RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
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Post by RDF on Nov 14, 2006 13:24:14 GMT -5
I'm not writing off anyone--but Summers is a frontcourt player and the fact Hoyas are insisting on playing Tyler Crawford--who isn't a good enough ball handler to be a 2G, where are the minutes going to come? Green, Hibbert, Wallace, Sapp are going to play a lot for this team--Egerson, Crawford, PE JR, Macklin, and Summers are all fighting for minutes--and that doesn't even take into account Rivers. If I were to weigh which group of incoming players has a chance to make more of an impact for Hoyas--the frontcourt recruits this year or the backcourt guys next, I go with the guys next year because their skill is they can SHOOT and SCORE--and III puts an emphasis on that in recruiting and I don't think it's a big secret that these two kids are more talented then any backcourt player we have on our team now--so I'm more then confident in saying I think those guys make an instant impact and transfer to college game will be much easier.
As for Summers--I think he's going to be an outstanding player, but I'm being realistic about minutes/opportunity and this year, with Jeff and Roy upfront, the minutes are available at SF and 2G and I am quite certain from simply reading about III/Staff's gushing over Crawford, he's going to play--Wallace is playing, and Sapp will get at least 20 minutes a game--so Summers is going to have to flourish to get a lot of run and beat out Egerson, PE JR for minutes--Macklin likely will make most impact of Frosh due to subbing for Roy as backup Center and his ability to rebound which is a skill he's superior to Roy in already.
If you pay attention to what I'm saying--it's a compliment to the talent on roster--but I think the backcourt kids next year will make game easier for frontcourt players next year. If III doesn't play Freeman/Wright next year--then I'm going to be shocked and majorly disappointed--playing time is earned on court, but that applies to his upperclassmen having to earn their time too--you don't punish talent--you utilize it and scoring/shooting is a question mark on this year's team--those 2 kids don't have any question about their ability to shoot and in an efficient way--they can make plays and are level of guards we've not seen at GU since AI/Page were here--albeit in a different package.
I'm excited about team and I see a solid year from team and the young guys and players outside of Wallace, Jeff, and Roy will provide foundation for future, but I just don't see this team as versatile as they'll be in future with Freeman/Wright added to mix. You'll see in how teams defense us next year--go ahead and zone us with them and we'll be lighting people up.
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Oh My!
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 938
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Post by Oh My! on Nov 14, 2006 14:49:34 GMT -5
Reality is: We don't HAVE Freeman & Wright now, so why bemoan it? Furthermore, simply because Tyler did not get nearly as many minutes as his classmates over the past 2 years does NOT AT ALL mean he is not good for this offense & this team. Besides Patrick, Tyler is undoubtedly the most energetic player on the roster, and he leads by word AND example. He is a perfect captain for this team, and I can tell that he has made great efforts to improve his scoring ability. He has the exact same amount of practice time in this system as the 3 returning starters, and it is unquestionable that our offense is designed for any confident shooter to take open jumpers. Coach even stated he liked our shot selection in his postgame press conference.
Now, to state disappointment in playing time for next year's star freshmen recruits is ridiculous, especially if they are slow to pick up the offensive scheme. Our offense IS NOT easy to run, and one of the most important statements in Seth Davis's article is in the title--we will "USE SMARTS" to overcome youth. Now, trust me, I am NOT AT ALL stating that Wright & Freeman cannot nor will not pick up the offense quickly. I am simply stating that it will take time for everyone coming into the program to gain a comfort level.
I, personally, am extremely happy that Tyler & Marc have improved to the point that they know the offense well enough to start. They have both worked very hard over the past few months. My issue with them (and some others on the team) is that they do not appear confident in their jumpers. If they are open, they should have no fear of being chastised by the coaches, as open shots are the goal. Conversely, they should be relaxed & comfortable in the offense so that they take open shots instinctively.
