Cal State Northridge, Mon. Dec. 5, 6:30pm, FS1/970

[redfanO10101ll]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

 

[paultzman]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

 

[we are sju]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

 

[paultzman]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

 

[SJU65]

Will Clark and/or Simon be eligible in January, or next fall?

 

[paultzman]

Will Clark and/or Simon be eligible in January, or next fall?

Fall

 

[SJU1512]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic driven in part by how glaring our need is there right now. Have heard general concerns expressed about both Simon's and Clark's time at UA and MSU. IMO, those are 2 of maybe 10 programs in the country where that analysis has to at least be taken with a grain of salt, because the expectations of everyone associated with the team are so skewed. If they watched 10 minutes of one of our games they might feel differently. Tom Izzo could say a player is the worst interior defender and rebounder he's ever had and potential would still exist for that same player to be our best in both respects.

I guess even tempering expectations and almost irrespective of overall production, my hope is that the biggest value is in filling a real need, maybe the biggest need we have. Can you get on the floor for Izzo if you don't defend and rebound? Maybe you can, but in limited I've seen of Clark seems like he is solid physically, has good springs, and decent ball skills. How that translates we'll see but I'm hopeful.

Guess where I'm coming from is if you needed one guy to go toe to toe with an Angel Delgado on our current roster, who would it be? Thinking I'd go Clark at the moment.

 

[paultzman]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic, especially in light of how glaring our need is there right now. Have heard general concerns expressed about both Simon's and Clark's time at UA and MSU. IMO, those are 2 of maybe 10 programs in the country where that analysis has to at least be taken with a grain of salt, because the expectations of everyone associated with the team are so skewed. If they watched 10 minutes of one of our games they might feel differently. Tom Izzo could say a player is the worst interior defender and rebounder he's ever had and potential would still exist for that same player to be our best in both respects.

I guess even tempering expectations and almost irrespective of overall production, my hope is that the biggest value is in filling a real need, maybe the biggest need we have. Can you get on the floor for Izzo if you don't defend and rebound? Maybe you can, but in limited I've seen of Clark seems like he is solid physically, has good springs, and decent ball skills. How that translates I guess we'll see but I'm hopeful.

Could be right. Clark seems skilled from the two MSU NCAA games I saw him play on tv. Guess I'm being cautious in view of past disappointments. I expect him to certainly be a positive addition, but not an immediate game changer. He'll certainly be an upgrade, So I'll just shut up.

 

[monte]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

....or maybe 6'5" . The days of the Minland, Middleton, Glover sized PF are gone. Maybe if we had a legit center, I'd feel better with an undersized PF. Maybe Brown is that legit center and we can get by with a smaller PF. Time will tell.

 

[SJU1512]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic, especially in light of how glaring our need is there right now. Have heard general concerns expressed about both Simon's and Clark's time at UA and MSU. IMO, those are 2 of maybe 10 programs in the country where that analysis has to at least be taken with a grain of salt, because the expectations of everyone associated with the team are so skewed. If they watched 10 minutes of one of our games they might feel differently. Tom Izzo could say a player is the worst interior defender and rebounder he's ever had and potential would still exist for that same player to be our best in both respects.

I guess even tempering expectations and almost irrespective of overall production, my hope is that the biggest value is in filling a real need, maybe the biggest need we have. Can you get on the floor for Izzo if you don't defend and rebound? Maybe you can, but in limited I've seen of Clark seems like he is solid physically, has good springs, and decent ball skills. How that translates I guess we'll see but I'm hopeful.

Could be right. Clark seems skilled from the two MSU NCAA games I saw him play on tv. Guess I'm being cautious in view of past disappointments. I expect him to certainly be a positive addition, but not a immediate game changer. He'll certainly be an upgrade, So I'll just shut up.

I'm right with you on positive addition, not immediate game changer. Suppose just hoping that since positive addition is in area of such immense need will pay extra dividends.

