I'm really curious to see how the distribution of minutes unfolds during the year. I think Mick rewards hard work in practice, defense, but does have a tendency to shorten the bench during league play (that's probably common though). More than ever we need to recruit high character players that can deal with adversity and maybe limited minutes initially. It seems like in the past couple of years players are transferring (across the NCAA, not UC specific, and medical & family reasons aside) if they don't get their way right away.
Next years team
- Thread starter the_one_32
- Start date
Help Support BearcatTalk:
I'm really curious to see how the distribution of minutes unfolds during the year. I think Mick rewards hard work in practice, defense, but does have a tendency to shorten the bench during league play (that's probably common though). More than ever we need to recruit high character players that can deal with adversity and maybe limited minutes initially. It seems like in the past couple of years players are transferring (across the NCAA, not UC specific, and medical & family reasons aside) if they don't get their way right away.
Bearcat_NTS
Well-known member
Clark or Moore will eventually take over the 4 spot. Ellis will be at the 5. Hopefully by mid season we'll have a starting lineup of Caupain, Johnson, Thomas, Clark or Moore, Ellis.
bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
I think Moore and Clarke will both play some 4. I like that line up.
WAITE HOYT 2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 8,404
I hope Thomas plays some d and draws some fouls or I could see him losing some minutes to Morman
bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
Thomas has to finish close to the basket and learn he is near unstoppable when he pulls up and rises.
jacobkdoyle
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2014
- Messages
- 17,008
Shaq o/u 10 ppg?
#BearcatNation
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2012
- Messages
- 2,120
For his sake, he's got to be over. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he averages 11 ppg. But wouldn't be shocked to see 8-9.
bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
I think he is the great mystery, and like last season, Shaq could add an element winning teams need but he has to play with confidence. He cannot miss shots like he did last season and in the exhibition game. He cannot disappear for long stretches. This team needs Shaq to play consistent and well.
Robert
Well-known member
Shaq is so frustrating. He's my guy though -- I've said from the beginning he will have a breakout season before he leaves here, and I'll be on that ship until it either sinks or floats. I'm predicting 10-12 points this season, 13-15 next season. James White did it -- why can't Shaq? He's no less skilled than James White, minus maybe a few inches on the vertical. He just needs the confidence.
WAITE HOYT 2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 8,404
Jeff, finishing would be great but he at least has to get to the line when he doesn't. He also has to guard,board and as someone else said not disappear for long stretches.His handles also need work.
Seems we have been waiting for quite awhile fo him to figure it out. Athletism is great but it takes more then highlight dunks off the break to be a very good player. Its time to become the total package or be reduced to becoming a role player. Morman will chase him to the locker room everyday.
Seems we have been waiting for quite awhile fo him to figure it out. Athletism is great but it takes more then highlight dunks off the break to be a very good player. Its time to become the total package or be reduced to becoming a role player. Morman will chase him to the locker room everyday.
WAITE HOYT 2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 8,404
The guy being groomed to lead this team is KJ. Mark my words as the season progresses the guy who will have the ball at crunch time will be KJ. Other than jumping higher Shaq won"t sniff his game by seasons end.I hope i'm wrong and both kill it this season but I have doubts.
#BearcatNation
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2012
- Messages
- 2,120
I think the James White comparison is a huge stretch. White was a great ball-handler that had no trouble playing guard. He also had a nice jumper and 3 point shot, and was a McDonald's All-American in High School. While the athleticism is similar, Shaq is none of those things I mentioned.
WAITE HOYT 2
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 8,404
Guys great players make others around them better. He's had the luxury of playing with SK when every defense we played knew he was our only consistent scoring option. When was the last time you seen Shaq drive the lane draw a foul and sink two FT's. How about drive the lane,draw the D and dish to a open big for a dunk. How about drive the lane draw the D and find a open player in the corner on baseline for a 3. How about dive for a loose ball,grab a big rebound at crunch time,play lock down D in a close game. Shaq has lots of holes in his game to improve on to be the difference maker many think he is or can be. He has talent and the occassion wow factor but as of now his game has been spotty at best.
