ESPN Summer Shootaround and Power Rankings

[1and1sju]

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season.

I think they're going to be better than people expect. Their trio of guards Starks, Smith-Rivera, and Trawick have talent and experience. And with Lubbock and Hopkins they'll be ok down low too. I think their ceiling will depend on how their forwards play. Domingo, and their freshman Cameron don't need to fill Porter's shoes; but they need to be respectable.

I'm not sleeping on Gtown. I think they're the best team in the conference actually. (after us, of course

I

 

[Pleasedontbanmeagain]

Worst case scenario we finish #4 with G'Town, Nova, and Marquette all ahead of us. I think Creighton may disappoint people expecting them to easily compete for the Big East title. Does anyone else remember that time they lost like 4 of 6 MVC games including some terrible teams? This is a team that could barely handle Cincy even while shooting lights out to eke out a win. Duke then disposed of them. They have low athleticism and rely on red hot shooting with open looks. McDermott will be public enemy #1 for defenses and he will be pressured much more...how many Obekpa's has he had to shoot over in the MVC? Not many if any. If you think the MVC to Big East is not a fairly big transition, then just wait and watch. Not saying they won't be good, but they won't be this dominating force many analysts expect.

For the same reason these newcomer teams will have a chip on their shoulder with something to prove and teams like G'town and St John's will have targets on their back. Sadly St John's has some bad history with new teams - even when they were a consistent top 25 team. Remember that stinker when Miami (who was lousy at the time) first joined the Big East?

I don't want to give the impression that I somehow "hate" Creighton because they have honestly helped us with solidifying our conference, but I just don't see them being a dominant Big East team. They are essentially the same 1 trick pony they were last year. Shut McDermott down and win. Their 2nd option is a massive downgrade from McDermott. So essentially you have an entire team riding on 1 player's back. Can it work? Sure...but he will have to stay healthy all year and somehow breeze through some very good teams of which caliber he is not so used to facing. Creighton was not tested at all last year...in fact they did not have 1 ranked win from a power conference all year (I mean their opponent must have been ranked the day they played them). Nevertheless, the media has eaten them up and seem to think they will be the new Syracuse here. But hey, I could be wrong and Creighton may dominate and hey, more power to our conference right? The biggest problem I have with Creighton that no one on here or in the media talks about is this: what does Creighton do after Doug and Gibbs? Do you really expect them not to fall off quite far? Because I do.

 

[Moose]

Worst case scenario we finish #4 with G'Town, Nova, and Marquette all ahead of us. I think Creighton may disappoint people expecting them to easily compete for the Big East title. Does anyone else remember that time they lost like 4 of 6 MVC games including some terrible teams? This is a team that could barely handle Cincy even while shooting lights out to eke out a win. Duke then disposed of them. They have low athleticism and rely on red hot shooting with open looks. McDermott will be public enemy #1 for defenses and he will be pressured much more...how many Obekpa's has he had to shoot over in the MVC? Not many if any. If you think the MVC to Big East is not a fairly big transition, then just wait and watch. Not saying they won't be good, but they won't be this dominating force many analysts expect.

A paragraph about Creighton from you.
There is a shocker

 

[Moose]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

 

[1and1sju]

Worst case scenario we finish #4 with G'Town, Nova, and Marquette all ahead of us. I think Creighton may disappoint people expecting them to easily compete for the Big East title. Does anyone else remember that time they lost like 4 of 6 MVC games including some terrible teams? This is a team that could barely handle Cincy even while shooting lights out to eke out a win. Duke then disposed of them. They have low athleticism and rely on red hot shooting with open looks. McDermott will be public enemy #1 for defenses and he will be pressured much more...how many Obekpa's has he had to shoot over in the MVC? Not many if any. If you think the MVC to Big East is not a fairly big transition, then just wait and watch. Not saying they won't be good, but they won't be this dominating force many analysts expect.

For the same reason these newcomer teams will have a chip on their shoulder with something to prove and teams like G'town and St John's will have targets on their back. Sadly St John's has some bad history with new teams - even when they were a consistent top 25 team. Remember that stinker when Miami (who was lousy at the time) first joined the Big East?

I don't want to give the impression that I somehow "hate" Creighton because they have honestly helped us with solidifying our conference, but I just don't see them being a dominant Big East team. They are essentially the same 1 trick pony they were last year. Shut McDermott down and win. Their 2nd option is a massive downgrade from McDermott. So essentially you have an entire team riding on 1 player's back. Can it work? Sure...but he will have to stay healthy all year and somehow breeze through some very good teams of which caliber he is not so used to facing. Creighton was not tested at all last year...in fact they did not have 1 ranked win from a power conference all year (I mean their opponent must have been ranked the day they played them). Nevertheless, the media has eaten them up and seem to think they will be the new Syracuse here. But hey, I could be wrong and Creighton may dominate and hey, more power to our conference right? The biggest problem I have with Creighton that no one on here or in the media talks about is this: what does Creighton do after Doug and Gibbs? Do you really expect them not to fall off quite far? Because I do.

