After two scrimmages, 1 thing we know, 3 TBD

[DomeHolmes]

Things started out shaky with the mishmosh lineups, but after we hovered around 22 points for a few minutes, Red put in the “starters” and we looked like a totally different team, scoring almost 30 points in less than 10 minutes.

What I think we know, is that the starters will be Carlos, JJ, Lumpkin, Freeman, and Bell. Choppa should be the first off the bench at guard. Petar and Davis will both get minutes.

TBD:

-Who will be the fourth guard? Today there was good and bad from both Cuffe and Taylor. A little more good than bad from Taylor and a little more bad than good from Cuffe. Cuffe is not a point guard. To me he seems to more be like a 6 foot version of Stevie Thompson than a guard. So far after two scrimmages nothing is settled here. Will Westry be the guy?. Right now Taylor has the edge.

-Will Davis or Petar be the clear cut first forward or will it be situational? What we have not really seen enough sample size of after two days is which one will work best with Lumpkin? I think Petar could be very interesting as a high low combo with his passing ability as well as Lumpkin‘s. But when we play five out, as long as Davis and Lumpkin remain a threat from three, it gives Davis an advantage to iso and back down a weaker defender without a center in the post. If we want to play through Eddie, Petar might be the best option, but if we are not, it might be Davis.

-Finally McLeod. Devo said he should get seven minutes. A lot of people didn’t seem to think so but unless we’re playing small ball, he will have to. That being said, I believe he had eight or nine points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes. I believe he had similar stats the other night too. Normally our back up centers give us nothing, and what he has given us stats wise is pretty good, but from the “eye” test, it does not look good. I think there’s two questions with him. Can we play zone with him in where he could be more effective On D, and can he learn to get closer to the basket more consistently to be a garbage man? After a a few minutes, he found his groove there.

 

[grepal]

Things started out shaky with the mishmosh lineups, but after we hovered around 22 points for a few minutes, Red put in the “starters” and we looked like a totally different team, scoring almost 30 points in less than 10 minutes.

What I think we know, is that the starters will be Carlos, JJ, Lumpkin, Freeman, and Bell. Choppa should be the first off the bench at guard. Petar and Davis will both get minutes.

TBD:

-Who will be the fourth guard? Today there was good and bad from both Cuffe and Taylor. A little more good than bad from Taylor and a little more bad than good from Cuffe. Cuffe is not a point guard. To me he seems to more be like a 6 foot version of Stevie Thompson than a guard. So far after two scrimmages nothing is settled here. Will Westry be the guy?. Right now Taylor has the edge.

-Will Davis or Petar be the clear cut first forward or will it be situational? What we have not really seen enough sample size of after two days is which one will work best with Lumpkin? I think Petar could be very interesting as a high low combo with his passing ability as well as Lumpkin‘s. But when we play five out, as long as Davis and Lumpkin remain a threat from three, it gives Davis an advantage to iso and back down a weaker defender without a center in the post. If we want to play through Eddie, Petar might be the best option, but if we are not, it might be Davis.

-Finally McLeod. Devo said he should get seven minutes. A lot of people didn’t seem to think so but unless we’re playing small ball, he will have to. That being said, I believe he had eight or nine points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes. I believe he had similar stats the other night too. Normally our back up centers give us nothing, and what he has given us stats wise is pretty good, but from the “eye” test, it does not look good. I think there’s two questions with him. Can we play zone with him in where he could be more effective On D, and can he learn to get closer to the basket more consistently to be a garbage man? After a a few minutes, he found his groove there.

I am really hoping Chance
Comes in and plays well.
Kyle has not shown much that makes the team play better.

 

[721Comstock]

Things started out shaky with the mishmosh lineups, but after we hovered around 22 points for a few minutes, Red put in the “starters” and we looked like a totally different team, scoring almost 30 points in less than 10 minutes.

What I think we know, is that the starters will be Carlos, JJ, Lumpkin, Freeman, and Bell. Choppa should be the first off the bench at guard. Petar and Davis will both get minutes.

TBD:

-Who will be the fourth guard? Today there was good and bad from both Cuffe and Taylor. A little more good than bad from Taylor and a little more bad than good from Cuffe. Cuffe is not a point guard. To me he seems to more be like a 6 foot version of Stevie Thompson than a guard. So far after two scrimmages nothing is settled here. Will Westry be the guy?. Right now Taylor has the edge.

