Rothstein is in town…

[Windyfly]

I’m sorry, but good lord is there a bunch of assumptions in there presented as fact. Taking a year and a half off NEVER improves a player’s game. Strength and conditioning maybe, but you get better by playing against high level talent. So before we anoint Jimmy as ‘a really good basketball player’ let’s see if that’s true at the acc level as well as the Ivy League.

I’m sorry but not as big of an assumption that a year and a half of training never improves someone’s game...that’s almost a joke.

I agree that playing in real games against high level competition is the final piece to the puzzle at putting it all together, but someone is only as good as the practice they put in behind the scenes. And what do you think, that he hasn’t been playing against high level players since he last clocked a college game minute? That’s kind of ridiculous imo, I’m sure almost every day since he’s been putting in work against good and high level competition, whether that’s in a practice setting or in 2v2, 3v3 or 5v5 runs.

I’m definitely an optimist when it comes to analyzing Jimmy’s potential impact for us this season, but considering that he literally just signed a contract to be represented professionally for his basketball talent, is it really a stretch to call him a really good basketball player...I mean I don’t see how lol. Sorry having optimistic look at Jimmy was triggering to you, but I think he’s going to be really good .

 

[Orangezoo]

Gimme the middle road with Jimmy. He definitely was coming on his Jr year as the feature guy for a not so great Cornell team. That said he has a lot to like and brings legit skills to this level.

Now all that said I think that jimmy makes the ideal sixth man because he does multiple things. Also Benny is a future draft pick unless a lot of people were very wrong. I want my NBA talent starting unless it's a situation like we had back with Dion. That was an anomaly not the norm.

 

[CuseFaninVT]

I’m sorry but not as big of an assumption that a year and a half of training never improves someone’s game...that’s almost a joke.

I agree that playing in real games against high level competition is the final piece to the puzzle at putting it all together, but someone is only as good as the practice they put in behind the scenes. And what do you think, that he hasn’t been playing against high level players since he last clocked a college game minute? That’s kind of ridiculous imo, I’m sure almost every day since he’s been putting in work against good and high level competition, whether that’s in a practice setting or in 2v2, 3v3 or 5v5 runs.

I’m definitely an optimist when it comes to analyzing Jimmy’s potential impact for us this season, but considering that he literally just signed a contract to be represented professionally for his basketball talent, is it really a stretch to call him a really good basketball player...I mean I don’t see how lol. Sorry having optimistic look at Jimmy was triggering to you, but I think he’s going to be really good .

And where was he getting these runs in during Covid?

 

[CuseFaninVT]

I’m sorry but not as big of an assumption that a year and a half of training never improves someone’s game...that’s almost a joke.

I agree that playing in real games against high level competition is the final piece to the puzzle at putting it all together, but someone is only as good as the practice they put in behind the scenes. And what do you think, that he hasn’t been playing against high level players since he last clocked a college game minute? That’s kind of ridiculous imo, I’m sure almost every day since he’s been putting in work against good and high level competition, whether that’s in a practice setting or in 2v2, 3v3 or 5v5 runs.

I’m definitely an optimist when it comes to analyzing Jimmy’s potential impact for us this season, but considering that he literally just signed a contract to be represented professionally for his basketball talent, is it really a stretch to call him a really good basketball player...I mean I don’t see how lol. Sorry having optimistic look at Jimmy was triggering to you, but I think he’s going to be really good .

If his last name was Smith, you think his basketball talents get him the same contract?

 

[Windyfly]

Gimme the middle road with Jimmy. He definitely was coming on his Jr year as the feature guy for a not so great Cornell team. That said he has a lot to like and brings legit skills to this level.

Now all that said I think that jimmy makes the ideal sixth man because he does multiple things. Also Benny is a future draft pick unless a lot of people were very wrong. I want my NBA talent starting unless it's a situation like we had back with Dion. That was an anomaly not the norm.

I’m definitely not trying to imply that Jimmy is going drop jaws this year, he’s more of a glue guy, but I think he’s a great compliment to our our three starters and an essential player to have with this years make up. I would not be disappointed to see him in the starting 5, at least to start the year. I think it’s possible as the year goes on and Benny gets acclimated to the college level, maybe he starts to outplay Jimmy and get the nod, but I think you go with the 5th year Sr over the Fr and I think coach will do so too.

Also being the 6th man would not mean Benny is not capable of being a starter or at least being really good for us. Think about Scottie Barnes last season, basically a top 5 recruit and then a top 5 NBA pick after one year and he mostly came off the bench for FSU. Benny is a top 30-35 guy and should be really good also, but it’s not a slight to him to think he possibly will come off the bench as a 6th man. I think our three forwards are going to be somewhat interchangeable during the season anyways and the talk of who’s going to start and who’s going to be the 6th man will be meaningless...because they all will be very important pieces to our teams success.

