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

[beast of the east]

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.

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.

A lot of old school purist coaches believe that the 3 point shot has totally messed up basketball. Prior to the ABA introduced home-run ball (with red, white, and blue balls no less), the offensive goal in basketball was to get the easiest shot you could get. On a 3 on 1, or 3-2 break the ball handler should take the ball to just inside the foul line, and force the defender to either guard him or a cutters close to the basket. If they lay back you shoot, and if they come out to get you, pass. The three point shot messed up that mentality, and Messina went for the 3 - a bad choice considerably he's been ice cold for about a month.

Before ripping him to shreds, keep in mind that he had made an outside shot in the second half, and he has been a kid who heats up rapidly. I never got the feeling that his shot selection was about him playing selfishly, but that he can light it up from long distances when he's feeling it. He has the whole summer to forget about his dismal 2nd half of the season, and perhaps work on the things that hampered him.

On the plus side, his movement without the ball and the team's offensive sets (yes, they do exist), often had him finding picks in the paint, and flashing out for a potential catch and shoot. His ability to flash improved dramatically, and in the second half, even as his shot percentage plummeted, his movement without the ball improved dramatically.

Every fan sees different things, but that's my take on that play.

 

[Andrew]

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.

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.

A lot of old school purist coaches believe that the 3 point shot has totally messed up basketball. Prior to the ABA introduced home-run ball (with red, white, and blue balls no less), the offensive goal in basketball was to get the easiest shot you could get. On a 3 on 1, or 3-2 break the ball handler should take the ball to just inside the foul line, and force the defender to either guard him or a cutters close to the basket. If they lay back you shoot, and if they come out to get you, pass. The three point shot messed up that mentality, and Messina went for the 3 - a bad choice considerably he's been ice cold for about a month.

Before ripping him to shreds, keep in mind that he had made an outside shot in the second half, and he has been a kid who heats up rapidly. I never got the feeling that his shot selection was about him playing selfishly, but that he can light it up from long distances when he's feeling it. He has the whole summer to forget about his dismal 2nd half of the season, and perhaps work on the things that hampered him.

On the plus side, his movement without the ball and the team's offensive sets (yes, they do exist), often had him finding picks in the paint, and flashing out for a potential catch and shoot. His ability to flash improved dramatically, and in the second half, even as his shot percentage plummeted, his movement without the ball improved dramatically.

Every fan sees different things, but that's my take on that play.

I understand the importance of the three point shot but that was a horrible play. He took a shot that he makes at a 30% clip grossed up to 45% for being a 3 when we had almost a 100% chanc of getting a layup.

 

[ras]

It wasn't a selfish play, but a stupid one.

 

[L J S A]

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.

Zendon on offense is not exactly teachable. "I want you to be as awkward and herky-jerky as possible while still being a very good scorer for a big man."

And he was also afraid to go up for blocks out of fear of rolling his ankles, so rather not have him teach defense to Sima or Yakwe either.

 

[redfazed]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

 

[redken]

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.

Zendon on offense is not exactly teachable. "I want you to be as awkward and herky-jerky as possible while still being a very good scorer for a big man."

And he was also afraid to go up for blocks out of fear of rolling his ankles, so rather not have him teach defense to Sima or Yakwe either.

Right on with the "herky-jerky." (I meant to include that very term in my post because that's how I remember him: having herky-jerky moves, and not being a strong low-post presence.)

 

[Red.Fans]

I applaud Zendon for his tenacious pursuit of basketball. He's not a kid anymore and hopefully like you and me, older and wiser. A long time ago but wasn't Zendon also a really good student academically - so pretty smart? In addition to being a crafty offensive player in college he may have learned a few things from his NBA and D-League experience on the floor and on staff. To his credit he went from having no competition in high school and scoring at will, to figuring out how to score against some really tough Big East competition and holding his own against a lot of future NBA players with his lanky frame and even got some NBA floor time.

Look how differently Jayson Williams was stylistically and approach (NBA Defensive POY) as a college player vs NBA. So I would reserve judgement on how effective Zendon would be as a teacher or his approach especially if Mullin thinks he is worth having around.

