Random Comments on Players

[Oakland]

MCW - unlike last season, I didn't hear many complaints about his handle, which I thought was pretty good this season. He started last season shooting poorly from outside but ended up being the % team leader, albeit on only 18 attempts. Thought he might be a very good 3pt shooter this season on a medium number of attempts, but was disappointed that he shot so poorly from deep. The end of the season run coincided with him no longer jumping in the air and throwing a pass to start the opponent's fast break - good to see. I think this was a big learning year for him and he would have been great next season if he returned, but will be interested to see how he does in the NBA.

BT - an above average BEC starting guard. That is a compliment. Played on both ends of the ball. Disappointed in him because I thought coming out of HS that he would be a star. Shooting less than 30% on 3s this past season was unexpected and painful. Great career despite more than a handful of bad games. Glad he played for us.

JS - marginally improved in several areas every season. Had a very good Sr. season, statistically, but his game to game variation was high which cost us in the end. Never lived up the high expectations of many but turned into a good player.

Rak - I've seen him hit a 12' jumper from the lane, make hooks and baby hooks, twice he has hit 6' turn around bank shots and looked like he had been making them all this life. However, those were the only two turn around bank shots I ever saw him take and he hasn't tried a hook shot in a month. He has lots of offensive moves but he looks so lost with the ball in his hands most times. I hope he comes back, but don't know what to expect from him if he does.

Keita - limited player but does good things. Was not unhappy when he was on the floor. Might be our leader in rebs per minute played. Might be our starting center next season - if not, he is a reliable backup. Glad he is back for another season.

Grant - looks like a player and did great when JS was out, but didn't seem as dynamic later in the season after he went back to the bench. He shot 40% from outside on 15 attempts. Don't understand why JB didn't have him try a few more from out there. Like most, I have high hopes for him, but don't see him going pro after next season.

DC2 and TC - yikes! Our 5 star center and TC, who was supposed to be a 5 star shooter, shot more airballs than I want to think about. Have some hope that DC can be a player down the road but he has started so slow (figuratively and literally) that I wonder. Very surprised that some think TC is a lock to start next season. If so, he needs to be much better or we will lose a bunch more games next season. I hope he gets better and MG or one of the frosh still starts ahead of him - that would leave us with a decent starting 2G and TC as a decent backup.

Fair - have loved this guy since his freshman year and he did not disappoint this season. Does so many things right, is a gamer, and added a high percentage 3pt shot (by being selective and going straight up when he shoots - TC misses because he is drifting to the side or front or back). Expect Fair to be excellent next season but I hope JB does not count on him being a star - he doesn't seem like the type of player who can create opportunities, he seems like the type of player who can exploit opportunities that are there. Glad he has one more season with us.

 

[IthacaMatt]

MCW - unlike last season, I didn't hear many complaints about his handle, which I thought was pretty good this season. He started last season shooting poorly from outside but ended up being the % team leader, albeit on only 18 attempts. Thought he might be a very good 3pt shooter this season on a medium number of attempts, but was disappointed that he shot so poorly from deep. The end of the season run coincided with him no longer jumping in the air and throwing a pass to start the opponent's fast break - good to see. I think this was a big learning year for him and he would have been great next season if he returned, but will be interested to see how he does in the NBA.

BT - an above average BEC starting guard. That is a compliment. Played on both ends of the ball. Disappointed in him because I thought coming out of HS that he would be a star. Shooting less than 30% on 3s this past season was unexpected and painful. Great career despite more than a handful of bad games. Glad he played for us.

JS - marginally improved in several areas every season. Had a very good Sr. season, statistically, but his game to game variation was high which cost us in the end. Never lived up the high expectations of many but turned into a good player.

Rak - I've seen him hit a 12' jumper from the lane, make hooks and baby hooks, twice he has hit 6' turn around bank shots and looked like he had been making them all this life. However, those were the only two turn around bank shots I ever saw him take and he hasn't tried a hook shot in a month. He has lots of offensive moves but he looks so lost with the ball in his hands most times. I hope he comes back, but don't know what to expect from him if he does.

