What's your player power rankings through first 2 games?

M

MakingPlays

Well-known member
Still really early, but just curious to everyone's thoughts on how guys have been performing so far.

My power rankings would be....

1. Cole - With a team that's struggling to score consistently he's really been on the only one doing it consistently, also he's been solid on defense, has drawn a few charges and used his length to grab rebounds. Currently shooting 46% from three 100% from free throw line through first 2 games.

2. Posh - There's been some freshman mistakes for sure, however you can tell when he's not on the floor on both offense and defense it's a completely different team, he'll need to grow up really fast by conference play if this team wants to play for anything.

3. Moore - Is out of control at times, but he's a CMA type of player, plays hard and brings energy. Once the game slows down for him he's going to be good.

4. Wusu - I argued with guys over the summer that had him making the rotation, I thought he'd for sure be the 12th man this year, however he's been the biggest surprised IMO, he looks like a vet out there, doesn't score a lot, but he's pesky on defense, grabs rebounds, attacks the rim, and team just looks better when he's on the floor.

5. Williams - Looked much better today, but still made a lot of careless mistakes, I still have been underwhelmed by him, he's gotta be more consistent.

6. Dunn - Really hated to hear about his concussion, sounds like he may miss a few games, he was just starting to pick up the pace yesterday. Hoping for a quick recovery for him, expecting a big senior season from him.

7. Earlington - Started to find his rhythm today and had a good game, however like Williams, he struggles with consistency. He seems to play better coming off the bench.

8. Roberts - Missed so many easy shots under the basket yesterday, also was fumbling the ball a lot today, just doesn't seem comfortable out there right now, he is playing hard though, I'm wondering if the extra weight is throwing him off.

9. Toro - This is probably the biggest disappointment, with all the positive things we were hearing from coaching staff, Zach, and Rothstein, I thought he would command the 5 spot and be a rebounding machine. He's been very underwhelming, I can't think of anything of note he's really done.

10. Caraher - Just looks absolutely lost out there on offense and defense. Shoots the ball like he's scared, you can tell his confidence is completely gone. Hopefully he can get things together and compete for minutes once everyone is healthy.

11. McGriff - I think the answer to everyone's question on why McGriff didn't play in the first game was answered. Made the one 3 pointer, then after that didn't do too much else. His ball handling didn't look that great, got the ball stolen from him in the back court, and his man just drove past him easily a few times, and he really struggled trying to shoot the ball near the rim.
 
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[quote="Making Plays" post=403615]Still really early, but just curious to everyone's thoughts on how guys have been performing so far.

My power rankings would be....

1. Cole - With a team that's struggling to score consistently he's really been on the only one doing it consistently, also he's been solid on defense, has drawn a few charges and used his length to grab rebounds. Currently shooting 46% from three 100% from free throw line through first 2 games.

2. Posh - There's been some freshman mistakes for sure, however you can tell when he's not on the floor on both offense and defense it's a completely different team, he'll need to grow up really fast by conference play if this team wants to play for anything.

3. Moore - Is out of control at times, but he's a CMA type of player, plays hard and brings energy. Once the game slows down for him he's going to be good.

4. Wusu - I argued with guys over the summer that had him making the rotation, I thought he'd for sure be the 12th man this year, however he's been the biggest surprised IMO, he looks like a vet out there, doesn't score a lot, but he's pesky on defense, grabs rebounds, attacks the rim, and team just looks better when he's on the floor.

5. Williams - Looked much better today, but still made a lot of careless mistakes, I still have been underwhelmed by him, he's gotta be more consistent.

6. Dunn - Really hated to hear about his concussion, sounds like he may miss a few games, he was just starting to pick up the pace yesterday. Hoping for a quick recovery for him, expecting a big senior season from him.

7. Earlington - Started to find his rhythm today and had a good game, however like Williams, he struggles with consistency. He seems to play better coming off the bench.

8. Roberts - Missed so many easy shots under the basket yesterday, also was fumbling the ball a lot today, just doesn't seem comfortable out there right now, he is playing hard though, I'm wondering if the extra weight is throwing him off.

9. Toro - This is probably the biggest disappointment, with all the positive things we were hearing from coaching staff, Zach, and Rothstein, I thought he would command the 5 spot and be a rebounding machine. He's been very underwhelming, I can't think of anything of note he's really done.

10. Caraher - Just looks absolutely lost out there on offense and defense. Shoots the ball like he's scared, you can tell his confidence is completely gone. Hopefully he can get things together and compete for minutes once everyone is healthy.

11. McGriff - I think the answer to everyone's question on why McGriff didn't play in the first game was answered. Made the one 3 pointer, then after that didn't do too much else. His ball handling didn't look that great, got the ball stolen from him in the back court, and his man just drove past him easily a few times, and he really struggled trying to shoot the ball near the rim.[/quote] pretty much agree would just flip flop earlington and Dunn
 
Agree with first three, but I'd have Williams 4 & Earlington 5 based on first 2 games.
 
