CSNbbs

Just some observations. Frankly minor points compared to the big picture. But after DB and Shayne there is a lot of equity when it comes to skill and play on the floor. IOW, no real difference makers.

A lot will be expected out of DB and Shayne. The key for that is at least two others stepping up to shoulder production (on both ends of the court) so that those two don't wear out mentally and physically.

As many I am less worried about the backcourt. Though no Mikey or proven DK there are several pieces that can be moved around. As Captain Obvious the front court depth is a concern.

Noting Kellen will at times play back up center against larger types that in my mind isnt a defensive move but an offensive move. Kellen isnt going to stop anyone his size or larger if they have any athleticism. But what he can do is re-frame the picture on O by hopefully pulling that big out onto the floor to play D creating other mismatches not to mention his ability to shoot effectively with range. There will be a time limit on that before the opp staff makes adjustments but Hawk has to be ready to counter immediately to regain equilibrium or maintain the advantage to blunt the counter. How? Not sure.

The continuing commentary regarding Von Washington as a "piece of the puzzle" is a two edged sword. Nice story and good to hear a walk on is making the necessary strides to produce and contribute. The "other edge" is the continued non mention of Hayden Hoerdemann. When recruited and signed I expressed my doubts regarding his athleticism and that his skill set was pretty much limited to SG as playmaking wasnt his strength. His freshman year had some significant offensive highlights. I know that he struggled backing up Mikey and it was more than just physical. To his credit he really hit the weight room and is a far better athlete than I gave credit. However, though physically much stronger he, like Austin Richie lack top D1 quickness a foot.

Last year, Hawk was clear in his communication through PT he didnt see HH fitting in and that the message was clear to transfer. How and why that didnt happen, I am not clear and the reasons why aren't really important.

What is important is that you have a kid who with confidence can shoot lights out. I dont believe he is locker room lawyer and has been a good team mate. Like AR he is prolly a defensive liability in some match ups.

If the effectiveness of the perimeter is so important to eleviate pressure from the very thin frontcourt I'm not clear why HH isnt being handled differently. Though the comment may be from the writer of the article and not reflect the coaching staff, but if Von Washington's "shot is improving" and that seems to be a significant contributor to his rise, I would argue that you already have a kid on the roster who is only rivaled by Kellen McCormick as an outside threat. So HH already is capable (19 pts vs NIU and 12 at Duke) his freshman year. Why not encourage that asset and push to improve his D rather than send the message via PT that he's just scout team material.

The simple reply for HH is D or lack thereof. I understand and dont disagree, in a perfect world. This roster is far from perfect. You have an asset (when playing with confidence) who can help with spacing and effectively bury shots with range. He has two years of eligibility left. I would like to see that asset maximized not marginalized. Particulary in this imperfect situation. That isnt taking anything away from Von. Let competition settle it. I'm good with that. But if one puzzle piece is being encouraged and the other not, that competition and the results will be skewed. HH had more than a full year of "Your not playing regardless". The brain or your inboard computer is what drives all other aspects. Garbage in? Garbage out!

Maybe the dye is cast and you simply move on. But as I said last year, "Regardless of expectations (low coming into '12-'13) you must take advantage of the real time opp that presents itself because tomorrow ('13-'14) isnt guaranteed)".

Last year was not a surprise to me in that the team was successful. What was was the seeming cautious and conservative approach after success was being achieved. I was clear that certain kids (HH not one of them) had to play more often in '12-'13 so that at the end of that campaign they would be more seasoned and influential in last years outcome. Additionally, the table was also being set for '13-14. The "investment" of '12-13 was going to pay dividends now. But my fear was a thin frontcourt. I had no clue that DP was going to leave. My fear was the standard injury that would disrupt chemistry.

Next year is this year. This year is next. HH has two more years of either playing scout team or spot playing with confidence. Which bodes better for next year when the front court gets even thinner?

I would argue that Tucker is going to be that 3rd difference maker for us. It may not be this year but he is that kind of player. I know you will say he is just a freshman but I see the skills and the mentality to be that kind of player.

As far as HH, I see no confidence in his game. He doesn't look totally comfortable on the floor and his shot has gone south. He has to find his shot to be of any value.

FWIW ..HH never made a field goal his sophomore year. Only points were free throws all season.

(11-02-2013 11:05 AM)wmubasketballsupporter Wrote: [ -> ]I would argue that Tucker is going to be that 3rd difference maker for us. It may not be this year but he is that kind of player. I know you will say he is just a freshman but I see the skills and the mentality to be that kind of player.

As far as HH, I see no confidence in his game. He doesn't look totally comfortable on the floor and his shot has gone south. He has to find his shot to be of any value.

