ISH or NZEI

[Rimas]

Who starts?

Ish - Shooting 51%, 57% FT, 5 pts a game, 7 rebs a game, and 12 ast, 11 stl, and 13 blks in 9 games.
Nzei Shooting 77% 52% FT, 6.5 pts a game, 4 rebs a game, and 3 ast, 2 stl, and 7 blks in 10 games

Size, Length, Strength
Advantage: Ish

Athleticism:
Advantage: Nzei

Rebounding:
Advantage: Ish

Offense
Advantage: Nzei, however the assists by Ish are surprising and make this much closer than I thought.

Defense:
Advantage:Ish


Verdict: Watching this game closely last night you could see just how much farther along defensively Ish is than Nzei. Ish is all over the court ballhawking, wreaking havoc on the other team's best scorers no matter the position. Nzei has a better nose for the ball offensively and does an awesome job with putbacks. Ish doesn't look for his shot first and actually has an excellent number of assists. I will say that as a long time fan this is the first time I have seen 3 players in the frontcourt with this kind of talent. We havent had a real PF and C since the Sam and Eddie season and that didn't end well. I am very happy with the play of the front court this season. I think they complement each other well, but as of right now defensively we are much stronger with Ish in the game. I love the way he plays and he has become my favorite player.

Thoughts?

 

[Piratz]

I cannot believe we have some frontcourt depth for once!!! LOL

I would go with Ish once he's back to full health. I like the idea of having the defense/rebounding and "glue guy" type of thing early on, then Nzei then a nice spark off the bench.

Plus, Ish was the starter and did not do anything to lose that role except get hurt.

 

[Section112]

It's great having these two on the team. When was the last time we would sub in a PF and have no drop off? Maybe Avent/Volcy? Great to have these two on the team and they will get better. Should be interesting to see how they fair once the BE games start.

 

[Seton75]

I have been Nzei's biggest supporter, and if we start Ish again, as good as Mike is playing, I have no issues with it. When Ish came in yesterday, he really mixed it up, got his hands dirty and positively effected the game. They are similar, but slightly different. And I think both are scratching the surface.

 

[SOBO1]

I think they are equally athletic.

 

[SHU2012]

If I was forced to choose one to play, it would be Ish. As you noted, his defense is actually what impresses me the most. He's extremely active, and I think he's done a nice job on offense finishing near the rim when he's gotten the chance.

Luckily, we have them both. Watching them both play has been extremely
enjoyable. As a poster mentioned the other day, it's nice that we finally have multiple guys that can catch passes near the rim and finish. We are lucky to have both of these guys for a long time.

 

[Piratz]

These two have been one of the best surprises we've had in quite some time. Think about where they were last season; Sanogo played a grand total of 96 minutes all year and Nzei was sitting out as a partial qualifier and injured wrist.

Really impressive how they have grown. Credit to them for working hard and credit to KW and staff as its happening on their watch.

 

[anon_4htvdezyfe7k9]

Like them both a lot, but Ish by a narrow margin. He's all over the court it seems and in additional to his rebounding, his ability to handle the ball and run the floor has been impressive.

 

[Seton75]

If I was forced to choose one to play, it would be Ish. As you noted, his defense is actually what impresses me the most. He's extremely active, and I think he's done a nice job on offense finishing near the rim when he's gotten the chance.

Luckily, we have them both. Watching them both play has been extremely
enjoyable. As a poster mentioned the other day, it's nice that we finally have multiple guys that can catch passes near the rim and finish. We are lucky to have both of these guys for a long time.

IMO, Ish is better defender, Mike is better finishing. Both rebound equally. Ish has better handle. And both can get out and run and will electrify the Rock with a few slams.

Two solid 4s. A frosh and a soph.

 

[Vegas pj]

Who woulda thunk at the start of the season they'd be a debate over who should be starting at the 4? Kinda nice to have this kinda problem.

 

[Bud Boomer]

Nzei IMO, but both should get major minutes. Might even be worth moving Ish around a bit (try him as the backup 3 or 5?) to keep him on the floor with Nzei.

 

[Halldan1]

I would go with Ish since I almost always lean toward D over O.

