East Carolina Part II

[Queens_NYC]

With two significant resume-building opportunities coming up (Memphis & Houston at home), the bare minimum we needed from this game was to avoid another bad loss and we accomplished that feat.

Aside from DDJ, Davenport, and MAW, the rest of the team shot 3-25 from the field and 0-10 from 3.

I thought Ado had a solid all-around game.

 

[waterhead]

Jackson certainly presented a mismatch &
shows to the Bearcats need for taller, quicker
forwards than we have currently. Davenport is
kind of one dimensional (3 pointers) and Hensley
is a work in progress.

Really looking forward to see what Wes adds to Reed and Skillings (in 23) for longer wings/forwards. If we get one or two more guys in that 6'6" range on the perimeter to go with these guys we should really start to look pretty menacing on the D end and the length of some of these guys should help rebounding as well. Shoot and crash!

Griffith, Swain, Royal, Tubbs etc. Get one or two of those and we are in business. I would love to see some small ball with one 5 on the court and 3 guys in that 6'5" to 6'8" range on the perimeter with a PG.

The way Wes let's his players play should be a welcome sight for skilled players to start coming our way.

 

[Lefty]

Really looking forward to see what Wes adds to Reed and Skillings (in 23) for longer wings/forwards. If we get one or two more guys in that 6'6" range on the perimeter to go with these guys we should really start to look pretty menacing on the D end and the length of some of these guys should help rebounding as well. Shoot and crash!

Griffith, Swain, Royal, Tubbs etc. Get one or two of those and we are in business. I would love to see some small ball with one 5 on the court and 3 guys in that 6'5" to 6'8" range on the perimeter with a PG.

The way Wes let's his players play should be a welcome sight for skilled players to start coming our way.

What are we losing after this year ?
Koval, Ado, DDJ ?, Newman ?

 

[Cin City]

What are we losing after this year ?
Koval, Ado, DDJ ?, Newman ?

I believe the thinking is that Newman will use his free year to return. A lot can happen between now and then, but I've heard nothing to dissuade that idea.

 

[Lefty]

I believe the thinking is that Newman will use his free year to return. A lot can happen between now and then, but I've heard nothing to dissuade that idea.

Ok, great- gratias!

 

[waterhead]

What are we losing after this year ?
Koval, Ado, DDJ ?, Newman ?

We are definitely losing Koval, Ado and Banks off scholly. Up in the air on DDJ.

Will any other spots open up? Seems like Wes is assuming that may happen. But not sure who that would be. I don't see JD or MAW transferring. Newman is already a big part of the rotation and has proclaimed he will use his Covid year to come back.

Ody and Vik should be in line for big minute increases so not sure why they would. Ody already transferred once so he would have to sit out.

Hensley and McGinnis would have to sit out a year if they did. I could see Mason as a possibility and not sure if Mike would consider it.

Sounds like we are hoping to get a big to transfer for next year. Beyond that we would probably look to a scoring guard/wing if more than 1 spot opened up somehow.

 

[Queens_NYC]

We are definitely losing Koval, Ado and Banks off scholly. Up in the air on DDJ.

Will any other spots open up? Seems like Wes is assuming that may happen. But not sure who that would be. I don't see JD or MAW transferring. Newman is already a big part of the rotation and has proclaimed he will use his Covid year to come back.

Ody and Vik should be in line for big minute increases so not sure why they would. Ody already transferred once so he would have to sit out.

Hensley and McGinnis would have to sit out a year if they did. I could see Mason as a possibility and not sure if Mike would consider it.

Sounds like we are hoping to get a big to transfer for next year. Beyond that we would probably look to a scoring guard/wing if more than 1 spot opened up somehow.

Would there be any difference in the transfer/eligibility status between Ody and Hensley/McGinnis with the latter duo starting their career during their "Covid year"?

More specifically, does their one-time transfer to UC count if their freshman year didn't technically count?

 

[skyblade]

We are definitely losing Koval, Ado and Banks off scholly. Up in the air on DDJ.

Will any other spots open up? Seems like Wes is assuming that may happen. But not sure who that would be. I don't see JD or MAW transferring. Newman is already a big part of the rotation and has proclaimed he will use his Covid year to come back.

Ody and Vik should be in line for big minute increases so not sure why they would. Ody already transferred once so he would have to sit out.

Hensley and McGinnis would have to sit out a year if they did. I could see Mason as a possibility and not sure if Mike would consider it.

Sounds like we are hoping to get a big to transfer for next year. Beyond that we would probably look to a scoring guard/wing if more than 1 spot opened up somehow.

Good summary. It seems like Wes is recruiting for at least one more departure, but that is most likely DDJ (we've heard no indications that he plans to return).

