Appalachian State

[CaptDale]

JDIII has not learned how to play defense, therefore, he will continue to ride the pine.

Watched the game an ESPN3, and they showed a closeup of the bench - in particular, they had a closeup of JDII after his short stint. You could see it in his face - he is not a happy camper. The rest of the team was upbeat. Too bad. He could be a contributor in some facet. He is a decent offensive player. I guess all the other guards are quicker in the smothering D. I don't think he doesn't know how to play D, he's just not as quick. Seems like he's got a decent wingspan.

 

[CaptDale]

I would also say there were a couple of times today when TC recieved a pass down low and he calmly, but quickly, laid it into the center of the bucket rather than trying to rush and miss. Over the years we have seen a lot of our guards try to put up a layup too fast and miss because they hurried. TC got the ball out quick, in control, and in the hole when he had the chance.

Not just guards. Up until this game, Titus was banging the ball off the glass with no finesse. But, it was like all of the sudden the light bulb went on in his head. He gently used the glass as his friend. Of course, APP State let him stand in the paint until he decided to either finish or pass.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Watched the game an ESPN3, and they showed a closeup of the bench - in particular, they had a closeup of JDII after his short stint. You could see it in his face - he is not a happy camper. The rest of the team was upbeat. Too bad. He could be a contributor in some facet. He is a decent offensive player. I guess all the other guards are quicker in the smothering D. I don't think he doesn't know how to play D, he's just not as quick. Seems like he's got a decent wingspan.

At this point with Davis I just have to think he hasn't shown anything to warrant seeing minutes. My guess and everyone's is he just can't get a handle on playing defense. I don't think Mick is stupid nor do I think he would sit a guy that shows he deserves to play. He might be in the doghouse so to speak for not doing what Mick wants him to do and maybe that is just what it is, but he has been put into games and when he does get in he doesn't show anything to stay on the floor or to get put back in. There's a reason he's the last man in and I don't think it's because Mick's holding a grudge against a guy that could come in and be better than other players or that Mick is just too stupid to see that he's good.

 

[bearcat jeff]

No there is something we don't see. I know there were attitude issues in high school so maybe there is an extension of that or poor practice habits. It's a shame because his ability to score off the bench could really help this team.

 

[Nomadic1]

It's good that we've had our Seniors step up this year. My concerns were with regard to scoring. I think Thomas' aggressiveness is there, he has the talents as well, just needs a little more touch on his shot and he'll be lethal. Sanders has always been sound in terms of fundamentals but he is starting to enjoy himself a bit more I think. I wonder if he were in a more structured offense like Georgetown's, would he have had an easier transition?
I feel better that we have two point guards on the team next season. I think if Coupain can spell Guyn this year great, if he actually contributes significantly, all the better. Lawrence, will be a force at some point. I just hope the light goes on this year and after conditioning, he's a monster next season.


The most impressive transformation to me, is Rubles. I had no idea he could be that good offensively. I hope he gets better as the year goes along.
Kilpatrick has always been good but he seems to be as good a 2 guard as we can expect, shy of a one and doner. I wish him the best after this season, be it in the league or overseas.

 

[waterhead]

Not just guards. Up until this game, Titus was banging the ball off the glass with no finesse. But, it was like all of the sudden the light bulb went on in his head. He gently used the glass as his friend. Of course, APP State let him stand in the paint until he decided to either finish or pass.

Oh I agree it's been more than guards...but Titus has not fixed that problem yet IMO. His easy layups in this game came mostly from right on the block. He still has issues finishing when he drives or creates. That's OK I can deal with that as well as he has been playing on both sides of the ball.

If he fixed that problem...he could be putting up 15-20 a night. Right now he's about 10-15 kind of guy.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

I could argue that Titus is the most important player on this team...

 

[Scheids21]

I could argue that Titus is the most important player on this team...

It wouldn't be a terrible argument; he and Sean have looked vastly improved through the first 3 games.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

It wouldn't be a terrible argument; he and Sean have looked vastly improved through the first 3 games.

His use of the pump fake is unreal... For not having a great shot, its amusing watching all these clowns fall for it.

 

[UCBearcats]

No there is something we don't see. I know there were attitude issues in high school so maybe there is an extension of that or poor practice habits. It's a shame because his ability to score off the bench could really help this team.

When he came into the game on Saturday he blew a coverage on the press almost immediately and coach yanked him right out of the game. He came in and I was interested in what he could do with some minutes and then he blew the coverage and I remember thinking immediately that he was coming out of the game.

I don't know if there is more to it or not but right now it seems like defense is what's holding him back. He's only a sophomore so maybe Mick is trying to give him some tough love knowing that JD3 could still be a nice player going forward. I hope he doesn't get down and continues to work hard. He played well as a freshmen on a much more experienced team and I still think he has a chance to have a nice career as a Bearcat.

 

[Gotcha23]

1. PG so far getting serviceable minutes from Caupain and Guyn. Mick has also put the ball in SK's hands as he did in second half against NCST.

2. SK has been everything a senior should be and more as a wing. He is not settling for jumpers. He is putting ball on the floor and driving and getting to foul line. Thomas and Sanders have shown improvement at the other wing with KJ getting some minutes. When the light comes on for Thomas he will be a huge contributor for this team. His athleticism is off the charts. Sanders seems much more confident this year and is letting game come to him. KJ hasn't got a lot of shots to fall but you can see he has talent and eventually will contribute. If not this year then next.

3. Rubles has really stepped up. He plays lock down D,boards,distributes and gets to the hoop. His shot selection is 1000 times better.

4.JJ is playing in control most of the time and seems to have a better understanding of what he can do and what he can't do.

5. Lawrence is a work in progress. He needs more strength but he has shown improvement in every game.

6. My big concern is we really haven't faced a true big man yet. While I like how JJ and Rubles have played, having to guard a guy who is 3 or 4 inches taller and out weighs them will be a huge challenge.

The ceiling is high for this team as I believe the youngsters will continue to grow as the season moves forward. A 4th straight NCAA appearance is certainly doable.

.6....Think about some of the guys we've had here that were maybe 6'7-6'8 playing down low. I couldn't disagree more with that statement. Bottom Line...if the kid can really play his height means nothing to a certain extent.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

.6....Think about some of the guys we've had here that were maybe 6'7-6'8 playing down low. I couldn't disagree more with that statement. Bottom Line...if the kid can really play his height means nothing to a certain extent.

Exactly, Eric Hicks averaged a double double at about 6' 5'' in the Big East that had multiple 7 footers. If Jackson could ever get his foul trouble under control, he could play center effectively. Thankfully we have Rubles who might be the hardest playing Bearcat since Hicks...

 

[JumpinJack5]

Exactly, Eric Hicks averaged a double double at about 6' 5'' in the Big East that had multiple 7 footers. If Jackson could ever get his foul trouble under control, he could play center effectively. Thankfully we have Rubles who might be the hardest playing Bearcat since Hicks...

Dejuan Blair is another great example, although both of those guys were huge compared to JJ, even though JJ has gotten bigger.