“He’s the No. 1 point guard in the country, so giving him the basketball is kind of an easy decision,"

[NickRU714]

A lot of talk about "point guard", "ball handler" and "running the offense".
Who will have the ball in their hands.

This quote from HC Pike seems pretty definitive:
Harper, meanwhile, got to the rim seemingly at will and consistently set up shooters for good looks along the perimeter. When Pikiell was asked about handing the keys to his offense to a freshman, he didn't mince words.
"He’s the No. 1 point guard in the country, so giving him the basketball is kind of an easy decision," the coach said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nb...pression-5-media-day-observations/ar-AA1r8A98

As I've suspected, the top PG prospect in the NBA draft who is being compared to James Harden is likely to have the ball more often than not.

JMike isn't the backup PG. JWill is. If Harper is out of the game, then JWill will have the ball.
JMike appears to be the 3rd PG and likely(hopefully?) never in the game without JWill and/or Harper also being in the game.
I would imagine HC Pike splits up minutes so either Harper and/or JWill are in the game at all times.

This also appears to push JWill off-ball more when on the court with Harper - which is a different discussion of role and fit.
When Geo was brought in, the discussion around Mulcahy changed to "how does his skillset fit as an off-ball player next to a PG/Geo?"
Seems a similar situation might occur with JWill if Harper is leading the offense mostly.

 

[Scarlet83]

A lot of talk about "point guard", "ball handler" and "running the offense".
Who will have the ball in their hands.

This quote from HC Pike seems pretty definitive:
Harper, meanwhile, got to the rim seemingly at will and consistently set up shooters for good looks along the perimeter. When Pikiell was asked about handing the keys to his offense to a freshman, he didn't mince words.
"He’s the No. 1 point guard in the country, so giving him the basketball is kind of an easy decision," the coach said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nb...pression-5-media-day-observations/ar-AA1r8A98

As I've suspected, the top PG prospect in the NBA draft who is being compared to James Harden is likely to have the ball more often than not.

JMike isn't the backup PG. JWill is. If Harper is out of the game, then JWill will have the ball.
JMike appears to be the 3rd PG and likely(hopefully?) never in the game without JWill and/or Harper also being in the game.
I would imagine HC Pike splits up minutes so either Harper and/or JWill are in the game at all times.

This also appears to push JWill off-ball more when on the court with Harper - which is a different discussion of role and fit.
When Geo was brought in, the discussion around Mulcahy changed to "how does his skillset fit as an off-ball player next to a PG/Geo?"
Seems a similar situation might occur with JWill if Harper is leading the offense mostly.

Dylan Harper was dominant today.

 

[NickRU714]

Dylan Harper was dominant today.

And to think, he wasn't even the PG in high school according to some who watched him.

 

[robjknight]

He is dominant in almost every game he plays. Physically, mentally, BB IQ is a great combination. He is well beyond a typical freshman and we are so fortunate to have him if only for a year. He will fear no one in the BIG and will bring his desire to win every game and make everyone around him better.

 

[Scarlet83]

He is dominant in almost every game he plays. Physically, mentally, BB IQ is a great combination. He is well beyond a typical freshman and we are so fortunate to have him if only for a year. He will fear no one in the BIG and will bring his desire to win every game and make everyone around him better.

Exactly.

What I learned at the scrimmage, is that Dylan Harper:
1) is both the alpha and the leader on this team
2) he can get into the lane pretty much anytime he wants.
3) he can shoot accurately in the lane even when off balance.

 

[richthedentist]

A lot of talk about "point guard", "ball handler" and "running the offense".
Who will have the ball in their hands.

This quote from HC Pike seems pretty definitive:
Harper, meanwhile, got to the rim seemingly at will and consistently set up shooters for good looks along the perimeter. When Pikiell was asked about handing the keys to his offense to a freshman, he didn't mince words.
"He’s the No. 1 point guard in the country, so giving him the basketball is kind of an easy decision," the coach said.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nb...pression-5-media-day-observations/ar-AA1r8A98

As I've suspected, the top PG prospect in the NBA draft who is being compared to James Harden is likely to have the ball more often than not.

