Gbinije needs to be more aggressive | Syracusefan.com

Gbinije needs to be more aggressive

Cuse_NYC

Cuse_NYC

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and this is the time to work on doing so. Maybe he turns the ball over some, but we need him to attack. Seems he only shoots 3's. Hop or one of the assts really needs to light a fire under him. He's important this yr.
 
Cuse_NYC said:
and this is the time to work on doing so. Maybe he turns the ball over some, but we need him to attack. Seems he only shoots 3's. Hop or one of the assts really needs to light a fire under him. He's important this yr.
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Well he had a lot of turnovers tonight, so I'm not sure I agree. He needs to play more solidly if anything.
 
Looked to me like he got doubled alot tonight when he hit the lane. Being on the floor with Grant, CJ and Cooney/Ennis(as a outside threat) could help fix that.
 
Sounds like what we heard about Trevor early last year. Games (even glorified scrimmages) are different than practice. I think he'll get there given a little patience. He's a better athlete than Trevor but is being asked to play out of position and it will take a little time for him to get comfortable. We need him ready to contribute by Maui, that's around 4 weeks...
 
When I attended that practice early in October and did my write up, I struggled to describe Gbinije's game. And I didn't want my assessment of him to sound like a put down. When we landed him, I expected [based upon his recruiting reports] him to be a typical 'Cuse midsize, high flying, athletic wing, who could also reputedly shoot it well.

Instead, I'd say that for 'Cuse standards, he's pretty average as an athlete. Please keep in mind that I'm judging this relative to elite athletes; being "average" at Syracuse still means he's pretty damn athletic--just not the sky walking rim-rattler I envisioned.

He also isn't nearly as good of a shooter as I expected, based upon some of the recruiting info. His release is slow and has an unusual hitch. Doesn't mean he can't / won't eventually round into form as a reasonably decent percentage complimentary shooter, but he's never going to be a silky smooth Wes Johnson shooter. But he CAN be a 35% from three type of guy--an acceptable percentage.

I think that Mike Waters nailed it the other day in one of his articles when he suggested that Gbinije might be more comfortable at the 3 than the 1 or the 2. Kid has a lot of versatility--and that's the strength of his game--but he really isn't a backup point. There's no doubt in my mind that JB is going to have to scheme creatively to steal a few minutes of rest for Ennis [especially when we have leads, situationally using time outs to give him longer spans of rest in real time, etc.] because as we saw yesterday having to rely upon Gbinije to run the offense is little more than a stop gap situation.

The good news is that I do believe that Gbinije can play, and that he can carve out a nice career here. I just don't ever see him being a big scorer or a dynamic difference maker--hope that I'm wrong about that, but he seems more like a Josh Pace type: a kid who is glue, but not a star. And there's nothing wrong with that, role players are important when you have lots of talent, which this team does.

Actually, if I had to pick one player to compare him to [Pace isn't a good comparison from a game / talent standpoint], I'd have to go way back a bit to the early '90s. There was a player at UVa named Cornel Parker [I can picture the younger posters scratching their heads, asking "Who?"], who was a 6 foot 7 top 100 player that got compared to Magic coming out of HS because he was ostensibly a PG. In actuality, he wasn't really a 1, a 2, or a 3 -- he was just a guy who could handle and pass a little bit, wasn't particularly big or strong or explosive, but could do a little bit of everything.

That's the type of player Gbinije remind me of, and I think he'll have a similar career here at SU.
 
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Capt. Tuttle said:
When?

Sent from my SCH-I200 using Tapatalk 2
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I probably should have referenced high school and AAU. As one who is very familiar with MG's past I can tell you that I am surprised and dissapointed that his college career have not yet taken off like I expected based on what he achieved in high school and AAU. I am talking about first hand knowlwdge and not reports. I have been following this young man since his sophomore year in high school.

For the record, I am not a Syracuse University grad like most folks on this board. I graduated fron an A10 school, but I live in ACC country and until now the Tar Heels was my favorite team (I HATE DOOK), but my alegiance has now shifted to the Orange because of Gbinije. As far back as 2008, when I was involved with an AAU team for which my son and Gbinije played. I have always thought the kid was special and was going to have a great college career, so I have been following the kid since.

