Obekpa as a perimeter defender

M

montyaloofah

Active member
needs help. Have noticed more recently that he is apt to play more defense with his hands on his hedge switches. It didn't get him in a ton of trouble today, but has been the reason for picking up cheap fouls. He plays with guys with active hands, so maybe he thinks he can do it too. He's got to stay solid out there as it will continue to happen the rest of the season. He also has to stop complaining to the refs so much.
 
needs help. Have noticed more recently that he is apt to play more defense with his hands on his hedge switches. It didn't get him in a ton of trouble today, but has been the reason for picking up cheap fouls. He plays with guys with active hands, so maybe he thinks he can do it too. He's got to stay solid out there as it will continue to happen the rest of the season. He also has to stop complaining to the refs so much.
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The whole team could play less with their hands; steals and blocked shots are great but we go for both way too much. DePaul really took advantage with head and ball fakes that we constantly went for and then had to play defense in scramble mode. That and playing the pick and roll like we never saw one led to 52 points in the 2nd half and OT. Still feel it in the pit of me stomach, tough loss.
 
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
 
This team has 2 major deficiencies as I see it, we constantly get out rebounded, and we don't defend the 3! Solve these two issues and we will win a lot of games!
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

Amar has a knack for mixing it up and being where the ball is. He looks slow footed, but with his stride can cover lots of court. Long arms, manages to get his hands on the ball without reaching. I think Lavin has to consider a front line of JDR, Amar, and Obekpa in certain situations even for short stretches against the right opponent. These two guys are not stiffs, and should be used like chess pieces when circumstances dictate.

The key to this strategy are guards who can consistently hit shots in the 45-50% range. When they shoot 30%, there isn't any strategy that can offset that with this roster.
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

Amar has a knack for mixing it up and being where the ball is. He looks slow footed, but with his stride can cover lots of court. Long arms, manages to get his hands on the ball without reaching. I think Lavin has to consider a front line of JDR, Amar, and Obekpa in certain situations even for short stretches against the right opponent. These two guys are not stiffs, and should be used like chess pieces when circumstances dictate.

The key to this strategy are guards who can consistently hit shots in the 45-50% range. When they shoot 30%, there isn't any strategy that can offset that with this roster.
Click to expand...

I'm not a big one for stats but for the heck of it I looked up shooting stats for guards in the NBA. One, Kyle Korver, is shooting over 50%, namely 51.5%. Stephen Curry, generally considered the best shooter in the game is just under 50 at 49.8%. There are 18 other guards between 45 and 50; less than ONE per team. So to expect our guards, none of whom are lights out shooters (Harrison being a lights out scorer), seems to be not a strategy but rather a prayer. Safe to say with a healthy Harrison we win the game, but with NO option, the issue is why we had to play an injured player 44 minutes and the answer is the crux of our problem. A damaged Harrison on the court as least had to be defended closely and we have nothing else to go to.
 
This team has 2 major deficiencies as I see it, we constantly get out rebounded, and we don't defend the 3! Solve these two issues and we will win a lot of games!
Click to expand...

THat has been their problem since they were freshmen
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

Amar has a knack for mixing it up and being where the ball is. He looks slow footed, but with his stride can cover lots of court. Long arms, manages to get his hands on the ball without reaching. I think Lavin has to consider a front line of JDR, Amar, and Obekpa in certain situations even for short stretches against the right opponent. These two guys are not stiffs, and should be used like chess pieces when circumstances dictate.

The key to this strategy are guards who can consistently hit shots in the 45-50% range. When they shoot 30%, there isn't any strategy that can offset that with this roster.
Click to expand...

I'm not a big one for stats but for the heck of it I looked up shooting stats for guards in the NBA. One, Kyle Korver, is shooting over 50%, namely 51.5%. Stephen Curry, generally considered the best shooter in the game is just under 50 at 49.8%. There are 18 other guards between 45 and 50; less than ONE per team. So to expect our guards, none of whom are lights out shooters (Harrison being a lights out scorer), seems to be not a strategy but rather a prayer. Safe to say with a healthy Harrison we win the game, but with NO option, the issue is why we had to play an injured player 44 minutes and the answer is the crux of our problem. A damaged Harrison on the court as least had to be defended closely and we have nothing else to go to.
Click to expand...