Watching some of our jumpshots, and most of our passes, on Saturday, I felt like I was watching a pitcher (Mark Wohlers for example) who wants so bad to succeed that they try almost too hard. As we were all taught in Little League, even if we never pitched, we should throw the ball, not aim it. I feel like some Hoyas are "aiming" their jumpers, as opposed to just releasing them.
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Post by HoyaSinceBirth on Nov 14, 2006 15:25:41 GMT -5
i absolutely agree vegas and love the baseball analogy at the end very true.
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Post by Nitrorebel on Nov 14, 2006 16:03:16 GMT -5
I'm completely with RDF, cept I'm very optimistic about THIS season too. We can def make a lot of noise once the rust has worn off and everyone is acclimated.
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RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
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Post by RDF on Nov 14, 2006 16:45:14 GMT -5
Reality is: We don't HAVE Freeman & Wright now, so why bemoan it? Furthermore, simply because Tyler did not get nearly as many minutes as his classmates over the past 2 years does NOT AT ALL mean he is not good for this offense & this team. Besides Patrick, Tyler is undoubtedly the most energetic player on the roster, and he leads by word AND example. He is a perfect captain for this team, and I can tell that he has made great efforts to improve his scoring ability. He has the exact same amount of practice time in this system as the 3 returning starters, and it is unquestionable that our offense is designed for any confident shooter to take open jumpers. Coach even stated he liked our shot selection in his postgame press conference. Now, to state disappointment in playing time for next year's star freshmen recruits is ridiculous, especially if they are slow to pick up the offensive scheme. Our offense IS NOT easy to run, and one of the most important statements in Seth Davis's article is in the title--we will "USE SMARTS" to overcome youth. Now, trust me, I am NOT AT ALL stating that Wright & Freeman cannot nor will not pick up the offense quickly. I am simply stating that it will take time for everyone coming into the program to gain a comfort level. I, personally, am extremely happy that Tyler & Marc have improved to the point that they know the offense well enough to start. They have both worked very hard over the past few months. My issue with them (and some others on the team) is that they do not appear confident in their jumpers. If they are open, they should have no fear of being chastised by the coaches, as open shots are the goal. Conversely, they should be relaxed & comfortable in the offense so that they take open shots instinctively. Watching some of our jumpshots, and most of our passes, on Saturday, I felt like I was watching a pitcher (Mark Wohlers for example) who wants so bad to succeed that they try almost too hard. As we were all taught in Little League, even if we never pitched, we should throw the ball, not aim it. I feel like some Hoyas are "aiming" their jumpers, as opposed to just releasing them. I'm not bemoaning it--I was ASKED why I felt the future teams will warrant the recognition that this team has now--which I feel is a bit overzealous. I said I still think this team will be good but simply feel that addition of guards and talented guards will make it a better threat for National Championship. Not everyone has to drink Blue and Grey kool-aid to be a fan. I love the improvement in program and have been a supporter longer then many fans have lived-so I've seen the great teams, the Esh garbage, and the re-birth under III--it's a team who can be very good but what's wrong with saying that future is going to be better? Just an opinion that tends to agree with Davis. Again, I was answering questions asked of me--not trying to bash this year's team.
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SFHoya99
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
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Post by SFHoya99 on Nov 14, 2006 16:49:09 GMT -5
Is there any doubt that Summers can shoot and score? The guy was very competent at that both in high school and on the AAU circuit. While he can go inside, I think he's more of a perimeter player than you give him credit for. Our "3"s are not inside guys.
If Summers can develop into a Bowman-esque player this year, and Tyler or someone shoots fairly well, I think our perimeter will be just fine. Much like last year.
As for next year, I know people love the shiny new toy, but a freshman backcourt generally means a lot of trying times. If Roy and Jeff jump, we've got little experience. I also can't see a situation where Jon sits.
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Oh My!
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 938
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Post by Oh My! on Nov 14, 2006 17:03:21 GMT -5
RDF--I start with:
"it's just their take and I'll admit I don't see this team being as good as many until Wright/Freeman reach campus", which is a statement from your FIRST post in this thread. So, I reiterate that you are bemoaning the Wright/Freeman concept.
