Newton, where did that come from?

[IthacaMatt]

Southerland never won a high jump championship anywhere. You said Braswell had no springs or athleticism, his high jump championships say otherwise.

James Southerland of the Past would like to have a word with you.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Newton is more Kris Joseph than Southerland. He can be a complete player.

I think Kris Joseph was more of a "straight ahead" guy. He didn't really have much shake to his game, but his would run the floor like a greyhound and literally throw himself at the rim, until he got hurt senior year. He pumped the brakes a bit down the stretch after a nasty fall in one game, and to me, he was never quite the same player afterwards.

Newton has some shake and lateral quickness to his game. His side-to-side at the top of the zone was pretty impressive. Remember when JB tried that with Southerland his senior season? And then he quickly gave up that idea. Woody though has very good lateral quickness. So does Griffin.

If JB can just adjust to the game more, and "man-manage" a bit less, he could situationally substitute these guys into the game as situations dictate. Some opponent getting hot from 3? Bring in a quicker guy for 4 minutes to cheat toward him and take him out of his rhythm. Then bring the shooter or playmaker back in, as the case may be.

There are certain skills that are on the bench that could be helpful. Maybe some of these kids are only part of the package, but we used to sub bigs based on how much we were being bullied underneath on defense. Same thing applies at the top of the zone, or on the wings.

Baye Moussa Keita was not a "star" basketball player, in the traditional sense, but 10-15 minutes of him was always welcome, and changed the dynamics of many, many games.

 

[Orangezoo]

I feel for him, too. The one positive I saw this game was he felt more in the flow against Niagara, even if the shots weren't falling. After a while, he knew he was going to be out there. He did get 3 rebounds, as well as commit a couple fouls. He was mixing up more than last time, when he seemed to quickly jack threes and then sit down. The shots didn't fall, but he was out there playing this time. Small steps. I hope he's not injured, too. I thought he just got his feet messed up a bit on that one shot, and got caught underneath the rim.

I hope that is all that was too. The play I wanted so bad for him was that cut to the rim Kadary dropped a dime and he lost it out of bounds. I was fully expecting him to destroy the rim on that and take off from there. He is such an intriguing player and I am waiting for that moment and hopefully it comes.

 

[NateW]

Southerland never won a high jump championship anywhere. You said Braswell had no springs or athleticism, his high jump championships say otherwise.

Weirder post by you.

Has Lebron ever won a high jump championship anywhere? Lol.

I never said he had “no springs, no athleticism.”

Your butthurtedness about me thinking out loud that Southerland is a bit better athlete than Braswell is entertaining.

Please tell me more.

 

[Orangezoo]

Has Lebron ever won a high jump championship anywhere? Lol.

I never said he had “no springs, no athleticism.”

Your butthurtedness about me thinking out loud that Southerland is a bit better athlete than Braswell is entertaining.

Please tell me more.

He can't just post a different opinion. Next comes playing the victim card. People are weird.

 

[NorSyr66]

I think braswell looked terrible and he didn’t look like he has improved a lick in a year

I agree that Braswell has not looked well so far but I am hoping he is pressing a bit looking what is in front of him and the freshman are playing better ball so far. We are fortunate to have 2 freshmen like Richmond and Woddy so far and even Frank may develop if he gets opportunities. Of course still early and competition has not ramped up yet. Still think Braswell will come around. Last year may have set him back more than we know.

 

[pfister1]

Woody played on the top of the zone last night in a blow out against weak competition when we were down a guard. I don’t expect to see him at the two or on the top of the zone against stiffer competition. That said he looked good and earned some minutes at forward.

 

[NorSyr66]

Thing is- Joseph was way more gunshy his first year. If you take CJ mentality with KJo style I think you get a Woody.

I sure hope so. Rather big shoes to fill after first outing but sure looks like the potential is there!

 

[IthacaMatt]

Woody played on the top of the zone last night in a blow out against weak competition when we were down a guard. I don’t expect to see him at the two or on the top of the zone against stiffer competition. That said he looked good and earned some minutes at forward.

I don't either. But if Joe and Buddy are getting torched from three and just not reacting quickly enough, bring him in for 4 minutes to play defense with Karady and see if that changes the game.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

Woody played on the top of the zone last night in a blow out against weak competition when we were down a guard. I don’t expect to see him at the two or on the top of the zone against stiffer competition. That said he looked good and earned some minutes at forward.

We’re not overly deep at either forward position. I think Woody will get playing time there. I’d expect Griffin to play more 2 guard than Woody. I agree it was an anomaly due to the blowout and Buddy being out.

 

[Cusefan69]

He looked good last night for sure. When he adds a bit of muscle, look out.
I might have been most impressed w his defense at the top of the zone in the 2nd half - great movement and instincts and really long up there - loved watching that Newton/Richmond combo

That length and performance at the top didn't go unnoticed by JB. I think he loved that look. Speed and length. That look when they finally get in game shape adds a whole enhanced element to the zone.

 

[hoopsupstate]

If nothing else it provides a different look if you sub for offense / defense at the end of games.

 

[SUbear]

James Southerland of the Past would like to have a word with you.

How does this apply to athletic championships?

 

[OrangeDW]

How does this apply to athletic championships?

Lolsmh. You’ve really been something else lately.

 

[moqui]

like everyone else, i loved what i saw, but this will be a tough year to earn pt. woody is currently the 4th forward & (if guard is really a thing) the 5th guard on the depth charts. now, if marek ends up playing exclusively center, then he becomes the 3rd forward and the path is more clear. so until bourama & buddy return, he has his chance but the window will close when they return