Keita - limited player but does good things. Was not unhappy when he was on the floor. Might be our leader in rebs per minute played. Might be our starting center next season - if not, he is a reliable backup. Glad he is back for another season.

Grant - looks like a player and did great when JS was out, but didn't seem as dynamic later in the season after he went back to the bench. He shot 40% from outside on 15 attempts. Don't understand why JB didn't have him try a few more from out there. Like most, I have high hopes for him, but don't see him going pro after next season.

DC2 and TC - yikes! Our 5 star center and TC, who was supposed to be a 5 star shooter, shot more airballs than I want to think about. Have some hope that DC can be a player down the road but he has started so slow (figuratively and literally) that I wonder. Very surprised that some think TC is a lock to start next season. If so, he needs to be much better or we will lose a bunch more games next season. I hope he gets better and MG or one of the frosh still starts ahead of him - that would leave us with a decent starting 2G and TC as a decent backup.

Fair - have loved this guy since his freshman year and he did not disappoint this season. Does so many things right, is a gamer, and added a high percentage 3pt shot (by being selective and going straight up when he shoots - TC misses because he is drifting to the side or front or back). Expect Fair to be excellent next season but I hope JB does not count on him being a star - he doesn't seem like the type of player who can create opportunities, he seems like the type of player who can exploit opportunities that are there. Glad he has one more season with us.

Nice write up. The thing we missed on this year's team was having the guy who you could rely on to make a high percentage shot when you needed it or get to the line. If your center can't score, you need a guy who can drive and always get to the rim. Neither MCW or Triche was that guy. Sometimes they could do it, but offensively, this was the worst backcourt we've had in years and years. I still don't see a stud scorer coming in until McCullough shows up in 2014. That guy is a beast, and by then, the guys we have will be much improved. Two years from now, we ought to be a Final Four team again.

 

[SoBristol]

Classic expression about BT -- "played on both ends of the ball".

Nice random thoughts, except the comment about CJ, who has a great chance to be all-ACC. He has improved every year, and will be our leader as a senior.

 

[SoBristol]

... If your center can't score, you need a guy who can drive and always get to the rim. Neither MCW or Triche was that guy. Sometimes they could do it, but offensively, this was the worst backcourt we've had in years and years. ...

Really? MCW and Triche were among the better components of a Final Four team, even without getting scoring from the center position. They had their limits (not super against a press in the BET; not great as 3-point shooters), but this was a solid backcourt defensively and MCW was an assist leader with only Sherman Douglas as a peer.

What this team lacked was inside scoring.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Really? MCW and Triche were among the better components of a Final Four team, even without getting scoring from the center position. They had their limits (not super against a press in the BET; not great as 3-point shooters), but this was a solid backcourt defensively and MCW was an assist leader with only Sherman Douglas as a peer.

What this team lacked was inside scoring.

You know, historically we have won without much offensive contribution from the center spot. There are a few exceptions - Arinze, Etan Thomas, Rony Seikaly. But usually our offense comes from the forwards and the point guard, in particular.

Our guard play on this team was very good on the defensive end. Don't get me wrong. When I say this was the worst backcourt we've had in a long time, what I'm talking about is on the offensive end. We just didn't have a guy out there who could consistently take and make the big shot. That applies to our forwards, too. What we had offensively on this team was a bunch of role players but no real star.

As I look at the incoming recruits, I see more of the same. They are some very good players - lots of 4 star guys from winning programs. That's great, and that's what keeps us at a high level. But so far, I just don't see that killer offensive player, either in the returning players, or among the incoming recruits. I think our next stud, from a scoring perspective, is going to be McCullough in 2014. That dude is very very good.

 

[OrangeFoo]

Nice post...

