Am I the only one here that thinks

[Ward]

I could see Gbinije possibly getting the start because of his size and having a year under his belt learning the zone. But I really don't see Patterson edging out Cooney as the next guard off the bench and I think Cooney will log 20+ minutes a game.

Call me delusional for thinking Cooney showed a lot of ability and athleticism but just lacked the confidence and opportunity. That's fine. I'll call you a pessimist who wouldn't know what makes a good basketball player if it hit you in the face.

Lol I'm going to assume the last line was a passive aggressive shot at my post. If you think I don't know what makes a good basketball player if it hit me in the face then ok that's your opinion. I'm ok with that. I think to say he didn't get the opportunity isn't entirely accurate. Was this years team not desperate for a third guard and outside shooting? Unless I'm way off is that not exactly what Cooney is supposed to be able to provide? The staff would have LOVED if Cooney could fill that role, but reality is he just couldn't do it.

I don't understand either how I'm a pessimist because I didn't think Cooney played well this year or will be a starter next year, when I also say Patterson, Gbinije, and BJ all have great tools and potentially bring much more to the table than Cooney. So are you basically saying I'm a pessimist because I disagree with you?

If you'd like me to elaborate on my opinion fine. I saw a guard who despite his apparent lock down defense that I must have missed failed to close out on shooters multiple times and was immediately taken out by JB. Showed no ability to bring the ball up the floor and to be honest would look like he was trying to hide against the press by hanging out way down by half court instead of staying down and helping bring the ball up. In our system both guards in the back court need to be able to bring the ball up the floor and get us into our offense, I can't remember the last guard that saw meaningful minutes that couldn't do that. His outside shot wasn't even close to being as advertised. I'm not as worried about that because he's a shooter and will undoubtedly shoot better from the floor as he adjusts to the speed of the game. He didn't show an ability to create for others or show great floor vision, and he made quite a few passes for turnovers against pressure where it looked like he couldn't get rid of the ball fast enough.

I really, really hope he can improve and be a knockdown threat from deep next year. Like I said I'm a Syracuse fan and whatever makes the team better I'm glad for. In my opinion Cooney is going to be a role player who's a good 3 point shooter in time if he can calm down and adjust to the speed of the game, but probably be average at best in most other areas. I just think we're recruiting at a very high level and are bringing in a lot of players who are very talented and bring alot to the table and unless Cooney drastically improves he's going to have to really fight to see a ton of minutes. If that makes me a pessimist, so be it.

 

[Gabjon]

Igor, is that you? The zone we play is much more complicated than you realize.

No it isn't that is what makes it great it simplicity! Cooney needs to shoot Mich better compared to the competition.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[All4SU]

Ennis and Cooney start. IMHO.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Haven't insiders posted that Gbinjie is being groomed at the 2? I think we will see what happens after Maui and a couple of cupcakes first. Whether it's Cooney/Gbinjie starting at first they will probably both get similar minutes. If Cooney is bricking a bunch again in games early on then it will be Gbinjie starting most likely by a few weeks into the season, imo.

 

[OrangeCrush22]

If you'd like me to elaborate on my opinion fine. I saw a guard who despite his apparent lock down defense that I must have missed failed to close out on shooters multiple times and was immediately taken out by JB.

Was hardly chronic and has happened, and will continue to happen, to every single basketball player. To be honest I think this happened way more to Triche, though that may just be perceived due to him having more playing time.

Showed no ability to bring the ball up the floor and to be honest would look like he was trying to hide against the press by hanging out way down by half court instead of staying down and helping bring the ball up

Wasn't asked to bring the ball up the court all season. We had two players who were capable of doing so, and who were both far more experienced at it. The only time he had to was after both those players fouled out, with under 20 seconds to go in the Final Four, when he had only played for 4mins leading up to that.

I'm sure he was told to wait around mid-court, and I seem to recall both Triche and MCW doing that also when the other was bringing the ball up under pressure.

In our system both guards in the back court need to be able to bring the ball up the floor and get us into our offense, I can't remember the last guard that saw meaningful minutes that couldn't do that. His outside shot wasn't even close to being as advertised. I'm not as worried about that because he's a shooter and will undoubtedly shoot better from the floor as he adjusts to the speed of the game

I agree, but I'd like to point out that he didn't get much playing time to fix his shot. McNamara had numerous horrendous games his first season. Gerry was a starter, though, and was given ample time to adjust.

