Providence, Sat. Mar. 5, 12:30pm, FS1 & (Radio ?)

This was about as ho hum a loss as you could imagine - outcome never in doubt, unless you believe that crawling within 13 makes it a game.

I believe Mullin is a super competitive guy, and I also believe that when the outcome is already sealed, he gives up, and can't wait till the game is over. How else could you explain when all 5 of our guys decided not to chase a fast break when one of our guys launched an errant 3 very late, and not one of our guys made it to halfcourt? I would have put the last 5 guys on our bench in at point? Or the matador defense one of our guys with 4 fouls played when Providence took t to the hoop on him late, presumably to keep himself on the court to pad his stats.

You can look at the box score and try to pick out bright spots, but when your team gets tattooed 17 out of 18 Big East games, there usually isn't a warrior for us standing out as one of the best players on the floor. Some of those same guys with a decent box score had embarrassing turnovers trying to take the ball to the hoop, or launched long off the mark 3's with plenty of time on the clock when a basket could have brought us within 10 points.

There are a couple of guys to really like, and thankfully they will be back.

I just hope that going forward the staff coaches all 40 minutes hard, and takes our guys to task for not playing hard, smart, or unselfishly - no matter what the score.
Click to expand...

Couldn't believe when I saw that...also don't like to see our guys walk back to the huddle during a timeout
Click to expand...

Most of the time it takes at least 30 seconds or more into a timeout for a coach to join the huddle. Mullin usually shows no particular interest in being that guy, and he stands near the bench chatting with an assistant at length until casually sauntering to an unoccupied coach's seat in the huddle. On the floor, this team had no clear leader that the other players listened to and rallied around. The same is true with the coaching staff. Most coaches cannot say enough during a timeout. As soon as a timeout is called, they leap off the bench, gesture to players to hustle into the huddle, and subsequently get warned by refs by overstaying the 30 or 60 seconds.

Saying that our talent level was so low that even great coach couldn't coax more out of them is absurd in that t only contains a hint of truth. Maybe the outcomes wouldn't change much, but a great coach wouldn't tolerate players who couldn't hit a FT to shoot from 20, out of control drives to the hoop, or lazy defense. Yes, innately great players usually don't exhibit these behaviors, but to a large extent guys like ours required more in game coaching, not less.
 
My point being... let's take something like "scorer's table".... Clearly gets visible attention on fan board where guys like us scruntinize everything... but does this type of stuff ever get relayed up back to the staff ?
Click to expand...

Mullin, as far as I can tell, is immensely well liked by AD staff, and is very approachable in a friendly way. On the subject of table sitting for long periods, staff have chided him about it in a non-offensive way. Seems that they are aware he is learning, and are pulling for him as much as even critics of him on here are as well.
 
This was about as ho hum a loss as you could imagine - outcome never in doubt, unless you believe that crawling within 13 makes it a game.

I believe Mullin is a super competitive guy, and I also believe that when the outcome is already sealed, he gives up, and can't wait till the game is over. How else could you explain when all 5 of our guys decided not to chase a fast break when one of our guys launched an errant 3 very late, and not one of our guys made it to halfcourt? I would have put the last 5 guys on our bench in at point? Or the matador defense one of our guys with 4 fouls played when Providence took t to the hoop on him late, presumably to keep himself on the court to pad his stats.

You can look at the box score and try to pick out bright spots, but when your team gets tattooed 17 out of 18 Big East games, there usually isn't a warrior for us standing out as one of the best players on the floor. Some of those same guys with a decent box score had embarrassing turnovers trying to take the ball to the hoop, or launched long off the mark 3's with plenty of time on the clock when a basket could have brought us within 10 points.

There are a couple of guys to really like, and thankfully they will be back.

I just hope that going forward the staff coaches all 40 minutes hard, and takes our guys to task for not playing hard, smart, or unselfishly - no matter what the score.
Click to expand...

Couldn't believe when I saw that...also don't like to see our guys walk back to the huddle during a timeout
Click to expand...

Most of the time it takes at least 30 seconds or more into a timeout for a coach to join the huddle. Mullin usually shows no particular interest in being that guy, and he stands near the bench chatting with an assistant at length until casually sauntering to an unoccupied coach's seat in the huddle. On the floor, this team had no clear leader that the other players listened to and rallied around. The same is true with the coaching staff. Most coaches cannot say enough during a timeout. As soon as a timeout is called, they leap off the bench, gesture to players to hustle into the huddle, and subsequently get warned by refs by overstaying the 30 or 60 seconds.