AFTER you were asked about it, you repeated the same notion, only slightly differently:
"I'm not saying this year's team will be awful, but I don't see it as a legit threat for Final Four and National Title until they get guards who can be counted on and make plays. Great players make plays--and want the rock---which will be a change when Wright/Freeman come to Hilltop--you won't have to worry about someone wanting to step up--these guys will--and better be allowed to do so. "
What makes you think Marc & Tyler can't be "counted and to make plays"? Who are you to say they don't "want the rock"? Finally, how can you be so sure that Wright & Freeman will "step up" when their Senior seasons haven't even started yet? I have personally witnessed Chris Wright go 7-30 from the floor in a game. I have also seen Austin Freeman have an off night (though not quite THAT off).
You cannot, nor SHOULD you, put all your faith in the 07-08 Hoyas having Wright & Freeman as major contributors to the offense. The possible reasons are many, such as: the length of time it takes to pick up the offense (which is obviously not directly in line with Chris Wright's style of play RIGHT NOW--THAT will change, I hope), freshman jitters (see my CONFIDENCE comments earlier), playing against better defenders in the NCAA than they ever have in HS, including at National Tournaments & AAU's. They will be on the court with older, more experienced, stronger opponents against whom they have never played before.
Your defensiveness & omniscience are simply unfounded.
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Oh My!
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
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Post by Oh My! on Nov 14, 2006 17:06:30 GMT -5
SF-
You make solid points. DaJuan is very solid on the perimeter, but this offense is nothing close to what he played in at McDonough. Also, your last comment rings true; I, too, see Johnathan as our starting PG for this year & next.
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RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
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Post by RDF on Nov 14, 2006 20:37:21 GMT -5
RDF--I start with: "it's just their take and I'll admit I don't see this team being as good as many until Wright/Freeman reach campus", which is a statement from your FIRST post in this thread. So, I reiterate that you are bemoaning the Wright/Freeman concept. AFTER you were asked about it, you repeated the same notion, only slightly differently: "I'm not saying this year's team will be awful, but I don't see it as a legit threat for Final Four and National Title until they get guards who can be counted on and make plays. Great players make plays--and want the rock---which will be a change when Wright/Freeman come to Hilltop--you won't have to worry about someone wanting to step up--these guys will--and better be allowed to do so. " What makes you think Marc & Tyler can't be "counted and to make plays"? Who are you to say they don't "want the rock"? Finally, how can you be so sure that Wright & Freeman will "step up" when their Senior seasons haven't even started yet? I have personally witnessed Chris Wright go 7-30 from the floor in a game. I have also seen Austin Freeman have an off night (though not quite THAT off). You cannot, nor SHOULD you, put all your faith in the 07-08 Hoyas having Wright & Freeman as major contributors to the offense. The possible reasons are many, such as: the length of time it takes to pick up the offense (which is obviously not directly in line with Chris Wright's style of play RIGHT NOW--THAT will change, I hope), freshman jitters (see my CONFIDENCE comments earlier), playing against better defenders in the NCAA than they ever have in HS, including at National Tournaments & AAU's. They will be on the court with older, more experienced, stronger opponents against whom they have never played before. Your defensiveness & omniscience are simply unfounded. First off, I don't know even know who the hell you are, but since you want to call me out--READ what FOLLOWED my initial comments--SF Hoya ASKED ME WHY I felt that way--and I've got every damn right to my own opinion and don't have to take crap from some newby who wants to call me out as if I'm crapping on the program and am not a true fan--I'm of the opinion TALENT is more important then experience and no matter what you think, Wright and Freeman possess more individual talent then any current guard in the program--will they have to earn it? YES. Can Egerson/Summers step up and surprise? YES--however I put my faith in talent over experience. A decent player who is a JR is just an old decent player (example, not a specific player in program so you don't get a Vegas hitman on me )--a FR who has talent is someone who can make a difference and to debate the fact Austin Freeman and Chris Wright can't come into this program and take it to another level is beyond Esherick level of insanity. But it doesn't surprise me as I caught crap for posting things like this in past: 1. GU needs to recruit locally-as in DC, MD, and VA and they can be a Perennial Top 20 Program. 