cannot shoot, cannot play defense and looks shaky with the ball. Cooley cannot keep him out there in close games but kid needs a major confidence boost.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 17, 2024 17:25:55 GMT -5
I see the lack of mobility and the fact that he is slow to react on defense. I see that he is not the strongest person on the team by any stretch. But considering the current rotation is lacking in size and that at least for now Massoud is not contributing on either end of the court, I also see some value in the team using Ryan a few minutes each half to give Cook and Fielder a break. That said, like 2003 it is concerning that Cooley is not playing the kid any more than Ewing did so I have to assume that my uneducated eye is not seeing some significant flaw that keeps him on the bench.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 16, 2024 13:22:03 GMT -5
Keep reading about the value of bringing in Sorber next year. What is his game? Does he have an outside shot or is he more like Cook/Wahab? Is he a good/decent defender in terms of mobility and lift? What is the quality of his opposition in high school/AAU? Know very little about how his senior season is going other than he was highly recruited and is rated as a 4*. Any information is appreciated.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 15, 2024 7:57:05 GMT -5
The missed layups were maddening, but often highly contested. To me the issue is not whether they should or shouldn't have made more of the layups but rather whether they should have taken them at all. Driving into a crowded lane to throw up a hurried "layup" is certainly not a recipe for success. What ever happened to the pull up shot? Why not drive the lane and pull up against a double or even triple team and take the shot from 5-6 feet out? Why not pull the ball out if there are two or three guys waiting for you or make a pass to the perimeter when the defense is collapsing? Happened a few times but Massoud and Styles could not hit open 3s. Still would rather take a chance on those shots than 1 against 3 in the lane.
While I could not be happier for Cook and hope that was his breakout game, it will be interesting to see if he can do that against taller lineups when facing teams not missing their big. If he can it is another significant step forward for this team and then it will be necessary only to fix the 4 position ( more Fielder or even smaller like Styles) and teach the guards to pass more dribble less. Hoping for a bounce back from Rowan after a couple of poor performances.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 13:51:15 GMT -5
Heath is a whipping boy for some but his play has improved. No one on this team can play defense. It would be nice if Cooley introduced them to the concept of passing on offense.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 13:04:51 GMT -5
Hurley is going to have a stroke. Hope that Cooley can figure out how to get someone else involved in the offense next half. Heath, Styles, Massoud, Fielder and Bristol need to contribute and Epps needs to ease up on the ball dominance and make a pass. What a great game for Cook!
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 12:57:29 GMT -5
Maybe we sit Epps a little. He is trying to do too much.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 12:41:33 GMT -5
Epps and Heath and Rowan continue to think they can dribble through the defense. It is not working and it will not work. Game could break open here.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 12:31:16 GMT -5
Forgot how much i dislike Hurley. Need to get more ball movement on offense. UConn had one sequence with 7 passes ending with a bucket in the lane. Hoyas still trying to dribble their way to victory. Won’t happen.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 12:27:31 GMT -5
Cook is by far the best player today.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 14, 2024 12:06:47 GMT -5
Rowan not exactly off to a good start.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 11, 2024 16:22:55 GMT -5
it seems foolish to think that Cooley will be in play for the one and done types that might make a difference. We won't likely get the Hunter Dickinsons of the world, no. But for this team, you don't need to nearly be that good to be a difference maker. Show some improvement, add the freshman, and I think you can make a strong pitch for a couple of the pieces we need at a step down in talent level. I think that this is the key. The results and the product on the floor need to be noticeably better in 6 weeks than now for Cooley to have something to point to when recruiting. I may be deluding myself, but take away a horrible first 10 minutes and the final 3 minutes of the Seton Hall game and I believe you have signs of improvement. Also it would help if Cooley continues to ride the rotations that seem to work best. Massoud to the bench for use as a sparkplug when needed. Play Rowan or Heath, whichever is more in the flow of the game and taking care of the ball. Fielder taking more minutes in the post. Find a way to get Styles back into the offense. The major disappointment to me on offense which I do not believe is going to be lost on recruits, is the lack of consistent ball movement. The team comes down a few times each half and executes well an offensive set or makes quick decisions in moving the ball through the air to find an open shooter and then for no apparent reason it stops and we are back to ball dominant guards dribbling aimlessly while other players stand glued to a spot. The result is often a bad, closely guarded shot from deep with no one in position for the rebound.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 11, 2024 10:53:33 GMT -5
Cooley's problem in the transfer portal next year will be the same as this year. Talented kids with one year of eligibility left are almost certain not to want to come to a team that will again finish at the bottom end of the BE. While there could be an exception for someone who wants to come home to the DMV, it seems foolish to think that Cooley will be in play for the one and done types that might make a difference. Also complicating this will be the arrival of a talented group of freshmen meaning that PT will not necessarily be guaranteed. Unless the Hoyas show some real growth over the next 6 weeks (and I actually see some positive signs) Cooley is going to have to be at his best in recruiting the portal.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 10, 2024 13:37:50 GMT -5
2003 your statistics prove the "eye" test. Neither is very good at defense. Additionally, Cook is not an offensive threat, particularly when away from the basket and Massoud has proven unable or unwilling to play offense inside the arc.
I thought that between Styles and Massoud we might create a threat in the 5-10 foot range that would force defenses to back off the perimeter and open up shots for the guards. Styles has largely disappeared from the offense though I do not want to marginalize what he brings in terms of effort on the boards. Massoud seems more content to stay on the perimeter and take deep shots which means as the 4 he is not in a position to rebound. If we must suffer another season of deflating losses at least use it to get Fielder some experience.
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calhoya
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Post by calhoya on Jan 10, 2024 8:18:47 GMT -5
It was such an ugly first 10 minutes that it says alot about the coach and the players that they were able to collect their composure and rally. Still a hollow feeling after throwing away the game in the final 3 minutes.
This team is not going to win games shooting 28% from deep, particularly when it takes so many bad and contested shots from the perimeter. It's not going to win games with only 11 assists. Need Styles to be more involved in the offense and not just sitting out on the wing hoping for a pass. Need much, much more from Massoud at both ends of the court--he is quickly becoming this year's version of K Rice, a one-trick pony who just jacks up shots from deep.
Hope that last night is evidence of an improving Heath and Fielder. Cook is to be lauded for the improved FT shooting and the effort he shows in rebounding, but the reality is that he is undersized and never going to provide the defense needed for this team to stop the parade of layups that we see each game. Nor is he going to be the offensive threat. Want to see Fielder continue to get significant minutes in the post. Hopefully Rowan bounces back from a poor outing. Bristol is the energizer but he needs to play smarter and under control. Should be blamed for the dumb technical.
Truly appreciate the fact that we have a coach who owns the results after the game and makes adjustments in game in an effort to maximize chances for a win. No sideline paralysis as things start to devolve. It's easy to root for the guy despite all the shortcomings on this team.
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