Red and Black Scrimmage

[jacobkdoyle]

Gotta have a reliable 2nd point guard - and the Cats do...I think Cane has more punch & quicker jets, although Jenifer is by no means slow, but in a tight game, you can rely on Justin to protect the ball...if only we could rely on him to hit free throws! I'm thinking that with the speed in the backcourt, they won't have to slow down much no matter who's on point...more concerned with the backups to Cumberland...Williams seems the front runner, or moving Evans to the 2 and subbing Scott or Nsoseme in at forward? Would be nice if at least one of the frosh can establish themselves as the primary backup

I'm not sure I get what you mean here.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Really am excited for the season to start after watching the scrimmage. Washington looked like a man possessed. I know he's intense, but he was jacked up for an intra squad scrimmage. Hope we see that effort and more importantly that focus every night. Clark seemed to be more focused as well and even saw him giving out instructions at one point. Would love him to embrace a leadership role for his senior year. Evans looked solid, but seemed like he was playing in an intrasquad game and not giving his A game (which is fine by me cause that's exactly what it was). Cumberland looks more fit and more confident. That could be scary.

Williams and Moore both looked like they were trying so hard. Moore looked outmatched at times and got frustrated some, which is expected of a freshman the first time on the court. But he looked tough and resilient despite that and that's what impressed me. And his shot is quick and smooth. To me he's nothing but an open shooter on offense this year and that's perfect. Williams has a good all around game. He's fearless and at some point his effectiveness will match his fearlessness. That's not today, but that's ok. He has the skill and his time will definitely come. Nsoseme looked like a man possessed to get his hands on the ball. That's a good thing. Offense and finishing bunnies needs work. Diarra wasn't bad but definitely looks like will have the most growing pains. Put up some bad shots. Bad looking and bad taking them.

I saved my pg analysis for last. Liked we saw both pgs with the starters for each half. Brilliant move. I like Jennifer and his style of play with his flashy passes and not looking to score first but willing and able to hit an open look can be the perfect recipe for the starting four around him. Cane still seems like a more me first and can I score kind of guy, but didn't seem as selfish as he did on last year's scrimmage. But his game is just nasty. He over penetrated a couple times, but he also had some really nice down court passes for easy buckets. My biggest concern on him was can he and will he pass the ball and he answered both yes to me. And he and Cumberland seemed to have a good rapport together to make splash plays and that excites me. Cane is definitely a talent and seems to be the easy choice to start, right????

My prediction...despite that, jenifer will start, cane will finish games. The main reason I say that is knowing Mick, he likes to have his first team and second team. Jenifer can really let the starting four shine and take care of the ball and Cane can be dynamic with a serious drop off in offense with the second team. Having Jenifer out there with the backups seems less fitting to his strengths. Come crunch time and end of games, Cane is the obvious choice to have in the game and it's not close. In my opinion you start him for that reason as well, but I fear Mick will start Jenifer for the reasons I just listed. Also could be a way to keep Cane humble and jenifer confident. Things I think Mick does as well. If this happens, I can see the logic, but I don't know if I fully agree with it. Obviously time will tell, but that's my prediction and my observations. Can't wait for the season to start and yes traffic is going to be an absolute nightmare getting in and out of there.

 

[juckerrules]

I'm not sure I get what you mean here.

Don’t necessarily trust the frosh yet ....Evans can be a shooting guard if Cumberland is in foul trouble or whatever.
I guess Cane & Jenifer both on the floor is an option

 

[waterhead]

Really am excited for the season to start after watching the scrimmage. Washington looked like a man possessed. I know he's intense, but he was jacked up for an intra squad scrimmage. Hope we see that effort and more importantly that focus every night. Clark seemed to be more focused as well and even saw him giving out instructions at one point. Would love him to embrace a leadership role for his senior year. Evans looked solid, but seemed like he was playing in an intrasquad game and not giving his A game (which is fine by me cause that's exactly what it was). Cumberland looks more fit and more confident. That could be scary.

Williams and Moore both looked like they were trying so hard. Moore looked outmatched at times and got frustrated some, which is expected of a freshman the first time on the court. But he looked tough and resilient despite that and that's what impressed me. And his shot is quick and smooth. To me he's nothing but an open shooter on offense this year and that's perfect. Williams has a good all around game. He's fearless and at some point his effectiveness will match his fearlessness. That's not today, but that's ok. He has the skill and his time will definitely come. Nsoseme looked like a man possessed to get his hands on the ball. That's a good thing. Offense and finishing bunnies needs work. Diarra wasn't bad but definitely looks like will have the most growing pains. Put up some bad shots. Bad looking and bad taking them.

I saved my pg analysis for last. Liked we saw both pgs with the starters for each half. Brilliant move. I like Jennifer and his style of play with his flashy passes and not looking to score first but willing and able to hit an open look can be the perfect recipe for the starting four around him. Cane still seems like a more me first and can I score kind of guy, but didn't seem as selfish as he did on last year's scrimmage. But his game is just nasty. He over penetrated a couple times, but he also had some really nice down court passes for easy buckets. My biggest concern on him was can he and will he pass the ball and he answered both yes to me. And he and Cumberland seemed to have a good rapport together to make splash plays and that excites me. Cane is definitely a talent and seems to be the easy choice to start, right????