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=403619]Agree with first three, but I'd have Williams 4 & Earlington 5 based on first 2 games.[/quote]

I could see that. I just think Wusu made less mistakes than both of them and looked to be more comfortable, but to your point Williams and Earlington both played well today, after lackluster first games.
 
I would defer creating player power ratings until we play BC, TT and some league opponents
By New Year's Day, we'll have a larger sample size against some power conference teams
 
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Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.
 
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[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

Certainly not I. As I've mentioned it on a few occasions in the game threads. He has shown these first two games that he has a nose for the ball, but he's gonna have to get under control and take better shots. He may also need a head fake to go with his shot as he's been blocked about four times.
 
[quote="MJDinkins" post=403627][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

Certainly not I. As I've mentioned it on a few occasions in the game threads. He has shown these first two games that he has a nose for the ball, but he's gonna have to get under control and take better shots. He may also need a head fake to go with his shot as he's been blocked about four times.[/quote]

People* including posters other than Dinkins ;)
 
Re: McGriff he picked up 2 fouls in record time. He must be studying Posh and he cheating hands. After that both him and Posh had to let LaSalle run past them in the 1st half in order to not pick up a 3rd foul in the first half. I wouldn't use his game today to speak to his defensive prowess.
 
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

He has. They all have looked spastic on the court. But the things about Posh, Cole and Moore is I feel so at ease when they have the ball because if they are fouled we are in pretty damn good shape with those 3 at the line. So I'll accept right now that him and Posh and Cole are all over the place a bit.
 
[quote="Moose" post=403635][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

He has. They all have looked spastic on the court. But the things about Posh, Cole and Moore is I feel so at ease when they have the ball because if they are fouled we are in pretty damn good shape with those 3 at the line. So I'll accept right now that him and Posh and Cole are all over the place a bit.[/quote]

Agree about those guys at the line. I find myself trusting willams too.
 
[quote="MarkRedman" post=403624]I would defer creating player power ratings until we play BC, TT and some league opponents
By New Year's Day, we'll have a larger sample size against some power conference teams[/quote]

That's why it's power rankings through first 2 games :). This is almost like after first 2 exhibition games. I agree totally after team plays some high major competition it may look completely different.
 
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

Not overlooking that at all, mentioned him being out of control at times in my post. You can tell the game is moving fast to him right now, once it slows down he's going to be pretty good. I love his shooting stroke, believe he's only missed like once from the free throw line, and he runs the floor like a deer, you can't teach 6'10 and being able to run like that and dunk everything. I think once Champ gets back, that's going to help him as well, Champ is bigger and stronger and will get him out of the paint more, because right now he's going pushed around in there, and Roberts and Toro haven't provided much help.
 
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It might be a very small sample but it is obvious the newcomers are not taking a back seat to the veterans. Unlike in years past when Looie and Mullin resisted sitting veteran players for newcomers I think Coach Anderson is going with those whose play deserves it regardless of class.
 
Wishing a speedy recovery to Rasheem Dunn. Concussions are no joke.

Making Plays ratings Make Sense.

Cole has been great so far. He didn’t shoot the ball well from 3 today but still found ways to score.

We really miss Champs. He will be our best rebounder and will make everyone better,

41 of 49 from the line has been the highlight so far.
 
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[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403636][quote="Moose" post=403635][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

He has. They all have looked spastic on the court. But the things about Posh, Cole and Moore is I feel so at ease when they have the ball because if they are fouled we are in pretty damn good shape with those 3 at the line. So I'll accept right now that him and Posh and Cole are all over the place a bit.[/quote]

Agree about those guys at the line. I find myself trusting willams too.[/quote]

Earl actually has a very nice stroke from the FT line as well, which is key since he's such a banger and should get fouled a fair amount.
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=403616][quote="Making Plays" post=403615]Still really early, but just curious to everyone's thoughts on how guys have been performing so far.

My power rankings would be....

1. Cole - With a team that's struggling to score consistently he's really been on the only one doing it consistently, also he's been solid on defense, has drawn a few charges and used his length to grab rebounds. Currently shooting 46% from three 100% from free throw line through first 2 games.

2. Posh - There's been some freshman mistakes for sure, however you can tell when he's not on the floor on both offense and defense it's a completely different team, he'll need to grow up really fast by conference play if this team wants to play for anything.

3. Moore - Is out of control at times, but he's a CMA type of player, plays hard and brings energy. Once the game slows down for him he's going to be good.

4. Wusu - I argued with guys over the summer that had him making the rotation, I thought he'd for sure be the 12th man this year, however he's been the biggest surprised IMO, he looks like a vet out there, doesn't score a lot, but he's pesky on defense, grabs rebounds, attacks the rim, and team just looks better when he's on the floor.

5. Williams - Looked much better today, but still made a lot of careless mistakes, I still have been underwhelmed by him, he's gotta be more consistent.

6. Dunn - Really hated to hear about his concussion, sounds like he may miss a few games, he was just starting to pick up the pace yesterday. Hoping for a quick recovery for him, expecting a big senior season from him.

