(POST GAME) (H of F) Columbia, Wed. Nov. 20, 7p, FS-1, 970 WNYM
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WillyDilly
Member
[quote="Mike Zaun" post=364113]Does anyone else wonder how we would fare with this team facing last year's team or any from Mullin era? I genuinely think this year's team so far looks way better than any Mullin team at this point early in the season. Time will tell with the real teams, but for the most part, there is no more playing down to our comp. We take everyone seriously. We play with a ton of effort. It's consistent...we aren't left hoping we can "get up" for a game. I would bet that the Mullin teams lose to a team like we have now most games.
And yes, I know some will say, "Why do you have to bring Mullin into it? He's gone now". For 3 years I was one of the most vocal critics and for 3 years I was attacked for that as if I was watching from an alternate reality where Mullin was a good coach and our recruiting was fine and Mitch did stuff. Staffs matter. Look at the surging Islanders with Trotz.[/quote]
I think this years team would get destroyed by last year's team, and I don't think it would be close. Heron and LJ are very close to what they were last year, so I would say that they cancel each other out. So that leaves last year's team of Ponds, Clark, and Simon versus this years team of Champagnie, Dunn, and Rutherford. Last year's squad takes that competition, no contest. Even with the 'improved' coaching, and the development of players such as Roberts and Earlington, it still wouldn't be enough. Last years squad by 15+, easily.
And yes, I know some will say, "Why do you have to bring Mullin into it? He's gone now". For 3 years I was one of the most vocal critics and for 3 years I was attacked for that as if I was watching from an alternate reality where Mullin was a good coach and our recruiting was fine and Mitch did stuff. Staffs matter. Look at the surging Islanders with Trotz.[/quote]
I think this years team would get destroyed by last year's team, and I don't think it would be close. Heron and LJ are very close to what they were last year, so I would say that they cancel each other out. So that leaves last year's team of Ponds, Clark, and Simon versus this years team of Champagnie, Dunn, and Rutherford. Last year's squad takes that competition, no contest. Even with the 'improved' coaching, and the development of players such as Roberts and Earlington, it still wouldn't be enough. Last years squad by 15+, easily.
[quote="Paul Massell" post=364119]Last few years we've had one guy primarily who did any kind of offensive rebounding. Bashir who primarily rebounded his misses sometimes two or more in succession so his numbers were a little misleading and then L.J. who basically was everywhere on the court at once last season. In the case of L.J. I even wondered if he was going against script last season to be going after the o-boards. To me the rebounding is fun to watch and is kind of a barometer of the toughness of your team. It is guys scrapping for the ball and in some cases showcases smarts and fundamentals of position and use of body. And we've got guys with hands, toughness and athletic ability that want rebounds. So far Roberts and Earlington are my favorites on this team for those and other reasons. Really impressed with the hands of both of these guys. This has been a pet peeve of mine going back to the Omar Cook days where we've had SO MANY guys that couldn't handle a pass. Champagnie also looks to have good hands. So far this season the passing has been inferior to the hands. The passing should improve with the season as guys are more comfortable with each other and confident in the system, but much harder to develop good hands.[/quote]
Excellent post
Excellent post
[quote="Coaster" post=364125]Discipline and focus...but probably those are his internal traits as well
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[quote="Paul Massell" post=364124][quote="Coaster" post=364123]WRT Earlington, I believe his intensity, rebounding, good hands and even good percentage of FT shooting is attributable to the experience and training during his HS football days.
[/quote]
Not arguing just curious how do you figure FT shooting is related to football?[/quote][/quote]
Yeah having played football for many years, there isn’t any relatable skill except maybe the toughness factor. Hands is a tough one as is FT shooting. Earlington was a defensive end. Wouldn’t help with his hands nor shooting. Roberts was actually a wide receiver so I can certainly see why he had good hands on the court as well.
Another takeaway from the game is the play of Rasheem Dunn. The kid is absolutely suited to play the PG spot here even though he’s slightly more of a combo guard. He pushes the tempo, has his head up and distributes well. He’s also able to put up points for us. It bodes well for us down the stretch having Dunn as well as Rutherford. Having the PG spot solid is so important.
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[quote="Paul Massell" post=364124][quote="Coaster" post=364123]WRT Earlington, I believe his intensity, rebounding, good hands and even good percentage of FT shooting is attributable to the experience and training during his HS football days.
