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(07-18-2022 01:22 PM)levydl Wrote:  Last year's team had 10 guys get double-digit minutes per game.

DDJ, MAW, Davenport, and Newman each got 25+. Ody got 13, Lakhin 10, and Hensley 7. If nothing changes for those seven guys, that would leave about 60 minutes a game for the new players.

Nolley seems like a 25+ minute guy.
Phinisee will probably get 15-20? I don't know what to think about him at this point.
Ezikpe, I have no idea. I don't even know if he will play the 4 or the 5. Maybe 10 minutes on the low and up near 20 on the high end? Anyone?
Skillings and Reed will hopefully get around, what, 7 or 8 on the low end and 16 or 18 minutes on the high? I tend to think non-5* freshmen will end up playing fewer minutes than we will excitedly project.

Working this all out, it seems like the four returning guys who played a lot last year will have to lose some minutes this season. Figuring out Wes's substitution uhhh patterns might be a challenge again.

MAW, Newman and Davenport may see their minutes drop closer to 20. Don't think any of them go below that.

Hensley's three point shot is rumored to have improved a lot. He broke his right wrist late season and had to change his shooting form to practice while recovering. Apparently that new form is much better. If that improved shooting form shows up in games, gotta think his minutes find someway to increase quite a bit given his athleticism/defense.

Vik could be the starter, with his potential I think the hope is he will be the starter. If Ody can improve his defense he will compete for minutes as well.

I think the Nolley/Newman combo takes all the minutes at the 3 and eats into some SG minutes as well. If Chad is correct and MAW looks like the starter, the real competition for minutes may be Phinisee vs Newman. Both defense first guys, Newman has better size, is a better rebounder and probably a better shooter. Phinisee is a better ball handler. Phinisee may get pushed down to 5-10 minutes if he can't bring much offense.

Kalu is a tweener. He's undersized for a center and doesn't have the athleticism to make up for it. But he doesn't move well enough to play good defense as a 4 and will struggle with pick-and-roll defense at either position. He is very strong, handles the ball well for his size, has a good mid-range shot (but since it's a mid-range shot, it's still a bad shot to take) and is an excellent passer. Wes said they will try playing him at point-forward at times. The issue as I've said is how do you hide him on defense, especially if you are also hiding Davenport/DDJ? Center is a position you really want a good defender and rim protector.

Skillings/Reed are unknowns. It's hard to see how they earn many minutes unless several other guys completely fail to pan out. That said, Wes has talked a lot about wanting to be longer and more athletic and Skillings/Reed (along with Nolley and Sage) are the new guys who bring those attributes, so I wouldn't be too surprised if they manage to sneak in 5-10 minutes per game.

(07-18-2022 11:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Sage has already put on 30 pounds since getting to campus according to Wes himself. He could be ready to play.

Center is going to be the key position for this teams success (and hence why Wes himself said Vik's development may the most important factor to our seasons success).

At every other position, we've got solid returning or guys who have played well at a similar or higher level of competition. At center we've got question marks. I've already stated my opinion that Ezikpe is not the answer, if he's playing starter minutes we aren't making the NCAA tournament. Ody was good on offense last year, but dreadful on defense. Vik flashed potential on both ends, but struggled on both ends at times as well. If they both struggle, it might be worth throwing Sage into the fire and seeing what happens.

30 lbs in what...6 weeks?

He's now the leader in the clubhouse for the 2022 UC Fan He Can't Be Guarded In Practice Award.

Draft 2 - (21-22 minutes)

MAW 25 (28)
Phin - 15
DD - 30 (29)
Nolley - 25
New - 15 (26)
Reed - 5
Skill - 5
Total Perimeter - 120
JD - 26 (27)
Lak - 20 (11)
Hen - 8 (8)
Oguama - 14 (14)
Ezikpe - 12
Total Interior - 80

Seems like folks think this team will more like the 94 Razorbacks (11 players in double digits - though 3 went 30, 30, 25) than last year's UNC/KS teams (in the national championship game UNC played 6 players and KS played 7).

