Scrimmage

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Lol....I laid out my three requirements for Troy to get my stamp of approval somewhere on one of these threads. But lets clarify something. I have said that he is a good player. I have said he is one of our best players. I just don't like him as a point guard.

I have to disagree with you on him being our best player though. I think Gary Clark was our best player last year. He was defensive player of the year. He was second on the team in scoring. He shot over 50% from two and from three. He was an outstanding rebounder and shot blocker. He had almost half of the assist total that Troy had, even though Troy had the ball in his hands the bulk of the time. And, he had more steals than Troy, which is pretty sad that a power forward can out-steal a point guard.

Troy was a 30-some percent shooter, failed in most of end of game situations where success would have given us the win. In spite of having three high percentage shooters inside....Clark, Ellis, and Deberry, Troy was launching by far the most shots at his 30 percent clip. Our next two higher volume shooters were Cobb and Evans, which demonstrates our point guard's inability to get the ball to our higher percentage shooters inside and settling for the "pass around the 3-pt. line" mentality until one of them takes the hurried three-pointer as the shot clock runs out. Shaq, Clark and Ellis, plus Cobb, KJ and Evans, could all get out and run, but Troy would frequently not run, even though there were many times where Mick screamed at him to run. He is obviously not comfortable in transition. He averaged 1 steal per game. Come on?

Yes, I get it. He was first team all-league. I'm crazy. But, the stats don't lie. My vote goes to Gary Clark as our best.

You know I agree with you that in a perfect world TC is playing the off guard and is used as a second ball handler. That said he has a lot on his plate that Clark does not have. The most important thing TC does is take care of the ball. Your comment that he failed in most end of game situations is suspect as well. While both are important pieces of the team I have to go with TC as our best player. Now if JJ does what we all hope for this year TC may not have to shoulder so much of the load. I also think after this year Evans will be the best player on the floor.

 

[L-T]

You know I agree with you that in a perfect world TC is playing the off guard and is used as a second ball handler. That said he has a lot on his plate that Clark does not have. The most important thing TC does is take care of the ball. Your comment that he failed in most end of game situations is suspect as well. While both are important pieces of the team I have to go with TC as our best player. Now if JJ does what we all hope for this year TC may not have to shoulder so much of the load. I also think after this year Evans will be the best player on the floor.

I think Clark will be the best player this year, and if he stays, he'll be the best player next year. This is all contingent on whether or not Mick continues to bury the real best player (JJ) on the bench.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I think Clark will be the best player this year, and if he stays, he'll be the best player next year. This is all contingent on whether or not Mick continues to bury the real best player (JJ) on the bench.

LOL!!! we will see. I like Clarks game. just think Evans has the whole package. Smarts and Talent. He really impressed me. I think he will be in the NBA and be Micks best recruit when all is said and done.

 

[L-T]

LOL!!! we will see. I like Clarks game. just think Evans has the whole package. Smarts and Talent. He really impressed me. I think he will be in the NBA and be Micks best recruit when all is said and done.

Gary has the inside and is getting the outside game to go with it. His defense is amazing. He blocks shots. He'll be a double digit rebounder. He can find the open man. With that combination, I don't see how he'll miss the NBA. Plus, he is a great kid, and obviously works his ass off. How many of us would have believed two years ago that we would ever see him shooting threes. One year later, he is shooting over 50%. Now, I've heard Mick talking about him practicing it all the time. For that matter, I thought he was an atrocious defender as a freshman. One year later, he is defensive player of the year. This kid is moving mountains Waite. If he is here next year, he'll be an all-american. He might be one this year.

 

[waterhead]

Gary has the inside and is getting the outside game to go with it. His defense is amazing. He blocks shots. He'll be a double digit rebounder. He can find the open man. With that combination, I don't see how he'll miss the NBA. Plus, he is a great kid, and obviously works his ass off. How many of us would have believed two years ago that we would ever see him shooting threes. One year later, he is shooting over 50%. Now, I've heard Mick talking about him practicing it all the time. For that matter, I thought he was an atrocious defender as a freshman. One year later, he is defensive player of the year. This kid is moving mountains Waite. If he is here next year, he'll be an all-american. He might be one this year.

