Post by nashvillestag on Oct 26, 2014 9:10:32 GMT -5
I would agree with stagal that the play of the big people was not particularly impressive yesterday. Not terrible, just not anything above mediocre, particularly in scoring the ball. I do think we basically know what Amadou, Coleman and Malcolm can bring to the table based upon last season, that is solid defense, rebounding, and maybe a few baskets, a lot of them being made off offensive rebounds followed by putbacks. But unfortunately I also think it would be fair to say that none of these three would be guys that you would run plays for or guys that you would depend upon to hit the key shot in a big ballgame. But that is where I do think you will see a big difference when Degnan is healthy and ready to go. He does have the skill to be an offensive force, both inside and outside. (personal fantasy of mine as things start to evolve-Tyler and Kevin in pick and roll situation-that might be lethal IMO). But I also thought that Kirkland did show some ability to try to score, particularly early in the event. Not sure I liked him attempting a couple of long ones (same for Coleman), but I do think with his size he might also become a needed inside force as the season plays out. Really though when you analyze how this team might be put together, other than replacing Mo from the forward position (a big replacement needed for sure), this wasn't the part of the team that we were too worried about. For indeed it's the guard situation that was the achilles' heel last season and the big question mark coming into this year. That is why the performance of the new guys Nelson and Segura, and to some extent Threatt, combined with some good play by Rose and Stevie J., certainly when you add this all up, the backcourt of the Stags might start to become an asset rather than an anchor as things play out. And that is exciting!
I hope Degnan can start but like most frosh it's very possible his defense and rebounding are lacking. I suspect Mike and Coleman took 3s because they've been knocking them down in practice. Saw Mike make a few in a row after scrimmage. And I recall SJ saying they want to expand his game like Mo.
The idea of Rome and tyler starting is intriguing but I think you're going to need KJ for his physicality and defense. The out of conference games will be very interesting.
I hope Degnan can start but like most frosh it's very possible his defense and rebounding are lacking. I suspect Mike and Coleman took 3s because they've been knocking them down in practice. Saw Mike make a few in a row after scrimmage. And I recall SJ saying they want to expand his game like Mo.
I agree that Degnan's defense and rebound is an unknown, but clearly he has a lot of Offensive Potential. So mixing up a PF/C combo with one good defensive player and one good Offensive player might be the way to go. And don't forget that Marcus will get some time at PF. We certainly will have a lot of versatilityin the frontcourt
Amadou with Kirkland - Good defensively/rebounding Degnan with Marcus - Good Offensively (Amadou or Kirkland) with (Degnan or Marcus) Good Balance
The idea of Rome and tyler starting is intriguing but I think you're going to need KJ for his physicality and defense. The out of conference games will be very interesting.
It was interesting to see KJ as the off guard and not the PG. It seems that KJ is "Hybrid" type guard, not really a PG or a 2G. He is a Hybrid, but he does bring a lot of positives to the table in the same manner that Nickerson did and even Kudjo Sogadzi did. Neither of those 3 players were considered pure PG's or 2G's and they did not bring the same positives, but they certainly had impact on many games. And all 3 players were physical and were guys that were very good at winning the 50-50 loose balls. I see KJ in that Hybrid type role.
Tyler was great in the Red White scrimmage, but he did not play one bit of 2G. He was the 3G, being guarded by a forward. A good 3G should always be able to run circles around a Big Guy. I am not saying that Tyler cannot play 2G..... just that he did not prove that he can do it against a quicker defender. From all indications, it seems that Tyler has the basketball IQ to play both 3G and 2G. I really feel that The Team is most dynamic with Marcus at the 4, and Tyler at the 3G...... allowing them to be on opposite wings.
It was no accident that the "White" team destroyed the "Red" team 37-18 and looked a lot better in doing so. And that White team had 3 guards (Rome, KJ, Tyler) and seemed to play with good flow, quickness, Basketball IQ, and they scored in a variety of ways. While the Red team had only 2 guards and it seemed the only way they could consistently score was with StevieJ hitting 3-pointers.... off broken plays or Threatt penetrating and missing and creating an open StevieJ.
I'm amazed at how many have decided that Degnan and Kirkland have jumped ahead of Malcolm and Coleman on the depth chart based on viewing one intrasquad scrimmage and Degnan going through some drills. Unless there's a big difference in skill level, I usually prefer to have the underclassmen come off the bench. From watching college basketball through the years, teams with upperclassmen coming off the bench usually end up as bad chemistry teams. I thought Sydney's comments about last season were we were a very young team so I assume that means he wants at least some experienced guys on the court at the same time.
I'm also very intrigued by Degnan's skillset, but I'm not ready to state he deserves extended minutes because he performed some drills well in a practice before an intrasquad scrimmage. It seems Segura and Nelson played very well yesterday so we'll see in the upcoming weeks if the three freshmen are so far superior in ability to our returnees that Sydney has no choice but to either give them plenty of playing time or possibly go with a very young starting lineup for the second straight season.