 

[orangepassion]

I don't see Jimmy starting, although I believe he is good enough too. I see him as the 6th man, capable of filling a couple different roles. The idea he didn't come here to sit is absurd, I don't believe he is necessarily even looking at pro ball right now. He had the chance to come to a school that would help him aside his Ivy league diploma. He knows he can and will contribute, but also knows his role. I would even be willing to bet he would tell his dad not to start him, that he is more than content to come off the bench and help where he is needed. I fully expect Benny to start, but his minutes may be limited if he struggles.

I've seen enough from our HC to be surprised if Jimmy isn't starting and playing 35+ minutes

 

[CuseFaninVT]

I’m definitely not trying to imply that Jimmy is going drop jaws this year, he’s more of a glue guy, but I think he’s a great compliment to our our three starters and an essential player to have with this years make up. I would not be disappointed to see him in the starting 5, at least to start the year. I think it’s possible as the year goes on and Benny gets acclimated to the college level, maybe he starts to outplay Jimmy and get the nod, but I think you go with the 5th year Sr over the Fr and I think coach will do so too.

Also being the 6th man would not mean Benny is not capable of being a starter or at least being really good for us. Think about Scottie Barnes last season, basically a top 5 recruit and then a top 5 NBA pick after one year and he mostly came off the bench for FSU. Benny is a top 30-35 guy and should be really good also, but it’s not a slight to him to think he possibly will come off the bench as a 6th man. I think our three forwards are going to be somewhat interchangeable during the season anyways and the talk of who’s going to start and who’s going to be the 6th man will be meaningless...because they all will be very important pieces to our teams success.

One of the reasons I’m pushing back on you is I’ve seen some here claim Benny could be a point forward, attacking the basket at will like a guard who chose to take his talents elsewhere. That ability will actually help our shooters get clean shots. Can Jimmy do the same? No idea

 

[Orangezoo]

I’m definitely not trying to imply that Jimmy is going drop jaws this year, he’s more of a glue guy, but I think he’s a great compliment to our our three starters and an essential player to have with this years make up. I would not be disappointed to see him in the starting 5, at least to start the year. I think it’s possible as the year goes on and Benny gets acclimated to the college level, maybe he starts to outplay Jimmy and get the nod, but I think you go with the 5th year Sr over the Fr and I think coach will do so too.

Also being the 6th man would not mean Benny is not capable of being a starter or at least being really good for us. Think about Scottie Barnes last season, basically a top 5 recruit and then a top 5 NBA pick after one year and he mostly came off the bench for FSU. Benny is a top 30-35 guy and should be really good also, but it’s not a slight to him, for him possibly come off the bench as a 6th man. I think our three forwards are going to be somewhat interchangeable during the season anyways and the talk of who’s going to start and who’s going to be the 6th man will be meaningless...because they’ll be very important pieces to our teams success this year.

I feel you and get where you are coming from. I like Jimmy and think he can really help us. I also want any 5 star who wants to play college ball and has us high on his list to see that we value winning and meshing talent and know what it takes to put that talent on the floor.

I say this with the world we live in now because what seemed to be small potatoes in the past around freshmen and how they are used is now front and center given they can simply say this isn't what I had in mind and go find a home at Maryland or Gtown etc.

Benny is what I hope can be a guy you can feature and showcase SU with a sure fire first rounder. Don't want to lose that.

 

[Windyfly]

One of the reasons I’m pushing back on you is I’ve seen some here claim Benny could be a point forward, attacking the basket at will like a guard who chose to take his talents elsewhere. That ability will actually help our shooters get clean shots. Can Jimmy do the same? No idea

I hear you, but those are posters who don’t always know what they’re talking about. I’m mostly going off of the comment that Jim Boeheim just made that Jimmy is one of the best on the team at creating his own shot, while saying Benny could do a little of that. It sounds to me like Jimmy is ready to fill that role, while Benny has potential to fill that role.

 

[Orangezoo]

The one thing with JB in pre season is that he says things about a lot of guys and then via a press conference they can't guard a dead person 6 weeks later. Not saying we have a repeat of that this year just know tones have changed more than a few times over the years.

 

[CuseFaninVT]

I hear you, but those are posters who don’t always know what they’re talking about. I’m mostly going off of the comment that Jim Boeheim just made that Jimmy is one of the best on the team at creating his own shot, while saying Benny could do a little of that. It sounds to me like Jimmy is ready to fill that role, while Benny has potential to fill that role.

Fair, but I also know the truism that “JB says things” at times that aren’t always the whole truth. Like joe was better defensively than the other guy last year. We all knew that was BS. I’m hoping he’s not doing that here, but I also know his other job is dad and that can result in some biased takes.

 

[rrlbees]

I see some people are already in mid season form.

 

[Fly Rodder]

I see some people are already in mid season form.

Pre-season form, too.

I've already got my final four hotel rooms booked.

 

[Niastri]

Boo. Benny Williams needs to start, if only for recruiting.

 

[Orangezoo]

Boo. Benny Williams needs to start, if only for recruiting.

Yeah. Plus I want to have the guy who can blow the lid off the revived dome with a dunk able to do it early.

