Noel and Melo...

[newmexicuse]

Noel sounds like he has one & done talent. If Melo returns next season that would probably be his last year on the Hill.

Truthfully, if you add Dujuan to the mix there really aren't enough minutes to go around for that many elite players at the five. Yes, I know there is talk of DC also playing the four, but that remains to be seen if he can do that in our system.

So the bottom line is that I simply can't see Noel coming to the Cuse unless he has assurances that Fab will be entering the draft.

So my take is that if he announces an early decision that it will not be us. The longer he waits the better our chances since Melo's situation should gradually clarify as the season progresses.

 

[reedny]

Noel sounds like he has one & done talent. If Melo returns next season that would probably be his last year on the Hill.

Truthfully, if you add Dujuan to the mix there really aren't enough minutes to go around for that many elite players at the five. Yes, I know there is talk of DC also playing the four, but that remains to be seen if he can do that in our system.

So the bottom line is that I simply can't see Noel coming to the Cuse unless he has assurances that Fab will be entering the draft.

So my take is that if he announces an early decision that it will not be us. The longer he waits the better our chances since Melo's situation should gradually clarify as the season progresses.

There are lots of assumptions here that may not be true. First of all, any elite program that Noel looks at, including SU and Ky (his two most likely choices) will have good players competing for time. So that shouldn't discourage a talent like Noel. He'll get PT wherever he goes. If he likes SU, and there's a lot to like, he'll find his place in the frontline rotation and then his game will determine his minutes -- simple as that.

Second, you're assuming that Noel has to play center for SU. But it may wind up that DC plays behind Fab and Noel competes with Rak for minutes at the 4 -- maybe even earning a starting role if Rak's development stays on the same curve. That would hardly be a disaster for Noel, who's a talented shot blocker, but at 6'10 he's more likely a PF in the league than a center. And he's 30-40 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter than Fab Melo (and nearly all NBA centers).

Third, how many times have we heard that guys who are high school stars will come in and dominate. Right now, Noel's listed at 210 pounds. By comparison, Drummonds 270. Rak Cristmas was a top-rated center recruit. Now, he's playing the 4. He's listed at 230, and he can jump. Do you seem him dominating inside in the BE? So ... you can't assume that Noel's automatically a 5 at SU.

OVerall, I don't really see the frontline minutes as being a huge logjam. This year's team has adjusted to lower minutes. Next year, if Noel picks SU and Fab returns, then he (Noel), DC and Rak would probably jump ahead of Keita to cut up 60 available minutes -- 40 minutes at the 4 and 20 backing up Fab at center. This is plenty of time for a frontline player to learn, develop and (if he's THAT good) dominate ... wherever he plays (I'm guessing the 4).

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Noel sounds like he has one & done talent. If Melo returns next season that would probably be his last year on the Hill.

Truthfully, if you add Dujuan to the mix there really aren't enough minutes to go around for that many elite players at the five. Yes, I know there is talk of DC also playing the four, but that remains to be seen if he can do that in our system.

So the bottom line is that I simply can't see Noel coming to the Cuse unless he has assurances that Fab will be entering the draft.

So my take is that if he announces an early decision that it will not be us. The longer he waits the better our chances since Melo's situation should gradually clarify as the season progresses.

Fab and JB will tell him this weekend what Fab plans. DC will be a 4 with Baye and Fab/Noel here. If no Noel or Fab, DC backs up Rak and Baye at the 4/5. We would be suddenly small without either Fab or Noel.

 

[jordoo]

Even if there aren't enough minutes that will not effect Noel he will start and get his minutes even if we have everyone back. He will start at the 4 or 5 on any team he goes to no matter who they have back and who they have coming in. If he came to SU and some how Fab came back (which he isn't IMO) then Coleman, Rak and Baye would be fighting for the minutes Fab and Noel don't play at the 4 and 5.

 

[SWC75]

Guys like Noel aren't worried about who's already here.

 

[Rocco]

Even if there aren't enough minutes that will not effect Noel he will start and get his minutes even if we have everyone back. He will start at the 4 or 5 on any team he goes to no matter who they have back and who they have coming in. If he came to SU and some how Fab came back (which he isn't IMO) then Coleman, Rak and Baye would be fighting for the minutes Fab and Noel don't play at the 4 and 5.

If Fab isn't back, I would be surprised. I know the NBA drafts potential, but 1 more year in school would give him alot of game-time minutes, which he won't see in the NBA. If Noel came here, he would start over Rak at the 4 IMO.

 

[newmexicuse]

There are lots of assumptions here that may not be true. First of all, any elite program that Noel looks at, including SU and Ky (his two most likely choices) will have good players competing for time. So that shouldn't discourage a talent like Noel. He'll get PT wherever he goes. If he likes SU, and there's a lot to like, he'll find his place in the frontline rotation and then his game will determine his minutes -- simple as that.

Second, you're assuming that Noel has to play center for SU. But it may wind up that DC plays behind Fab and Noel competes with Rak for minutes at the 4 -- maybe even earning a starting role if Rak's development stays on the same curve. That would hardly be a disaster for Noel, who's a talented shot blocker, but at 6'10 he's more likely a PF in the league than a center. And he's 30-40 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter than Fab Melo (and nearly all NBA centers).

