Welcome back LJ Figueroa

[quote="Beast of the East" post=350629]Honestly I believe LJ has great instincts on the court and is often in the right place for a putback slam or alley oop, has terrific hops and quickness getting to a spot, and is a good defender and rebounder.

His shot though is almost a set shot - no elevation at all, and may have trouble getting it off vs. NBA competition.

He is no more than an average ball handler, and rarely takes the ball all the way to the hole, content to pull up in the lane for short floaters.

In short, given his talent set he has miles of turf to improve. As a raw talent, he is NBA caliber, but imo needs to use thus time in college to improve and refine his game.

This is NOT and criticism , but high regard for his ceiling. That he could score 14 a game with deficiencies is testimony to how far he can go if he improves.[/quote]

+1. Totally agree here. He’s still very raw and didn’t get all too much direction under Mullin and Co. I’m hoping he builds more confidence and rounds out his game under CMA. It will be a bit different system, but he’s a true talent that hustles and I think will be better off for staying. He will be a go-to guy this year.
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=350630][quote="Beast of the East" post=350629]Honestly I believe LJ has great instincts on the court and is often in the right place for a putback slam or alley oop, has terrific hops and quickness getting to a spot, and is a good defender and rebounder.

His shot though is almost a set shot - no elevation at all, and may have trouble getting it off vs. NBA competition.

He is no more than an average ball handler, and rarely takes the ball all the way to the hole, content to pull up in the lane for short floaters.

In short, given his talent set he has miles of turf to improve. As a raw talent, he is NBA caliber, but imo needs to use thus time in college to improve and refine his game.

This is NOT and criticism , but high regard for his ceiling. That he could score 14 a game with deficiencies is testimony to how far he can go if he improves.[/quote]

+1. Totally agree here. He’s still very raw and didn’t get all too much direction under Mullin and Co. I’m hoping he builds more confidence and rounds out his game under CMA. It will be a bit different system, but he’s a true talent that hustles and I think will be better off for staying. He will be a go-to guy this year.[/quote]

I think Heron will be the man and will thrive out from under the shadow of Ponds, but Figueroa will get more looks as a sidekick. If Simon were back I might have higher Hope's for next years squad than this past season. Your thoughts?
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=350632][quote="MCNPA" post=350630][quote="Beast of the East" post=350629]Honestly I believe LJ has great instincts on the court and is often in the right place for a putback slam or alley oop, has terrific hops and quickness getting to a spot, and is a good defender and rebounder.

His shot though is almost a set shot - no elevation at all, and may have trouble getting it off vs. NBA competition.

He is no more than an average ball handler, and rarely takes the ball all the way to the hole, content to pull up in the lane for short floaters.

In short, given his talent set he has miles of turf to improve. As a raw talent, he is NBA caliber, but imo needs to use thus time in college to improve and refine his game.

This is NOT and criticism , but high regard for his ceiling. That he could score 14 a game with deficiencies is testimony to how far he can go if he improves.[/quote]

+1. Totally agree here. He’s still very raw and didn’t get all too much direction under Mullin and Co. I’m hoping he builds more confidence and rounds out his game under CMA. It will be a bit different system, but he’s a true talent that hustles and I think will be better off for staying. He will be a go-to guy this year.[/quote]

I think Heron will be the man and will thrive out from under the shadow of Ponds, but Figueroa will get more looks as a sidekick. If Simon were back I might have higher Hope's for next years squad than this past season. Your thoughts?[/quote]

Heron was great at times last year but also looked confused down the stretch. The whole team did. I think we are going to see a very different team this year. We will playa ton more bench players, we will put much more of an emphasis on rebounding, pressing. I think it all depends on if we can grab a talented Pg like Thornton or a grad transfer of some type. Without one it’s hard to be overly confident. We are also missing another big guy and I’m not sure how we will fare if we have to wait for Steere until mid-year and have him as our only real big guy on the roster.