Many here do not know this, but as a sophomore in high school, Michael Gbinije was initially ranked No. 8 overall in the ESPN Super 60 (finished the year ranked No. 12); and was considered one of the top 20 wings in the country. I can begin to tell more about Gbinije's basketball history, but I resist because I don't think it will impress anyone based on how he is performing now. Needless to say I am equally dissapointed, but I remain optimistic.

For a little evidence (with more to come) of how good Gbinije was in his high school days, here is a picture of some of the top wings in the country who were invited to the 2009 Lebron James Nike Skills Academy, including Michael Gbinije (53), CJ Fair (27), Deshoun Thomas (45), Harrison Barnes (55):



Michael - LeBron Skills Academy (2009).jpg
 
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SU_Fan_in_VA said:
I probably should have referenced high school and AAU. As one who is very familiar with MG's past I can tell you that I am surprised and dissapointed that his college career have not yet takeen off like I expected based on what he achieved in high school and AAU. I am talking about first hand knowlwdge and not reports. I have been following this young man since his sophomore year in high school.

For the record, I am not a Syracuse University grad like most folks on this board. I graduated fron an A10 school, but I live in ACC country and until now the Tar Heels was my favorite team (I HATE DOOK), but my alegiance is now with the Orange because of Gbinije. As far back as 2008 I was involved with an AAU team for which my son and Gbinije played. I have always thought the kid was special and was going to have a great college career, so I have been following the kid since then.

Many here do not know this, but as a sophomore in high school, Michael Gbinije was initially ranked No. 8 overall in the ESPN Super 60 (finished the year ranked No. 12); and was considered one of the top 20 wings in the country. I can begin to tell more about Gbinije's basketball history, but I resist because I don't think it will impress anyone based on how he is performing now. Needless to say I am equally dissapointed, but I remain optimistic.

For a little evidence (with more to come) of how good Gbinije was in his high school days, here is a picture of some of the top wings in the country who were invited to the 2009 Lebron James Nike Skills Academy, including Michael Gbinije (53), CJ Fair (27), Deshoun Thomas (45), Harrison Barnes (55):



View attachment 5497
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Thanks for the clarification. Based on what I've seen in the Canadian games and last night, he does not look like a good Division 1 player. It may be that he's thinking too much running the point and not just playing.

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You are right, he is not currently playing like I know he is capable. He seems tetative and unsure about himself right now, perhaps because he is thinking too much about not making mistakes as a point guard, a position he has never played. A player that has been considered a top wing prospect since his sophomore year in high school is now asked to play backup point by default.

Its going take some growing pains, but I am optimistic.
 
After 6 games/practices, I strongly feel Gbinijes best aggressivness is off the ball, and his best passing is from the perimeter instead of the lane right now. Honestly he looks like a deer in the headlights and bad things happen when he is attacking the lane right now with the ball instead of without it.

I strongly feel we should consider starting Gbinije and Cooney right now for team chemisty purposes.

Gbinije could pass more not off the dribble and from the perimeter early on. He could try to pound the offensive boards in that lineup coming in as a pure pg, he will be guarded by one. His best passing is head up in transition while switching directions. He could find Cj,Cooney, Dajuan, and Rak as a perimeter and entry passer similar to 11-12 scoop and at 6'7 passing over the defense should be easy for him early on, instead of forcing himself to turn it over in the lane. Those are all positive attributes to help him get comfortable early on, and play to his strengths.

Then, we could bring Grant and Ennis off the bench together switching our offensive strength to the right side of the court to go along with the left. This would also bring Ennis in more as a sg/pg combo instead of pure pg from the start which is key.

As one of our two best isolation players, hes not only our best driving and midrange pullup guard, but a guy with go to potential to lead the offense using those abilities. This would bring 6th men energy and fire early on at a very very high percentage like Dion and CJ did in 11-12. Actually, I think Grant/Ennis has potential do even better then Dion and CJ. And we all saw how good Dion and CJ was in 11-12, as Dion was Big East 6th man of the year.

I think showcasing Gbinije and Ennis best potential when they first get in the game could be really helpfull to their confidence and stressing to opponents.
 
