Albany

[UCBearcats]

Lots of defense leading to offense in the second half of last night's game. This team looks pretty good out on the break and Evans is a man. JJ played well last night, I think most of us would have very little issue with JJ and Cumberland eating away most of KJ's playing time this season.

Half court offense is still miserable and depth is a HUGE problem for this team. With the exception of about 3 guys the defense on this team is suspect, here's to hoping coach is willing to make some concessions on the defensive end to boost our scoring abilities when the competition ramps up.

Foul trouble could absolutely kill this team, 10 minutes of Quadri Moore shooting layups off the side of the backboard isn't going to cut it against the better teams we'll play this season. Mick's continued coaching philosophy of pulling guys who make mistakes on defense but allowing guys like Quadri and KJ a longer leash on offense is mind boggling IMO, it's going to hurt us if it continues when competition ramps up.

 

[Bearcat513]

My two biggest( and only) issues with last night were the defense giving up too many layups and our end of the first half offensive play was a joke.

I think the press was a great idea, obviously, but after Albany got the ball into the half court, our trapping was less than ideal. #13 often just drove right around people, and got an easy lay-in. We probably wouldn't press/ trap most teams, I am sure this is scouting report/ game plan specific for Albany, but still a call of concern giving up so many easy 2s.

To end the first half we did the same thing we always do. Caupain dribbles until about 8 seconds left, a big sets a screen, then we go. It ended with a wild Jenifer lay-up attempt. We have become more creative with those plays that lead to better, open shots.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I really think without the foul trouble we would have put this one away earlier In the first two games it is very apparent that when Washington is in the game we are a much different team. Without his presence in the middle we are very easy to guard. Would like to see us heat up from the 3 pt. line this Saturday. We won't have the kind of season we all want if we don't improve in that area. Also in watching the game foul trouble impacted our ability to have the guys on the floor we want in certain situations.

 

[GarradJ21]

Our best lineup for sure is -
Jennifer
Caupain
Evans
Clark
Washington

We need to stick with that a lot. That's fine if KJ needs to start for confidence and chemistry but have him come out a few minutes in. The majority of the time it needs to be those 5.

Game started sluggish, it happens. Foul trouble was big obviously and just cold shooting. I didn't know Caupain could dunk until last night ha. Scott needs to go in before Quadri does imo. I really am pulling for Quad but when he tries to do too much it really hurts him.

I think it's time to start a R.I. forum....Big game I cant wait!!!

 

[Bearcat513]

My two biggest( and only) issues with last night were the defense giving up too many layups and our end of the first half offensive play was a joke.

I think the press was a great idea, obviously, but after Albany got the ball into the half court, our trapping was less than ideal. #13 often just drove right around people, and got an easy lay-in. We probably wouldn't press/ trap most teams, I am sure this is scouting report/ game plan specific for Albany, but still a call of concern giving up so many easy 2s.

To end the first half we did the same thing we always do. Caupain dribbles until about 8 seconds left, a big sets a screen, then we go. It ended with a wild Jenifer lay-up attempt. We have become more creative with those plays that lead to better, open shots.

On the flip side, my biggest takeaway is that Kyle Washington is the vocal leader we all heard he could be.

During the first half when the game was slow and ugly, while Washington was on the bench due to foul trouble, he was constantly up clapping and yelling at the guys on the court. I forget what had just happened but after a timeout, everyone on the bench was slow to get up to welcome the players back. But Washington sprang right up and was out there giving high fives and encourgement. I love that. He seems to want to win no matter what. If that means sitting on the bench and cheering the other players on, then he'll do it.

 

[2bearcatdad]

It was fairly quiet, but Cumberland gave us exactly what we need from him last night. He shot the ball well, fit easily within the flow of the game. He played adequate defense, was aggressive on the offensive end and looked really good for a guy playing in his third college game (including the exhibition). I think he's going to be a solid contributor this season.

Also, it was refreshing to see so many fast break points last night. We got a lot of easy baskets - something we saw very little over the past couple of years. I think that bodes well for us if we can do that on a regular basis.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

It was fairly quiet, but Cumberland gave us exactly what we need from him last night. He shot the ball well, fit easily within the flow of the game. He played adequate defense, was aggressive on the offensive end and looked really good for a guy playing in his third college game (including the exhibition). I think he's going to be a solid contributor this season.

Also, it was refreshing to see so many fast break points last night. We got a lot of easy baskets - something we saw very little over the past couple of years. I think that bodes well for us if we can do that on a regular basis.

TC is a very good rebounding guard. Allowing him to hit the defensive glass and Evans to run the floor with JJ at the PG really allows us some options and run outs.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

On the flip side, my biggest takeaway is that Kyle Washington is the vocal leader we all heard he could be.

