A year ago today, I posted my grades for the 2016-2017 season along with commentary and suggested areas of improvement for the 2017-2018 season. More so to amuse myself, I decided to review my grades and post (see below, I cut and pasted the 2016-2017 grades and commentary for returning players) my grades and commentary for the 2017-2018 season. I encourage you to weigh-in -- agree or disagree – but save the “homer” comments or those that suggest that it is inappropriate to critique these student-athlete “amateurs.” It’s silly. These grades and commentary are for passionate fans who are serious students of the game.
2016-2017 Grades:
Corey Sanders -- C+.
Corey is the most talented and athletic guard we have had at RU since Battle and Douby. Unfortunately, he has a horrible outside shot; just awful. If he doesn't improve his outside shot, he has zero chance of playing in the NBA. There is hope, however, that he can improve his shooting. Just look at how much Melo Trimble has improved this aspect of his game. In my view, Corey waited too long this season to start to shoot from the outside. The Out of Conference schedule is where he should have started to shoot. Instead, he focused too much on the playmaking part of his game and rarely took an outside shot.
Corey also misses way too many shots at the rim. You have to admit -- he is among the best penetrating, scoring guards you will ever see a real combination of Stephon Marbury and Derrick Rose. However, he needs to improve his efficiency as an offensive player. You can't keep on getting to the rim and missing. Although it seems that he is fouled on almost 50% of his drive attempts, he very rarely gets the call. It's really a shame -- it is so obvious that the B1G refs disrespect RU.
No left hand at all. He can dribble lefty, but not in an attacking fashion. Shooting a lefty layup -- I have never seen him even try to use his left hand. He must bring his left hand into his repertoire. If he develops a left hand, improves his efficiency at the rim, improves his stroke from outside and from the line -- now you have a dominant player.
Corey's defensive performance improved dramatically this year. He is so quick and strong. However, he tends to lose focus. Too many times, he seems to half-hardheartedly offer defensive help to his teammates only to have his man drift to the outside and hit a wide open 3. He should be able to steal the ball more than he does. For a guy that is a dunking, highlight reel, how many dunks has he had on breakaways -- it has to be less than 10 for the entire year.
As to his play making ability, it is mediocre at best. Perhaps if we had a knock down 3 point shooter, his assists would increase, etc. Additionally, he turns the ball over too many times for my taste, not to mention having a penchant for turning it over at the worst possible time.
His foul shooting is below average to terrible. There is no excuse for not being a 75-80% free throw shooter.
If Corey averages 17-20 points a game next year, we will make the Tourney."
2017-2018 -- Corey Sanders B+
My basic assessment of Corey's game remains the same. I only increased his grade to a B+ this year because he had about 3 dominant Big 10 regular season games + the Seton Hall game + the most dominating Big 10 tourney performance of any player in the league -- bar none. During the season, however, he was -- in a word -- inconsistent. When he was good -- he was really good. But in the end he averaged around 13 points per game and had too many clunker games to get a higher grade. Leaving Corey off of every league honor – even honorable mention – was ridiculous.
That being said, “revenge is best served cold” -- isn’t that the truth! During the mere 3 games of the Big 10 tourney – Corey exacted his revenge on all those coaches, teams, fans and referees that have continued to disrespect his game. He was the best player on the court and his performance was “historical”. It will serve to jump start RU’s rise from a laughing stock sleeping giant to a real force. All we need to do is recruit 2-3 real players a year and keep developing the crap out of them when they are here.
That's how good Corey’s performance was. So good, in my view, it will convince him to finally leave RU and try to go pro -- NBA/G-League/European Pro. The only way he stays at RU is if someone close to him is able to convince him that having a college degree (assuming he's on track to graduate in May 2019) is worth it. If he stays, I believe he will become a dominating player -- like Douby became during his junior year -- and we will make the NCAA tourney. But given the risk of injury -- particularly given his reckless, physical, attacking style of basketball -- Corey will likely opt out to try his hand at pro ball.
As to his 2017-2018 performance, he drastically improved his mid-range, key/elbow shot by finally figuring out that he had to put more arc into his shot. The same was true for his hell-bent drives -- he finally seemed to have figured out the appropriate height/angle and touch needed to bank the shot in when driving to the hoop at full tilt. As to his almost non-existent left hand -- he made nice progress -- particularly in the last 1/3 of the year. I actually remember that he made a lefty layup in the Big 10 tourney. That was first lefty-layup I recall that he ever took and made.
