Stony Brook

[L-T]

That was such an exciting game to watch. Totally pumped that Tobler got in there and had his first career points as a bearcat. When the walk on comes in and scores you know it was a good game...

Hmmmm....maybe I'll start complaining about the walk-on not getting enough playing time.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Welcome back Waite. You got a little quiet recently after a lot more people than just me started voicing some concerns. But yes, all is good in Bearcatland today. Outstanding game last night, abeit Stony Brook. That fact must temper our enthusiasm a bit, but I started to get a much clearer vision of the potential of this team last night, even though I've said from day 1 that I like this roster of players a lot. If Quadri keeps shooting like he did last night, I'll have to back off my "Mick doesn't recruit shooters" comment. He's been in a little bit of a funk recently, but wow...the potential of a guy his size being able to step outside and drain shots is exciting. He's also got good ball skills for a big man.

It was amazing to see Shaq come to life. I've stated a few times that this team needs Shaq playing well to reach its potential. As soon as he got a dunk, it was like the light bulb came on and he just came alive.

I also am getting much more excited by Deberry. This guy has a lot more skills and athleticism than we thought. I'm not so sure he couldn't be a solid starter on a lot of teams, but having the one-two punch of him and Ellis is a huge upgrade over our recent teams.

Still love Morman a lot. Caupain looked like his old self. KJ's shot still isn't falling, but his effort was off the charts. All-in-all, no complaints. Great performance. Mick is indeed a miracle worker.. Who knew? Just one practice and he had them shooting 100% from three at the half! Looking forward to this 3 game gauntlet!

Lots going on with the Holidays approaching. Also spent a week in Tucson.

 

[Robert]

Troy, KJ and Morman played well. Only so many minutes to go around when 3 guys are "on"...

I also noticed at the end of the game Mick went with KJ and Morman in the backcourt. Probably a good idea to get those guys a little run at the point in case Guyn is out for a while. I know Guyn is playing off the ball this year, but I imagine he is the de facto 3rd point guard.

 

[LaxCat31]

I also noticed at the end of the game Mick went with KJ and Morman in the backcourt. Probably a good idea to get those guys a little run at the point in case Guyn is out for a while. I know Guyn is playing off the ball this year, but I imagine he is the de facto 3rd point guard.

Speaking of Guyn, any update on his injury? Do we know how much time he is suppose to miss?

 

[thewheeldeal]

First time post, long time reader of this forum. Thought I'd finally chime in on some discussion. I was in Florida this past week to see our Cats play and was disappointed after the Ole Miss game but definitely not as upset as a lot of you guys were (more upset that I had to drive all the way home to Cincinnati the next day). I think the key word with this team this year is PATIENCE. We need to all take a deep breath and not jump to any conclusions, Yes these early games are important but I do not think you will see what this team can really do until late January. There will be many bumps along the road but I do think come Late January early February this team will be VERY good. Top-25 good? I'm not sure but definitely a top the American playing for a conference title. I also believe Gary Clark will develop into our go-to scorer by the end of the year. Got to see him up close in Florida and WOW, he has some of the best hands I've seen and unbelievable touch around the rim. It sure is nice seeing a guy that can consistently finish around the rim and then hit his free throws! One last thing, to some of the posters that truly believe Mick doesn't care about the offense and they don't practice it is outrageous, I'm just going to leave it that. Go Cats!

 

[Patrick Bateman]

I also noticed at the end of the game Mick went with KJ and Morman in the backcourt. Probably a good idea to get those guys a little run at the point in case Guyn is out for a while. I know Guyn is playing off the ball this year, but I imagine he is the de facto 3rd point guard.

Not sure how much I liked KJ at the point considering he is TO prone. This early in the season, I think it is a good idea to get his confidence up. Noticed that Mick had him pass to Shaq on top of key to start offense with Troy and KJ in backcourt. KJ's biggest weakness is ball control, his FT's will hopefully start to fall like his shot is starting to.

 

[TheLongHaul]

Best game of the year so far. Biggest thing they did was give the ball to the bigs. Ellis, Clark, and even DeBerry are all a threat to score on the low block so you have to give it to them and UC did last night. That created a lot of open looks.