That said, Mike Anderson has a very good track record of having his teams ready to play. It’s hard to doubt his record and consistency. Coaching should be a lot better. Bench use a lot better. Rebounding better. Still need some more talent to fill gaps but if we land the right guy or so it could change my mind. Still excited to see the change as I like Anderson’s style of play. Opponents really don’t like to play against CMA coached teams.
 
[quote="MCNPA" post=350630][quote="Beast of the East" post=350629]Honestly I believe LJ has great instincts on the court and is often in the right place for a putback slam or alley oop, has terrific hops and quickness getting to a spot, and is a good defender and rebounder.

His shot though is almost a set shot - no elevation at all, and may have trouble getting it off vs. NBA competition.

He is no more than an average ball handler, and rarely takes the ball all the way to the hole, content to pull up in the lane for short floaters.

In short, given his talent set he has miles of turf to improve. As a raw talent, he is NBA caliber, but imo needs to use thus time in college to improve and refine his game.

This is NOT and criticism , but high regard for his ceiling. That he could score 14 a game with deficiencies is testimony to how far he can go if he improves.[/quote]

+1. Totally agree here. He’s still very raw and didn’t get all too much direction under Mullin and Co. I’m hoping he builds more confidence and rounds out his game under CMA. It will be a bit different system, but he’s a true talent that hustles and I think will be better off for staying. He will be a go-to guy this year.[/quote]

His shot may not be aesthetically pleasing but when he is hot, he has true NBA range. His knack for making difficult baskets is I great as well. He had a tough game against ASU but as a scorer the sky is the limit.
 
Who exactly was insulted by my first post? Was it Coach Mullin, who's coaching abilities have been questioned by just about everyone on this board? Or was is LJ's JuCo coach, who I'm sure everybody is so familiar with...High School coach, CYO coaches, who? You shouldn't get insulted on other people's behalf.

The list of suitors on the transfer portal, to me, doesn't seem like it says anything about his NBA potential...I mean, Max Hooper even had some transfer interest, and he couldn't even hold onto a ball.

So many good posts on this topic. This is the RedMEN forum, not the Red-7yr old girl forum people. Stop being so sensitive, get a sense of humor and please learn the difference between 'to', 'too', and 'two' if you're going to call someone 'asinine'.
thank you
 
Nice assessment, Beast. I think you have correctly pointed out his main deficiency, which is his low shot release point and lack of elevation when shooting.
I'm hoping this new staff will help him take his shot to the next level. I am holding out hope for improved ball-handling, since I don't see him ever being more than a third option at point when playing with the starters. Love this guy!
 
[quote="Logen" post=350620][quote="Its*Over*Johnny" post=350617]Look dude, I'm 42 and been a fan since I was 7. So I've earned my stripes with or without this forum.
Just wishing to start a little discussion. That's all.
If anyone has something useful to add to the discussion I'll give you all my points. BTW, I never even noticed the points, that's petty kid stuff.
So glad to have LJ back! Now let's celebrate his diverse skillset and try to figure out why we're the only ones who seem to appreciate his talents.
Just trying to get a good discussion going with some men who aren't snowflakes[/quote]

So you make an asinine coaching statement, don’t even have enough basketball acumen to realize the list of suitors when Figueroa entered the transfer portal speaks volumes to the diverse appreciation of his talents away from this board and want too open up a discussion by insulting people? Sure thing dude.............................[/quote]

Who exactly was insulted by my first post? Was it Coach Mullin, who's coaching abilities have been questioned by just about everyone on this board? Or was is LJ's JuCo coach, who I'm sure everybody is so familiar with...High School coach, CYO coaches, who? You shouldn't get insulted on other people's behalf.

The list of suitors on the transfer portal, to me, doesn't seem like it says anything about his NBA potential...I mean, Max Hooper even had some transfer interest, and he couldn't even hold onto a ball.