Unfortunately, his 3 point shot is still missing in action. He rarely takes one. Additionally, he still misses way too many layups and doesn't seem to recognize, quickly enough, when he's open for an outside shot. He prefers to do it the hard way -- juking, crossing-over and stepping back -- not once but multiple times, before he decides to shoot. In my view, he should look to shoot earlier in the move -- either when the pick is first set for him, or when he first receives the pass or when he first breaks his man down off the dribble.
He continues to get no respect from the officials. Zero. Nada. How many times does he have to be rocked on one possession? It must take its toll, emotionally, when you are getting karate chopped every time you enter the paint. At some point your head coach has to step up and take a technical to support his best player. I don't recall that happening this year.
Too bad Corey's going to leave. In my view, he's the best RU guard since Battle and Douby.
2016-2017 Grade:
Deshawn Freeman -- C+
It took Freeman almost the entire year to figure out that he is a small forward and not a power forward. Once he started to take outside shots and make those shots, he was an exponentially better player. He is simply too small to the play the low post game that he was trying to play.
During the first 80% of the B1G schedule, he was over matched on a nightly basis. He tried and tried to overpower his opponents but he had very little success. Indeed, I never saw a player miss so many easy put backs and layups.
All was not lost, however, because he continued to work and work and work. Over time, he figured out that he was exponentially quicker and more athletic than 90% of his opponents. Once he slowed down a bit by stopping the multiple, herky jerky wasted offensive moves, he realized that he could blow by his man any time he wanted to. His outside shot improved as the year progressed, as did his foul shooting.
Freeman's defense was generally stellar. During the last 5 games or so, he became infatuated with the old playground move on defense of intentionally allowing your man to drive past you so you can poke or swipe the ball from behind. Although he rarely fouled his man on these attempts, the refs called him for foul on multiple occasions.
Freeman's rebounding was excellent. There aren't too many players his size that rebound as well as he can.
All in all, Freeman had a very good year. Next year promises to be even better. He should be our starting small forward -- not our power forward (assuming we get someone that can fill that role).
2017-2018 Grade - Deshawn Freeman -- B
Freeman definitely improved his outside shot and his foul shooting (one of the best on the team), but he dominated the offense too much. When the ball was passed into him in the low post -- it hardly ever came out. After awhile, when you constantly chuck up shots or turn the ball over, your teammates grow tired of you and avoid passing you the ball. That grinds the offense to a halt. It happened way too often.
Overall, Freeman played hard -- all the time -- a great quality. He was a relentless rebounder. His performance and shot selection in the Big 10 tourney was the way he should have played during the regular season. Had he been more consistent, we might have squeaked out an additional victory or two.
All in all, Freeman had a really productive career at RU as he improved each year. Too bad he was 2-3 inches too short to play the power forward position. I would also love to know the backstory that resulted in his one game benching at the end of the year and his move to 6/7 man role during the last few games. He was a captain -- after all....
2016-2017 Mike Williams -- B
Dramatic improvement in all areas. The hardest working player on the team. The best rebounding guard -- perhaps in the country.
He still misses way too many makeable outside shots. It seems that he only makes shots when he comes off of screens. I still cannot believe that he was considered the best outside shooting guard in NYC. No consistency in his offensive game -- 1 game great, 3 games nothing, 1 game horrible.
He also takes way too many out-of-control layup attempts. He forces his shot attempts up way too much.
I was not a big fan of his during his first 2 years-- however, I've changed my mind. He is coming on and will be the perfect 6th man for next year.
2017- 2018 Grade - B+
He was the perfect 6th man and teammate. If only he could consistently hit an open shot. Far too many misses on open looks for my taste.
As for his defense – top shelf. His toughness – none better. Rebounding – perhaps the best rebounding guard in the country – a truly amazing skill. Too bad he never lived up to his billing as the “best shooter to come out of NYC. That is what the 2017-2018 team really needed the most -- a dead eye 3 point specialist.
2016-2017 Issa Thiam -- D
Oy vey! That's Senegalese for this guy cannot shoot! Rarely do you witness a player who is so over-matched physically that it is actually painful to watch. He had only 3-4 games where he played decently. Can he gain 40 pounds and improve his strength? I doubt it. I liked his defense, but his shooting was pitiful -- just atrocious. How does a 6'9" guy get stuffed so often when taking an outside shot? Not once or twice, but at least 10x during the season. His lack of scoring was unacceptable.
Although you can see he has potential (he moves gracefully and is quick), there is no way that he deserved to play as many minutes as he did as a freshman. I just cannot accept the fact that our coach thought he was more valuable to the team than Laurent. There must be some reason why Thiam played over Laurent? It's just not apparent to me.