I actually think MCW's handle was among the worst I've seen for a pg as high level as he is. He dribbles way too high and when he gets into the pros next year that is going to be his biggest weakness. That behind the back dribble he likes to do to relieve pressure (which Russ Smith picked him cleanly on) is going to get him into a lot of trouble in the pros because it ends up about 3 feet beyond his off hand and it is basically a race to the ball with the defender. NBA D's will catch this on tape and make his life miserable. I think the only reason that MCW had fewer clean picks against him towards the end of the year is that JB started giving Triche the ball towards the end of games because he has a much better handle. BTW while we are on the subject of ball handling... if MCW doesn't lose his favorite jump pass into traffic he's going to be headed to Europe pretty damn quickly.

The other problem with MCW is he can't get by anyone without the help of a screen which was one of the main contributing factors to our offense going into a tailspin in February. Teams figured out that neither MCW nor Triche could drive past the first defender so they would effectively play a 2/3 zone but the top two were effectively playing a matchup zone and would pressure our guards which completely took us out of our offense. The offense only started picking up when JB started setting the staggered screens for the guards to get openings to drive and Southerland came back which gave the other team at least one outside threat to look after. We were running a dribble drive offense with players who couldn't dribble drive... it took a while but our HoF head coach recognized this and started putting in some screens and pick plays.

I know this post is sounding overly harsh on a player who had a major part in leading us to his final four but the more I think about it I think the ability of MCW and Triche to play suffocating D and crash our defensive boards were the number one factor to our run. They were better than any other pair of guards I've seen at Syracuse. When we look back on this year I think we will look at their play in the zone as all time greats at Syracuse on D. We also got very lucky in the NCAAs that until Marquette we didn't face a team who could exploit the offensive weakness of our guards. Against Marquette our D basically defeated Marquette by itself. Unfortunately Michigan was able to expose all of MCW's weakness and also score enough points to beat us.

When I look at MCW I think the best comp for him in the league right now is Jeremy Lin... both are tallish and athletic, both have very loose handles and neither can take an NBA level defender off the dribble without help, both are iffy shooters, both have great vision and have the ability to take over a game. I think Lin is by far the better shooter while MCW is by far the better defender and rebounder.

One last point... Jerami Grant is going to be a beast next year, he single handedly got us back into the game against Michigan by dominating on the inside against a dude who had been killing us all game long. I really wonder how the game would have been turned out if Jerami had played a lot more in the first half... I don't think their big not-so-stiff inside would have killed us on the boards. Also I think Jerami will average double figures next year and have seven boards a game.

 

[Fly Rodder]

CJ has gotten better and I love him as a player, but his improved stats are somewhat related to him getting more and more minutes. He's not going to be getting more minutes next year because there aren't any more.

I hope he gets a 3 off quicker and improves his dribble drive. If he does those two things, he could be unguardable by a single defender.

 

[SoBristol]

CJ has gotten better and I love him as a player, but his improved stats are somewhat related to him getting more and more minutes. He's not going to be getting more minutes next year because there aren't any more.

I hope he gets a 3 off quicker and improves his dribble drive. If he does those two things, he could be unguardable by a single defender.

Sure --somewhat related to more minutes/game and a bigger role on the team than in 2011-12 (without Joseph). But also related to CJ improving as a shooter, more 3 point shots taken and high percentage made. There is room for more improvement, and I expect it will help CJ to be paired with Grant (inside game) rather than Southerland (always on the perimeter, looking to launch from distance).

 

[Melancer46]

Nice post...

I actually think MCW's handle was among the worst I've seen for a pg as high level as he is. He dribbles way too high and when he gets into the pros next year that is going to be his biggest weakness. That behind the back dribble he likes to do to relieve pressure (which Russ Smith picked him cleanly on) is going to get him into a lot of trouble in the pros because it ends up about 3 feet beyond his off hand and it is basically a race to the ball with the defender. NBA D's will catch this on tape and make his life miserable. I think the only reason that MCW had fewer clean picks against him towards the end of the year is that JB started giving Triche the ball towards the end of games because he has a much better handle. BTW while we are on the subject of ball handling... if MCW doesn't lose his favorite jump pass into traffic he's going to be headed to Europe pretty damn quickly.