They also pushed the tempo which created a number of good looks and got guys into a rhythm.

 

[L-T]

First time post, long time reader of this forum. Thought I'd finally chime in on some discussion. I was in Florida this past week to see our Cats play and was disappointed after the Ole Miss game but definitely not as upset as a lot of you guys were (more upset that I had to drive all the way home to Cincinnati the next day). I think the key word with this team this year is PATIENCE. We need to all take a deep breath and not jump to any conclusions, Yes these early games are important but I do not think you will see what this team can really do until late January. There will be many bumps along the road but I do think come Late January early February this team will be VERY good. Top-25 good? I'm not sure but definitely a top the American playing for a conference title. I also believe Gary Clark will develop into our go-to scorer by the end of the year. Got to see him up close in Florida and WOW, he has some of the best hands I've seen and unbelievable touch around the rim. It sure is nice seeing a guy that can consistently finish around the rim and then hit his free throws! One last thing, to some of the posters that truly believe Mick doesn't care about the offense and they don't practice it is outrageous, I'm just going to leave it that. Go Cats!

Why is it so outragious when there is video of a press conference with two players (Cobb and KJ) where Cobb says...and I quote..."In practice, we focus on defense almost the whole time". KJ doesn't bat an eye when Cobb says it. Why on Earth would players say something like this if it wasn't true? Everyone can question it all you want, but nobody on this forum is around the team more than the players themselves, and if they say it, then it must be true. Especially since there's really no reason for them to lie about something like that. There's been other comments in the past about practices being two and a half hours on defense and a half hour on offense. I know Chad Brendal has also weighed in that he has seen 3 hour practices all on offense.

Again, thanks to LeftyRose for finding the video. I think the video is the trump card in this argument. Especially since the quote matches what we are seeing on the court for the last 9 years. But, last night was outstanding offense.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

Why is it so outragious when there is video of a press conference with two players (Cobb and KJ) where Cobb says...and I quote..."In practice, we focus on defense almost the whole time". KJ doesn't bat an eye when Cobb says it. Why on Earth would players say something like this if it wasn't true? Everyone can question it all you want, but nobody on this forum is around the team more than the players themselves, and if they say it, then it must be true. Especially since there's really no reason for them to lie about something like that. There's been other comments in the past about practices being two and a half hours on defense and a half hour on offense. I know Chad Brendal has also weighed in that he has seen 3 hour practices all on offense.

Again, thanks to LeftyRose for finding the video. I think the video is the trump card in this argument. Especially since the quote matches what we are seeing on the court for the last 9 years. But, last night was outstanding offense.

Ok. We get it. Stop saying the same things over and over again.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

While I enjoyed Moore knocking down some shots he really needs to work on his Defense. Making a jumper and giving up a lay up isn't a good trade off. you earn your minutes by playing defense.

 

[jacobkdoyle]

While I enjoyed Moore knocking down some shots he really needs to work on his Defense. Making a jumper and giving up a lay up isn't a good trade off. you earn your minutes by playing defense.

I agree Waite. But we need Moore and the only way for him to learn is to go out there and play. The number one thing he needs to improve defensively imo is his distance from the basket. He lets guys catch it way too deep and he's easy to get around for offensive rebounders bc he's in too close. I hope with experience he learns how to carve out more space for himself. He has a big frame, he needs to use it. At least he didn't pick up any fouls last night (although I thought he got away with a couple). And I know a jumper for giving up a lay up isn't a great trade off, but it is really nice to see his potential as a big that can stretch the floor.

 

[waterhead]

Ok. We get it. Stop saying the same things over and over again.

He thinks Cobb was being literal (not exaggerating) about his comments on practice. He thinks because KJ didn't say anything one way or another that it's the same thing as saying what Cobb said. He has discarded the comments made by people who actually watch practice and can verify that Cobb was likely just exaggerating.

I don't think you can reason with someone like this but nice try...

