Let's start a new thread since most people are talking about this already. It would be interesting if people gave their reasons for choosing a rotation instead of they just 'like' this player. I'll start the conversation for those interested with a reply I put on a different thread:

I'll offer up 3 starting lineups here until Gadsen returns to FULL health.

5. Linssen 4.Skaggs 3.Sims 2.Okauru 1.Toews (Best lineup for spacing)
5. Linssen 4.Sims 3.Estime 2.Okauru 1.Toews
5. Linssen 4.Boggs 3.Sims 2.Okauru 1.Toews

We will be 10 deep this season if we need to be (Backups in parentheses):

5. Linssen (Dodd) 4.Skaggs (Boggs) 3.Sims (Tolefree)2.Okauru (Estime) 1.Toews (Philips)
All of these guys will play if we are going to be up tempo and aggressive defensively to take advantage of a 4 guard lineup and lack of size. There are a few players with some very noticeable strengths and areas to improve. I will list strengths and then weaknesses in parentheses for each player:

Linssen: Passing/Finishing Inside (Conditioning and Speed)

Dodd: Athleticism & Rebounding (Basic Fundamentals (No shot)/Defense)

Skaggs:3pt Shooting (On ball defense poor/conditioning)

Boggs: Athleticism, Size, IQ (Consistent Shooting/Assertiveness)

Sims: Defends all positions, Shooting, Athleticism (Basketball IQ, Drive/Finish)

Tolefree: Driving, ability to get fouled, Athleticism (Shot selection, 3pt consistency, Basketball IQ)

Okauru: On ball defense, rebounding, scoring. Overall best player. (Consistency as a shooter and decision making in general)

Estime: Shooting, Experience with CB (Driving, Handling in traffic, Consistent Defense)

Toews:PointG Size, Penetration, Passing (Create), FT (On ball defense, 3pt Shoot %)

Philips:Defense, Low Risk ball control (Drive/Finish, 3pt Shot)

Really good breakdown Hawking, it's much appreciated. I agree it seems like Okauru is our best overall player, good to see that defense is a plus for him too. Tolefree excites me because having a guy that can get to the rim is something we've lacked the past 2 seasons. Burke also praised his defense in a recent podcast. I'm not sold on Skaggs as a starter, especially with all the hype around Estime's offseason. Estime's defense has been frustrating in the past but I'm hopeful this can be a breakout year for him.

I'm really conflicted about what our team will be like on the court regardless of who starts. We will have only one potential shot blocker on the team in Dodd. Everyone else is either are guard or doesn't have the skills to pose a a defensive threat in the post. I actually believe our defense is going to be worse than last year, which is almost unfathomable. And because of that, we are going to have to score a lot. I also believe that McGrath is going to be forced to press, not just to run the clock, but to get TO's. If he doesn't, we will finish as predicted in the CAA preseason poll and he may be out of a job.

Based on that, here is my predicted starting lineup once we hit CAA play.

Toews(duh) 6'2"
Okauru(he reminds me a lot of CJ Bryce)6'3"
Estime(since I think we will press, he offers a more complete offensive game and better athleticism than Skaggs)6'5"
Sims(Can crash the boards and pull out a larger defender. Athletic enough to cover a larger forward)6'6"
Linssen(Big body stiff in the post. Hard to get around, limited on offense, but all we've got) 6'8"

If McGrath rides out the season minus a real press, he may go with Skaggs to offer a lights out 3 point threat in a half court offense. But, i think he will be forced to press whether he wants to or not. Our biggest problem is going to be PT with so many underclassmen and transfers. The transfers didn't transfer to ride the bench, and the younger recruits who stayed have had PT since they were freshmen, so they aren't going to be happy being moved to the bench behind transfers. This is another reason a sold out press would benefit McGrath. Keep fresh bodies in the game and play a lot of players fewer minutes. The freshmen are the only players who won't buck if they aren't getting PT. Everyone else is going to expect to play heavy minutes.

Excellent break down fellas and I agree that you have pegged things. To start the season, Toews, Okaura, Estime, Sims and Linssen like you wrote. I do think that Tolafree has potential as a defender once he understands what he needs to do. They could play Toews, Okaura and Tolafree at times together as well if 3 ball is workable to be athletic. And, you can mix in other frontcourt guys to boost athleticism at times. I see a situation where 10 guys do play for much of the season because depth needs to be established and the situation will likely dictate the needs to change things up.

