Survive and advance / Rak

[RF2044]

Obviously, things didn't go quite according to blueprint down in Pittsburgh. First, our starting center, and likely MIP, got suspended two days before the NCAAs. Then we had a dogfight in the opening round, and a tough matchup in the second against a team that was oddly suited to exploit our biggest weakness.

On top of that, we had to work in a new starting center--a kid who hadn't garnered much playing time this year, despite spending a lot of the year as a nominal starter. Pre UNCA game, I was hoping that team would coast to a win, that Rak would have an opportunity to get some dunks / block some shots, and essentially build some confidence. Instead, we struggled in the opening round, and Rak looked uncomfortable and often out of position. Not what I'd hoped for.

And while he didn't set the world afire in the second game, I honestly believe that it was a solid performance--probably the best game performance he had all year. Something to build on for sure. And it is important to keep in mind that not only was he thrust into a tough position on short notice after the Fab suspension, but it was his first NCAA tournament game--so I'm sure that the jitters were part of his game 1 struggles.

But despite all that, we survived and advanced. Rak DID have a game where he had some success--something to build on. And now the coaching staff [and team] have 5 full days to get him even more ready to play / start / acclimate to his new role as the starting center.

Couldn't have worked out better.

Let's Go Orange!!!

 

[RF2044]

We've been called the deepest team in America--and while our post-season story is still unfolding, watching the games this weekend on top of the news about UNC / Kendall Marshall -- it is pretty remarkable that we've been able to compensate for the loss of as important of a player as Fab.

I wonder how many other teams out there could stand losing a player who was quite arguably team MIP and continue to win, as we have.

The only team I can think of is UNC, who has the depth to possibly overcome one key player [Henson] being out, but probably not two [Marshall].

It's pretty remarkable.

 

[EastCoast2]

UK is a 2 seed without Davis
KU is a 4 seed without Robinson

 

[cusetown1]

Well, now that UNC is out of the picture. Syracuse just has to play their game they coast to the title game. Losing Marshall makes up for us losing Fab.

 

[LAOrange]

Am I the only one who doesn't want to play Ohio State?

 

[Fairlylegal]

Am I the only one who doesn't want to play Ohio State?

Light years away. Wisconsin is the only game you should be thinking about.

 

[Garbs]

I don't understand why people think Rak struggled against UNCA? I thought he did fine and was not the reason that game was so close at all

 

[swish7]

I don't understand why people think Rak struggled against UNCA? I thought he did fine and was not the reason that game was so close at all

I thought Rak had a nice little game. He missed a dunk attempt or two, but at least he went to the rack hard.

His mistakes were related to a lack of PT IMO.

 

[SoBeCuse]

I thought Rak had a nice little game. He missed a dunk attempt or two, but at least he went to the rack hard.

His mistakes were related to a lack of PT IMO.

I think so too. They burned him on some isos and cuts to the rim but he generally fine. GREAT game in game 2. I'm liking his intensity. He's showing a bit of a motor. Rare for an SU guy!

 

[Col. Bleep]

8 points...11 rebounds...3 blocks against K-State.
That's a Melo-ish game for Rak.
I think he even drew a charge.

 

[baggerbob]

Right now is the time for the player who has started all 105 games in his career to step up and be a bigtime player no more excuses.

 

[KingOtis]

The only team I can think of is UNC, who has the depth to possibly overcome one key player [Henson] being out, but probably not two [Marshall].

Henson is back. Having said that, losing their PG is the equivalent of losing our center. They're going to have to hope for the best with the options they have.

 

[boulderorange]

Rak seems like a pretty chill dude off the court, but man i love how pissed off he looks on the court. Just has that "did u just make eye contact with me you little piece of crap" type of look on his face.

 

[MyMeloMyMan]

Rak seems like a pretty chill dude off the court, but man i love how pissed off he looks on the court. Just has that "did u just make eye contact with me you little piece of crap" type of look on his face.

Yeah, I imagine Rak does not get ripped off at the muffler shop very much. You would not like him when he's Rak.

 

[Bornorange]

In the UNCA game, the play where he made a 5 foot bank shot while being held on the arms, I thought he
was incredibly strong and showed his McD'ness.

 

[Bornorange]

Rak seems like a pretty chill dude off the court, but man i love how pissed off he looks on the court. Just has that "did u just make eye contact with me you little piece of crap" type of look on his face.

When the UNC center woofed at the Creighton center, my first thought was,"Would he do that to Rak?"

 

[moqui]

he is going to be an absolute stud 4 down the line for us

next year DC2 with his bulk will be stout in the middle, like Arinze was, and the long, lanky and athletic Dirty and Rak will take turns wreaking havoc as help defenders. The back line defense next year could be the best ever

 

[djcon57]

he is going to be an absolute stud 4 down the line for us

next year DC2 with his bulk will be stout in the middle, like Arinze was, and the long, lanky and athletic Dirty and Rak will take turns wreaking havoc as help defenders. The back line defense next year could be the best ever

Was thinking about this last game when I saw that one play w/ Rak and James stuffing fools on like 2 straight plays!!!

Except with Noel instead of DC2.

Noel, Rak, James could rival the McNeil, Hak, Melo line as far as getting boards and blocking shots

Would be a little concerned with getting out to shooters...but whatever Kris doesn't even do that now.

 

[djcon57]

Henson is back. Having said that, losing their PG is the equivalent of losing our center. They're going to have to hope for the best with the options they have.

Not even close.

Losing their PG would be the equiv of losing Fab if Rak had a season ending injury 2 months ago and Keita had to play 40.

 

[boulderorange]

Yeah, I imagine Rak does not get ripped off at the muffler shop very much. You would not like him when he's Rak.

Watch at about 0.38 secs in. great video anyways

 

[moqui]

Was thinking about this last game when I saw that one play w/ Rak and James stuffing fools on like 2 straight plays!!!

Except with Noel instead of DC2.

Noel, Rak, James could rival the McNeil, Hak, Melo line as far as getting boards and blocking shots

Would be a little concerned with getting out to shooters...but whatever Kris doesn't even do that now.

Personally, I don't believe SU will land Noel, and that is fine by me, since DC2 is the better offensive player and that will be a greater need, IMO.

But Rak and Dirty will be like Thunder and Lightning on both ends of the court. We can use the old Brothers Johnson cut "Thunder Thumbs and Lightnin' Licks" for the season theme song.

 

[OttoMets]

In the UNCA game, the play where he made a 5 foot bank shot while being held on the arms, I thought he
was incredibly strong and showed his McD'ness.

Tremendous finish. It showed both great strength and great touch and was a shot that Fab can't make.

 

[KingOtis]

Tremendous finish. It showed both great strength and great touch and was a shot that Fab can't make.

Yeah, but Fab probably finishes that dunk.

 

[OttoMets]

Yeah, but Fab probably finishes that dunk.

Yeah, that's probably so. Rakeem didn't even need to dunk that ball; a soft hook would've done the trick. A little surprising to get stuffed by the rim twice in as many games.