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Post by jerseyhoya34 on Jul 5, 2008 17:53:20 GMT -5
I'll have a recap later. Add Michael Graham and Ronnie Thompson to the list of celebrity sightings. Graham appeared to be with another former player (or at least someone I've seen before at games).
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Hoya LNU
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Post by Hoya LNU on Jul 5, 2008 17:58:25 GMT -5
I think this team is going to be way better than a lot are predicting. Agree with the observations above, would add that it was great see Wright taking an active role in coaching the incoming freshmen - at one point he told Clark, "Now do what I told you" - and Clark set a beautiful pick and roll and completely dropped his defender (though he missed the conversion, but he'll make most of them) . Glad to see Wright leading not only when he has the ball. Also, as Rambis noted above, Monroe and Simms had some nice high-low play (Mourning and Mutombo v2?), add Summers and we'll be able to go really tall.
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Locker
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Post by Locker on Jul 5, 2008 18:00:52 GMT -5
Regarding the old line, I guess I shouldn't be shocked with Kenner, that they were using it. But it's a terrible idea for current college players. What used to be the best shot in college hoops (a three pointer at 19'9") is now the worst. It (a long two) should now never be taken, and the sooner our guys learn that, the better.
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HoyaChris
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Post by HoyaChris on Jul 5, 2008 18:01:51 GMT -5
I think this team is going to be way better than a lot are predicting. Agree with the observations above, would add that it was great see Wright taking an active role in coaching the incoming freshmen - at one point he told Clark, "Now do what I told you" - and Clark set a beautiful pick and roll and completely dropped his defender (though he missed the conversion, but he'll make most of them) . Glad to see Wright leading not only when he has the ball. Also, as Rambis noted above, Monroe and Simms had some nice high-low play (Mourning and Mutombo v2?), add Summers and we'll be able to go really tall. It is great that Sims and Monroe look like they will work well on the high low but the Mourning/Mutombo comparison is misplaced since they were both solely low post players and spent most of their time together on offense running into each other.
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hoyaboy1
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Post by hoyaboy1 on Jul 5, 2008 18:27:34 GMT -5
Quick point counts (from memory, so may not be totally accurate:
Freeman - 17 Vaughn - 5 (but 10+ boards)
Monroe - 12 Sims - 9 Clark - 12 Nikita - 2 Wattad - 3
I lost track on Wright but he probably had 20+.
Did anyone else think the talent level was a bit down this year? Just the first day, so I'm sure more people will show, but beyond Tombs, Clyde's, and M&A, there wasn't much to write home about.
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SirSaxa
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Post by SirSaxa on Jul 5, 2008 18:53:58 GMT -5
thanks for all the info guys. As you probably know, the out of towners really appreaciate it!
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SirSaxa
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Post by SirSaxa on Jul 5, 2008 18:54:46 GMT -5
I'll have a recap later. Add Michael Graham and Ronnie Thompson to the list of celebrity sightings. Graham appeared to be with another former player (or at least someone I've seen before at games). Thanks Jersey. Looking forward to your write-up.
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SirSaxa
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Post by SirSaxa on Jul 5, 2008 18:55:40 GMT -5
Add Michael Graham and Ronnie Thompson to the list of celebrity sightings. Graham appeared to be with another former player (or at least someone I've seen before at games). forgot to ask, what is Ronnie T up to these days? And every year we wish we had "a Michael Graham" on the team.
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Hoya LNU
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Post by Hoya LNU on Jul 5, 2008 19:05:28 GMT -5
Anybody know how the teams are selected? Does the (GU) coaching staff have input on the teams, and if so, do the lineups reflect groups they want to play together?
