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

Why are Tariq and Ali handling the ball on the perimeter/ why is Ali even in the game?
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Exactly.
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I mentioned this last week, I don't agree with it but many coaches do that against man to man because it brings the other teams center away from the basket, opening driving lanes.

I don't love it, but several times tonight Owens did a handoff and then set a pick way up top and Ponds or Ellison were able to turn the corner and finish bc there was no rim protector sitting under the rim.

Watch how empty the lane is when Owens is at the top of the key. That's the plan. Again, I don't love it... but many teams do this.
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Definitely make a good point that this tactic lead to some easy buckets which we desperately need. Not terribly opposed to it as you can use a few offensive wrinkles off of it as well.

In this case specifically I was just talking in the final 1-2 minutes it makes me very nervous when a defense ramps up the intensity and we have Ali handling or Tariq. Could've been a bi-product of LoVett being out and handling the ball predominantly down stretch.
 
Considering we were without our best player I thought this was a an excellent win.

These kids could of panicked after losing the lead with about 8 to go. They responded well stayed with playing team basketball. And pulled it out.

Our turnovers tonight were mostly unforced. Bashir had 5 and 1 assist. Although Ponds only had 1.

Our front is thin and will continue to get pushed around. We did win the rebounding edge.
I though Rico was big in the first half. Stepped up provide a spark off the bench.

Can't wait for the Fordham game!!
 
Why are Tariq and Ali handling the ball on the perimeter/ why is Ali even in the game?
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Exactly.
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I mentioned this last week, I don't agree with it but many coaches do that against man to man because it brings the other teams center away from the basket, opening driving lanes.

I don't love it, but several times tonight Owens did a handoff and then set a pick way up top and Ponds or Ellison were able to turn the corner and finish bc there was no rim protector sitting under the rim.

Watch how empty the lane is when Owens is at the top of the key. That's the plan. Again, I don't love it... but many teams do this.
Click to expand...

Definitely make a good point that this tactic lead to some easy buckets which we desperately need. Not terribly opposed to it as you can use a few offensive wrinkles off of it as well.

In this case specifically I was just talking in the final 1-2 minutes it makes me very nervous when a defense ramps up the intensity and we have Ali handling or Tariq. Could've been a bi-product of LoVett being out and handling the ball predominantly down stretch.
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I was thinking something similar but couldn't put my finger on it.
I think you hit the nail on the head. It's fine to use as a tactic occasionally to maybe get some easy buckets. But it's very dangerous when the opposition is looking for steals late in a game in which you lead.
 
Freshmen become sophomores and tonight Mussini and Ellison both showed the improvement we all hope and pray for on this team. Yakwe's stats were solid for 18 minutes. Hopefully he will continue to improve. Sima was again a disappointment. A win without Marcus is good and on to the next which may be more difficult.
Thank g d we came out with a win and hopefully Marcus can be back soon.
Joseph Chartouny of Fordham is big, strong and deceptively quick. We will need a healthy Marcus to help stop him Thursday night.
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Chartouny is too big and strong for Lovett or Ponds. I think we will see more of Ellison on him early with a lot of switching. Yakwe had only 3 or so good minutes tonight but continues to struggle offensively. He is a couple of years behind almost everyone else on the team but he is an undersized power forward without any outside shot. I think he already hears Marvin Clark's footsteps.
 
This is why Owens deserves all of Sima's minutes...

It's not the great slam or pass, but his vision of seeing where the ball was going for the initial steal. Sima will never be this.



This guy just needs one of those backpacks with a straw connected to him at all times to chug down chocolate shakes w/ protein.... Non-stop.
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Great play by Owens, but damn that was a stupid pass.
Guy just lobs the pass softly in the air, like a jump ball.
Glad Owens made 'em pay for that kind of pass
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
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agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
 
Considering we were without our best player I thought this was a an excellent win.

These kids could of panicked after losing the lead with about 8 to go. They responded well stayed with playing team basketball. And pulled it out.

Our turnovers tonight were mostly unforced. Bashir had 5 and 1 assist. Although Ponds only had 1.

Our front is thin and will continue to get pushed around. We did win the rebounding edge.
I though Rico was big in the first half. Stepped up provide a spark off the bench.
Y
Can't wait for the Fordham game!!
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I think Ponds is our best player.
 
Great win without Marcus.