One solution may be to increase perimeter minutes, so the balance is more like 125/75; or 130/70?

(07-19-2022 08:55 AM)bearcat_df Wrote:  Draft 2 - (21-22 minutes)

MAW 25 (28)
Phin - 15
DD - 30 (29)
Nolley - 25
New - 15 (26)
Reed - 5
Skill - 5
Total Perimeter - 120
JD - 26 (27)
Lak - 20 (11)
Hen - 8 (8)
Oguama - 14 (14)
Ezikpe - 12
Total Interior - 80

Seems like folks think this team will more like the 94 Razorbacks (11 players in double digits - though 3 went 30, 30, 25) than last year's UNC/KS teams (in the national championship game UNC played 6 players and KS played 7).

One solution may be to increase perimeter minutes, so the balance is more like 125/75; or 130/70?

I would be shocked if Kalu isn’t leading the front court group in minutes outside of Davenport. I just haven’t seen enough from Vik to feel that he is going to get 20 minutes a game. Right now I see him and Ody as situational backups depending on the game. If Vik can produce for 20 minutes this team becomes a lot better but if he still making the same mistakes as last year, you can’t play him more than a few spot minutes.

(07-19-2022 08:55 AM)bearcat_df Wrote:  Draft 2 - (21-22 minutes)

MAW 25 (28)
Phin - 15
DD - 30 (29)
Nolley - 25
New - 15 (26)
Reed - 5
Skill - 5
Total Perimeter - 120
JD - 26 (27)
Lak - 20 (11)
Hen - 8 (8)
Oguama - 14 (14)
Ezikpe - 12
Total Interior - 80

Seems like folks think this team will more like the 94 Razorbacks (11 players in double digits - though 3 went 30, 30, 25) than last year's UNC/KS teams (in the national championship game UNC played 6 players and KS played 7).

One solution may be to increase perimeter minutes, so the balance is more like 125/75; or 130/70?

I think Newman will average at least 20 minutes, DDJ won't average 30 (Wes just doesn't like to play guys that many minutes).

Hensley will be closer to 15-20 minutes, especially if his three point shot is dropping at a reasonable rate.

(07-19-2022 02:41 PM)skyblade Wrote:  I think Newman will average at least 20 minutes, DDJ won't average 30 (Wes just doesn't like to play guys that many minutes).

Hensley will be closer to 15-20 minutes, especially if his three point shot is dropping at a reasonable rate.

I liked the Athleticism I saw from Hensley, but we always hear about player X improving his shot in the offseason (hear it at every school). Shooters very often are what they are. Doesn't mean Hensley can't, just need to see it. Not building any of my expectations for this season off the comments regarding his shot improvement.

If Hensley is getting 20 minutes a game this will likely be another year where I mercifully lose interest by February.

(07-18-2022 04:38 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(07-18-2022 11:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Sage has already put on 30 pounds since getting to campus according to Wes himself. He could be ready to play.

Center is going to be the key position for this teams success (and hence why Wes himself said Vik's development may the most important factor to our seasons success).

At every other position, we've got solid returning or guys who have played well at a similar or higher level of competition. At center we've got question marks. I've already stated my opinion that Ezikpe is not the answer, if he's playing starter minutes we aren't making the NCAA tournament. Ody was good on offense last year, but dreadful on defense. Vik flashed potential on both ends, but struggled on both ends at times as well. If they both struggle, it might be worth throwing Sage into the fire and seeing what happens.

30 lbs in what...6 weeks?

He's now the leader in the clubhouse for the 2022 UC Fan He Can't Be Guarded In Practice Award.

Pffffft... I could put on 30 pounds by saturday.

(07-20-2022 07:45 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote:  

(07-18-2022 04:38 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(07-18-2022 11:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Sage has already put on 30 pounds since getting to campus according to Wes himself. He could be ready to play.

