^Regarding RF’s point #3 — it was some time ago but I thought it was mentioned in the Rutgers exhibition post game press conference that JY was very impressed with Rutgers PG Mulcahy and that JY was a large part of the recruiting process for Mulcahy. I don’t watch Rutgers often enough to know if Mulcahy is a make things happen type of point guard or a system oriented point guard. However, if my memory is correct and Young can help recruit a starting point guard for a Big Ten school —- the mystery remains why he can’t recruit one for us.
I occasionally watch Rutgers, and you can see some similarities to Fairfield. Obviously the Scarlet Knights have a lot more athleticism, but their offense looks similar to ours. They are not a high-scoring team and don't have great shooters. They are only rated #174 on offense by Pomeroy. (Note: They do have a dynamic, quick freshman guard named Derek Simpson. I believe we were after him).
But Rutgers does have a VERY good defense (#3 in the country according to Pomeroy). It is the main reason they have been successful. I think we would all be okay with being defense-first if our defense were really good ... but it isn't (Pomeroy has us rated #211). Because of that, our offensive problems become magnified. If you aren't going to be able to stop the other guy consistently, then you better be able to put the ball in the hoop. Rutgers can get by without a great offense because they can shut down their opponents.
Mulcahy is not your prototypical PG, but he is a pass first PG who gets about 5 assists per game and has a good A/TO ratio. There's a lot to be said for this type of PG. He runs the show and leads the offense, rather than just being another player on the floor. We haven't had a leader at that position since Needham.
FYI: Two days ago, Rutgers held Michigan to one field goal over the first 19 minutes of the second half.
Note to JY: If you are going to stress defense, then have a really good defense. Just saying it doesn't make your defense good. You need players who can actually execute.
Watched some of the Iona/Niagara game last night. Iona isn't known for defense, but I'll take their D over ours any day. Their press is stifling and they have guys who protect the rim if anyone gets close. Once they clamped down, Niagara had no chance. Oh, and by the way, they have some guys who can score too.
I occasionally watch Rutgers, and you can see some similarities to Fairfield. Obviously the Scarlet Knights have a lot more athleticism, but their offense looks similar to ours. They are not a high-scoring team and don't have great shooters. They are only rated #174 on offense by Pomeroy. (Note: They do have a dynamic, quick freshman guard named Derek Simpson. I believe we were after him).
But Rutgers does have a VERY good defense (#3 in the country according to Pomeroy). It is the main reason they have been successful. I think we would all be okay with being defense-first if our defense were really good ... but it isn't (Pomeroy has us rated #211). Because of that, our offensive problems become magnified. If you aren't going to be able to stop the other guy consistently, then you better be able to put the ball in the hoop. Rutgers can get by without a great offense because they can shut down their opponents.
Mulcahy is not your prototypical PG, but he is a pass first PG who gets about 5 assists per game and has a good A/TO ratio. There's a lot to be said for this type of PG. He runs the show and leads the offense, rather than just being another player on the floor. We haven't had a leader at that position since Needham.
FYI: Two days ago, Rutgers held Michigan to one field goal over the first 19 minutes of the second half.
Note to JY: If you are going to stress defense, then have a really good defense. Just saying it doesn't make your defense good. You need players who can actually execute.
Watched some of the Iona/Niagara game last night. Iona isn't known for defense, but I'll take their D over ours any day. Their press is stifling and they have guys who protect the rim if anyone gets close. Once they clamped down, Niagara had no chance. Oh, and by the way, they have some guys who can score too.
They certainly do have some guys that can score, but actually I disagree that Iona isn't known for their defense, at least since Pitino has been in charge. He has always been known as a defensive coach (as well as offense) throughout his career with his pressing style. And the efficiency number statistics of this year's Gaels back that up once again.
