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Post by johnnysnowplow on May 11, 2022 11:08:12 GMT -5
Maybe it’s just a decade of futility tainting my perspective but put me in the camp with those struggling to see how the changes this off-season are going to lead to an appreciable change in outcome next year.
We fired two assistants and hired one - still haven’t filled the second role which is stunning and predictable at the same time
Murray can be viewed as Aminus replacement essentially - at best this is probably a net zero.
Heath is probably Carey’s replacement - at best a net zero
Akok is a solid pickup at face value but he’s coming off a major Achilles injury and didn’t earn much time for UConn. High reward potentially but also high risk.
Ezewiro is a total wildcard. I just cant look at this one with Hoya-colored glasses and start proclaiming hell somehow change our fortunes.
Spears is an improvement over beard I guess if you really squint. He’s taller sure. He was also horribly inefficient offensively and played for a team that was even worse than us in defensive efficiency. Something tells me he and Harris are not going to mesh very well.
Bristol is a transfer from the MEAC who basically hasn’t played a game in 2 years. Talk about a wildcard.
Our few returning players either underwhelmed last year, have significant work to do to reach their potential, aren’t suited for the roles they’ll be asked to play, or all of the above.
And incoming freshmen are a total crapshoot. I really like Anglins game and potential. Is he ready to contribute? Who knows. Are they even enough backcourt minutes to go around for him? Doesn’t seem likely. And Bass seems athletic but is basically unranked. Will he play? Maybe out of necessity because our front court is as thin as Kate Moss in the 90s. Will he be ready? Probably not.
Our senior captain, if he doesn’t go pro, is gonna end up at MD of all places, which is just such a bad look.
And top it all off, we still have the worst coach in the big east, and maybe all of major college basketball.
I’m really having a hard time seeing how this team is actually going to compete at a significantly higher level this season. 0-20 is incredibly hard to do, so we’ll likely win more than 0 games this year in conference. But will it be more than 5? I just don’t see it right now.
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TC
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Post by TC on May 11, 2022 11:18:33 GMT -5
We fired two assistants and hired one - still haven’t filled the second role which is stunning and predictable at the same time I know people don't want to admit it but there are three assistants listed on the roster page : Orr, Crouch, and Nickelberry. Think people need to come to terms with the idea that Nickelberry might be the only add. I'm not sure trading Kirby for Nickelberry and Waheed as an Assistant and Crouch as a Special Assistant for Crouch as an Assistant is an upgrade. Also, no one knows if Heath is going to be eligible. Losing a 23 year old Captain and replacing them with an ineligible player would be a huge hit. I know everyone thinks there is some master plan at work here, but what if Heath was meant to be the 2023-2024 replacement for Carey, and now Carey is gone?
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hoya9797
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Post by hoya9797 on May 11, 2022 11:31:03 GMT -5
We fired two assistants and hired one - still haven’t filled the second role which is stunning and predictable at the same time I know people don't want to admit it but there are three assistants listed on the roster page : Orr, Crouch, and Nickelberry. Think people need to come to terms with the idea that Nickelberry might be the only add. I'm not sure trading Kirby for Nickelberry and Waheed as an Assistant and Crouch as a Special Assistant for Crouch as an Assistant is an upgrade. Also, no one knows if Heath is going to be eligible. Losing a 23 year old Captain and replacing them with an ineligible player would be a huge hit. I know everyone thinks there is some master plan at work here, but what if Heath was meant to be the 2023-2024 replacement for Carey, and now Carey is gone? If there is anyone you can count on to have a well thought out, long-term master plan, it’s Patrick Ewing.