Center is going to be the key position for this teams success (and hence why Wes himself said Vik's development may the most important factor to our seasons success).

At every other position, we've got solid returning or guys who have played well at a similar or higher level of competition. At center we've got question marks. I've already stated my opinion that Ezikpe is not the answer, if he's playing starter minutes we aren't making the NCAA tournament. Ody was good on offense last year, but dreadful on defense. Vik flashed potential on both ends, but struggled on both ends at times as well. If they both struggle, it might be worth throwing Sage into the fire and seeing what happens.

30 lbs in what...6 weeks?

He's now the leader in the clubhouse for the 2022 UC Fan He Can't Be Guarded In Practice Award.

Pffffft... I could put on 30 pounds by saturday.

Sounds like a hell of a Saturday

(07-20-2022 08:23 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(07-20-2022 07:45 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote:  

(07-18-2022 04:38 PM)rath v2.0 Wrote:  

(07-18-2022 11:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Sage has already put on 30 pounds since getting to campus according to Wes himself. He could be ready to play.

Center is going to be the key position for this teams success (and hence why Wes himself said Vik's development may the most important factor to our seasons success).

At every other position, we've got solid returning or guys who have played well at a similar or higher level of competition. At center we've got question marks. I've already stated my opinion that Ezikpe is not the answer, if he's playing starter minutes we aren't making the NCAA tournament. Ody was good on offense last year, but dreadful on defense. Vik flashed potential on both ends, but struggled on both ends at times as well. If they both struggle, it might be worth throwing Sage into the fire and seeing what happens.

30 lbs in what...6 weeks?

He's now the leader in the clubhouse for the 2022 UC Fan He Can't Be Guarded In Practice Award.

Pffffft... I could put on 30 pounds by saturday.

Sounds like a hell of a Saturday

I was think more a hell of a Sunday.

(07-19-2022 02:41 PM)skyblade Wrote:  

(07-19-2022 08:55 AM)bearcat_df Wrote:  Draft 2 - (21-22 minutes)

MAW 25 (28)
Phin - 15
DD - 30 (29)
Nolley - 25
New - 15 (26)
Reed - 5
Skill - 5
Total Perimeter - 120
JD - 26 (27)
Lak - 20 (11)
Hen - 8 (8)
Oguama - 14 (14)
Ezikpe - 12
Total Interior - 80

Seems like folks think this team will more like the 94 Razorbacks (11 players in double digits - though 3 went 30, 30, 25) than last year's UNC/KS teams (in the national championship game UNC played 6 players and KS played 7).

One solution may be to increase perimeter minutes, so the balance is more like 125/75; or 130/70?

I think Newman will average at least 20 minutes, DDJ won't average 30 (Wes just doesn't like to play guys that many minutes).

Hensley will be closer to 15-20 minutes, especially if his three point shot is dropping at a reasonable rate.

I'd agree with everything both of you mentioned, except a couple of things:

1) I'd actually flip Phinisee and MAW's minutes, so Rob is getting ~25 mpg and MAW ~15 (maybe 20 depending on the night). I think Wes saw UC had major issues at PG last season and both he and Mike Roberts evaluated that Phinisee can do everything MAW does at the point but better.

2) I wouldn't be surprised if DDJ averages close to 30 per night, if he's playing the 2. He's averaged 29.5 mpg and 28.6 mpg each of the last two seasons and played at least 30 minutes in 19 games last season. Now, the overall talent on this roster is significantly better than last year so I could see his minutes dropping to ~25 depending on the likes of Skillings, MAW, or whoever might play the 2 but if it's up near 30 again, it wouldn't shock me.

(07-20-2022 08:55 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(07-19-2022 02:41 PM)skyblade Wrote:  

(07-19-2022 08:55 AM)bearcat_df Wrote:  Draft 2 - (21-22 minutes)

MAW 25 (28)
Phin - 15
DD - 30 (29)
Nolley - 25
New - 15 (26)
Reed - 5
Skill - 5
Total Perimeter - 120
JD - 26 (27)
Lak - 20 (11)
Hen - 8 (8)
Oguama - 14 (14)
Ezikpe - 12
Total Interior - 80

Seems like folks think this team will more like the 94 Razorbacks (11 players in double digits - though 3 went 30, 30, 25) than last year's UNC/KS teams (in the national championship game UNC played 6 players and KS played 7).