 

[paultzman]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic, especially in light of how glaring our need is there right now. Have heard general concerns expressed about both Simon's and Clark's time at UA and MSU. IMO, those are 2 of maybe 10 programs in the country where that analysis has to at least be taken with a grain of salt, because the expectations of everyone associated with the team are so skewed. If they watched 10 minutes of one of our games they might feel differently. Tom Izzo could say a player is the worst interior defender and rebounder he's ever had and potential would still exist for that same player to be our best in both respects.

I guess even tempering expectations and almost irrespective of overall production, my hope is that the biggest value is in filling a real need, maybe the biggest need we have. Can you get on the floor for Izzo if you don't defend and rebound? Maybe you can, but in limited I've seen of Clark seems like he is solid physically, has good springs, and decent ball skills. How that translates I guess we'll see but I'm hopeful.

Could be right. Clark seems skilled from the two MSU NCAA games I saw him play on tv. Guess I'm being cautious in view of past disappointments. I expect him to certainly be a positive addition, but not a immediate game changer. He'll certainly be an upgrade, So I'll just shut up.

I'm right with you on positive addition, not immediate game changer. Suppose just hoping that since positive addition is in area of such immense need will pay extra dividends.

Very good point.

 

[SJU1512]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic, especially in light of how glaring our need is there right now. Have heard general concerns expressed about both Simon's and Clark's time at UA and MSU. IMO, those are 2 of maybe 10 programs in the country where that analysis has to at least be taken with a grain of salt, because the expectations of everyone associated with the team are so skewed. If they watched 10 minutes of one of our games they might feel differently. Tom Izzo could say a player is the worst interior defender and rebounder he's ever had and potential would still exist for that same player to be our best in both respects.

I guess even tempering expectations and almost irrespective of overall production, my hope is that the biggest value is in filling a real need, maybe the biggest need we have. Can you get on the floor for Izzo if you don't defend and rebound? Maybe you can, but in limited I've seen of Clark seems like he is solid physically, has good springs, and decent ball skills. How that translates I guess we'll see but I'm hopeful.

Could be right. Clark seems skilled from the two MSU NCAA games I saw him play on tv. Guess I'm being cautious in view of past disappointments. I expect him to certainly be a positive addition, but not a immediate game changer. He'll certainly be an upgrade, So I'll just shut up.

I'm right with you on positive addition, not immediate game changer. Suppose just hoping that since positive addition is in area of such immense need will pay extra dividends.

Very good point.

Think we're all just hoping not to be wondering again next year why opposing bigs appear to be in layup line during game.

 

[we are sju]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

No not in person, have that Big Ten network and he played a lot and well when Dawson was hurt a couple years ago.
Not spectacular but knows how to play and has a nice touch. Will be our most refined big man. 10 and 6 would not surprise me.
Thought he would be a nice bench piece but unless Yakwe improves a lot I think he comes off bench. Which is probably best role for him.
Not including Brown and ignoring Baldi on JJ claiming Ahmed will transfer
Sima
Clark
Ahmed
Ponds
Lovett

Bench
Yakwe
Simon
Mussini

If Sima and Yakwe improve solid team.
Still not great up front. Brown would help

 

[paultzman]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

No not in person, have that Big Ten network and he played a lot and well when Dawson was hurt a couple years ago.
Not spectacular but knows how to play and has a nice touch. Will be our most refined big man. 10 and 6 would not surprise me.
Thought he would be a nice bench piece but unless Yakwe improves a lot I think he comes off bench. Which is probably best role for him.
Not including Brown and ignoring Baldi on JJ claiming Ahmed will transfer
Sima
Clark
Ahmed
Ponds
Lovett

Bench
Yakwe
Simon
Mussini

If Sima and Yakwe improve solid team.
Still not great up front. Brown would help

Thx & agree that could be the lineup. Yakwe, although early, is puzzling to me. Never expected big points, but just thought he would rebound effectively, block some shots & run the floor well for some trailing buckets. Hopefully he remains confident.

 

[ras]

I don't see why we cant play a lineup of Ponds, Lovett, Simon ,Bash and a Center.

 

[we are sju]

If Zack doesn't qualify we still have options. We will have Simon which would give us another big guard. We could play Bash and Clark at the 4.

