Marquette game

[beast of the east]

Agree atmosphere in the last 10 minutes was probably the best of the year, save maybe when the UConn game got good late. Would have been great to find a way to win it but thought we played one of our best games of the year.

In addition to the game providing further evidence that we have something in Christian Jones, the biggest takeaway was the Branch/Greene dynamic. Greene is at his best when he's focused on scoring. It helped that he made shots on Saturday, but he was far more aggressive penentrating and not just relying on his jumper which was a big part of this being his best game in a while. Still, only 1 board and 1 assist in 39 minutes. Conversely, Branch with only 4 points...but 8 assists and 6 rebounds. He really has great vision and plays a floor game we haven't had from a true point in a while. They complemented each other really nicely Saturday.

If Harrison comes back, I could see Greene being an extremely valuable 3rd or 4th guard as we add depth. No way this guy should get buried on the bench, and he has the confidence to add offense. If he works on his jumper, it can become more consistent - his shot selection is really not bad at all, he just needs to make a much better %. Lots of guys over time have improved shooting percentage from soph to senior season.

 

[fun]

On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Too bad Evander Blue didn't get the memo.

 

[beast of the east]

On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Too bad Evander Blue didn't get the memo.

Basketball, too, is a game of inches. I think he came really close. Obiviously, an 8th block would have been nicer than 7

 

[we are sju]

Some final post game notes:

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

 

[we are sju]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

 

[SJU1512]

Agree atmosphere in the last 10 minutes was probably the best of the year, save maybe when the UConn game got good late. Would have been great to find a way to win it but thought we played one of our best games of the year.

In addition to the game providing further evidence that we have something in Christian Jones, the biggest takeaway was the Branch/Greene dynamic. Greene is at his best when he's focused on scoring. It helped that he made shots on Saturday, but he was far more aggressive penentrating and not just relying on his jumper which was a big part of this being his best game in a while. Still, only 1 board and 1 assist in 39 minutes. Conversely, Branch with only 4 points...but 8 assists and 6 rebounds. He really has great vision and plays a floor game we haven't had from a true point in a while. They complemented each other really nicely Saturday.

If Harrison comes back, I could see Greene being an extremely valuable 3rd or 4th guard as we add depth. No way this guy should get buried on the bench, and he has the confidence to add offense. If he works on his jumper, it can become more consistent - his shot selection is really not bad at all, he just needs to make a much better %. Lots of guys over time have improved shooting percentage from soph to senior season.

Could not agree more with this. I said earlier in the season I think a big piece of the puzzle with Greene is the role he's been asked to play for most of his time here. Can he step in and play the point in a backup/part time role for stretches? Absolutely. Is that the role that best suits him or the team? No. He's also too streaky to be your primary 2.

I also think his production and impact on the team would be maximized in a 6th/7th man role. A guy who comes in and looks to give you an offensive spark every game, and can give you minutes 1-3. When he's hot, he plays starters minutes the rest of the way. When he's not, you're not locked in to 35+ minutes from him. To your point, I think his confidence, shooting %, etc. go up just by virtue of being in the best role for him and the team. Trying to run the team from the 1 and primarily playing on the perimeter is not what he does best. He's almost an undersized slasher with what can be a really effective mid range game (with his pull up, floater, and ability to get all the way to the rim).

 

[logen]

On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Too bad Evander Blue didn't get the memo.

Basketball, too, is a game of inches. I think he came really close. Obiviously, an 8th block would have been nicer than 7

What would have been nicer is Balamou playing on his strong hand (right) and making him change direction. But that is a nit, we played with fire and committment for the most part and just came up short.

 

[beast of the east]

We miss so many easy baskets, open looks... we are not a good shooting team at all.

I was about to say the same. We're getting quite a bit of open looks, but we're clanking 'em (especially, Bourgault).

You have got to shoot open looks, I'm sure you will agree. Even Obekpa has made a couple of foul line jumpers from 15-17. Borgault, I think, just needs to find his stroke, and stay in long enough to get a rhythm going.

 

[beast of the east]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

 

[redken]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

I don't know how much injuries have to do with Phil Greene's play this year. His shooting percentages for this year (.364 FG, .228 from 3-point range) are pretty much the same as last year's (.367, .284) when he was healthy. Coupled with the fact that, despite our having more backcourt depth this season, he's averaged more minutes this year than last (32.7 to 31.1), one wonders just how badly injured he's been.

 

[we are sju]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

His injury has not stopped him from firing away

 

[beast of the east]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

I don't know how much injuries have to do with Phil Greene's play this year. His shooting percentages for this year (.364 FG, .228 from 3-point range) are pretty much the same as last year's (.367, .284) when he was healthy. Coupled with the fact that, despite our having more backcourt depth this season, he's averaged more minutes this year than last (32.7 to 31.1), one wonders just how badly injured he's been.

It's a fair assessment. LAvin did speak about shutting him down (hip?) - If so, we've got to cut him some slack. Now, I am guessing, because i am too lazy to calculate his shooting % from 2, that he is shooting fairly well within three. Maybe he just needs either to become a three point shooter, or radically cut down shots from 3.

 

[pdcjay]

When these kids don't try and do too much they can be pretty good. Greene played within his game and found his sweet spot. Branch took some chances and made some good decisions with the ball. Maybe his best passing game this season? Jones came on strong. Borgault needs to stop pretending to be D'lo. Lets run some screens and get him some open shots. If we can get Marco, Greene, and Sampson open shots they will hit them. It's them forcing up so so contested shots that make our heads shake and the bad possessions pile up.