One solution may be to increase perimeter minutes, so the balance is more like 125/75; or 130/70?

I think Newman will average at least 20 minutes, DDJ won't average 30 (Wes just doesn't like to play guys that many minutes).

Hensley will be closer to 15-20 minutes, especially if his three point shot is dropping at a reasonable rate.

I'd agree with everything both of you mentioned, except a couple of things:

1) I'd actually flip Phinisee and MAW's minutes, so Rob is getting ~25 mpg and MAW ~15 (maybe 20 depending on the night). I think Wes saw UC had major issues at PG last season and both he and Mike Roberts evaluated that Phinisee can do everything MAW does at the point but better.

2) I wouldn't be surprised if DDJ averages close to 30 per night, if he's playing the 2. He's averaged 29.5 mpg and 28.6 mpg each of the last two seasons and played at least 30 minutes in 19 games last season. Now, the overall talent on this roster is significantly better than last year so I could see his minutes dropping to ~25 depending on the likes of Skillings, MAW, or whoever might play the 2 but if it's up near 30 again, it wouldn't shock me.

1) Chad has said multiple times now that he thinks MAW will start and that MAW has looked like the better player thus far during the off-season. Given that he is connected to the coaching staff and gets to watch some open gyms, I tend to believe him (sometimes, I don't agree with him on Kalu). I'm also less high on our transfers than many people, I think fans tend to overhype the new guys. When you look at their stats and what they did the last couple of years, Phinisee and Ezikpe look much more like role players than starters.

2) Wes has said he likes to keep guys around 25 minutes maximum so they still have energy left late in the year. If our depth actually pans out I expect him to hold true to that. DDJ will get to 30 and maybe even 35 minutes in some big games, but most of the time I expect him to be around 25 minutes.

If Chad says MAW is the likely starter....I'd say that horse is a decent bet.

Success? No second half collapse should occur this year with improved depth and players that fit in their roles better. Year 2 should also be improved for the staff IQ and familiarity with players and conference teams. Cats finished 18-15 overall and 7-11 in conference play. I'll take better numbers in both with a NIT bid. All optimism aside, thank the Lord we're not playing in the B12 yet.

Ezikpe in two games against ECU last year totaled 28 points and 16 rebounds. Our bigs were terrible in both of those games. He’s easily the only big on the roster that has proven to be effective for 20+ minutes a game.

(07-21-2022 12:21 AM)Bearcat04 Wrote:  Ezikpe in two games against ECU last year totaled 28 points and 16 rebounds. Our bigs were terrible in both of those games. He’s easily the only big on the roster that has proven to be effective for 20+ minutes a game.

He has been 10 point, 7 rebound guy, 70 percent FT shooter in C-USA which isn’t that much different from the majority of AAC outside of the top of the American.

I can’t seeing any of the current big taking his minutes unless they improve substantially. It’s a position I am not thrilled about in terms of production but the staff has options.

(07-20-2022 09:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  [
1) Chad has said multiple times now that he thinks MAW will start and that MAW has looked like the better player thus far during the off-season. Given that he is connected to the coaching staff and gets to watch some open gyms, I tend to believe him (sometimes, I don't agree with him on Kalu). I'm also less high on our transfers than many people, I think fans tend to overhype the new guys. When you look at their stats and what they did the last couple of years, Phinisee and Ezikpe look much more like role players than starters.

2) Wes has said he likes to keep guys around 25 minutes maximum so they still have energy left late in the year. If our depth actually pans out I expect him to hold true to that. DDJ will get to 30 and maybe even 35 minutes in some big games, but most of the time I expect him to be around 25 minutes.

