Best midnight madness ever

Quote from: goredmen on October 20, 2016, 12:36:37 PM

Quote from: desco80 on October 20, 2016, 11:44:16 AM

Quote from: goredmen on October 19, 2016, 04:14:51 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 03:36:54 PM

Quote from: bk8664 on October 19, 2016, 02:39:13 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 02:18:43 PM

Quote from: bk8664 on October 19, 2016, 01:25:15 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 12:24:42 PM

Starters- Lovett, Ellison, Bashir, Yakwe, Sima

Rotation- Mussini, Ponds, Owens, Richard

Depth- Williams, Amar

Not enough, or any at all, outside shooting with the starters. That's why I think Ponds may start - just to spread the floor a bit.  I have a feeling Lovett's and Ahmed's outside shot won't be respected at all, so defenses will just pack it in us. We almost have to start Ponds for that reason.

Am am crazy in thinking that way?

Ponds isn't a shooter.

Then it's going to be rough season. Defenses will just pack it in on us if our starting five + Ponds all can't shoot from the outside.   Mussini and Freud off the bench aren't going to be enough shooting wise (because they won't get enough minutes in combination)

We can't have no outside shooting, and poor free throw shooting from our big men - all in our starting lineup. Terrible combination. We'll be chucking up too many mid-range shots.

I've just instantly re-calibrated downward my expectations for this season.  Too bad.

I didn't say he can't shoot but he isn't a shooter. He's a pure scorer.

Also with Lovett, Ellison, Ponds you have 3 guys who can penetrate the lane. All 3 are capable of scoring or making the pass. That's valuable.

Mussini is similar but not as explosive as 3 mentioned above. I really like the interchangeability and versatility of this team. Toughest thing will be playing right combos.

Does this team mentally have what it takes to make plays and get stops and win the tied-3pt games with 4 mins left? That's the big question for me

Win those games?  I think we first need to prove we can score enough to be in a tied or 2pt game with 4mins left.

We were actually in that position a few times last year, and against some good teams too. So it wouldn't be foolish at all to think we will be in more of those games again this year, and winning those games more than losing them is what separate great teams from good teams, good teams from average teams and average teams from bad teams.

A very, very few times. Were outscored in BE by average of 14 a game last year.
I think it would be best if we just pretended last year never happened. Sort of like Rocky V, Caddy Shack 2, the Norm Roberts years and the 2016 Presidential election.

Agree with WASJU.
I want us to he competitive and develop as the season progresses.  We simply weren't competitive.

Also, Ponds starts.  He wasn't coming here to come off the bench.  And it's not like Ellison and Mussini are returning upper classmen and all-conference level players.   They're avg skilled sophomores.  He's gonna play.

Bash Ahmed is the guy to keep an eye on.  Not a lot of hype at Midnight Madness, but we're going to need him to be good.  And I think he will be. 
Hopefully his jump shot is better than advertised. 

Quote from: goredmen on October 20, 2016, 12:36:37 PM

Quote from: desco80 on October 20, 2016, 11:44:16 AM

Quote from: goredmen on October 19, 2016, 04:14:51 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 03:36:54 PM

Quote from: bk8664 on October 19, 2016, 02:39:13 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 02:18:43 PM

Quote from: bk8664 on October 19, 2016, 01:25:15 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 19, 2016, 12:24:42 PM

Starters- Lovett, Ellison, Bashir, Yakwe, Sima

Rotation- Mussini, Ponds, Owens, Richard

Depth- Williams, Amar

Not enough, or any at all, outside shooting with the starters. That's why I think Ponds may start - just to spread the floor a bit.  I have a feeling Lovett's and Ahmed's outside shot won't be respected at all, so defenses will just pack it in us. We almost have to start Ponds for that reason.

Am am crazy in thinking that way?

Ponds isn't a shooter.