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SDHoya
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Post by SDHoya on May 11, 2022 11:42:15 GMT -5
Ewing’s Frankenstein roster is probably good for 5-15, but not 10-10. Maybe. However, the last time we had a "Frankenstein roster"--with random dudes from Northwestern State and Siena, a promising but unproven rising sophomore center, a 2* incoming freshman point guard, and two seniors who had yet to assert themselves as team leaders--we struggled at the start and then clicked in January, eventually leading to a BE Championship. Yes, I know the regular season BE record was sub-.500, but after the Covid break we were solidly top-4 in the conference. There was much more reason to be pessimistic going into the 2020-21 season as there is going into the 2022-23 with the current group. Murray and Heath are about as close to proven power conference starters as you can get. Primo has a year in the A-10 (which as mid-majors go is pretty strong) and was far from a slouch, even if there appear to be some holes in his game. Akok was a top-50ish kid out of high school and when healthy has shown flashes of star potential. Bristol was freshman of the year in the MEAC, including hitting 3s at a high clip and is known as a solid defender. And like Q, Mutombo was a 4* who was not quite ready as a frosh, but has now had a year to get used to the speed and physicality at this level. Add in an upperclassman Dante, a hopefully healthy athletic freak in Riley, and depth in Ezewiro (who was not recruited to LSU for sh*ts and giggles), Anglin, Bass and Wilson. If things don't click, I'd agree we're looking at 5-15. I think Murray and Heath are likely good for a few conference wins regardless. But this group has a lot more in common with the 20-21 team in terms of experience, athleticism and commitment to defense, than it has with the 2021-22 team. Certainly there are those who believe that the BE Championship was a fluke (albeit they ignore the stretch of games leading up to the tournament when the Hoyas were quite good)--but this group appears to have the pieces needed to replicate the 20-21 successes.
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drquigley
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Post by drquigley on May 11, 2022 11:58:13 GMT -5
For a moment let's forget about what our basketball "TEAM" will look like next year and focus on what our basketball "PROGRAM" will look like going forward. First, do any of these transfers have any desire to actually be GU students? Do any of them figure to be around in 2-3 years and be the basis of a rebuilding program? Do they really expect to represent GU or are we just a stopover on their way to the NBA/Europe or another school? I understand that after last year we need a complete rebuild but when does it end? Do we do this every year, i.e. lose 4-5-6 players and bring in a bunch of transfers? Is this the future of our program or just the rant o a geezer alumnus?
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prhoya
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Post by prhoya on May 11, 2022 12:12:25 GMT -5
For a moment let's forget about what our basketball "TEAM" will look like next year and focus on what our basketball "PROGRAM" will look like going forward. First, do any of these transfers have any desire to actually be GU students? Do any of them figure to be around in 2-3 years and be the basis of a rebuilding program? Do they really expect to represent GU or are we just a stopover on their way to the NBA/Europe or another school? I understand that after last year we need a complete rebuild but when does it end? Do we do this every year, i.e. lose 4-5-6 players and bring in a bunch of transfers? Is this the future of our program or just the rant o a geezer alumnus? It’s incredible that a team with only one player eligible for Senior Day festivities (twice ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) ) last season, turned over so many players and now has NINE new players, which could end up being ten. It’s bad. We talk anout the Great Exodus of the Mackinjo class, but this is worse.
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78HOYA78
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Post by 78HOYA78 on May 11, 2022 12:12:53 GMT -5
Zone - Zone - Zone to protect the bigs. Keep running our speedy guards on the floor and please try double teaming and pushing opponents off of the three point line. Create some havoc. It can work. We are not built for man-to-man. One thing I did not understand was we would press and then just stop when it was working. Kenner League can only help - pandemic is over no excuses.
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iowa80
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Post by iowa80 on May 11, 2022 12:34:33 GMT -5
For a moment let's forget about what our basketball "TEAM" will look like next year and focus on what our basketball "PROGRAM" will look like going forward. First, do any of these transfers have any desire to actually be GU students? Do any of them figure to be around in 2-3 years and be the basis of a rebuilding program? Do they really expect to represent GU or are we just a stopover on their way to the NBA/Europe or another school? I understand that after last year we need a complete rebuild but when does it end? Do we do this every year, i.e. lose 4-5-6 players and bring in a bunch of transfers? Is this the future of our program or just the rant o a geezer alumnus? It’s incredible that a team with only one player eligible for Senior Day festivities (twice ![;)](//storage2.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) ) last season, turned over so many players and now has NINE new players, which could end up being ten. It’s bad. We talk anout the Great Exodus of the Mackinjo class, but this is worse. It's worse numerically, but I question whether it's worse qualitatively. Next year's team results will speak to that.
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Post by BeantownHoya on May 11, 2022 12:35:04 GMT -5
All I will say for those discounting Anglin...I think that could be a mistake...his shooting may make it impossible not to play him... especially if Harris continues to shoot 25% from 3 and can't finish at the hoop...