Have i missed this? I've heard Chad talk about MAW playing well and that he could start but I haven't heard him go so far as to say he thinks MAW will start. Admittedly I have been busy and haven't been able to give thy BCJ pods my full attention.

Chad lurks around these parts. I'm sure he could clarify if he wanted to.

(07-21-2022 06:37 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(07-20-2022 09:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  [
1) Chad has said multiple times now that he thinks MAW will start and that MAW has looked like the better player thus far during the off-season. Given that he is connected to the coaching staff and gets to watch some open gyms, I tend to believe him (sometimes, I don't agree with him on Kalu). I'm also less high on our transfers than many people, I think fans tend to overhype the new guys. When you look at their stats and what they did the last couple of years, Phinisee and Ezikpe look much more like role players than starters.

2) Wes has said he likes to keep guys around 25 minutes maximum so they still have energy left late in the year. If our depth actually pans out I expect him to hold true to that. DDJ will get to 30 and maybe even 35 minutes in some big games, but most of the time I expect him to be around 25 minutes.

Have i missed this? I've heard Chad talk about MAW playing well and that he could start but I haven't heard him go so far as to say he thinks MAW will start. Admittedly I have been busy and haven't been able to give thy BCJ pods my full attention.

Chad lurks around these parts. I'm sure he could clarify if he wanted to.

I may be overstating what exactly he said. He has definitely said that MAW has looked much improved and indicated that assuming Phinisee will start is not a safe assumption.

(07-21-2022 07:22 AM)skyblade Wrote:  

(07-21-2022 06:37 AM)bearcatmark Wrote:  

(07-20-2022 09:52 AM)skyblade Wrote:  [
1) Chad has said multiple times now that he thinks MAW will start and that MAW has looked like the better player thus far during the off-season. Given that he is connected to the coaching staff and gets to watch some open gyms, I tend to believe him (sometimes, I don't agree with him on Kalu). I'm also less high on our transfers than many people, I think fans tend to overhype the new guys. When you look at their stats and what they did the last couple of years, Phinisee and Ezikpe look much more like role players than starters.

2) Wes has said he likes to keep guys around 25 minutes maximum so they still have energy left late in the year. If our depth actually pans out I expect him to hold true to that. DDJ will get to 30 and maybe even 35 minutes in some big games, but most of the time I expect him to be around 25 minutes.

Have i missed this? I've heard Chad talk about MAW playing well and that he could start but I haven't heard him go so far as to say he thinks MAW will start. Admittedly I have been busy and haven't been able to give thy BCJ pods my full attention.

Chad lurks around these parts. I'm sure he could clarify if he wanted to.

I may be overstating what exactly he said. He has definitely said that MAW has looked much improved and indicated that assuming Phinisee will start is not a safe assumption.

How you just phrased it is the impression I've gotten.

Over on 247 someone (not sure who) got to watch a practice and posted some notes - it's free no worries. Says don't sleep on Skillings/Reed/Sage among other things.

The note I think is of most interest is Nolley needs to improve on defense. It's worth noting (and I believe I have) that Nolley's defense rating on EvanMiya the last couple years was not good. Nolley seems to have good (though maybe not great) length and movement for his size, though he's not bouncy.

Which leads to the question that I've been asking around Ezikpe. Do we really think Wes is going to run out a lineup of Maw?, DDJ, Nolley, Davenport and Ezikpe. That's a lineup with no rim protection, no good defenders (besides MAW), no outside their zone rebounders (and possibly no good rebounders) and mostly undersized. It's the same issues we had last year with DDJ/Davenport, but a worse center and worse SF when it comes to defense/rebounding.

Improving on offense would be great, but you have to score more points than you give up.

I doubt that group will actually see much time on the floor together. Wes has a lot of options to give us length/athleticism and we know he loves size and rim protection especially from bigs. My guess is we will generally have at least a couple of the more defense first, long, athletic guys on the floor especially if some of them can be 3-and-D types.