Then it's going to be rough season. Defenses will just pack it in on us if our starting five + Ponds all can't shoot from the outside.   Mussini and Freud off the bench aren't going to be enough shooting wise (because they won't get enough minutes in combination)

We can't have no outside shooting, and poor free throw shooting from our big men - all in our starting lineup. Terrible combination. We'll be chucking up too many mid-range shots.

I've just instantly re-calibrated downward my expectations for this season.  Too bad.

I didn't say he can't shoot but he isn't a shooter. He's a pure scorer.

Also with Lovett, Ellison, Ponds you have 3 guys who can penetrate the lane. All 3 are capable of scoring or making the pass. That's valuable.

Mussini is similar but not as explosive as 3 mentioned above. I really like the interchangeability and versatility of this team. Toughest thing will be playing right combos.

Does this team mentally have what it takes to make plays and get stops and win the tied-3pt games with 4 mins left? That's the big question for me

Win those games?  I think we first need to prove we can score enough to be in a tied or 2pt game with 4mins left.

We were actually in that position a few times last year, and against some good teams too. So it wouldn't be foolish at all to think we will be in more of those games again this year, and winning those games more than losing them is what separate great teams from good teams, good teams from average teams and average teams from bad teams.

A very, very few times. Were outscored in BE by average of 14 a game last year.
I think it would be best if we just pretended last year never happened. Sort of like Rocky V, Caddy Shack 2, the Norm Roberts years and the 2016 Presidential election.

Quote from: cjfish on October 20, 2016, 09:48:50 AM

I Like the depth and team makeup.  If they play together could be as high as 4th in the BE.  Play of Freud and Ponds will be the key,  if they perform well this year could be very interesting. 

We are absolutely loaded with talent, I have them at 4th as well CJ.. Mullin could decide to go big just as easily as a small lineup. There's the obvious small lineup with Marcus/Shamorie/Malik/Bash/Yakwe, but how about this length for a big man lineup when we have to matchup with the frontlines of Minnesota, Michigan St., Baylor Nova, GTown, Cuse:

PG-Malik
SG-Rich
SF-Bash
PF-Yakwe
C- Sima or Tariq

When you consider meshing these two lineups normally, and  then sprinkling in Moose, Darien, Amar, WOW. Our versatility and depth is going to cause matchup nightmares for everyone.

Btw, the least heralded thus far player this preseason might be the one with the most potential-Rich. I think people are really going to take a liking to his sharpshooting and ability to fill the lanes with his athleticism.









I like the large lineup you suggest but feel we need Ponds or Lovett handling the ball.  Malik in my mind is still a serious question mark.

Dave...I hope Ellison has improved as much as many here HOPE he has. I can only base my doubts on what I saw last year. Yes he is bigger and stronger than Mussini, but Mussini has a much better basketball IQ than Ellison who is often out of control and out of position. Mussini's deficincies on defense come from his lack of speed and height. Ellison's deficiencies on defense come from a lack of positioning and from a lack of understanding angles needed to contain opponents. I will always take the player who understands the team aspects of the game over the player with the more physical attributes who doesn't use them to the benefit of the team.

Quote from: QuanMan on October 20, 2016, 11:19:56 AM

Quote from: Poison on October 20, 2016, 11:18:11 AM

I really think LoVett is the clear answer at the point. Malik Ellison could perhaps bring it up once or twice a game based on the circumstance. He is not a point guard. We have an elite point guard. The other positions are up for grabs.

Poison, my Metro-North partner in crime- Who's your 3rd PG in a pinch, Malik or Moose?

Personally if I had a vote I vote for Ponds and Lovett to play 35 a game

Quote from: Foad on October 20, 2016, 08:46:52 AM

With Richard Freudenberg as Mo Harkless and Federico "Microwave" Mussini as Vinnie Johnson we are poised to have a great year. 

Our 8th and 9th men being compared to NBA players lol.
Some people on here not going top take 14 or 15 wins very well

I disagree that Mussini's struggles on defense stem from his height. I think everything had to do with strength and stamina.   

I hate to be Schleprock, but I have a sneaking suspicion we might stink this year.