I can't seem to find NCAA D1 FG % stats for this season in a format large enough to cull guards. Have you? Comparing to NBA is not directly comparable since athletes are better and it's tougher to get off a shot. If it was a direct correlation, any good shooter in college would repeat that in the pros, and most don't.

Harrison is a scorer - correct statement, but this year he's shooting much better. I wouldn't call him lights out - that's just foolish for anyone who watches SJU basketball over the long haul. If you are going with 4 guards, you HAVE TO BE OUTSHOOTING your opponents - period.

There are 7 guards in the top 50 of NCAA D1 stats, all shooting between 53 and 57%. I'm presuming when you drop off to 45%, there will be a significant number more. 45% wins games, 30-35% doesn't. 2-10 from your best guard, and 5-13 from his backcourt partner (7-23) loses games - even to DePaul
 
This team has 2 major deficiencies as I see it, we constantly get out rebounded, and we don't defend the 3! Solve these two issues and we will win a lot of games!
Click to expand...

THat has been their problem since they were freshmen
Click to expand...


Last year's team rebounded well.
You can't lose Gift, Sanchez and Sampson and expect improved rebounding.
 
This team has 2 major deficiencies as I see it, we constantly get out rebounded, and we don't defend the 3! Solve these two issues and we will win a lot of games!
Click to expand...

THat has been their problem since they were freshmen
Click to expand...


Last year's team rebounded well.
You can't lose Gift, Sanchez and Sampson and expect improved rebounding.
Click to expand...

But I still give Harrison a lot of credit for positioning himself as a rebounding guard, who really bangs in there, usually on the weak side of the court.
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

AA has a nose for the ball...there was once instance where appeared to steal the ball along the Depaul baseline, only to get pushed by Henry...of course it went uncalled
 
This team has 2 major deficiencies as I see it, we constantly get out rebounded, and we don't defend the 3! Solve these two issues and we will win a lot of games!
Click to expand...

THat has been their problem since they were freshmen
Click to expand...


Last year's team rebounded well.
You can't lose Gift, Sanchez and Sampson and expect improved rebounding.
Click to expand...


I think when Thomas fiasco took place, that torpedoed our attempt to shore up our rebounding.
 
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

He is averaging 7ppg and 5 rebounds a game in Big East play.
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

Dom has been losing focus since he put up his monster scoring night. He had one rebound in 29 minutes. That is unacceptable. We need him to be the mad dog he was earlier in the year.
 
I
Doesn't look like a big east player
Click to expand...

Your post is a perfect example of full-swing pendulum of our posters. Obekpa plays well and win, and the most unhappy negative posters look forward to next year with both Obekpa and Jordan in the NBA. Play poorly yesterday, and Obekpa "doesn't look like a Big East player". The truth - somewhere in the middle, but to somehow say that Obekpa looks like he doesn't belong in the Big East is absurd. Like a lot of athletic big men who start playing late, he has a lot of development ahead of him. This year, for the first time, we are seeing signs that he can score vs. Big East competition. A mediocre hook shot, the ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop, and a developing jump shot from 15 feet are all part of his developing arsenal, which isn't an appropriate word at this point.

But for whatever reason, with so little size in the paint, I hate to see Obekpa defend away from the hoop. And yes, he reaches too much, but I'm pretty sure the staff is working with him on that.
Click to expand...

I noticed Lavin played Amar for a small spell with Chris. To shore up rebounding & eliminate drawing Chris out of post, is that a good option at critical points? This Pointer at PF can only go so far. Just a thought. Again, not suggesting pairing them for long stretches, but perhaps strategically. Amar looks like he can rebound.
Click to expand...

Dom has been losing focus since he put up his monster scoring night. He had one rebound in 29 minutes. That is unacceptable. We need him to be the mad dog he was earlier in the year.
Click to expand...

I'd have hoped he had at least twice that many.

He did rip down two HUGE rebounds vs. Providence in traffic to help put that game out of reach.
 
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