Shamorie reminds of Ben Gordon. Plays so low to the floor, shifty and changes pace incredibly effectively with his handle, so quick from the bounce into his release, and seems to have every shot in the bag inside 25 feet. Recall being so frustrated that you just couldn't keep Gordon in front of you, think others will have same frustration with Ponds. Lot of fun to watch.

Bit ironic in that you would think the one thing our bigs could absolutely do - play behind and not allow easy hoops at the rim - may be their biggest weakness right now. We are going to have to play three quarters or all out front with expanded help the rest of the way, because we can't continue to allow the volume of easy points inside that we have been. Current approach just isn't working.
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
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agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
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Really agree. Would rather see clear ability that needs to be refined than a player who can't help. 12 and 6, leads the team in rebounding, leads the team in FT attempts, 44% from 3. He's been a big net positive thus far and there is easy room for growth.

Not surprisingly seems accustomed to just being able to bulldoze to rim, and while I love the aggressiveness clearly not going to work on this level. If he does nothing more than scale that back and play more in control inside 10 feet, and as others have noted looks to give it up when he draws help, his efficiency could be in a really great place.
 
Great win without Marcus.

Shamorie reminds of Ben Gordon. Plays so low to the floor, shifty and changes pace incredibly effectively with his handle, so quick from the bounce into his release, and seems to have every shot in the bag inside 25 feet. Recall being so frustrated that you just couldn't keep Gordon in front of you, think others will have same frustration with Ponds. Lot of fun to watch.

Bit ironic in that you would think the one thing our bigs could absolutely do - play behind and not allow easy hoops at the rim - may be their biggest weakness right now. We are going to have to play three quarters or all out front with expanded help the rest of the way, because we can't continue to allow the volume of easy points inside that we have been. Current approach just isn't working.
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In reality, Yankuba Sima is our only true BIG. He would have been ideal as a backup to Obekpa. Owens is a small forward trapped inside a skinny 6'11 frame. Yakwe is likely closer to 6'6 and jumps high. All his other mechanics are 4 cylinder. Freudenberg and Alibegovic are 6'9 but are Euros who are more comfortable playing outside than mixing it up inside. Scouting our inside weaknesses is easy for opponents and why Zach Brown may be the most critical recruit along with a big 5th year player. I could live with Sima and Yakwe being less productive offensively if only their defense became more aggressive but both have very passive personalities.
 
Looking at yesterday's box score Alibegovic had zero rebounds in 13 minutes! Sima had zero rebounds as well with no block shots! Ponds had more rebounds than both of them! If we do not get much better performance from our bigs this is going to be a long season! Alibegovic would rather toss up a "3" which he rarely makes than rebound! Sima in my opinion has digressed from last year! These European players just don't like to mix it up underneath the basket. They play way to soft!
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
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agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
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At this point, he's our only real scoing option in the front court. Although starting to see some real promise from Owens. I feel so much better with him in the game rather than Sima. Frued still looks lost. And if he looks lost against this level of comp, I dont see him contriburing at all when we get to leaque play. CM was all over Ellison last night. As my buddy Dave, a lifelong PC fan, said to me "that kid Ellison clearly thinks that he's The Man. Maybe when he accepts that he's not, he'll become a more effective player". With some tweaking, Ahmed and Ellison can continue to improve. LoVett, Ponds and Muss are who they are. Need to get that front line in order and we can still have a decent year IMO
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
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agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
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Really agree. Would rather see clear ability that needs to be refined than a player who can't help. 12 and 6, leads the team in rebounding, leads the team in FT attempts, 44% from 3. He's been a big net positive thus far and there is easy room for growth.

Not surprisingly seems accustomed to just being able to bulldoze to rim, and while I love the aggressiveness clearly not going to work on this level. If he does nothing more than scale that back and play more in control inside 10 feet, and as others have noted looks to give it up when he draws help, his efficiency could be in a really great place.
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You hit the nail on the head, Ahmed needs to scale back his play & develop a medium range approach. Anecdotally, I got there early last night & in shooting drills he was hoisting threes, many off balance, all over the place. He never spent time on the medium jumpers at elbow, foul line. I realuze he is a key scoring option on this team, but hope staff can quickly demonstrate to him dividend of kicking ball when doubled, take 3s strategically & get him to appreciate getting his shots within flow of game. Against quality competition, he can't commit five turnovers like last night at key times I might add.

