Missing the point!

[we are sju]

Everyone clamoring to put Mussini at the two is missing the big picture! What is the ceiling for a 6-0 125 pound two guard? Yes he will be more effective in a lesser role, coming off the bench and off screens. But you are severely limiting his ceiling. I am not saying he should play exclusively at the point but you still need him to play there. If he takes his bumps and gets a little stronger, by his senior year I could see him developing into a smaller version of Steve Kerr or Jerry McNamara.

No matter what anyone thinks or dreams, next year will still be a struggle. A more enjoyable and competitive struggle but a struggle nonetheless. I think Mussini as a combo guard off the bench backing up both spots will be way more beneficial to the program than having him be exclusively a spot up shooter.

 

[Mean Gene]

Everyone clamoring to put Mussini at the two is missing the big picture! What is the ceiling for a 6-0 125 pound two guard? Yes he will be more effective in a lesser role, coming off the bench and off screens. But you are severely limiting his ceiling. I am not saying he should play exclusively at the point but you still need him to play there. If he takes his bumps and gets a little stronger, by his senior year I could see him developing into a smaller version of Steve Kerr or Jerry McNamara.

No matter what anyone thinks or dreams, next year will still be a struggle. A more enjoyable and competitive struggle but a struggle nonetheless. I think Mussini as a combo guard off the bench backing up both spots will be way more beneficial to the program than having him be exclusively a spot up shooter.

I have no problem with him playing the point and I agree with you SJU on the size factor. I think it's good for him to develop this part of his game this year and then turn it over to Lovett next season. Then Mussini can come off the bench next year as a spot up shooter in a lesser role but will also be able to give us quality back minutes at the point if Lovett get into foul trouble. It can't hurt us to have him get this experience this year it can only benefit us in the future. What are Mussini's stats this year compared to Arcidiacono's as a Freshman? f Mussini gets stronger and puts on a few pounds and works on his game, I can see him being an Arcidiacono like player in his senior year.

 

[paultzman]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard (& will have to play there sometimes), he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

 

[we are sju]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard, he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

With 3 little guards, Ellison is going to play a role next year so hopefully he continues to show improvement.

 

[Mean Gene]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard, he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

With 3 little guards, Ellison is going to play a role next year so hopefully he continues to show improvement.

like what I have seen from Ellison as he has seen more playing time. He will have to play a role next season. Unless Alkins comes.

 

[Jack Williams]

People will kill me for this but at this point I'll take an improving Ellison next year over Rawle Alkins who is just going to come with too much baggage to carry

 

[beast of the east]

People will kill me for this but at this point I'll take an improving Ellison next year over Rawle Alkins who is just going to come with too much baggage to carry

We've had our share of players with baggage, and unfortunately that is more prevalent in college basketball than anyone would like. So, while being fair to Alkins as a wait and see, I understand your point.

For me the jury is still out on Ellison. I'm convinced he can be an effective low D1 player, but not sure he'd have a significant role on any team with March aspirations.

 

[redfanO101019k875]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard (& will have to play there sometimes), he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

Hi all - didn't realize I was promoted to the big board. Love reading the forum - thanks for all your posts.

In this vein, I think Lovett is the bigger (perhaps biggEST) impact next year. I don't think he'll be able to pull a lot of those mixtape moves, but at least there won't be a puddle at his feet when teams try to press. His ability to ball handle under pressure and get past the defense is going to open things up and help us work the strengths of the guys that are already here (Mussini's shot, Yakwe's athleticism near the rim, Sima's size and mid-range shot, etc.). I really think - and mostly, hope - that he's the straw that stirs the drink next year.

 

[Jack Williams]

People will kill me for this but at this point I'll take an improving Ellison next year over Rawle Alkins who is just going to come with too much baggage to carry

We've had our share of players with baggage, and unfortunately that is more prevalent in college basketball than anyone would like. So, while being fair to Alkins as a wait and see, I understand your point.

For me the jury is still out on Ellison. I'm convinced he can be an effective low D1 player, but not sure he'd have a significant role on any team with March aspirations.

With Alkins there are just some concerns I have. What if he picks us, gets us all excited and then gets declared ineligible? In other words the "St John's special".

Of course he is a big talent and better than Ellison. But i really like Ellison and think he has a chance to be really good.

 

[beast of the east]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard (& will have to play there sometimes), he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

Hi all - didn't realize I was promoted to the big board. Love reading the forum - thanks for all your posts.

In this vein, I think Lovett is the bigger (perhaps biggEST) impact next year. I don't think he'll be able to pull a lot of those mixtape moves, but at least there won't be a puddle at his feet when teams try to press. His ability to ball handle under pressure and get past the defense is going to open things up and help us work the strengths of the guys that are already here (Mussini's shot, Yakwe's athleticism near the rim, Sima's size and mid-range shot, etc.). I really think - and mostly, hope - that he's the straw that stirs the drink next year.

Hey Leeboy, welcome to the big boy's board, where we sometimes act like 12 year olds.

Have you actually seen Lovett play in person? Here I rely on Monte (a NYC gym rat), and Moose to actually have seen some local guys play. I don't comment much on guys coming in or being recruited, because to me you just never know until you see them for 7-8 games at Big East level competition. But I like your comments and positive nature - Welcome!

