ADVERTISEMENT

My Thoughts on the team

ArtieLange9

ArtieLange9

All World
Nov 29, 2006
5,661
8,341
113
After watching 7 games live and the remaining games on TV, here are my thoughts on this years team.

THE GOOD

Our top 6 are really really good. Next year they have a chance to be special provided the new pieces fit. The Silky Sophs or the top 5 players from a talent perspective on our team are maturing. If they all come back 1 more year and everyone (including our coach) continue to improve, we win the Big East.

Yeah I said it, tell me differently.

Gordon is the spark plug and guy who makes things happen. Junk Yard Dog type. Every good team needs this kind of guy. Really good defensive player who slowed down the best player in this league.

I see improvement in Willard, call me crazy. He is better with the media. No he isn't Coach Cal, but he isn't Bobby Huggins either. Hasn't thrown a guy under the bus all year, that's major improvement.

No death looks for the questions that he is being asked.

The defense is much much better. Offense is still too much let IW make a play and weave, but I see games where we are passing the ball and have some flow.

IW has the most talent in this league besides Dunn. When IW wants a basket, he usually gets it. At times he makes scoring look easy. The floater, the step back mid range, and the fade away are all on a NBA level at times. He looks like a smaller version of Melo at times.

Angel when he touches the ball early and stays focused, is a beast. Ish has come out of nowhere and become a major player to me. Kid adds defensive flexibility.

I know we had Fu not too long ago but Ish is a better all around defender then him. I can see him putting the vice grip on some really good players.

THE BAD

We have 6, maybe 7 Big East caliber players. 1 more guard and 1 more big, we would be top 25.

If we had a true pg it would be a whole different team. Why this staff has refused to get a true pg is beyond me.

Our Asst Coach was a pretty good floor general, you would think that would be attractive for a HS pg but what do I know? Combo Guard U is what we should be called now.

Last true PG was Jordan and Willard was left him as a present from Gonzo.

Think about that...... From Wilson and Grennan, to Sina and Gibbs to IW and Carrington, Nothing but combos. Is the redshirt the kid who breaks this spell? I hear good things but we will see. What do I have to do to get us a PG? Unload my 401K????

Next, Angel just checks out some games mentally. He shows no effort or energy. The rumor is that he is a very mercurial kind of guy. Not in a terrible way, just different. Kind of like Manny Ramirez. Manny being Manny or Angel being Angel. When he is into it, he is a beast. I would take him to war with Kelly Whitney and Jerry Walker any day.

IW still can get trigger happy and too dependent on the long ball.

IW you can get a 15 ft off on anyone, please stop with the heat checks.

Our team is small. We have nobody over 6'8 that can play on this level, so big and physical teams will give us trouble. If Anderson could step up and be something close to a Big East caliber player then it would be such a help. Nzei has been solid in spurts and flashes talent but needs to get stronger and more confident.

Foul trouble and the game is a lost cause. 2 guards pick up early fouls and who are you throwing out there? I was expecting more out of Veer. His handle needs a lot of work and he has to put on weight. He looks like a HS Jr physically.

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

It means we can beat most teams in the conf and a lot across this country when we are right. When we are not playing the right way or have a bad match up then look out.

I think we have 1 major home victory and a mild surprise road W left. I think we beat the teams we should like Marq, SJU, and DePaul. That's 5 more wins right there. That's 19 wins right there. Asking to Finish up 6-4 is not a stretch. It is realistic to split with GTown at the least. Can we split with Butler? A win or two in the BET? Without a chance, I think we dance.

If we collapse and don't dance, I will not be happy.

What do you guys think?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pirate64, Save Continental, Section112 and 1 other person
Artie - I think your assessment may be a little optimistic, but it is generally accurate. I predicted that we would win the BE in two seasons (if everyone stayed and we didn't experience the dreaded locker room issues). I like the two pieces that we are adding next year; absent a serviceable, legitimate 5 they cover are most pressing needs. Would have been nice to have gotten Govan last year, but what can you do.

I think the biggest question mark is the coaching, but agree that KW seems to have turned the corner. That isn't saying much compared to last year when he was embarrassing to watch on the sidelines, post-game etc. This is KW's crucible; kudos to him for getting the talent (by hook or crook), but he needs to get to multiple NCAAs with this core group and recruit well behind them.