During the first half when the game was slow and ugly, while Washington was on the bench due to foul trouble, he was constantly up clapping and yelling at the guys on the court. I forget what had just happened but after a timeout, everyone on the bench was slow to get up to welcome the players back. But Washington sprang right up and was out there giving high fives and encourgement. I love that. He seems to want to win no matter what. If that means sitting on the bench and cheering the other players on, then he'll do it.

Good post. I'm becoming a big Washington fan. He brings a lot to this team in a lot of different ways. Really exciting that we get 2 years to watch him.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

It was fairly quiet, but Cumberland gave us exactly what we need from him last night. He shot the ball well, fit easily within the flow of the game. He played adequate defense, was aggressive on the offensive end and looked really good for a guy playing in his third college game (including the exhibition). I think he's going to be a solid contributor this season.

Also, it was refreshing to see so many fast break points last night. We got a lot of easy baskets - something we saw very little over the past couple of years. I think that bodes well for us if we can do that on a regular basis.

Cumberland is fun to watch. He has great basketball instincts. I'm really excited to watch a lot of these guys for years to come.

 

[justinhub2003]

TC is a very good rebounding guard. Allowing him to hit the defensive glass and Evans to run the floor with JJ at the PG really allows us some options and run outs.

I absolutely loved how often we tried to advance the ball down court for a fast break. Its almost like its their first instinct now, where as last year, we'd go multiple games without any points in transition.


Add in that, we are now playing much tighter defense that stretches up to mid court. We are forcing turnovers much more than last year and will because of that. The match up Zone is great for keeping teams from schoring inside and for rebounding and milking the clock but by nature, its just not going to force as many TO's as a tight Man D is.

I hope we stay with it. And while we will get beat sometimes, its much better for playing faster

 

[L-T]

I've got some news for you - and this is going to really sting, but it's the truth - JJ's success on the court this season is BECAUSE of Mick Cronin, not despite him. Mick got him to see that he needs to play like a point guard; pass first, dictate tempo, etc. Last year, JJ had too much playground in his game. He shot too early and often, tried for the spectacular play rather than the fundamental. This year he's night and day different and he's playing great! It's amazing the transformation he's made - on the defensive end too. I think our strength coach deserves a lot of credit also - JJ is in terrific shape and you can already see a difference in his stamina.

JJ also deserves a lot of credit for being coachable. I'm sure he was really frustrated about his lack of playing time last year, but he has listened to coach about what he needed to do to improve his game and he's greatly improved in those areas.

The flip side is Quadri who also has talent, but he still doesn't get it. He shoots too many horrible shots and doesn't play within the flow of the game. At this point, I wonder if he ever will.

The second half was really fun to watch. Albany is a decent team who went into the second half last night believing they could get the upset and we stole their heart with that run fueled by our defense. JJ, Evans, Troy and Kyle were magnificent during that stretch.

So far, so good.

Go Cats!

One of the BIG knocks on Mick is player development, so I doubt that he has suddenly become a miracle worker. This player could have helped us last year, but the coach stripped him of his confidence. As we saw with Ellis and Shaq, Jennifer had company last year. And the result was that one of our deepest, most experienced, most talented teams underachieved greatly. But to satisfy you, I'll give Mick the credit even though neither of us knows who deserves the credit.

What I will give Mick credit for is putting together this team that just might become his most talented. I still would love to see a pure shooter or two to show up on our roster some day.

 

[L-T]

I'm really not sure why you think it's always "us versus you", and that you're the only one with a specific opinion. Have you ever considered that the majority of us like Jenifer, and think he's going to succeed here? I really don't get why you think that we all think he's hot garbage. Sure, everyone has had their doubts with him, but the "how is that tasting?" comment is one of the goofiest things you've ever posted (which is saying something). Buddy, we ALL want to see all our players succeed. Nobody is rooting against Jenifer. We're not like "Aw, man, L-T got us! Jenifer has been great. I was really hoping he'd suck just so L-T would be wrong. That's unfortunate."

You'd also think his biggest supporter could spell his name right....

There's plenty of room on the bandwagon. Glad to see you on it now. It was lonely last year. I only had Bulldog to talk to, and he kept getting banned. Go back and read last year's posts and you'll see just how wrong your post is.

 

[waterhead]

Good post. I'm becoming a big Washington fan. He brings a lot to this team in a lot of different ways. Really exciting that we get 2 years to watch him.

He's got a deadly hook. Tough to guard no matter the opponent. Absolutely love his optimism and energy. Can't overstate his impact!

 

[L-T]

Lots of defense leading to offense in the second half of last night's game. This team looks pretty good out on the break and Evans is a man. JJ played well last night, I think most of us would have very little issue with JJ and Cumberland eating away most of KJ's playing time this season.

