Are U Happy
- Thread starter Halldan1
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anon_4htvdezyfe7k9
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I like what I've seen. Need IW and AD to play up to their potential and we could have a nice season, although I've been conditioned not to read too much into the Pre-February slate of the season.
As highlighted in the thread on the trove, Ish, Desi and Nzei have been pleasant surprises. Need Ish back before we play Wichita State.
As highlighted in the thread on the trove, Ish, Desi and Nzei have been pleasant surprises. Need Ish back before we play Wichita State.
Happy with improved play from Desi, Carrington and Ish. Also happy so far with Nzei.
Not thrilled with Delgado's play so far.Still rebounds well, but has lost something from his game. Sadly, not happy with IW's game. To me, shows negligible if any progress in his game. Still takes too many shots, too many ridiculous shots. I used to believe he was a player who needed to have the ball in his hands as much as possible. But he is not playing like a point guard. His court judgment is poor.
Not thrilled with Delgado's play so far.Still rebounds well, but has lost something from his game. Sadly, not happy with IW's game. To me, shows negligible if any progress in his game. Still takes too many shots, too many ridiculous shots. I used to believe he was a player who needed to have the ball in his hands as much as possible. But he is not playing like a point guard. His court judgment is poor.
I tend to agree.
No one wanted the Hall to lose to Long Beach State. But they did. Not a brutal loss but not a good one either.
GW, offered an opportunity for a quality road win but losing there was expected even though it was contested to the end.
Maybe more than just pure results though I like to look at the eye test. And that test shows me a lot of physical potential for this team.
Preseason I picked the team 5th behind Nova, Butler, Georgetown and Xavier. Right now you have to also have them behind Providence as well, but to me that's it.
I know no one wants to hear the word patience. But in reality this team needs that. What happened in the past should not penalize this group. They're young and in the process of gaining experience.
My main worry (by far) going into the season was the PF spot. To date not only has Ish shown the ability to compete there but so has his backup Nzei.
Desi and Carrington (especially recently) have played very well. And Gordon is what was expected. A solid player.
That leaves Delgado and Whitehead.
Angel seems to be getting his 2014/15 mojo back and Whitehead who is our best player has to show that on the court. He obviously has that type ability.
I like what I am seeing, but understand we must show growth as the season progresses. They're young now, but as we reach Jan and Feb that excuse doesn't hold nearly as much water.
Next year could be the start of something special at the Hall if the roster stays intact, but none of us want to talk about that now.
The team must be competitive in the Big East and at least challenge for a NCAA bid. Anything short of that stated goal by Kevin Willard will be a failure in my mind.
I'm generally happy with how the team is playing. I'm content with Willard at the moment. I would be very unhappy if Sterling and Jaren were still on the roster and our results were the same. I understand the team is young and will take time to develop.
If I had to pick one thing to be unhappy about, it's Isaiah's and Angel's progression. Both were billed to be eventual NBA players, and they still may yet be, but neither has shown me much to believe that to become true, especially Isaiah.
I wonder if Isaiah had made the decision to play for a hall of fame coach with several former players in the league, if he would be on track. If he doesn't make it, most of my blame would be lie with our coaching staff.
If I had to pick one thing to be unhappy about, it's Isaiah's and Angel's progression. Both were billed to be eventual NBA players, and they still may yet be, but neither has shown me much to believe that to become true, especially Isaiah.
I wonder if Isaiah had made the decision to play for a hall of fame coach with several former players in the league, if he would be on track. If he doesn't make it, most of my blame would be lie with our coaching staff.
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anon_4htvdezyfe7k9
Guest
Agree with Dan on preaching some patience. These are sophomores though, not freshman, I think the time for that should expire after the non-conference games, at least to some extent.
I think part of the issue from a fan's perspective is that we are all wondering if IW and AD will be here next season. Neither looks close to NBA-ready and I don't expect that to change, but if there was more certainty around that and the HC situation, I think we could enjoy this season a little more with the added patience needed to do so. There's a bit of a false sense of urgency from my perspective.
I think part of the issue from a fan's perspective is that we are all wondering if IW and AD will be here next season. Neither looks close to NBA-ready and I don't expect that to change, but if there was more certainty around that and the HC situation, I think we could enjoy this season a little more with the added patience needed to do so. There's a bit of a false sense of urgency from my perspective.
