JackBauer151
Well-known member
Mick talks about the new league and the upcoming season. He comes in around the 22 minute mark....
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=9825026
http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=9825026
Mick Cronin Podcast
- Thread starter JackBauer151
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Thanks for posting...that was interesting. I know we have all heard it before about playing up tempo full court press style games but it really does make more sense now than ever.
One comment Mick made that I hadn't considered is not only that Cash was playing injured for the second half of the season but also that we could rely on him to bring the ball up the court. He knew from experience where it needed to be and was skilled enough to do it. This year we don't have the luxury of having that type of guy with lots of in game experience.
Pushing the tempo will relieve these two from having to bring the ball up the court against pressure as often and settling into half court offense. Last year we couldn't do that because we didn't want to re-injur Cash by pushing it too much (and our depth was limited). This year the run and gun type game should benefit our less game tested PG's.
Add to that we are going to add some length, athletecism and depth it really does make sense that we may not be listening to lip service about press and up tempo. The only concern I have is that we have enough serviceable relief for JJ if we do finally play the run and gun.
I can't think of a better time to start that style than with this type of squad for many different reasons.
I can see a situationn this year where we have two PG's that average between 15-25 minutes depending on how it shakes out. Obviously SK will get his 30+. I would also envision about 15-25 minutes from Thomas, Rubles, Lawrence, and JJ depending on how it shakes out.
That's a solid 7 man rotation.
The rest remains to be seen from guys like Mormon, JDIII, Nyarcuk, KJ, and Sanders. Each has something different to offer whether it's defense, outside shooting, scoring, or height. One or two will step up and earn playing time by being a valuable commodity and 1 or 2 of the other guys will get minutes because of matchup situations or who is playing hardest/smartest that week.
That's a solid 7 man rotation.
The rest remains to be seen from guys like Mormon, JDIII, Nyarcuk, KJ, and Sanders. Each has something different to offer whether it's defense, outside shooting, scoring, or height. One or two will step up and earn playing time by being a valuable commodity and 1 or 2 of the other guys will get minutes because of matchup situations or who is playing hardest/smartest that week.
BearcatSpaniard513
Well-known member
Yeah I agree with you on the rotation, but I think Dave will get around 20 a game. He averaged around 11 last season and that was behind Mbodj, who averaged over 20. He should take a majority of this with JJ. I am really excited about Justin Jackson. Like a lot of people I have always been a big fan of him because of his energy that he brings and the potential he has
The only reason I have reservations with Big Dave getting close to 20 is if we are going to go up tempo. He would be a liability in that scenario. I guess we could play up tempo half the game and slower when certain players are in the mix. I see 10-15 minutes though...with no designated center in the game for about 5 minutes on average per game.
At PG I see GG and TC getting 35 minutes leaving open 5 wildcard minutes for anyone from JDIII, KJ, DM, or even maybe a guy like JL with a no "true PG lineup.
At C I see 35 minutes going to JJ and DN with 5 available minutes to fill with JL or TR in smaller lineups.
At SG I see 32-35 minutes going to SK with the rest going to anyone from JDIII, KJ, DM, JS, ST, or JL.
At PF I see almost all 40 minutes going to TR, JL, JJ, or ST.
The wildcard position is the wing. I see at least 30 minutes going to ST, JL, or TR. That would leave 10 open in smaller lineups for guys like JDIII, KJ, DM, or JS. These last 4 guys are going to have to fight the hardest to get playing time and I think we might see one frosh and one vet step up leaving a possible redshirt for the other frosh and one vet will end up seeing a lot of the end of the bench.
Will that frosh be KJ or DM and will that vet be JDII or JS?
At C I see 35 minutes going to JJ and DN with 5 available minutes to fill with JL or TR in smaller lineups.
At SG I see 32-35 minutes going to SK with the rest going to anyone from JDIII, KJ, DM, JS, ST, or JL.
At PF I see almost all 40 minutes going to TR, JL, JJ, or ST.
The wildcard position is the wing. I see at least 30 minutes going to ST, JL, or TR. That would leave 10 open in smaller lineups for guys like JDIII, KJ, DM, or JS. These last 4 guys are going to have to fight the hardest to get playing time and I think we might see one frosh and one vet step up leaving a possible redshirt for the other frosh and one vet will end up seeing a lot of the end of the bench.
Will that frosh be KJ or DM and will that vet be JDII or JS?
Bearcat_NTS
Well-known member
Coach Cronin said JDIII, Guyn, Caupain, Morman and Rubles have been working at the point guard spot.
JumpinJack5
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Cronin says in the podcast that Sanders improved a lot. I know he says that about almost everyone, but I hope that is true.
BearcatSpaniard513
Well-known member
I don't know how Sanders was rated so high coming out of high school or how he was labeled a scorer. Nothing I have seen from him really excites me. His jumper is slow, he's not explosive or quick and he's average on D. I was hoping with how much he was playing that maybe he would at least contribute like Bishop did. Hopefully the jump to upperclassmen and entering his 3rd year will lead to better numbers.
Good...I was hoping lots of guys would get a look at PG.
CaptDale
Well-known member
Rubles at PG? Who are kidding? Looks like the biggest problem this year is finding a starting 5. We have a lot of untested talent coming in. Let's hope Mick finds a good synergy early on. The middle still is scary. JJ doesn't have the bulk to withstand getting pushed around continuously, and unless there was the "second coming" over the summer, Nyarsuk is still Nyarsuk :-(
I think we have enough potential to surprise a lot of teams.
I think we have enough potential to surprise a lot of teams.
Bearcat_NTS
Well-known member
Just because he is working at that spot doesn't mean he will be the starter. Rubles is a very versatile player and there could be moments (meaning possessions) where he could be forced to handle the ball as the point. You need a guy like Titus to be a good team...
CaptDale
Well-known member
Well, as much bad press as Cash got towards the end of last season, if his replacement(s) can come anywhere close to his assist/turnover ratio, we will be a serious factor on the court!
BTW, whatever happened with Strickland's academic status?
BTW, whatever happened with Strickland's academic status?
bearcat jeff
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Like many I thought he'd be similar to Rashad Bishop. Jon Rothstein predicted he'd be UC's leading scorer by his senior year. Hopefully Micks assertion about his strong offseason is true
JasonS
Football Moderator
Rothstein also said that I would start and be a factor this year. Hard to take anything he says seriously because he is never critical of anyone. That said, players typically see a jump between their second and third years in the program. Hopefully this is the case for Sanders.
david aka the TYZ
Well-known member
Exactly, I remember a few times last year where Rubles brought the ball up. It was usually off a missed shot where he rebounded and then dribbled up at an attempt for a fast-break. Anybody that can handle the ball should be practiced in situations where they are bringing the ball up the court because you never know. And especially in a fast-tempo offense (supposedly) if you can handle the ball and you get the rebound you turn and dribble up court to get the offense going. So paracticing Rubles at the point makes sense. In no way would he be on the floor as your best ball-handler nor would he be running the point in a half-court set.