Third, how many times have we heard that guys who are high school stars will come in and dominate. Right now, Noel's listed at 210 pounds. Rak Cristmas can jump too, do you seem him dominating inside in the BE? Rak was also a top-rated center. Now he's at the 4. So ... you can't assume either that Noel's automatically a 5 at SU.

Practically speaking, if Noel picks SU, even if Fab returns (which looks likely at this point to me), there are still plenty of minutes on the frontline. Fab can pick up fouls in a hearbeat, and even without fouls, he's averaging 22 minutes. That leaves 15-18 minutes -- more than enough time for Noel to come in and compete, show his skills and develop an inside game at this level, whether its at C or PF.

Yes DC will be in the mix. His low post offense might be ahead of Noel's, Rak's, and Melo's. But we don't know if DC can cover the wing (and play PF) and maybe Noel has better movement. So either of these factors might place DC behind Fab, with Noel playing PF.

About the only thing you can project about Noel's minutes at this point is that if he's as good as advertised ... he'll play.

Noel's strength is D & shot blocking from what I have read about him. Those strengths will be better utilized as a five than as a four. He is reported to be raw offensively. That will make him a better fit as a five than as a four. Noel sounds like an upgraded Rak. Both Rak & Noel may well have their NBA futures at the four, but at this stage of their development I believe both are much better suited to the five as young collegiate players.

Of course, it would be great to land a player of Noels caliber, but I still can't see us getting him unless their are recruiting assurances that Melo will be gone. IMHO he would not come here to get 15 MPG. He will want a legit shot at 25 - 30 MPG, which I can only see happening if Melo is out of the way.

 

[pfister1]

There are lots of assumptions here that may not be true. First of all, any elite program that Noel looks at, including SU and Ky (his two most likely choices) will have good players competing for time. So that shouldn't discourage a talent like Noel. He'll get PT wherever he goes. If he likes SU, and there's a lot to like, he'll find his place in the frontline rotation and then his game will determine his minutes -- simple as that.

Second, you're assuming that Noel has to play center for SU. But it may wind up that DC plays behind Fab and Noel competes with Rak for minutes at the 4 -- maybe even earning a starting role if Rak's development stays on the same curve. That would hardly be a disaster for Noel, who's a talented shot blocker, but at 6'10 he's more likely a PF in the league than a center. And he's 30-40 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter than Fab Melo (and nearly all NBA centers).

Third, how many times have we heard that guys who are high school stars will come in and dominate. Right now, Noel's listed at 210 pounds. Rak Cristmas can jump too, do you seem him dominating inside in the BE? Rak was also a top-rated center. Now he's at the 4. So ... you can't assume either that Noel's automatically a 5 at SU.

Practically speaking, if Noel picks SU, even if Fab returns (which looks likely at this point to me), there are still plenty of minutes on the frontline. Fab can pick up fouls in a hearbeat, and even without fouls, he's averaging 22 minutes. That leaves 15-18 minutes -- more than enough time for Noel to come in and compete, show his skills and develop an inside game at this level, whether its at C or PF.

Yes DC will be in the mix. His low post offense might be ahead of Noel's, Rak's, and Melo's. But we don't know if DC can cover the wing (and play PF) and maybe Noel has better movement. So either of these factors might place DC behind Fab, with Noel playing PF.

About the only thing you can project about Noel's minutes at this point is that if he's as good as advertised ... he'll play.

The other thing I would add is that DC is as likely as anyone to come in and underperform expectations next year. While he has an bigger BE ready body, is his conditioning going to be a problem? A lot of his time has been spent playing as a man among boys, will this work against him when he has to play against top flight college competition every night? We shall see. Great problems to have by the way, I hope we get to experience overcrowding at the post next year to the tune of Melo, Rak, Baye, DC and Noel.

 

[jordoo]

If Fab isn't back, I would be surprised. I know the NBA drafts potential, but 1 more year in school would give him alot of game-time minutes, which he won't see in the NBA. If Noel came here, he would start over Rak at the 4 IMO.

I feel like this is said over and over again but "It has nothing to do with being ready"

 

[rrlbees]

There is absolutely no way that I can see Melo, DC2 and Noel all on the roster together next season.

 

[reedny]

There is absolutely no way that I can see Melo, DC2 and Noel all on the roster together next season.

That would be crazy, kind of like ... Kentucky!

 

[jr4750]

There is absolutely no way that I can see Melo, DC2 and Noel all on the roster together next season.

agree, it simply won't happen. No chance

 

[reedny]

Why do you guys think a 6'10, 210 pound off-the-ball shot blocker (with undeveloped post-offense) is preoccupied with Fab or DC2?

IMHO, Noel's looking at PF all day -- a position that is wide open next year for a player at his level. Rak's averaging 12 minutes and 3 points a game and is becoming a project inside. CJ Fair is going to be starting at the 3. And JS is a 3 who plays the 4 in a pinch (for offense). So Noel's got Rak to compete with.