2018 Grade - C+
I was impressed with the dramatic improvement made by Issa. He put on about 20lbs of muscle – but he clearly needs another 20lbs -- displayed a better and more consistent outside shot and even developed a low post game. His rebounding went from non-existent to intriguing. His defense was top shelf -- he seems to have the skills to guard almost every position on the floor.
Issa’s basic problem is that he plays too softly and timidly. It all relates to his skinny stature. He desperately needs to stay in the weight room so he can come out with a body that resembles Eugene’s.
I still think his release point for his shot is way too low. Can we have Kevin Durant give him private shooting lessons? Can he improve his handle and develop a go to offensive move other than a catch and shoot when he’s wide open?
He is one of keys to next year. If he takes a dramatic step up -- then he becomes our wild card. There aren't too many 2 guard opponents that can guard a 6' 10" , athletic shooting guard, particularly if he can create his own shot.
2016-2017 Shaquille Doorson -- C
Major kudos to Shaq for being able to return from a serious foot injury and for losing 50+ lbs. He showed flashes of what he can become -- a decent rebounder, a good post defender, a competent player within 2' of the rim, and able to set monster picks to free shooters and guards. Other than that, he is a major work in progress. His conditioning must improve dramatically -- my estimate is the he must lose another 20lbs.
As to Shaq's offensive game -- it is nonexistent -- nada, nothing. However, I think he can improve to the point where he can develop a low post game. If you think about it, if CJ Getty was able to develop drop step moves and a foul line jump shot with no athletic ability, why can't Shaq be able to do the same.
As to his foul shooting, it is atrocious. He cannot be in the game during the last 2 minutes -- his brick laying foul shooting makes him a major liability. With major repetitive practice, he should be able to improve this aspect of his game.
As to his defensive game, he is a very good post defender. he certainly has the body type and strength to continue to improve in this area. His lack of jumping ability is breathtaking. Imagine being 7' tall and not be able to jump high enough to block an occasional shot? He also loses his defensive focus too often. Did you see the play the other night, where he turned his back on the ball and didn't know where he was on the floor? You don't see that type of poor BB IQ too often.
Oh well... with all of his BB warts, I still like him as player. By the time he is a senior, we might have ourselves our own Isaac Haas.
2017-2018 Grade - C+
Not much changed, but playing the whole year and providing great defense against the few huge post player opponents (Isaac Haas, comes to mind) merits the C+.
Unfortunately, Doorson still has no low post game, no outside shot, can hardly string together a few dribbles and his foul shooting is inconsistent.
If Doorson stays, I think he can develop a hook shot or drop step move. Is it really that hard to master? He needs to drop some more weight, stay healthy and get in better condition. His height, strength and defense in the post are his best attributes. He should not be our starter, but our defensive specialist.
2016- 2017 Eugene Omoruyi - C
A pleasant surprise.
Let's focus on what does best --- he plays with high energy and is tough, physical defender. No layups on his watch -- you are going to hit the floor or suffer the consequences of a hard foul if you are attempting a layup near him. I forget the game, but Eugene hammered a player on a breakaway and nearly got tossed from the game. That was the hardest foul committed by a RU player this season. I don't know about you, but this reminds me of Charles Oakley and the Knick teams of that era. I like that level of toughness. The more guys we get that play like Eugene and Mike Williams, the better we will be.
He can also dribble and is a very good passer. For my money, he made several of the better passes this season that led to breakaway layups. These passes occurred following a steal or after a long rebound made by him. This court awareness and BB IQ was refreshing to see -- particularly from a freshman.
As to the negatives, he has a below average outside shot and virtually no ability to create space on his own to get off an outside shot. During the B1G portion of the schedule, I don't recall one outside shot that he made. His lack of confidence in this aspect of his game was palpable. He became a one dimensional offensive player -- driving to the basket in an out of control manner and hoisting up a ridiculous layup attempt that had a 10% chance of going in. That being said, he showed good hands on multiple occasions, by catching hard to catch passes in traffic, driving and head faking for layups.
This guy will only improve. A great pickup with a positive upside.
2017-2018 B+
Eugene was clearly our most improved camper! What a remarkable improvement – one year to the next. Not only did he transform his body, but he developed multiple go to offensive moves around the hoop. Rarely did you see Eugene throw up an unmakeable, out of control shot. At times he was unstoppable. He reminds me of Cedric Maxwell from the great Boston Celtic teams.
As to his defensive prowess – no one was better on the team. He drew more offensive fouls than any player. Not sure if they keep that stat, but he might be among the leaders in the country. Eugene is a really elite defender.
