Xavier game

Guy doesn't look it, but can play a little;

@StJohnsBBall: Xavier C Matt Stainbrook is this week's @bigeastconf Player of the Week. #SJUBB's D-Harrison was last week's. Tues. showdown on @FOXSports1!
 
Xavier seems to be peaking coming off blowout wins vs Cinci and Wake at home and at Alabama and this is the 1st game our guys will be playing in a really hostile environment. Hopefully Jim Burr doesn't have this game.
 
Xavier seems to be peaking coming off blowout wins vs Cinci and Wake at home and at Alabama and this is the 1st game our guys will be playing in a really hostile environment. Hopefully Jim Burr doesn't have this game.
Click to expand...

Tim Higgins is coming out of retirement for this one.
 
Their center is big and can be annoyingly effective. Need to keep him from bodying Obekpa and getting fouls. Excited to see this one.
Click to expand...

agreed on both points. He's a no frills lunchpail guy that quietly gets it done. And if he's only 6'9 that is a legitimate 6'9.

On the other point about Christon, Regardless of his height though, Christon is extremely fast and athletic. I expect Felix will get more PT as he is the perfect guy to guard him. I won't be surprised to see Dom on him either. Otherwise I think our other guards will get frustrated and quickly in foul trouble trying to stick him. Jordan is a good matchup but considering the freshman factor versus a lot of experience, could get in foul trouble trying to guard him.
Click to expand...

He is definitely not slow, but Frazier of Penn State was lightening quick compared to him. I'm sure we'll see a healthy dose of different defenders on him all night, and I think that is the way to go. I'd start Jordan on him and I'd even mix in a little Harrison. It seems Jordan and Harrison really take it personally when they guard guys that are labeled as elite NBA prospects. I like that chip on the shoulder, and it tends to fuel some of the best performances.
Click to expand...

Well said. I also think we mix it up, but challenge Jordan by starting him on Christon. As you alluded to, Jordan's defensive effort the entire 2nd half against Ennis was remarkable, and I think it stemmed from taking the freshman v. freshman matchup (and Ennis' big 1st half) personally. While he's not an elite NBA prospect, with all the buzz around Cooney heading into the game I think Harrison took it personally to shut him down for similar reasons. If we bring that kind of defensive effort for 40 minutes tomorrow we could be in great position to start BE play with an impressive road win.
 
Their center is big and can be annoyingly effective. Need to keep him from bodying Obekpa and getting fouls. Excited to see this one.
Click to expand...

agreed on both points. He's a no frills lunchpail guy that quietly gets it done. And if he's only 6'9 that is a legitimate 6'9.

On the other point about Christon, Regardless of his height though, Christon is extremely fast and athletic. I expect Felix will get more PT as he is the perfect guy to guard him. I won't be surprised to see Dom on him either. Otherwise I think our other guards will get frustrated and quickly in foul trouble trying to stick him. Jordan is a good matchup but considering the freshman factor versus a lot of experience, could get in foul trouble trying to guard him.
Click to expand...

He is definitely not slow, but Frazier of Penn State was lightening quick compared to him. I'm sure we'll see a healthy dose of different defenders on him all night, and I think that is the way to go. I'd start Jordan on him and I'd even mix in a little Harrison. It seems Jordan and Harrison really take it personally when they guard guys that are labeled as elite NBA prospects. I like that chip on the shoulder, and it tends to fuel some of the best performances.
Click to expand...

Well said. I also think we mix it up, but challenge Jordan by starting him on Christon. As you alluded to, Jordan's defensive effort the entire 2nd half against Ennis was remarkable, and I think it stemmed from taking the freshman v. freshman matchup (and Ennis' big 1st half) personally. While he's not an elite NBA prospect, with all the buzz around Cooney heading into the game I think Harrison took it personally to shut him down for similar reasons. If we bring that kind of defensive effort for 40 minutes tomorrow we could be in great position to start BE play with an impressive road win.
Click to expand...

It's funny, but Jordan/Branch match up well with Christon and D'Lo matches up well with Myles Davis. Davis isn't overly athletic but is a very good shooter. D'Lo has the athleticism to hang with him much like Cooney. Xavier has a similar type backcourt as we do, but we have more depth.
 
