2025-2026 Season

[paultzman]

Sorry just saw this - Recording tonight all about practice and more but the main non positive is Ian Jackson's transition to point guard. As of yesterday, it's not there. He struggled against pressure and while it was only August 5 it was concerning how loose with the handle he was. Odih turned him over 3-4 times when he got in his face at half court. Ian's strength is his dynamic scoring, being in the open court and shot creation off the dribble and shot making. He's not going to be able to do that while simultaneously being a Daniss Jenkins floor general.

Again as of yesterday's practice that I saw. Can that change, sure. But it's got a long way to go from where it was yesterday. That's why you're hearing Coach P say positionless / pointless offense. Team isn't constructed in the traditional PG, SG, SF, PF, C sense.

This team is uber talented. Top to bottom, they will figure out how to utilize these guys and be one of the most powerful and dynamic offenses in the country. I think the front court will be tops out there and cause a lot of fits for oppositions. Jackson and Sanon with a head of steam and in the open court and in transition...good luck defense.

Only other thing I'll say is not so positive, and it usually isn't in the summer is defense. There's lofty expectations for defense given how good they were last year. I asked Rick about it yesterday and he said it's just going to take time and guys buying in but they absolutely have the athletes. Team is far more athletic than last year. Lots of options.

Will have more on the next episode

Candid Dave,

 

[IDRAFT]

leave it to Eric to be betting on big sky teams

Before now only gamblers saw Darling play.

 

[MarkRedman]

Strong chance for us to move up one spot to #8 all-time wins.. Currently 3 spots behind Notre Dame...1,976 v. 1,973

List of teams with the most victories in NCAA Division I men's college basketball - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

We were #4 in all time wins when I was an undergrad in the late '60's

 

[MarkRedman]

My hunch is Mitchell and Odih will be the two biggest fan favorites this season (sans Zuby but that's a given)

Sounds like Dylan may be the "Darling" of the crowd.

 

[bamafan]

We were #4 in all time wins when I was an undergrad in the late '60's

and #3 in winning percentage when I was an undergrad in the 70’s.

 

[SJUDave]

Sounds like Dylan may be the "Darling" of the crowd.

NY Post backpage headline when he scores 18 points in a win in February

 

[SJUDave]

Appreciate the candor. How this team handles ball pressure will be something to watch.

If Ian wants to be a first round pick, his handle has to be better than shaky. Will be interesting plot line to watch

Pitino said a few times yesterday that Ian has the most room to grow/improve. I think often times we hear a quote like that and think a player stinks because they have that much to learn. In this case, it's clear Rick believes in Ian and he's going to try and motivate the crap out of him to reach his potential. Or as much of it he can get in one year. Pitino has said he wants guys to be well rounded, Ian is offensively gifted but can become a real weapon if he improves on ball handling, assists, being vocal, and using his athleticism on defense. I believe - and I think this is what Coach P is intimating - that even marginal improvements in the areas I mentioned make Ian Jackson a bonafide NBA player.

 

[Marillac2]

It may be interesting but it has been my preferred starting lineup since this roster has been assembled.

The best lineup will almost certainly include Jackson, Sanon, and one of Sellers and Darling. We need guys that can handle and create. I'm just not buying Mitchell as a + player offensively at the 3. No surprise to many, but I love him at the 4.

 

[Marillac2]

His mechanics are so clean, and he is unbelievably efficient with his movement. Love the way he makes himself available for the pass and his awareness really pops out -- he sees everything. My only concern with him is aggressiveness. You don't see too may guys that are as smooth as him that hustle and play aggressively.

 

[bamafan]

The best lineup will almost certainly include Jackson, Sanon, and one of Sellers and Darling. We need guys that can handle and create. I'm just not buying Mitchell as a + player offensively at the 3. No surprise to many, but I love him at the 4.

Mitchell would be the 4 with BHop the 3.

 

[Marillac2]

Mitchell would be the 4 with BHop the 3.

The best way to define what position a guy plays is by who they defend. Mitchell is by far the better perimeter defender. You want him guarding the 3 over Hopkins 100% of the time.

I think you could get away with Mitchell at the 3 if you won the guard battle, but I don't see that happening unless Darling is just an absolute stud or Jackson is stud PG. We are likely going to have to build some skills back with a third guard like Sanon or Sellers.