 

[kcsu]

that Patterson takes Cooney's role next year, whatever it may be? I think Patterson is ahead of Cooney on the depth chart and gets more minutes when games roll around. Just my 2 cents.

No and i believe you are correct about Cooney but not about the starters. I think that Duke and Ennis start next year. Cooney really needs to step up his game. He was pedestrian at best. I keep posting this but if Cooney could get some serious playing time in this year in international competition he might just elevate his game. Cooney was not recruited for his D or for his handle. He was recruited to shoot period. The fact that he shot less than 30% from 3 land is not going to cut it. He does not have good quicks and he is not long in the top or very athletic. He is a shooter who need to find his stroke and develope a handle. Without improvement he may start but he will not play much

 

[4evaOrange]

Guys...Go to the payside, there is a thread on this with the answer .

 

[EastCoast2]

No and i believe you are correct about Cooney but not about the starters. I think that Duke and Ennis start next year. Cooney really needs to step up his game. He was pedestrian at best. I keep posting this but if Cooney could get some serious playing time in this year in international competition he might just elevate his game. Cooney was not recruited for his D or for his handle. He was recruited to shoot period. The fact that he shot less than 30% from 3 land is not going to cut it. He does not have good quicks and he is not long in the top or very athletic. He is a shooter who need to find his stroke and develope a handle. Without improvement he may start but he will not play much

I never said Buss will start, I think Ennis and Silent G start from day 1. I'd love for Cooney to make HGUE strides this summer, come back being able to drive and shoot 40% from 3 in games. I just don't see it. As O'Sully said he was the 3rd guard on a team with 3 guards and hardly played. One poster above said Cooney starts day 1 because of his defense? What? He showed nothing all year to say he's an above average defender. Buss is regarded as an elite defender. Cooney hasn't shown he can run a fast break either. SO even when he gets a steal he has to slow up and get it to Ennis.

Again, I hope Cooney proves me wrong, I'm certainly cheering for him, because that would mean he's made big strides and SU is in great shape, but I think he's the fourth guard next year.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Not sure why anyone thinks TC and BJ will be fighting for the same minutes? BJ is our next CJ/Southerland aka a wing not a 2 guard.

 

[Fly Rodder]

People were disappointed in Cooney because he wasn't a true freshman. He was a highly rated guard that had a red shirt year to gain experience. He looked good on defense because he was in his second year of practicing. His offense certainly didn't look like a top-20 shooting guard's.

There is one thing that really stands out about Cooney and it is that he flat out can make shots. There might not be a better pure shooter in the class.

After reading things like this, it's hard not be disappointed and start thinking that his job might be in trouble. If Patterson comes in and shows he can play the top of the zone and make threes, should Boeheim bury him on the bench behind Cooney because he's a redshirt sophomore and plays decent defense?

The the third guard spot may be Cooney's to lose, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that he loses it.

 

[KaiserUEO]

JB put the ball in last 10 seconds of a F4 game, in Cooneys hands. whether or not he chose wisely what to do with it is another thing...but make no mistake....Cooney is not getting jumped next year.

Oh Lord

 

[All4SU]

You realize that Gbinije and Patterson are both known for their defense as one of their biggest strengths, have more athleticism, and better size than Cooney as well for the top of the zone right? If Cooney is starting next year, meaning he's better than all of Gbinije, Patterson and Johnson, then were probably going to have a long year. I understand the hope for him to improve and everybody likes his hustle and is pulling for him. At some point tho people have to be realistic and stop with the delusional thoughts that he showed anything this year to suggest he should be the starter from day one next year. He was in a situation where he was competing for minutes against himself and still couldn't get on the floor. Maybe he makes huge strides and is a really good player for us next year. If so great it means were a better team, but the delusional fans on here saying he should start from day 1, should get on the floor for his defense alone, I just don't get it.