With Jordan's ability to get in the lane and create contact I would love to see him take it at christson and try to get him in foul trouble. At the same time Jordan needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. The winner of that battle probably decides this game.
 
With Jordan's ability to get in the lane and create contact I would love to see him take it at christson and try to get him in foul trouble. At the same time Jordan needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. The winner of that battle probably decides this game.
Click to expand...

Beauty of it, is that we have a very capable Branch that can also prevent Jordan from getting into trouble and cause Semaj some of the same problems, not to mention Phil. Our guard depth is a beautiful thing.
 
Their center is big and can be annoyingly effective. Need to keep him from bodying Obekpa and getting fouls. Excited to see this one.
Click to expand...

agreed on both points. He's a no frills lunchpail guy that quietly gets it done. And if he's only 6'9 that is a legitimate 6'9.

On the other point about Christon, Regardless of his height though, Christon is extremely fast and athletic. I expect Felix will get more PT as he is the perfect guy to guard him. I won't be surprised to see Dom on him either. Otherwise I think our other guards will get frustrated and quickly in foul trouble trying to stick him. Jordan is a good matchup but considering the freshman factor versus a lot of experience, could get in foul trouble trying to guard him.
Click to expand...

He is definitely not slow, but Frazier of Penn State was lightening quick compared to him. I'm sure we'll see a healthy dose of different defenders on him all night, and I think that is the way to go. I'd start Jordan on him and I'd even mix in a little Harrison. It seems Jordan and Harrison really take it personally when they guard guys that are labeled as elite NBA prospects. I like that chip on the shoulder, and it tends to fuel some of the best performances.
Click to expand...

Well said. I also think we mix it up, but challenge Jordan by starting him on Christon. As you alluded to, Jordan's defensive effort the entire 2nd half against Ennis was remarkable, and I think it stemmed from taking the freshman v. freshman matchup (and Ennis' big 1st half) personally. While he's not an elite NBA prospect, with all the buzz around Cooney heading into the game I think Harrison took it personally to shut him down for similar reasons. If we bring that kind of defensive effort for 40 minutes tomorrow we could be in great position to start BE play with an impressive road win.
Click to expand...

It's funny, but Jordan/Branch match up well with Christon and D'Lo matches up well with Myles Davis. Davis isn't overly athletic but is a very good shooter. D'Lo has the athleticism to hang with him much like Cooney. Xavier has a similar type backcourt as we do, but we have more depth.
Click to expand...

Agreed completely. Much has been made of Harrison's on-ball defense, but no matter what the reality is on that front, he is a tremendous off-ball defender. Specifically he does a great job (1) not getting caught on screens, and (2) closing out on a potential catch and shoot hard while also breaking down with his feet so that he's not exposed to a shot-fake or rip through, which are the two most important elements of defending good shooters.
 
With Jordan's ability to get in the lane and create contact I would love to see him take it at christson and try to get him in foul trouble. At the same time Jordan needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. The winner of that battle probably decides this game.
Click to expand...

Excellent point. Usually the upperclassman gets benefit of doubt from refs, especially at home. We need Sheed on floor. Avoid silly fouls.
 
With Jordan's ability to get in the lane and create contact I would love to see him take it at christson and try to get him in foul trouble. At the same time Jordan needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. The winner of that battle probably decides this game.
Click to expand...

Beauty of it, is that we have a very capable Branch that can also prevent Jordan from getting into trouble and cause Semaj some of the same problems, not to mention Phil. Our guard depth is a beautiful thing.
Click to expand...

Hope Lav avoids quick yank of Branch. Yes he makes a bonehead plays at times, but he offers more than Greene when battling guard oriented team like Xavier.
 
With Jordan's ability to get in the lane and create contact I would love to see him take it at christson and try to get him in foul trouble. At the same time Jordan needs to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. The winner of that battle probably decides this game.
Click to expand...

Beauty of it, is that we have a very capable Branch that can also prevent Jordan from getting into trouble and cause Semaj some of the same problems, not to mention Phil. Our guard depth is a beautiful thing.
Click to expand...