7. Earlington - Started to find his rhythm today and had a good game, however like Williams, he struggles with consistency. He seems to play better coming off the bench.

8. Roberts - Missed so many easy shots under the basket yesterday, also was fumbling the ball a lot today, just doesn't seem comfortable out there right now, he is playing hard though, I'm wondering if the extra weight is throwing him off.

9. Toro - This is probably the biggest disappointment, with all the positive things we were hearing from coaching staff, Zach, and Rothstein, I thought he would command the 5 spot and be a rebounding machine. He's been very underwhelming, I can't think of anything of note he's really done.

10. Caraher - Just looks absolutely lost out there on offense and defense. Shoots the ball like he's scared, you can tell his confidence is completely gone. Hopefully he can get things together and compete for minutes once everyone is healthy.

11. McGriff - I think the answer to everyone's question on why McGriff didn't play in the first game was answered. Made the one 3 pointer, then after that didn't do too much else. His ball handling didn't look that great, got the ball stolen from him in the back court, and his man just drove past him easily a few times, and he really struggled trying to shoot the ball near the rim.[/quote] pretty much agree would just flip flop earlington and Dunn[/quote]

Same
 
[quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403636][quote="Moose" post=403635][quote="Amaseinyourface" post=403626]Cole and posh two out in front during first two games. Think Moore has done a lot of good but people are over looking his reckless play and poor shooting.[/quote]

He has. They all have looked spastic on the court. But the things about Posh, Cole and Moore is I feel so at ease when they have the ball because if they are fouled we are in pretty damn good shape with those 3 at the line. So I'll accept right now that him and Posh and Cole are all over the place a bit.[/quote]

Agree about those guys at the line. I find myself trusting willams too.[/quote] yep all excellent from the line I feel very confident when we are at the line which isnt usually the case over the last 20 years
 
I'm going to widen the lens here a bit and go with "through the first two games."

Defense: it has been surprisingly terrible, both individually (for the most part) and as a team. We created our share of turnovers, but we also had an ocean of fouls, both St Peter's and and LaSalle were able to keep up with us running and up and down the floor. Apparently nobody believes in stopping the ball, Moore was woefully disappointing as a rim protector and Toro wasn't a whole lot better. Josh Roberts was the only big who played well defensively down low - and that was against two teams that had no legit big man.

Having said that, I am not concerned about the defense over the long term. It mostly looks like a group that has not had that much time to play together, and a lot of them have not had enough time in the system to play it well. I have confidence that Coach Anderson will get them to play much better defense as time goes on. There was improvement from the first game to the second game, though it's hard to tell what part of that was attributable to the competition level.

Offense: The offense was also disjointed in the first two games, and it seemed as though only a few players were comfortable in their roles. Posh knows what he's supposed to do in handling the ball and running the offense. Cole is a shooter (possibly also a scorer, not sure about that yet) and he gets that. Wusu has a very good feel for when to look for his shot. But other than that, everyone else looked lost for the most part.

Like the defense, I think it will come together over time and Coach Anderson will get it to where it needs to be. The pieces are certainly there to work with, and I don't think the team is going to be offensively challenged which was my main concern coming into the season.

A note on both of those fronts is that with Champagnie out it probably affected both sides of the ball since he's probably a key element of what was being worked on in practice.

As far as individual evaluations, go, I'll go by position:

Bigs: Moore clearly has tremendous ability on offense, but it didn't come together in the first two games. On defense, he was absolutely woeful as a post defender, and I'm not sure how much that's going to improve. Toro was better on D, but not nearly as good as I expected. Josh Roberts was the only one who played well as a post defender. And all of that was playing against teams without a legit big man. Overall we have more length down low, but we may not be much better defending the paint than we were last year unless Roberts plays more or the other two step it up some down low.

Shooters: Not sure whether Cole is James Scott or Bootsy Thornton, but he may be Bootsy. Certainly nothing to complain about the first two games, and it looks completely repeatable. Greg Williams still suffers from lack of confidence and aggression. He got better from the first game to the second game, but he needs to have the eye of the tiger every night. Cararher was atrocious - unfortunately the game is still too fast for him, at least against two teams that were willing to run with us. He may be more productive against half-court teams.

Wings. It took Marcellus 3 halves before he remembered what made him successful last year. I'm not worried about him. Wusu was a very pleasant surprise - he's like Champagnie Junior. Very nice all-around game, plays under control. He looks like a great four-year player.

Point Guards: Alexander played well overall, but I need to see him against better competition. He had a surprisingly poor handle on 3 or 4 occasions and either lost the ball or was lucky to keep it or knock it to a teammate. I expect better from a point guard in that department. Dunn just looked lost without the ball in his hands. It was nice to see him take (and make) a jump shot. I think they may be better off bringing him off the bench to back up Posh rather than trying to play them together (as someone else also noted). I thought McGriff played well in limited minutes and will improve.

The BC game will be a good test to see where we are at.
 
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