Friar Tuck will contribute. He must contribute. Though only 6'5 he'll have to play longer. And at 200 lbs. play quicker.

With 1 1/2 years of be communicated to that it ain't gonna be what's to expect. I'm sure Svete was penciled in the summer of '12 when recruiting him. Now with the same knee twice HH's skill is never more needed.

I hear your pain and all I can do is agree with the previous poster he seemed to lose his confidence. Just looks lost out there. I've seen him miss shots where the ball is 2 feet away from the hoop as it goes by. Not even close.

(11-02-2013 11:24 AM)gobaseline Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-02-2013 11:05 AM)wmubasketballsupporter Wrote: [ -> ]I would argue that Tucker is going to be that 3rd difference maker for us. It may not be this year but he is that kind of player. I know you will say he is just a freshman but I see the skills and the mentality to be that kind of player.

As far as HH, I see no confidence in his game. He doesn't look totally comfortable on the floor and his shot has gone south. He has to find his shot to be of any value.

Friar Tuck will contribute. He must contribute. Though only 6'5 he'll have to play longer. And at 200 lbs. play quicker.

With 1 1/2 years of be communicated to that it ain't gonna be what's to expect. I'm sure Svete was penciled in the summer of '12 when recruiting him. Now with the same knee twice HH's skill is never more needed.

While I admire your loyalty to HH I have to wonder what you see that all the guys who sit by and with me don't. To us he is the 14th man on a 13 man team. Bishop Robinson and Von W both are much faster and more athletic than HH. His shot is robotic and he doesn't seem to be able to create for himself. Just can't see him ever playing any significant part.

While I admire your loyalty to HH I have to wonder what you see that all the guys who sit by and with me don't. To us he is the 14th man on a 13 man team. Bishop Robinson and Von W both are much faster and more athletic than HH. His shot is robotic and he doesn't seem to be able to create for himself. Just can't see him ever playing any significant part.
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No loyalty, just observations that I believe are accurate.
I never commented on Bishop or Von's athleticism nor laud HH's.

Clear and concise. His first year he played with confidence. He scored well against NIU at home (just short of 20 pts. And had 12 at Duke will logging non-garbage time minutes.

My question is where is THAT kid and WHY is he not here? That confident stroke will be an asset particularly with a thin frontline.

Today, he is bigger and stronger than then, but plays smaller. When no Svete and no DP can that be recaptured?

Basketball coverage has been terrible.

BUTTONS, how about a season where we don't single out a player this way? I'm constantly amazed how you defend Hawkins who is an adult, is getting PAID WELL to do the job at the slightest hint of criticism but have no problem going there on a kid.

Very bush, but not surprising.

(11-03-2013 11:11 AM)DesertBronco Wrote: [ -> ]BUTTONS, how about a season where we don't single out a player this way? I'm constantly amazed how you defend Hawkins who is an adult, is getting PAID WELL to do the job at the slightest hint of criticism but have no problem going there on a kid.

Very bush, but not surprising.

He did the same in football. Slam TVT and defend Fleck.

I disagree with the notion that players aren't open to criticism. I'm not saying we SHOULD criticize them, but they are in fact a part of the game.

Of course you would disagree, I wrote it.

I know you think the universe revolves around you Desert, but it's a comment I've seen brought up by many posters.

(11-03-2013 11:40 AM)Broncobelt Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-03-2013 11:11 AM)DesertBronco Wrote: [ -> ]BUTTONS, how about a season where we don't single out a player this way? I'm constantly amazed how you defend Hawkins who is an adult, is getting PAID WELL to do the job at the slightest hint of criticism but have no problem going there on a kid.

Very bush, but not surprising.

He did the same in football. Slam TVT and defend Fleck.

You know the type Belt, they meet the coach, shake hands a few times and all of a sudden they identify with the coach.

He's not the only one here.

We should be able to discuss a players game performance without criticizing a players game performance.

(11-03-2013 12:19 PM)Hoekjeness Wrote: [ -> ]I know you think the universe revolves around you Desert, but it's a comment I've seen brought up by many posters.

Coink maybe?! I think not. Again, hate to blow your mind but it's not a world of absolutes, there's a right way and then your way of calling out student athletes.

(11-03-2013 12:21 PM)okgc Wrote: [ -> ]We should be able to discuss a players game performance without criticizing a players game performance.

Bam.

(11-03-2013 12:21 PM)okgc Wrote: [ -> ]We should be able to discuss a players game performance without criticizing a players game performance.

That's fair.

Back to the original intent, referring to a player as the 14th man on a 13 man roster is not discussing performance or conduct. It is meant only to slam and insult the play.

And anyone notice how when Mr. Buttons states an opinion, he almost always attributes it so someone else.