Minnesota, Fri. Nov. 18, 9pm, BTN/570AM

[paultzman]

Gophers do have decent guards. Seeing someone challenge our dynamic duo & backcourt partners, requiring more interior contributions, may be interesting to see. Also, stating the obvious, the road is tough.

 

[JackofVirginia]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

 

[we are sju]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

 

[paultzman]

Luca Virgilio – Verified account ‏@LucaVirgilio

1st road trip of the season
Wheels up to Minneapolis
#sjubb

[attachment]image-30.jpeg[/attachment]

 

[Class of 72]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

This kid is still growing and he will be a terrific player in another year or so if he doesn't turn pro in Europe. He has the body to bulk up and he is sound fundamentally. A 6'10 small forward who can shoot is another rarity at St. John's. Starting with the 2018 class and going forward we will finally be able to pick and choose as our best recruits rather than worrying about preferred walk ons.

 

[we are sju]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

This kid is still growing and he will be a terrific player in another year or so if he doesn't turn pro in Europe. He has the body to bulk up and he is sound fundamentally. A 6'10 small forward who can shoot is another rarity at St. John's. Starting with the 2018 class and going forward we will finally be able to pick and choose as our best recruits rather than worrying about preferred walk ons.

6-10 power forward maybe. Do not see the skills for him to be successful at the 3 at all.

 

[paultzman]

RF will fill out and be a very good "Stretch Four" guy by next season. He will also help this year, especially if anyone of our interior guys gets injured. (And you know that will likely happen).

Despite his challenges, obviously invest in him & be patient v Amar or Williams.

 

[we are sju]

RF will fill out and be a very good "Stretch Four" guy by next season. He will also help this year, especially if anyone of our interior guys gets injured. (And you know that will likely happen).

Despite his challenges, obviously invest in him & be patient v Amar or Williams.

I just don't see him a the three. I also don't see Lovett or Ponds at the 5. There is just some physical limitations at play.
After 2 games I am not going to make a definitive statement about anyone's game. I will say I am a little surprised by his lack of athleticism. Only mention that because before the season people were indicating he could play the 3 as well as the 4.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

I know hyperbole is your thing but I do not see the complete non athlete that you describe in RF

 

[we are sju]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

I know hyperbole is your thing but I do not see the complete non athlete that you describe in RF

Maybe he is hurt or something but moves around like Ivan Drago in the first couple minutes of the Apollo Creed fight.
Maybe since Lovett and Ponds are flying around all over the place he stands out in comparison but he def looks slow and stiff. Amar stinks but he is a good athlete so this not a stereo type thing.

And again I am not saying he can't or won't be a good basketball player. He just seems more Steve Novak than Toni Kukoc

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

I know hyperbole is your thing but I do not see the complete non athlete that you describe in RF

Maybe he is hurt or something but moves around like Ivan Drago in the first couple minutes of the Apollo Creed fight.
Maybe since Lovett and Ponds are flying around all over the place he stands out in comparison but he def looks slow and stiff. Amar stinks but he is a good athlete so this not a stereo type thing.

And again I am not saying he can't or won't be a good basketball player. He just seems more Steve Novak than Toni Kukoc

Fair enough, I wish we could go back to Amar's first two games and see how awkward and unathletic he looked. I think we all think RF will be the better player and I have no doubt that he will be the better athlete as well.

 

[we are sju]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

I know hyperbole is your thing but I do not see the complete non athlete that you describe in RF

Maybe he is hurt or something but moves around like Ivan Drago in the first couple minutes of the Apollo Creed fight.
Maybe since Lovett and Ponds are flying around all over the place he stands out in comparison but he def looks slow and stiff. Amar stinks but he is a good athlete so this not a stereo type thing.

And again I am not saying he can't or won't be a good basketball player. He just seems more Steve Novak than Toni Kukoc

Fair enough, I wish we could go back to Amar's first two games and see how awkward and unathletic he looked. I think we all think RF will be the better player and I have no doubt that he will be the better athlete as well.

For all of Amar's many issues playing basketball, athleticism is not one of them. Again no one is saying you have to be Russell Westbrook. But we aren't exactly Phi Slamma Jamma and he is probably least athletic guy on team. Though Williams might give him a run for his money in that regard.

Possibly he is just really nervous and unsure of himself. But the game looks too fast for him AT THIS MOMENT.
Now if he hits 10 threes on Friday I am not apologizing. I hope he does well, I hope they all do. My only point is I do not see the skill set for him top play the 3 and from what I had heard before the season I am surprised by the lack of athleticism he has shown so far.