Now comes the hard part – develop a reliable mid-range jump shot. If Eugene can catch the ball at the foul line, turn to the basket and make a few jump shots, he will be unstoppable because he can drive right by the defender if he decides to do so. Now the defender gives him the shot because he knows he will not take it.
If Eugene works as hard on his outside shot and dribbling as he did on his body – one year to the next – the sky is the limit.
How did he come back from the devastating knee injury so quickly? That was miracle of this season.
2016-2017 Candido Sa -- C
A tremendous pick-up. I love his athleticism and shot blocking ability. Indeed, based on Candido's performance during the out of conference portion of the schedule, I thought that he was going to be our starting center. He showed flashes of an inside game (a few jump hook shots and assorted post moves) and a decent looking outside shot. However, when the competition level increased during the B1G portion of the schedule, Candido's performance dropped off dramatically. Hie was exposed on a regular basis. He couldn't make an outside shot, he hardly ever dunked at the rim (playing rather softly on defense, if you asked me) and was an atrocious foul shooter. If you want to think about the weaknesses of his game, then rewatch the MSG Wisconsin game. Enough said. If you want to think about his potential, then rewatch the OST game from the other night
I see great things from Candido next year. He was exposed to D1 BB for the first time. This is not Europe or Junior College. This is a physical brand of BB that you need to experience before you can adapt and improve. Now that Candido has been exposed to the B1G "gauntlet" and survived, I think you will see a vastly improved, physical player next year (assuming he doesn't leave to play pro ball in Europe -- I think he turns 25 next year!).
2018 – C+
Modest improvement was noted. I thought he should have played way more than he did. His confidence level on offense was not where it needed to be. More playing time would have improved his production on offense. Never developed a go to offensive move.
Good defender, shot blocker
2017- 2018- Newcomers
Geo Baker – B
If he didn’t fade off during the last 1/3 of Big 10 regular season, I would have given him an A-. But he collapsed only to resurrect his game in the Big 10 tourney to an elite level.
What can you really say about Geo’s performance this year other than WOW! Played a ton of minutes. Great defender. Good handle. Great offensive instincts. Descent outside shot. Good foul shooter. Heady player. Fearless!
Needs to put on 20lbs of muscle this off season. Has to learn to put some back-spin into his outside shot – often times it hardly rotates. That is the reason why he was getting so many 3 point shots that rimmed out. Need to shoot a little more from his finger tips to create the back spin. That results in a higher, softer shot and will reduce the rim outs.
Robert Mueller needs to investigate how Geo did not make the all-freshman Big 10 team. That was ridiculous. One of the best RU freshman season in a long time. We need more diamonds in the rough like this!
2017-2018 Mamadou Doucore – C
A nice transitional year – from high school to college. I thought he was going to be a bit better, particularly since he was quoted preseason as thinking he was going to be the Big 10 freshman of the year! There’s no way I would have started him over either Doorson or Sa.
Basically, He only had one game that showed what he might become – the first Minnesota game. He hit several nice, mid-range shots. I see him as a power forward, not a center. He has no low post moves. His outside shot is one of the best on the team. He is reliable foul shooter.
He needs to improve his flexibility. He plays and moves very stiffly or rigidly. His defense is below average. He fouls way too because he doesn’t move his feet quickly enough. Much work needs to be done this off season, but he definitely has potential. Could be a surprise -- on the order of Kadeem Jack – sophomore to junior year. We shall see.
2016-2017 Matt Bullock - Inc.
I, for one was disappointed that he was red shirted. He was highly touted as having a good outside shot, a winner, blah blah blah. We saw none of this. Was he offered a scholarship in order to entice HS buddy, Naz Reid to give us a shot? Whatever. Unless he's the next coming of Charles Barkley, he looks nearly 50 lbs overweight. We shall see...
2017-2018 – C
We finally got to see what was languishing on the bench for the past 2 years. I was surprised. Bullock wasn’t that bad. He remains woefully out of shape, but he demonstrated a pretty decent looking outside shot and feel for the game. It is hard to believe that it took so long to try him in an actual game. If he drops 30lbs, he could contribute on a more consistent basis. I guess he doesn’t have the self-discipline to do it. We shall see. I predict he will be back and will drop 10lbs!
2017-2018 Souf Mensah – D
Souf was overmatched -- plain and simple. He plays pretty decent on-ball defense, but his lateral quickness was not D-1 quality. Any quick guard was able to destroy him by simply changing direction. He’s built like a pro-running back, is a good athlete, but he plays too stiffly and rigidly. He lacks confidence in his outside shooting and was a turnover machine. Perhaps this was an “adjustment year” and next year he can contribute more consistently.
If he stays, I think we will see some modest improvement, but nothing more.