Ish was a MAJOR factor on that side of the court all day Sunday. Helping out, playing his man, causing havoc, deflecting balls ( a big time stat IMO), etc.

In fact I asked about Ish's defensive impact to Willard in the post game and he said matter of factly, I didn't see anything different from him than usual. But I guess he's spoiled me.

 

[HallBall'n]

Can't go wrong with either player as they are essentially, interchangeable.
What a great issue to have.

Ish has become my favorite player on the team. If I had him at my house he would be at the dinner table constantly. I love Nzei on the court as well though.

I've solved nothing here. They are both terrific.

 

[garyshu71]

I would play them together to go big from time to time. Both are much better than Singh right now who is playing terrible defense . Ish could be a shut down defender on a hot shooting 3. I'd also like to see what Desi can do at the 2.

 

[Seton75]

I would play them together to go big from time to time. Both are much better than Singh right now who is playing terrible defense . Ish could be a shut down defender on a hot shooting 3. I'd also like to see what Desi can do at the 2.

I have been wondering if we see both on the court together, be it at the 4-5 or 3-4. For the latter we give up offense, the former size and rebounding, but at times it could be a combo worth trying. These two and Desi at the 2 could be fun too.

 

[shupat08]

Did anyone catch Nzei's steal at the FT line and drive past defenders into open court for the dunk yesterday? Crazy.

 

[mjs428]

Before the injury it was close maybe even a slight edge to Ish.

Right now it's not close. Nezi has started the past 3 games, don't change it when we are playing the best team on our ooc schedule. We need offense more than defense at this point. Nezi clearly gives us that over Ish.

 

[setonia]

Love them both. What's great about Nzei on offense is that he keeps things simple. He puts himself in perfect position on the baseline, makes the clean catch, and attacks the rim with confidence. Sounds easy, but so many bigs travel in that situation, or mishandle the rock, or pump fake unnecessarily. Ish is a fearless rebounder with a great knack for interrupting the passing lanes. Both he and Gordon do a great job of keeping their arms extended. It's tough getting the ball inbounds when Ish is guarding. I'd say athleticism is a draw.

 

[hallgrad80]

I think it depends on which player provides what you need on a game by game basis . If you need offense you probably go with Nzei if you need defense and rebounding you go with Ish and there will be times in certain scenarios I could see both on the court.

 

[HALL85]

I would go with Ish since I almost always lean toward D over O.

Ish was a MAJOR factor on that side of the court all day Sunday. Helping out, playing his man, causing havoc, deflecting balls ( a big time stat IMO), etc.

In fact I asked about Ish's defensive impact to Willard in the post game and he said matter of factly, I didn't see anything different from him than usual. But I guess he's spoiled me.

Agree with Dan. Ish by a nose and a half. Both playing their roles very well and you can't teach athleticism which they both have. Ish seems to be a better passer and can handle the ball in the open court which benefits a team like this that likes to run. Defense wins and all things being equal, I go with the better defensive player...we're going to need stops on D especially with the dry spells we'll continue to see on offense.

 

[catholicman]

Since the team is prone to offensive stagnation at times, I would give the nod to Nzei.

 

[Halldan1]

Since the team is prone to offensive stagnation at times, I would give the nod to Nzei.

You can get your offense off of your defense.

In fact we often do.

 

[shupat08]

Since the team is prone to offensive stagnation at times, I would give the nod to Nzei.

Those stagnations usually happen when we do mass substitutions and take Desi, KC/IW & Angel/PF out of the game all at the same time.

Very rarely do we stagnate with Desi, IW, KC, Angel in the game together.

 

[Halldan1]

Who would have thunk at season's beginning we would be having this type of debate? Certainly not me.

It's happening 1/2 to 1 season before I expected it.

 

[Shuathelete]

Who would have thunk at season's beginning we would be having this type of debate? Certainly not me.

It's happening 1/2 to 1 season before I expected it.

Gotta admit it was a bit of a worry for me in the beginning of the season. There is no versus, its Ish AND Nzei. Its this type of athletic size and depth that you see on every other big east team (even back in the OBE). We finally have it for one position. Excited to see how they do vs Wichita St.