[/quote]
Not arguing just curious how do you figure FT shooting is related to football?[/quote][/quote]
Yeah having played football for many years, there isn’t any relatable skill except maybe the toughness factor. Hands is a tough one as is FT shooting. Earlington was a defensive end. Wouldn’t help with his hands nor shooting. Roberts was actually a wide receiver so I can certainly see why he had good hands on the court as well.
Another takeaway from the game is the play of Rasheem Dunn. The kid is absolutely suited to play the PG spot here even though he’s slightly more of a combo guard. He pushes the tempo, has his head up and distributes well. He’s also able to put up points for us. It bodes well for us down the stretch having Dunn as well as Rutherford. Having the PG spot solid is so important.
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JohnnyFever
Active member
I think this year's team is ahead of schedule. For years, we've all seen those teams everyone expected to be awful but somehow vastly outperformed expectations. It was never us. Maybe we finally have something. Again, we are not there yet (talent level) and ASU will tell us a lot, but I was looking on their boards and they are nervous and they say the same things we say about them e.g. being a real test. ASU is one of those teams that won't blow you away but can be solid like a Wake Forest or Illinois. In other words, this is one of the more winnable games you could have against an F5 opponent. By no means do I expect a win and we may even lose by 10+ but I think there's at least a chance we can win which was not the case last year. Apparently they are quite soft inside which is what their fans think. We have lots of guys who can attack the paint.
JackofVirginia
Active member
[quote="redmannorth" post=364080][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=364075]Marcellus The Motor Earlington through five games is giving us 9 and 5 in just 16 minutes a game. He never stops.[/quote]
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.
JohnnyFever
Active member
[quote="JackofVirginia" post=364134][quote="redmannorth" post=364080][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=364075]Marcellus The Motor Earlington through five games is giving us 9 and 5 in just 16 minutes a game. He never stops.[/quote]
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.[/quote]
I think we would've lost several more if he stayed based on what I've heard it was like under him.
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.[/quote]
I think we would've lost several more if he stayed based on what I've heard it was like under him.
[quote="JackofVirginia" post=364134][quote="redmannorth" post=364080][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=364075]Marcellus The Motor Earlington through five games is giving us 9 and 5 in just 16 minutes a game. He never stops.[/quote]
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.[/quote]
I understand why Earlington didn't play last year. He was raw, leaner, and didn't go up with aggression. It looks like he put on about 25 pounds of muscle in the offseason, and to this point, it's paid off.
Roberts absolutely should have played more.
But yet he and Roberts did not deserve to play last season. SMH. The production we are getting from those two and Champagnie is just astounding. No one could have predicted same. If those three continue to develop they will each be outstanding as upper classmen.[/quote]
Wonder if Earlington would have stuck around if Mullln was coaching.[/quote]
I understand why Earlington didn't play last year. He was raw, leaner, and didn't go up with aggression. It looks like he put on about 25 pounds of muscle in the offseason, and to this point, it's paid off.
Roberts absolutely should have played more.
We're 4-1, with 4 of those games being blowouts and the other a last second loss against #67 KenPom Vermont. If you told me that a month ago I absolutely would have taken it. I wasn't expecting us to easily handle teams like Columbia (#158 KenPom- despite their record). Very good start to the season. If we continue playing at this level then we might reach the NIT.
If you look at the margins from our OOC games last year vs this, this year has been more impressive. That doesn't mean we are better, it could just mean we are more disciplined and play harder with big leads, but regardless it's a very good sign that I didn't expect. I figured at least one of the non-Vermont games would be nail biters or losses.
If you look at the margins from our OOC games last year vs this, this year has been more impressive. That doesn't mean we are better, it could just mean we are more disciplined and play harder with big leads, but regardless it's a very good sign that I didn't expect. I figured at least one of the non-Vermont games would be nail biters or losses.
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All of the guys got pretty even time on the floor this game. I realize it is Columbia, but compared to last year, this is a big change. Your really get to see the talents of each of the players, and not burn them out for BE play. Watching the game, you can tell everyone hustles for the entire game, the commentators said it a few times, so different from years past. To be honest, I thought that the "second" team seemed to outplay our starters at some points during the game....no I'm not saying they should start, just that we aren't going to just rely on LJ and Heron the entire year.
I think we need to be patient assessing players like Earlington. I like what I see so far. I like his strength, toughness and hustle. I still am a little worried about how he does against taller and more talented players that we will see in the Big East. He will need to show he can pick his spots to attack. He must avoid forcing inside when it’s not there.