Seton Hall MBB @SetonHallMBB 23h23 hours agoExcited to see this guy’s atop the BIG EAST in rebounding again! #HALLin
The team so far is what I expected, a 6-8 placed team in the Big East.
Individually there's some good and some bad. Collectively they're where I thought they'd be.
Individually there's some good and some bad. Collectively they're where I thought they'd be.
One disappointment to date has been Veer.
This is what I expected him to do for the Hall. And will continue to do so moving forward.
He just has to calm down and gain confidence.
Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein 17h17 hours ago
The unsung presence in Providence's 8-1 start is freshman Ryan Fazekas. 17-36 from 3. Good pick-and-pop threat. Averaging 7.9 PPG. #pcbb
This is what I expected him to do for the Hall. And will continue to do so moving forward.
He just has to calm down and gain confidence.
Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein 17h17 hours agoThe unsung presence in Providence's 8-1 start is freshman Ryan Fazekas. 17-36 from 3. Good pick-and-pop threat. Averaging 7.9 PPG. #pcbb
I thought we would be better. I thought IW And AD would be better and that we would play faster which IMO is our best speed.
I think we have good talent at all positions and good depth up front. The guard depth scares me given how hard IW defends.
We are not a smoothly functioning machine. I hope time and reps cures this, but can see other more permanent issues that could be the problem. Like pg, personnel not meshing or coaching.
Mixed bag but the mix tends to disappoint me more. First the good. Ish, Carrington and Desi have all played well. I felt that Desi and Carrington would be good but Ish and even Nzei has pleasantly surprised.
Now the bad, Whitehead has been a disappointment. His total points are meaningless when you look how inefficient he is at scoring those points. Poor shot selection and poor decision making. I want to see him be more of a facilitator and let the game come to him. The team at times plays better without him on the floor as they tend to play as a team and not get into individual one on one basketball.
Delgado has regressed and has not played well. Incomplete on Singh. He was hurt so that put him behind but I feel this kid will perform.
The two players players that you count on the most have not played well. The team has not beat any decent team on the schedule. So they have beaten the teams that they should have. Whoop de doo.
Not happy with the lack of offensive plays and the defense has been porous as well. Overall disappointed.
Now the bad, Whitehead has been a disappointment. His total points are meaningless when you look how inefficient he is at scoring those points. Poor shot selection and poor decision making. I want to see him be more of a facilitator and let the game come to him. The team at times plays better without him on the floor as they tend to play as a team and not get into individual one on one basketball.
Delgado has regressed and has not played well. Incomplete on Singh. He was hurt so that put him behind but I feel this kid will perform.
The two players players that you count on the most have not played well. The team has not beat any decent team on the schedule. So they have beaten the teams that they should have. Whoop de doo.
Not happy with the lack of offensive plays and the defense has been porous as well. Overall disappointed.
I've said it a number of times. I like this team.
However, there are spurts in a game where we completely forget what a good shot is, we don't box out and we miss defensive assignments.
When Carrington, Whitehead, and Delgado find their butts on the bench because of this, I will then like what I see more. Granted these are not the only guys who make mental mistakes on the court. But when others see Carrington, Whitehead, and Delgado on the bench for making mental mistakes, they all know they are going to be benched too if they are not mentally focused.
You can get away with spurts of bad basketball vs most of the teams we've played, but that 5 minutes per game of bad basketball is where a teams like Nova, Butler, Xavier, PC, and Georgetown will take a close game and then out of nowhere be up 12-15 points on us.
I'm very pleased that with the play of Ish and Nzei, along with the other 3 players I mentioned, we have closed the talent gap, now we just need 40 minutes of high IQ basketball.
However, there are spurts in a game where we completely forget what a good shot is, we don't box out and we miss defensive assignments.
When Carrington, Whitehead, and Delgado find their butts on the bench because of this, I will then like what I see more. Granted these are not the only guys who make mental mistakes on the court. But when others see Carrington, Whitehead, and Delgado on the bench for making mental mistakes, they all know they are going to be benched too if they are not mentally focused.
You can get away with spurts of bad basketball vs most of the teams we've played, but that 5 minutes per game of bad basketball is where a teams like Nova, Butler, Xavier, PC, and Georgetown will take a close game and then out of nowhere be up 12-15 points on us.
I'm very pleased that with the play of Ish and Nzei, along with the other 3 players I mentioned, we have closed the talent gap, now we just need 40 minutes of high IQ basketball.