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iowa80
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Post by iowa80 on May 11, 2022 12:45:22 GMT -5
For a moment let's forget about what our basketball "TEAM" will look like next year and focus on what our basketball "PROGRAM" will look like going forward. First, do any of these transfers have any desire to actually be GU students? Do any of them figure to be around in 2-3 years and be the basis of a rebuilding program? Do they really expect to represent GU or are we just a stopover on their way to the NBA/Europe or another school? I understand that after last year we need a complete rebuild but when does it end? Do we do this every year, i.e. lose 4-5-6 players and bring in a bunch of transfers? Is this the future of our program or just the rant o a geezer alumnus? You are, in general, describing college basketball today, with a few exceptions such as Villanova/Jay Wright. Providence is winning, but is this a concern for their fans? We don't have Ed Cooley on the bench, so I think the question is whether the combination of turnover and losing is justifiable.
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prhoya
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Post by prhoya on May 11, 2022 12:46:21 GMT -5
It’s incredible that a team with only one player eligible for Senior Day festivities (twice ![;)](//storage2.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) ) last season, turned over so many players and now has NINE new players, which could end up being ten. It’s bad. We talk anout the Great Exodus of the Mackinjo class, but this is worse. It's worse numerically, but I question whether it's worse qualitatively. Next year's team results will speak to that. Maybe. How will you measure it? In other words, what kind of results will you be looking for? Number of wins will be better because it’s almost impossible to go 0-20 again. So, is it 5 wins, 8, or 10? Retain the players? Not start from scratch?
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EtomicB
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Post by EtomicB on May 11, 2022 12:48:32 GMT -5
For a moment let's forget about what our basketball "TEAM" will look like next year and focus on what our basketball "PROGRAM" will look like going forward. First, do any of these transfers have any desire to actually be GU students? Do any of them figure to be around in 2-3 years and be the basis of a rebuilding program? Do they really expect to represent GU or are we just a stopover on their way to the NBA/Europe or another school? I understand that after last year we need a complete rebuild but when does it end? Do we do this every year, i.e. lose 4-5-6 players and bring in a bunch of transfers? Is this the future of our program or just the rant o a geezer alumnus? Shouldn't the question be "Does the program have any desire to have these kids in the program long term?" You can't ignore the fact that a good percentage of these kids didn't have a choice in their transfers.
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iowa80
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Post by iowa80 on May 11, 2022 12:48:34 GMT -5
All I will say for those discounting Anglin...I think that could be a mistake...his shooting may make it impossible not to play him... especially if Harris continues to shoot 25% from 3 and can't finish at the hoop... The concern should be that Pat will bury him behind Dante, Primo, and Jay Heath, if he's around. That can't happen but might.
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hoyaboya
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Post by hoyaboya on May 11, 2022 12:51:17 GMT -5
All I will say for those discounting Anglin...I think that could be a mistake...his shooting may make it impossible not to play him... especially if Harris continues to shoot 25% from 3 and can't finish at the hoop... Why Ewing retained Harris after we picked up Spears is a heckuva question - it's not like he's afraid to run people out of the program. Harris had his chance for two years, proved he's not good enough, now it's time to move on. Instead, we're going to have him around the program likely still thinking he's "the man" based on a fluke 4-day NYC run, fighting for shots/leadership duties with Spears and likely stunting Anglin's growth.
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iowa80
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Post by iowa80 on May 11, 2022 12:53:21 GMT -5
It's worse numerically, but I question whether it's worse qualitatively. Next year's team results will speak to that. Maybe. How will you measure it? In other words, what kind of results will you be looking for? Number of wins will be better because it’s almost impossible to go 0-20 again. So, is it 5 wins, 8, or 10? Retain the players? Not start from scratch? Unfortunately, it's possible that we could have a 8-10 win team personnel-wise and never find out. I think the question of turnover is less about talent and more about the capacity of Pat to mold them.