Minus Delgado, think that every starter has improved over last year tremendously. That isn't a dig on Angel, but rather a testament to how well he played last year as a frosh. I think Delgado can do more on the offensive side of the ball if given the chance and he definitely needs to step up his defense.

My favorite player on this team and biggest reason for optimism is Ish. Love having a guy that can impact a game that much without scoring a single bucket.

The big 3 of Whitehead, Desi, and Carrington are all able to hang 15-20 points a night and give this team legitimate scoring options. It wasn't that long ago when people were wondering if Desi could be a true swingman; think that question (especially his perimeter shooting) has been answered. Right now, I would say Carrington is the most complete player, but IW and Desi ultimately have the higher ceilings.

I think Veer will be a solid BE contributor in the next couple of years. I feel comfortable with Nzei playing extended minutes as a "poor mans Ish."

All in all an extremely strong core of 7 players to serve as the foundation going forward. With some new blood coming in next year and others getting better in practice, I think SHU is in an enviable position going forward. However, can't fault those who are impatient to see some tangible results now. Being a fan under this current regime has shown us that you can't reliably hang your hopes on next season (or even next game).

Go Pirates.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Section112
This is the post of the season to date. One interesting point you raised about getting stronger. Our bigs look like twigs compared to other BE conference teams. Hopefully the strength coach gets them on a regiment this offseason where they can put on some mass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ironlung75
Artie
Halldan1 said:
I think that was one of the most spot on posts I have read here in quite a while. Well done.
Click to expand...

Agree and Marc's comments were solid as well. I would just add a couple of observations about what I still see as barriers to our winning the BE next year.
1. 50% Free throw shooting is unacceptable. Bring in a free throw shooting specialist in the pre- season.
2. Can we match up with the leagues big men next year especially teams with legitimate centers..
3. With 5 guards on next year's roster , 4 of whom should see time , keeping them all happy is a must.
4. Still need to add perimeter shooting , Powell will help but we still need more.
5. Can we add a legitimate 5 that can negate the other big men at that position.
6. Will we get to the point where we have a BE caliber backup at every position next year, either thru player development or bringing in a new player.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Section112
5 guards with the amount of 3 G lines up that Willard likes to play shouldn't be a problem keeping everyone happy.

Veer and Powell should really be top notch shooters for us next year. Not worried about this aspect.

Are we even recruiting a 5? Maybe we get another 5th year transfer?
 
Is Thompson really possible? When was the last time we beat Cuse head to head for a player?
 
williaza01 said:
Is Thompson really possible? When was the last time we beat Cuse head to head for a player?
Click to expand...
He clearly is stating in articles posted on the Trove that SHU, Syracuse and Providence are his three favorites at this time and are the schools working him the hardest.

Thompson played AAU ball for the NJ Playaz so that should help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bobbie Solo
Certainly not a pure center but then again how many are there in college BB?

He's big enough and athletic enough to play the position as well as helping out a the 4.

.
ESPN Analyst
Updated 01/18/2016

Strengths:
A developing big man who possesses physical tools and budding skill alike, Thompson is an intriguing long-term prospect up front. He's got a long and solid build that should fill out naturally, good athleticism to run the floor and play up and around the rim, and the skill to knock down mid-range jumpers and even put the ball on the floor once or twice within the flow of the offense.

Weaknesses:
There's a level of fluidity lacking in his game right now, but it probably has less to do with his agility than it does his overall offensive instincts. His feel and understanding for the game is still limited and so he's very much still a work in progress. He doesn't really have a game with his back to the basket just yet and tends to be more comfortable facing up.

Bottom Line:
He was on the verge of a breakout sophomore season before being derailed by injury, but is now starting to rapidly climb recruiting boards around the northeast and beyond.
 
ArtieLange9 said:
5 guards with the amount of 3 G lines up that Willard likes to play shouldn't be a problem keeping everyone happy.

Veer and Powell should really be top notch shooters for us next year. Not worried about this aspect.

Are we even recruiting a 5? Maybe we get another 5th year transfer?
Click to expand...

I still don't think it will be as easy as you suggest with the guards. Who are you going to take minutes from up front to have that 3 guard lineup. Angel and Ish , Nzei or any other big are essential for us to control the boards . You need what Desi brings offensively , his energy and his help on the boards. IW will want a lot of minutes as he will make a big push to build his case to be drafted after next year. If you use JT at the point , our only legitimate PG , do you slide IW over to the 2, that takes minutes from KC and then how do you work in Powell , a much needed perimeter shooter .
 