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Jul 5, 2008 19:08:21 GMT -5
>> 3. Is Austin Freeman fat? Nope. Played the whole first half, ran the court strong, started the second and still in. Couple of nice strong drives to the basket along with a couple of ill-advised passes. Vaughn looks good, even made a free throw in the first half. No Dajuan. At the end of the game he took off his uniform top and was just wearing his black t-shirt. I didn't notice any fat. He is just strong as a horse. He's a power guard and could get to the basket anytime he wanted.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Jul 5, 2008 19:22:55 GMT -5
Tombs 36-31 at half Wright 10 Clark 6 Monroe 6 Sims 9 Nikita 2 w/4 fouls M-A Omar 3 No Sapp Will Thomas in double figures Tony Skin with 7 I think 4 fouls in a half? I guess Nikita is focusing on his D... One foul was on the offensive end during a drive. One was an iffy call early in the game (like his second in as many minutes). He played most of the second half and never picked up that last foul. His shot wasn't going in today; in fact it wasn't even going in during warmups which seemed to perpex him. But when he did get a touch (which wasn't as much as I hoped) he was aggressive and looking to score. More confident on his drives. He had one bad turnover in the second half in which he overthrew Chris but made up fot it with a nice assist on a 2 on 1 fast break pass the midway point of the half. His lone basket came on an up fake which his defender bought. Once the defender was in the air Nikita took one dribble just under the baseline and took a shot from a very difficult angle. Swish. As mentioned earlier had one of the best hustle plays of the game in which he dove for a loose ball and from his back tossed it ahead to Monroe who was racing down on the other side of the court. And maybe I need my eyes checked but his body is totally transformed. Remembering him as the skinny kid from high school and then as the guy who wore the t-shirt during his first summer of KL last year, he no longer looks the same. It was almost startling. His shoulders are now huge and his arms are bigger. It looks like he can definitely do some work in the paint. With his new hairdo he looks like a much stronger version of Chase Budinger of Arizona. Maybe my memory is faulty but I can't recall that type of standout transformation in the body of a Hoya player from their freshman to soph season since Zo. Should point out he ran the court great and was often the first one to get from one end to the next. Ronny spent some time with him after the game talking to him. Hopefully in the next few games his shot will be falling.
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Post by jerseyhoya34 on Jul 5, 2008 19:24:31 GMT -5
I don't know what RT is up to these days. I figured he might be coaching a KL team, but it looks like he was just observing, like Pops often does.
In terms of thoughts after day 1 --
1. The Nikita/Wattad train might slow down a bit. Nikita scored and showed improvement offensively, but he had 4 fouls in 16 minutes and didn't exhibit a feel for the game on both ends that would make you think he could be a solid contributor. Nikita would do well to ditch the step back move. Wattad didn't do anything great or terrible, so it is hard to say much about him. Is he going to push Austin, Sapp, Clark or Wright for PT? No.
2. Austin is in playing shape. He is not even close to 270 pounds and seems to be closer to a manageable 220 or so. He'll need to stay in shape, as he can add weight quickly due to his frame.
3. I wasn't as high as some on Vaughn after today. He competed, which was good to see, but his game is very much below the rim. He doesn't have that hop/athleticism to his game that we've see from earlier PF's in the JT3 era. His post game is developing, and he seems to rely on mid-range/perimeter play on the offensive end. He faded away on many of his jumpers. He'll have trouble against bouncier athletes, but this is not to say he couldn't be a contributor if he committed to getting in better shape/adding muscle and to improving his post game. Is Vaughn a better free throw shooter than Macklin? Sure. But, he is less athletic. Vaughn might have to adjust a bit to the BE.
4. Austin did what Austin does and showed what we've become accustomed to in his play. I am just glad that he has dropped some weight and hope he focuses on that during the offseason.
5. Chris Wright has a lot of energy and scored at will today. He seemed to hit it off well with the incoming guys. Free throw shooting is still not pure, and he should focus on that because he's going to get fouled. Shot selection could still use improvement, but I appreciate his aggressive mentality.
6. Jason Clark got the Tombs off to a solid start and showed he isn't afraid by doing that. He surprised me a bit by his ability to score and nose for the basket. He'll have to dedicate himself to the buffet line and weight room this summer. He has the tools needed to play right away, and he'll play big due to his height.
7. Monroe did well, I thought, given that he just arrived to campus and didn't have the chance to warm up. And, he was tasked with guarding Will Thomas, who can easily drop 30 points in a game against a weak defender. So, kudos to Monroe for helping to contain Thomas. Monroe cleared the glass well and, like Sims, blocked a few shots. His scoring game is mostly on the interior, and his passing game shows itself when he's out of the blocks and not as able to score. Like Sims, he should dedicate himself to a workout program. Both seemed to tire in the 2nd half today.