What a player is "known for" in high school (i.e. Patterson's defense) doesn't always translate immediately in college (see TC and shooting). But TC has a huge edge in experience now. He works hard and is disruptive on D. His struggles this year had more to do with adjusting to the pace of the game. His shooting ability didn't disappear, but he definiately lost confidence in it -- like all shooters do from time to time. I have very little doubt that his combined experience and adjustments this year will lead to TC being the 2guard next season along side Ennis, with GBinije rotating in.

Frankly, I'm surprised people don't recognize Cooney's progress toward the end of the season. He and Grant both struggles this season (Grant less so, and certainly less so when he was filling in for JS. Both of these guys will be just fine next year.

 

[OrangeTown]

People were disappointed in Cooney because he wasn't a true freshman. He was a highly rated guard that had a red shirt year to gain experience. He looked good on defense because he was in his second year of practicing. His offense certainly didn't look like a top-20 shooting guard's.

After reading things like this, it's hard not be disappointed and start thinking that his job might be in trouble. If Patterson comes in and shows he can play the top of the zone and make threes, should Boeheim bury him on the bench behind Cooney because he's a redshirt sophomore and plays decent defense?

The the third guard spot may be Cooney's to lose, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that he loses it.

Is this the first thread in forum history that uses different font sizes for every paragraph?

 

[Sgt Cuse]

Not sure why anyone thinks TC and BJ will be fighting for the same minutes? BJ is our next CJ/Southerland aka a wing not a 2 guard.

Some reasons why:
1. BJ looks like he has one of the best 3 pt strokes. This is a role TC was supposed to fill but has come up short (IMO). If TC does not fix this problem, his role is in jeopardy, and BJ is an excellent candidate to take it. I feel BJs shot is ahead of Buss (and MGs and Grants and Robersons).
2. One poster here, OGB (or something like that) claims to be BJs dad and is very knowledgeable about BJ. He has claimed the coaches have told him that BJs role is that of a 2/3 (please note the 2 in the 2 or 3).
3. I like the idea of the crazy length the zone would have if BJ could handle the duties at the 2.

If TC does not improve, I think BJ is a candidate to take some of the minutes designated for a shooter.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

JB put the ball in last 10 seconds of a F4 game, in Cooneys hands. whether or not he chose wisely what to do with it is another thing...but make no mistake....Cooney is not getting jumped next year.

Oh Lord

Terrible reasoning. Was MG available? BJ, Buss?
Secondly, how did that work out for us? Who wouldn't want to repeat that...oh, wait.

Third, unrelated rant. But when a shooter hits and is on, shouldn't they shoot? The 6th man Spike or Hancock - did they go 1 for 1? Stop after their first one? We needed a hot shooter and it wasn't JS' day. We now will never know if it was Cooneys. I contend he was our Spike but didn't have the stones to let it rip. And if he had hit for just a few more he would have extended his stay on the floor and we probably wouldn't have had both our starters foul out.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Some reasons why:
1. BJ looks like he has one of the best 3 pt strokes. This is a role TC was supposed to fill but has come up short (IMO). If TC does not fix this problem, his role is in jeopardy, and BJ is an excellent candidate to take it. I feel BJs shot is ahead of Buss (and MGs and Grants and Robersons).
2. One poster here, OGB (or something like that) claims to be BJs dad and is very knowledgeable about BJ. He has claimed the coaches have told him that BJs role is that of a 2/3 (please note the 2 in the 2 or 3).
3. I like the idea of the crazy length the zone would have if BJ could handle the duties at the 2.

If TC does not improve, I think BJ is a candidate to take some of the minutes designated for a shooter.

Nothing to disagree with here at all. BJ could be used at both 2 & 3 next year but after this years class there appears to a log jam at the guard spots (if we land Jospeh) and no heir apperent to CJ's spot. I think BJ could play the 2 if needed but will be much better groomed to take over for CJ after next year which makes his outside shooting even more exciting. He won't be a KrisJo type that will have to learn to shoot the 3, he already has it.

Per OGB (BJ's father) BJ is 6'7 and still growing. BJ's not coming in to sit the bench but aware PT his first year could be sparse and will have to be earned. Luckily, he has the mental make up to accept that but also the work ethic to go after it and make it hard for the coaches to keep him off the court (Thank you for that OGB!).

