Texas Postgame

[CuseCPT]

Red seems to have absorbed two of his old boss's worst interrelated traits and put them on full display:
1) trusting his chosen guys in close games, IE forgetting that he has a bench
2) allowing his chosen ones to get away with absolutely everything

At least he doesn't doghouse certain players, so that's something I guess.

 

[Scooch]

That's part of the reason Donnie didn't play much in the 2nd half. The other guys are tougher defensively.

If one of the other guys includes Bell then I can't agree with that.

 

[OCESIP]

I am all for position-less basketball but you can’t play Davis Lampkin and Donnie together. Bell has very little value at this point, but I think you have to play him. There is no spacing, not enough ball handling and not enough quickness with Donnie, Davis, Lampkin group on offense. What defense would you play? You really can’t play 2-3 with Lampkin in. Freeman is already lost on defense. Davos can’t guard wings.
This isn’t a Bell vs Freeman for playing time thing. If you want more Freeman than that means less Lampkin and Davis. If you want less Bell that means more Taylor.

Excellent summary. Every combination Autry could throw out there
presents significant issues. This dilemma is there for most every program
unless you are one of the few elite (which we are not). Red can cover up
some the negatives with better team chemistry and 100% effort. Lampkin
was the catalyst in the second half with his effort, but you just can't live
and die with that during the course of the whole season.

Offensively Bell is obviously the key if they have to be perimeter orientated.
Not sure if Donnie has the physicality to allow them to work more inside.
Davis is an effort guy, but does he bring enough to the table to give him
big minutes? There just isn't an obvious solution at this point, but maybe it
will evolve as the season goes on.

It all comes down to coaching decisions to put 5 guys out there who
give you the best chance to win, or at least be competitive. Good luck
Red! The honeymoon seems to be over and reality is setting in.

 

[Newhouser]

I know our defense gets most of the concern on the forum, but our offense is dreadful. Against the P4 teams on our schedule we are going to have a hard time scoring.

 

[Eric15]

I don't waste energy getting annoyed with players who I know are getting the most out of their ability. For example, some fans would be so frustrated with Craig Forth, and I'm just like, calm down. He's doing what he can with his skill set.

With Chris Bell, I don't think he's maximizing his talent. He has the skills and athleticism to be a fringe all-conference player IMO, but there's just some type of psychological and effort-based disconnect between him and the game action so often.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Toppin had 22 and 18 boards tonight.

He is going to be a pain all night on the offensive boards. He might have had 10 offensive rebounds last night. We have no answer for him.

 

[Sbucketball]

I don't waste energy getting annoyed with players who I know are getting the most out of their ability. For example, some fans would be so frustrated with Craig Forth, and I'm just like, calm down. He's doing what he can with his skill set.

With Chris Bell, I don't think he's maximizing his talent. He has the skills and athleticism to be a fringe all-conference player IMO, but there's just some type of psychological and effort-based disconnect between him and the game action so often.

That's exactly it. If he was some dud who couldn't move his feet but was elite from 3, we'd all love it when he comes in and goes on a shooting heater and does nothing else. But he should be so much more than that but almost chooses not to, so it's frustrating.

 

[kirbivore]

shows how far this program has fallen that I'm encouraged they showed some fight and didn't get their doors blown off.

 

[sufan59]

shows how far this program has fallen that I'm encouraged they showed some fight and didn't get their doors blown off.

Just saying our National Championship team lost a game early to Memphis in NY. The way we played for most of the 2nd half last night is something that could work extremely well that the loss last night won’t matter much in March if they build on it. We won’t have to wait long to find out if they can maintain that rhythm.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

I am in a weird place with this team. I loved the second half until the last two minutes. Eddie is a show and I am here for it. JJ has flaws put he is really playing hard and looking like a good ACC guard. Davis/Donnie is a good combo.
Then there are the two black holes. Bell and point guard spot. One can be overcome two is brutal. There is no easy solution. I really feel for Chance. It must be killing him sitting there not being able to help. His versatility on both ends would be helpful. I except him to be a lesser version of post injury Shaun Livingston. Some of the athleticism is gone but the length and feel for the game can’t be taken.

 

[cusefan88]

That's exactly it. If he was some dud who couldn't move his feet but was elite from 3, we'd all love it when he comes in and goes on a shooting heater and does nothing else. But he should be so much more than that but almost chooses not to, so it's frustrating.

