Providence Pre Game Discussion

[kghoya]

I'm sure a mod would rather start this thread but, to be honest with you, I'm sick and tired of dwelling on the last two losses.

What do we know about the Friars? The last time I saw them play was when the Hoyas went up to the Dunkin' Donuts Center last February.

It looks like their scoring is pretty balanced with Efejuku leading the way. It also looks like they don't shoot particularly well from behind the line.

It seems to me that the teams expected to finish in the top of the conference will give each other losses over the season. What will seperate those teams from each other is how they did against the teams expected to finish 9 - 16.

GO HOYAS

[CAHoya07]

GO HOYAS

A comfortable, 15-point victory would be therapeutic for the team, in a lot of ways. However, with St. John's upsetting ND, USF playing tough vs. Syracuse, and Seton Hall taking Villanova to OT, we know that cannot take ANY Big East games for granted.

Providence has not played many teams of note yet, but they are 10-4 overall, 2-0 in Big East, possibly 3-0 coming into Verizon on Saturday if they beat Cincy tonight. They're definitely not a pushover.

[TrueHoyaBlue]

This Providence team, at least so far in the Big East season, is winning the games they should be winning (SJU and DePaul, with Cincy coming up tonight), but this will be their first conference game against the upper half of the conference.

Things to worry about: rebounding. Providence is one of the better offensive rebounding teams in the country, with Randall Hanke (who tortured us a few years back) coming to the completion of his college odyssey.

Things to feel good about: we definitely have a talent advantage, and a coaching advantage. If we control the pace of the game, we win, as the Friars have shown an interest in getting out and running, but don't have a strong half-court game.

[TBird41]

Jan 7, 2009 10:38:35 GMT -5 CAHoya07 said:

GO HOYAS

A comfortable, 15-point victory would be therapeutic for the team, in a lot of ways. However, with St. John's upsetting ND, USF playing tough vs. Syracuse, and Seton Hall taking Villanova to OT, we know that cannot take ANY Big East games for granted.

That's true. I would like to point out that those games were at SJU, at USF and at Seton Hall though. There's no excuse for not handling Providence.

PC's Kenpom Page is here:

kenpom.com/sr.php?team=Providence&y=2009

The only thing they're good at is offensive rebounding (they're 31st overall, with a 39.4% OREB%). They're a pretty experienced team as well, with 5 seniors and two juniors in their rotation.

The only game they've won outside of the Dunk was against Charlotte in Anaheim. They also have a game tonight against Cincinnati

[MassHoya]

A lot of experience, good offensive rebounders, and their last loss was to BC. This could be harder than we think. This is still not a trap game, but the Hoyas need to pay attention. Why do I think the coaching staff will have them well motivated?

[TBird41]

Jan 7, 2009 13:13:41 GMT -5 MassHoya said:

A lot of experience, good offensive rebounders, and their last loss was to BC. This could be harder than we think. This is still not a trap game, but the Hoyas need to pay attention. Why do I think the coaching staff will have them well motivated?

Well, they're not St. John's, DePaul or Bryant (the three teams they've played, all at home, since they lost to BC), but this team is a lot like the Providence teams of the last few years--good enough to not be lumped in with St. John's and USF, but not good enough to really challenge for an NCAA berth.

[RockawayHoya]

Jan 7, 2009 10:40:27 GMT -5 TrueHoyaBlue said:

If we control the pace of the game, we win, as the Friars have shown an interest in getting out and running, but don't have a strong half-court game.

I think this is the key point. Limit any points coming in transition by them, and getting out on the break when we get the chance (this will require specific attention to defensive rebounding), and this should be a relatively easy win.

[hoyalove4ever]

I am nervous about this game. We really need to get by Providence, and I will be happy about any sort of win- ugly, lucky, or via any other means!

[RBHoya]

Definitely a game we need to have to get back on track. However, just because we need it doesn't mean we're going to get it. PC is a tough team with a lot of veterans, they aren't going to lay down for us. I don't look at this game as any sort of a respite between UConn/Pitt/ND and Cuse/Duke. I think it's definitely going to be a battle right to the very end. Hopefully our guards regain their form and we find the range from outside again. These are the kind of games we need to win if we want that BET bye, but it's definitely not a given that we win. These guys are for sure tougher than SJU, Depaul, USF and the like, and they've actually played us tough the last few years. I'm prepared for a nailbiter.

And I can't believe they still have Randle Hanke, seems like that dude has been around forever. Killed us on the boards in that game we really needed to win to get into the big dance back in '05. Let's hope we can box him the hell out this time.