8. Sims is going to surprise people. He's still on the gawky/unathletic side since he is growing into his frame and adjusting, so people will complain that he looks like Roy. This is nothing that can't/won't be fixed by a strong offseason/workout regime. Like Monroe, Sims displayed good court vision and did well on a number of occasions in finding the open man. Sims has greater range to his scoring than Monroe and looked the part when shooting from the outside and mid-range.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Jul 5, 2008 19:33:18 GMT -5
Wright's shot was better then during last summer. His shot selectio was better too although early in the game it looked as if he was going to be jacking up long bombs non-stop. He finished better when he got to the hole and wasn't slowed down by any press by the defense. On the fast break he was splendid in delivering the pass. The one disappointment though was that in the halfcourt he didn't do much of the drive and draw that the team will need. He has to penetrate that defense and find the open man.
I'll have a more extensive breakdown on the players and the proceedings later. I will say that with guys like Skinn and Will Thomas this M&A squad would have beaten the last two Tombs teams IMO. But this current squad, particularly that starting five, were just too much for Myers and Alterman in the end.
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gutuna
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Post by gutuna on Jul 5, 2008 19:41:19 GMT -5
An off-court highlight was when Chris Wright's dad got into an argument with one of the officials after a goaltending non-call. The ref took exception to the comment and began a back and forth with Mr. Wright that lasted a couple minutes while the ref ignored the floor!
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Buckets
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Post by Buckets on Jul 5, 2008 19:42:43 GMT -5
I think the Austin Freeman fat talk is getting a little out of hand. 6'4" 270? The only person I've ever seen with those measurements is Shawne Merriman. Austin is a big strong boy. Austin is not Shawne Merriman.
And I'm a Chris Wright fan but if he can't shoot free throws... Jesus, it's going to be a long year. I know Clark and Sapp can run the point but I think everyone on this board would certainly rather not see it come to that. Especially to close out games with small leads.
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MCIGuy
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Post by MCIGuy on Jul 5, 2008 19:52:17 GMT -5
I recall Wright missing only one or two free throws. No big deal.
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Post by PushyGuyFanClub on Jul 5, 2008 20:50:14 GMT -5
Good times at the KL today, though my four hours of attendance would have been more easily justified had it actually rained.
As for observations, Austin looks solid. As others said, no weight issues. His stroke remains pure, and he was making good decisions.
I was impressed by Vaughn. I don't think he'll start, but he will be a solid contributor. Since he's essentially replacing Mackin's role, the comparison is apt. He's much more polished, better form (though still some awkward spin on his shot) from the line, plays a little bit below the basket, but does get very good positions. Pencil him in for 15 to 20 minutes and something like 5 points, 5 boards without a lot of mistakes.
Tombs looked great. Chris Wright played well, though he lost his handle on the dribble a few times. Needs to tighten that up. His shot was good. I think he starts.
Very, very impressed with the freshmen. Monroe will start from day one. The kid has good fundamentals, was active on the boards, and really lets the game come to him. He seems to be as good a post passer as Roy was last year, and he and Jason Clark ran the give and go well a few times (though Clark didn't finish). He matched up very well with Will Thomas, who has become a very good player and should get a look from the league. He scored on Thomas, Thomas scored on him, but he also blocked Thomas and forced a few turnovers.
Clark is another nice addition. He played at the same high school as my company's CEO's son (get that?) and my company's CEO thinks Clark is just going to light it up when he's a sophomore. The potential is certainly there. Got a key bucket near the end of the second half when the game was close (before the Tombs blew it open), but just beating his man off the dribble and getting to the rim. His defense isn't quite as lockdown as was advertised on this board, but M&A was a very good team -- with Tony Skinn, Rob Diggs, and Will Thomas. \
Sims has a soft touch, plays solid D, but doesn't quite have the explosiveness that Monroe has.
As for Nikita, I'm interested to see what happens here. In warmups, the kid is just a lights-out shooter, and he has perfect form. In games, it looks like he gets rushed, doesn't get his legs into it, and leaves jumpers on the front rim. He's actively practicing a turnaround jumper, which would be a nice move for his arsenal. His defense is suspect and he reaches for fouls, which takes him out of his rhythm. But he has potential that he didn't show in the game today. He's a better player than people give him credit for, though he may not see a lot of time in the BE season because of our tendency to go to a shorter rotation.
Anyway, I was very happy with what I saw today. If I had to predict a starting five, I would go:
5: Monroe 4: Summers 3: Freeman 2: Sapp 1: Wright
First sub in will be Vaughn or Sims at the 5 for either Freeman or Wright. Clark should also be able to spell some at the point. He has reasonable handle. I like our team this year. Should be fun.