 

[shupat08]

Speaking of Front Line players... Did anyone like how Myles Carter played in the last 4 minutes of the game yesterday?

I'm thinking he may be a nice reserve off the bench next year and without a doubt in the future.

 

[jcalz88]

going to be a great game, and I am missing it..... Will be at a play with the gf... FML

 

[Section112]

Early in the year when Angel was struggling they did play at the same time and did very well. You may see that more when Angel needs a blow and depending on match ups.

 

[sami]

going to be a great game, and I am missing it..... Will be at a play with the gf... FML

it will be a lovely play I'm sure... leaving the kids home so I can be loud - thanks for the extra ticket.

 

[General_Tso]

I would start Nzei I think, but you can't go wrong with either. I actually would be okay with a Angel, Mike, Ish rotation in the 4/5. I think we could get away with playing Mike and Ish together, and I have not been impressed with Anderson to date.

 

[Merge]

Who woulda thunk at the start of the season they'd be a debate over who should be starting at the 4? Kinda nice to have this kinda problem.

I thought we would have been debating that all season long but for a MUCH different reason.
They are both well ahead of where I expected they would be. I didn't have much to go on with Nzei. I expected a high motor and capable of rebounding but he has some smarts to his game where he understands positioning on offense and rebounding. Ish has shocked me honestly. I really did not see him as a BE player. He is still very young and has a lot of room for improvement, but I think it is safe to say he has proven me wrong.

 

[Seton75]

Speaking of Front Line players... Did anyone like how Myles Carter played in the last 4 minutes of the game yesterday?

I'm thinking he may be a nice reserve off the bench next year and without a doubt in the future.

Myles looked good. Big and athletic and aggressive. I thought in the preseason Mike would be able to play. Ish's development has caught me by surprise. Both are playing well. I would like to see Myles get some time with the starters before the OOC is over.

 

[HallBall'n]

Myles looked good. Big and athletic and aggressive. I thought in the preseason Mike would be able to play. Ish's development has caught me by surprise. Both are playing well. I would like to see Myles get some time with the starters before the OOC is over.

Willard spoke on radio after the game in which he said he's got to get Carter more time and then said something to suggest playing Myles Carter and Angel together?????

Head scratcher again. Although he could possibly be thinking in terms of a certain Big East front line opponent.

 

[mjs428]

I'd rather Willard play Carter over Anderson for long term purposes

 

[HallBall'n]

I'd rather Willard play Carter over Anderson for long term purposes

IDK - Anderson = Big, Strong & Tough. Ruggedly built for the Big East with another year waiting.

 

[Hall91]

we thought going into the season we would be shallow at the 4; regardless of whoever you prefer at this point, I no longer see the 4 as a weakness. Also not sure we can call it a strength. It's neutral.

 

[hallgrad80]

What a nice problem to have , trying to figure out how to get minutes for our bigs . Can't remember the last time that happened , for SH it seems like it's always been about having a 3 playing the 4 and a 4 playing the 5 .

 

[garyshu71]

What a nice problem to have , trying to figure out how to get minutes for our bigs . Can't remember the last time that happened , for SH it seems like it's always been about having a 3 playing the 4 and a 4 playing the 5 .

Yes, we now have four 6-9 centers of varied ability. And two legit sized PF's that play defense, rebound and score AND ARE VERY YOUNG.

 

[dr bill1]

I agree with Ish has and edge. But considering Ish is a small forward who grew into a power forward, and is still growing, and Nzei who was basically out for the last season ...we will see two tremendous mature players in the next two years. For me we have a developing front court made in heaven. Add Delgado and Anderson and holly-molly we are going to be f'n unreal in the post. When was the last time we saw post defense like these guys are showing?

 

[garyshu71]

I agree with Ish has and edge. But considering Ish is a small forward who grew into a power forward, and is still growing, and Nzei who was basically out for the last season ...we will see two tremendous mature players in the next two years. For me we have a developing front court made in heaven. Add Delgado and Anderson and holly-molly we are going to be f'n unreal in the post. When was the last time we saw post defense like these guys are showing?

Sam and Eddie were their names I think.