I hope we get a 6'10 center who can swat away some shots and dunk when given the ball down low. On the other hand, Ramon Ramos was 6'8 and less athletic than Angel, and at this stage of his career not close to being as accomplished as Angel.
 
Nzei flashes Big East potential for sure. Taking a year off is never easy. He also has to get stronger and build mass.

Kid def has some freaky athleticism.
 
Proud NJ Sports Fan said:
I thought Nzei would be better, he's not a BE player.
Click to expand...
I thought he would be better but I expected him to get way more PT as I didn't see Ish being a factor at all. I think he is def a BE player and often gives us good minutes. But he has a way to go. Of all our bigs, he seems most able to convert in close and in traffic. I think he and Ish at PF is very promising.
 
  • Like
Reactions: shupat08
They are better than I thought they would be. Defense has been really good overall. Should dance this year and next.

Hopefully Willard leaves soon because the future without this Sophmore class looks bleak.
 
hallgrad80 said:
Artie
1. 50% Free throw shooting is unacceptable. Bring in a free throw shooting specialist in the pre- season.
2. Can we match up with the leagues big men next year especially teams with legitimate centers..
3. With 5 guards on next year's roster , 4 of whom should see time , keeping them all happy is a must.
4. Still need to add perimeter shooting , Powell will help but we still need more.
5. Can we add a legitimate 5 that can negate the other big men at that position.
6. Will we get to the point where we have a BE caliber backup at every position next year, either thru player development or bringing in a new player.
Click to expand...

1. Agreed and it gets swept under the rug even though it's a huge issue. Will lose close games against good teams.
2. The answer is we haven't matched up so far. Whether we can is another issue. Delgado has gotten softer since Freshman year.
3. Shouldn't be a problem. You play the best players you have. If there is a #5 and they want to transfer, I wish them good luck.
4. The poor shooting I think has more to do with the offensive scheme than the players. Have to have a better offensive scheme for open shots.
5. No and Willard's poor recruiting skills are continually showcased in that every year we are short a position on the team.
6. No way to tell for sure right now, but we won't have a backup center is my guess.
 
I still think we're a year away from Dancing & last night's game didn't change my opinion at all
 
Burnsly said:
I still think we're a year away from Dancing & last night's game didn't change my opinion at all
Click to expand...

I think Willard has had multiple chances where the talent was there for a bid. His second year for sure. Last year I think it was there as well. This year, yes. Next year he will have the talent IF:

1. No key components leave
2. The addition of two guards doesn't create any rifts (it has before).

Those are big ifs. Not to mention Willard has had the talent before and that didn't get us a bid. I don't want to hear about next year. Someone could get injured next November and then we'll be talking about how 2017-18 is OUR YEAR. The talent is here now. Have to coach these kids up and keep them focused.
 
84-we all know that you despise KW. Please it give it a rest. KW is not going anywhere!
 
wpc75 said:
84-we all know that you despise KW. Please it give it a rest. KW is not going anywhere!
Click to expand...
First chance he gets he's gone. Book it. Almost left for HOLY CROSS last year. It'll be best for both parties when he's gone.
 
Burnsly said:
That Holy Cross rumor was nonsense. He's not going anywhere.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this, but I think its mostly because I can't imagine what program would look at his 9 year head coaching career and want a piece of it. He's proven nothing on the court, and there are enough questions off the court (Recruiting, Player+Assistant deals, Locker room turmoil, Poor Offensive Schemes)

I assume if he doesn't get it done here he will be let go and then either jump on somewhere as an Defensive Assistant or try his hand at looking for a Low major. No school is ever going to pay him what we pay him unless he actually gets it done.

wpc75 said:
84-we all know that you despise KW. Please it give it a rest. KW is not going anywhere!
Click to expand...

I still don't understand why people ask posters not to post. Unless you are breaking message board rules, your opinion that a coach should stay is no more deserving of forum space than someone who thinks he should go. Just because you don't like it or don't agree doesn't mean he shouldn't post.
 
pmulcahy96 said:
This is the post of the season to date. One interesting point you raised about getting stronger. Our bigs look like twigs compared to other BE conference teams. Hopefully the strength coach gets them on a regiment this offseason where they can put on some mass.
Click to expand...
Against Xavier , an announcer said.: " It's men ( X) against boys ( us)." Some of their guys had NBA bodies- ours need to bulk up.
Where's Mark Bryant when you need him? You younger guys, take a look at the old pix.
 