2016-2017 Walk-ons -- A
Every walk on gets an A. The effort they put in is amazing. They practice just as hard as the scholarship players and they contribute by being good teammates. i love the effort. Special kudos to Jake Dadika. He made a meaningful contribution in several games (the Illini game comes to mind) and improved his skill level. Now if he could only knock down some shots, he might continue to get playing time. He rarely makes a mistake and is an excellent passer.
2017-2018 -- A
Dadka and Luke Nathan had a great year. I predict that Nathan will see some time next year – he worked on his body and looks pretty coordinated during the layup drills!
Walkons always get an A, just for committing their time. Dadika has some nice moments. He helped the team every time he got in the game. Too bad his outside shot never materialized.
Effort gets these guys an A.
2016-2017 Pikiell Coaching Staff: -- B+
A remarkable job. A complete -- Knight and Day transformation. I am thrilled with the improvement in rebounding, defense, hustle, etc. I like the fact that Pikiell plays so many players. His post game quote that "This is not Little League, where everyone gets a trophy." (or some variant of that) says a lot. If you want to play for me, you need to perform in practice and during the game. If you fail to perform, you are sitting next to me on the bench. That's fair and it is the way life should be -- a complete meritocracy!
Some areas where I would like to see improvement in our coaching philosophy --more pressing, more zone, more 3 point shooting (once we get the players who can perform), more alley oop attempts and a more concerted effort to run. I would also like to see Pikiell get a technical foul called in an effort to shake up these refs. We get no respect from the B1G refs and enough is enough. I'm sure Pikiell preaches toughness to his players, he has to show his toughness by taking one for the team at the right moment. A message has to be sent to these refs that we are no longer the doormat of the league. How many atrocious calls are we going to have to take before we make a stand -- no mas, baby!
If we get a player or two who can really shoot, we are going to be a tougher out next year. Recruit, recruit and recruit. Even RU is entitled to a lucky break -- if we get one, look out!!
2017-2018 – B+
I expected a few more wins in the Big 10. That is the only reason the coaching staff didn’t get an A-.
The in game coaching was superior. However, I think some of the decision making regarding playing time missed the mark as Eugene and Sa should have been the starters. Freeman and Doucore should have come off the bench.
The Big 10 tourney is where the staff really made their mark. They did a masterful job taking the 14 seed as far as they did. We definitely should have recruited a grad transfer shooter -- there had to be someone worthy of taking. Our Achilles heel was our piss-poor shooting. The worst of any Power 5 Division 1 team.
If we can get a few more players, perhaps we will finally have the depth to press. If Corey stays – then next year will be special. If he leaves, then we will have a similar year -- 3-5 Big 10 wins.
Pikiell is a great coach with a great staff. But in the end you need to win some more games -- particularly back-to back in the Big 10. It's time to take 2 steps forward and one step back -- no more 1 step forward and 2 back.
Let's see what 2018-2019 brings!! Go RU...
2016-2017 Grades:
Corey Sanders -- C+.
Corey is the most talented and athletic guard we have had at RU since Battle and Douby. Unfortunately, he has a horrible outside shot; just awful. If he doesn't improve his outside shot, he has zero chance of playing in the NBA. There is hope, however, that he can improve his shooting. Just look at how much Melo Trimble has improved this aspect of his game. In my view, Corey waited too long this season to start to shoot from the outside. The Out of Conference schedule is where he should have started to shoot. Instead, he focused too much on the playmaking part of his game and rarely took an outside shot.
Corey also misses way too many shots at the rim. You have to admit -- he is among the best penetrating, scoring guards you will ever see a real combination of Stephon Marbury and Derrick Rose. However, he needs to improve his efficiency as an offensive player. You can't keep on getting to the rim and missing. Although it seems that he is fouled on almost 50% of his drive attempts, he very rarely gets the call. It's really a shame -- it is so obvious that the B1G refs disrespect RU.
No left hand at all. He can dribble lefty, but not in an attacking fashion. Shooting a lefty layup -- I have never seen him even try to use his left hand. He must bring his left hand into his repertoire. If he develops a left hand, improves his efficiency at the rim, improves his stroke from outside and from the line -- now you have a dominant player.
Corey's defensive performance improved dramatically this year. He is so quick and strong. However, he tends to lose focus. Too many times, he seems to half-hardheartedly offer defensive help to his teammates only to have his man drift to the outside and hit a wide open 3. He should be able to steal the ball more than he does. For a guy that is a dunking, highlight reel, how many dunks has he had on breakaways -- it has to be less than 10 for the entire year.