I would be thrilled if he improved his over all game and contributed 10 pg. I don't thnk it would be fair to impose lots of pressure on him to be the focal of the team when nothing he has done consistently to this point says he is capable. A good performance in the NCAA tournament 2 years ago when the other team was geared to stop others is not a career defining moment. Great players bring it everynight. Their effort is there everytime they step on the floor. That is a mind set. It is not something you can turn on and off. My fear is that if he hasn't developed that by now after 3 years in program, it not only won't happen he can't make it happen. If you have been around Mick for 3 years ,coupled with playing along side one of the most mentally tough kids to ever play at UC in SK and you still haven't reallized what it takes i'm not sure it is in him. I hope I'm wrong.
I would be thrilled if he improved his over all game and contributed 10 pg. I don't thnk it would be fair to impose lots of pressure on him to be the focal of the team when nothing he has done consistently to this point says he is capable. A good performance in the NCAA tournament 2 years ago when the other team was geared to stop others is not a career defining moment. Great players bring it everynight. Their effort is there everytime they step on the floor. That is a mind set. It is not something you can turn on and off. My fear is that if he hasn't developed that by now after 3 years in program, it not only won't happen he can't make it happen. If you have been around Mick for 3 years ,coupled with playing along side one of the most mentally tough kids to ever play at UC in SK and you still haven't reallized what it takes i'm not sure it is in him. I hope I'm wrong.
bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
I agree about KJ. He is the most complete offensive player on the team. I love guys that can score on all levels and he can. Once he completely trusts his skills and stays agressive, he's going to be fun to watch.
I've been a Mormon fan since we started recruiting him. I think it's going to be hard to keep this kid on the bench because he can effect a game on both ends of the court. He is intense and explosive.
Clark is the guy I think will develop into a a fantastic offensive weapon. Both facing the basket and on put backs off of offensive rebounds.
Add to the mix Strickland, when he gets his legs under him and his footwork down; along with Moore who has the ability to score from all three levels as well, and this team truly has the makings of being a very good offensive team.
Caupain's steadiness, Cobb as a sharpshooter, Sanders who can down you down some threes and depth on the block. Not to mention this team collectively seems to have a good overall bb iq. If they can play D and rebound this team could be the most well rounded team Mick has had but it's all potential right now.
I've been a Mormon fan since we started recruiting him. I think it's going to be hard to keep this kid on the bench because he can effect a game on both ends of the court. He is intense and explosive.
Clark is the guy I think will develop into a a fantastic offensive weapon. Both facing the basket and on put backs off of offensive rebounds.
Add to the mix Strickland, when he gets his legs under him and his footwork down; along with Moore who has the ability to score from all three levels as well, and this team truly has the makings of being a very good offensive team.
Caupain's steadiness, Cobb as a sharpshooter, Sanders who can down you down some threes and depth on the block. Not to mention this team collectively seems to have a good overall bb iq. If they can play D and rebound this team could be the most well rounded team Mick has had but it's all potential right now.
I wish I shared your optimism about Strickland. He looks soft, physically weak, and generally overwhelmed.
And yes, I know I am basing this on 1 fake game against Bahamians.
bearcat jeff
Hoops Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 7,502
I understand, but Strickland will be able to score. Remember the guy hasn't played in two years nor practiced with the team last year. It's going to be a mental and physical adjustment for him but the ability to score is there.
Hope you're right. But I've played with plenty of people who look the part, have some skill, but when shit gets physical, they can't handle it.
I'm not expecting him to be much more than a taller Jermaine Sanders type: Occasionally valuable, super frustrating, but too limited athletically and physically to improve much.
Bearcat_NTS
Well-known member
Strickland will be a contributor by his JR and SR seasons. He needs this year plus another full off season to knock the rust off. With everyone expected to return on the front court, he really won't get minutes next year either.
david aka the TYZ
Well-known member
Based on your negative views on Strickland and Sanders what do you see in Thomas that makes you think he can help lead this team?