[blueandgray]

with the craziness that is the BE...every game is a big game, especially those against lessor teams. providence at 2 and 0 is sitting pretty... we'd create a fine mess for ourselves by starting 1 and 3. I think our team will come out focused and will battle. i'm looking for freeman to get off the schnide.

[lichoya68]

TWO AND O ADN BEATING CINNCY BY NINE IN THE SECOND HALF we need to be ready this team aint bad and we cant thats CANT go one and three to start the big east.. all the other favorite winning in the big east tonite cant go one and three nope not allowed that would be a BIG HOLE TO CLIMB OUTA. GOHOYAS fry the friars. on saturday

[RusskyHoya]

Jan 7, 2009 18:15:30 GMT -5 RBHoya said:

Definitely a game we need to have to get back on track. However, just because we need it doesn't mean we're going to get it. PC is a tough team with a lot of veterans, they aren't going to lay down for us. I don't look at this game as any sort of a respite between UConn/Pitt/ND and Cuse/Duke. I think it's definitely going to be a battle right to the very end. Hopefully our guards regain their form and we find the range from outside again. These are the kind of games we need to win if we want that BET bye, but it's definitely not a given that we win. These guys are for sure tougher than SJU, Depaul, USF and the like, and they've actually played us tough the last few years. I'm prepared for a nailbiter.

And I can't believe they still have Randle Hanke, seems like that dude has been around forever. Killed us on the boards in that game we really needed to win to get into the big dance back in '05. Let's hope we can box him the hell out this time.

I, for one, can't believe they still have Ray Hall. How Barnum & Bailey or Ripley's Believe It Or Not havn't hired him away yet is beyond me. He makes Harangody look like Clive Owen.

[lichoya68]

providence beat cinncy now three and o watch out hoyas we need this one come out huslting from the gun go hoyas beat providence on sat PLEASE ;D ;D ;D

[lichoya68]

ouch... after tonites gameS ..we are currently eleventh place ..alone ...in the big east ... ouch ... NEED TO WIN BAD ON SAT .... MUST WIN... NO QUESTIOIN..... LETS GET IT ROLLING HOYAS..... BEAT PROVIDENCE

[ktpc2005]

Hello from Friartown,

First, I really enjoy reading your site over the years. Grew up most of my life in Montgomery County area. Mom was a big Gtown ever since she worked for the elder John Thompson way back when he started at Gtown.

Providence is on a upswing right now and have been getting better in the past couple weeks, which never happened during the Welsh era. The three point shots have started to fall on a more consistent basis and Sharraud Curry has started to look like his old self. Right now there is not just one person that can beat a team. As Keno says we have eight starters that are able to contribute on any night.

Keno like to have quick substitutions which he says allows his players to play hard in short bursts. Keno has a system that he wants to put in place at Providence, but he is not forcing on these seniors. He has adapted the system to the players. On offense there is a lot of movement and three point shots can come at any time. On defense we started out playing a lot of man defense, but in the last three games we have played a lot of zone (2-3, box and one, and 2-3 matchup).

I am looking for a good game on Saturday.

If you want to see what Friar fans are talking about, there are two PC message boards (theres a long story on why, basicly one group of Friar fans was sick of another group).

www.bigeastboards.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=12

mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=425&f=1323

[JohnnyJones]

Jan 7, 2009 23:01:16 GMT -5 ktpc2005 said:

Hello from Friartown,

First, I really enjoy reading your site over the years. Grew up most of my life in Montgomery County area. Mom was a big Gtown ever since she worked for the elder John Thompson way back when he started at Gtown.

Providence is on a upswing right now and have been getting better in the past couple weeks, which never happened during the Welsh era. The three point shots have started to fall on a more consistent basis and Sharraud Curry has started to look like his old self. Right now there is not just one person that can beat a team. As Keno says we have eight starters that are able to contribute on any night.

Keno like to have quick substitutions which he says allows his players to play hard in short bursts. Keno has a system that he wants to put in place at Providence, but he is not forcing on these seniors. He has adapted the system to the players. On offense there is a lot of movement and three point shots can come at any time. On defense we started out playing a lot of man defense, but in the last three games we have played a lot of zone (2-3, box and one, and 2-3 matchup).

I am looking for a good game on Saturday.