Vik/Ody will be our starting/backup center next year, no reason for them to transfer out for reasons related to minutes.

Hensley should slot in as our backup PF and may continue to play SF minutes. Plenty of minutes for him as well.

Mason seems to be improving on defense, seems to really enjoy the culture and should be in line for more minutes next year and maybe even this season.

My best bet for most likely to transfer are Saunders and McGinnis. It's possible McGinnis/Wes talk and Wes tells him your not going to get on the floor much here, transfer down to a place to you can play. Of course it's just as possible that McGinnis will be a major piece next year after he recovers from injury and improves in the off-season. He will be an unknown until we know he's fully healthy and see him on the floor.

Saunders I've mentioned elsewhere rates as one of our worst defensive players (along with Ody and Hensley) and our worst defensive guard. He has really struggled this year and I wonder if he doesn't really fit into Wes's system due to his lack of size. His biggest asset is his speed and I could see him trying to find a new place where he fits the system better. Assuming MAW continues as our starting PG Saunders is going to struggle getting onto the floor next as anything but a backup PG. He'll be fighting with a lot of much bigger players who seem like better fits for Wes's system for SG (or starting PG and pushing MAW to starting SG) minutes.

 

[waterhead]

Would there be any difference in the transfer/eligibility status between Ody and Hensley/McGinnis with the latter duo starting their career during their "Covid year"?

More specifically, does their one-time transfer to UC count if their freshman year didn't technically count?

I don't know the answer to this but one free transfer seems to cover it. I don't recall seeing any caveats to that. Now I suppose someone could apply over a different type of hardship etc.

 

[waterhead]

Good summary. It seems like Wes is recruiting for at least one more departure, but that is most likely DDJ (we've heard no indications that he plans to return).

Vik/Ody will be our starting/backup center next year, no reason for them to transfer out for reasons related to minutes.

Hensley should slot in as our backup PF and may continue to play SF minutes. Plenty of minutes for him as well.

Mason seems to be improving on defense, seems to really enjoy the culture and should be in line for more minutes next year and maybe even this season.

My best bet for most likely to transfer are Saunders and McGinnis. It's possible McGinnis/Wes talk and Wes tells him your not going to get on the floor much here, transfer down to a place to you can play. Of course it's just as possible that McGinnis will be a major piece next year after he recovers from injury and improves in the off-season. He will be an unknown until we know he's fully healthy and see him on the floor.

Saunders I've mentioned elsewhere rates as one of our worst defensive players (along with Ody and Hensley) and our worst defensive guard. He has really struggled this year and I wonder if he doesn't really fit into Wes's system due to his lack of size. His biggest asset is his speed and I could see him trying to find a new place where he fits the system better. Assuming MAW continues as our starting PG Saunders is going to struggle getting onto the floor next as anything but a backup PG. He'll be fighting with a lot of much bigger players who seem like better fits for Wes's system for SG (or starting PG and pushing MAW to starting SG) minutes.

I was looking more into what we have coming in. Do any of the current players see guys like Skillings and Reed as hindering their chances of getting on the court? A guy like Mason (who is already not playing much) could start to think. I do believe he likes it in Cincy but playing is important.

I don't believe Reed and Skillings come right in as frosh and crack the starting lineup but stranger things have happened. But will they get 15-20 minutes or so? That is the question.

 

[skyblade]

I was looking more into what we have coming in. Do any of the current players see guys like Skillings and Reed as hindering their chances of getting on the court? A guy like Mason (who is already not playing much) could start to think. I do believe he likes it in Cincy but playing is important.

I don't believe Reed and Skillings come right in as frosh and crack the starting lineup but stranger things have happened. But will they get 15-20 minutes or so? That is the question.

Reed is projected to be more of a small PF at least to start off. He's built like a bigger Jarron Cumberland, so may need to work on his defense to guard smaller guys. He may play some SF as well, but probably not competing for minutes at SG.

Skillings is more of a pure SF to start off, but could play SG in certain situations. I imagine long term Wes projects him as a SG and Reed as our SF. Hard to say how much work they will need.

My guess is they will start the season as 5-10 minute per game guys and then earn their way into more minutes.

At PF/Center there should be plenty of minutes to go around unless we add a transfer. Vik/Ody at center, Davenport/Hensley at PF and Reed filling in 5-10 minutes. With foul trouble Hensley would likely end up needing to play some minutes at center (assuming Safe Tolentino is a redshirt).

Newman is the only pure SF of the rest. Pretty much every other guard/forward has the ability to play SG, which makes a lot of competition for that role. Mason has played some SG and even rarely PG in our games. Skillings can play SF or SG. So it really comes down to who is going to be left out and if they will be happy as a 5-10 minute off the bench guy.