-Will Davis or Petar be the clear cut first forward or will it be situational? What we have not really seen enough sample size of after two days is which one will work best with Lumpkin? I think Petar could be very interesting as a high low combo with his passing ability as well as Lumpkin‘s. But when we play five out, as long as Davis and Lumpkin remain a threat from three, it gives Davis an advantage to iso and back down a weaker defender without a center in the post. If we want to play through Eddie, Petar might be the best option, but if we are not, it might be Davis.

-Finally McLeod. Devo said he should get seven minutes. A lot of people didn’t seem to think so but unless we’re playing small ball, he will have to. That being said, I believe he had eight or nine points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes. I believe he had similar stats the other night too. Normally our back up centers give us nothing, and what he has given us stats wise is pretty good, but from the “eye” test, it does not look good. I think there’s two questions with him. Can we play zone with him in where he could be more effective On D, and can he learn to get closer to the basket more consistently to be a garbage man? After a a few minutes, he found his groove there.

I LOVE LUMP!!!!

“Lumpkin”?

Is that an attempt at a nickname for Eddie “Dry Rub” Lampkin?

Dude’s trimmed down quite a bit -
Not sure that’s fitting.


Dunno why all the shade at the Highlander.
Dude had a GREAT game last night.
WGAF about the “eye test” - he boarded and scored and was incredibly effective in limited minutes.

Other than when going small ball benefits US, Eddie & Naheem should split the 40 mins at C.
Something like Eddie 28-30, Naheem 10-12.

 

[FireballPhil]

My worry is the defensive side of the ball...there really isn't any. We play to loose and allow to many open looks from three. If they hadn't been such a poor shooting team, they might have kept it close ACC games are going to be nail biters unless they can tighten up the D and then when they do, don't get blown by. Keep their man in front of them and stay close so you can get a hand in their face on shots. They look like they are playing some sort of "prevent" man to man. I don't like it. Offensively I feel you are pretty spot on, I have the same basic impressions.

 

[bballbeadle]

Does anyone think Freeman still looks a little lost out there?

 

[721Comstock]

Does anyone think Freeman still looks a little lost out there?

C’mon people.

It’s the second game scrimmage of his Frosh year in college.

He’s not gonna look like Giannis out there.

If it’s Dec or Jan and he’s still struggling on D, then maybe I’ll join you in the pearl-clutching.

Let Red cook.

 

[tptcuse]

Does anyone think Freeman still looks a little lost out there?

He looked like his shins or ankles were hurting.

 

[billsin01]

He looked like his shins or ankles were hurting.

Yeah, something looked a little funky. He doesn't seem to have a whole lot of lift around the basket. Anyone else notice that? Kid is exceptionally skilled and super long so I can see the massive potential, but I'd agree with you -- something might be bugging him (shins or ankle) because he doesn't have the spring I would think he'd have (even if he's not the super quick-twitch type of athlete that Jeremi Grant was).

 

[billsin01]

C’mon people.

It’s the second game scrimmage of his Frosh year in college.

He’s not gonna look like Giannis out there.

If it’s Dec or Jan and he’s still struggling on D, then maybe I’ll join you in the pearl-clutching.

Let Red cook.

I'm in the middle on this. One, it drives me crazy here that every off-season a bunch of folks build every player up to be all-americans, then we struggle in two games in the regular season and half of the same people want everyone benched and Red fired. Pumping the brakes isn't a terrible thing.

That said, what I will say about Freeman is that he's been very productive in both scrimmages and I don't feel like he's actually played that well. I mean that as a compliment. As in, I think he may be hurt or banged up a bit somehow and I don't think he really knows where to be all the time ... and yet he's putting up 14 and 8 or whatever. That's impressive.

 

[Newhouser]

I think Freeman will be fine. He does get lost on D sometimes but most of the team does.

That being said his offensive game does not seem all that advanced. Holding out hope that he is effective in more than just transition.

 

[Orangezoo]

I'm in the middle on this. One, it drives me crazy here that every off-season a bunch of folks build every player up to be all-americans, then we struggle in two games in the regular season and half of the same people want everyone benched and Red fired. Pumping the brakes isn't a terrible thing.