 

[monte]

RF will fill out and be a very good "Stretch Four" guy by next season. He will also help this year, especially if anyone of our interior guys gets injured. (And you know that will likely happen).

Despite his challenges, obviously invest in him & be patient v Amar or Williams.

First we heard comparisons to Detlef Shemp, and now some people are making him sound like Shemp Howard. Really wish people would cut the kid a little slack and not pass judgment on him after 2 games.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Minn and Mich St have some tall guards. Both tests will give a lot of insight on our future esp Mich St who is seriously guard heavy without an active center on their roster. Looking at numbers surprised to see RF is currently our 6th man in terms of minutes played. He needs to show something more to deserve those minutes but overall the numbers are quietly solid. Only one TO for example to go with 3 assists, 4 boards and a steal. If the ball starts to go in for him, he could be solid. For what it's worth Amar is near the top for us in both rebounds and assists by minutes played (last other than Holifield/Williams) and hasn't taken too many shots.
minutes played so far:
1) Lovett [58] 2) Ponds [56] 3) Yakwe [43] 4) Mussini [40] 5) Ahmed [39] 6) Freudenberg [35] 7) Ellison [33] 8 ) Owens [31] 9) Sima [30] 10) Alibegovic [21] 11) Williams [9] 12) Holifield [5]

Freudenberg appears to be similar to Mussini as far as getting his three pointer off, needs a pick or to be wide open to shoot.

6-9 so getting it off shouldn't be a problem. Most 6-9 guys aren't guarded out there. If he can shoot I think that will be his role. Sort of like Steve Novak. Not that he will be that kind of shooter, so far he hasn't looked it but might just be nervous. I do think spot up shooter will be his ceiling however as he moves around like Ivan Drago.

I know hyperbole is your thing but I do not see the complete non athlete that you describe in RF

Maybe he is hurt or something but moves around like Ivan Drago in the first couple minutes of the Apollo Creed fight.
Maybe since Lovett and Ponds are flying around all over the place he stands out in comparison but he def looks slow and stiff. Amar stinks but he is a good athlete so this not a stereo type thing.

And again I am not saying he can't or won't be a good basketball player. He just seems more Steve Novak than Toni Kukoc

Fair enough, I wish we could go back to Amar's first two games and see how awkward and unathletic he looked. I think we all think RF will be the better player and I have no doubt that he will be the better athlete as well.

For all of Amar's many issues playing basketball, athleticism is not one of them. Again no one is saying you have to be Russell Westbrook. But we aren't exactly Phi Slamma Jamma and he is probably least athletic guy on team. Though Williams might give him a run for his money in that regard.

Possibly he is just really nervous and unsure of himself. But the game looks too fast for him AT THIS MOMENT.
Now if he hits 10 threes on Friday I am not apologizing. I hope he does well, I hope they all do. My only point is I do not see the skill set for him top play the 3 and from what I had heard before the season I am surprised by the lack of athleticism he has shown so far.

FWIW, I do think Amar is a good athlete and a pretty useful player in terms of 10th men.

 

[paultzman]

WASJU, the master!
[attachment]image-31.jpeg[/attachment]

 

[Andrew]

I think Freudenberg will be a good player. He looks very nervous so far but he he has a lot of skill. This coming from probably the biggest critic of Mussini. Amar is a decent athlete. Looks like he should be a boxer.

 

[MCNPA]

Freudenburg is far from a bad athlete. Kid is actually quite a good athlete. He's just overly tentative out there right now.

 

[Knight]

Freudenburg is far from a bad athlete. Kid is actually quite a good athlete. He's just overly tentative out there right now.

Rookie finding his way.

 

[MBaldi]

Totally agree. I love this board, and truly respect and apppreciate the diverse, insightful comments, but I think that, like almost every other venue in these "breaking news" times, there is a natural tendency to be a little quick in judgment. Looking back at the Baruch exhibition thread, Freudenberg was being called a true NBA prospect. Now, after BC and Binghamton, he isounds like he a poor man's Sergio Luyk (sp?). Perhaps he is the former, perhaps he is the latter or perhaps he is somewhere in-between. But, after 3 games, I think we all need to sit back and be patient -- just no way to really make an informed assessment about an 18 year old kid who is just getting his feet wet on this side of the pond.

 

[monte]

[attachment]Flounder.jpg[/attachment]
"Okay, so this guy is a real zero. Let's just think back to when you guys were freshmen"