A big, athlete and skilled guard is huge for us. On both ends. Although don't expect Clark to be the answer to our PF needs. I'm expecting him to be a solid contributor, but not the kind of skilled big body that we so desperately need up front. And for those who are under the illusion(delusion) that Brown, IF he is eligible, is going to immediately be the answer to our front court problems, had better think again.

Monte, agree with you regarding tempering expectations generally and with respect to both Clark and Brown. However, think Clark is in a lot of ways going to be exactly what we need (and are missing so much thus far this year) at the 4. Even if he never crossed half court, think he’ll provide the sort of toughness defensively and on the backboard that we’ve lacked. Having even just practiced for an Izzo team for 2 years, and with his frame, athleticism, and experience, feel confident we’ll get this with limited if any adjustment phase.

Not expecting 15 and 7 out of the gate, but think he’s going to fill a very particular role that we frankly don’t have right now and need very much. If he were eligible this year would not be surprised if he were playing 25+ MPG.

I hope you're right but I'm much more hesitant to think Clark is the answer to our interior problems. He would have to have improved his rebounding and defense tremendously in his year off to suddenly become the guy who gives this defense an identity. I have family that are insane Mich State alums so I've been forced to follow State quite a bit and I remember that when Izzo took away Clark's minutes the reasons he gave were issues with defense & rebounding. Clark has the potential to be a tough guy down low but he's not huge and based on the poor development of our bigs over the off-season I'm not sure why we're optimistic the staff would be able to do that for Clark. He's an awesome dude with great energy and I'm not saying what you describe isn't possible but I think he makes us more dynamic offensively (he'd be our only big with a legit jump shot) than on defense.

6'6" PF, maybe 6'7. We have had some good ones in the past, but let's see. Also agree on positive shooting impact. Moose,.who is very tight with MSU AD folks, expressed caution on him early on. If he is a good complementary piece that's fine. Switching gears, I do expect Simon to have immediate impact, but we'll see.

Played minutes on good teams in Big Ten. And unlike the HS kids and foreign guys that get over hyped here, I have actually seen him play. I predict he is our starting 4 next year.

Not to mention kids touted as "most improved over summer"

You see him in person?

Guess it is safe to assume he'll start considering what we have there.

No not in person, have that Big Ten network and he played a lot and well when Dawson was hurt a couple years ago.
Not spectacular but knows how to play and has a nice touch. Will be our most refined big man. 10 and 6 would not surprise me.
Thought he would be a nice bench piece but unless Yakwe improves a lot I think he comes off bench. Which is probably best role for him.
Not including Brown and ignoring Baldi on JJ claiming Ahmed will transfer
Sima
Clark
Ahmed
Ponds
Lovett

Bench
Yakwe
Simon
Mussini

If Sima and Yakwe improve solid team.
Still not great up front. Brown would help

Thx & agree that could be the lineup. Yakwe, although early, is puzzling to me. Never expected big points, but just thought he would rebound effectively, block some shots & run the floor well for some trailing buckets. Hopefully he remains confident.

Fumbling the ball all over the place on top of everything else. I don't remember hands being an issue last year.

 

[Red.Fans]

Thx & agree that could be the lineup. Yakwe, although early, is puzzling to me. Never expected big points, but just thought he would rebound effectively, block some shots & run the floor well for some trailing buckets. Hopefully he remains confident.

my feelings exactly. He was jogging back the last game.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Lovett
Ponds
Simon
Bash
clark

would be a small but fun lineup to see. Its really no smaller than
lovett
ponds
ellison
ahmad
yakwe/owens
which we have seen this year.

 

[SJU1512]

Lovett
Ponds
Simon
Bash
clark

would be a small but fun lineup to see. Its really no smaller than
lovett
ponds
ellison
ahmad
yakwe/owens
which we have seen this year.

Also think that first 5 might be our best 5 from a talent perspective. Don't know how much they can be used together due to size issue you note, but agree should be a fun lineup to see. At a minimum those 5 even when not on floor together should help lengthen lineups from a scoring perspective.

 

[ras]

Interesting lineup. Talent trumps size. iE Ponds at the 2.