That said, what I will say about Freeman is that he's been very productive in both scrimmages and I don't feel like he's actually played that well. I mean that as a compliment. As in, I think he may be hurt or banged up a bit somehow and I don't think he really knows where to be all the time ... and yet he's putting up 14 and 8 or whatever. That's impressive.

Part of it is strength I think too. He is still pretty lean so around the hoop he doesn’t create space for himself. He moved well otherwise to me. His awareness was better last night than the first game. He seems good on the glass and has a nice looking shot.

 

[Orangezoo]

My worry is the defensive side of the ball...there really isn't any. We play to loose and allow to many open looks from three. If they hadn't been such a poor shooting team, they might have kept it close ACC games are going to be nail biters unless they can tighten up the D and then when they do, don't get blown by. Keep their man in front of them and stay close so you can get a hand in their face on shots. They look like they are playing some sort of "prevent" man to man. I don't like it. Offensively I feel you are pretty spot on, I have the same basic impressions.

Defense was more aggressive last night but did a nice job speeding up SR. It was a different look and we looked to run a lot more too. I still saw a team playing around with different looks. I expect we will adjust based on opponent. The guards defended well for the most part which is what we need the most especially JJ.

 

[Niastri]

I don't get why people bag on the Highlander so much.

He's kind of like a guy with a bad swing in baseball, who still somehow is very productive.

McLeod doesn't look great out there, he kind of drifts around and sometimes seems like he's uncertain.

Yet at the end of the day he's a hugely productive player. 9 and 7, with a block and a steal yesterday in 14 minutes? For a backup!?

Awesome.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I'm in the middle on this. One, it drives me crazy here that every off-season a bunch of folks build every player up to be all-americans, then we struggle in two games in the regular season and half of the same people want everyone benched and Red fired. Pumping the brakes isn't a terrible thing.

That said, what I will say about Freeman is that he's been very productive in both scrimmages and I don't feel like he's actually played that well. I mean that as a compliment. As in, I think he may be hurt or banged up a bit somehow and I don't think he really knows where to be all the time ... and yet he's putting up 14 and 8 or whatever. That's impressive.

Yep, sometimes a guy is so talented that they can't help but make an impact when they're on the floor.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I don't get why people bag on the Highlander so much.

He's kind of like a guy with a bad swing in baseball, who still somehow is very productive.

McLeod doesn't look great out there, he kind of drifts around and sometimes seems like he's uncertain.

Yet at the end of the day he's a hugely productive player. 9 and 7, with a block and a steal yesterday in 14 minutes? For a backup!?

Awesome.

One of the commentators put it best last season. He's a one play per possession guy. He'll block the shot, but not get the rebound. He'll catch the pass, but struggle making the move to get a good shot up.

 

[Zelda Zonk]

After two scrimmages, I have NO idea what we have as a team. We beat both teams handily. But, even when we have a good assist to basket ratio, there’s still something that looks ‘off’ in the chemistry. We just have so many ‘good’/solid pieces, but no great pieces.

I don’t know who our best player is. Surely, we’ll say Donnie has the most potential, but if the consistent messages about him being one and done are true, we’ll not see that potential on our court. He’s interesting—has some skills, but still often times does look like a freshman. Opens the games with a ver pro-looking midrange jumper, and then after that it doesn’t ’feel’ like he’s having a good game. And then in the end, the stats are pretty good, especially considering the minutes. He needs to play stronger, and we also need to run plays for him. He seems like the kind of guy who would thrive in a system designed to create his opportunities. When he decides to make them for himself, he’s less effective. It’s still early, but that’s the sense I have from seeing him both in these exhibitions and in some HS+ games.

Not sure about Davis. Solid body, and I’m happy to see his 3-shot isn’t a disaster. It will be interesting to see if he can be effective when he’s not his team’s focal point. Also, whether he can play against this league’s size/talent.

I don’t have any sense on Lucas Taylor. Was it him who bricked a couple of jumpers? He moves well, but I’m not sure what his skill set is. I kinda have him lumped in with Cuffe, as the guys who will get minutes, but, maybe only barely?

McLeod did well yesterday, but needs to do that same stuff stronger. Looks like he was only a millimeter away from a turnover on every play, and that was against a depleted Slippery Rock team. I like him, though, and hope he’s just ramping up after losing significant time with the injury.