As to his play making ability, it is mediocre at best. Perhaps if we had a knock down 3 point shooter, his assists would increase, etc. Additionally, he turns the ball over too many times for my taste, not to mention having a penchant for turning it over at the worst possible time.
His foul shooting is below average to terrible. There is no excuse for not being a 75-80% free throw shooter.
If Corey averages 17-20 points a game next year, we will make the Tourney."
2017-2018 -- Corey Sanders B+
My basic assessment of Corey's game remains the same. I only increased his grade to a B+ this year because he had about 3 dominant Big 10 regular season games + the Seton Hall game + the most dominating Big 10 tourney performance of any player in the league -- bar none. During the season, however, he was -- in a word -- inconsistent. When he was good -- he was really good. But in the end he averaged around 13 points per game and had too many clunker games to get a higher grade. Leaving Corey off of every league honor – even honorable mention – was ridiculous.
That being said, “revenge is best served cold” -- isn’t that the truth! During the mere 3 games of the Big 10 tourney – Corey exacted his revenge on all those coaches, teams, fans and referees that have continued to disrespect his game. He was the best player on the court and his performance was “historical”. It will serve to jump start RU’s rise from a laughing stock sleeping giant to a real force. All we need to do is recruit 2-3 real players a year and keep developing the crap out of them when they are here.
That's how good Corey’s performance was. So good, in my view, it will convince him to finally leave RU and try to go pro -- NBA/G-League/European Pro. The only way he stays at RU is if someone close to him is able to convince him that having a college degree (assuming he's on track to graduate in May 2019) is worth it. If he stays, I believe he will become a dominating player -- like Douby became during his junior year -- and we will make the NCAA tourney. But given the risk of injury -- particularly given his reckless, physical, attacking style of basketball -- Corey will likely opt out to try his hand at pro ball.
As to his 2017-2018 performance, he drastically improved his mid-range, key/elbow shot by finally figuring out that he had to put more arc into his shot. The same was true for his hell-bent drives -- he finally seemed to have figured out the appropriate height/angle and touch needed to bank the shot in when driving to the hoop at full tilt. As to his almost non-existent left hand -- he made nice progress -- particularly in the last 1/3 of the year. I actually remember that he made a lefty layup in the Big 10 tourney. That was first lefty-layup I recall that he ever took and made.
Unfortunately, his 3 point shot is still missing in action. He rarely takes one. Additionally, he still misses way too many layups and doesn't seem to recognize, quickly enough, when he's open for an outside shot. He prefers to do it the hard way -- juking, crossing-over and stepping back -- not once but multiple times, before he decides to shoot. In my view, he should look to shoot earlier in the move -- either when the pick is first set for him, or when he first receives the pass or when he first breaks his man down off the dribble.
He continues to get no respect from the officials. Zero. Nada. How many times does he have to be rocked on one possession? It must take its toll, emotionally, when you are getting karate chopped every time you enter the paint. At some point your head coach has to step up and take a technical to support his best player. I don't recall that happening this year.
Too bad Corey's going to leave. In my view, he's the best RU guard since Battle and Douby.
2016-2017 Grade:
Deshawn Freeman -- C+
It took Freeman almost the entire year to figure out that he is a small forward and not a power forward. Once he started to take outside shots and make those shots, he was an exponentially better player. He is simply too small to the play the low post game that he was trying to play.
During the first 80% of the B1G schedule, he was over matched on a nightly basis. He tried and tried to overpower his opponents but he had very little success. Indeed, I never saw a player miss so many easy put backs and layups.
All was not lost, however, because he continued to work and work and work. Over time, he figured out that he was exponentially quicker and more athletic than 90% of his opponents. Once he slowed down a bit by stopping the multiple, herky jerky wasted offensive moves, he realized that he could blow by his man any time he wanted to. His outside shot improved as the year progressed, as did his foul shooting.
Freeman's defense was generally stellar. During the last 5 games or so, he became infatuated with the old playground move on defense of intentionally allowing your man to drive past you so you can poke or swipe the ball from behind. Although he rarely fouled his man on these attempts, the refs called him for foul on multiple occasions.
Freeman's rebounding was excellent. There aren't too many players his size that rebound as well as he can.
All in all, Freeman had a very good year. Next year promises to be even better. He should be our starting small forward -- not our power forward (assuming we get someone that can fill that role).
2017-2018 Grade - Deshawn Freeman -- B
Freeman definitely improved his outside shot and his foul shooting (one of the best on the team), but he dominated the offense too much. When the ball was passed into him in the low post -- it hardly ever came out. After awhile, when you constantly chuck up shots or turn the ball over, your teammates grow tired of you and avoid passing you the ball. That grinds the offense to a halt. It happened way too often.