JMike isn't the backup PG. JWill is. If Harper is out of the game, then JWill will have the ball.
JMike appears to be the 3rd PG and likely(hopefully?) never in the game without JWill and/or Harper also being in the game.
I would imagine HC Pike splits up minutes so either Harper and/or JWill are in the game at all times.

This also appears to push JWill off-ball more when on the court with Harper - which is a different discussion of role and fit.
When Geo was brought in, the discussion around Mulcahy changed to "how does his skillset fit as an off-ball player next to a PG/Geo?"
Seems a similar situation might occur with JWill if Harper is leading the offense mostly.

Don't forget JMike is also going to lose minutes to Tyson Acuff

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Exactly.

What I learned at the scrimmage, is that Dylan Harper:
1) is both the alpha and the leader on this team
2) he can get into the lane pretty much anytime he wants.
3) he can shoot accurately in the lane even when off balance.

That sounds a lot like Corey Sanders.

 

[Scarlet83]

That sounds a lot like Corey Sanders.

The biggest difference I see, and it’s a big one, is that Dylan is able to get much closer to the hole more often, where it’s a layup. Plus he can drive the lane lefty or righty. Corey, with much less offensive weapons around him, always drove right, the defense knew it, and he often found himself taking a 10 foot running shot from the right, instead of a layup or 3 footer. Dylan uses his size well also.

The second big difference is Dylan is a tough, in your face defender. He fought through screens well.

But yes, they have similarities.

 

[Rutgers25]

The biggest difference I see, and it’s a big one, is that Dylan is able to get much closer to the hole more often, where it’s a layup. Plus he can drive the lane lefty or righty. Corey, with much less offensive weapons around him, always drove right, the defense knew it, and he often found himself taking a 10 foot running shot from the right, instead of a layup or 3 footer. Dylan uses his size well also.

The second big difference is Dylan is a tough, in your face defender. He fought through screens well.

But yes, they have similarities.

I assume Dylan has better vision when he gets into the paint. Corey didn’t see the floor once he made his mind up to drive

 

[lion1983]

The biggest difference I see, and it’s a big one, is that Dylan is able to get much closer to the hole more often, where it’s a layup. Plus he can drive the lane lefty or righty. Corey, with much less offensive weapons around him, always drove right, the defense knew it, and he often found himself taking a 10 foot running shot from the right, instead of a layup or 3 footer. Dylan uses his size well also.



But yes, they have similarities.

With all due respect, Corey Sanders and Dylan Harper have no similarities.

1) sanders was a wiry 6'2", Harper is 6'6" or taller, has a powerful build.

2) sanders relied almost entirely on his quickness and freaky hops athleticism to get off shots against taller players. Harper relies on fundamental footwork, his strength and power, his length and a very crafty use of his body to dribble penetrate snd/ get off shots.

3) Sanders was a shooting/scoring guard in a point guard body and passed mainly when he had to.. Harper is point guard/lead guard, withn instinct to pass, and a MUCH better passer than Sanders. Harper is a point guard in a WF body.

4) Sanders was a slasher on offense, who could sometimes hit the 3. Harper is a... I dunno what the opposite or different label from slasher, but NOT a slasher.

If there is a comp for Harper it is not a RU player. I like Jalen Brunson as a comparable player... Both lefty lead guards in college; both athletic enough, but not relying on that athleticism and not freakishly athletic; both relied heavily on the crafty and power of their bodies to set up teammates for passes or to get their shots at all 3 levels. Though Harper is 6'6"" to Brunson's 6'2".

 

[Nycrusupporter]

With all due respect, Corey Sanders and Dylan Harper have no similarities.

1) sanders was a wiry 6'2", Harper is 6'6" or taller, has a powerful build.

2) sanders relied almost entirely on his quickness and freaky hops athleticism to get off shots against taller players. Harper relies on fundamental footwork, his strength and power, his length and a very crafty use of his body to dribble penetrate snd/ get off shots.

3) Sanders was a shooting/scoring guard in a point guard body and passed mainly when he had to.. Harper is point guard/lead guard, withn instinct to pass, and a MUCH better passer than Sanders. Harper is a point guard in a WF body.