2. Facilities don't matter as much as getting a program that has exposure and plays people--SCHEDULE TOUGHER NON-CONFERENCE GAMES 3. Quit acting as if the program is the Secret Service and reach out to community. Now I will be the first to add that MANY other posters shared these viewpoints and were also trashed/bashed. So my viewpoints do tend to irritate many and then many end up seeing the reality of things and of course suffer from "selective" memory when my opinions tend to be correct. I'm a dang Hoya fan--and that means I hope I'm DEAD WRONG and that this year's team can win a Title this year--but I just feel your odds of winning go up when you add more talent and have balance and depth between frontcourt/post talent and backcourt talent. With the program taking a big step last year--many seem to assume you just automatically elevate to contention based on articles and hype--I actually think you need to have a DEEP/TALENTED team--we've got pieces, but in my opinion--which I've got right to which seems to Edited you off to no end for whatever reason--I think the future teams with them added to mix we currently have has better shot of bringing Hoyas to Final Four and a possible National Championship. Again--I would love nothing more then to be wrong, but that is what I was replying to--if you want to nitpick, read the entire thread before you jump by rear end about something--you sound like that ignorant RUBE Hifigator with your blabbering for God's sake. Get out of the damn desert and quit hallucinating and jumping someone's butt because they don't think Hoyas will be as great this year as in the future--if you are right, GREAT--why would I be upset about being wrong when I support the program and have for my entire life?? Geez
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Jack
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,411
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Post by Jack on Nov 14, 2006 21:07:36 GMT -5
RDF- Enough of the internet tough guy act. You obviously have no idea who Vegasrain is, but I assure you he has a much better idea of what is going on with Georgetown basketball than just about everyone on this board, and certainly more than some clown in Minnesota. Postcounts do not equate knowledge or insight. People are certainly entitled to disagree about the team, and I happen to be pretty skeptical on this particular issue as well, but the ad hominem stuff is BS.
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SFHoya99
Blue & Gray (over 10,000 posts)
Posts: 17,899
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Post by SFHoya99 on Nov 14, 2006 21:36:09 GMT -5
R Postcounts do not equate knowledge or insight. Agree to disagree. ;D But seriously, before this got into a major league Editeding contest, there was a discussion going on b/w RDF and I. Before I get back to that, I'd like to defend RDF a little bit -- Vegas' argument was antagonistic and unfortunately very similar to the response anyone gets on this board these days if they are remotely negative. His point was that Seth Davis has a point, and he does. No need to jump all over him. Now I disagree, RDF. By the end of the season, I bet that: Summers or someone has solidified the three -- as a perimeter position -- to the level of play at least of Bowman's senior year (hopefully Duke, not ND). Someone steps up at the 2 and makes some shots. I'm not betting on offense like Ashanti, but I think someone will make some threes, play better D and rebound well. That both Chris and Austin disappoint some folks before they blow us all away. Just like DaJuan and probably Vernon. It's a transition, and even Carmelo took some time to adjust.
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VelvetElvis
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
pka MrPathetic
Posts: 934
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Post by VelvetElvis on Nov 14, 2006 22:15:33 GMT -5
I am glad that I don't have the patience to read anything this long that doesn't involve some female's removal of articles of clothing. every post in this argument lost me after one paragraph...Jack has one paragraph. I am for Jack.