Yes, overall I am happy with what I've seen. The improvement in play from Carrington, Desi, and Ish is just outstanding. Nzei has been a pleasant surprise as well. He's legit. Gordon and Anderson seem to be filling their reserve roles well.
Whitehead and Delgado have been uninspiring, which is a huge surprise. Need them to join the party.
Biggest concerns remain heady guard play and playing within a flow. Cannot be playground in the Big East.
Whitehead and Delgado have been uninspiring, which is a huge surprise. Need them to join the party.
Biggest concerns remain heady guard play and playing within a flow. Cannot be playground in the Big East.
Very concerned that the best talent is playing the way he is since he has the ball in his hands so much and is taking so many shots. IW needs to mature and play a lot smarter for this team to reach it's potential. Otherwise I'm OK with what the rest of the team is doing . I think AD has broken out and will be fine.
Put me in the camp that's neither happy nor disappointed. The team so far looks as I expected -- a year away from contending for a bid. Defense is steadily improving but the offense remains a mess. We are turning the ball over like the Washington Generals against a pretty soft schedule. While the offensive rebounding has been good(and has kept the offense afloat in several games), that should taper off once we start facing more physical BE front lines. Going to need a monumental improvement on the defensive end to be better than 6-8 in the league IMO.
I am really enjoying watching some of the young talent come of age - Khadeen, Ish, Desi, and Nzei have really done well. I'm hopeful that Angel will continue his progress - he is key to our season and I think he will. I like Anderson as a solid backup at the 5 and sometimes 4. I think Veer will begin to contribute more little by litte (its a big transition). I am not thrilled about Gordon's play so far. He is not as good as I hoped, but he will get better and more used to playing with this team. I am concerned about Zeke but I think he will continue to learn and help us. A lot of pressure rests on his shoulders and he has to get more efficient with his play. I have no doubt that he will work really hard to improve which gives me a lot of hope. The coaching is better in some regards but the defense still puzzles the heck out of me.
I am being patient with my assessment of where this team will go because we've been burned before. Ask me again in late January.
I am being patient with my assessment of where this team will go because we've been burned before. Ask me again in late January.
I am neither happy nor disappointed ... merely "meh" ... It is what it is, we are what we are.
Hopefully we'll have a winning record at the end of the year.
But our two stars look like they've gone backwards and the other pieces are not quite there yet.
I guess we are now waiting on next year?
Hopefully we'll have a winning record at the end of the year.
But our two stars look like they've gone backwards and the other pieces are not quite there yet.
I guess we are now waiting on next year?
Offense - still a work in progress...probably a solid backup PG and shooter away from being in the upper echelon of BE. See also comments below about IW.
Defense - occasional moments where there is a lack of effort, but for the most part, best defensive team in Willard's tenure so far. When they are good, they are really after it. Also, defense looks so much better when we have guys who can rebound. Best rebounding team that I've seen for some time. True test will come when BE season starts.
Players - Carrington best player so far. Desi, Ish, Nzei behind him. Saw some good post moves and rebounding toughness out of Angel vs. Rutgers. In fairness to him, he has been constantly double-teamed this year. As most have said though, needs to give more consistent effort. IW - been at his best when he lets game come to him. Been bad when he forces it, although there have been a few threes where I am saying "no no no no, YES!". Gordon - good player, but lack of mental of focus from time to time.
Newcomers - Singh hurt by injury early in season, but I really like his effort, and willingness to be a team player, i.e. seems to know his role right now. Soffer - if only he could play defense and dribble well, but his shot his a thing of beauty; if he sticks around, works hard to improve defencies (quickness, strength, handle), then he could be a Rimas-like player for us in his Jr. and Sr. seasons. Carter - looks like he needs work, but if he can improve like Ish, then watch out in future years.
That's my way too early in the season analysis...looking forward to Wichita State game, that will tell us a lot about whether we have ability to crack top 5 of BE this year. Especially if Van Fleet is healthy.
Defense - occasional moments where there is a lack of effort, but for the most part, best defensive team in Willard's tenure so far. When they are good, they are really after it. Also, defense looks so much better when we have guys who can rebound. Best rebounding team that I've seen for some time. True test will come when BE season starts.
Players - Carrington best player so far. Desi, Ish, Nzei behind him. Saw some good post moves and rebounding toughness out of Angel vs. Rutgers. In fairness to him, he has been constantly double-teamed this year. As most have said though, needs to give more consistent effort. IW - been at his best when he lets game come to him. Been bad when he forces it, although there have been a few threes where I am saying "no no no no, YES!". Gordon - good player, but lack of mental of focus from time to time.