 

[Red.Fans]

At the game yesterday was Shawnelle Scott. He was banger down low, he might be a good choice to help them out.

Scott went from a limited guy to a really savvy senior that had some really nice moments against G'town. Also had a few games in the NBA with Cleveland I think. Singleton and Grant were two the best ever at knowing how to use their body/position and footwork masterfully. Grant also was one of the few guys that I remember developing good hands over his career. If those guys can teach any of it, they'd be worth bringing in.

 

[SJU61982]

At the game yesterday was Shawnelle Scott. He was banger down low, he might be a good choice to help them out.

Scott went from a limited guy to a really savvy senior that had some really nice moments against G'town. Also had a few games in the NBA with Cleveland I think. Singleton and Grant were two the best ever at knowing how to use their body/position and footwork masterfully. Grant also was one of the few guys that I remember developing good hands over his career. If those guys can teach any of it, they'd be worth bringing in.

The game I remember most from Shawnelle (from my elementary school days) was against UCONN, when Donyell Marshall and that whole group were freshmen.

Midseason that year, they came into MSG first in the Big East in first place, and we blew them out, by around 40. Scott just owned the glass against all those big guys that day (this was probably Sealy's junior or senior year).

 

[STJ11Redmen]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

If Harrison is 6'4" he would've been playing center for us last year.

 

[redfazed]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

If Harrison is 6'4" he would've been playing center for us last year.

He is 6'4:
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/dangelo_harrison_786665.html

 

[STJ11Redmen]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

If Harrison is 6'4" he would've been playing center for us last year.

He is 6'4:
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/dangelo_harrison_786665.html

Not a chance. Standing on a few phone books maybe.

 

[we are sju]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

If Harrison is 6'4" he would've been playing center for us last year.

He is 6'4:
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/dangelo_harrison_786665.html

Not a chance. Standing on a few phone books maybe.

Subtract 2 inches from everyone listed height!
And Mussini should never be brought up with Harrison in any way shape or form again

 

[beast of the east]

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.

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.

It was an awful decision and frustrating to watch. Watching Mussini on offense is like watching D'Angelo Harrison on his worst day. The major difference was that even on his worse day, Harrison was a good defender. He's also 6'4, 200 pounds. Love Mussini's attitude and thank him for hanging in this year but hope he sees very limited minutes next season.

If Harrison is 6'4" he would've been playing center for us last year.

He is 6'4:
http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/dangelo_harrison_786665.html

Not a chance. Standing on a few phone books maybe.

Subtract 2 inches from everyone listed height!
And Mussini should never be brought up with Harrison in any way shape or form again

Two totally different players, and overall Harrison had the body and overall basketball skills to compete at this level. Even as freshmen, Harrison was better, and I don't think anyone on here would disagree.

But you shoudl know that even despite getting nominated for the Wooden award, when I spoke to his grandmother at the end of last season, she mentioned that D'angelo knew his next stop would be playing overseas, not the NBA.

I'd just like to see Mussini (and Ellison, and Sima, and Yakwe) work their tails off to come back as improved and valuable players next season - all without comapring them to better SJU players.

 

[Andrew]

I stood right next to Harrison at the movies. I am 6'1 and a half. 6'2 in sneakers. He is definitely 6'4 in sneakers which is what everybody goes by. Haven't been that close to Mussini but he looks about my brothers height which is 5'11 on a good day.

 

[we are sju]

I stood right next to Harrison at the movies. I am 6'1 and a half. 6'2 in sneakers. He is definitely 6'4 in sneakers which is what everybody goes by. Haven't been that close to Mussini but he looks about my brothers height which is 5'11 on a good day.

On a bad day your brother shrinks lol

 

[beast of the east]

I would reserve judgement on how effective Zendon would be as a teacher or his approach especially if Mullin thinks he is worth having around.

I believe he is an unpaid assistant. If that's the case, schools often do that for former players wishing to break into coaching to help them get their feet wet, regardless of what they bring to the table to the team in the present. Not saying he is of no value, just saying if that is the circumstance, it's just common for schools to help former players out.

 

[simplyred]

One doesn't have to have been a star player in order to be a good teacher. In fact, most often, the opposite is true.