ArtieLange9 said:
After watching 7 games live and the remaining games on TV, here are my thoughts on this years team.

THE GOOD

Our top 6 are really really good. Next year they have a chance to be special provided the new pieces fit. The Silky Sophs or the top 5 players from a talent perspective on our team are maturing. If they all come back 1 more year and everyone (including our coach) continue to improve, we win the Big East.

Yeah I said it, tell me differently.

Gordon is the spark plug and guy who makes things happen. Junk Yard Dog type. Every good team needs this kind of guy. Really good defensive player who slowed down the best player in this league.

I see improvement in Willard, call me crazy. He is better with the media. No he isn't Coach Cal, but he isn't Bobby Huggins either. Hasn't thrown a guy under the bus all year, that's major improvement.

No death looks for the questions that he is being asked.

The defense is much much better. Offense is still too much let IW make a play and weave, but I see games where we are passing the ball and have some flow.

IW has the most talent in this league besides Dunn. When IW wants a basket, he usually gets it. At times he makes scoring look easy. The floater, the step back mid range, and the fade away are all on a NBA level at times. He looks like a smaller version of Melo at times.

Angel when he touches the ball early and stays focused, is a beast. Ish has come out of nowhere and become a major player to me. Kid adds defensive flexibility.

I know we had Fu not too long ago but Ish is a better all around defender then him. I can see him putting the vice grip on some really good players.

THE BAD

We have 6, maybe 7 Big East caliber players. 1 more guard and 1 more big, we would be top 25.

If we had a true pg it would be a whole different team. Why this staff has refused to get a true pg is beyond me.

Our Asst Coach was a pretty good floor general, you would think that would be attractive for a HS pg but what do I know? Combo Guard U is what we should be called now.

Last true PG was Jordan and Willard was left him as a present from Gonzo.

Think about that...... From Wilson and Grennan, to Sina and Gibbs to IW and Carrington, Nothing but combos. Is the redshirt the kid who breaks this spell? I hear good things but we will see. What do I have to do to get us a PG? Unload my 401K????

Next, Angel just checks out some games mentally. He shows no effort or energy. The rumor is that he is a very mercurial kind of guy. Not in a terrible way, just different. Kind of like Manny Ramirez. Manny being Manny or Angel being Angel. When he is into it, he is a beast. I would take him to war with Kelly Whitney and Jerry Walker any day.

IW still can get trigger happy and too dependent on the long ball.

IW you can get a 15 ft off on anyone, please stop with the heat checks.

Our team is small. We have nobody over 6'8 that can play on this level, so big and physical teams will give us trouble. If Anderson could step up and be something close to a Big East caliber player then it would be such a help. Nzei has been solid in spurts and flashes talent but needs to get stronger and more confident.

Foul trouble and the game is a lost cause. 2 guards pick up early fouls and who are you throwing out there? I was expecting more out of Veer. His handle needs a lot of work and he has to put on weight. He looks like a HS Jr physically.

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

It means we can beat most teams in the conf and a lot across this country when we are right. When we are not playing the right way or have a bad match up then look out.

I think we have 1 major home victory and a mild surprise road W left. I think we beat the teams we should like Marq, SJU, and DePaul. That's 5 more wins right there. That's 19 wins right there. Asking to Finish up 6-4 is not a stretch. It is realistic to split with GTown at the least. Can we split with Butler? A win or two in the BET? Without a chance, I think we dance.

If we collapse and don't dance, I will not be happy.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...


I love Gordon's game but he is by far the worst passer we have had in years...Last night he should have been credited with at least 6 turnover n his lousy passes. one play where he was scrambling on the floor to get a loose ball it was his fault by making a bad pass. I would have preferred the walk on be the PG and handle the ball while he was in there
 
ArtieLange9 said:
After watching 7 games live and the remaining games on TV, here are my thoughts on this years team.

THE GOOD

Our top 6 are really really good. Next year they have a chance to be special provided the new pieces fit. The Silky Sophs or the top 5 players from a talent perspective on our team are maturing. If they all come back 1 more year and everyone (including our coach) continue to improve, we win the Big East.

Yeah I said it, tell me differently.