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Post by trotters10 on May 11, 2022 13:05:43 GMT -5
All I will say for those discounting Anglin...I think that could be a mistake...his shooting may make it impossible not to play him... especially if Harris continues to shoot 25% from 3 and can't finish at the hoop... Why Ewing retained Harris after we picked up Spears is a heckuva question - it's not like he's afraid to run people out of the program. Harris had his chance for two years, proved he's not good enough, now it's time to move on. Instead, we're going to have him around the program likely still thinking he's "the man" based on a fluke 4-day NYC run, fighting for shots/leadership duties with Spears and likely stunting Anglin's growth. I don't think anyone has any proof Ewing actually runs kid out of the program. However, I do (in a way) share your opinion here on Harris. While I don't think as harshly on him, I do worry that he will get 'the man' treatment from Pat and play way too many minutes, and it could potentially run off a guy like Anglin/Spears/Riley. I'm concerned he'll look for his points too much, and it will hurt team chemistry. I want to see more of freshman Dante --- and I think that can happen because we have more scorers this year to alleviate the pressure that was on him last year. However, if that does not happen and he can't involve his teammates, I want to see Anglin. It'll be a really interesting year for Dante. I would anticipate the bulk of scoring will come from Murray and Heath. Heath can shoot and slash, but Murray is likely to do more driving inside. What opens up those driving lanes? Having capable outside shooters, and Anglin can shoot the lights out. In this sense, if the ball rotation ends up with Dante having an open 3 and he can't make the shot consistently, then that's a problem. By all accounts, Anglin would be perfect in these cases. If the concern is can Anglin handle bringing the ball up the court, well maybe in such a case, Heath and Spears can do that and Anglin can be the key guy out there to keep the defense honest. It's going to be VERY interesting to see if Pat will play Anglin in these scenarios, or if he'll be stubborn and watch Harris miss open jumpers. Personally, I like the prospect of Anglin and Spears going forward after what I saw from Harris last year. BUT Harris is a worker, I'm not going to count him out and root against him. Maybe he'll prove me wrong! That's his attitude after all, he always talks about proving the doubters wrong.
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hoyaguy
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Post by hoyaguy on May 11, 2022 13:16:14 GMT -5
All I will say for those discounting Anglin...I think that could be a mistake...his shooting may make it impossible not to play him... especially if Harris continues to shoot 25% from 3 and can't finish at the hoop... The concern should be that Pat will bury him behind Dante, Primo, and Jay Heath, if he's around. That can't happen but might. Same here and Dante puts in effort but you can’t be competitive team when your pg can’t make open 3s and I fear Ewing will keep playing Harris ignoring the others when I think Anglin can be that one guard who lights up teams and can have some crazy games like a Howard but for us
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bluegray79
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Post by bluegray79 on May 11, 2022 14:53:34 GMT -5
I hope the coaches redefine Dante's role in order to best use his skills - those being he's got a warrior, no- quit attitude, he can bring the ball up, he can beat his man and slash to the basket, and he's all business. With the people we'll have on the floor this season, he can't be forcing threes and he can't be out of control and turning the ball over in the paint. SO -- he breaks a press, he penetrates and dishes, he puts up only wide open 10-15-footers. If he is consistent in finishing at the basket, he will draw double teams and lots of attention. He needs to have the awareness and judgment to find an open shooter as he drives. If he and his teammates can get focused this summer and discover their own and each others' roles, I think we will surprise a lot of people this year. There's some real athleticism and a definite element of of some hard-nosed grit on this team -- qualities I have always valued and love to see in Hoya basketball.
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thedragon
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Post by thedragon on May 11, 2022 15:36:48 GMT -5
I have no idea if Spears will become more efficient surrounded by more talent. Or if he will acclimate to a step up in conference competition. However, this idea I've seen on here from several posters that he "may" be a step up from Beard or if you "squint" seems pretty ridiculous. Beard transferred to Pacific. Had ZERO P6 schools courting his services. And was so clearly out of his depths both as a ball handler and a defender on a team that did not exactly ooze high major talent.
Maybe people are just so beatdown from so much disappointment and losing that we cant see the forest for the trees - but Spears averaged 32 Minutes a game for an A-10 team. Scored in double figures 19 times (8 times with 20+). Was a three time A-10 rookie of the week. And led his team in points, assists and steals. And while I realize his team was bad - if any of these stats make you think he's in the same realm as Beard as player - then we are living in alternate basketball universes.
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thedragon
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Post by thedragon on May 11, 2022 15:50:52 GMT -5
Barring injury or other off court issues - I'm just curious who you see him getting time over?
Even if we allow that he could play either the 1 or the 2 - Harris is a returning 2 year starter and Spears is an all rookie performer in the A-10 who played 30+ minutes a game. It is really hard to see a situation when both are healthy that would allow Anglin to get much time beyond foul trouble and the ilk. At the 2 you have some combination of Heath who was a double digit scorer and 40% 3 point shooter at a Pac-12 program, Riley - who in my understanding was convinced to return with the understanding he would play an integral role and even potentially Murray occasionally depending on lineups.
I hope Anglin is a sharpshooter that forces his way into the lineup by sheer talent and success - it's just really hard to see where exactly that playing time would come from purely looking at resumes. Most borderline top 100 recruits aren't seeing a ton of time right away - especially on a team that has a coaching staff that has a win now mandate or else.
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