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RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
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Post by RDF on Nov 14, 2006 23:41:34 GMT -5
R Postcounts do not equate knowledge or insight. Agree to disagree. But seriously, before this got into a major league Editeding contest, there was a discussion going on b/w RDF and I. Before I get back to that, I'd like to defend RDF a little bit -- Vegas' argument was antagonistic and unfortunately very similar to the response anyone gets on this board these days if they are remotely negative. His point was that Seth Davis has a point, and he does. No need to jump all over him. Now I disagree, RDF. By the end of the season, I bet that: Summers or someone has solidified the three -- as a perimeter position -- to the level of play at least of Bowman's senior year (hopefully Duke, not ND). Someone steps up at the 2 and makes some shots. I'm not betting on offense like Ashanti, but I think someone will make some threes, play better D and rebound well. That both Chris and Austin disappoint some folks before they blow us all away. Just like DaJuan and probably Vernon. It's a transition, and even Carmelo took some time to adjust. I took no issue with SF Hoya and didn't antagonize anyone. He just asked me why I felt this way--and again I hope he and anyone else who see this year's team as a legit threat to win it all is dead on--and no need to go into why I felt that way, but the guy just jumped my rear end for not seeing things his way--I didn't get angry with SF or anyone else and was just sharing my viewpoint as anyone has a right to do. As for the internet "tough guy" act--how the hell does anyone know whether someone is tough? I talk this way all of the time and those who know me and have been members for more then "recent return to glory" know this--so that is why I get a bit agitated when some poster who was nowhere to be found when there were far less of us here when we SUCKED BEYOND SUCKAGE tries to call me out. It's great we have more fans following the team but it's also funny how many of these "new" fans try to tell those of us who have always been Hoya fans and always will be what we should think or what we do/don't know. I have no problem with VegasRain, Purple Rain, or anyone else's viewpoint being stated--but I don't need to take crap for simply stating mine and being in discussion with someone else who asked for WHY I felt a certain way.
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paranoia2
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 847
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Post by paranoia2 on Nov 15, 2006 0:24:03 GMT -5
I used to be under the monicker "Mickey Rourke" back in the days of waiting for Khalid ElAmin's decision and RDF was there but let's get back to how this dude Seth Davis gets paid to write about college hoops and can't spell our guy's names? I truly feel that MCIGuy, RDF, FloridaHOya with the reviews and Vadie know more about college basketball (not just Hoyas) than many of these pros. I also know that they wouldn't make the mistakes these guys do. It's a privilege to be on this board and get the insight many of you provide.
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AvantGuardHoya
Golden Hoya (over 1000 posts)
"It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something."
Posts: 1,483
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Post by AvantGuardHoya on Nov 15, 2006 11:22:15 GMT -5
Not that he needs my help, but I’d like to weigh in on RDF’s side with respect to next year’s team having even greater potential than this season’s. Theoretically we lose no one of consequence after this year, assuming no early entrants to the NBA draft or transfers. Of course that is subject to change, but the point is we have no seniors on this squad who play. In addition, this season’s freshmen will be sophomores and will have a year’s experience in JT III’s system under their belt. Then, when you add the freshmen perimeter players of the caliber of Freeman and Wright (dare I also mention Wattad?), we bring in backcourt offensive firepower that we’ve lacked for sometime. I guess my point is I don’t see next year’s freshmen as the only factor in considering the ’07 edition of the Hoyas as being a potentially better team than this year, but an important consideration, nonetheless. On another matter brought up in this thread, I find the allusion to the # of posts one has made humorous. The implication that one’s relatively small number has ANYTHING to do with how long one has been a Hoya fan is ridiculous. I only have to cite myself as an example. For years I was a lurker, witnessing the board go through several incarnations, before I became an occasional poster in the summer of ’04. But, in fact, I count my interest in the Hoyas back to when I was in high school in DC in the sixties, when going the NIT was the goal and I’d read about the likes of Frank Hollendoner (“the Patrick Ewing of his era” -- Paul Anthony), et al. Fast forward to the eighties and I became a season ticket holder at the Cap Centre, witnessing the Championship years, annually going to the BE tournament, seeing road games like The Sweater Game, etc. No Hoya-come-lately fan am I! Just a more recent poster than many. Nothing more, nothing less. I suspect this is true for others as well…
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Oh My!
