Boo Harvey
Well-known member
Agree with your earlier comment about Ejiafor. I was hoping he would be better. Unfortunately I don’t even see glimpses of an offensive game from him. Would be nice to have Stanley.
Positives to think about after this game for the season
- Thread starter mjmaherjr
- Start date
Zuby already has improved under Rick. He is focusing on defense and rebounds now and holding his own. Smart kid, very teachable, and I'm told he has a decent shot. Post play is very new to him, so watch out if Rick does with him what Soriano has become.
Sorry, but Joel, obviously progressing under Rick, always had good hands and some offensive skills back to high school. I don’t see much chance of progression offensively w Zuby who really has poor hands and limited moves. Essentially he is a banger who can hold his own in post on D and that is a positive. Hope I am wrong & respect your opinion.
Of course respect the counter opinion, but know Rick has told Zuby to focus on rebounding, defense, and being a rim protector this season. He is working with him on all other facets of his game and no question is a project. I think zuby has the potential to be a much greater defensive force than Joel and is more athletic.
Joel arrived here after 2 seasons at Fordham and was a miserable offensive player who took 12 foot jump hooks when pushed out of the post, who had bad footwork on offense and no outside shot till this year (his 5th) Joel has improved miles, and Zuby at this point has 1 college season with almost no court time under his belt. Not a fair comparison. Maybe comparing the statue of David to a block of marble.
You could be right but I'd say we wont know how much zuby can improve till end of junior year.
I hope I am wrong but don’t see it happening. There seems to be little or no glimmer of an offensive game for him. I understand the need to try to focus on rebounds and D would you would think a player at this age could score on put backs alone close to the basket. And let’s give credit where it is due Joel’s huge improvement incurred under CMA. The last 2 games we would love to see the Joel of 2022-2023.
No question Joel improved dramatically under CMA, but this year in particular Soriano has been a beast with radically improved footwork in the hole. Gone are the long jump hooks and rushed mid range jumpers. Most importantly when joel has tge ball down low, is patient and uses his strength and pivot foot to create space and easy shots or throw downs - noticeably absent under Cma. He dkicks out when he has nothing and now looks for cutters when surrounded. Not to mention that Pitino demanded 8% body fat and joel got there.
No question Joel improved under CMA but Pitino has brought him to an entirely new level including an accurate 3 point shot.