Poison, my Metro-North partner in crime

Lol, yes. Small world.

Quote from: we are sju on October 20, 2016, 10:04:20 AM

Quote from: Foad on October 20, 2016, 08:46:52 AM

With Richard Freudenberg as Mo Harkless and Federico "Microwave" Mussini as Vinnie Johnson we are poised to have a great year. 

Our 8th and 9th men being compared to NBA players lol.
Some people on here not going top take 14 or 15 wins very well

My point is less about Harkless and more about RF being not at all like Hooper. Just cause they are both tall, white, and can shoot doesnt mean they play the same. And the overreacting comes from the two guys who clamor for interracial comparisons the most .

Quote from: QuanMan on October 20, 2016, 11:19:56 AM

Poison, my Metro-North partner in crime

Quote from: Poison on October 20, 2016, 11:55:40 AM

Lol, yes. Small world.

Metro north? Jesus what podunk cowtown one horse hog waller upstate jerkwater do you live in?

Quote from: Towerofshred on October 20, 2016, 01:03:33 AM

Considering what Mullin did with Amir, Im excited how RF will turn out.  Hes going to be a stud.

Do you mean Amar? If so, exactly what has he done? To date he has been raw, prone to foul, a poor defensive player & spotty shooter. Granted he is entering his third year, but I just don't see anything but hope. The scrimmage means nothing. Nice, enthusiastic player, but  let's see what he has over course of season. Btw, Freudenberg played at higher level in Europe with much more productivity than Amar.

Quote from: paultzman on October 20, 2016, 08:03:53 AM

Quote from: Towerofshred on October 20, 2016, 01:03:33 AM

Considering what Mullin did with Amir, Im excited how RF will turn out.  Hes going to be a stud.

Do you mean Amar? If so, exactly what has he done? To date he has been raw, prone to foul, a poor defensive player & spotty shooter. Granted he is entering his third year, but I just don't see anything but hope. The scrimmage means nothing. Nice, enthusiastic player, but  let's see what he has over course of season. Btw, Freudenberg played at higher level in Europe with much more productivity than Amar.

Thats why RF is RF.  Lol.

From my vantage, Amar has improved from his frosh year, where he was turble.  Maybe it was PT, but he also got stronger and more confident. I dont think hes as prone to foul as he once was, and plays better defense.

Hopefully he can play quality minutes when he gets it.   

For me, Amar has limited upside unrelated to skill development.  He is prone to committing unnecessary fouls in the post and often rushes into bad decisions on the offensive end.  Either the game moves too fast, his bball IQ is low, or both.  Perhaps another year of experience under his belt will address this, but I'd look to Sima and/or Ellison as the staff's demonstration of talent development.

Quote from: Amaseinyourface2 on October 20, 2016, 08:20:34 PM

Quote from: we are sju on October 20, 2016, 10:04:20 AM

Quote from: Foad on October 20, 2016, 08:46:52 AM

With Richard Freudenberg as Mo Harkless and Federico "Microwave" Mussini as Vinnie Johnson we are poised to have a great year. 

Our 8th and 9th men being compared to NBA players lol.
Some people on here not going top take 14 or 15 wins very well

My point is less about Harkless and more about RF being not at all like Hooper. Just cause they are both tall, white, and can shoot doesnt mean they play the same. And the overreacting comes from the two guys who clamor for interracial comparisons the most .

The attempt was noble but if RF had any semblance of Harkless game he would be our best player not a guy struggling to get minutes. You are optimistic and won't bail or start a "Mullin must go" thread as soon as it becomes apparent that the program is still at least a year or so away from being ok.  Others on here throwing around these ridiculous predictions will be among the first to start bitching.

For me I just want us to be fun to watch, more competitive and for Mullin to own the role of coach. Admittedly the last one is not easy to quantify but I just think he has to do better than last year.

For the record the person who made the best interracial comparison was believe it or not Poison, with his DLO / McNamara comparison.