Overall, Freeman played hard -- all the time -- a great quality. He was a relentless rebounder. His performance and shot selection in the Big 10 tourney was the way he should have played during the regular season. Had he been more consistent, we might have squeaked out an additional victory or two.
All in all, Freeman had a really productive career at RU as he improved each year. Too bad he was 2-3 inches too short to play the power forward position. I would also love to know the backstory that resulted in his one game benching at the end of the year and his move to 6/7 man role during the last few games. He was a captain -- after all....
2016-2017 Mike Williams -- B
Dramatic improvement in all areas. The hardest working player on the team. The best rebounding guard -- perhaps in the country.
He still misses way too many makeable outside shots. It seems that he only makes shots when he comes off of screens. I still cannot believe that he was considered the best outside shooting guard in NYC. No consistency in his offensive game -- 1 game great, 3 games nothing, 1 game horrible.
He also takes way too many out-of-control layup attempts. He forces his shot attempts up way too much.
I was not a big fan of his during his first 2 years-- however, I've changed my mind. He is coming on and will be the perfect 6th man for next year.
2017- 2018 Grade - B+
He was the perfect 6th man and teammate. If only he could consistently hit an open shot. Far too many misses on open looks for my taste.
As for his defense – top shelf. His toughness – none better. Rebounding – perhaps the best rebounding guard in the country – a truly amazing skill. Too bad he never lived up to his billing as the “best shooter to come out of NYC. That is what the 2017-2018 team really needed the most -- a dead eye 3 point specialist.
2016-2017 Issa Thiam -- D
Oy vey! That's Senegalese for this guy cannot shoot! Rarely do you witness a player who is so over-matched physically that it is actually painful to watch. He had only 3-4 games where he played decently. Can he gain 40 pounds and improve his strength? I doubt it. I liked his defense, but his shooting was pitiful -- just atrocious. How does a 6'9" guy get stuffed so often when taking an outside shot? Not once or twice, but at least 10x during the season. His lack of scoring was unacceptable.
Although you can see he has potential (he moves gracefully and is quick), there is no way that he deserved to play as many minutes as he did as a freshman. I just cannot accept the fact that our coach thought he was more valuable to the team than Laurent. There must be some reason why Thiam played over Laurent? It's just not apparent to me.
2018 Grade - C+
I was impressed with the dramatic improvement made by Issa. He put on about 20lbs of muscle – but he clearly needs another 20lbs -- displayed a better and more consistent outside shot and even developed a low post game. His rebounding went from non-existent to intriguing. His defense was top shelf -- he seems to have the skills to guard almost every position on the floor.
Issa’s basic problem is that he plays too softly and timidly. It all relates to his skinny stature. He desperately needs to stay in the weight room so he can come out with a body that resembles Eugene’s.
I still think his release point for his shot is way too low. Can we have Kevin Durant give him private shooting lessons? Can he improve his handle and develop a go to offensive move other than a catch and shoot when he’s wide open?
He is one of keys to next year. If he takes a dramatic step up -- then he becomes our wild card. There aren't too many 2 guard opponents that can guard a 6' 10" , athletic shooting guard, particularly if he can create his own shot.
2016-2017 Shaquille Doorson -- C
Major kudos to Shaq for being able to return from a serious foot injury and for losing 50+ lbs. He showed flashes of what he can become -- a decent rebounder, a good post defender, a competent player within 2' of the rim, and able to set monster picks to free shooters and guards. Other than that, he is a major work in progress. His conditioning must improve dramatically -- my estimate is the he must lose another 20lbs.
As to Shaq's offensive game -- it is nonexistent -- nada, nothing. However, I think he can improve to the point where he can develop a low post game. If you think about it, if CJ Getty was able to develop drop step moves and a foul line jump shot with no athletic ability, why can't Shaq be able to do the same.
As to his foul shooting, it is atrocious. He cannot be in the game during the last 2 minutes -- his brick laying foul shooting makes him a major liability. With major repetitive practice, he should be able to improve this aspect of his game.
As to his defensive game, he is a very good post defender. he certainly has the body type and strength to continue to improve in this area. His lack of jumping ability is breathtaking. Imagine being 7' tall and not be able to jump high enough to block an occasional shot? He also loses his defensive focus too often. Did you see the play the other night, where he turned his back on the ball and didn't know where he was on the floor? You don't see that type of poor BB IQ too often.
Oh well... with all of his BB warts, I still like him as player. By the time he is a senior, we might have ourselves our own Isaac Haas.
