I will say something about KJ. I know he shoots the ball at an inconsistent rate from 3 and was a turnover machine earlier in his career, but I believe the turnovers troubles are behind him. He's not perfect but believe he's cleaned that up. I do truly get why he plays though, he gets after it on D and I truly think he is out there because he wants to win and is willing to do what ever it takes. I'm hoping his 3 point shooting % will increase which I believe it will, but like we have all said we know he's not going to be lights out.
I rewatched the UC and Purdue tournament game last Friday and noticed his big 3 late when we got down 7 points with 48 seconds left. I thought about how he really has hit some big shots in his career:
Freshman year: Hit a big 3 late against Harvard when we needed a bucket.. It's been awhile since I re-watched this game so I don't remember the details but I know we really needed it, because Kilpatrick wasn't doing much.
Sophomore Year: Big 3 against Purdue like I just mentioned. 48 seconds left down 7. ran down drained a deep 3.
Junior Year: Did well against Houston when they made their run when we were home, but his biggest shot was the 3 that should have won us the game against UCONN. That still hurts.
Senior year: He hit a big fade away 2 pointer against ISU late, and in OT he drove and had nice tough layup to bring us down 1.
Just was thinking about how tough he does play, and never gives up. Not making him out to be our best player, just like the fact he has the Cincinnati mindset, and I think people are a lot harder on him then he deserves. Especially since he reps the brand harder and meaningful then almost anyone that puts on that jersey. I sat by his family at the game against Bowling Green, and they are true fans.
Not necessarily agreeing with this take, but freshman year, he did also hit a big 3-pointer against UCF in the AAC Tournament, IIRC.
In an ideal world, I'd like to see he and Cumberland's minutes around the same here on out.
I feel like Cumberland needs to take about 6 threes a game and here is why. I think he adjusts well after he misses.
In games he's taken 2 or less 3's he's 0-10. 7 games.
In games he's taken 3 or more he's 10-17.
In games he's taken 4 or more he's 9-14.
In the second half of games he has taken 3 or more he's 9-11.
If we contrast that to KJ or Troy... I don't think they adjust to their misses nearly as well. The likelihood of them making their next shot doesn't necessarily go up with more attempts. Cumberland seems like a guy who will get it going, more times than not, if given enough opportunities. Of course it could just be an anomaly...but I don't think it is.
Don't forget Cumberland also backs up Evans at the 3. Really don't think it will be hard to find 20 minutes a game for Cumberland with how he is starting to adjust to D-1 basketball. The second line of him, JJ, Brooks and Scott really gives the team a very nice change of pace. It also allows rest for the starters which helps them stay fresh while playing very good defense. The big issue is can they sustain their production against better competition. If the can or are even close we are really going to be a tough team to handle especially in our conference.Not necessarily agreeing with this take, but freshman year, he did also hit a big 3-pointer against UCF in the AAC Tournament, IIRC.
In an ideal world, I'd like to see he and Cumberland's minutes around the same here on out.
The biggest shot he made was negated by a 3/4 court heave against UCONN that would have put us in the conference Championship game. His 3 put us ahead right before that shot.I can agree. Just thought about it watching Purdue game and ISU game again seeing a few of those big shots he made.
Not necessarily agreeing with this take, but freshman year, he did also hit a big 3-pointer against UCF in the AAC Tournament, IIRC.
In an ideal world, I'd like to see he and Cumberland's minutes around the same here on out.
If both are playing well it means we do not have to play Evans 35 minutes a game.He also hit 2 FT to seal a W at Houston as a FR.
I agree on that minute breakdown. Just bc I am hard on Johnson doesn't mean I don't think he should play at all. Just not over twice as much as Cumberland like it was a few games ago.
The biggest shot he made was negated by a 3/4 court heave against UCONN that would have put us in the conference Championship game. His 3 put us ahead right before that shot.
You sure jake???I think it would've put us in the semi-finals.
The biggest shot he made was negated by a 3/4 court heave against UCONN that would have put us in the conference Championship game. His 3 put us ahead right before that shot.
Yea saw it after I posted. Still is a heartbreaker.Yeah I wouldn't forget that. It was mentioned in my earlier post.
You sure jake???
Pretty sure. We didn't win any games, so.
This year we will have the 1 seed and UCONN will somehow get the 8 seed or however that works out and we lose to them again lol. Kidding but it's crazy how we are now 0-4 against them in the AAC tournament and none of the games have been in the championship. How is that even possible? Thought about that yesterday.
I think there have been only 3 AAC Tournaments. Either way, get a better seed and we shouldn't have to worry about stuff like that.