4) Sanders was a slasher on offense, who could sometimes hit the 3. Harper is a... I dunno what the opposite or different label from slasher, but NOT a slasher.

If there is a comp for Harper it is not a RU player. I like Jalen Brunson as a comparable player... Both lefty lead guards in college; both athletic enough, but not relying on that athleticism and not freakishly athletic; both relied heavily on the crafty and power of their bodies to set up teammates for passes or to get their shots at all 3 levels. Though Harper is 6'6"" to Brunson's 6'2".

I actually think the better comps for Harper driving to the basket are Luka and Harden. Harper definitely needs to prove he can play in a similar way, but it is largely why he is such a highly regarded NBA prospect. It is not always fun as a spectator, but if you have a large physical point guard who can drive to the basket at will, put his defender on his hip so all he can do is foul, it then drives a team’s offensive efficiency through the roof, as long as they score, get fouled, or do both. In the NBA, Luka and Harden (in his Houston prime) generally can take their teams at a minimum to the conference finals playing this way.

 

[Scarlet83]

I assume Dylan has better vision when he gets into the paint. Corey didn’t see the floor once he made his mind up to drive

That is a great point.

 

[Geo_Baker_1]

That sounds a lot like Corey Sanders.

Not even close

 

[Scangg]

That sounds a lot like Corey Sanders.

 

[LotusAggressor]

That sounds a lot like Corey Sanders.

Hopefully, he's a much better shooter.

 

[Geo_Baker_1]

Enjoy Dylan for the year lol

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Not even close

Didnt say Sanders was in the ballpark of Harper. Just the characteristics listed were similar.

Do you know the last (and i think only) freshman to have a 30%+ 3 pt fg as a freshman with over 30 attempts under Pike? Pretty sure I know the answer.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Could Corey get in to the lane at will?
ABSOLUTELY

Did he finish at a high rate?
NO!!!!!

Did he pass when he got in to the lane?
ALMOST NEVER

Did he knock down mid range shots?
HE WAS PRETTY GOOD

Is that something that is important in today’s game?
UNFORTUNATELY NOT

 

[lion1983]

Didnt say Sanders was in the ballpark of Harper. Just the characteristics listed were similar.

Do you know the last (and i think only) freshman to have a 30%+ 3 pt fg as a freshman with over 30 attempts under Pike? Pretty sure I know the answer.

Baker in 2017-18 (36%) ...

Before Pikiell: Corey Sanders 2015-16 (31.5%) ... Eli Carter (35%) and Myles Mack in 2011-12 (34%) ... stopped going back further.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Baker in 2017-18 (36%) ...

Before Pikiell: Corey Sanders 2015-16 (31.5%) ... Eli Carter (35%) and Myles Mack in 2011-12 (34%) ... stopped going back further.

So there was only one. None since the line moved back.

Yes we havent had a lot of shooters, but……..

It is a big adjustment as a freshman to play in this program and be required to spend so much energy on the defensive end.

Will Bailey and/or Harper be the 1st since Geo???

 

[RUInsanity]

.

So there was only one. None since the line moved back.

Yes we havent had a lot of shooters, but……..

It is a big adjustment as a freshman to play in this program and be required to spend so much energy on the defensive end.

Will Bailey and/or Harper be the 1st since Geo???

Instead of taking a pessimistic approach to adverse offensive output impacts - by projecting what you as a fan have observed.....wouldn't it be more prudent if you just asked Geo for his thoughts on Pike/Defense/Energy and get first hand data?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

.


Instead of taking a pessimistic approach to adverse offensive output impacts - by projecting what you as a fan have observed.....wouldn't it be more prudent if you just asked Geo for his thoughts on Pike/Defense/Energy and get first hand data?

I would be EXTREMELY interested to hear his thoughts. Definitely would love to hear about whether he hit a freshman wall and just his overall adjustment to the college game.

Looking at Geo’s freshman log he was pretty consistent and didnt have any prolonged period where he was shooting bad. I do see an injury late in the year where he missed a game and didnt play as much for the next 2 games when he came back. He then had 2 very strong games to finish the season where he averaged 20 PPg in the B1Gt