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(03-06-2016 11:55 AM)757ODU Wrote:  We definitely have a different opinions about the guy. He didn't contribute right away because he was in the doghouse early. You know how that goes with Jones. Once you're on his bad list, you are pretty much there to stay. Agree that he lacked the 3 point shot but his handles for a 6'7-6'8 forward were very good. He rebounded, could jump through the roof, and played good defense. He also showed some serious flashes of being able to put the ball in the basket.

I'll have to disagree with JJ and the "doghouse" mentality. I see many similarities to this topic in JJ's method as to BT's. There are definitely many examples of players from both coaching staffs where this was true. However, my mindset is more on how the individual player responds. I know there were several times that Keyon and Frank were deep in the "doghouse" with BT due to on court/academics/etc., but they responded by bouncing back and continuing to get better. Hell, I heard there was a period of time in Bazemore's redshirt year where BT said he was extremely hard on him to get him "to earn it." I'd say Kent responded quite well. However, there were some who I feel didn't respond to it as well (Batten/Wright).

With this current staff, I see a similar trend. I know there are several times in his time here that Nik wasn't going to see the floor. However, he continued to battle and I feel that JJ has got the most out of his talent gene pool. You make good points about Caver and Talley, because I see glimpses of aforementioned players who are trying to learn, not feeling bad for themselves, and eventually respond. Now, there are a handful of players on this team (former/current) who didn't take advantage of the opportunity and spent more time feeling sorry for themselves (hell, probably just thinking about them self instead of the team) than actually improving.

Regardless it's frustrating when you see a good amount of raw talent that didn't come to fruition.