The other problem with MCW is he can't get by anyone without the help of a screen which was one of the main contributing factors to our offense going into a tailspin in February. Teams figured out that neither MCW nor Triche could drive past the first defender so they would effectively play a 2/3 zone but the top two were effectively playing a matchup zone and would pressure our guards which completely took us out of our offense. The offense only started picking up when JB started setting the staggered screens for the guards to get openings to drive and Southerland came back which gave the other team at least one outside threat to look after. We were running a dribble drive offense with players who couldn't dribble drive... it took a while but our HoF head coach recognized this and started putting in some screens and pick plays.

I know this post is sounding overly harsh on a player who had a major part in leading us to his final four but the more I think about it I think the ability of MCW and Triche to play suffocating D and crash our defensive boards were the number one factor to our run. They were better than any other pair of guards I've seen at Syracuse. When we look back on this year I think we will look at their play in the zone as all time greats at Syracuse on D. We also got very lucky in the NCAAs that until Marquette we didn't face a team who could exploit the offensive weakness of our guards. Against Marquette our D basically defeated Marquette by itself. Unfortunately Michigan was able to expose all of MCW's weakness and also score enough points to beat us.

When I look at MCW I think the best comp for him in the league right now is Jeremy Lin... both are tallish and athletic, both have very loose handles and neither can take an NBA level defender off the dribble without help, both are iffy shooters, both have great vision and have the ability to take over a game. I think Lin is by far the better shooter while MCW is by far the better defender and rebounder.

One last point... Jerami Grant is going to be a beast next year, he single handedly got us back into the game against Michigan by dominating on the inside against a dude who had been killing us all game long. I really wonder how the game would have been turned out if Jerami had played a lot more in the first half... I don't think their big not-so-stiff inside would have killed us on the boards. Also I think Jerami will average double figures next year and have seven boards a game.

Definitely agree about a lot of this, but MCW actually was very good at beating his man off the dribble over the last 10-15 games. His first step is so long he could basically get by his man at will, but teams sagged off our other guys that aren't Southerland so he had nowhere to go. This is one of the things that could end up making him a better NBA player than Burke, who REALLY struggles to get by his man without a screen.

 

[SoBeCuse]

We did lack inside scoring. No question. We needed more outside shooting as well. However MCW/Triche didn't get to the basket all the time. I think part of problem was also extra help cutting off driving lanes. Teams would stay on JS but leave other guys open to expect bricks which is what often happened, not counting CJ. Like many have said, it was QUITE an accomplishment to get as far as we did. The defense carried us, obviously, and then we caught fire from 3 starting in the BET. Not a real indication of how we shot during the season. Maybe the offense gets a little better next year and the defense takes a step back? I'll take it. The offense cost us the games we lost this year.

 

[OrangeFoo]

Definitely agree about a lot of this, but MCW actually was very good at beating his man off the dribble over the last 10-15 games. His first step is so long he could basically get by his man at will, but teams sagged off our other guys that aren't Southerland so he had nowhere to go. This is one of the things that could end up making him a better NBA player than Burke, who REALLY struggles to get by his man without a screen.

Hmm... I agree that MCW started penetrating a lot better the last 10-15 games but I thought that had more to do with the fact that we started setting screens for him and for the first time in forever running pick and rolls. Without the screens he was basically dribbling the shot clock away. You could be right.. maybe he was so worried about the second line of defenders he didn't want to get by the first.

 

[RF2044]

We did lack inside scoring. No question. We needed more outside shooting as well. However MCW/Triche didn't get to the basket all the time. I think part of problem was also extra help cutting off driving lanes. Teams would stay on JS but leave other guys open to expect bricks which is what often happened, not counting CJ. Like many have said, it was QUITE an accomplishment to get as far as we did. The defense carried us, obviously, and then we caught fire from 3 starting in the BET. Not a real indication of how we shot during the season. Maybe the offense gets a little better next year and the defense takes a step back. I'll take it. The offense cost us the games we lost this year.

CJ and Grant [and Roberson] give us some athleticism on the wings, to close out defensively. A lot hinges upon Coleman; how well will he adapt to the defensive responsibilities of a center in our zone as a second year player, and how well will he defensive rebound? We lose some size up top at the 1, but gain some at the 2. Keita is a known commodity, but what happens with Rak? Defense should eventually be solid.