I suppose we'll see what kind of rotation we'll get at the beginning of the season at center. Malcolm, Amadou and Degnan will vie for time and probably depending on who our opponent is that will be decided or until one clearly proves he's the best.....
My hope is that Nelson/Degnan combo will become reminiscent of Desantis/Young. you heard it here first!! one can dream, lol.
My hope is that Nelson/Degnan combo will become reminiscent of Desantis/Young. you heard it here first!! one can dream, lol.
Nashville and Stagal have their fantasies of Tyler and Degnan. My fantasy is that with the increased passing ability from Tyler and Rome Segura, I am hoping to see a lot of well thrown Alley-Oops to Marcus Gilbert..... a play that Marcus is very good at finishing on.
The other aspect of the Red-White scrimmage is that Demarcus Threatt had a tough game finishing. But It did look like he has enough talent/quickness and strength to beat his man off the dribble and get inside. I thought once he got inside, he took it too far inside and forced a lot of missed shots. I think once he figures that out, he could be one of our top scorers. I would also like to see him play 2G instead of PG..... as i have a good feeling that Rome Segura will be our PG of the future.
Last Edit: Oct 26, 2014 19:59:18 GMT -5 by JoeStag
Post by nashvillestag on Oct 26, 2014 20:53:10 GMT -5
One thing that hasn't been mentioned was how effective the 1/2-3/4 zone press was by the "White" team in disrupting the continuity of the "Red" squad. And part of the reason was the use of Nelson at the top of the press with his long arms because of his ability to deflect or steal passes (he did one of each), but also the fact that he was able to effect the arc of the initial pass,leading to the other 4 players always being able to get a proper rotation to the ball. Obviously there will be better competition to beat a defense like this with the upcoming competition, but this nevertheless showed some possibilities in how Sydney might be able to generate some presssure.
Post by redseastag on Oct 26, 2014 21:21:52 GMT -5
Great to hear tyler nelson had such a good showing! He was the smartest player I saw last year in the MIAA and I was thrilled that the stags landed him. I'm really looking forward to rooting for him over the next four years. How can you not love a gym rat and kid that just loves the game and gets the most out of himself? Reminds me a lot of shake, but he is blossoming earlier, which is wicked exciting
I'm amazed at how many have decided that Degnan and Kirkland have jumped ahead of Malcolm and Coleman on the depth chart based on viewing one intrasquad scrimmage and Degnan going through some drills. Unless there's a big difference in skill level, I usually prefer to have the underclassmen come off the bench. From watching college basketball through the years, teams with upperclassmen coming off the bench usually end up as bad chemistry teams. I thought Sydney's comments about last season were we were a very young team so I assume that means he wants at least some experienced guys on the court at the same time.
I'm also very intrigued by Degnan's skillset, but I'm not ready to state he deserves extended minutes because he performed some drills well in a practice before an intrasquad scrimmage. It seems Segura and Nelson played very well yesterday so we'll see in the upcoming weeks if the three freshmen are so far superior in ability to our returnees that Sydney has no choice but to either give them plenty of playing time or possibly go with a very young starting lineup for the second straight season.
I agree somewhat that it might be a little quick to rate the Newcomers over some of the Upper-Classmen, but all 5 of our Newcomers showed a lot of talent..... even Degnan's workout. I would go as far to say that Degnan showed more in his workout, than Malcom and Coleman did in the scrimmage. Seeing them live does make a difference, and a significant upgrade over last years newcomers.
While our Newcomers will push for immediate PT, I don't they will start to begin the season, or should start over existing players that showed "Starter-like" consistency...... Marcus, Amadou, Rose, and StevieJ. Actually StevieJ was not a starter, but did have starter minutes off the bench.... and should continue in that role until he gets beat out.
However, players like Malcolm, Coleman, Smith, and Chappel did not show the consistency or improvement at the end of last year to warrant any type of "experience advantage" over the newcomers.
Post by nashvillestag on Oct 28, 2014 8:39:59 GMT -5
Lots of tough decisions for Sydney to answer, and that is a good thing IMO. The new guys showed enough ability on Saturday that illustrated they should all be in competition for important minutes. And I would certainly put Degnan in this category based (in my case)on seeing him perform in games last season for Pearl River. But 76 your point is well taken that you have to be careful in not being relient on too many newcomers, at least in the beginning. I do think sometimes that too much emphasis is placed on who starts and who comes off the bench. Some players are better suited for the latter. Mo Barrow for example was really a better player most of the time when he did not start. But really this problem should start to shake itself out as the season moves along when the best combination of talent and experience should become obvious to the staff.