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Message: [QUOTE="Nicknack, post: 1212450, member: 1003"] I was just thinking that there are a couple of guys who I would actually take where they were last year over where they are so far this year. I am unable to recall a time over the past 25 years of watching 'Cuse basketball when I would have said that for more than one (key) player. I know it's still early, but think about it... [U]I would take last year's version[/U]: [LIST] [*][B]Cooney[/B] (so far, no question - I don't know who this year's version is yet. I like his willingness to drive to the basket but who could have imagined that his outside shot would be even more suspect?). He is a true enigma. [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]G[/B] (at this point, one of the biggest disappointments - yet I'm still hoping he will turn the corner and I think he can). I just don't get it. I'm still holding on to the fact that he is in some kind of funk that is temporary. [/LIST] [U]I would take this year's version[/U]: [LIST] [*][B]Christmas[/B] (easy) - one of the true bright spots on this team. Love what he has done from last year to this year and I give him tremendous credit for the work to develop his game like he has done! Although, to his credit, it's really about his development over the course of his 'Cuse career as we saw glimpses last year of what he could do that he is now doing. Also, the foul issue isn't all on him either; any center would be in a challenge not having a reliable back-up. That's what makes Coleman's possible return huge. [/LIST] [U]Must Improve[/U]: [LIST] [*][B]Roberson[/B] - I don't know where I am with him since we didn't exactly get to see much of him last year and this year has also been limited. However, I certainly expected much more than we have seen so far. The season is young as is he so I'm still remaining optimistic. He could certainly use a big game to get his confidence up and to play with more fire. [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]Joseph[/B] - doesn't look comfortable in the half court. He looks like, well, a freshman. I really like Joseph and think he be a VERY good point guard for us for the next 3-4 years (and even this year). What I wish he would do more of is drive to the basket. Whenever he does, good things usually happen although that is usually relegated to fast breaks rather than driving in a half court set. He passes the ball around the perimeter way too much rather than making things happen. Remember the quote about him saying that if Boeheim wanted him to be more aggressive by driving to the basket more, he would and he would look to create havoc doing so. I haven't seen much havoc as of yet, but I think he could bring it (and will) once he gets more comfortable out there. Again, I really think he will be a very good (special) player for us once things slow down a bit more for him. [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]Johnson and Patterson[/B] - both just need to keep getting minutes (that's all I can say). They certainly have the talent; we just need to see more consistent play. Tough for Patterson with such limited minutes (particularly for an outside shooter). [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]Coleman[/B] - dress attire. It really hurts my eyes and the PS articles about it are even worse. As a player, we need him to get better soon as we could really use his big body to help out Christmas. Him returning could be a game changer for us. [/LIST] [U] Other Comments[/U]: [LIST] [*][B]Grant[/B] - oh yeah, he elected to go pro too early (my bad). Just think what if... [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]McCullough[/B]- stud (just think come March what this team [I]could[/I] become with Christmas and McCullough in the front court coupled with improved outside shooting from the others. I'm still remaining hopeful and optimistic. It can't get worse - so why not? [/LIST] [/QUOTE]

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