So many good posts on this topic. This is the RedMEN forum, not the Red-7yr old girl forum people. Stop being so sensitive, get a sense of humor and please learn the difference between 'to', 'too', and 'two' if you're going to call someone 'asinine'.
thank you
 
[quote="Its*Over*Johnny" post=350664][quote="Logen" post=350620][quote="Its*Over*Johnny" post=350617]Look dude, I'm 42 and been a fan since I was 7. So I've earned my stripes with or without this forum.
Just wishing to start a little discussion. That's all.
If anyone has something useful to add to the discussion I'll give you all my points. BTW, I never even noticed the points, that's petty kid stuff.
So glad to have LJ back! Now let's celebrate his diverse skillset and try to figure out why we're the only ones who seem to appreciate his talents.
Just trying to get a good discussion going with some men who aren't snowflakes[/quote]

So you make an asinine coaching statement, don’t even have enough basketball acumen to realize the list of suitors when Figueroa entered the transfer portal speaks volumes to the diverse appreciation of his talents away from this board and want too open up a discussion by insulting people? Sure thing dude.............................[/quote]

Who exactly was insulted by my first post? Was it Coach Mullin, who's coaching abilities have been questioned by just about everyone on this board? Or was is LJ's JuCo coach, who I'm sure everybody is so familiar with...High School coach, CYO coaches, who? You shouldn't get insulted on other people's behalf.

The list of suitors on the transfer portal, to me, doesn't seem like it says anything about his NBA potential...I mean, Max Hooper even had some transfer interest, and he couldn't even hold onto a ball.

So many good posts on this topic. This is the RedMEN forum, not the Red-7yr old girl forum people. Stop being so sensitive, get a sense of humor and please learn the difference between 'to', 'too', and 'two' if you're going to call someone 'asinine'.
thank you[/quote]

And not one of those “good posts” once mentioned your NBA obsession. As for a sense of humor the only thing remotely funny about your posts was their idiocy. Unless it was your poseur super macho persona behind a keyboard.
 
LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.
 
[quote="Logen" post=350666][quote="Its*Over*Johnny" post=350664][quote="Logen" post=350620][quote="Its*Over*Johnny" post=350617]Look dude, I'm 42 and been a fan since I was 7. So I've earned my stripes with or without this forum.
Just wishing to start a little discussion. That's all.
If anyone has something useful to add to the discussion I'll give you all my points. BTW, I never even noticed the points, that's petty kid stuff.
So glad to have LJ back! Now let's celebrate his diverse skillset and try to figure out why we're the only ones who seem to appreciate his talents.
Just trying to get a good discussion going with some men who aren't snowflakes[/quote]

So you make an asinine coaching statement, don’t even have enough basketball acumen to realize the list of suitors when Figueroa entered the transfer portal speaks volumes to the diverse appreciation of his talents away from this board and want too open up a discussion by insulting people? Sure thing dude.............................[/quote]

Who exactly was insulted by my first post? Was it Coach Mullin, who's coaching abilities have been questioned by just about everyone on this board? Or was is LJ's JuCo coach, who I'm sure everybody is so familiar with...High School coach, CYO coaches, who? You shouldn't get insulted on other people's behalf.

The list of suitors on the transfer portal, to me, doesn't seem like it says anything about his NBA potential...I mean, Max Hooper even had some transfer interest, and he couldn't even hold onto a ball.

So many good posts on this topic. This is the RedMEN forum, not the Red-7yr old girl forum people. Stop being so sensitive, get a sense of humor and please learn the difference between 'to', 'too', and 'two' if you're going to call someone 'asinine'.
thank you[/quote]

And not one of those “good posts” once mentioned your NBA obsession. As for a sense of humor the only thing remotely funny about your posts was their idiocy. Unless it was your poseur super macho persona behind a keyboard.[/quote]

Ok, now I get it....you dislike the NBA. It's ok, you can just come out and say that. It's fine. I happen to enjoy following our players after they leave school and take a keen interest in the development and pro potential of our players.
 
Fabulous clip. Thanks Paultz.
Damn, I luv this guy and think he'll blossom under CMA and Staff.
 
[quote="Moose" post=350670]LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.[/quote]

The things he does well are really valued by NBA teams to fill out rosters. Always in right spot, competes, plays defense, can’t be left open. Plus his length and athleticism. Think about a guy like Ariza, what skill does he have that LJ doesn’t? Maybe an inch or so shorter. His biggest weakness is creating his own shot and getting all the way to the basket but the NBA doesn’t really value that from their role players.
 