I don't completely disagree. There's a number of reasons why Creighton might struggle, and if this post was from anyone but Joe I think more people would probably agree with it.
The only thing I'll differ with you on Joe is that 3pt shooting absolutely kills us, even when we know who the opposing shooter is. Good ball movement gave other teams consistently open looks against our zone.
They may struggle against the league as a whole, but Creighton will be a huge pain in our ass specifically. McDermott is the kind've zone buster that equalizes our athletic advantage.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

There's a backcourt in queens who will take that title. 4 heads deep.

 

[Moose]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

There's a backcourt in queens who will take that title. 4 heads deep.

Usually you can only play 2 of them though. DSR doesn't get the hype he should. Line his numbers up against Dee. Especially since he didn't play nearly as many minutes per game. I love our backcourt and if all works out well SJU, Gtown and Marquette will make this conference very proud this year.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

There's a backcourt in queens who will take that title. 4 heads deep.

Usually you can only play 2 of them though. DSR doesn't get the hype he should. Line his numbers up against Dee. Especially since he didn't play nearly as many minutes per game. I love our backcourt and if all works out well SJU, Gtown and Marquette will make this conference very proud this year.

Not nocking Starks and DSR, they are good and probably can shoot it better than our group. We have the higher potential though and am sure there will be plenty of times where we have 3 of the 4 out there at the same time.

 

[SJUalum98]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

There's a backcourt in queens who will take that title. 4 heads deep.

Usually you can only play 2 of them though. DSR doesn't get the hype he should. Line his numbers up against Dee. Especially since he didn't play nearly as many minutes per game. I love our backcourt and if all works out well SJU, Gtown and Marquette will make this conference very proud this year.

Put D'Angelo in a structured offense like the Princeton and he'd score 25 PPG.

Starks is legit; future pro IMO.

DSR has a long ways to go.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

I'm with you. I can only see Marquette and Georgetown ahead of us. But I can't see Creighton being ahead of us

Remember we are talking conference standings not who the best team is. It is about how these 10 teams matchup against each other.

How does G'town answer the loss of Porter and Whittington? I don't see it this season. Maybe late in the year they surge and maybe even a good Tourney run, but overall conference standings they are middle of the pack. Same goes for Marquette. Both have good machines (program) but are transitioning major components. Creighton on the other hand has a lot of established chemistry and will come out strong immediately with a lot of experience and their key components just a year more experienced.

DSR and Starks 'could' be the best backcourt in the League. Their issue will be at the 3 like you said replacing Otto and Whittington. I love Reggie Cameron's game but he's just a frosh. This is Domingo's freshman year in reality as he graduated early to head to Gtown last year. They can always go small and put that pain in the ass Trawick at the 3.

There's a backcourt in queens who will take that title. 4 heads deep.

Usually you can only play 2 of them though. DSR doesn't get the hype he should. Line his numbers up against Dee. Especially since he didn't play nearly as many minutes per game. I love our backcourt and if all works out well SJU, Gtown and Marquette will make this conference very proud this year.

Put D'Angelo in a structured offense like the Princeton and he'd score 25 PPG.

Starks is legit; future pro IMO.

DSR has a long ways to go.

Think DSR has more pro potential than Starks.

 

[1and1sju]

Put D'Angelo in a structured offense like the Princeton and he'd score 25 PPG.

Starks is legit; future pro IMO.

1) I disagree with your assessment of Dangelo, I think he's best when a set play breaks down and he has to make a play. Draw a foul, throw up a floater etc.
In a set offense I find him somewhat limited. He's not quick enough to turn the corner on most defenders and I know this is sacrilegious but his outside shooting is overrated. So I think he could struggle in a set offense.

2)I agree with the above that smith-Rivera is the better player in the long haul. Don't know that either will stick in the the nba, but if I had to choose it would be DSR.

 

[MCNPA]

Creighton has nobody to replace a good Echenique. That problem will cost them quite a few games because they can't replace him. Georgetown's certainly good, but they only killed us last year because Porter was unstoppable. Without him and Whittington, they need somebody to step up. Josh smith could be an X-factor if he can figure out how to last in a game. I expect them to be good, but this time, Smith will be coming at Obekpa and Gift. Obekpa the most feared shotblocker in the country.

Marquette will be real solid. Big east has lots of good teams. Will be an exciting season.

 

[MJDinkins]

Put D'Angelo in a structured offense like the Princeton and he'd score 25 PPG.

Starks is legit; future pro IMO.

1) I disagree with your assessment of Dangelo, I think he's best when a set play breaks down and he has to make a play. Draw a foul, throw up a floater etc.
In a set offense I find him somewhat limited. He's not quick enough to turn the corner on most defenders and I know this is sacrilegious but his outside shooting is overrated. So I think he could struggle in a set offense.

2)I agree with the above that smith-Rivera is the better player in the long haul. Don't know that either will stick in the the nba, but if I had to choose it would be DSR.

I'm also one who doesn't believe Starks is a pro. At least, not in the NBA. He's a legit collegiate, but I think he'll struggle to get quality minutes in the NBA (if he even makes a roster).

