2025-2026 Season

I'm curious. What were the amount of shots on average he took in those 20 point games vs the 5 points or less on average ?
You as much as anyone knows you can twist numbers any which way to say what you want. Numbers of shots are dictated by many factors; playing hard in practice in all aspects of the game and earning minutes and shots, moving hard without the ball, knowing how to use screens, running hard on fast breaks, etc., etc., etc.
Very generally speaking, because I don’t know Jackson’s game, if you guys want to think Davis or any coach is not going to get the minutes to the players he thinks will give him the best chance to win, I don’t know what to say.
And anyone who knows ball, knows a conversion to point guard when you’ve never played it before at this level is a monster challenge. It may be that Pitino will minimize his responsibilities and use Mitchell as a point forward. But if Jackson will be expected to play a “traditional” PG role I have very serious doubts it can be done without some very rocky times. I certainly hope I am wrong and will be the first to admit it if that is the case.
I am not attacking Sanon or Jackson, just trying to offer a view of caution because this team is far from a sure thing IMO. And the unearned (up to now) accolades being awarded to both are way premature to me. Doesn’t mean they and the team won’t be great, they have the potential but their work remains in front of them, both coaches and players.
 
You as much as anyone knows you can twist numbers any which way to say what you want. Numbers of shots are dictated by many factors; playing hard in practice in all aspects of the game and earning minutes and shots, moving hard without the ball, knowing how to use screens, running hard on fast breaks, etc., etc., etc.
Very generally speaking, because I don’t know Jackson’s game, if you guys want to think Davis or any coach is not going to get the minutes to the players he thinks will give him the best chance to win, I don’t know what to say.
And anyone who knows ball, knows a conversion to point guard when you’ve never played it before at this level is a monster challenge. It may be that Pitino will minimize his responsibilities and use Mitchell as a point forward. But if Jackson will be expected to play a “traditional” PG role I have very serious doubts it can be done without some very rocky times. I certainly hope I am wrong and will be the first to admit it if that is the case.
I am not attacking Sanon or Jackson, just trying to offer a view of caution because this team is far from a sure thing IMO. And the unearned (up to now) accolades being awarded to both are way premature to me. Doesn’t mean they and the team won’t be great, they have the potential but their work remains in front of them, both coaches and players.
I basically agree with all or at least most of the above, but stress it will be fun watching the team grow and develop. Hopefully, much sooner than CRP's first St. John's team, though this year's schedule is much, much tougher.
 
Like it or not neither Sanon nor Jackson lit the world on fire last year. They both had their moments, no question, but they also had times they were complete non factors. Workouts and mix tapes prove very little, one is a very essential part of the process, the other a harmless ego trip.
They both may very well be as good as hoped, I truly have no idea until they “throw the balls up” as Louie would say, but it is consistency that makes a great player, not moments.
To my mind, the Johnnie’s have two sure things, Ejiofor and Mitchell, and then an undeniable world of potential. They absolutely could be a legitimate NC contender, but there is a ton to be done between then and now, not the least of which is developing chemistry, defining roles, and incorporating great team defense into what is essentially a group of primarily offensive players. Finally, an extremely important part of it all, getting the players to accept where all of that falls out.
On top of all that, Jackson at point guard is a huge gamble, and while I would not bet against it being effective eventually, to expect him to be at the level needed to compete at a NC level from jump street is a huge, almost impossibly unrealistic, ask. So IF there is a learning curve thrown into the mix, the young team may be “chemistry challenged” early and then the senior leadership of Ejiofor and Mitchell will be vital in keeping the team righted.
To summarize, I wholeheartedly agree this team has unlimited potential but just think the brakes need to be pumped a bit. Two years ago, the team “got it” just a bit too late, and last year’s was absolutely great until it wasn’t. Nothing about sports is a given, one just needs to look at the Mets and Yankees to see the fragility of long seasons and high expectations.
Uhhh, sir? This is a Wendy's drive through LOL

Ian Jackson is a former top 10 recruit and in games where he played more than 25 minutes last year averaged 18ppg. Dillon Mitchell is a nice glue guy who cant shoot and I'm very glad we have him but in no universe is he a better player than Ian Jackson, even taking into account last year's ups and downs and the variance in outcomes for Jackson this year.

Also: Hopkins and Sellers are sure things, and there is no need to pump the brakes because this team is going to be very, very good.
 
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