Carlos looked in the first game like he could score 20 per night. Everything was smooth and solid and smart. Less easy yesterday. Nice to have a heady floor general, who is also capable of putting it in the basket. Has he attempted a three yet, though? Need to see that aspect.

So happy JJ cut the braids. Wish others would follow. That’s just a hideous ‘style.’ But, hey, my generation had the Jheri curl, so… I guess we all have to go through to periods of atrocity before waking up. Anyway, yeah, he’s good when it’s intuitive and he’s flowing. As the commentators said, maybe he gets into his own head and that’s where the hitch reappears. He’ll be good—I like him playing ‘downhill.’

Bell is gonna Bell. Noice from the outside, and with all of our position versatility, he might find himself open a lot. I’m still unsure how he’s open as much as he is. You’d think he would be a point of emphasis for defenses and he doesn’t do anything especially well to create space. Having a good PG and other happy passers is going to let him thrive.

Lamp is going to frustrate us with the lack of block ability, and we will see smaller guys get around him and other guys getting uncontested shots over him. But, he occupies his space, and the stats won’t really reflect what he is on the defensive side. But, again, it will often be frustrating.

We were picked 11th in the conference before anyone saw anyone. That both seems like a wild guess and also oddly perfect. No experienced stars, and portal transfers that weren’t especially highly ranked. Still, we have a lot of solid players. That’s hard to assess. And aside from Duke and Carolina, who really knows what the other teams have, either? I feel like I’m not even going to bother with the Iggys, because, jeebus, so much is totally up in the air. What’s the ‘usage’ going to be on Lampkin, for example? Are we going to post him like Arinze or Rick, or are we going to be a three bombing team? No clue.

 

[CardiacCuse]

I don't get why people bag on the Highlander so much.



McLeod doesn't look great out there, he kind of drifts around and sometimes seems like he's uncertain.

you answered your own question but i took some screenshots to show you

in a 5 minute span in he 1st half, here were all the bad plays he made

here he lets a guard get an offensive rebound and layup out of position outsidd the paint with his back to the basket

here a pass hits him in the hand but he loses it for a turnover

offensive rebound but misses 1 footer despite being covered by a guard

guard blows by him for layup


to be continued...

 

[CardiacCuse]

misses cross court pass to give up 3 pointer (couldve easily stolen if a little aware)

loses man who then assists for layup

blatantly pushes man in back for no reason - offensive foul

part of team defense beaten back door for layup...

WHy is he so far from hoop???

his help defense is atrocious...if I was his coach he would be instructed to stay within 5 feet of the hoop at all times

you cant protect the rim if you arent near the rim...thats the biggest issue I see with him POSITIONING is very bad. i truly dont get it. he cannot play team defense? or hes being told to ONLY guard his man???

opponents consistenyl get way too many layups with him on the floor...it makes no sense

all of thes things happend in 5 minutes in the 1st half! (came into the game with 5 point lead left with 7 point lead...but he get stats! smh)

once freeman came on the cuse blew the game open...no coincidence...

a lot of these breakdowns by naheem dont show up in the boxscore...hes a guy who benefits greatly from the blindspots in analytics. in my humble opinion.

 

[HyattsCuse]

a lot of these breakdowns by naheem dont show up in the boxscore...hes a guy who benefits greatly from the blindspots in analytics. in my humble opinion.

Nice write up. I don't want to pile on the kid, but this is exactly what stood out to me during the game. I was shocked to see he had 9 and 7 which yes, are nice numbers for a backup big, but don't tell the whole story as depicted in these screenshots.

Hoping he will improve though. Had the injury last year so that could factor into this a lot if he doesn't have full confidence that he can play without getting hurt again.

 

[Niastri]

View attachment 246393
misses cross court pass to give up 3 pointer (couldve easily stolen if a little aware)

View attachment 246394
loses man who then assists for layup

View attachment 246395
blatantly pushes man in back for no reason - offensive foul

View attachment 246396
part of team defense beaten back door for layup...

WHy is he so far from hoop???

his help defense is atrocious...if I was his coach he would be instructed to stay within 5 feet of the hoop at all times

you cant protect the rim if you arent near the rim...thats the biggest issue I see with him POSITIONING is very bad. i truly dont get it. he cannot play team defense? or hes being told to ONLY guard his man???

opponents consistenyl get way too many layups with him on the floor...it makes no sense

all of thes things happend in 5 minutes in the 1st half! (came into the game with 5 point lead left with 7 point lead...but he get stats! smh)

once freeman came on the cuse blew the game open...no coincidence...

a lot of these breakdowns by naheem dont show up in the boxscore...hes a guy who benefits greatly from the blindspots in analytics. in my humble opinion.

