Thoughts

[Francis03]

Thanks Francoise! Love the post...I know peeps are down a little on Cmac...but not me. That dude is The Gift. His motor doesn't bother me, but it seems like he defers a lot. I maintain he's going to be a star though...

You know the one guy we could use...Whitehead... So dumb.

As far as teams to win it all...Arizona...

CMac has all the ability in the world. As far as athleticism is concern he's probably the best since Stevie I would think the old heads would say. It's on him imo to max out that potential overall and kick ass next season. I don't mind that his ranking has dropped because I want him to use that as motivation.

100% agree on Whitehead. If there was a chance to land him along with Joseph, then why not? I know a lot of people didn't like the Dion's and Devo's of the world but with guys like that we don't lose games to teams like Dayton in the tourney because they won't be afraid to take and make big shots. Players like Whitehead fix your half court problems when you need a bucket in a crucial situation.

 

[Trueblue25]

Francis,

How well do you think Grant, CM and Rak will work down low together next year (assuming Grant returns)?

Do any of those three have an elbow jumper developing?

I think Christmas does potentially have the ability to develop a 15 ft'er

 

[rrlbees]

Agreed with your points. And yes, Cooney absolutely is a bench talent. That's not an insult. It's just reality. He never necessarily earned that starting position, he just fell into it due to our lack of recruiting guards. He had a great game against Notre Dame and a solid 1st half of the season, but he absolutely fell apart when it mattered. I think he'll succeed as a shooter off the bench, he has tremendous energy. Edit: Until Cooney can create offense for others, get to the line more or be a better all around defender...I'd rather G start. Especially if G improves his shot. We'll be deadly down low next year. G and KJo will penetrate and dish to the three headed monster. I'm not sure Cooney will.

You're gonna be one miserable dude again next year when JB trots out Cooney at the 2.

 

[Toga]

Something about our offense has to change if Cooney is to make the leap you expect. He just doesn't seem to be able to get the separation he needs in order to take and make the number of shots it will take to turn people's opinion around on him. I think he needs to extend his range even farther this off-season but he also needs to work on the dribble drive so teams don't know what to actually expect from him. And maybe the latter is kind of what you are getting at.

Like someone mentioned in another tread - he would benefit from a jab step and then shoot - even if it ends up being a two instead of a three. And stop with this bringing the ball low and swinging it. WTH does that do?

 

[Trueblue25]

You're gonna be one miserable dude again next year when JB trots out Cooney at the 2.

I'm the least miserable dude on this forum amigo. Well, maybe next to Tee.

Also, as long as the guard who offers the most to the team gets the most minutes I'll be fine.

 

[Francis03]

I didn't look at the stats, but Grant had to have taken more 3 pointers last year in limited minutes than he did this year, right? He definitely needs to keep working on that jumper, but I'm not sure he's ever going to straighten out that form.

Completely agree with you on Rak. Especially about the time when BMK was hurt. Easily the best ball he played all year.

Any idea what happens with DC?

He definitely looked more comfortable shooting threes last year than this year. Strange but like you said his form and slow release didn't help matters. I think it can be worked on because Scoop in his early years had a super slow release and the staff worked on that and he became a pretty respectable 3pt shooter as his SU career went along.

It's all about how well DC2's knees get right. Have no idea how that situation will play out. Just pray for a full and healthy recovery for him.

 

[AZOrange]

CMac has all the ability in the world. As far as athleticism is concern he's probably the best since Stevie I would think the old heads would say. It's on him imo to max out that potential overall and kick ass next season. I don't mind that his ranking has dropped because I want him to use that as motivation.

100% agree on Whitehead. If there was a chance to land him along with Joseph, then why not? I know a lot of people didn't like the Dion's and Devo's of the world but with guys like that we don't lose games to teams like Dayton in the tourney because they won't be afraid to take and make big shots. Players like Whitehead fix your half court problems when you need a bucket in a crucial situation.

Give me a dion every year...

 

[Francis03]

Francis,

How well do you think Grant, CM and Rak will work down low together next year (assuming Grant returns)?

Do any of those three have an elbow jumper developing?

I think Christmas does potentially have the ability to develop a 15 ft'er

Hmmmm good question. Personally I don't think a CMac and Grant combo at the wings will be good unless we're running and playing at a face pace. Roberson probably has the most polish mid-range game, so I think it will be important for him to be on the floor with either Grant or CMac. Both can hit an occasional mid-range shot but I don't think I would want to see those freakish athletes shooting too many jumpers.

 

[Francis03]

Give me a dion every year...

I have the Wisconsin sweet 16 game on DVD that I watched recently and dude was simply amazing and pretty much won us that game himself. Too bad half this fan base hates him.

 

[Trueblue25]

Hmmmm good question. Personally I don't think a CMac and Grant combo at the wings will be good unless we're running and playing at a face pace. Roberson probably has the most polish mid-range game, so I think it will be important for him to be on the floor with either Grant or CMac. Both can hit an occasional mid-range shot but I don't think I would want to see those freakish athletes shooting too many jumpers.