I expect what Paul Pressey will improve in LJ's game is playmaking/passing ability. He will need that to maximize his opportunities at next level. This year should be a great opportunity for LJ & Mustapha both. Looking forward to it.
 
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=350929][quote="Moose" post=350670]LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.[/quote]

The things he does well are really valued by NBA teams to fill out rosters. Always in right spot, competes, plays defense, can’t be left open. Plus his length and athleticism. Think about a guy like Ariza, what skill does he have that LJ doesn’t? Maybe an inch or so shorter. His biggest weakness is creating his own shot and getting all the way to the basket but the NBA doesn’t really value that from their role players.[/quote]

Ariza is more athletic IMO. And I don’t think in that area it’s close.
But you hit nail on head with his strengths and weaknesses
 
[quote="Moose" post=350936][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=350929][quote="Moose" post=350670]LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.[/quote]

The things he does well are really valued by NBA teams to fill out rosters. Always in right spot, competes, plays defense, can’t be left open. Plus his length and athleticism. Think about a guy like Ariza, what skill does he have that LJ doesn’t? Maybe an inch or so shorter. His biggest weakness is creating his own shot and getting all the way to the basket but the NBA doesn’t really value that from their role players.[/quote]

Ariza is more athletic IMO. And I don’t think in that area it’s close.
But you hit nail on head with his strengths and weaknesses[/quote]

I see LJ as a poor man's Klay Thompson. Obviously not the shooter that Klay is, but the style of play, tough defense and high IQ are similar.
 
[quote="SJU14" post=350938][quote="Moose" post=350936][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=350929][quote="Moose" post=350670]LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.[/quote]

The things he does well are really valued by NBA teams to fill out rosters. Always in right spot, competes, plays defense, can’t be left open. Plus his length and athleticism. Think about a guy like Ariza, what skill does he have that LJ doesn’t? Maybe an inch or so shorter. His biggest weakness is creating his own shot and getting all the way to the basket but the NBA doesn’t really value that from their role players.[/quote]

Ariza is more athletic IMO. And I don’t think in that area it’s close.
But you hit nail on head with his strengths and weaknesses[/quote]

I see LJ as a poor man's Klay Thompson. Obviously not the shooter that Klay is, but the style of play, tough defense and high IQ are similar.[/quote]

I was seeing Shawn Marion
 
[quote="Moose" post=350936][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=350929][quote="Moose" post=350670]LJ is a really good college player.
But NBA?
There are 30 teams x 14 players for an NBA team. 420 total. Over 100 of those players are from around the world.
This year alone the numbers of spots to be drafted and players who declared was alarming.

I hope LJ is 1st team BE this year. I hope he leads us to an above 500 record and I would expect him to move on after that and wish him the best. I would just be really surprised if he ever plays in the NBA.[/quote]

The things he does well are really valued by NBA teams to fill out rosters. Always in right spot, competes, plays defense, can’t be left open. Plus his length and athleticism. Think about a guy like Ariza, what skill does he have that LJ doesn’t? Maybe an inch or so shorter. His biggest weakness is creating his own shot and getting all the way to the basket but the NBA doesn’t really value that from their role players.[/quote]

Ariza is more athletic IMO. And I don’t think in that area it’s close.
But you hit nail on head with his strengths and weaknesses[/quote]

I will say I don’t think we saw full LJ potential last year. I don’t think he used to the best of his skills. So let’s see
 
Moose-Shawn Marion had the quickest first step for a forward of anyone I ever saw, Would have ball 30 feet out on the wing and absolutely just blow by anyone. Can see some similarities with Figgy though.
 
[quote="bamafan" post=350941]Moose-Shawn Marion had the quickest first step for a forward of anyone I ever saw, Would have ball 30 feet out on the wing and absolutely just blow by anyone. Can see some similarities with Figgy though.[/quote]

Maybe college Marion did. I just remember him shooting ugly but efficient jumpers from the FT line and out
 
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