On offense, the two biggest questions I have are: [1] will our post up game improve, and [2] how will the shooting collectively be? I expect Coleman and Grant to give us much better inside scoring next year. But on the second point, what do Ennis / Gbinije bring to the table as shooters? Does Cooney show improved marksmanship? What [if anything] will BJ and Buss contribute as complimentary shooters?

I actually expect that next year's team will be pretty good, maybe even better than that, if a few things fall into place and the team gels. Final four good? Stay tuned!

 

[SoBristol]

...

Our guard play on this team was very good on the defensive end. Don't get me wrong. When I say this was the worst backcourt we've had in a long time, what I'm talking about is on the offensive end. We just didn't have a guy out there who could consistently take and make the big shot. That applies to our forwards, too. What we had offensively on this team was a bunch of role players but no real star.

As I look at the incoming recruits, I see more of the same. ...

OK -- so we didn't have guard who could drive & score (consistently -- as say, Dion could) or a great shooter in the guard spot. Unless, it was against Indiana -- when MCW did it all and proved he deserved to be MVP of the regionals in DC.

I am not in total disagreement. We have had guards who had more firepower (Rautins, Flynn, Defendorf, GMac, Dion). And, sure, this 2012-13 team won with balanced scoring and defense, without that "real star" (other than an assist-star in MCW).
If we have "more of the same", and 30 wins, I will take it. For sure, we will get improvement in the center position (by committee). The forward pairing of Grant & CJ might be as good as any we have had since 2003. Now, if Gbinije proves to be what I expect, we have 4 scoring threats (with Ennis) and a chance to be very good.

 

[SoBeCuse]

CJ and Grant [and Roberson] give us some athleticism on the wings, to close out defensively. A lot hinges upon Coleman; how well will he adapt to the defensive responsibilities of a center in our zone as a second year player, and how well will he defensive rebound? We lose some size up top at the 1, but gain some at the 2. Keita is a known commodity, but what happens with Rak? Defense should eventually be solid.

On offense, the two biggest questions I have are: [1] will our post up game improve, and [2] how will the shooting collectively be? I expect Coleman and Grant to give us much better inside scoring next year. But on the second point, what do Ennis / Gbinije bring to the table as shooters? Does Cooney show improved marksmanship? What [if anything] will BJ and Buss contribute as complimentary shooters?

I actually expect that next year's team will be pretty good, maybe even better than that, if a few things fall into place and the team gels. Final four good? Stay tuned!

I am also optimistic about next season. Perhaps more than most. I just can't imagine Coleman/Cooney not improving. Historically, guys make big leaps at SU going into their second years...Rautins/AO/Fab. I think we will take if Ennis/Gbinjie end up being 35-38% guys from 3. With CJ probably getting better, Cooney, and maybe Grant from deep; we have MORE options from long range. A good thing. Coleman improving on D is vital. I don't think Rak staying/leaving makes a big impact.

 

[Sgt Cuse]

You know, historically we have won without much offensive contribution from the center spot. There are a few exceptions - Arinze, Etan Thomas, Rony Seikaly. But usually our offense comes from the forwards and the point guard, in particular.

Our guard play on this team was very good on the defensive end. Don't get me wrong. When I say this was the worst backcourt we've had in a long time, what I'm talking about is on the offensive end. We just didn't have a guy out there who could consistently take and make the big shot. That applies to our forwards, too. What we had offensively on this team was a bunch of role players but no real star.

As I look at the incoming recruits, I see more of the same. They are some very good players - lots of 4 star guys from winning programs. That's great, and that's what keeps us at a high level. But so far, I just don't see that killer offensive player, either in the returning players, or among the incoming recruits. I think our next stud, from a scoring perspective, is going to be McCullough in 2014. That dude is very very good.

Viewing the listing of the exceptions at center, it bodes well for the team if DC2 can work his way into that role. Those were special teams for the most part that had the offensive center.