Saying that our talent level was so low that even great coach couldn't coax more out of them is absurd in that t only contains a hint of truth. Maybe the outcomes wouldn't change much, but a great coach wouldn't tolerate players who couldn't hit a FT to shoot from 20, out of control drives to the hoop, or lazy defense. Yes, innately great players usually don't exhibit these behaviors, but to a large extent guys like ours required more in game coaching, not less.
Click to expand...

Perhaps, staff makes a herculean effort on these and many other things during longs practices daily.You can definitely point out with conviction mistakes and effort and make adjustments but based on players personality and talent levels approach has to be guided
 
I don't think either Yakwe or Sima need to take "massive leaps in their games." They both had fine freshman seasons in my opinion--especially considering that Sima was injured and Yakwe had to sit out a bunch of games. They both have tremendous raw talent and have made huge strides.

Mussini, unfortunately is just not a Big East player IMO. I would also submit that Ellison is not either.
Click to expand...

Agree about Mussini; not sure about Ellison, although from what we've seen to date, definitely not starter material. For the record, Mussini (who seems like a terrific kid who gives it his all) finished the regular season with a team-low .337 FG% and shot .309 from three-point range (only Amar and Felix shot worse). Not good stats for someone who came here with a reputation as great outside shooter. Streaky, yes; but great, absolutely not. (On the plus side, he did make .872% of his FTs.) Barring a huge turn-around, his PT will most likely take a big hit next season (especially if Alkins comes here), and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go back to Italy after next season.
Click to expand...



Mussini shot better early in the season before the opposition started to overplay him, thus forcing him to rush his 3 point shots. I know they were concerned with him, just watch how good teams switch to prevent him from getting set. Maybe next year, with a point guard, we'll be able to get him open. Don't give up on this kid.
 
Random observation:

Sima and Yakwe (and even Jones) are asking for the ball too far from the basket. They do not yet have the handle, range or strength to start their execution 10+ feet away. They have to set-up lower or, when they start their move that far form the basket, look to dish (if someone is savvy enough to cut).

Paging Zendon Hamilton......Mr. Zendon Hamilton please.

I do think they will get there. As juniors and seniors, Sima and Yakwe are going to present MAJOR problems for opponents.
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
 
Random observation:

Sima and Yakwe (and even Jones) are asking for the ball too far from the basket. They do not yet have the handle, range or strength to start their execution 10+ feet away. They have to set-up lower or, when they start their move that far form the basket, look to dish (if someone is savvy enough to cut).

Paging Zendon Hamilton......Mr. Zendon Hamilton please.

I do think they will get there. As juniors and seniors, Sima and Yakwe are going to present MAJOR problems for opponents.
Click to expand...

That's a really great observation. All players, and especially big men, have to learn that they should be working hard to get the ball and shoot where they are most effective, and not where the defense allows them to operate. So, I believe you are dead on, with Sima especially posting and claling for the ball 12-15 feet where he must put the ball on the floor and draw a crowd to get a shot off.

Both have a big upside, but we are overly generous to think that the leap to major impact players on offense will be automatic. They will have to work their butts off to improve, and then innate capacity to improve will be the critical factor.
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
Click to expand...

It even carried over to the fans. That guy they pulled out of the stands kept airballing free throws
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
Click to expand...

It even carried over to the fans. That guy they pulled out of the stands kept airballing free throws
Click to expand...

we were cracking up when he couldn't hit anything. Then everyone started booing him. lol
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
Click to expand...

It even carried over to the fans. That guy they pulled out of the stands kept airballing free throws
Click to expand...

we were cracking up when he couldn't hit anything. Then everyone started booing him. lol
Click to expand...

Lol yeah. the crowd was the loudest when dunn made the ally-oop and when that kid was airballing 10 free throws in a row.
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
Click to expand...

Too bad we didn't land Briscoe. He would've fit right in with his .421 FT shooting.
 
Was anyone hoping or at least curious to see if we could be first team to shoot 0% from the line? Looked like a possibility at one point.
Click to expand...

We definitely had the 0% watch going on in 114 but didn't want the 0% distinction. We couldn't believe it. Was around 10 minutes left in second half when we finally hit one. Within minutes of Coach finally done stretching his legs.

It was surreal seeing the doughnut up on the board. 0-8. Crazy. Then we got on a roll and I guess ended up somewhere in the 40's%
Click to expand...

Too bad we didn't land Briscoe. He would've fit right in with his .421 FT shooting.
Click to expand...

But then again he embraces defense & would not fit in perhaps. :)
 
Random observation:

Sima and Yakwe (and even Jones) are asking for the ball too far from the basket. They do not yet have the handle, range or strength to start their execution 10+ feet away. They have to set-up lower or, when they start their move that far form the basket, look to dish (if someone is savvy enough to cut).

Paging Zendon Hamilton......Mr. Zendon Hamilton please.