If Buss isn't going to redshirt then we have a 4 guard rotation and BJ could back up CJ and potentially at times play w/ CJ on the other wing if we're looking for a lineup with better handling. Not sure Grant or Roberson have the necessary handle or not at this point for when we play pressing teams.

 

[SWC75]

How often does JB play 4 guards?

Since we ran out of guards vs. Michigan.

 

[SWC75]

JB doesn't know who his "2" guard will be and therefore none of us do, either. He's got plenty of options so the position won't be won by default. I'll just say that if Cooney doesn't show any more than we saw this year, he's not going to win the competition.

 

[Fly Rodder]

Is this the first thread in forum history that uses different font sizes for every paragraph?

Yeah, somewhere in the formatting I clicked something and couldn't straighten it out, lost patience, and said it.

 

[Gotothehole]

I really am rooting for Cooney. Patterson and BJ can flat out ball, may the best man win

 

[Fly Rodder]

I wouldn't worry about logjams in 2014 just yet. No one knows how good Ennis can be. He could be one and done, he could be back. Someone could transfer, drop out, fail to make grades ... whatever. Someone posted that no SU recruiting class since at least 2002 has stayed together for four years.

 

[Fly Rodder]

I really am rooting for Cooney. Patterson and BJ can flat out ball, may the best man win

Yes sir. Having talented options is the best outcome. I'm critical of Cooney, but I would love it if he came out next year hitting 35+% from three, playing aggressive D, and forcing more PT.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

Nothing to disagree with here at all. BJ could be used at both 2 & 3 next year but after this years class there appears to a log jam at the guard spots (if we land Jospeh) and no heir apperent to CJ's spot. I think BJ could play the 2 if needed but will be much better groomed to take over for CJ after next year which makes his outside shooting even more exciting. He won't be a KrisJo type that will have to learn to shoot the 3, he already has it.

Per OGB (BJ's father) BJ is 6'7 and still growing. BJ's not coming in to sit the bench but aware PT his first year could be sparse and will have to be earned. Luckily, he has the mental make up to accept that but also the work ethic to go after it and make it hard for the coaches to keep him off the court (Thank you for that OGB!).

If Buss isn't going to redshirt then we have a 4 guard rotation and BJ could back up CJ and potentially at times play w/ CJ on the other wing if we're looking for a lineup with better handling. Not sure Grant or Roberson have the necessary handle or not at this point for when we play pressing teams.

IO - I agree with you in that I see BJ's ultimate spot as a shooting 3. Kind of like a JS role. I also think in his frosh year his role will be limited and he will grow into it.

But I think part of his frosh role could be as a shooter. I think SU has an unsettled shooter role for next season. And as such, BJ may be in competition with Cooney for minutes for that role. As we come up against basic zones designed to hinder the CJ, DC2, Grant domination, the unattended outside will need to be exploited. If Cooney sends up an air ball in Maui how long can you keep him in. Who's next?

 

[IthacaMatt]

that Patterson takes Cooney's role next year, whatever it may be? I think Patterson is ahead of Cooney on the depth chart and gets more minutes when games roll around. Just my 2 cents.

Yes. you are the only one. Patterson will play, but I see Gbinije as likely to be more ready to play at the level we need. He had a year at Duke, plus a year already in the program. I see Patterson as battling Cooney for the third guard spot. And Patterson's forte is defense, which Cooney did pretty well at, by most people's accounts.

 

[IthacaMatt]

IO - I agree with you in that I see BJ's ultimate spot as a shooting 3. Kind of like a JS role. I also think in his frosh year his role will be limited and he will grow into it.

But I think part of his frosh role could be as a shooter. I think SU has an unsettled shooter role for next season. And as such, BJ may be in competition with Cooney for minutes for that role. As we come up against basic zones designed to hinder the CJ, DC2, Grant domination, the unattended outside will need to be exploited. If Cooney sends up an air ball in Maui how long can you keep him in. Who's next?

B.J. made a good percentage of his shots at Lower Merian, but when I watch his tape, he takes a while to get his mechanics together to deliver the shot. To me, his stroke looks just about the same as C.J. Fair's does right now. Now, C.J. shot well, but he only took open shots, because it takes him a second or two to get his shot off. B.J. looks pretty similar to me.