Tyler Roberson has the opportunity of a lifetime this next season. It's not over if he doesn't perform amazingly, but he has a shot to be special now.

I hope the kid works his a$$ off and maintains his grades.

Appreciates your answers man.

 

[AZOrange]

I have the Wisconsin sweet 16 game on DVD that I watched recently and dude was simply amazing and pretty much won us that game himself. Too bad half this fan base hates him.

I don't even understand that. That dude was my favorite player since Melo.

 

[rrlbees]

Give me a dion every year...

No thanks.

 

[Trueblue25]

Give me a Scoop Jardine every year...

 

[kjb120]

I have the Wisconsin sweet 16 game on DVD that I watched recently and dude was simply amazing and pretty much won us that game himself. Too bad half this fan base hates him.

I've been a fan of dion since he committed to us at a young age, and truthfully I'm not going to pretend I know anything about his off the court issues but like others have said he was a special player that had the ability to take over games single handily and more important had the mentality to do so and that's something that the team this year sorely needed. I would take a dion on syracuse any year.

 

[weedsportwarriors]

I know many people think that these kids are young and can run all day, but I truly believe that one of the biggest issues down the stretch was that our guys got tired. When you have tired legs, your jump shot is the first thing to go. I think that was the number one problem with Cooney. When he is on the floor he is always running all over, coming off screens and trying to get open; that has to be tiring. As we all saw we were unable to consistently hit any outside jumpers done the stretch. I love JB and know he is a HOF coach but he really does need to go 8-10 deep to give these guys rest throughout the year. He needs to live with a few defensive mistakes in the zone and not be so quick to pull them out. Let them play a little through their mistakes. Plus, I think we need to run a little more next year as well. To see Dayton have more points off turnovers then we did was BS. We used to be great at this.

I have no ide,a but I think both Ennis and Grant will be back. I believe the way we fizzled down the stretch will put a dirty taste in their mouth and they will want to come back for a deep run next year. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but either way we will compete. I also think Rak will come back next year and be more aggressive. He showed flashes of this towards the end of the season before he seem to get hit with fouls left and right. If we can keep him on the floor I think Rak will be our biggest surprise next year.

Is there any chance at all to still land Briscoe in 15? I for one really want to see both Bryant and Diagne come to SU. Then get Murray and Battle for 16.

As for this year, I would be okay if Virginia went all the way. As long as it isn't Kentucky, UCONN or any other SEC school. It sure would be nice for the ACC to win the football and basketball championships.

 

[MonsterGame]

I have the Wisconsin sweet 16 game on DVD that I watched recently and dude was simply amazing and pretty much won us that game himself. Too bad half this fan base hates him.

Do you also have the Ohio St. game on DVD? Dion chose that game to have his worst game of the season unfortunately. Dion has swagger. No doubt about that. I always felt he never played completely within the team concept though. It seemed like he played just enough team ball so that JB wouldn't bench him. That said, no doubt he had no fear of taking the big shot and no problem getting it off when needed and yes, it is nice to have a player like that coming off the bench.

 

[ORRange]

Some offseason thoughts,

1) I'd love to see us play like L'ville and Fla. Pressure for turnovers, and fall back into the zone. It speeds up tempo and leaves the opponent less time to operate against the zone. It would also create easier baskets. The downside is giving up some easier baskets, but it's a good trade-off for a tempo change.
2)Rak has the same mindset as Jeremy McNeil. Jeremy ALWAYS wanted to block the shot and was in constant foul trouble. They both allow the entry pass too easily and then dare the opponent to shoot the ball. Rak would be better served to play better positional denial defense and be more selective in his shotblocking.
3) Trevor is a very hard worker and I expect a better all around game next year. His game was so one dimensional it became a head scratcher for me. 63/FT's, 38/assists and 40% FG%. Ouch. He played like Marty Headd, a long range specialist who as a sophomore had 67/FT's, 47/assists but shot 53% from the field. I'm sure Marty didn't play as many minutes as Trevor but the point is that Trevor is more athletic and has to improve these areas. A lot. Trevor should not be just a long range sniper.
4) We really need a healthy DC next year.
5) Would like to see G work on a pull-up jumper from 10'.

I'm rooting for someone new to win it all this year.

 

[AZOrange]

No thanks.