Bell needs an Ayahuasca retreat and exorcise whatever mental block is holding him back.

 

[shu 49]

Playing Chris bell the whole second half while letting Donnie rot on the bench was coaching malpractice. Again.

staff looks completely clueless.

It was this close because Eddie went on his own little run and their lotto pick missed a ton of wide open shots.

Hard to feel any better about the season after tonight. I think Eddie fed off the crowd and Texas froze up a little —— but when it mattered at the end we looked lost

See i saw us defend the stud kid with JJ and he did a great job in my book. Kid didnt have a easy look second half at all. Bell made a few nice blocks on defense and a few 3 pointers and in end did lose game as he needs to catch the ball but he also played good defense. Donnie did not play any defense. He has ability but until u match ability with the want to then u just have a kid who is good on offense and nothing on defense. Listen he is one and done anyways so either he plays d or he sits. Problem we have now other than Donnies D is now we know we can play tough hard nosed d and they have to every game. Free throws shoulda gave us a win.

 

[shu 49]

I dont understand how you play Bell over Freeman there. I just dont understand

Freeman wasnt playing any defense at all. Why he sat second half and we made the run. Donnie has to try harder. Yes Bell screwed up but at least he was playing defense.

 

[shu 49]

Observations from the front row……

Starling balled out!
Davis works his butt off!
Carlos is not close to being a Power 5 player!
Bell had 2 good moments, and the rest bad!
Donnie had some good moments!
Lampkin plays hard and has great court awareness!

i just see Donnie having great moments on offense. Not a good defender only cause he doesnt try hard enough. He is easily a great athlete so only thing missing is the want to. Hopefully sitting helps him with that..

 

[upperdeck]

did you watch the last 2 mins of the game by chance?

you mean when he made the pass that bell screwed up? or got the loose ball. 50% fts was par of the team.

 

[shu 49]

The 3 biggest positives to me:

1) JJ was playing on BOTH ends. Thought he was great all around
2) Davis showed he can rebound against a higher level of play
3) Freeman can score. We need to get him more shots

Eddie was a positive as well, but he did what I expect him to do.

only person who plays less d than bell is freeman.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I can’t believe what a weakness the backcourt is right now outside of Starling. Carlos, Taylor and Choppa Moore combined for a grand total of 3 points in 50(!) total
Minutes of playing time. That’s UNACCEPTABLE. Taylor is proving to be best defender of the three. Moore the best shooter and offensive threat, and Carlos the best passer/PG (though not really all that good, tbh). But they’re all one dimensional players right now. At least one of them needs to step up and show they can contribute in more than one facet of the game.

Nailed it, Sherm. To me, it usually seems easiest to get a quality guard, so much easier than getting a big, or even a combo forward. Can't believe these guys are contributing so little right now.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I am all for position-less basketball but you can’t play Davis Lampkin and Donnie together. Bell has very little value at this point, but I think you have to play him. There is no spacing, not enough ball handling and not enough quickness with Donnie, Davis, Lampkin group on offense. What defense would you play? You really can’t play 2-3 with Lampkin in. Freeman is already lost on defense. Davos can’t guard wings.
This isn’t a Bell vs Freeman for playing time thing. If you want more Freeman than that means less Lampkin and Davis. If you want less Bell that means more Taylor.

You could get away with those 3 up front together if Moore & Starling were more consistent from 3.

 

[IthacaMatt]

If one of the other guys includes Bell then I can't agree with that.

I get your point, of course, but Red wasn't subbing Donnie for Bell. I think that when Bell is having a bad game, you have to try it.

 

[baggerbob]

I don't waste energy getting annoyed with players who I know are getting the most out of their ability. For example, some fans would be so frustrated with Craig Forth, and I'm just like, calm down. He's doing what he can with his skill set.

With Chris Bell, I don't think he's maximizing his talent. He has the skills and athleticism to be a fringe all-conference player IMO, but there's just some type of psychological and effort-based disconnect between him and the game action so often.

Probably the only way to get to Bell, is sit him an entire game, and let him watch.
He would either wake up and become good or get worse.
But continuing to coddle him and let him play his way isn't helping the team.