 

[salty dog]

This game hurt.

Gritty effort by the kids and they didn't give up.

Jones was impressive. Branch had a couple of passes that wowed me. I swear he throws the fastest passes I ever really remember a Johnnie making the past 20 years.

One of the announcers mentioned that Branch's pass to Greene under the basket was the best pass he has ever seen in basketball. Probably doesn't remember Bob Cousy.

It was also deflected.

But still made it into his hands for the blown lay in. By the way that was Mike Patrick calling the play by play. He's seen a fair amount of games in his life.

 

[salty dog]

On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Too bad Evander Blue didn't get the memo.

Yeah Evander Blew by him, or Blue Bye O!
apologies to Linda Ronstadt.

 

[beast of the east]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

His injury has not stopped him from firing away

Want my guess? Opponents know his shooting % from three and kind of let him go to the corners, where he has been horrible. When someone dares a guard to shoot a three (just 20 feet) its hard to pass up. They haven't been forced shots, mostly wide open looks. Like I said, he has shot well from within the arc, and maybe that's what he has to do going forward.

 

[usguard]

When these kids don't try and do too much they can be pretty good. Greene played within his game and found his sweet spot. Branch took some chances and made some good decisions with the ball. Maybe his best passing game this season? Jones came on strong. Borgault needs to stop pretending to be D'lo. Lets run some screens and get him some open shots. If we can get Marco, Greene, and Sampson open shots they will hit them. It's them forcing up so so contested shots that make our heads shake and the bad possessions pile up.

.

.I have been saying for months that we need to pick for Marco. WE either lack the skill set or .ignore it Greene needs to pass the ball and cut back on his dribbling It appears to me Marco when gets to open ..spots. Greene usually ignores him or when he dribbles or passes to him he is then covered His timely is most always late That makes a big difference

 

[fuchsia]

When these kids don't try and do too much they can be pretty good. Greene played within his game and found his sweet spot. Branch took some chances and made some good decisions with the ball. Maybe his best passing game this season? Jones came on strong. Borgault needs to stop pretending to be D'lo. Lets run some screens and get him some open shots. If we can get Marco, Greene, and Sampson open shots they will hit them. It's them forcing up so so contested shots that make our heads shake and the bad possessions pile up.

You are starting to hit a big issue here, coaching kids up so they have a counter move to not allow defenders to take away their strength, DLO with something going left, Obekpa with a jump hook, SirDom with a turnaround in the lane. If your repertoire does not grow, a decent zone takes away your offense.

 

[westchesterjoe]

The issue of Greene not passing to Bourgault occurred again in the Marquette game.. And, yes, he had a poor shooting game but, Phil has had several bad games as well. It's very obvious Phil will shoot a questionable shot rather than pass to a open Marco.

 

[Moose]

Some final post game notes:

Obekpa: 7 blocks vs. the #15 team in the nation, 7 rebounds, a bunch of altered shots, and a growing confidence that he can rule the defensive paint. On one late block he thumped his chest after the rejection, confidently stating, "Don't come in here"

Borgault: 5 rebounds, and 8 points. Horrible shooting day, (3-13) but still confident enough to nail a huge 3 late in regulation. 5 rebounds prove my point that he boxes out and attacks the defensive boards. Perhaps small forward is in his future.

Branch: 6 rebounds to go with 8 assists. Everything's better with Jamal Branch in it. If theres any doubt that Branch is at about 90% or more at this point, look at that fast break layup late in the game. HE looked liked he was going full tilt, then accelerated like he had another gear in his gearbox for a layup. Gotta love this kid.

Christian Jones: 6 boards to go with 10 points (5-9 shooting). We'd take that from Pointer, so we are more than happy to have Jones show he's a D1 player.

Jakarr Sampson - another cooly efficient game. 17 point on (8-14 shooting) with 7 rebounds. The only thing you can critizcize him for is not taking the big shots in OT, especially when he passed to Felix, who shot an air ball.

Phil Greene - for all detractors, take this game and shove it. 20 pts on 9-15 shooting, just one turnover in 39 minutes,

A win vs. Nova on Wednesday would be so nice, and the newfound depth that Christian Jones gives us upfront could just be the difference.

Regarding Phil Greene what are we shoving exactly? The one game he didn't shoot 35%? He is shooting 36% for the season and 365% for his career. You are the same guy who hated our best player and called for him to come off the bench but are now calling out people's frustration with Phil Greene's play? I hope he continues to play better, but one game does not shove anything.

My quote attributed to Greene was hyperbole. IF you read my DH criticisms, it was largely on shot selection. One of the things I maintained was that if DH didn't throw up so many bad shots, his shooting % would be much higher. Greene has been injured all year and I don't know how that has affected his play overall, do you? His shot seleciton hasn't been bad, but his shooting obviously has not been good. I'd like to believe a healthy Greene will play better - LAvin talked of shutting him down just a few weeks ago.

I don't know how much injuries have to do with Phil Greene's play this year. His shooting percentages for this year (.364 FG, .228 from 3-point range) are pretty much the same as last year's (.367, .284) when he was healthy. Coupled with the fact that, despite our having more backcourt depth this season, he's averaged more minutes this year than last (32.7 to 31.1), one wonders just how badly injured he's been.

Phil was not healthy last year supposedly. Had surgery on hand or wrist in the offseason. Back in December it was the hip now.