If you want to see what Friar fans are talking about, there are two PC message boards (theres a long story on why, basicly one group of Friar fans was sick of another group).

www.bigeastboards.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=12

mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=425&f=1323

Thanks for coming over and providing the information on the Friars. Must feel good to start 3-0. Although you will read some comments here about how GU will coast to a win Saturday, most Hoya fans are bracing for a battle - no doubt in large part as a result of the pain PC has caused the Hoyas from time to time over the years.

[hoyasaxa10]

I think that, after the last two games, we really need to go back to the basics of our offense and defense. Our cuts were pretty much nonexistent last game, so I would really like to see those cuts that are typically the cornerstone of our offense. I understand that, on some nights, like Monday night, our shots just don't want to fall, but I hope the Hoyas have learned from that game that they need better shot selection. When the three isn't falling, instead of jacking up more threes, it's maybe time to drive and use those cuts.

I hope that we get to see more of the bench players too. We have shown that we're not an incredibly deep team, so I think we need to be giving Henry, Jason, Julian and Omar more playing time so they grow more comfortable playing with their teammates. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this game...HOYA SAXA!!!

[ktpc2005]

It does feel good to be 3-0, last time the Friars were 3-0 was the 1988-1989 season. The Friars have never been 4-0 in Big East play. Eventhough were 3-0, Friar fans understand who we have played and who still have to play so no one is going overboard about our start. We just enjoy the change from past year's team under Tim Welsh that were on the way down by this time of the season.

Friars came out their three point shooting slump last night and shot 12-24 or 50% from 3point land with 6 players hitting a three pointer. The Friars had been averaging around 29% for the season, so we will see on Saturday if this one time thing or we are truly out of our slump.

Some info about our players:

Curry: The first part of the season Curry was trying to get the rust off after being out last season with a foot injury. Since Big East season has started we have seen a different Curry who Friar fans remember from 2 years ago. Curry has been penetrating more, likes to hit the teardrop from the paint, and knock down some 3s.

Efejuku: Weyinmi is a true enigma with in past years he would like an all league player one game then hide for a couple of games. This year he has been more consistent with his game. Weyinmi like to take it to the hole from the wing and knock down some 3 pointers. He is someone that can score a lot of points quickly.

McDermott: Geoff has played much better recently after struggling to find his place in the Keno Davis system. Geoff is good on the boards and is a great passer. He can also take the ball up the court as needed and can take his man to the hole of the dribble. Free throw shooting has not been a strong point for Geoff as he is averaging around 50%.

Kale: Kale is strong inside player that is good around the rim. He is a little undersized in the height which hurts against the bigger Big East Front courts.

Hanke: Hanke has played better recently and for that he has received more playing time. Hanke's issues are not on the offensive side, but on the defensive end. In the past he has had a lot of problems guarding your more physical players because does not have much size, just height. Recently Hanke has got a couple of blocks and more defensive rebounds. Hanke can also run the floor and get out on the fast break.

Brooks: Brooks has had a breakout year this year. The sophomore creates a matchup problem with a lot of players due to his height and wingspan. MArshon penetrates, rebounds, and can knock down threes. He has some nice ups and has blocked many 3 pointers this year. He also is good at harassing point guards in our press.

Xavier: X is one of the better three point shooters on the team and also is one of the better defensive players on the team.

McKenzie: McKenzie has been in a season long shooting slump, but did look better last night. Eventhough his offensive has been lacking he has been contributing in other areas on the court.

Kellogg: Kellogg was out for a lot of games this season with injuries. He is now working himself back into the system and gets about 8-10 minutes a game.

[BubbleVisionBiff]

I think our perimeter D will be a big upgrade from what they have seen so far, but we had better be attentive. If last night's game was any indication, they will jack em up, and have guys who can make them.

Thanks for the report ktpc. I thought Efejuku looked pretty good getting to the tin last night. And it looks like you guys got yourself a good coach.

[NCHoya]

I am in the camp that this game is going to an absolute battle. PU is MUCH better with Curry back and Welsh gone. I am not sure I like the match-up in the sense PU is a strong rebounding team, very balanced in scoring and can get hot from 3, even on the road (see last night). I do believe this is a game the Hoyas must win if they want to finish Top 6 in the league. We should have some advantage playing at home, hopefully leading to better and more confident shooting/defense, especially from a guy like Freeman. I also like our halfcourt defense's chance to shutdown PU, however, put-backs will be a risk.

I am not in favor of the frequent substitution patterns of late. I want to see the core 6 (I include Clark in that) to play the overhwhelming majority of the minutes. We have had 5 days to rest, we need to put our best foot forward and win. No screwing around with the front-court depth or bringing in Omar, etc. We beat UConn relying on the Top 5, that is our strength.