I do think they will get there. As juniors and seniors, Sima and Yakwe are going to present MAJOR problems for opponents.
Click to expand...

That's a really great observation. All players, and especially big men, have to learn that they should be working hard to get the ball and shoot where they are most effective, and not where the defense allows them to operate. So, I believe you are dead on, with Sima especially posting and claling for the ball 12-15 feet where he must put the ball on the floor and draw a crowd to get a shot off.

Both have a big upside, but we are overly generous to think that the leap to major impact players on offense will be automatic. They will have to work their butts off to improve, and then innate capacity to improve will be the critical factor.
Click to expand...
The reason our bigs (Sima, Yakwe) don't post lower (closer to the basket) is because they don't have the base or strength to do so as defenders easily root them out of the low post. As they get stronger hopefully they will.
 
Random observation:

Sima and Yakwe (and even Jones) are asking for the ball too far from the basket. They do not yet have the handle, range or strength to start their execution 10+ feet away. They have to set-up lower or, when they start their move that far form the basket, look to dish (if someone is savvy enough to cut).

Paging Zendon Hamilton......Mr. Zendon Hamilton please.

I do think they will get there. As juniors and seniors, Sima and Yakwe are going to present MAJOR problems for opponents.
Click to expand...

That's a really great observation. All players, and especially big men, have to learn that they should be working hard to get the ball and shoot where they are most effective, and not where the defense allows them to operate. So, I believe you are dead on, with Sima especially posting and claling for the ball 12-15 feet where he must put the ball on the floor and draw a crowd to get a shot off.

Both have a big upside, but we are overly generous to think that the leap to major impact players on offense will be automatic. They will have to work their butts off to improve, and then innate capacity to improve will be the critical factor.
Click to expand...
The reason our bigs (Sima, Yakwe) don't post lower (closer to the basket) is because they don't have the base or strength to do so as defenders easily root them out of the low post. As they get stronger hopefully they will.
Click to expand...

I might be wrong, but I don't remember Zendon being a classic low-post player, so I'm not so sure he'd be the ideal big man to teacher those skills to Sima or Yakwe.
 
I was at the game and the one thing that stood out to me was on a steal and fast break Johnson fed Mussini the ball and he stopped at the three point line, ala Dick Barnett of the Knicks, and hoisted a missed shot. Not a bad play as you re down but he could have had a layup or fed Johnson for two. Nevertheless Johnson jawwed at Mussini on the way back for what he may have perceived as selfish play. Didn't notice Mullin's reaction either way.
When Providence scored on a Alley Oop later the whole coaching staff stood up annoyed and player substitutions were made.
 
Random observation:

Sima and Yakwe (and even Jones) are asking for the ball too far from the basket. They do not yet have the handle, range or strength to start their execution 10+ feet away. They have to set-up lower or, when they start their move that far form the basket, look to dish (if someone is savvy enough to cut).

Paging Zendon Hamilton......Mr. Zendon Hamilton please.

I do think they will get there. As juniors and seniors, Sima and Yakwe are going to present MAJOR problems for opponents.
Click to expand...

That's a really great observation. All players, and especially big men, have to learn that they should be working hard to get the ball and shoot where they are most effective, and not where the defense allows them to operate. So, I believe you are dead on, with Sima especially posting and claling for the ball 12-15 feet where he must put the ball on the floor and draw a crowd to get a shot off.

Both have a big upside, but we are overly generous to think that the leap to major impact players on offense will be automatic. They will have to work their butts off to improve, and then innate capacity to improve will be the critical factor.
Click to expand...
The reason our bigs (Sima, Yakwe) don't post lower (closer to the basket) is because they don't have the base or strength to do so as defenders easily root them out of the low post. As they get stronger hopefully they will.
Click to expand...

I might be wrong, but I don't remember Zendon being a classic low-post player, so I'm not so sure he'd be the ideal big man to teacher those skills to Sima or Yakwe.
Click to expand...

Zendon, IMO, was always an oversized 4.

At the game yesterday was Shawnelle Scott. He was banger down low, he might be a good choice to help them out.
 
I was at the game and the one thing that stood out to me was on a steal and fast break Johnson fed Mussini the ball and he stopped at the three point line, ala Dick Barnett of the Knicks, and hoisted a missed shot. Not a bad play as you re down but he could have had a layup or fed Johnson for two. Nevertheless Johnson jawwed at Mussini on the way back for what he may have perceived as selfish play. Didn't notice Mullin's reaction either way.
When Providence scored on a Alley Oop later the whole coaching staff stood up annoyed and player substitutions were made.
Click to expand...
Disagree. It was an awful play. We were trailing by 13 if I recall correctly. You must get the two almost automatic points there, rather than hoisting up a 3.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top