 

[ME80]

I also am getting much more excited by Deberry. This guy has a lot more skills and athleticism than we thought. I'm not so sure he couldn't be a solid starter on a lot of teams, but having the one-two punch of him and Ellis is a huge upgrade over our recent teams.

Also very happy to see (I understand that it is only a small slice of the season) that we have 4 inside players that have some touch from the FT line.

 

[L-T]

He thinks Cobb was being literal (not exaggerating) about his comments on practice. He thinks because KJ didn't say anything one way or another that it's the same thing as saying what Cobb said. He has discarded the comments made by people who actually watch practice and can verify that Cobb was likely just exaggerating.

I don't think you can reason with someone like this but nice try...

It's a direct quote versus you assuming to know what he was really thinking.

It is difficult to reason with people who are arguing that their "assumption" is more credible than what the person actually said. Laughable!

Do I really believe Mick works on offense? I hope the hell he does. But then, we also have the on-the-court offensive struggles that kind of corroborate the quote. Look at the offense. Look at Farad's quote. Look at Chad's quote. Who is more believable? End of story.

 

[L-T]

Also very happy to see (I understand that it is only a small slice of the season) that we have 4 inside players that have some touch from the FT line.

Agree totally. It's another dimension that we've not seen much recently. Gary reminds me of Danny Fortson. He's shown great maturity in the way he works inside (in spite of his youth). I think he could have a career that parallels Fortsons.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

BTW Mick said in his postgame presser that he had spent the two days before game exclusively working with the guys on offense. He said he didn't even watch film on Stony Brook, he left that to coach Savino....

 

[L-T]

BTW Mick said in his postgame presser that he had spent the two days before game exclusively working with the guys on offense. He said he didn't even watch film on Stony Brook, he left that to coach Savino....

Lol!!! And, he barely played Farad. Looks like the message has been delivered. The work on offense definitely showed in last night's game.

 

[Chad Brendel]

Agree totally. It's another dimension that we've not seen much recently. Gary reminds me of Danny Fortson. He's shown great maturity in the way he works inside (in spite of his youth). I think he could have a career that parallels Fortsons.

It's a direct quote versus you assuming to know what he was really thinking.

It is difficult to reason with people who are arguing that their "assumption" is more credible than what the person actually said. Laughable!

Do I really believe Mick works on offense? I hope the hell he does. But then, we also have the on-the-court offensive struggles that kind of corroborate the quote. Look at the offense. Look at Farad's quote. Look at Chad's quote. Who is more believable? End of story.

I will say this one last time, and if directly calling me a liar continues to be allowed, my time here will be done.

I have sat through several full practices in the past month devoted entirely to the offense. Installing sets requires it, and to think otherwise is laughable.

I have sat through other practices where the focus is on defense for the full session. I would say from what I have seen it has been roughly a 55/45 split as Mick tries to get this young team to defend at a level he expects and works to install the match up zone that is becoming more prevalent.

Some weeks the focus is offense and others it is defense depending on what needs the most work at that point...

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

Jason Maxiell's averages as a freshman: 8.1 points (55.2% FG), 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 0.7 steals in 20.9 minutes

Gary Clark thus far: 8.9 points (58.1% FG), 8.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.0 steals in 25.9 minutes.

I would be thrilled if he had the same career as Max....

 

[L-T]

I will say this one last time, and if directly calling me a liar continues to be allowed, my time here will be done.

I have sat through several full practices in the past month devoted entirely to the offense. Installing sets requires it, and to think otherwise is laughable.

I have sat through other practices where the focus is on defense for the full session. I would say from what I have seen it has been roughly a 55/45 split as Mick tries to get this young team to defend at a level he expects and works to install the match up zone that is becoming more prevalent.

Some weeks the focus is offense and others it is defense depending on what needs the most work at that point...

Chad, I never called you a liar once, and I sincerely apologize if you think I did. These crazy arguments might take the topic in that direction. I know Mick works on offense. I appreciate what you bring to this forum. But, when a player says this and it sort of make sense when looking at the performance, you have to wonder. Please accept my apology. I intended to give more credance to a players comment than to take away from what you said. I am sorry.