Hope Lav avoids quick yank of Branch. Yes he makes a bonehead plays at times, but he offers more than Greene when battling guard oriented team like Xavier.
Click to expand...
As it pertains to Jordan/Greene/Branch, go with the hot hand, or the guy who is making the team click at the moment.
 
Their center is big and can be annoyingly effective. Need to keep him from bodying Obekpa and getting fouls. Excited to see this one.
Click to expand...

agreed on both points. He's a no frills lunchpail guy that quietly gets it done. And if he's only 6'9 that is a legitimate 6'9.

On the other point about Christon, Regardless of his height though, Christon is extremely fast and athletic. I expect Felix will get more PT as he is the perfect guy to guard him. I won't be surprised to see Dom on him either. Otherwise I think our other guards will get frustrated and quickly in foul trouble trying to stick him. Jordan is a good matchup but considering the freshman factor versus a lot of experience, could get in foul trouble trying to guard him.
Click to expand...

He is definitely not slow, but Frazier of Penn State was lightening quick compared to him. I'm sure we'll see a healthy dose of different defenders on him all night, and I think that is the way to go. I'd start Jordan on him and I'd even mix in a little Harrison. It seems Jordan and Harrison really take it personally when they guard guys that are labeled as elite NBA prospects. I like that chip on the shoulder, and it tends to fuel some of the best performances.
Click to expand...

Well said. I also think we mix it up, but challenge Jordan by starting him on Christon. As you alluded to, Jordan's defensive effort the entire 2nd half against Ennis was remarkable, and I think it stemmed from taking the freshman v. freshman matchup (and Ennis' big 1st half) personally. While he's not an elite NBA prospect, with all the buzz around Cooney heading into the game I think Harrison took it personally to shut him down for similar reasons. If we bring that kind of defensive effort for 40 minutes tomorrow we could be in great position to start BE play with an impressive road win.
Click to expand...

It's funny, but Jordan/Branch match up well with Christon and D'Lo matches up well with Myles Davis. Davis isn't overly athletic but is a very good shooter. D'Lo has the athleticism to hang with him much like Cooney. Xavier has a similar type backcourt as we do, but we have more depth.
Click to expand...

Agreed completely. Much has been made of Harrison's on-ball defense, but no matter what the reality is on that front, he is a tremendous off-ball defender. Specifically he does a great job (1) not getting caught on screens, and (2) closing out on a potential catch and shoot hard while also breaking down with his feet so that he's not exposed to a shot-fake or rip through, which are the two most important elements of defending good shooters.
Click to expand...

Harrison has been giving 110% on defense this season, and will sacrifice his body after loose balls. He's working continually on defense, and is proving the axiom that defense is all about desire.
 
The comparative stats for the season so far would suggest they are a slightly better shooting team (.467 to .462), markedly so beyond the three point arc (.377 to .333) and defending the 3 happens to be a glaring weakness for SJU. Need to keep Myles Davis quiet (and no, not the trumpeter hep-cat).

They will likely out-rebound us, but their ball handling is a bit suspect. Our ability to convert TO's into points could be a huge factor. On the plus side: our ability to block shots has become legendary and we are superior at the FT line.

They also seem to be to be deep - no advantage there. Should be a close game but one we can win.
 
The comparative stats for the season so far would suggest they are a slightly better shooting team (.467 to .462), markedly so beyond the three point arc (.377 to .333) and defending the 3 happens to be a glaring weakness for SJU. Need to keep Myles Davis quiet (and no, not the trumpeter hep-cat).

They will likely out-rebound us, but their ball handling is a bit suspect. Our ability to convert TO's into points could be a huge factor. On the plus side: our ability to block shots has become legendary and we are superior at the FT line.

They also seem to be to be deep - no advantage there. Should be a close game but one we can win.
Click to expand...

First true road game of the season. A win here would prove we are ready to have a great conference season and make he tournament.
 
In fact we have three games in a row where we are likely to be underdogs (at Xavier, at Georgetown and home against Villanova). A victory in any of these games would be considered a good win. Personally I am greedy and hoping for at least two of three victories. However I understand that this is a tougher part of our schedule and expectations need to be adjusted accordingly..
Click to expand...

That's not being greedy, winning all three is being greedy :evil: :evil: :evil: I want all three.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top