 

[CuseMan4]

I really think Starling need to be running point. Does he have the greatest handle…no but it’s serviceable and he can get into the lane and attack the rim. I know this will not happen. Because of the love affair with Bell. But I think I want a lineup of

Starling
Moore
Davis
Freeman
Lampkin

It’s is going to be very hard to keep Davis and Lampkin off the floor. They are extremely active and they can body people and control the paint. Starling is a good player and when he can defend he is a huge asset to the team. Freeman needs more run, especially over Bell as of right now. Bell is not doing anything. Moore give you that 3 point threat, second ball handler and he at least gives you effort on offense and defense. I think Moore is more than capable to at least hold his own.

Bring Bell and Taylor off the Bench
Carlos spot minutes at point and nothing more
McLeod spot minutes depending on the matchup

I think this is how Autry needs to roll. Moore and Freeman will only get better the more they play. This will only help us more by the end of the season. And Freeman has the potential to be a force. I think a three headed front court of Freeman, Lampkin and Davis can be the best in the country by the end of the season if they let freeman get more run and find his feet. The potential is so obviously clear.

With that being said. This will probably take Autry another 20 games to figure out because he does not have much of a clue on how to coach or work rotations lmao

 

[721Comstock]

Moral victories are for losers

Literally by definition.

Because if you actually win, then nobody cares about the moral part.

 

[Louie and Bouie]

Due to life circumstances, 1st full game I've watched.

Very impressed with Davis and Lampkin in the paint.

The PG is in over his head at this high level of hoops. Not sure who is better tho. Was hoping Cuffe got some minutes there.

Confused as to who greenlighted Bell to be the cornerstone of this team.

Half court offense looks stagnant at times. Playing Lampkin at the high post is counter productive if guys can't hit jumpers.

Taylor impressed defensively.

JJ is solid. Wish he attacked the rim more but his primary defender was tough and athletic.

Freeman is a work in progress but you can see the high potential.

All in all, it was a hopeful watch after reading so many negative things on this board after start of season. Tonite will tell alot more about this team.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

I really think Starling need to be running point. Does he have the greatest handle…no but it’s serviceable and he can get into the lane and attack the rim. I know this will not happen. Because of the love affair with Bell. But I think I want a lineup of

Starling
Moore
Davis
Freeman
Lampkin

It’s is going to be very hard to keep Davis and Lampkin off the floor. They are extremely active and they can body people and control the paint. Starling is a good player and when he can defend he is a huge asset to the team. Freeman needs more run, especially over Bell as of right now. Bell is not doing anything. Moore give you that 3 point threat, second ball handler and he at least gives you effort on offense and defense. I think Moore is more than capable to at least hold his own.

Bring Bell and Taylor off the Bench
Carlos spot minutes at point and nothing more
McLeod spot minutes depending on the matchup

I think this is how Autry needs to roll. Moore and Freeman will only get better the more they play. This will only help us more by the end of the season. And Freeman has the potential to be a force. I think a three headed front court of Freeman, Lampkin and Davis can be the best in the country by the end of the season if they let freeman get more run and find his feet. The potential is so obviously clear.

With that being said. This will probably take Autry another 20 games to figure out because he does not have much of a clue on how to coach or work rotations lmao

I'd like to see that lineup also but don't think we will. I'm ok starting Bell, if he's on a short lease. In his head, he thinks he's a great 3 point shooter. However, we know his struggles.

Davis deserves to start, but it can't be in place of Freeman. Donnie needs a chance to develop, otherwise he will just be a kid who wore a Cuse jersey that in five or ten years, we will ask why didn't he play more at Syracuse. At least Donnie has shown he can shoot the three, but he needs to develop his all around game.

 

[JonB]

A reporter asked Adrian Autry last night if they were going to change the three-point shooting philosophy because they weren’t shooting very well, and Autry said something like that’s what we do. We’re going to continue to do it, blah blah blah.

Ok, after four games this team is the worst free throw shooting team AND The worst three-point shooting team in the power five. You can look it up.. when it comes to two point field goals they are ranked number 80, that’s what they do well.

That’s why it’s frustrating as a fan to watch what the three-point field goal has done to college sports. However, if you look at the free throw shooting percentages, why should you go inside to shoot to point field goals when you can’t shoot free throw throws?