Fab and Dion...

[Jake]

I guess I'll start with Dion. I am amazed at how efficient his game has become. It does not surprise me that he's second on the team in scoring, but what is suprising is that he's getting all of these points and not dominating the ball. I honestly didn't think he could do that. All the credit to him.

But holy cow, I am even more amazed with Melo. Not just the blocked shots, but some of the fundamental work that he has shown is just stunning. A high post bounce pass to a baseline cutter, the unselfish dump down to Cj in the first half and his ability to work the low post is improving every game. Love the play where he sealed his defender to MCW "threw him open" with a great feed for a dunk.

The two players that absolutely had to show improvement for this team to be great were Dion and Fab...and both have done their part improving their mental and physical aspects of their respective games.

 

[Marsh01]

I guess I'll start with Dion. I am amazed at how efficient his game has become. It does not surprise me that he's second on the team in scoring, but what is suprising is that he's getting all of these points and not dominating the ball. I honestly didn't think he could do that. All the credit to him.

But holy cow, I am even more amazed with Melo. Not just the blocked shots, but some of the fundamental work that he has shown is just stunning. A high post bounce pass to a baseline cutter, the unselfish dump down to Cj in the first half and his ability to work the low post is improving every game. Love the play where he sealed his defender to MCW "threw him open" with a great feed for a dunk.

The two players that absolutely had to show improvement for this team to be great were Dion and Fab...and both have done their part improving their mental and physical aspects of their respective games.

I am most impressed how when he does get beat that he quickly adjusts and makes a great play on the ball. It has happened a few times the past 2 games and he has made great recoveries for blocks.

 

[BostonOrange]

I guess I'll start with Dion. I am amazed at how efficient his game has become. It does not surprise me that he's second on the team in scoring, but what is suprising is that he's getting all of these points and not dominating the ball. I honestly didn't think he could do that. All the credit to him.

But holy cow, I am even more amazed with Melo. Not just the blocked shots, but some of the fundamental work that he has shown is just stunning. A high post bounce pass to a baseline cutter, the unselfish dump down to Cj in the first half and his ability to work the low post is improving every game. Love the play where he sealed his defender to MCW "threw him open" with a great feed for a dunk.

The two players that absolutely had to show improvement for this team to be great were Dion and Fab...and both have done their part improving their mental and physical aspects of their respective games.

And it all starts with the fact that they are both in MUCH better physical condition this year.

 

[mark79]

I am most impressed how when he does get beat that he quickly adjusts and makes a great play on the ball. It has happened a few times the past 2 games and he has made great recoveries for blocks.

Fab is blocking them so hard off the backboard it's starting our fast break lol...

 

[cliftonparksufan]

But holy cow, I am even more amazed with Melo. Not just the blocked shots, but some of the fundamental work that he has shown is just stunning. A high post bounce pass to a baseline cutter, the unselfish dump down to Cj in the first half and his ability to work the low post is improving every game. Love the play where he sealed his defender to MCW "threw him open" with a great feed for a dunk.
.

What amazes me is that not only how well he recovers to block some of these shots when the guys get past him, but the fact that these players know he is a shot blocking machine and they still throw up this weak .

 

[Cheriehoop]

Agree totally. Both players improvement has been nothing short of amazing. I can't wait Fab learns to start controlling his blocks and directing where he wants them to go. It's so much fun watching players grow, mature and develop.

 

[BlackSquirrels]

When I think of Waiters's improvement, one play from tonight comes to mind. He received the ball in the frontcourt and went to the basket. A DePaul defender reached out and fouled him before Dion could get to the hoop. However, after the ref whistled the foul, Dion accelerated, took off one foot and hammered a dunk home. It seemed like last year he needed to slow down and gather himself before dunking.

 

[Toga]

When I think of Waiters's improvement, one play from tonight comes to mind. He received the ball in the frontcourt and went to the basket. A DePaul defender reached out and fouled him before Dion could get to the hoop. However, after the ref whistled the foul, Dion accelerated, took off one foot and hammered a dunk home. It seemed like last year he needed to slow down and gather himself before dunking.

He has the quickest strongest most efficient dunk I've seen - anywhere.

 

[SWC75]

Fab isn't committing fouls like he used to. Even early in this seaosn, he was being called for fouls right and left and couldn't be left out there for long stretches because of it. But now everyhting he does is in the flow of the game and with physical economy.

 

[310Pigpen]

Its amazing watching how much Fab has improved, and its scary to think about how good he be in 5 years if he improves this much every year. I hope we can watch him dominate next year down low. I can't wait to hear the "thunder from down under" against Marquette when Fab hammers a dunk down.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

Its amazing watching how much Fab has improved, and its scary to think about how good he be in 5 years if he improves this much every year. I hope we can watch him dominate next year down low. I can't wait to hear the "thunder from down under" against Marquette when Fab hammers a dunk down.