My prediction...despite that, jenifer will start, cane will finish games. The main reason I say that is knowing Mick, he likes to have his first team and second team. Jenifer can really let the starting four shine and take care of the ball and Cane can be dynamic with a serious drop off in offense with the second team. Having Jenifer out there with the backups seems less fitting to his strengths. Come crunch time and end of games, Cane is the obvious choice to have in the game and it's not close. In my opinion you start him for that reason as well, but I fear Mick will start Jenifer for the reasons I just listed. Also could be a way to keep Cane humble and jenifer confident. Things I think Mick does as well. If this happens, I can see the logic, but I don't know if I fully agree with it. Obviously time will tell, but that's my prediction and my observations. Can't wait for the season to start and yes traffic is going to be an absolute nightmare getting in and out of there.

I don't want any charity starts this year. No subbing to strength or 6th man BS. Start the best 5... especially in big games. Get off to your best start and sub accordingly. No goon squads. Just get starters a break when they need one.

I don't care what they do against cupcakes.

 

[Garybearcat]

I don't want any charity starts this year. No subbing to strength or 6th man BS. Start the best 5... especially in big games. Get off to your best start and sub accordingly. No goon squads. Just get starters a break when they need one.

I don't care what they do against cupcakes.

I’m all for playing our best 5, but if we play at faster pace we are going to need more minutes from the bench than last year. Our two backup big guys (Brooks & Scott )need some quality minutes this year or we are going to be hurting next year. I think you are referring to Johnson starting last year. I won’t be happy if Broome is not a starter over Jennifer. Our best five is (Washington,Clark, Evans, Cumberland, & Broome).

 

[justinhub2003]

I don't want any charity starts this year. No subbing to strength or 6th man BS. Start the best 5... especially in big games. Get off to your best start and sub accordingly. No goon squads. Just get starters a break when they need one.

I don't care what they do against cupcakes.

Im all for this philosophy in theory.

But how many times have we jumped out to a 10 point lead with our starters, only to surrender it by halftime because our 2nd team had no scorers.

I think starting Jenifer with the 1st team maybe good since he facilitates for our 4 scorers in the lineup. Then at the first substitution, Cane comes in for Jenifer and assumes a more scoring roll along with Keith.

Cane could still play more minutes, its just he would be in charge of keeping the ball in the basket when Jarron and jake are off the floor.

Im not for that option, but it is a viable option.


That said, I initially thought Jake or Jarron would lead us in scoring, but It may end up being Kyle and if keeps improving his defense, he has a serious case for being an all american 3rd teamer or something. He gets over looked but his 20 points per 40 minutes lead the team and I think Kyle is the most under appreciated player on this team and nationally. he could get some love by end of the year and will have a nice pro career

 

[waterhead]

Im all for this philosophy in theory.

But how many times have we jumped out to a 10 point lead with our starters, only to surrender it by halftime because our 2nd team had no scorers.

I think starting Jenifer with the 1st team maybe good since he facilitates for our 4 scorers in the lineup. Then at the first substitution, Cane comes in for Jenifer and assumes a more scoring roll along with Keith.

Cane could still play more minutes, its just he would be in charge of keeping the ball in the basket when Jarron and jake are off the floor.

Im not for that option, but it is a viable option.


That said, I initially thought Jake or Jarron would lead us in scoring, but It may end up being Kyle and if keeps improving his defense, he has a serious case for being an all american 3rd teamer or something. He gets over looked but his 20 points per 40 minutes lead the team and I think Kyle is the most under appreciated player on this team and nationally. he could get some love by end of the year and will have a nice pro career

I would probably try to keep Jarron or Jake on the floor. Same with Gary or Kyle. I would start with Cane and try to make sure we keep 3 starters out there. We can score with 3.

The problem I have with starting someone other than the best player is that those first 7 minutes or so you can never get back. Your best player could not play more than 33 minutes even if he wanted too. If you come out the second half the same way...you further limit the amount of minutes your best player can log down to 26.

If you start your best player... you can give them as many minutes as you want depending on the situation including all 40 minutes.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Don’t necessarily trust the frosh yet ....Evans can be a shooting guard if Cumberland is in foul trouble or whatever.
I guess Cane & Jenifer both on the floor is an option

Yeah I could see us going small before ever loading up with 3 big guys playing together. We have plenty of options.

 

[waterhead]

Don’t necessarily trust the frosh yet ....Evans can be a shooting guard if Cumberland is in foul trouble or whatever.
I guess Cane & Jenifer both on the floor is an option

In the case neither frosh wing can handle it... I would definitely put Jenifer and Broome in before sliding Scott to the 3.

I'm guessing we'll get one or the other frosh wings to step up and take care of business and limit turnovers to an acceptable rate.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

In the case neither frosh wing can handle it... I would definitely put Jenifer and Broome in before sliding Scott to the 3.

I'm guessing we'll get one or the other frosh wings to step up and take care of business and limit turnovers to an acceptable rate.