[quote="sjc88" post=364139]I think we need to be patient assessing players like Earlington. I like what I see so far. I like his strength, toughness and hustle. I still am a little worried about how he does against taller and more talented players that we will see in the Big East. He will need to show he can pick his spots to attack. He must avoid forcing inside when it’s not there.[/quote]
The forcing was my concern for both Earlington and Dunn. Both guys have been pretty solid so far and if Heron or both Heron and LJ get quiet, we need the assertiveness as long as it is within the system.
The forcing was my concern for both Earlington and Dunn. Both guys have been pretty solid so far and if Heron or both Heron and LJ get quiet, we need the assertiveness as long as it is within the system.
Coaster1955
Member
MCNPA -- My bad. I thought Earlington played tight end in HS.
Redmen88
Well-known member
[quote="sjc88" post=364139]I think we need to be patient assessing players like Earlington. I like what I see so far. I like his strength, toughness and hustle. I still am a little worried about how he does against taller and more talented players that we will see in the Big East. He will need to show he can pick his spots to attack. He must avoid forcing inside when it’s not there.[/quote]
i really like what I have seen from Earlington so far this season. He is a true lunch pail player. He is playing like a bully in the easier non-conference part of the schedule, which I think is great. Let's see how that translates against better competition. No matter what I am encouraged and expect him to get better and eventually have the same kind of impact in conference. It just might not be this year. Nice bounce back game after Vermont.
I think the season will be just like these 2 games. A few games that are just painful to watch followed up by some strong games. Again I can live with this as I love watching team basketball. This team plays hard defense for 40 minutes and move the ball well. I like the intensity. I can definitely feel this team trending up and in a few years we should move from the bottom half of the league to the top half of the league and I think we can stay there. Something that has not happened for a long time.
i really like what I have seen from Earlington so far this season. He is a true lunch pail player. He is playing like a bully in the easier non-conference part of the schedule, which I think is great. Let's see how that translates against better competition. No matter what I am encouraged and expect him to get better and eventually have the same kind of impact in conference. It just might not be this year. Nice bounce back game after Vermont.
I think the season will be just like these 2 games. A few games that are just painful to watch followed up by some strong games. Again I can live with this as I love watching team basketball. This team plays hard defense for 40 minutes and move the ball well. I like the intensity. I can definitely feel this team trending up and in a few years we should move from the bottom half of the league to the top half of the league and I think we can stay there. Something that has not happened for a long time.
[quote="espken" post=364128]IMHO, last years team finds a way to beat Vermont at home. Simon’s quickness and length would have been a factor against Lamb.[/quote]
Possibly. Then again, #7 Virginia barely beat them so it’s hard to say, and stylistic differences matter. We certainly had more upper level talent in the starting lineup last year, especially ponds and Simon. We definitely play a lot harder and more consistently at both ends this year, get the most out of our depth and bench and have seen drastic improvement by players. I’d have loved to see Ponds and/or Simon back this year as we could have been a very special team under Anderson, with likely a deep tourney run.
Possibly. Then again, #7 Virginia barely beat them so it’s hard to say, and stylistic differences matter. We certainly had more upper level talent in the starting lineup last year, especially ponds and Simon. We definitely play a lot harder and more consistently at both ends this year, get the most out of our depth and bench and have seen drastic improvement by players. I’d have loved to see Ponds and/or Simon back this year as we could have been a very special team under Anderson, with likely a deep tourney run.
[quote="Redmen88" post=364142][quote="sjc88" post=364139]I think we need to be patient assessing players like Earlington. I like what I see so far. I like his strength, toughness and hustle. I still am a little worried about how he does against taller and more talented players that we will see in the Big East. He will need to show he can pick his spots to attack. He must avoid forcing inside when it’s not there.[/quote]
i really like what I have seen from Earlington so far this season. He is a true lunch pail player. He is playing like a bully in the easier non-conference part of the schedule, which I think is great. Let's see how that translates against better competition. No matter what I am encouraged and expect him to get better and eventually have the same kind of impact in conference. It just might not be this year. Nice bounce back game after Vermont.