Too Australian. I like the "Thrill from Brazil" instead.

 

[HoustonCuse]

Jake, what would you say is the outlook for these two players for the second part of the season?

 

[cliftonparksufan]

Too Australian. I like the "Thrill from Brazil" instead.

How about Thrilla from Brasilla.

 

[310Pigpen]

That works as well. Anything is better than a "deuce for the cuse", that would send shivers down my back watching some people in 310 get excited about that last year.

 

[IthacaMatt]

He has the quickest strongest most efficient dunk I've seen - anywhere.

Well, maybe since Dave Johnson or Stevie Thompson. Those guys could FLY.

 

[Shenexon]

I guess I'll start with Dion. I am amazed at how efficient his game has become. It does not surprise me that he's second on the team in scoring, but what is suprising is that he's getting all of these points and not dominating the ball. I honestly didn't think he could do that. All the credit to him.

But holy cow, I am even more amazed with Melo. Not just the blocked shots, but some of the fundamental work that he has shown is just stunning. A high post bounce pass to a baseline cutter, the unselfish dump down to Cj in the first half and his ability to work the low post is improving every game. Love the play where he sealed his defender to MCW "threw him open" with a great feed for a dunk.

The two players that absolutely had to show improvement for this team to be great were Dion and Fab...and both have done their part improving their mental and physical aspects of their respective games.

Fab's bounce-pass was my favorite play of the night. He's having an incredible surge in his understanding of the game and his execution on the floor. I've been loving his blocks but am equally impressed with his discretion in the shots he pulls up on, rather than risking a goaltending call. His defense is becoming overwhelming in the paint without getting into foul trouble.

One of Boeheim's comments about Depaul was that when their defense extended, SU had to attack the paint and got a lot of easy shots. SU defense extends to every part of the court and when the opposition attacks the paint, Fab has been there playing the role he now understands and is beginning to excel at. We've all had periods of time where we have a burst of enlightenment and skill. It's wonderful being able to watch Melo's rapid development. JB is even impressed, and he's much tougher to impress than most. 'Tis a great time to be an SU fan!!

 

[Jake]

Jake, what would you say is the outlook for these two players for the second part of the season?

I think Dion's success is more likely to continue. He's been physically challenged this year and has responded well.

I'm not sure Fab has seen a physical player that will test him. Pope was really a four. Florida didn't get Patric Young involved enough (but he is a beast). NCState played three forwards most of the game. I wanna see what happens when Fab mixes it up against Drummond, Oriakhi, Yarou and Sims etc. The good news is that there's not a lot of good big men in the BE this year. Kind of a down year because all of the talent is young.

 

[HoustonCuse]

I think Dion's success is more likely to continue. He's been physically challenged this year and has responded well.

I'm not sure Fab has seen a physical player that will test him. Pope was really a four. Florida didn't get Patric Young involved enough (but he is a beast). NCState played three forwards most of the game. I wanna see what happens when Fab mixes it up against Drummond, Oriakhi, Yarou and Sims etc. The good news is that there's not a lot of good big men in the BE this year. Kind of a down year because all of the talent is young.

Thank you. I am hoping/praying you answered my real question with your response.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Enjoy that duo now sports fans because this is the last year we'll see them together.

 

[Shenexon]

Enjoy that duo now sports fans because this is the last year we'll see them together.

This is when I could really use a "dislike" button...

 

[CuseManiac]

Because Fab is in better shape he doesn't foul and can block shots instead of picking up cheap fouls and it allows our guards and forwards to go for more steals because Fab is back there to block and alter shots in the paint if they get beat

 

[OttoinGrotto]

This is when I could really use a "dislike" button...

For what? I've been calling it for at least a couple of weeks now.

Those guys are both going to be making NBA dollars next year. They just are. I'd embrace it now and enjoy the ride.

 

[Shenexon]

For what? I've been calling it for at least a couple of weeks now.

Those guys are both going to be making NBA dollars next year. They just are. I'd embrace it now and enjoy the ride.

I know...I just don't want either to leave after this year. We wait so long for anything resembling a dominant team, then it's gone in a flash. I know you're probably right, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

 

[grepal]

The more I watch this team the more I think they might just be the best team in America. Let's hope thye keep working hard, keep their egos in check and continue to play great ball. It will be interesting to look up three or four yeasrs from now and see how many of these players have solid NBA careers. Very excited to see more games, the wait between the games seems to last forever. That is when I know I am being entertained.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I know...I just don't want either to leave after this year. We wait so long for anything resembling a dominant team, then it's gone in a flash. I know you're probably right, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

I don't think it will be gone.

Guards - Triche, MCW, Cooney
Forwards - Fair, Southerland, Christmas, Grant
Centers - Coleman, Keita

That may very well be a Top 10 team.