The good news is I don't think anyone is worried that Williams isn't a good player.

 

[ZCat]

I recorded about 14 minutes worth of live action footage from my iPhone. I can upload to Youtube if anyone is interested in watching.

Thanks man! I appreciate all the updates from you and everyone!
Your enthusiasm for the CATS is awesome! Reminds me of me when I was in school.

 

[waterhead]

The good news is I don't think anyone is worried that Williams isn't a good player.

I think he is already more skilled offensively than KJ was during any year. As long as he doesn't get lost on D and doesn't turn it over...he will be out there a lot. I am sure the turnovers are being addressed. The sooner he gets it the better.

 

[Nati lite]

At one point in the video I saw Evans drive for a pull up jumper. Did he do that more throughout the scrimmage?

 

[GuyfromNKY]

At one point in the video I saw Evans drive for a pull up jumper. Did he do that more throughout the scrimmage?

If I remember correctly he shot about 3 or 4 mid range jumpers. One of his best moves is starting beyond the three point line putting a move on his defender to create space then stepping into the jumper. The most memorable example being UCONN his freshman year. Definitely something he should be utilizing more often.

 

[Nati lite]

If I remember correctly he shot about 3 or 4 mid range jumpers. One of his best moves is starting beyond the three point line putting a move on his defender to create space then stepping into the jumper. The most memorable example being UCONN his freshman year. Definitely something he should be utilizing more often.

Yes, I remember that play and the crowd went nuts. I can't wait to go to the game on Wednesday. Bellarmine is also pretty tough for an exhibition because they call can shoot from outside.

 

[rogerOH]

I was out of town and missed the scrimmage and just watched the 14 min. clip. I was impressed with the whole team. I like Tre Scott but am afraid he will never have enough arc on his shot. Broome looks as advertised. I really watched what Keith Williams was doing. One play he missed a bunny but split two defenders to get that shot. His anticipation on the outside got him a breakaway steal and almost 2 more. I also liked his closeouts on the perimeter. He is different than Cumberland but can score at all 3 levels the same way. May have changed my mind about E. Nsoseme redshirting he is a tough /relentless big who has pretty good mobility. I truly hope nobody redshirts and we take care of our opponents early and give the back-ups some minutes.

 

[ZCat]

I expected very little out of Trevor Moore, but I must say he was the most pleasant surprise for me. He has the look of a real player and the best pure shooting form of any recruit in the Cronin era. Nsoseme was fun to watch too. Absolutely love his work rate and motor, and his attitude! I think he's going to contribute. Overall, this is definitely one of the deepest and most talented group of players top to bottom that I've ever seen in a bearcat uniform.....and that includes Kenyon's year, and the final 4 team. Very, very excited for this season.

You guys got me jacked up!!!
I am not so sure I would go that far with the comparisons yet. No offense.
I am not convinced this team could beat either of them. Only time will tell. It's up to mental toughness, the ability to refuse to lose. That's not talent, it's just... something... special. Something extra. I hope this team has it. They dig in.

I remember the FF year, I was at the eggz game, in the garden. we went up like 20-4. Eggz came back to down about 2. NVE immediately drove L, all the way in for a short hook / jumper. Game over. UC was in control the Rest of the way. Sorry , off topic, but boy were those years fun!
Come on JEIII. You are one of my favorite players ever. Bring us another FF, and this city will be yours.

 

[ZCat]

I can not wait until after a timeout and see which five players come on to the floor.I think off Cane and Jenifer and it reminds me of the UCONN teams. Point guards, size. shooters, zone busters , MAN we got it all. This season will be a difference maker for Mick on recruiting for the rest of his career as a coach. I will throw a few more words into what Mick has here. SMART, GOOD KIDS, TEAM PLAYERS. GO CATS !!!!!

Yeah!! I hope Mick does not over coach. Don't take JE out for long in the big games. Get Gary his rest though. Geez I can't wait!

 

[ZCat]

Im all for this philosophy in theory.

But how many times have we jumped out to a 10 point lead with our starters, only to surrender it by halftime because our 2nd team had no scorers.

I think starting Jenifer with the 1st team maybe good since he facilitates for our 4 scorers in the lineup. Then at the first substitution, Cane comes in for Jenifer and assumes a more scoring roll along with Keith.

Cane could still play more minutes, its just he would be in charge of keeping the ball in the basket when Jarron and jake are off the floor.

Im not for that option, but it is a viable option.


That said, I initially thought Jake or Jarron would lead us in scoring, but It may end up being Kyle and if keeps improving his defense, he has a serious case for being an all american 3rd teamer or something. He gets over looked but his 20 points per 40 minutes lead the team and I think Kyle is the most under appreciated player on this team and nationally. he could get some love by end of the year and will have a nice pro career

Maybe that's the plan. Cane averages 15, bc he comes in when there are 2 other subs in, and then he's not really being selfish in that role. He can play his Sacred heart 1 v 5 ( kind of).

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Yeah!! I hope Mick does not over coach. Don't take JE out for long in the big games. Get Gary his rest though. Geez I can't wait!

Evans will play all 40 if he has to. No problem. He's ridiculous.