I don't think we are that far away from getting the offensive power back. Just one reloading season. Looks like we need to develop a player or two and mix it in with McCullough. That looks like it should happen. A season to develop/prepare Ennis and DC2 along with Grant/Roberson and the winner of the MG, BJ, Patterson, Cooney. It looks like the offense will be back big time then. Even if we lose Grant and MG to the draft there is still offensive coverage.

 

[jordoo]

I think we have the size and athletic ability tobe very good in the defense again next year. Coleman learning to play defense like AO did is the key. He's not a shot blocker so he needs to be a communicator, lane clogger and occupy guys in the rebounding action. I also feel with Roberson, DC2, CJ, Grant and Baye getting most of the front line minutes we could rebound well enough to run more out of our D than we could last year when we used both guards to rebound.

Offensively on paper we could have better shooting and a post pressance if that happens we will be much better.

 

[Madbiker]

Isn't there a professional trainer/nutritionist out there than can put 15 pounds of muscle on BMK for next season? There has to be. Place a call to some NBAers in the know. At 230-235 he would be a defensive game changer.

 

[SoBristol]

Isn't there a professional trainer/nutritionist out there than can put 15 pounds of muscle on BMK for next season? There has to be. Place a call to some NBAers in the know. At 230-235 he would be a defensive game changer.

Good thought, but this isn't going to happen in his 4th year. Maybe he adds a couple of pounds, works on the strength in his hands, and catches the ball just a little better -- enough to inch up his stats.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Isn't there a professional trainer/nutritionist out there than can put 15 pounds of muscle on BMK for next season? There has to be. Place a call to some NBAers in the know. At 230-235 he would be a defensive game changer.

Apparently he has very healthy eating habits and has resisted loading up on carbs and protein shakes to add bulk.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Definitely agree about a lot of this, but MCW actually was very good at beating his man off the dribble over the last 10-15 games. His first step is so long he could basically get by his man at will, but teams sagged off our other guys that aren't Southerland so he had nowhere to go. This is one of the things that could end up making him a better NBA player than Burke, who REALLY struggles to get by his man without a screen.

Lack of outside shooting hurt our inside scoring. If our gaurds could hit consistanly enough to make their defenders play them from 3 they could've gotten alot more drives and finishes or dishes. As it was, why gaurd a shot that hs 20% chance of going in when you can just defend the potentially higher % shots?

I don't think Keita will ever be an offensive force but if he could spend the whole off season catching and throwing down alley oops I would be all for it. That alone would keep defenders at home in the lane vs stepping out to take phantom charges.

 

[SoBristol]

For a final 4 team, we sure have a lot of soft spots (per the posters): no inside scoring, no dribble-drive, no shooting from the guards, weak play from the centers. Remarkable that we made it into the tournament.

I would say we could have used a spare guard against Louisville (someone to help MCW beat the press); and we could have used one shooter against Michigan (when neither BT nor Southerland could hit from 3 point range). And then I would take my chances with what we had.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think we will take if Ennis/Gbinjie end up being 35-38% guys from 3.

Geez, if they can both just hit on the right side of 30% I'll be thrilled, let alone 35%. Keep in mind, MCW was our best three point shooting guard this year at the admirable MLB batting average of .292.

 

[Ghost]

Definitely agree about a lot of this, but MCW actually was very good at beating his man off the dribble over the last 10-15 games. His first step is so long he could basically get by his man at will, but teams sagged off our other guys that aren't Southerland so he had nowhere to go. This is one of the things that could end up making him a better NBA player than Burke, who REALLY struggles to get by his man without a screen.

Yeah, I was going to say the same. There were a few games toward the end where he just repeatedly took his man off the dribble. He did it quite a bit against Cal in the tourney notably, and thought he could have done it all night (wished he had at the time because he was getting past him w/ such ease).

 

[SoBeCuse]

Geez, if they can both just hit on the right side of 30% I'll be thrilled, let alone 35%. Keep in mind, MCW was our best three point shooting guard this year at the admirable MLB batting average of .292.

I suppose I did aim too high.