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orangefan13 said:
After 6 games/practices, I strongly feel Gbinijes best aggressivness is off the ball, and his best passing is from the perimeter instead of the lane right now. Honestly he looks like a deer in the headlights and bad things happen when he is attacking the lane right now with the ball instead of without it.

I strongly feel we should consider starting Gbinije and Cooney right now for team chemisty purposes.

Gbinije could pass more not off the dribble and from the perimeter early on. He could try to pound the offensive boards in that lineup coming in as a pure pg, he will be guarded by one. He can handle the ball in the full court and find teamates with his head up early off the dribble changing directions in transition(something he was good at in canada). He could find Cj,Cooney, Dajuan, and Rak as a perimeter and entry passer similar to 11-12 scoop and at 6'7 passing over the defense should be easy for him early on. Those are all positive attributes to help him get comfortable early on, and play to his strengths.

Then we could bring Grant and Ennis off the bench together switching our offensive strength to the right side of the court to go along with the left. This would also bring Ennis in more as a sg/pg combo instead of pure pg from the start which is key. As one of our two best isolation players and best driving and midrange pullup guard, this would be good for Ennis. It would get him and our 6th men energy on fire early at a very very high percentage like Dion and CJ did in 11-12(actually I think it has the potential do even better, and we all saw how good dion and CJ was as Dion was Big Esst 6th man of the year).

I think showcasing gbinije and ennis best potential when they first get in the game could be really helpfull to their confidence and the team.
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So, you are suggesting we keep our best (only?) PG on the bench to start the game? If Ennis is going to play 30+ MPG, why would we do that? I read your post, just not sure it makes sense.
 
orangefan13 said:
After 6 games/practices, I strongly feel Gbinijes best aggressivness is off the ball, and his best passing is from the perimeter instead of the lane right now. Honestly he looks like a deer in the headlights and bad things happen when he is attacking the lane right now with the ball instead of without it.

I strongly feel we should consider starting Gbinije and Cooney right now for team chemisty purposes.

Gbinije could pass more not off the dribble and from the perimeter early on. He could try to pound the offensive boards in that lineup coming in as a pure pg, he will be guarded by one. His best passing is head up in transition while switching directions. He could find Cj,Cooney, Dajuan, and Rak as a perimeter and entry passer similar to 11-12 scoop and at 6'7 passing over the defense should be easy for him early on, instead of forcing himself to turn it over in the lane. Those are all positive attributes to help him get comfortable early on, and play to his strengths.

Then, we could bring Grant and Ennis off the bench together switching our offensive strength to the right side of the court to go along with the left. This would also bring Ennis in more as a sg/pg combo instead of pure pg from the start which is key.

As one of our two best isolation players, hes not only our best driving and midrange pullup guard, but a guy with go to potential to lead the offense using those abilities. This would bring 6th men energy and fire early on at a very very high percentage like Dion and CJ did in 11-12. Actually, I think Grant/Ennis has potential do even better then Dion and CJ. And we all saw how good Dion and CJ was in 11-12, as Dion was Big East 6th man of the year.

I think showcasing Gbinije and Ennis best potential when they first get in the game could be really helpfull to their confidence and stressing to opponents.
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This post is better than the one where you drew up plays.

Don't start Ennis. Sounds reasonable.


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I am alittle suprised to see the closemindedness. I don't mind people saying they dissagree,but its far, far, from a Bad Idea.

Gbinije and Ennis would both be at their best strengths when they they first get in the game doing so.

Brining Ennis in to play pg/sg combo with the best scorers around him is best for him to get settled in as a pg/sg combo.

And utilizing gbinije off the ball as a entry/perimeter passer attacking the offensive boards off the ball while utilizing him as a transition pg instead of halfcourt one is whats best for him.

Bringing in Ennis and Grant at first whistle would be alot better then just bringing in grant for a 6th man scoring surge. Saying Ennis is our only pg is the reason we come up with to dissagree. We started brandon triche as a freshmen in 11-12, and brought scoop off the bench as a entry pass only pg, and were the best team in the country doing so.

Honestly I thought I would get a few likes and some jealous people wishing they came up with it.
 