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 938
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Post by Oh My! on Nov 15, 2006 11:42:09 GMT -5
First off, I am with Jack & Dan (I'm also sometimes with Jack Daniels ) RDF-I won't try to antagonize, but I will try to state 1 fact & 1 opinion. I ABSOLUTELY read the whole thread, & my point had nothing to do with your support nor your impressions of the team. I took homage with the fact that you appaeared to denigrate this year's team by being the person who brought up Wright & Freeman. My opinion is that talent does not always make for a better team. Heck, Duke has a top-5 recruiting class almost every year, but they haven't won it all in 5 years. Even GU has experience with "talent" not working out---Michael Tate was the All-Met POY in 1989 and Anthony Perry----Well......... It is about finding players who work in our system, and I don't think we should write off this year's guards. I, personally, think Tyler, especially, can flourish in this system. Of course, he needs to knock down some jumpers. As for my membership on this chat board, allow me to introduce myself---I, too, am a lifelong Hoya Fan whose father attended our beloved alma mater, as well. I only recently registered with the board for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that I previously felt too close to the program to speak my mind. Seeing as how only a handful of people on this board know me well, I see no reason for you to wax circumspect that I only recently jumped in due to the "recent return to glory". If you, too, would read the whole thread, you would also see clearly that I also have some concerns about this team. My overall point is that I see no reason to not give our current roster a chance.
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Post by chinatownfanclub on Nov 15, 2006 12:15:04 GMT -5
Peace, love, dope. Let's try to stick to intellectual discussions and leave the bullying and antagonizing for the GW lurkers.
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RDF
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 8,835
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Post by RDF on Nov 15, 2006 12:52:32 GMT -5
First off, I am with Jack & Dan (I'm also sometimes with Jack Daniels ) RDF-I won't try to antagonize, but I will try to state 1 fact & 1 opinion. I ABSOLUTELY read the whole thread, & my point had nothing to do with your support nor your impressions of the team. I took homage with the fact that you appaeared to denigrate this year's team by being the person who brought up Wright & Freeman. My opinion is that talent does not always make for a better team. Heck, Duke has a top-5 recruiting class almost every year, but they haven't won it all in 5 years. Even GU has experience with "talent" not working out---Michael Tate was the All-Met POY in 1989 and Anthony Perry----Well......... It is about finding players who work in our system, and I don't think we should write off this year's guards. I, personally, think Tyler, especially, can flourish in this system. Of course, he needs to knock down some jumpers. As for my membership on this chat board, allow me to introduce myself---I, too, am a lifelong Hoya Fan whose father attended our beloved alma mater, as well. I only recently registered with the board for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that I previously felt too close to the program to speak my mind. Seeing as how only a handful of people on this board know me well, I see no reason for you to wax circumspect that I only recently jumped in due to the "recent return to glory". If you, too, would read the whole thread, you would also see clearly that I also have some concerns about this team. My overall point is that I see no reason to not give our current roster a chance. 1. Michael Tate suffered a SEVERE KNEE INJURY prior to his arrival to Georgetown--that affected his game a great deal. 2. Perry was a partial qualifier and nobody on GU Staff noticed a hitch in his jumpshot--which Bob Hurley had to call Perry and mention to him--and Perry suffered from being Esherick-ized as all players did under his watch--it's like being Cokerized if you are a Miami football fan. 3. I only mentioned Wright/Freeman to support why I believe this program will be even stronger in future--I am and always have believed you need elite guard play to contend for Final Four/National Championship play. I don't believe where players are ranked matters at all--I believe they have to possess talent--for instance I didn't find any of George Mason's games in NCAA tournament an upset until the UConn game because I thought Mason had superior guards to both Michigan State and UNC. 4. Reason I mentioned post count is because many who have been "geezers" with me on this site--know what I'm about and know how little I put into rankings and hype/BS. I don't think a post count or years served earns you superior knowledge but it does earn some credibility over years when you talk hoops and Hoya Basketball and have more then held your own. For someone who I've never seen before to act like I'm some jerkoff who goes off "Gurus" and hype is why I responded as I did--but that still came off as arrogant and reading it, I wish I'd have taken a different approach because it was pompous and silly. 