Gordon is the spark plug and guy who makes things happen. Junk Yard Dog type. Every good team needs this kind of guy. Really good defensive player who slowed down the best player in this league.

I see improvement in Willard, call me crazy. He is better with the media. No he isn't Coach Cal, but he isn't Bobby Huggins either. Hasn't thrown a guy under the bus all year, that's major improvement.

No death looks for the questions that he is being asked.

The defense is much much better. Offense is still too much let IW make a play and weave, but I see games where we are passing the ball and have some flow.

IW has the most talent in this league besides Dunn. When IW wants a basket, he usually gets it. At times he makes scoring look easy. The floater, the step back mid range, and the fade away are all on a NBA level at times. He looks like a smaller version of Melo at times.

Angel when he touches the ball early and stays focused, is a beast. Ish has come out of nowhere and become a major player to me. Kid adds defensive flexibility.

I know we had Fu not too long ago but Ish is a better all around defender then him. I can see him putting the vice grip on some really good players.

THE BAD

We have 6, maybe 7 Big East caliber players. 1 more guard and 1 more big, we would be top 25.

If we had a true pg it would be a whole different team. Why this staff has refused to get a true pg is beyond me.

Our Asst Coach was a pretty good floor general, you would think that would be attractive for a HS pg but what do I know? Combo Guard U is what we should be called now.

Last true PG was Jordan and Willard was left him as a present from Gonzo.

Think about that...... From Wilson and Grennan, to Sina and Gibbs to IW and Carrington, Nothing but combos. Is the redshirt the kid who breaks this spell? I hear good things but we will see. What do I have to do to get us a PG? Unload my 401K????

Next, Angel just checks out some games mentally. He shows no effort or energy. The rumor is that he is a very mercurial kind of guy. Not in a terrible way, just different. Kind of like Manny Ramirez. Manny being Manny or Angel being Angel. When he is into it, he is a beast. I would take him to war with Kelly Whitney and Jerry Walker any day.

IW still can get trigger happy and too dependent on the long ball.

IW you can get a 15 ft off on anyone, please stop with the heat checks.

Our team is small. We have nobody over 6'8 that can play on this level, so big and physical teams will give us trouble. If Anderson could step up and be something close to a Big East caliber player then it would be such a help. Nzei has been solid in spurts and flashes talent but needs to get stronger and more confident.

Foul trouble and the game is a lost cause. 2 guards pick up early fouls and who are you throwing out there? I was expecting more out of Veer. His handle needs a lot of work and he has to put on weight. He looks like a HS Jr physically.

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

It means we can beat most teams in the conf and a lot across this country when we are right. When we are not playing the right way or have a bad match up then look out.

I think we have 1 major home victory and a mild surprise road W left. I think we beat the teams we should like Marq, SJU, and DePaul. That's 5 more wins right there. That's 19 wins right there. Asking to Finish up 6-4 is not a stretch. It is realistic to split with GTown at the least. Can we split with Butler? A win or two in the BET? Without a chance, I think we dance.

If we collapse and don't dance, I will not be happy.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
I think it's highly unlikely our staff "refused" to get a point guard. That's crazy. There's a huge difference between having to make point guards out of the players who wanted to come here (Whitehead, Carrington) and choosing not to recruit one. We offered both Arch and Phil Booth. We offered the Joseph kid from Syracuse and there were many others but we were unsuccessful. That's not "refusing".
 
Thompson is 6'10" and 240lbs. Despite saying he is a PF that sounds like a 5 to me. He was 220. So maybe that was why. I also understand he is s major glass cleaner. And I think the Cuse will be easier to beat now more than ever. Thompson likes us. I think Anderson is a Great kid but Law School and BB don't work well. We should live up to our commitment but I think he has a big decision to make.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C

Apathy & A Young Team

Replies
38
Views
2K
Pirate Hoops Chat
Gritty5837
G
F

When will we have a new President?

Replies
21
Views
2K
Pirate Hoops Chat
SHUHitman
SHUHitman
P

Non-Conference Thoughts

Replies
10
Views
1K
Pirate Hoops Chat
hallgrad80
H
T

Have to have a plan...an idea

Replies
7
Views
778
Pirate Hoops Chat
williaza01
W
LeftCoastPirates

Observations from a 79-51 blow out loss to St. John’s

Replies
44
Views
4K
Pirate Hoops Chat
TheHall87
T
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT
Top Bottom
Back