Practice Report - 10/8/13

[Zelda Zonk]

Nice report with some quality comments and observations. Thank you.

re: Roberson, though...
"I think this kid is going to be a good one."

How good? What are we talking about?

 

[RF2044]

Words can't even describe how great that review was. It seems like yesterday you used to do those great previews. Man, those were awesome. I'm sure part of you misses that. I know we do. Thanks.

Cliftonparksufan, ain't that the truth--I absolutely DO miss those old "OrangeNation" days, when I used to do practice write ups like this every pre-season back when I lived in Syracuse. Those were the days!

Thanks again for your kind words--I'm glad that somebody remembered those previews and enjoyed them!

 

[RF2044]

And thanks to everyone for all of the positive, moving responses to this thread. I'm in Syracuse helping out my dad who had rotator cuff surgery on his shoulder this week, so I haven't been online much since making this post. There are some good questions in this thread that I'll try to answer to the best of my ability...

 

[RF2044]

Great writeup, well-written and informative.

Is Coleman making himself small by taking the ball down and pounding it every time he gets the ball? I know you said he got stuffed a few times; was that the result of what I just asked?

Iommi, I didn't see much evidence of him bringing the ball down like he did last year--although admittedly what I observed was a limited sample size. When he got the ball inside or off of offensive rebounds, he looked like he made a concerted effort to get the ball back up quickly. Most of his layup / putback attempts were too hard, resulting in glass balls. In that regard, surprisingly Rak [who I don't consider to be much of an offensive player] was more effective scoring inside. But I think Coleman has made strides. How will that translate into offensive productivity? Stay tuned--will be an interesting subplot to the season [i.e., will the trio of now very experienced centers give us consistency and steady inside scoring that last year's team lacked?]

One other thing about Coleman: as we were walking out after practice, Coleman was seated near the exit, stretching. He said hello to us unsolicited and was very cordial. My father and I wished him good luck this season and commended him for his hustle throughout practice. He seemed pleased and gave us both fist bumps.

Easy kid to root for--I'm pulling for him to make the proverbial sophomore jump this year.

 

[RF2044]

That was one of the best, if not the best, practice report I have ever read.

Everybody who visits this board today should be "Liking" RF2044's excellent post.

Thanks, General20--this means a lot, coming from you [I'm a HUGE fan of your detailed post-game summaries--must reads for me after games].

 

[RF2044]

RF great report but you forgot to cover what JB and the rest of the coaches were wearing.

True--but unlike the "journos" on the football side, the PS hoops staff writers are awesome.

 

[RF2044]

Great job, RF! Thank you.

Too bad to hear about BJ working exclusively with the forwards. I thought his play in Canada indicated that he might compete for a spot as a "microwave" 3 point shooter at the 2, since like you, I have not seen a lot from Silent G to make me think he is going to be a 3 point shooter to contend with. Silent G reminds me a lot of Howard Triche, for those who are old enough to remember - a very solid floor game, makes the right pass, hits the open shot, a solid defender, good "cog", good teammate. You need those chemistry guys, but damn, we need another 3 point shooter who makes defenses cover him. With BJ playing forward, he's not going to see much time at all this year, I'm afraid.

It will be really interesting to see what Silent G can do. I agree that he looks like a four-year program guy. He isn't quite what I expected when he transferred [for some reason I had him pegged as a pure shooter], but that doesn't mean that he can't be a good "cog" and an important contributor.

People also need to keep in mind that he is largely game inexperienced. Yes, he's a third year player, but he didn't garner much game PT at Duke, so there are bound to be growing pains this season as he gets acclimated.

I actually liked seeing him in there as a "3" for a good portion of the scrimmage. He's got the size to play the back end of the zone, and gives us quite a bit of versatility with his capability of playing multiple positions. It isn't hard to envision him playing with the starting backcourt, alongside CJ and one of the bigs. That would be a great ball handling lineup.

 

[RF2044]

If Josh Wright can play/backup PG anyone can

But therein lies the rub: Josh Wright COULDN'T play backup PG effectively. He was probably one of the worst scholarship players of the modern era. Brutal.