 

[NCJohnnie]

His mechanics are so clean, and he is unbelievably efficient with his movement. Love the way he makes himself available for the pass and his awareness really pops out -- he sees everything. My only concern with him is aggressiveness. You don't see too may guys that are as smooth as him that hustle and play aggressively.

Alan Houston.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

The best way to define what position a guy plays is by who they defend. Mitchell is by far the better perimeter defender. You want him guarding the 3 over Hopkins 100% of the time.

Yeah but nobody was considering Kadary a 4/5 last year and that’s where he was consistently defending. With Mitchell next to Hopkins, the 3/4 moniker is pointless IMO. They invert and operate where they need to on both ends. Theres more than enough skill and shooting between Zuby and Hopkins to make up for any perimeter shooting lost from Mitchell, especially when you think of the positives on the boards and inside. Agree you’d like two shooters at the guard spots next to them, which is another thing we didn’t have last year.

 

[paultzman]

Yeah but nobody was considering Kadary a 4/5 last year and that’s where he was consistently defending. With Mitchell next to Hopkins, the 3/4 moniker is pointless IMO. They invert and operate where they need to on both ends. Theres more than enough skill and shooting between Zuby and Hopkins to make up for any perimeter shooting lost from Mitchell, especially when you think of the positives on the boards and inside. Agree you’d like two shooters at the guard spots next to them, which is another thing we didn’t have last year.

This squad is a highly flexible group it appears. We have power and makings of a solid perimeter game. Who is orchestrating and on the ball the most is all part of the work to commence in September.

Shifting gears, like any team adding pieces, how the defense gels will be a focal point and a work in progress. With us like other teams proficient at portal management, adding seasoned, talented guys trumps dependence on first year guys unless you are Duke.

Net of impact injuries, Johnnies are a legit championship contender with a HOF guy at the helm. There is not much more to ask for in August.

 

[MBaldi]

Likely Pitino being Pitino, but also nice to hear him say that it's the best group of guys he's ever coached. I do think that, similar to last year, this is a very likable team and that NYC will have Johnnies fever by January 26'.

 

[gregbodkin]

I have the quilt in the picture and a comforter of a similar design.

Where did you purchase them, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[MainMan]

Mike, do you think Bob Dylan, Ron Darling and Dylan Darling ever get together for dinner?

 

[kranmars]

The best way to define what position a guy plays is by who they defend. Mitchell is by far the better perimeter defender. You want him guarding the 3 over Hopkins 100% of the time.

I think you could get away with Mitchell at the 3 if you won the guard battle, but I don't see that happening unless Darling is just an absolute stud or Jackson is stud PG. We are likely going to have to build some skills back with a third guard like Sanon or Sellers.

My only counter to that is if Mitchell switches in defense as well as Zuby (and indications so far is that he does), throwing a frontline of Zuby, Michell, and Hopkins would be menacing on the boards.

If I was one of the guards, I would take my chances and take a shot (even if not a great one) just to have those guys crash the boards.

 

[Ralph318!]

Yeah but nobody was considering Kadary a 4/5 last year and that’s where he was consistently defending. With Mitchell next to Hopkins, the 3/4 moniker is pointless IMO. They invert and operate where they need to on both ends. Theres more than enough skill and shooting between Zuby and Hopkins to make up for any perimeter shooting lost from Mitchell, especially when you think of the positives on the boards and inside. Agree you’d like two shooters at the guard spots next to them, which is another thing we didn’t have last year.

Last year’s defense was directed by Kadary. Who I believe is a savant.
CRP will need to find someone on the floor who can take over that role and see the angles and the development of the opponent’s offensive schemes.
I believe that player will be Odih. When CRP touts him as a “play breaker” (my words), that indicates to me that he sees those angles.
It’s just a big ask of a freshman.

 

[paultzman]

My only counter to that is if Mitchell switches in defense as well as Zuby (and indications so far is that he does), throwing a frontline of Zuby, Michell, and Hopkins would be menacing on the boards.

If I was one of the guards with them, I would take my chances and take a shot (even if not a great one) just to have those guys crash the boards.

Stating the obvious, but excellent scouting (Thx Bob Walsh) and game planning will dictate an assortment of lineups and varied minutes for some imo. Huge element of this roster.