Gary is a stud! I would not try to argue between Troy, Gary, or Jacob as possible best players. Hopefully Washington can join in.

However, Gary never passed many eye tests for me...he just gets things done. It doesn't look pretty on offense but he makes shots. He looks awkward at times but I know it doesn't matter. His blocks are a thing of beauty though...haha!!

 

[IDC]

LT and waterhead with back to back positive posts. WTF!

March is about big time players, not depth. We potentially have 3 big time players this year. Thats exciting.

 

[L-T]

LT and waterhead with back to back positive posts. WTF!

March is about big time players, not depth. We potentially have 3 big time players this year. Thats exciting.

Don't forget Kyle Washington.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Don't forget Kyle Washington.

I really don't know what to think about Washington. I like our version of the big three. Evans, Clark and TC but I need to see Washington a few times before I can render a opinion.

 

[waterhead]

I really don't know what to think about Washington. I like our version of the big three. Evans, Clark and TC but I need to see Washington a few times before I can render a opinion.

He dropped 24 points in the scrimmage which was over 1/3 of his team's points. At least a couple of 3s. That being said Cronin seemed to question his shot selection and defensive intensity at times.

Either way I like what he brings on the offensive side and his leadership qualities. Cronin will get him straight on D.

 

[waterhead]

I am really happy that Jenifer is the most improved player because I was worried about wing depth. Now we have the ability to move Troy over in certain instances when he's on the floor with Justin. That's a big relief!

The crazy thing is that Cronin is worried about depth at the 4 and 5 but all we really need to do is find one serviceable back up. We have 3 non starting bigs and we also have the option to play with only one big on the court (Washington or Clark) making the total options for back up at 4. All we really need is someone who can defend, rebound, set picks and get put backs. Please tell me we have at least one of those! I thought that's what we had in Brooks and Scott. If our guards/wings are the strong point of the team just run with one big in emergency situations.

I don't get the concern here other than perhaps having a guy who is great on D and can also score the ball...but that's more of a luxury...and wouldn't that person become the starter?

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

I am really happy that Jenifer is the most improved player because I was worried about wing depth. Now we have the ability to move Troy over in certain instances when he's on the floor with Justin. That's a big relief!

The crazy thing is that Cronin is worried about depth at the 4 and 5 but all we really need to do is find one serviceable back up. We have 3 non starting bigs and we also have the option to play with only one big on the court (Washington or Clark) making the total options for back up at 4. All we really need is someone who can defend, rebound, set picks and get put backs. Please tell me we have at least one of those! I thought that's what we had in Brooks and Scott. If our guards/wings are the strong point of the team just run with one big in emergency situations.

I don't get the concern here other than perhaps having a guy who is great on D and can also score the ball...but that's more of a luxury...and wouldn't that person become the starter?

I think his concern is that Washington has a knack of picking up fouls. Washington will help spread the floor with his range but he can't do it if he is not on the floor. Brooks is a Freshman, Scott is a redshrit freshman and we have all seen Moore. Yes we can go with one big but what if the opposition has two very nice bigs we may be at a disadvantage. I really think Micks concern is none of our big reserves have played D-1 hoops yet except Moore. He likes are starting 5 but lots of unknowns on the bench. Seeing is believing. I'll let you know after I see them perform against good competition. Everyone looks good against the cupcakes.

 

[#BearcatNation]

I am really happy that Jenifer is the most improved player because I was worried about wing depth. Now we have the ability to move Troy over in certain instances when he's on the floor with Justin. That's a big relief!

The crazy thing is that Cronin is worried about depth at the 4 and 5 but all we really need to do is find one serviceable back up. We have 3 non starting bigs and we also have the option to play with only one big on the court (Washington or Clark) making the total options for back up at 4. All we really need is someone who can defend, rebound, set picks and get put backs. Please tell me we have at least one of those! I thought that's what we had in Brooks and Scott. If our guards/wings are the strong point of the team just run with one big in emergency situations.

I don't get the concern here other than perhaps having a guy who is great on D and can also score the ball...but that's more of a luxury...and wouldn't that person become the starter?