That kid is everything this team needed. Great defensively, great at creating his own shot, tough, gets out on the break, wants to win, as streaky nd capable from the outside as anyone we have.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Some offseason thoughts,

1) I'd love to see us play like L'ville and Fla. Pressure for turnovers, and fall back into the zone. It speeds up tempo and leaves the opponent less time to operate against the zone. It would also create easier baskets. The downside is giving up some easier baskets, but it's a good trade-off for a tempo change.
2)Rak has the same mindset as Jeremy McNeil. Jeremy ALWAYS wanted to block the shot and was in constant foul trouble. They both allow the entry pass too easily and then dare the opponent to shoot the ball. Rak would be better served to play better positional denial defense and be more selective in his shotblocking.
3) Trevor is a very hard worker and I expect a better all around game next year. His game was so one dimensional it became a head scratcher for me. 63/FT's, 38/assists and 40% FG%. Ouch. He played like Marty Headd, a long range specialist who as a sophomore had 67/FT's, 47/assists but shot 53% from the field. I'm sure Marty didn't play as many minutes as Trevor but the point is that Trevor is more athletic and has to improve these areas. A lot. Trevor should not be just be a long range sniper.
4) We really need a healthy DC next year.
5) Would like to see G work on a pull-up jumper from 10'.

I'm rooting for someone new to win it all this year.

If SU utilizes a bench and has some quick guards then I am all for some pressure D, assuming it is instructed properly. I'm not sure it was brought up but; I knew it was over in the Dayton game when the Dayton guard lost the ball looking at Miller and we just let the ball roll 5 feet or so forward. I bet Tyler was surprised for sure but my caption for that debacle would be, "Sure go right ahead and get your ball back. No problem!"

 

[AZOrange]

If SU utilizes a bench and has some quick guards then I am all for some pressure D. I'm not sure it was brought up but; I knew it was over in the Dayton game when the Dayton guard lost the ball looking at Miller and we just let the ball roll 5 feet or so forward. I bet Tyler was surprised for sure but my caption for that debacle would be, "Sure go right ahead and get your ball back. No problem!"

I couldn't believe it...

 

[tee1222]

I have the Wisconsin sweet 16 game on DVD that I watched recently and dude was simply amazing and pretty much won us that game himself. Too bad half this fan base hates him.

I personally loved Dion's game and his contribution to SU basketball. Never understood the hatred of this guy. Fearless is good!

 

[Trueblue25]

Dion loves the hate.

 

[phil77]

Has JB ever named a sophomore starter and then put him on the bench next year for an underclassman? I don't really recall that happening off the top of my head? Leads me to believe that Cooney will be starting here two more years. I think Cooney will benefit from a faster pace offense and get more open looks in transition. Also he would benefit greatly from not being the only shooter on the team.

As much as I like CJ I am happy to see us move on from the ISO CJ offense. It was awful to watch. CJ wasn't good enough to lead like that.

 

[MCC]

2)I root for the jersey and I'm no homer or hater to any player but imho moving forward I would prefer to see Cooney coming off the bench. Obviously that will depend on the development of our returning players like Buss, Silent G, and BJ. I feel Cooney's best role is to be the sharp shooter off the bench and provide a spark if he's on the money, because as a starter he just doesn't provide much if his threes aren't falling. I know he has a lot of defenders who think he can do no wrong but I have to keep it real on here. He has two more years left, so hopefully he can turn it around.

3)When it comes to recruiting I think the staff is already acknowledging the flaws of having the lack of combo guards and shooters. Which is why I'm glad we have locked down shooters like Richardson and Lydon. Plus if we can land a guard in 2015 such as Howard or Briscoe, then you're talking about adding another combo with size that can make an impact on both ends. Plus in 2016 we're in good shape with Battle, who could possibly reclassify to 2015.

6)It would be criminal if Grant leaves because he has so much to work on but if that happens then I think the wing trio of Roberson, CMac, and BJ is good enough to make due next season. I really expect to see a big sophomore leap from Roberson. BJ should work his behind off and become better and McCullough will have flashes here n there of what he can be when he puts it all together but I don't think we'll see all of that in year one.

I clipped 2, 3 and 6 out of your post as I essentially concur with the rest of your assessment.

On 2: I'm aligned with General20 here. I think Cooney will be good next year; he'll work on diversifying his game a bit but this was the year I think he proved to himself that he can be a weapon. Now he needs to be one on a consistent basis - and that should come with an extra year of maturity.

On 3: My excitement on Richardson and Lydon is illimitable. If we land a (healthy) Howard we'll have a monster 2015 class.

On 6: I'm most keen to see a Roberson leap - I think he's going to be very, very good by his Junior year and will show flashes next year along with maddening inconsistency. I do think he could lead the team in rebounding next year - he's an innate talent there.

Thanks for summing up your take on all these angles of interest; peppering it with the "go forward" vision on recruiting really adds value.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Has JB ever named a sophomore starter and then put him on the bench next year for an underclassman? I don't really recall that happening off the top of my head? Leads me to believe that Cooney will be starting here two more years. I think Cooney will benefit from a faster pace offense and get more open looks in transition. Also he would benefit greatly from not being the only shooter on the team.

As much as I like CJ I am happy to see us move on from the ISO CJ offense. It was awful to watch. CJ wasn't good enough to lead like that.

The one thing that was beautiful to watch in the WSU-UK games was the movement on both teams. Very rarely was there a wasted possession or standing around. Lots of movement and the execution was so good at both ends.