For this team to be successful and maximize its potential, we simply can't afford for Ennis not to be capable of shouldering a heavy load. And he needs to avoid injury. If he goes down, we're in big trouble.

I'll breathe easier next year knowing that we'll have a stud like Joseph to not only back up Ennis, but to also play alongside him in certain situations.

Mike Waters intimated that he wouldn't be surprised to see Ennis not be here all four years. The more I see of this kid, the more I agree with that sentiment.

 

[RF2044]

Mike Waters also commented that BJ is working out with the bigs yet his Dad just recently said that the 2 is in the picture. Someone needs to ask BJ or the coaches.

Don't believe everything that you read.

 

[RF2044]

This type of recap should be turned into a daily series of practice updates or something, maybe have a different trusted syracusefan.com poster attend once and give their own insights and versions of the recap... or just have RF do it every time. Your post has received the most likes I have ever seen, you sir are a gentleman and a scholar. That is all.

Thanks, Jdubbin. As CTO stated in this thread, I live in Minneapolis so it isn't feasible for me to do this with any regularity. And unlike the old days of Manley, practice is closed to the general public, so this was a one time shot.

 

[RF2044]

Ok I have to ask, are you some sort of writer, or english teacher in real life because your writing is unbelievable. So easy to read, etc.

Great recap, and 1 thing I wanted to add with Silent G, and why he will probably see a ton of minutes at the 2, and it's DEFENSE. Defensively we don't have last years back court size with MCW, and Triche and you would assume we will give some up defensively with Ennis just to his height alone. I always thought JB sticking G at the other guard spot will help our zone since I have heard he is an outstanding defensive player especially in the zone.

Thanks so much, anomander--quite a compliment, and one that I appreciate very much. Seriously, thank you very much.

Heading into the summer, I was pretty confident that Gbinije would eventually earn the starting nod at 2. Not a knock on Cooney, who I expected to play a major role as the third guard.

Now, I'm not so sure. Cooney looks very, very solid. I'm still trying to figure out Ginije's capabilities. Ultimately, I'm glad that we have both guys. The backcourt is definitely going to be the big question mark heading into the season; how far this team ascends and how close they come to maximizing their potential will be largely upon the shoulders of the three backcourt players, IMO.

 

[RF2044]

This is not to discredit the writer, but only to credit Bobby, BJ's dad. He has only been correct, in my opinion.

• Correct: BJ looks hungry and aggressive. We need this confidence in a shooter, no matter what the position. But he will be working his way outside in.
  
• Correct: He mentioned that the staff saw him as both. We saw this in Canada, both 2 and 3 and I thought I saw him on the perimeter more often than not, both defense and offense.
• Correct: BJ was going to win a chip in high school against most of the "experts" predictions by beating a tough national caliber team in Chester.
• Correct: Go Aces!

Tee, as I explained in the write up, BJ might be my favorite recruit in this class. The kid just oozes potential, and has a lot of skill.

I just hope that the fanbase tempers their expectations a bit. He's so slight of build right now, that it is hard for me to envision him playing a ton of minutes and being effective. Not that he CAN'T do it, just that he might need another year or so in the S&C program to adapt to the college game.

But all the tools are there. It might not all come together for BJ this season, but the opposition better watch out down the road. Wouldn't remotely surprise me to see this kid emerge as our leading scorer down the line. He's that good. When his physical maturity catches up to his athleticism, he's going to be a stud.

 

[RF2044]

Unbelievable job RF. These two paragraphs were my favorite. Having met Baye, I can tell you that you won't meet a better man to represent your university.

With regards to Patterson, I loved what I saw during the Canada games. Is he raw? Of course, but this kid has the ability and I am ecstatic you came away from practice saying he seems very coachable. In a few years, I can't wait to see this kid.

DSYR, I completely agree about Baye. And it looks like he's ready to pick right up where he left off last NCAA tournament. As soon as he got into practice, he started disrupting things. Kid just has a good feel for the game.

He's never going to be a big scorer, but he'll be an important cog.