For me, the only concern is an injury. I really don't mind only having 10 guys....except for that. If everyone stays healthy, I will have no concern about our depth.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

For me, the only concern is an injury. I really don't mind only having 10 guys....except for that. If everyone stays healthy, I will have no concern about our depth.

Hope your right!!

 

[jacobkdoyle]

I think his concern is that Washington has a knack of picking up fouls. Washington will help spread the floor with his range but he can't do it if he is not on the floor. Brooks is a Freshman, Scott is a redshrit freshman and we have all seen Moore. Yes we can go with one big but what if the opposition has two very nice bigs we may be at a disadvantage. I really think Micks concern is none of our big reserves have played D-1 hoops yet except Moore. He likes are starting 5 but lots of unknowns on the bench. Seeing is believing. I'll let you know after I see them perform against good competition. Everyone looks good against the cupcakes.

Do you know of any teams on our schedule with 2 legit big guys? This is a situation where zone defense is hrlpful, as long as the guys down low can rebound. And Evans and Caupain are both pretty good.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Do you know of any teams on our schedule with 2 legit big guys? This is a situation where zone defense is hrlpful, as long as the guys down low can rebound. And Evans and Caupain are both pretty good.

Not off the top of my head. Its not as simple as just change the defense and go small. We need someone to step forward. I'm sure we will have 5 on the court but I want to play to my strengths not rearrange out of need. Plus you can never discount foul trouble. Need a big to step up.

 

[L-T]

Another thread hijacked!!! What does this discussion have to do with the scrimmage?

Lol!!! J/K. This happens to me so often that I just couldn't resist. It just goes to show how difficult it is to stay on topic, even when we have multiple Mods involved.

I was so pissed off about the thread going off topic that I was prepared to start posting a Mick vs Huggs comparison, but I backed off at the last minute.

Anyway, carry on...lol...your conversation is more interesting than the thread topic anyway!

At 9:00 tonight, we'll have much more info to discuss!!

 

[waterhead]

Another thread hijacked!!! What does this discussion have to do with the scrimmage?

Lol!!! J/K. This happens to me so often that I just couldn't resist. It just goes to show how difficult it is to stay on topic, even when we have multiple Mods involved.

I was so pissed off about the thread going off topic that I was prepared to start posting a Mick vs Huggs comparison, but I backed off at the last minute.

Anyway, carry on...lol...your conversation is more interesting than the thread topic anyway!

At 9:00 tonight, we'll have much more info to discuss!!

Cronin made comments about finding depth at the 4 and 5 after the scrimmage.

No need to worry...lol

 

[waterhead]

I think his concern is that Washington has a knack of picking up fouls. Washington will help spread the floor with his range but he can't do it if he is not on the floor. Brooks is a Freshman, Scott is a redshrit freshman and we have all seen Moore. Yes we can go with one big but what if the opposition has two very nice bigs we may be at a disadvantage. I really think Micks concern is none of our big reserves have played D-1 hoops yet except Moore. He likes are starting 5 but lots of unknowns on the bench. Seeing is believing. I'll let you know after I see them perform against good competition. Everyone looks good against the cupcakes.

If we have 3 bigs on the roster that are basically useless... I would say we made recruiting errors.

Last year we had deberry which was nice but he wasn't an awesome rebounder or defender. If we don't have someone that can do something better than deberry I'm not sure we will ever need them.

 

[GarradJ21]

If we have 3 bigs on the roster that are basically useless... I would say we made recruiting errors.

Last year we had deberry which was nice but he wasn't an awesome rebounder or defender. If we don't have someone that can do something better than deberry I'm not sure we will ever need them.

Scotts going to get after it. Worried he might make a turnover or a bad pass, but I see him getting after the boards and hustle balls.

 

[waterhead]

For me, the only concern is an injury. I really don't mind only having 10 guys....except for that. If everyone stays healthy, I will have no concern about our depth.

We don't really have a depth issue. We have plenty of players. We have a quality depth issue. The problem is we have 4 guys that are most likely irreplaceable in terms of hoping for a big season.

Many teams can say that but the big time programs have quality depth on the bench. Injury would not necessarily be a death sentence for them. In some cases more talented players are waiting their turn. This season is a concern for me.