Half court offense is still miserable and depth is a HUGE problem for this team. With the exception of about 3 guys the defense on this team is suspect, here's to hoping coach is willing to make some concessions on the defensive end to boost our scoring abilities when the competition ramps up.

Foul trouble could absolutely kill this team, 10 minutes of Quadri Moore shooting layups off the side of the backboard isn't going to cut it against the better teams we'll play this season. Mick's continued coaching philosophy of pulling guys who make mistakes on defense but allowing guys like Quadri and KJ a longer leash on offense is mind boggling IMO, it's going to hurt us if it continues when competition ramps up.

I think this will become one of Mick's best defensive teams. They scored 87 on Penn St. and 51 on us. And, our bench played a lot of minutes. Defense is a lot about effort and I like the effort I'm seeing,

 

[waterhead]

With Jennifer in the game, we outscored Albany 54-30. With him out of the game Albany outscored us 21-20.

Chuck Machock - "I have to give the Star of the Game to Justin Jennifer."

Mick Cronin - "Justin Jennifer turned this game around with his defense."

Someone earlier tonight posted that Jennifer should get 10 minutes a game. What a joke! You guys can continue to be in denial, but I told you that you would eat your words this season and all I have to say is....how is it tasting? Jennifer won't be anywhere near 10 minutes a game. He might have that much before halftime. He'll be big for us this season. He would have been big last season, but Mick decided to play mind games with him.

Washington looks very good. Cumberland looks like a high IQ player. He's surprising me in a very pleasant way. The chemistry looks good. 2nd half was a joy to watch. 1st half was all on the refs. I like this team a lot. I criticize Mick for his recruiting a lot, but with Cane Broome coming next season, this looks like we're poised for a 3 year run that could turn this program around and raise the bar. I'm cautiously optimistic. This weekend will tell us a lot!

I loved watching Jenifer last night! Especially the series when he got a steal and gave it back only to take it upon himself to get it back again. That was fun to watch!! The pass off the backboard was a thing of beauty!

I also am starting to finally enjoy fast breaks again. We have players who know how to finish them. The alley oop is back in Cincinnati!! Cumberland is extremely good on the break too

 

[waterhead]

Our best lineup for sure is -
Jennifer
Caupain
Evans
Clark
Washington

We need to stick with that a lot. That's fine if KJ needs to start for confidence and chemistry but have him come out a few minutes in. The majority of the time it needs to be those 5.

Game started sluggish, it happens. Foul trouble was big obviously and just cold shooting. I didn't know Caupain could dunk until last night ha. Scott needs to go in before Quadri does imo. I really am pulling for Quad but when he tries to do too much it really hurts him.

I think it's time to start a R.I. forum....Big game I cant wait!!!

I think Cumberland is going to enter this discussion. He makes a great 6th man ala Darnell Burton! I'm ready for KJ to be 7th man. Still trying to figure out who is 3rd big. I happen to like how Scott fits in.

 

[L-T]

One of the BIG knocks on Mick is player development, so I doubt that he has suddenly become a miracle worker. This player could have helped us last year, but the coach stripped him of his confidence. As we saw with Ellis and Shaq, Jennifer had company last year. And the result was that one of our deepest, most experienced, most talented teams underachieved greatly. But to satisfy you, I'll give Mick the credit even though neither of us knows who deserves the credit.

What I will give Mick credit for is putting together this team that just might become his most talented. I still would love to see a pure shooter or two to show up on our roster some day.

Good post. I'm becoming a big Washington fan. He brings a lot to this team in a lot of different ways. Really exciting that we get 2 years to watch him.

Hopefully!

 

[waterhead]

Washington has picked up two early fouls by pushing a guy in the back going up for a rebound. Easily avoidable. They were both egregious and coachable.

Even though he is a great bench cheerleader we need this guy on the court! So far... totally different team when he's in the game.

 

[waterhead]

There's plenty of room on the bandwagon. Glad to see you on it now. It was lonely last year. I only had Bulldog to talk to, and he kept getting banned. Go back and read last year's posts and you'll see just how wrong your post is.

I was there. We all were. Most of The critics were hoping for JJ to turn it over less, select better shots, and play better D.

Voila!! Look what happened... almost exactly that.

 

[L-T]

I think Cumberland is going to enter this discussion. He makes a great 6th man ala Darnell Burton! I'm ready for KJ to be 7th man. Still trying to figure out who is 3rd big. I happen to like how Scott fits in.

I think we'll continue to have a committee of big guys. They all offer something different. I'm not sure we'll ever see Mick remove KJ from the starting lineup, but having two high quality, well performing options like Jenifer and Cumberland off the bench is pretty exciting.