DC ... I've posted that he could play the 4, but he'd need to come in shredded (at least 30 pounds lighter and in ripped shape). More realistically, DC2 will report at his listed weight -- 280. Noel's 210, 70 pounds lighter. In all liklihood, Noel's going to be the one running out to guard the wing on the weak side, not DC2. Therefore, Rak is Noel's only real competition, and that's probably got Noel drooling.

Just sayin.

 

[stuckinbig11]

The other thing I would add is that DC is as likely as anyone to come in and underperform expectations next year. While he has an bigger BE ready body, is his conditioning going to be a problem? A lot of his time has been spent playing as a man among boys, will this work against him when he has to play against top flight college competition every night? We shall see. Great problems to have by the way, I hope we get to experience overcrowding at the post next year to the tune of Melo, Rak, Baye, DC and Noel.

One Rick Jackson needs to have a discussion with DC.

 

[pfister1]

There is absolutely no way that I can see Melo, DC2 and Noel all on the roster together next season.

I think you are right...didn't they change the draft declaration deadline so that it is earlier than the last day to sign LOIs for the spring signing period. To say it another way, I think Noel is able to hold off on signing until after Melo will have had to make a decision.

 

[SourShoes]

Yo are all missing the point with FAB. He doesnt feel the acedemics. Whether he wants to come back or not, No do acedemics... no do team

FAB is NBA draft bound one way or the other. If you don't believe me simply ask Chuck.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

Fab and JB will tell him this weekend what Fab plans. DC will be a 4 with Baye and Fab/Noel here. If no Noel or Fab, DC backs up Rak and Baye at the 4/5. We would be suddenly small without either Fab or Noel.

If no Noel or Fab, DC would start at the 5. BMK would continue his role as the backup center. This is regardless of how ready DC2 is. It is the new JB way to draw in the McDs. We have now seen it with Fab, Rak, and soon DC2. I personally believe DC2 will be the most ready of the bunch. So even if not ready DC2 will start and then get pulled like Fab freshman year, and BMK would get more minutes.

Having Fab or Noel, with DC2 and Rak would make for an interesting decision for starters because all three have the McD status.

I can't really grasp the concept of what would happen if Fab, Noel, DC2, and Rak are here.

 

[doitallpaul]

There is absolutely no way that I can see Melo, DC2 and Noel all on the roster together next season.

Can Coleman even play on the wing because Fab isn't moving from the 5? I think if Noel commits, Coleman stays committed and fab returns, then Christmas will transfer unless he really is happy hear. He needs time to develop.

The only thing solving a problem is Fab going pro. but with his growth he would be the best of all them heading into next year.

 

[jordoo]

I have thought since early on this season Fab would go to the NBA next season and for me the academic issues was simply the writtingon the wall to confirm this. Also Noel reclassifies at about the same time which sure seems like a good thing for SU IMO.

 

[reedny]

I have thought since early on this season Fab would go to the NBA next season and for me the academic issues was simply the writtingon the wall to confirm this. Also Noel reclassifies at about the same time which sure seems like a good thing for SU IMO.

I keep telling myself that Fab's not ready, that Waiters is a tweener (SG/PG) and hasn't accomplished anything or led the team, et.c.. Then I look at this:

http://nbadraft.net/2012mock_draft

 

[jordoo]

I keep telling myself that Fab's not ready, that Waiters is a tweener (SG/PG) and hasn't accomplished anything or led the team, et.c.. Then I look at this:

http://nbadraft.net/2012mock_draft

I always say these days ready has nothing to do with it. Very very few guys are ever ready when thy go to the NBA.

 

[Shenexon]

The more posts I read in this thread, the more I think the next couple of years are going to be special, no matter how it works out with Noel. I don't ever remember a time we've been in such a favorable position. I'd say pinch me, but if it's a dream I don't really want to wake up yet.

 

[reedny]

True, and this might be the case with Fab given his size. But with Dion .. who's a 6'4" shooting guard (pretty small for the NBA), who's really not a deadeye marksman from outside, I think he'd be smart to come back and establish himself as a distributor with the potential to run an NBA offense.

This mock has him late first... (which means he could slip to 2nd... not a good reason to come out). http://www.mynbadraft.com/2012-NBA-Mock-Draft

 

[rrlbees]

The more posts I read in this thread, the more I think the next couple of years are going to be special, no matter how it works out with Noel. I don't ever remember a time we've been in such a favorable position. I'd say pinch me, but if it's a dream I don't really want to wake up yet.

Completely agree.

 

[Jasoncuse]

If Noel comes here, he starts and plays a ton of minutes. He'd immediately be ahead of Xmas, Keita and DC, IMO, and without a doubt. It's just a question of whether he'd start alongside Melo at PF or at C replacing Melo.

Is he really 6'10"? Every video I've watched of him, I get the impression that he's a 6'7" or 6'8" kid. Maybe that's including his flat top?

I really hope he comes here. He's PERFECT for the zone, either inside or on the wing, and in the transition game.