 

[paultzman]

Fair points.

People should also understand Ponds may be a natural scorer & adept at stealing the ball, etc., but expect him to have a learning curve adapting to the physicality of play at the next level. IMO, he obviously has a much bigger upside than Mussini. However, as an undersized kid, who also is not a natural point guard (& will have to play there sometimes), he will need time to develop. Patience is in order for our very young team next season.

Hi all - didn't realize I was promoted to the big board. Love reading the forum - thanks for all your posts.

In this vein, I think Lovett is the bigger (perhaps biggEST) impact next year. I don't think he'll be able to pull a lot of those mixtape moves, but at least there won't be a puddle at his feet when teams try to press. His ability to ball handle under pressure and get past the defense is going to open things up and help us work the strengths of the guys that are already here (Mussini's shot, Yakwe's athleticism near the rim, Sima's size and mid-range shot, etc.). I really think - and mostly, hope - that he's the straw that stirs the drink next year.

Not a bluster guy, so simply welcome.

 

[redfanO101019k875]

Hey Leeboy, welcome to the big boy's board, where we sometimes act like 12 year olds.

Have you actually seen Lovett play in person? Here I rely on Monte (a NYC gym rat), and Moose to actually have seen some local guys play. I don't comment much on guys coming in or being recruited, because to me you just never know until you see them for 7-8 games at Big East level competition. But I like your comments and positive nature - Welcome!

Unfortunately, no. I only know what YouTube, the forums, and the rest of the internet has to say about him. You're absolutely right - all these guys are unknown quantities. We've shown some flashes this year, and I think our weakness has been our ability to attack the basket and open up the floor. It sounds and looks like that's what Lovett can do. Granted, his mixtape isn't going to show the spin moves that end in silly turnovers, etc., but looking at the team now, I have to think that the area with the largest margin of improvement is the point. I've got a lot of eggs in that basket.

 

[sirvoo]

Also missing the point that we should not underestimate the power of coaching in developing players through the course of an offseason!

I know, I know, this is something the Redmen program hasn't seen in quite some time (Hardy circa 2011 and Dom Pointer last year took the leap heading into their senior year...as far as I can tell that was because of the time they put it and had nothing to do with coaching). I really believe each of these youngsters will be markedly better next year, including Mussini.

 

[Andrew]

I agree that Ponds will have some problems with size next year and while not a true point guard, having seen him play he sure can pass!

 

[we are sju]

I agree that Ponds will have some problems with size next year and while not a true point guard, having seen him play he sure can pass!

Looks like Ponds can create space for himself off the dribble. That seems to be the big difference between him and Mussini.

 

[mjmaherjr]

from what I was told by someone Lovett is going to be basically able to penetrate at will and maybe ponds too so someone like Mussini is going to thrive with players like that who can collapse the defense and kick out and I think he is going to get a ton of open looks and since he wont be as tired I think his shooting % is going to go higher.

I also could see Ellison getting time in kind of a point forward type of role

 

[we are sju]

from what I was told by someone Lovett is going to be basically able to penetrate at will and maybe ponds too so someone like Mussini is going to thrive with players like that who can collapse the defense and kick out and I think he is going to get a ton of open looks and since he wont be as tired I think his shooting % is going to go higher.

I also could see Ellison getting time in kind of a point forward type of role

While I agree with the idea however if Lovett is playing 35 minutes and Ponds 25 that leaves 20 minutes for Mussini / Ellison

 

[mjmaherjr]

from what I was told by someone Lovett is going to be basically able to penetrate at will and maybe ponds too so someone like Mussini is going to thrive with players like that who can collapse the defense and kick out and I think he is going to get a ton of open looks and since he wont be as tired I think his shooting % is going to go higher.

I also could see Ellison getting time in kind of a point forward type of role

While I agree with the idea however if Lovett is playing 35 minutes and Ponds 25 that leaves 20 minutes for Mussini / Ellison

I'm expecting Ellison to get time at the 3 as well

 

[we are sju]

from what I was told by someone Lovett is going to be basically able to penetrate at will and maybe ponds too so someone like Mussini is going to thrive with players like that who can collapse the defense and kick out and I think he is going to get a ton of open looks and since he wont be as tired I think his shooting % is going to go higher.

I also could see Ellison getting time in kind of a point forward type of role

While I agree with the idea however if Lovett is playing 35 minutes and Ponds 25 that leaves 20 minutes for Mussini / Ellison

I'm expecting Ellison to get time at the 3 as well

Only clears up another 5-7 minutes.
My only point is if Ponds and Ahmed are as good as we hope / need, there is not going to be a lot of extra minutes to go around for the other guards. I personally think 15-18 minutes for Mussini is fine but don't think that is what others are thinking.

 

[Eric]

I agree mussini playing out of position this year will only help him and us in upcoming seasons. I also dont think next year will be a struggle though, I feel if we had lovett this year we would have 3-4 more wins so adding better talent in ponds, freudenberg, ahmed, and owens and lovett who have been practicing all year and a full year of experience with the guys we have I absolutely see a competitive team next year....and im not drinking any kool aid we hung with xavier twice, marquette twice and nova with our depleted squad this year.......so i really dont expect a struggle next year. Competitive, successful and I for one see us dancing in the main dance next year.