Mason's minutes have been slowly but steadily going up throughout the season, Saunders's have been slowly going down. I'm projecting that trend to continue this season and into next year. If it doesn't than Mason may be on the potential transfers list as well.

Currently Saunders is on top of my most likely to transfer list. As noted I think his lack of size, poor defense and ability to only play one position don't fit with Wes's style. McGinnis is next, since he hasn't gotten minutes this year, but he's also the biggest unknown. Mason is third, but I think his better size, improving defense and ability to play three different positions in a pinch put him above the other two.

 

[waterhead]

Reed is projected to be more of a small PF at least to start off. He's built like a bigger Jarron Cumberland, so may need to work on his defense to guard smaller guys. He may play some SF as well, but probably not competing for minutes at SG.

Skillings is more of a pure SF to start off, but could play SG in certain situations. I imagine long term Wes projects him as a SG and Reed as our SF. Hard to say how much work they will need.

My guess is they will start the season as 5-10 minute per game guys and then earn their way into more minutes.

At PF/Center there should be plenty of minutes to go around unless we add a transfer. Vik/Ody at center, Davenport/Hensley at PF and Reed filling in 5-10 minutes. With foul trouble Hensley would likely end up needing to play some minutes at center (assuming Safe Tolentino is a redshirt).

Newman is the only pure SF of the rest. Pretty much every other guard/forward has the ability to play SG, which makes a lot of competition for that role. Mason has played some SG and even rarely PG in our games. Skillings can play SF or SG. So it really comes down to who is going to be left out and if they will be happy as a 5-10 minute off the bench guy.

Mason's minutes have been slowly but steadily going up throughout the season, Saunders's have been slowly going down. I'm projecting that trend to continue this season and into next year. If it doesn't than Mason may be on the potential transfers list as well.

Currently Saunders is on top of my most likely to transfer list. As noted I think his lack of size, poor defense and ability to only play one position don't fit with Wes's style. McGinnis is next, since he hasn't gotten minutes this year, but he's also the biggest unknown. Mason is third, but I think his better size, improving defense and ability to play three different positions in a pinch put him above the other two.

DDJ would be my #1 option to not be around next year. I don't see any reason for him to come back really. If he can make some money he's not going to improve his stock by much. Go get paid somewhere.

I don't see Mason being put into a major role at UC unless it's as a knock down shooter. Skillings and Reed are going to eat up minutes at the 3 (after Newman gets his) and Mason is not good enough (ball handling) to be a PG. Also don't know if Utah would have interest but that would be interesting if they did.

Mikey could depend on what DDJ does. If DDJ leaves Mike can at least carve out another 20mpg. Seems to have a good relationship with Wes.

McGinnis would be a top choice as well but he would have to sit out a year so who knows. He just missed a large portion of this season so that would be a tough call for him. Certainly not out of the question.

Vik would be an interesting case if he feels he's ready for overseas play. I hope he sticks it out and works on his liabilities.

 

[waterhead]

Oh and by the way Mason's first 10 games was averaging closer to 15mpg and last 10 games closer to 10mpg. He's not going up in minutes. Mike has only dropped a couple of mpg but just a little bit.

 

[Cin City]

We are definitely losing Koval, Ado and Banks off scholly. Up in the air on DDJ.

Will any other spots open up? Seems like Wes is assuming that may happen. But not sure who that would be. I don't see JD or MAW transferring. Newman is already a big part of the rotation and has proclaimed he will use his Covid year to come back.

Ody and Vik should be in line for big minute increases so not sure why they would. Ody already transferred once so he would have to sit out.

Hensley and McGinnis would have to sit out a year if they did. I could see Mason as a possibility and not sure if Mike would consider it.

Sounds like we are hoping to get a big to transfer for next year. Beyond that we would probably look to a scoring guard/wing if more than 1 spot opened up somehow.

Mike just turned 19...I would "guess" he's good to continue growing as a Bearcat.

 

[Cin City]

Reed is projected to be more of a small PF at least to start off. He's built like a bigger Jarron Cumberland, so may need to work on his defense to guard smaller guys. He may play some SF as well, but probably not competing for minutes at SG.

Skillings is more of a pure SF to start off, but could play SG in certain situations. I imagine long term Wes projects him as a SG and Reed as our SF. Hard to say how much work they will need.

My guess is they will start the season as 5-10 minute per game guys and then earn their way into more minutes.

At PF/Center there should be plenty of minutes to go around unless we add a transfer. Vik/Ody at center, Davenport/Hensley at PF and Reed filling in 5-10 minutes. With foul trouble Hensley would likely end up needing to play some minutes at center (assuming Safe Tolentino is a redshirt).