 

[bamafan]

Worst case scenario we finish #4 with G'Town, Nova, and Marquette all ahead of us. I think Creighton may disappoint people expecting them to easily compete for the Big East title. Does anyone else remember that time they lost like 4 of 6 MVC games including some terrible teams? This is a team that could barely handle Cincy even while shooting lights out to eke out a win. Duke then disposed of them. They have low athleticism and rely on red hot shooting with open looks. McDermott will be public enemy #1 for defenses and he will be pressured much more...how many Obekpa's has he had to shoot over in the MVC? Not many if any. If you think the MVC to Big East is not a fairly big transition, then just wait and watch. Not saying they won't be good, but they won't be this dominating force many analysts expect.

A paragraph about Creighton from you.
There is a shocker

Waiting for one on the Vancouver Canucks. (For those of you that don't get the reference Bob Paige on the MSG sports desk show years ago after reporting on something he had to but deemed unimportant would say something to the affect that later on tonight there will be a 3 hour special on the Vancouver Canucks).

 

[Marillac]

Creighton has nobody to replace a good Echenique. That problem will cost them quite a few games because they can't replace him. .

Echinique was a very solid player, but don't forget that McDermott is 6'8, very capable down low, and led Creighton in rebounding last season. The roster shows that Creighton returns three huge (7'0, 6'11, 6'8) young guys that could step in and play center in Echnique's absence. 9.7 points and 6.6 points is tough to lose, but certainly manageable. Creighton returns four starters and all but one of their top eight or nine players.

 

[Pleasedontbanmeagain]

Creighton has nobody to replace a good Echenique. That problem will cost them quite a few games because they can't replace him. .

Echinique was a very solid player, but don't forget that McDermott is 6'8, very capable down low, and led Creighton in rebounding last season. The roster shows that Creighton returns three huge (7'0, 6'11, 6'8) young guys that could step in and play center in Echnique's absence. 9.7 points and 6.6 points is tough to lose, but certainly manageable. Creighton returns four starters and all but one of their top eight or nine players.

McDermott is also more used to playing teams like Bradley, Southern Illinois, and Drake instead of Georgetown, Villanova, and Marquette. McDermott will get stuffed a lot more in the Big East. This is a man's league.

 

[austour]

Last year he went for 27/11 against Cincy, 30/8 against Wisconsin, 29/9 against Az St, 34/9 against Cal, and 21/9 against Duke. He'll be just fine.

 

[SJUalum98]

Creighton has nobody to replace a good Echenique. That problem will cost them quite a few games because they can't replace him. .

Echinique was a very solid player, but don't forget that McDermott is 6'8, very capable down low, and led Creighton in rebounding last season. The roster shows that Creighton returns three huge (7'0, 6'11, 6'8) young guys that could step in and play center in Echnique's absence. 9.7 points and 6.6 points is tough to lose, but certainly manageable. Creighton returns four starters and all but one of their top eight or nine players.

McDermott is also more used to playing teams like Bradley, Southern Illinois, and Drake instead of Georgetown, Villanova, and Marquette. McDermott will get stuffed a lot more in the Big East. This is a man's league.

McDermott played against current NBA players on the USA National select team and more than held his own gaining their respect.

Question- how many Creighton vs. Bradley, Southern Illinois and Drake games have you watched?

 

[Pleasedontbanmeagain]

Last year he went for 27/11 against Cincy, 30/8 against Wisconsin, 29/9 against Az St, 34/9 against Cal, and 21/9 against Duke. He'll be just fine.

He never faced a ranked opponent until the NCAA tourney when Duke throttled them. When they beat Wisconsin they weren't ranked. When they beat Miami they weren't ranked and they were missing a key starter. Why does that say nothing to some people? Don't get me wrong, the kid can shoot the lights out, but the truth is that this Creighton team is simply not battle-tested enough. They are going to go from playing Bradley and the like during the season mixed in with a tourney team or two, to playing Georgetown and the like during the season mixed in with essentially all tourney-worthy teams (G'Town, Nova, Marquette, SJU, Xavier, Butler, PC). Going from 1 or 2 tourney teams on the schedule all year to playing a tourney team almost every game is nothing to yawn about. I'm sure McDermott will still be good, but he will definitely be held in check more often than in the MVC without a doubt. Either way, he is only 1 player. Riding on 1 player all year in the Big East is not a good spot to be in. God forbid he gets hurt or shut down with a subpar season, Creighton is going nowhere. I'm more concerned with how they will reload after McDermott and Gibbs go. They will go from a potential top 3 team to a potential bottom-feeder.

 

[MCNPA]

People are going to be onto McDermott's game more so this year. He's not A very good athlete and doesn't move laterally very well. He has a tough time with more athletic bigs aka Sanchez, Sampson, Obekpa. He's an excellent shooter who does a great job within the framework or his offense. He's a phenomenal player, but really used Echenique effectively. None of those team's that he had success against, we're running teams like us. I think Creigton will fare pretty well this year, but it will be a lot tougher than they've been used to.