 

[RF2044]

Nice report with some quality comments and observations. Thank you.

re: Roberson, though...
"I think this kid is going to be a good one."

How good? What are we talking about?

I forgot to include one thing about Roberson in my write up: during the early part of the scrimmage, he snared an offensive rebound about 8 feet from the basket, reverse pivoted and went up strong with a left handed jump hook that was nothing but net. Swish.

Everything about this kid impresses me. Limited subset, but from what I saw he's the most natural rebounder on the team. He reminds me of Wes Johnson in that regard--he just has some extra springs that allow him to go up OVER people to snare rebounds, and he's got the nasty intensity to excel on the glass.

What I wasn't expecting was the outside shooting that he displayed. Kid will definitely be a significant contributor this year, and projects as a future star based upon what I saw. It is hard to envision a better forward tandem than CJ, Grant, and Roberson. Unbelievable versatility and offensive pop from that trio.

Roberson will start and be a major factor as a sophomore--no doubt in my mind.

 

[OrangeFair44]

It is hard to envision a better forward tandem than CJ, Grant, and Roberson.

How about junior Grant, soph Roberson, and Stud Mccullough?

Ehhh too soon. CJ is going to kill it this year and then we reload next year. Good to be cuse!


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[RF2044]

How about junior Grant, soph Roberson, and Stud Mccullough?

Ehhh too soon. CJ is going to kill it this year and then we reload next year. Good to be cuse!


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I mean, that's an interesting point--a discussion my father and I had at practice, too. We only have two seniors on this team--CJ and Baye. Both key guys, to be sure. But if--and this is no guarantee, but if--Grant returns we could be looking at a situation where we return:

Grant, Roberson, with McCullough coming in at forward. BJ as well.

Rak, Coleman at center, along with Okinoboh.

In the backcourt, we'd return all four players [including Patterson], all of whom would be a year more seasoned / experienced, and add a much-needed legitimate backup point guard into the mix in Kaleb Joseph.

That's not rebuilding, that is reloading.

And even if we lose a player or two [Rak? Grant?] from the list above, we'd STILL be loaded if an incoming frosh like McCullough legitimately lives up to the hype of being a top 5 caliber recruit, if Roberson is as good as I envsion, etc.

 

[SoBristol]

Heading into the summer, I was pretty confident that Gbinije would eventually earn the starting nod at 2. ...

Now, I'm not so sure. Cooney looks very, very solid. I'm still trying to figure out Ginije's capabilities. ...The backcourt is definitely going to be the big question mark heading into the season...

Based on the exhibitions, it seems sure to me that Cooney will be the starter at SG. His overall floor game is OK -- the question about the backcourt (since Ennis will be fine at PG) is whether Cooney will get comfortable and improve his shot selection. We don't need a lot from the SG with the scoring that we should get from other positions.

Gbinije has already had two years of practice in good programs, against very good competition. So, I am guessing he might be what he showed --

 

[SU_Fan_in_VA]

Based on the exhibitions, it seems sure to me that Cooney will be the starter at SG. His overall floor game is OK -- the question about the backcourt (since Ennis will be fine at PG) is whether Cooney will get comfortable and improve his shot selection. We don't need a lot from the SG with the scoring that we should get from other positions.

Gbinije has already had two years of practice in good programs, against very good competition. So, I am guessing he might be what he showed --

For one, I am not too concerned about the 2G position like the majority here. I know TC is going give us some scoring shooting the ball and MG will score in a variety of ways. For my money, I would take TC in a shooting contest; MG in a 1-on-1 game. Unfortunately, many here have formed opinions about Gbinije based on a very limited sample of games. Having followed this kid since he was a sophomore in highschool, I can tell you with full confidence that you havn't seen the best MG has to offer and I guarantee that you will over the course of the season maybe even as soon as 10/18.

Gbinije's freshmen year stats at Duke: 5.8 min per game, 55% FG; 70% 2PFG; 40% 3PFG; 100% FT; albeit a very small sample.