Plus all other reasons mentioned previously

 

[Niastri]

This statement and "Cole Swider didn't come here to sit the bench" blow my mind.

I just... I don't feel very good now.

It's one thing to hear it regarding Cole... He's a former top30 recruit. JBJ's own dad didn't think he was good enough out of high school or he would have come here right away. After five plus years of hard work JBJ is ready to be a rotation player, but he's not pushing anybody to the bench unless someone is way worse than expected.

 

[djcon57]

I’m sorry, but good lord is there a bunch of assumptions in there presented as fact. Taking a year and a half off NEVER improves a player’s game. Strength and conditioning maybe, but you get better by playing against high level talent. So before we anoint Jimmy as ‘a really good basketball player’ let’s see if that’s true at the acc level as well as the Ivy League.

Also...Jimmy scored 17 pts a game on 29 percent shooting from 3 on a team that went 7-20...in the ivy league.

im certainly not suggesting he couldn’t be a player for us of value. I AM suggesting if he starts over Benny then either Benny has been overrated by recruiting services or something else is at hand.

 

[oTTo113445]

Don't throw out the idea of Jessie playing 6th man off the bench, just yet, imo. He is the qualified starter, but imagine Jessie and Benny/Jimmy coming off the bench could be an amazing tempo/toughness/dribbling/defensive line change. Don't get me wrong, Jessie earned the starter spot, but sometimes it's better to go from very good to very very good. Jessie is exceptionally good when he is hungry.

 

[Orangezoo]

Jessie is exceptionally good when he is hungry.

 

[djcon57]

Don't throw out the idea of Jessie playing 6th man off the bench, just yet, imo. He is the qualified starter, but imagine Jessie and Benny/Jimmy coming off the bench could be an amazing tempo/toughness/dribbling/defensive line change. Don't get me wrong, Jessie earned the starter spot, but sometimes it's better to go from very good to very very good. Jessie is exceptionally good when he is hungry.

as long as the center in our zone is an actual center, I really don’t care who it is. Jessie/Frankie/Sid will have good games and bad games unless someone breaks out of the pack and takes the spot for theirs

 

[Orangezoo]

as long as the center in our zone is an actual center, I really don’t care who it is. Jessie/Frankie/Sid will have good games and bad games unless someone breaks out of the pack and takes the spot for theirs

This. Maybe for offensive purposes only in special situations you go small but that is it.

 

[jdubs30]

The one thing with JB in pre season is that he says things about a lot of guys and then via a press conference they can't guard a dead person 6 weeks later. Not saying we have a repeat of that this year just know tones have changed more than a few times over the years.

I believe the phrase was “a dead guy could get more rebounds”

 

[HOFCeluck]

Jessie is exceptionally good when he is hungry.

This going to be a very hungry team. Which is a metaphor as they had a taste for postseason success last year and will want to prove they are for real all season long.

 

[Ceerqqq]

...
I think it’s possible that as the year goes on, Benny starts to find his groove and becomes such an impact that maybe coach feels he’s the better option to start, but you gotta think that right now Jimmy can do a little more, especially being able to compliment the shooters we’ll have on the floor together.

Nothing against Benny, but I don’t think he will ever be Melo good, Melo is one of a kind player and was the top high school recruit in 2002, so we shouldn’t think that Benny is going to be that kind of super freshmen for us...I think like someone said above, 20-25 minutes for Benny this year, considering the experience with the other two forwards, is pretty reasonable.

Also let’s wait and see what these guys can do together first, but I think Jimmy is going to be pretty damn good this year and will surprise a lot of people. He didn’t get signed to Roc Nation as a consolation for being Buddy’s brother, but because he’s actually a really good basketball player!

The reason why I don't think this is out of the question is cuz of how front-loaded the schedule is with tough opponents. If we were looking at one of our early-season "cupcake" seasons of a few decades ago, that would perhaps secure Benny in a starter spot for the season, assuming he's impressing enough in practice to indicate he's likely to be 1 of the best 5 players on the team.

But this season is so tough early on, it puts pressure on one of Boeheim's other sensitivities: newcomer mistakes costing his teams early wins, and that consideration may very well put Jimmy in the starter spot.

The point is, you've gotta figure Benny's gonna be a lot more "instinctive" (a lot less guessing where one of his team mates is gonna be for that pass, when to crash the boards for a rebound, etc.) as the season progresses. Now that's an assumption, but a pretty fair one IMO.

The question may--or may not--arise in January whether or not JB might wanna replace Jimmy as a starter, cuz things will be much clearer then. If Benny's starting to make plays whenever he's in & is really starting to mesh with the other four starters, it could happen.

I can definitely see a scenario in which JB would swap Benny's & his son's roles. The costs vs benefits could allow for it. The only problem is if BOTH Jimmy & Benny are kicking ass when they're on the court. In that scenario, JB's tendency is to not shake things up when they're working...

 

[NineOneSeven]

If his last name was Smith, you think his basketball talents get him the same contract?