I think the season will be just like these 2 games. A few games that are just painful to watch followed up by some strong games. Again I can live with this as I love watching team basketball. This team plays hard defense for 40 minutes and move the ball well. I like the intensity. I can definitely feel this team trending up and in a few years we should move from the bottom half of the league to the top half of the league and I think we can stay there. Something that has not happened for a long time.[/quote]
If one would have told me before the season we would have gotten this much out of Earlington, Roberts, Caraher, Champagnie, Rutherford combined I would have said you were crazy. Being honest, I didn’t think many of these guys would even be serviceable at this level. I underestimated the coaching change by a mile as well as the actual ability many of these kids have. We have a deep bench and these kids have ability. I know our schedule hasn’t had massive challenges with the exception of Vermont but you can see what we do have on the roster. Happy to eat crow here.
i really like what I have seen from Earlington so far this season. He is a true lunch pail player. He is playing like a bully in the easier non-conference part of the schedule, which I think is great. Let's see how that translates against better competition. No matter what I am encouraged and expect him to get better and eventually have the same kind of impact in conference. It just might not be this year. Nice bounce back game after Vermont.
I think the season will be just like these 2 games. A few games that are just painful to watch followed up by some strong games. Again I can live with this as I love watching team basketball. This team plays hard defense for 40 minutes and move the ball well. I like the intensity. I can definitely feel this team trending up and in a few years we should move from the bottom half of the league to the top half of the league and I think we can stay there. Something that has not happened for a long time.[/quote]
If one would have told me before the season we would have gotten this much out of Earlington, Roberts, Caraher, Champagnie, Rutherford combined I would have said you were crazy. Being honest, I didn’t think many of these guys would even be serviceable at this level. I underestimated the coaching change by a mile as well as the actual ability many of these kids have. We have a deep bench and these kids have ability. I know our schedule hasn’t had massive challenges with the exception of Vermont but you can see what we do have on the roster. Happy to eat crow here.
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[quote="Mike Zaun" post=364113]Does anyone else wonder how we would fare with this team facing last year's team or any from Mullin era? I genuinely think this year's team so far looks way better than any Mullin team at this point early in the season. Time will tell with the real teams, but for the most part, there is no more playing down to our comp. We take everyone seriously. We play with a ton of effort. It's consistent...we aren't left hoping we can "get up" for a game. I would bet that the Mullin teams lose to a team like we have now most games.
And yes, I know some will say, "Why do you have to bring Mullin into it? He's gone now". For 3 years I was one of the most vocal critics and for 3 years I was attacked for that as if I was watching from an alternate reality where Mullin was a good coach and our recruiting was fine and Mitch did stuff. Staffs matter. Look at the surging Islanders with Trotz.[/quote]
Mike - you make some good points but I think we should look forward not back. What has been fun about the games so far is that the team has done a good job putting weaker teams away and everyone is playing hard and with purpose.I think as Dunn becomes more acclimated the team will come together even more. Coach Mike A is doing a good job having the team motivated for every game so far. There are a lot inexperienced players many who are still figuring things out so there is room for improvement. Not everything is perfect. We miss a ton of layups but at least we battle on the offensive boards and often score on the second or third try. We seem to ignore wide open three point shooters which
I hope gets addressed. This has been particularly frustrating as many of these players aren’t quick enough to get past our defenders and just camp out by three point line. This weekends tournament will be a big test as to where we stand right now, as will the West Virginia and Arizona games. Ultimately what I am hoping is that Coach Anderson can build a culture of teamwork and ultimately winning that will make us proud to be fans.
And yes, I know some will say, "Why do you have to bring Mullin into it? He's gone now". For 3 years I was one of the most vocal critics and for 3 years I was attacked for that as if I was watching from an alternate reality where Mullin was a good coach and our recruiting was fine and Mitch did stuff. Staffs matter. Look at the surging Islanders with Trotz.[/quote]
Mike - you make some good points but I think we should look forward not back. What has been fun about the games so far is that the team has done a good job putting weaker teams away and everyone is playing hard and with purpose.I think as Dunn becomes more acclimated the team will come together even more. Coach Mike A is doing a good job having the team motivated for every game so far. There are a lot inexperienced players many who are still figuring things out so there is room for improvement. Not everything is perfect. We miss a ton of layups but at least we battle on the offensive boards and often score on the second or third try. We seem to ignore wide open three point shooters which
I hope gets addressed. This has been particularly frustrating as many of these players aren’t quick enough to get past our defenders and just camp out by three point line. This weekends tournament will be a big test as to where we stand right now, as will the West Virginia and Arizona games. Ultimately what I am hoping is that Coach Anderson can build a culture of teamwork and ultimately winning that will make us proud to be fans.
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