Roberts over Keita

RedStormNC

RedStormNC

Well-known member
2023 $upporter
I'll take my chances w/ Robert's getting Keita's minutes

May make mistakes but believe he'll make some things happen. Keita is just not what I hoped for.
 
[quote="RedStormNC" post=326310]I'll take my chances w/ Robert's getting Keita's minutes

May make mistakes but believe he'll make some things happen. Keita is just not what I hoped for.[/quote]

A c t I v I t y. In the paint especially. It’s great to see out of a player
 
Roberts has more than passing interest in offensive rebounding, a rare quality on this team. Agree, invest him for long term.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=326384]Roberts has more than passing interest in offensive rebounding, a rare quality on this team. Agree, invest him for long term.[/quote]
And, he has hops. Caught the ball underneath and dunked in a nanosecond.
 
Keita is 6'9 but plays small. Brings the ball low too much. Not explosive. Needs to gather before going up. He has things to work on in the off season.
 
Roberts clearly has potential
The staff should invest a lot of time in him during the off season
He needs to get stronger and put on "good" weight before next season
Working with the S & C staff and a nutritionist would certainly help
 
He looks more comfortable against bigger players. Both the first Providence game, and tonight, were good examples of that.

Against Seton Hall though, their smaller, quicker guys blew right by him twice in one minute, and that was the end of his night.
 
[quote="RedStormNC" post=326310]I'll take my chances w/ Robert's getting Keita's minutes

May make mistakes but believe he'll make some things happen. Keita is just not what I hoped for.[/quote]

Not ready to dismiss Keita yet because he does appear to have some useful skills. Has a nice shot for a big man and I’ve seen him make some nice moves. But as others have said, he plays small. Needs to realize he’s 6’9 and play accordingly.

Totally agree on Roberts. The kid is a hustler and brings a ton of energy. Also, doesn’t shy away from contact. If he puts some weight on, he’s going to be tough in the paint.
 
At this point, neither is very good or very useful for long stretches. While I agree that Roberts seems to bring more energy, I'm not sure either player has an upside that would preclude us from recruiting over them. Each of them routinely get layup attempts blocked, which is indicative of little to no big man offensive ability.

Bottom line: If Roberts was handed Keita minutes, I don't think the results would change very much. Big men can develop radically start to finish in their collegiate careers, but I'm not sure either of these guys has a high side like that.
 
I think both should get some time as both have made some good plays over the last two games and we will need a deeper bench if we are going to make a run in the BE tournament. I think they should start the game out with splitting time and then as the game progresses, go with the hot hand.

Also, I've noticed that Mullin likes to have his guys front the post on the opposing teams big men. I think it works okay when there's a smaller player guarding. However, if it's Keita or Roberts, I think they should be playing behind. It would allow them to be in a better position for some rebounds which we have been slacking on.
 
If the four bigs currently slated to play next year are here next Oct there will actually be competition for playing time. This will be something new in the Mullin era and it will be interesting if both players and SJU benefit.
 
[quote="Enright" post=326618]If the four bigs currently slated to play next year are here next Oct there will actually be competition for playing time. This will be something new in the Mullin era and it will be interesting if both players and SJU benefit.[/quote]

who is the fourth?
 
Roberts was given a crash course in physical play by Tyrique Jones. Huge experience for him. Let's see how he responds. He's still probably 10 lbs too light.

Keita plays solid D, but his rebounding is non-existent. Not to be funny, but he plays like he has vertigo or some kind of problem with balance. He's so often facing the wrong way or behaving oddly. Very mechanical.

I was really hoping Steere practicing with the team would have sped up the growth of the other bigs. Maybe it has.

I don't expect to see all of our bigs here next year although I wouldn't mind it.
 
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[quote="Paul Massell" post=326619][quote="Enright" post=326618]If the four bigs currently slated to play next year are here next Oct there will actually be competition for playing time. This will be something new in the Mullin era and it will be interesting if both players and SJU benefit.[/quote]

who is the fourth?[/quote]

Currently on the roster: Keita, Roberts, and Steere
Committed: Manuel

I would't mind trading Manuel or Keita for Nico Carvacho.
 
[quote="Marillac" post=326623]Roberts was given a crash course in physical play by Tyrique Jones. Huge experience for him. Let's see how he responds. He's still probably 10 lbs to light.

Keita plays solid D, but his rebounding is non-existent. Not to be funny, but he plays like he has vertigo or some kind of problem with balance. He's so often facing the wrong way or behaving oddly. Very mechanical.

I was really hoping Steere practicing with the team would have sped up the growth of the other bigs. Maybe it has.

I don't expect to see all of our bigs here next year although I wouldn't mind it.[/quote]

27 pound difference between Jones and Roberts, at least, according to their listings.

However, Jones also has two years experience on him. There's plenty of time for Roberts to bulk up. Odds are, his body has not hit his peak yet, while Jones's is just now doing so. Not giving up on Roberts just yet (and I know, you're not either, Marillac).
 
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[quote="Patrick C ripdumaine" post=326622]Guessing Manuel or Steere[/quote]

Yeah, depends on who is the third. LOL
 
[quote="Marillac" post=326623]Roberts was given a crash course in physical play by Tyrique Jones. Huge experience for him. Let's see how he responds. He's still probably 10 lbs too light.

Keita plays solid D, but his rebounding is non-existent. Not to be funny, but he plays like he has vertigo or some kind of problem with balance. He's so often facing the wrong way or behaving oddly. Very mechanical.

I was really hoping Steere practicing with the team would have sped up the growth of the other bigs. Maybe it has.

I don't expect to see all of our bigs here next year although I wouldn't mind it.[/quote]

Man for once I'd like one of those skilled Euros who are short on athleticism but smart on basketball skills who can score, rebound and have some bulk.
 
Considering we’re getting killed repeatedly on the glass (and losing games) and we haven’t really changed anything scheme-wise or personnel-wise against these types of teams...one of these last 2 games would be the time to at least try it. It’s kinda nuts the CS hasn’t done it yet, but what can it hurt to put Roberts in more or use Earlington strictly as a rebounder? Lol, we haven’t beaten a physical team really all season so we have precisely nothing to lose.
 
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