Shooting is big though so if Mike can get going, that will be big for us. Estime is a solid shooter and Sims can deliver as well. Skaggs is a drop dead guy so he will need to play. Kai will have to be able to stick his J when left open as well. At least they have some options and depth now, but defense is key. We have to get stops and cause some problems.

It will shake itself out in time. All good teams have to have consistent offensive options in crunch time. Who will that guy or guys be? You can't sell out just for offense so we want to have guys that can do it on both ends. Look at the Wofford's of the world and how they did it or even G lately for example or even UNCW when rolling. They had guys that could deliver in crunch time most nights.

I"m not against some pressure with this group but they have to be smart about it too. An aggressive defensive mindset is important and contagious. If you're playing good defense, you're going to earn minutes and respect.

Good breakdown fellas.

Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

(10-18-2019 09:43 AM)getmhawks Wrote:  Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

I'm basing it off numerous things but I've never seen him live so I'm not speaking with any certainty when I say he could be our best overall player. 4 star recruit out of Brewster Academy. While his minutes were limited at a very good program in Florida, he still played in every game... He actually had a pretty impressive freshman season. I think he just needs more playing time, he will get it here.

Expect a full court M2M press to take time off the shot clock.

(10-18-2019 04:16 PM)SEA33HAWK Wrote:  Expect a full court M2M press to take time off the shot clock.

If we do, that would completely change my opinion of this coaching staff. I also can't imagine that if it's successful, we don't turn it up a notch every now and then to cause some TO's. This one move would completely change the energy of this team.

(10-18-2019 04:16 PM)SEA33HAWK Wrote:  Expect a full court M2M press to take time off the shot clock.

Sarcasm?

I seriously think we (ECU) are going to regret letting Dodd and Phillips get away. The new staff decided to focus more on “help now” type guys. I know Lebo wanted them... I think y’all have two really nice pieces to build on.

(10-18-2019 06:05 PM)Seahawk2010 Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 04:16 PM)SEA33HAWK Wrote:  Expect a full court M2M press to take time off the shot clock.

Sarcasm?

Truth

(10-18-2019 08:24 PM)SEA33HAWK Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 06:05 PM)Seahawk2010 Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 04:16 PM)SEA33HAWK Wrote:  Expect a full court M2M press to take time off the shot clock.

Sarcasm?

Truth

Of course....

Backing up for a moment...I would also think that Bowden could be a shot blocker as well when in the game.

Class post ECU grad. Time will tell for ECU. Pressure there to win now and can't wait for future. ECU coach going for size, can't blame him until you see results. Coach feels need to match the Cincy's, Memphis and Central Florida's of the world in year 2. May take a year for JUCO's to blossom, but could get dividends early. Problem with JUCO's that are 2 year guys is that it usually takes a year, but not always with good coaching and awareness.

Phillips may pan for Hawks and could have been a good one for ECU in time. Appears to be future ball hawk and leader with speed. Defense, speed/athleticism and intelligence attributes. Time will tell. Dodd is one to watch. Dodd is a bit raw relative to upside potential (great motor which you can't coach), but really an interesting prospect. Surprising hops and quickness for size. His best years are ahead of him, but should make an impact at the Dub. Both kids will get feet wet this year and earn their spots over time. Good luck and again, a class post. Big size for the Pirates for a change!

Getm,
Have you seen footage? Homeboy can go and is electric. Last electric guy we had was Bryce. He has that kind of burst. An instant starter even if he doesn't score, but can and will. Can guard yard, no problem. Put him on 2 man to shut down or make life hard. Has the tools to be able to be good defender on 2 man or PG-could be best on ball defender on team. Has nice stroke and can drive the ball for his or others.

Full court Man pressure- okay 33, you've got my attention and I'm down with it. Will they mix in some zone presses? That's the question. I think that they should consider mixing some aggressive zone pressure given that they do have 10 guys or more that they can rotate in. I would at least give some 3/4 court pressure and force the PG to give up the ball early after makes. Hawks need to take the fight to them for once. The numbers are there especially when Ty gets back. Guys need to sell out hard on both ends and let chips fall regardless of defense. Don't care whether it's a diamond or 2-2-1, need something like that. Need a defensive identity then switch to man or 3/2 in half court. Change up at half pressure look and half to make life difficult. Offense should be better this year.