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MG has me a bit concerned with his play. He's the first player that I couldn't get a good read of from watching his play during the games in Canada. He looks out of position, not comfortable , and thinking too much when he should be just playing his game. I hope this isnt a lingering issue with him because the mental part of playing can kill your game.
 
orangefan13 said:
I am alittle suprised to see the closemindedness. I don't mind people saying they dissagree,but its far, far, from a Bad Idea.

Gbinije and Ennis would both be at their best strengths when they they first get in the game doing so.

Brining Ennis in to play pg/sg combo with the best scorers around him is best for him to get settled in as a pg/sg combo.

And utilizing gbinije off the ball as a entry/perimeter passer attacking the offensive boards off the ball while utilizing him as a transition pg instead of halfcourt one is whats best for him.
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Dude, its a bad idea.

Gbinije playing point is a weakness for this team. Every game Boeheim is going to hand pick the two or three minutes Gbinije has to play there based on the flow of the game, the opposing teams substitution patters, and where he feels he can hid him the best. He is also going to time Gbinije's play with a tv timeout/break in the action to maximize Ennis's break.

This is the way its going to be, and absolutely the way it should be.

If you start Gibinije you allow the opposing coach to game plan to exploit your biggest weakness.
 
If gbinije doesn't turn the ball and becomes a entry pass pg instead of a driving one it can also mask our inability to run a offense without Ennis if we can still put up the points. We get to work the ball around alittle easier with a midpost big.

I look back to 11-12, we ran a effective offense without a driving point guard going into march. Scoops strength was as a 6th man in transition more that year, then it was as a half court driver/set up the offense type of pg. Rautins got aton of respect as our best passer on the team. I strongly feel Gbinjes best drives are in the open court right now, he looks real lost when he gets into the lane, I wouldn't mind utilizing him as a entry pass pg only.

Gbinije isn't turning the ball over with his handling right now, he is turning it over when he drives the lane. All he has to prove to play some successfull guard, is he can back down smaller pg's in the fullcourt, and swing the ball around in the halfcourt.
 
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orangefan13 said:
I am alittle suprised to see the closemindedness. I don't mind people saying they dissagree,but its far, far, from a Bad Idea.

Gbinije and Ennis would both be at their best strengths when they they first get in the game doing so.

Brining Ennis in to play pg/sg combo with the best scorers around him is best for him to get settled in as a pg/sg combo.

And utilizing gbinije off the ball as a entry/perimeter passer attacking the offensive boards off the ball while utilizing him as a transition pg instead of halfcourt one is whats best for him.

Bringing in Ennis and Grant at first whistle would be alot better then just bringing in grant for a 6th man scoring surge. Saying Ennis is our only pg is the reason we come up with to dissagree. We started brandon triche as a freshmen in 11-12, and brought scoop off the bench as a entry pass only pg, and were the best team in the country doing so.

Honestly I thought I would get a few likes and some jealous people wishing they came up with it.
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The thought never crossed my mind... One that has is playing Patterson as the back up point guard for 4 minutes a game. So far Mike hasn't impressed me in the slightest in any facet of the game. This is a guy who has spent a whole year practicing with the team and looks lost out there a lot of the time. I'm hoping we are just seeing the worst of him so far, and when the lights go on and games count he makes a complete turn around in play.
 
orangefan13 said:
If gbinije doesn't turn the ball and becomes a entry pass pg instead of a driving one it can also mask our inability to run a offense without Ennis if we can still put up the points. We get to work the ball around alittle easier with a midpost big.

I look back to 11-12, we ran a effective offense without a driving point guard going into march. Scoops strength was as a 6th man in transition more that year, then it was as a half court driver/set up the offense type of pg. Rautins got aton of respect as our best passer on the team. I strongly feel Gbinjes best drives are in the open court right now, he looks real lost when he gets into the lane, I wouldn't mind utilizing him as a entry pass pg only.

Gbinije isn't turning the ball over with his handling right now, he is turning it over when he drives the lane. All he has to prove to play some successfull pg, is he can back down smaller pg's in the fullcourt.
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I'm pretty sure he got ripped twice in a row against the press last scrimmage. Looked nervous against a D2 press the other night. He just hasn't looked good as a point guard, but he's definitely playing out of position and not sure if he will ever have confidence in that position.
 
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