Open Pracitice 10/21
- Thread starter ManhattAn1
- Start date
Obekpa looks more aggressive on offense, so far. Easily looks to be the most improved of the returning players. Also, Harrison looks ready to start the season, right now. Both Friday and today, he has been a bundle of energy (the good kind). He's clearly enjoying his final season. Keith Thomas was the best of the newcomers, IMO. He certainly has a nose for rebounding, though he missed too many bunnies off the offensive glass (maybe he was just nervous, playing at MSG for the first time).
This was the most candid Lavin has been, IMO. After seeing him talk today, I can now confidently say that even he does not believe the spin he gives the media. He admitted that the half court offense against a zone was a weakness last year, that the team was sloppy today, that ADR is out of shape, and that the team gave away three games they had won last year, and that those games meant no NCAA tournament. There was the usual optimistic viewpoint thrown in too, but at least we learned that he does not tell his team, what he tells the media. He also mentioned that he wants a rotation of around 8 or 9 players, maybe a tacit admission that he was playing too many guys at the start of last season.
All in all, I thought this was a great event. Lavin says that the hope is to make this an annual thing, and I certainly think they should.
This was the most candid Lavin has been, IMO. After seeing him talk today, I can now confidently say that even he does not believe the spin he gives the media. He admitted that the half court offense against a zone was a weakness last year, that the team was sloppy today, that ADR is out of shape, and that the team gave away three games they had won last year, and that those games meant no NCAA tournament. There was the usual optimistic viewpoint thrown in too, but at least we learned that he does not tell his team, what he tells the media. He also mentioned that he wants a rotation of around 8 or 9 players, maybe a tacit admission that he was playing too many guys at the start of last season.
All in all, I thought this was a great event. Lavin says that the hope is to make this an annual thing, and I certainly think they should.
I thought Amar was shaky. Lavin later said that it wasn't one of his better practices. He contributed it to nerves and playing at MSG for first time. He took a decent number of shots but mostly 3s. His shot didn't look too good at first then hit a couple later. Also turned the ball over a couple of times.
The second unit in general got beat pretty badly. I was anxious to see Thomas who I thought played the best of the 2nd unit. He didn't show much offense but was very active and battled for boards. Adonis struggled to get up and down the court and then later sprained his ankle and came out. I think he will be used sparingly until he gets in better shape.
I thought Chris, Greene and Pointer all looked terrific. It's hard to judge against our second team but all looked like they have improved. Greene and Dom had spurts where they dominated and were blowing past guys. Chris looks like he's in great shape. He was all over the place and even made a couple of jumpers. I'm not sure if he'll come close to averaging a double double but I'd be surprised if he is not significantly better on offense.
DLo and Jordan seemed to be coasting in the scrimmage but both put on a shooting display afterwards.
It was a pretty good event overall. I'm glad I had off from work and was able to go. I hope they do it again next year.
Moose
Well-known member
Amar's shot didn't look good at first? A shot can look good even though it doesn't go in. He's got a great shot, great form and being 6'9 he will be able to get it off pretty easy at this level. He's athletic to boot.
So Lavin says there are 10/11 (likely 10) players competing for (8/9) spots. Thats what interests me most.
Dee
Sheed
PGIV
Dom
Chris
Jamal
Thomas
That's 7 leaving 2 spots. I think its up for 4 guys. Amar, ADR, Felix and Christian. The leaves out the other 2 scholarship players (Lipscomb and Ndaiye) and the walk-ons Henderson, Stewart and JDR.
So Lavin says there are 10/11 (likely 10) players competing for (8/9) spots. Thats what interests me most.
Dee
Sheed
PGIV
Dom
Chris
Jamal
Thomas
That's 7 leaving 2 spots. I think its up for 4 guys. Amar, ADR, Felix and Christian. The leaves out the other 2 scholarship players (Lipscomb and Ndaiye) and the walk-ons Henderson, Stewart and JDR.
Thanks.
Damn im so excited to see this kid back.
Any comments on the way lavin runs his practice?
Terrific event...Coach hoping to make this a tradition...
Obekpa has transformed his body and offensive game...actually takes a jump shot
Pointer looked physically good and very confident...hoepfully something that will translate to the season
Dee and Jordan looked good as expected as did Greene
Thomas is a worker...not sure how much of an offensive game he has but we will see...if he gets putbacks we will be in good shape as he will not be outworked
Amar i not shy about shooting - which isn't a bad thing
Was impressed with Henderson...very nice stroke
Nice Q&A wirh coach...some good questions
Well done event
Obekpa has transformed his body and offensive game...actually takes a jump shot
Pointer looked physically good and very confident...hoepfully something that will translate to the season
Dee and Jordan looked good as expected as did Greene
Thomas is a worker...not sure how much of an offensive game he has but we will see...if he gets putbacks we will be in good shape as he will not be outworked
Amar i not shy about shooting - which isn't a bad thing
Was impressed with Henderson...very nice stroke
Nice Q&A wirh coach...some good questions
Well done event
Any truth to the rumor D'Lo kept asking people if they were Mainman ?
LOL. Still one of the funniest moments I've ever experienced in my short time on this board. Still can't believe he tweeted that!
Moose
Well-known member
Based on my depth chart and Lavin saying 8/9 guys not sure. If Chris gets in foul trouble you could slide Thomas to C maybe and then Amar can play 4 and stretch. Or we go small with Dom at 4 as Lavin mentioned. I'm intrigued by what he can offer. And lord knows we are gonna need contributors next year so I'd rather him not collect dust.
Thanks for the reports. When I was first told about this event I thought it was going to be onthis Thursday and was all in. Then on Monday I realized it was on Tuesday and I had another committment. Sorry I missed it but glad they held it and want to make it an annual event.
beast of the east
Active member
As far as I'm concerned, CO is the X factor for this season. If he is a regular contributor on offense, can stay out of foul trouble, and has improved as a rebounder and a defender - all in all a very tall order - then we can have a very good season. If his season turns out to be a only slight improvement over his sophomore year, then the results will be similar for the team. There's no question he is a work in progress. At the beginning of last season was more active on offense but against top flight front lines later on showed to be less effective. He has good court vision, has potential to be a very good passer, and has a soft medium range jumper. An improved game and attitude and he could be the 3rd solid player that an NCAA bound team needs.
Remember this
How to properly distract an inbound passer?
ManhattAn1
Active member
Who were the two weirdos sitting behind Fratto who were asking questions and standing up the whole time videotaping on the IPhone. Was that Moose?