Defensive intensity is a must. If you don't defend, you sit. It's a great motivator.

(10-18-2019 09:43 AM)getmhawks Wrote:  Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

I've seen most practices. He's got the most talent coupled with size and has been playing both the 1 & 2. Causes problems for everyone he's matched up against in practice. Watched him at Brewster too. Solid pick up for UNCW.

(10-19-2019 09:32 AM)HAWKING Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 09:43 AM)getmhawks Wrote:  Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

I've seen most practices. He's got the most talent coupled with size and has been playing both the 1 & 2. Causes problems for everyone he's matched up against in practice. Watched him at Brewster too. Solid pick up for UNCW.

This post is the most telling of all. Thanks Hawking! Looking forward to this season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

(10-19-2019 09:32 AM)HAWKING Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 09:43 AM)getmhawks Wrote:  Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

I've seen most practices. He's got the most talent coupled with size and has been playing both the 1 & 2. Causes problems for everyone he's matched up against in practice. Watched him at Brewster too. Solid pick up for UNCW.

Does defense look improved?

It would seem to be a good thing having Kai go up against Mike's defense in practice.

(10-18-2019 11:20 PM)billthebighawksfan Wrote:  Backing up for a moment...I would also think that Bowden could be a shot blocker as well when in the game.

Class post ECU grad. Time will tell for ECU. Pressure there to win now and can't wait for future. ECU coach going for size, can't blame him until you see results. Coach feels need to match the Cincy's, Memphis and Central Florida's of the world in year 2. May take a year for JUCO's to blossom, but could get dividends early. Problem with JUCO's that are 2 year guys is that it usually takes a year, but not always with good coaching and awareness.

Phillips may pan for Hawks and could have been a good one for ECU in time. Appears to be future ball hawk and leader with speed. Defense, speed/athleticism and intelligence attributes. Time will tell. Dodd is one to watch. Dodd is a bit raw relative to upside potential (great motor which you can't coach), but really an interesting prospect. Surprising hops and quickness for size. His best years are ahead of him, but should make an impact at the Dub. Both kids will get feet wet this year and earn their spots over time. Good luck and again, a class post. Big size for the Pirates for a change!

Getm,
Have you seen footage? Homeboy can go and is electric. Last electric guy we had was Bryce. He has that kind of burst. An instant starter even if he doesn't score, but can and will. Can guard yard, no problem. Put him on 2 man to shut down or make life hard. Has the tools to be able to be good defender on 2 man or PG-could be best on ball defender on team. Has nice stroke and can drive the ball for his or others.

Full court Man pressure- okay 33, you've got my attention and I'm down with it. Will they mix in some zone presses? That's the question. I think that they should consider mixing some aggressive zone pressure given that they do have 10 guys or more that they can rotate in. I would at least give some 3/4 court pressure and force the PG to give up the ball early after makes. Hawks need to take the fight to them for once. The numbers are there especially when Ty gets back. Guys need to sell out hard on both ends and let chips fall regardless of defense. Don't care whether it's a diamond or 2-2-1, need something like that. Need a defensive identity then switch to man or 3/2 in half court. Change up at half pressure look and half to make life difficult. Offense should be better this year.

Defensive intensity is a hmust. If you don't defend, you sit. It's a great motivator.

I asked about zone press and was told no, M2M. I think it would benefit to occasionally switch to a zone press just to mix things up.

(10-19-2019 11:11 AM)CG_Hawk06 Wrote:  

(10-19-2019 09:32 AM)HAWKING Wrote:  

(10-18-2019 09:43 AM)getmhawks Wrote:  Why is everyone so sold on Okaura as a starter? I'm not saying we shouldn't be. Just curious. Word of mouth? Have we seen enough of him to say he's our best player? I can't recall why we are reaching that conclusion.

I've seen most practices. He's got the most talent coupled with size and has been playing both the 1 & 2. Causes problems for everyone he's matched up against in practice. Watched him at Brewster too. Solid pick up for UNCW.

This post is the most telling of all. Thanks Hawking! Looking forward to this season.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

The only practice I saw was with the ball being stolen from Kai three straight times. Can't remember if it was Okauru all three times.

We played UNC-Pembroke in a scrimmage today in Pembroke and next Saturday we scrimmage Charleston Southern at home according to Jeff Goodman’s list.