Newcomers - Singh hurt by injury early in season, but I really like his effort, and willingness to be a team player, i.e. seems to know his role right now. Soffer - if only he could play defense and dribble well, but his shot his a thing of beauty; if he sticks around, works hard to improve defencies (quickness, strength, handle), then he could be a Rimas-like player for us in his Jr. and Sr. seasons. Carter - looks like he needs work, but if he can improve like Ish, then watch out in future years.
That's my way too early in the season analysis...looking forward to Wichita State game, that will tell us a lot about whether we have ability to crack top 5 of BE this year. Especially if Van Fleet is healthy.
How can you be disappointed by a freshman 8 games into his career (a few of which he missed due to injury) and a backup center who until recently didn't have much playing time (and he played well)?
I would love to believe this, but the evidence just doesn't support it. We have not had an offense in the top half of the league, let alone upper echelon, since Willard was hired (the same is true for his Iona teams BTW). Every single combination of players that has come through here (and we've seen them all -- city kids, suburb kids, foreign kids, shooters, slashers, pass first guards, shoot first guards, stretch 4s, power 4s, upperclassmen, underclassmen, top 100 players, diamonds in the rough) have all been unable to create a cohesive, efficient offense. It's the system, not the players
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anon_4htvdezyfe7k9
Guest
I think next year we could be very good if AD and IW return, but not turning my back on this year.
Can anyone honestly say we hadn't had this much talent in the few and far between years where we made the NCAAs, most recently, specifically with Orr?
let's not forget, that the core group of this team is a result of assistant coaching hires. Yes there is more talent, but it still middle of the league talent. The problem is we have bottom of the league coaching. I haven't seen any material improvement in Willard's ability to lead a team to the post season.
Am I happy that we still look like a seventh or eighth place team? They are about where I thought they would be. I'll talk to use the word "happy" at this point. Need to see more. I like the kids, but hate the coach.
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anon_4htvdezyfe7k9
Guest
Agree, was trying to post about the talent level without highlighting the coaching deficiencies
Also agree that it took "creative" measures to get most of these kids here, but they're here, they have talent, and all other things equal, should be knocking on the door of a NCAA berth. If they don't, then the appropriate actions should be taken, but I like what I've seen so far.
I think this is the most accurate post I've read here in a long time. Truly depressing.
I had a feeling that the team would struggle early on because so much of their offense the past two years was dependent on Gibbs. The TO's & team defense are much worse than I expected however. I honestly feel that we have the talent to play man to man this year rather than having to rely on that awful match up zone.
What has McDermott done without his son? They just lost to Loyola of Chicago. And Thompson is the most overrated coach in America. Has done less with more talent than any coach in recent memory.
Just commenting on those noting how bad the turnover situation is....
Dartmouth 20
Wagner 23
Long Beach State 11
Bradley 11
Mississippi 12
Georgia 10
George Washington 14
Rutgers 14
After the first two games I don't see a problem. Young team growing up.
Dartmouth 20
Wagner 23
Long Beach State 11
Bradley 11
Mississippi 12
Georgia 10
George Washington 14
Rutgers 14
After the first two games I don't see a problem. Young team growing up.
Thompson 119-68 in BE....636 winning pct. I'll take that over-rated coach with this team....
Dont expect him to gain confidence that easily. Confidence comes from the coach. Our coach gives off negative confidence. This is really what my biggest issue is with him. When freshman are overwhelmed, feeling lost, struggling etc you gotta have a guy to help mitigate those feelings not exacerbate them.
That's quite a different story and not brought up previously.
Of course it's bad and that far more than those questioning the turnovers should be their point of emphasis.
Turnovers are going to happen, but if you arent creating anything at the other end then youre just an insanely inefficient and possibly detrimental piece during BE play.
Need better ball and player movement, but that is starting to happen.
Also, you have to hit jumpers and have players finish down low to add to the assist total. That's not been happening often enough.
Carrington, although starting to play well is scoring individuality on drives and pull ups and Whitehead is playing too much one on one BB.
They're our two high scorers and thus a major reason for our low assist totals.
This is true. Lots of guys can rack up assists on good jump shooting teama, but there is also an equal amount of forcing the play going on.
Biggest problem is that our players for years have felt compelled to force a play because willard leaves them with absolutely nothing else to do. Most times I cant blame them.
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