I have seen Ahmed play since his days at JFK in the Bronx years ago & pull for him. However, now is the time, Juco or not, to rein him in a bit & maximize his and team's chances of success. Ponds, he & LoVett could be a dangerous scoring trio with added discipline on his part. Hope the light goes off prior to BE play.
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
Click to expand...
agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
Click to expand...

Really agree. Would rather see clear ability that needs to be refined than a player who can't help. 12 and 6, leads the team in rebounding, leads the team in FT attempts, 44% from 3. He's been a big net positive thus far and there is easy room for growth.

Not surprisingly seems accustomed to just being able to bulldoze to rim, and while I love the aggressiveness clearly not going to work on this level. If he does nothing more than scale that back and play more in control inside 10 feet, and as others have noted looks to give it up when he draws help, his efficiency could be in a really great place.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head, Ahmed needs to scale back his play & develop a medium range approach. Anecdotally, I got there early last night & in shooting drills he was hoisting threes, many off balance, all over the place. He never spent time on the medium jumpers at elbow, foul line. I realuze he is a key scoring option on this team, but hope staff can quickly demonstrate to him dividend of kicking ball when doubled, take 3s strategically & get him to appreciate getting his shots within flow of game. Against quality competition, he can't commit five turnovers like last night at key times I might add.

I have seen Ahmed play since his days at JFK in the Bronx years ago & pull for him. However, now is the time, Juco or not, to rein him in a bit & maximize his and team's chances of success. Ponds, he & LoVett could be a dangerous scoring trio with added discipline on his part. Hope the light goes off prior to BE play.
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agree 100% he is a bit frustrating and so obvious right now...hopefully they can teach him and he learns how to play within himself
 
Criticisms of Ahmed seem like the typical things you get with a juco where bad habits can develop. May take a while to get the juco out of his game but still view him as an asset (especially for this talent challenged team) and I'm glad we have him.
Click to expand...
agreed because he is our most legitimate 3rd scoring option and #1scoring option in the front court
Click to expand...

Really agree. Would rather see clear ability that needs to be refined than a player who can't help. 12 and 6, leads the team in rebounding, leads the team in FT attempts, 44% from 3. He's been a big net positive thus far and there is easy room for growth.

Not surprisingly seems accustomed to just being able to bulldoze to rim, and while I love the aggressiveness clearly not going to work on this level. If he does nothing more than scale that back and play more in control inside 10 feet, and as others have noted looks to give it up when he draws help, his efficiency could be in a really great place.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head, Ahmed needs to scale back his play & develop a medium range approach. Anecdotally, I got there early last night & in shooting drills he was hoisting threes, many off balance, all over the place. He never spent time on the medium jumpers at elbow, foul line. I realuze he is a key scoring option on this team, but hope staff can quickly demonstrate to him dividend of kicking ball when doubled, take 3s strategically & get him to appreciate getting his shots within flow of game. Against quality competition, he can't commit five turnovers like last night at key times I might add.

I have seen Ahmed play since his days at JFK in the Bronx years ago & pull for him. However, now is the time, Juco or not, to rein him in a bit & maximize his and team's chances of success. Ponds, he & LoVett could be a dangerous scoring trio with added discipline on his part. Hope the light goes off prior to BE play.
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IMO he will be forced to adjust in league play. He can forget about even getting fouled on those forced, off-balanced drives to the hoop. He will be running in to some brick walls. I hope that his idea of adjusting is not hoisting up more ill-advised threes. Potential is there for him to be a solid contributor, hoping that Ahmed and the staff figure out how to make that happen
 
At this point, he's our only real scoing option in the front court. Although starting to see some real promise from Owens. I feel so much better with him in the game rather than Sima. Frued still looks lost. And if he looks lost against this level of comp, I dont see him contriburing at all when we get to leaque play. CM was all over Ellison last night. As my buddy Dave, a lifelong PC fan, said to me "that kid Ellison clearly thinks that he's The Man. Maybe when he accepts that he's not, he'll become a more effective player". With some tweaking, Ahmed and Ellison can continue to improve. LoVett, Ponds and Muss are who they are. Need to get that front line in order and we can still have a decent year IMO[/quote]

good post monte......agree with it all and think once it comes together we will play much more consistently and still surprise many (hopefully soon)

the way I copied the quote looks like my post but its montes
 
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