5. My questioning of Tyler Crawford is simply due to fact III/Staff really like him--which is very understandable. He works hard, is a good kid, good leader, etc.. but it still comes down to making plays/shots and he shouldn't be given more time to "find his game" then others who haven't been here--it's about loyalty to program and trying to win--and no matter how well someone shoots in practice, lifts in weight room, leads off the court, young players and teams respond to simple rule of thumb--BEST PLAYER plays--nobody can argue performance and I tend to lean towards guys who get it done. 6. Reason I see Wright/Freeman as making this program eventually take the next step is they are proven commodities against elite competition--be it HS, AAU, etc.. these guys win games and make team better--they aren't just gunners. Wright has had his moments in past--but he had to score to St. John's and thought it was interesting that Boo Williams won more events this Spring/Summer then year before when in addition to him, they had Macklin, Duke Crews, Eric Hayes, Stefan Welsh, Lewis Witcher, Kenny Belton--for a few tournaments, and while Patrick Patterson and Ed Davis were known--they blew up playing alongside Wright--which means he did his damage, and didn't hog the ball--they won 3 tournaments and finished 2nd twice. Freeman is a winner and efficient shooter/scorer. He's a perfect fit for any style of basketball III wants to utilize. He's dominated HS competition, AAU competition, and just about anyone he's faced. He's played in a program where you sacrifice shots for winning and he's played alongside Wright before. It's one thing to come in to a program as highly rated players--but to come in and know each other's game as a backcourt is helpful to chemistry and both have participated in a ton of pickup with current team already--and will continue to do so. You thought it was bashing the current team--it wasn't. Just my take that I think future is going to put GU in the "Perennial Contender" level more then this year--where I believe this team will be good-but too many uncertainties to have me seeing them as a National Title threat--now I'm also taking into account that guys on THIS YEAR's team will have another year under their belt and emerge for next year--not just saying those 2 are "Saviors" of program--but a team with talent throughout roster and proven commodities--which I believe Wright/Freeman will be--with less adjustment needed then kids this year. It's easier for guards to adjust in college game--Wright/Freeman can handle ball and play off it and shoot/score. We're seeing this year's team search for players like them--and when we find some, and you add them to mix, you have a tougher team. Again just my opinion--and response to initial questions asked. I apologize for getting angry with you--but just felt I was being attacked for not seeing this year's team as the "sure thing" that many think it is.
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Oh My!
Silver Hoya (over 500 posts)
Posts: 938
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Post by Oh My! on Nov 15, 2006 13:12:42 GMT -5
No worries. Please note that I myself never said this team is a sure thing, either.
1) Mike Tate was perfectly healthy when here & at JMU. I tutored him & the Dish. In fact, I think the guy may still owe me some money he borrowed back then. But, I digress.
2) Perry still had hype, as do Wright & Freeman. It's just a possibility that talent does not always measure up.
3) I think our current guards "possess talent"
4) Post count matters none. Neither does presumed credibility. I claim to have neither---just opinions.
5) I have stated several times in this thread that Tyler needs to shoot better. I also said the whole team needs to pass better---STOP AIMING THE BALL!
6) Elite HS & AAU competition, yes. But they will also face elite players in college against whom they have never played (due to geography for HS ball, age for AAU ball, & the intangible group of players who improve while in college---think Don Reid).
Wright's acclimation will likely take longer than Freeman's. I agree wholeheartedly that Austin's game is "a perfect fit for any style of basketball III wants to utilize".
Our banter is only a fraction of what this board will see over the coming months as people hypothesize the future, and it will inevitably weave its way into multiple thread topics. One of the most glaring comments by Davis in his article is that he mentions Chris, but not Austin. Could be another indication that his spelling is not the only homework he needs to address.
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