 

[HOFCeluck]

Based on the exhibitions, it seems sure to me that Cooney will be the starter at SG. His overall floor game is OK -- the question about the backcourt (since Ennis will be fine at PG) is whether Cooney will get comfortable and improve his shot selection. We don't need a lot from the SG with the scoring that we should get from other positions.

Gbinije has already had two years of practice in good programs, against very good competition. So, I am guessing he might be what he showed --

Well Ennis is more a true point than a scorer, and we don't have any consistent scoring from our post players from more than two feet from the basket. Fair and Grant will be awesome.

Not to mention we really need outside shooting.

 

[edowd26]

Was that fist bump from Coleman the reason your dad needed surgery on his arm?

Iommi, I didn't see much evidence of him bringing the ball down like he did last year--although admittedly what I observed was a limited sample size. When he got the ball inside or off of offensive rebounds, he looked like he made a concerted effort to get the ball back up quickly. Most of his layup / putback attempts were too hard, resulting in glass balls. In that regard, surprisingly Rak [who I don't consider to be much of an offensive player] was more effective scoring inside. But I think Coleman has made strides. How will that translate into offensive productivity? Stay tuned--will be an interesting subplot to the season [i.e., will the trio of now very experienced centers give us consistency and steady inside scoring that last year's team lacked?]

One other thing about Coleman: as we were walking out after practice, Coleman was seated near the exit, stretching. He said hello to us unsolicited and was very cordial. My father and I wished him good luck this season and commended him for his hustle throughout practice. He seemed pleased and gave us both fist bumps.

Easy kid to root for--I'm pulling for him to make the proverbial sophomore jump this year.

 

[SoBristol]

Well Ennis is more a true point than a scorer, and we don't have any consistent scoring from our post players from more than two feet from the basket. Fair and Grant will be awesome.

Not to mention we really need outside shooting.

All true. But the question is where do we get it from the guys we have.
Grant and Fair will provide some of that shooting, Grant will provide more inside scoring than we had last season, and Coleman will be a scorer if his defense improves enough so he can stay on the floor.
At SG, we have to expect to see a lot of Cooney (best of the available lot) and hope he can settle in. And my key to that is having him not take so many hurried shots when he is moving laterally. Settle down, be a passer to set up the forwards, and take that jump shot squared up.

 

[realorange]

I believe you'll see at least 12 ppg from Ennis.

 

[anomander]

Thanks so much, anomander--quite a compliment, and one that I appreciate very much. Seriously, thank you very much.

Heading into the summer, I was pretty confident that Gbinije would eventually earn the starting nod at 2. Not a knock on Cooney, who I expected to play a major role as the third guard.

Now, I'm not so sure. Cooney looks very, very solid. I'm still trying to figure out Ginije's capabilities. Ultimately, I'm glad that we have both guys. The backcourt is definitely going to be the big question mark heading into the season; how far this team ascends and how close they come to maximizing their potential will be largely upon the shoulders of the three backcourt players, IMO.

Hopefully Cooney will be able to transfer his practice habits over to live game action. Hopefully that he is now much more experienced it will help, because I know last season he was also a very good practice player, but he just couldn't duplicate it in live acripn


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[tee1222]

Tee, as I explained in the write up, BJ might be my favorite recruit in this class. The kid just oozes potential, and has a lot of skill.

I just hope that the fanbase tempers their expectations a bit. He's so slight of build right now, that it is hard for me to envision him playing a ton of minutes and being effective. Not that he CAN'T do it, just that he might need another year or so in the S&C program to adapt to the college game.

But all the tools are there. It might not all come together for BJ this season, but the opposition better watch out down the road. Wouldn't remotely surprise me to see this kid emerge as our leading scorer down the line. He's that good. When his physical maturity catches up to his athleticism, he's going to be a stud.

I didn't mean you as the writer, but either way, well done.

 

[AlaskaSU]

Don't believe everything that you read.

After you wrote your report, Donna did her report on BJ and said that he works out with both the fowards and the guards, thus verifying what his Dad said and where he played on the Canada tour. "He is listed as a forward, but SU coaches have used him at the shooting guard spot in practices."
http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2013/10/syracuse_basketball_evaluation_6.html