The Talk

[MikeSU02]

This thread is bananas, and really strayed from the OPs point.

Not every game result is a referendum on the program.

We had a bad game. Nobody outside of Judah played well.

We definitely, definitely have problems on this roster.

But we're not going to see a massive roster overhaul. Freeman and Moore are the reinforcements. We'll see whatever becomes of Westry. There will probably be a little portal action.

The center position has to be fixed to be adequate. Maybe that means keeping one guy and bringing in another.

Maliq. Bell. Q. JJ. Donnie.

Judah to the NBA. Westry is a yes if he can stay healthy. Which he has not been able to yet. Benny is TBD on multiple levels if he's going to help us or even coming back.

Moore may not be ready outside of spot minutes and Cuffe is an 8th/9th man ideally.

We 100% need a versatile wing, a center (if not two) and potentially another guard depending on where Westry/Moore are in terms of helping out.

What's the goal? If it's to get to a top 4 seed? Then ya, we need like 3-4 portal guys.

 

[721Comstock]

I tend to agree with your post and would like to add it is so evident when this team gets down, they seem to roll over and quit. Look at our losses, all by rather sizable margins. The body language displays a beaten image. Maybe a vocal leader could spark the team? Red tries to pull strings but it appears most players are simply going through the motions with little drive to win once we get behind. The spirit seems to be there when we are winning or playing even up but once the hole starts to deepen, we shut down? Real head scratcher!

OK, so - explain the Colgate comeback then.

I'll hang up and listen.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I wonder if guaranteed NIL $ is contributing to complacency. Win or lose they still get their money.

Lol come on

 

[orangecuse]

OK, so - explain the Colgate comeback then.

I'll hang up and listen.

From a mathematical/actuarial perspective, this is what they call an outlier.

 

[two3zone]

IDK seems as likely Westry will not play at all as play. Some guys are snake-bit. If he does play, can’t say he will be close to what people are fantasying he will be.
Bell should be a 3-pt specialist off the bench. If he is hot, ride him. If not, take him out.
Taylor’s confidence is just shot. Feel badly for him. I had hopes.
Cuffe bring defense. Unsure what else.
McCloud, who knows?

When healthy, Hima can be a positive off the bench.

Have you seen Hima play?

 

[two3zone]

Lol come on

I wouldn’t have done well with a couple hundred K in the bank at 19/20.

 

[Fly Rodder]

OK, so - explain the Colgate comeback then.

I'll hang up and listen.

The exception that proves the rule?

I won’t challenge their heart, that kind of thing can’t be quantified. But i think that when the wheels come off, they come off IS a thing.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I wouldn’t have done well with a couple hundred K in the bank at 19/20.

Pfft

 

[Sbucketball]

OK, so - explain the Colgate comeback then.

I'll hang up and listen.

The exception is when the opponent dribbles the ball like Stanley in that one episode of The Office.

 

[kirbivore]

This off-season, I'd expect multiple players to get "the talk." Here's who I'd expect [in descending order of likelihood]:

1. Carey
2. Hima


3. McLeod
4. Taylor

5. Benny
6. Cuffe



I don't necessarily think that the bottom two will get the talk [although they might opt to leave]. I don't necessarily think the middle two will get the talk, either, but they probably should be in consideration.

The coaching staff needs to replace some of these guys with higher caliber players.

I'd rearrange that order.

 

[shermstheman]

The exception that proves the rule?

I won’t challenge their heart, that kind of thing can’t be quantified. But i think that when the wheels come off, they come off IS a thing.

There is something to this. I can’t figure it out and Ive tried. All I have is those teams were much better… has to be deflating. Colgate was not… and that allowed the comeback. For sure the wheels came off in the other games but that’s because Cuse is not quite a tourney team,.. maybe nowhere close. It’s a different talent/chemistry level from them to Cuse. The thing I like here is that there is reason for optimism for future years if not this…. Though I’m 1000 percent invested and psyched for what’s to come.

 

[tbonezone]

We also somehow have 4 guys 6'11" or taller but not a single one capable of playing more than 10-12 minutes. Maybe Carey makes a leap but if not that's almost as concerning if not moreso.

i watched the james madison / old dominion game the other night and i'm not sure Hima or Carey would start on either team. but a mid major certainly would be a better fit for them. get some minutes and if you play well with today's portal you can pick whatever team you like next year.

 

[M2MPrinciples]

The exception that proves the rule?

I won’t challenge their heart, that kind of thing can’t be quantified. But i think that when the wheels come off, they come off IS a thing.

If I lived in a state that allowed online sports betting I would hammer live lines anytime a Cuse opponent got a 5-point lead with 8 minutes or less remaining.