Nice breakdown.

Analytics do sometimes have blind spots.

Things like not getting a rebound, steal or a block don't show up. But the ones he does get do show up, which is why he shows up so well in the advanced analytics.

Maybe he's an analytic darling, representing the epitome of those blindspots.

I don't actually think he was the second best player on last year's team, merely that he's much better than everybody seems to give him credit for.

He's probably somewhere in the middle, and with just a little fine tuning could be even better.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

View attachment 246393
misses cross court pass to give up 3 pointer (couldve easily stolen if a little aware)

View attachment 246394
loses man who then assists for layup

View attachment 246395
blatantly pushes man in back for no reason - offensive foul

View attachment 246396
part of team defense beaten back door for layup...

WHy is he so far from hoop???

his help defense is atrocious...if I was his coach he would be instructed to stay within 5 feet of the hoop at all times

you cant protect the rim if you arent near the rim...thats the biggest issue I see with him POSITIONING is very bad. i truly dont get it. he cannot play team defense? or hes being told to ONLY guard his man???

opponents consistenyl get way too many layups with him on the floor...it makes no sense

all of thes things happend in 5 minutes in the 1st half! (came into the game with 5 point lead left with 7 point lead...but he get stats! smh)

once freeman came on the cuse blew the game open...no coincidence...

a lot of these breakdowns by naheem dont show up in the boxscore...hes a guy who benefits greatly from the blindspots in analytics. in my humble opinion.

If he is alway 5 feet from the basket, who covers the center/helps off the screen when he sets a screen on the guard at the top of the key

 

[ar inj]

View attachment 246393
misses cross court pass to give up 3 pointer (couldve easily stolen if a little aware)

View attachment 246394
loses man who then assists for layup

View attachment 246395
blatantly pushes man in back for no reason - offensive foul

View attachment 246396
part of team defense beaten back door for layup...

WHy is he so far from hoop???

his help defense is atrocious...if I was his coach he would be instructed to stay within 5 feet of the hoop at all times

you cant protect the rim if you arent near the rim...thats the biggest issue I see with him POSITIONING is very bad. i truly dont get it. he cannot play team defense? or hes being told to ONLY guard his man???

opponents consistenyl get way too many layups with him on the floor...it makes no sense

all of thes things happend in 5 minutes in the 1st half! (came into the game with 5 point lead left with 7 point lead...but he get stats! smh)

once freeman came on the cuse blew the game open...no coincidence...

a lot of these breakdowns by naheem dont show up in the boxscore...hes a guy who benefits greatly from the blindspots in analytics. in my humble opinion.

Not going to dispute that the Highlander has issues, but the pass “he failed to catch” was a horrible pass. That was not his fault just because he was able to get his hand near or on it.

 

[pearl31]

If we're honest anything we get from him on the offensive end is gravy. What we need from him when he's in is 1) rim protection and 2) rebounding. And for 7'4 it's almost astonishing to me how many times small guys score at the rim when he's in. Due to him being out of position and too slow to get back or in position and starting his block after the ball is already up n the blackboard.

 

[IthacaMatt]

My worry is the defensive side of the ball...there really isn't any. We play to loose and allow to many open looks from three. If they hadn't been such a poor shooting team, they might have kept it close ACC games are going to be nail biters unless they can tighten up the D and then when they do, don't get blown by. Keep their man in front of them and stay close so you can get a hand in their face on shots. They look like they are playing some sort of "prevent" man to man. I don't like it. Offensively I feel you are pretty spot on, I have the same basic impressions.

That seems a little harsh when they maintained a 35 point lead for 3/4 of the game. Slippery Rock didn't get their 2nd basket of the 2nd half until there were only 7 minutes left in the game.

 

[IthacaMatt]

One of the commentators put it best last season. He's a one play per possession guy. He'll block the shot, but not get the rebound. He'll catch the pass, but struggle making the move to get a good shot up.

Great comment. I agree. Needs much more effort on the defensive end, especially rebounding.