Newman is the only pure SF of the rest. Pretty much every other guard/forward has the ability to play SG, which makes a lot of competition for that role. Mason has played some SG and even rarely PG in our games. Skillings can play SF or SG. So it really comes down to who is going to be left out and if they will be happy as a 5-10 minute off the bench guy.

Mason's minutes have been slowly but steadily going up throughout the season, Saunders's have been slowly going down. I'm projecting that trend to continue this season and into next year. If it doesn't than Mason may be on the potential transfers list as well.

Currently Saunders is on top of my most likely to transfer list. As noted I think his lack of size, poor defense and ability to only play one position don't fit with Wes's style. McGinnis is next, since he hasn't gotten minutes this year, but he's also the biggest unknown. Mason is third, but I think his better size, improving defense and ability to play three different positions in a pinch put him above the other two.

I respectfully disagree. Especially pertaining to your last paragraph. Specifically the first two sentences. With all due respect of course.

 

[sedziobs]

I think we may see some improvement next year purely by becoming smaller and faster at the 5. And that could play to the strengths of Saunders.

In general none of our guys are irreplaceable. Given our offensive style, we really need some guys who can create in the half court. Mason is the only player who has shown potential in that area IMO. Most of the team is one-dimensional on offense. We can be good if we get all the right pieces, but I think we can look for upgrades across the lineup.

 

[skyblade]

Oh and by the way Mason's first 10 games was averaging closer to 15mpg and last 10 games closer to 10mpg. He's not going up in minutes. Mike has only dropped a couple of mpg but just a little bit.

Hmm it seemed like Mason has been getting more minutes, maybe he has just been doing more with them (actually making threes).

 

[skyblade]

I think we may see some improvement next year purely by becoming smaller and faster at the 5. And that could play to the strengths of Saunders.

In general none of our guys are irreplaceable. Given our offensive style, we really need some guys who can create in the half court. Mason is the only player who has shown potential in that area IMO. Most of the team is one-dimensional on offense. We can be good if we get all the right pieces, but I think we can look for upgrades across the lineup.

I agree with this. I don't think Saunders is a bad player in the right system, just that it seems like Was prefers taller/longer players and Saunders doesn't really fit that mold. Saunders has also struggled in our defensive system. He might figure it out, but if MAW is our starting PG for the next couple of years, it doesn't leave a lot of room for Saunders to get minutes.

Mason I like because as you say he's the one bench guy who seems to have a lot of potential in the half court. He's not a great creator in iso-offense, but he sees the floor well, passes and shoots it well. Of course if Wes favors iso-offense, Mason could choose to go somewhere that prefers quick passing and ball movement, which better fits his style.

 

[waterhead]

I agree with this. I don't think Saunders is a bad player in the right system, just that it seems like Was prefers taller/longer players and Saunders doesn't really fit that mold. Saunders has also struggled in our defensive system. He might figure it out, but if MAW is our starting PG for the next couple of years, it doesn't leave a lot of room for Saunders to get minutes.

Mason I like because as you say he's the one bench guy who seems to have a lot of potential in the half court. He's not a great creator in iso-offense, but he sees the floor well, passes and shoots it well. Of course if Wes favors iso-offense, Mason could choose to go somewhere that prefers quick passing and ball movement, which better fits his style.

If we keep adding the 6'5" to 6'8" wings with length/reach and skill we can play with a 6'0" PG no problem. It would be nice if the PG was a good defender I can agree but Mike will improve. Now if we also get a 6'5" PG that would be something for us to be able to go with position less BB 1-4. Not sure we are recruiting that PG at the moment though.

I am okay with 3 wings/forwards with one Big and one PG. Reed, Skillings and Griffith or Swain etc. Collier and Booker would be nice!! Trey Green is only 5'10" but I would take him too.

 

[waterhead]

I think we may see some improvement next year purely by becoming smaller and faster at the 5. And that could play to the strengths of Saunders.

In general none of our guys are irreplaceable. Given our offensive style, we really need some guys who can create in the half court. Mason is the only player who has shown potential in that area IMO. Most of the team is one-dimensional on offense. We can be good if we get all the right pieces, but I think we can look for upgrades across the lineup.

Mason certainly seems a bit more flexible but he also seems sub par as a PG type ball handler or skilled wing driver. He's a good passer and should be a good shooter so I would think it will be tough for him to play the 1 or 3 other than in a pinch. He's a SG IMO...with limited ability off the bounce to create or get in the lane. Wes is looking for the wings/forwards of the future so Mason has his work cut out for him unless he gets that 3 ball going towards 40% low volume or 35%+ with high volume. I think he can do that...but doing it in games is the ultimate measuring stick.