 

[CardiacCuse]

I'm rooting hard for Red, but the reality is he only gets a few years to prove he can do this, and he's gambling with his job if he doesn't try to get a better starting SF during those years. Same can be said about him not recruiting over others too.

agreed.

its going to be a very interesting offseason for sure

give him a mulligan for this year and all the holes on the roster...

will be crucial (for my opinion of him) how he handles building the roster next year.

will he stay loyal? will he stand pat? and keep it family?

or will he overhaul it all?

some of it will,be out of his hands. will some players go pro? will some want to leave?

some players might not be able to transfer after already transferring once, no?

gonna be interesting to see what happens!

 

[JKinPhilly]

People are quick to write off Cuffe but isn’t he also coming off a fairly significant injury as well?

 

[Brooky03]

People are quick to write off Cuffe but isn’t he also coming off a fairly significant injury as well?

He’s a good depth piece. Some are of the impression that the transfer portal is full of guys ready to contribute at a high level and willing to come here. I’m less convinced. There are some of those guys. There are also a lot of flawed prospects who are leaving their current team for a reason.

Coaches need to be very careful about booting guys who can contribute (I think Cuffe can). Grass being greener and all that.

 

[baggerbob]

I don’t think Red will be counting on Westry as the starting 3 after not playing for two years.

I hope not, someone who hasn't played in 2 years may never get back to where he was.

 

[Nicknack]

I like Cuffe. I hope he’s still here. I think he can be a solid guy off the bench. Another thing is we aren’t going to sign transfers to replace role players off the bench. They will go somewhere to play. I also doubt McLeod goes anywhere after just coming here.

You beat me to it. I also really like Cuffe. If he sticks around long enough, I can see him being a very good player for us (as a starter at some point easily).

 

[br801]

People are quick to write off Cuffe but isn’t he also coming off a fairly significant injury as well?

Very much so.

Kyle Cuffe on the injury that ended his Kansas career before transferring: ‘I couldn’t feel my kneecap’

Kyle Cuffe Jr., played in just two games in two years at Kansas before transferring to Syracuse.

www.syracuse.com

 

[two3zone]

People are quick to write off Cuffe but isn’t he also coming off a fairly significant injury as well?

I don’t know many writing him off at all, at least not around here.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

Taylor came here as a 2 and now he’s having to guard the 4 every night no matter the size difference. I do wonder if the physicality he’s having to exert on the defensive end, plus he’s being asked to rebound (which he’s doing a good job at).

I thought Taylor would be a 2. And I could see a future season (here or elsewhere) where he’s a starting 2G, averaging 16ppg and 8rpg - once he fixes his shot I think uou can see the potential. I do question if he’s quick enough to guard opposing 2s. But he’d be a very strong a physical 2 guards.

I’d be open to havjng JT back but he has to be a 3 or 2

I’ve watched Taylor enough to know he can’t guard anyone at this level regardless of his position/assignment. It would be one thing to keep him on the floor if he were an elite shooter like Buddy or Joe, but he’s not, so there’s nothing to offset his defensive liability.

Bell is a close second to JT. Only thing keeping Bell on the court is his shooting ability. But I think his outside shooting is a bit overrated. He may be the best shooter on this team but he’s just average relative to most teams.

 

[tbonezone]

justin taylor is averaging only 1 foul per game. 1 foul ! means imo you aint rebounding or playing D .

 

[Cusefan0307]

I’ve watched Taylor enough to know he can’t guard anyone at this level regardless of his position/assignment. It would be one thing to keep him on the floor if he were an elite shooter like Buddy or Joe, but he’s not, so there’s nothing to offset his defensive liability.

Bell is a close second to JT. Only thing keeping Bell on the court is his shooting ability. But I think his outside shooting is a bit overrated. He may be the best shooter on this team but he’s just average relative to most teams.

Ehhhh guarding isn’t his problem. He plays decent enough defense and better than a couple other guys in the rotation. The Metrics back that up. He just can’t shoot for sht which is a bit surprising because he was decent in a reserve role last year.

 

[gmoney44]

IDK seems as likely Westry will not play at all as play. Some guys are snake-bit. If he does play, can’t say he will be close to what people are fantasying he will be.
Bell should be a 3-pt specialist off the bench. If he is hot, ride him. If not, take him out.
Taylor’s confidence is just shot. Feel badly for him. I had hopes.
Cuffe bring defense. Unsure what else.
McCloud, who knows?

When healthy, Hima can be a positive off the bench.

Westry might as well play WR for us.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

Ehhhh guarding isn’t his problem. He plays decent enough defense and better than a couple other guys in the rotation. The Metrics back that up. He just can’t shoot for sht which is a bit surprising because he was decent in a reserve role last year.

We have a difference of opinion on this one. I think JT is a major defensive liability, especially against P5 competition. He’s constantly getting burned on D in conference play.