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FLHoya
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Post by FLHoya on Jul 5, 2008 21:26:49 GMT -5
An off-court highlight was when Chris Wright's dad got into an argument with one of the officials after a goaltending non-call. The ref took exception to the comment and began a back and forth with Mr. Wright that lasted a couple minutes while the ref ignored the floor! Yeah with that guy though I'm glad he wasn't paying attention. Love the combination of "hustle" that makes Tim Higgins look like freakin' Bruce Jenner, and a Ted Valentine-like eye for calls 35 feet and two officials away that he shouldn't make. But I will give him this--he's great with the crowd. ;D Side note, this was pointed out to me today--that's seriously Bernard Clinton working KL games? Bernard gets around the east coast during the NCAA season, lots of ACC, A-10, and Big East games, including this year's GU-SJU game at Verizon.
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sleepy
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Post by sleepy on Jul 5, 2008 21:38:02 GMT -5
Are the Tombs playing tommorow or do they have a bye?
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SirSaxa
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Post by SirSaxa on Jul 5, 2008 22:14:44 GMT -5
I don't know what RT is up to these days. I figured he might be coaching a KL team, but it looks like he was just observing, like Pops often does. In terms of thoughts after day 1 -- 1. The Nikita/Wattad train might slow down a bit. Nikita scored and showed improvement offensively, but he had 4 fouls in 16 minutes and didn't exhibit a feel for the game on both ends that would make you think he could be a solid contributor. Nikita would do well to ditch the step back move. Wattad didn't do anything great or terrible, so it is hard to say much about him. Is he going to push Austin, Sapp, Clark or Wright for PT? No. 2. Austin is in playing shape. He is not even close to 270 pounds and seems to be closer to a manageable 220 or so. He'll need to stay in shape, as he can add weight quickly due to his frame. 3. I wasn't as high as some on Vaughn after today. He competed, which was good to see, but his game is very much below the rim. He doesn't have that hop/athleticism to his game that we've see from earlier PF's in the JT3 era. His post game is developing, and he seems to rely on mid-range/perimeter play on the offensive end. He faded away on many of his jumpers. He'll have trouble against bouncier athletes, but this is not to say he couldn't be a contributor if he committed to getting in better shape/adding muscle and to improving his post game. Is Vaughn a better free throw shooter than Macklin? Sure. But, he is less athletic. Vaughn might have to adjust a bit to the BE. 4. Austin did what Austin does and showed what we've become accustomed to in his play. I am just glad that he has dropped some weight and hope he focuses on that during the offseason. 5. Chris Wright has a lot of energy and scored at will today. He seemed to hit it off well with the incoming guys. Free throw shooting is still not pure, and he should focus on that because he's going to get fouled. Shot selection could still use improvement, but I appreciate his aggressive mentality. 6. Jason Clark got the Tombs off to a solid start and showed he isn't afraid by doing that. He surprised me a bit by his ability to score and nose for the basket. He'll have to dedicate himself to the buffet line and weight room this summer. He has the tools needed to play right away, and he'll play big due to his height. 7. Monroe did well, I thought, given that he just arrived to campus and didn't have the chance to warm up. And, he was tasked with guarding Will Thomas, who can easily drop 30 points in a game against a weak defender. So, kudos to Monroe for helping to contain Thomas. Monroe cleared the glass well and, like Sims, blocked a few shots. His scoring game is mostly on the interior, and his passing game shows itself when he's out of the blocks and not as able to score. Like Sims, he should dedicate himself to a workout program. Both seemed to tire in the 2nd half today. 8. Sims is going to surprise people. He's still on the gawky/unathletic side since he is growing into his frame and adjusting, so people will complain that he looks like Roy. This is nothing that can't/won't be fixed by a strong offseason/workout regime. Like Monroe, Sims displayed good court vision and did well on a number of occasions in finding the open man. Sims has greater range to his scoring than Monroe and looked the part when shooting from the outside and mid-range. Thanks for the report. Sounds like we need to temper our expectations for Vaughan, though clearly he will be an important addition. And the Nikita/Omar situation? I have never expected anything there... but have always hoped for a pleasant surprise. Good news on Sims too. If he can be a significant contributor this year, that would be a major addition too.
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