2017-2018 Grade - C+
Not much changed, but playing the whole year and providing great defense against the few huge post player opponents (Isaac Haas, comes to mind) merits the C+.
Unfortunately, Doorson still has no low post game, no outside shot, can hardly string together a few dribbles and his foul shooting is inconsistent.
If Doorson stays, I think he can develop a hook shot or drop step move. Is it really that hard to master? He needs to drop some more weight, stay healthy and get in better condition. His height, strength and defense in the post are his best attributes. He should not be our starter, but our defensive specialist.
2016- 2017 Eugene Omoruyi - C
A pleasant surprise.
Let's focus on what does best --- he plays with high energy and is tough, physical defender. No layups on his watch -- you are going to hit the floor or suffer the consequences of a hard foul if you are attempting a layup near him. I forget the game, but Eugene hammered a player on a breakaway and nearly got tossed from the game. That was the hardest foul committed by a RU player this season. I don't know about you, but this reminds me of Charles Oakley and the Knick teams of that era. I like that level of toughness. The more guys we get that play like Eugene and Mike Williams, the better we will be.
He can also dribble and is a very good passer. For my money, he made several of the better passes this season that led to breakaway layups. These passes occurred following a steal or after a long rebound made by him. This court awareness and BB IQ was refreshing to see -- particularly from a freshman.
As to the negatives, he has a below average outside shot and virtually no ability to create space on his own to get off an outside shot. During the B1G portion of the schedule, I don't recall one outside shot that he made. His lack of confidence in this aspect of his game was palpable. He became a one dimensional offensive player -- driving to the basket in an out of control manner and hoisting up a ridiculous layup attempt that had a 10% chance of going in. That being said, he showed good hands on multiple occasions, by catching hard to catch passes in traffic, driving and head faking for layups.
This guy will only improve. A great pickup with a positive upside.
2017-2018 B+
Eugene was clearly our most improved camper! What a remarkable improvement – one year to the next. Not only did he transform his body, but he developed multiple go to offensive moves around the hoop. Rarely did you see Eugene throw up an unmakeable, out of control shot. At times he was unstoppable. He reminds me of Cedric Maxwell from the great Boston Celtic teams.
As to his defensive prowess – no one was better on the team. He drew more offensive fouls than any player. Not sure if they keep that stat, but he might be among the leaders in the country. Eugene is a really elite defender.
Now comes the hard part – develop a reliable mid-range jump shot. If Eugene can catch the ball at the foul line, turn to the basket and make a few jump shots, he will be unstoppable because he can drive right by the defender if he decides to do so. Now the defender gives him the shot because he knows he will not take it.
If Eugene works as hard on his outside shot and dribbling as he did on his body – one year to the next – the sky is the limit.
How did he come back from the devastating knee injury so quickly? That was miracle of this season.
2016-2017 Candido Sa -- C
A tremendous pick-up. I love his athleticism and shot blocking ability. Indeed, based on Candido's performance during the out of conference portion of the schedule, I thought that he was going to be our starting center. He showed flashes of an inside game (a few jump hook shots and assorted post moves) and a decent looking outside shot. However, when the competition level increased during the B1G portion of the schedule, Candido's performance dropped off dramatically. Hie was exposed on a regular basis. He couldn't make an outside shot, he hardly ever dunked at the rim (playing rather softly on defense, if you asked me) and was an atrocious foul shooter. If you want to think about the weaknesses of his game, then rewatch the MSG Wisconsin game. Enough said. If you want to think about his potential, then rewatch the OST game from the other night
I see great things from Candido next year. He was exposed to D1 BB for the first time. This is not Europe or Junior College. This is a physical brand of BB that you need to experience before you can adapt and improve. Now that Candido has been exposed to the B1G "gauntlet" and survived, I think you will see a vastly improved, physical player next year (assuming he doesn't leave to play pro ball in Europe -- I think he turns 25 next year!).
2018 – C+
Modest improvement was noted. I thought he should have played way more than he did. His confidence level on offense was not where it needed to be. More playing time would have improved his production on offense. Never developed a go to offensive move.
Good defender, shot blocker
2017- 2018- Newcomers
Geo Baker – B
If he didn’t fade off during the last 1/3 of Big 10 regular season, I would have given him an A-. But he collapsed only to resurrect his game in the Big 10 tourney to an elite level.
What can you really say about Geo’s performance this year other than WOW! Played a ton of minutes. Great defender. Good handle. Great offensive instincts. Descent outside shot. Good foul shooter. Heady player. Fearless!
Needs to put on 20lbs of muscle this off season. Has to learn to put some back-spin into his outside shot – often times it hardly rotates. That is the reason why he was getting so many 3 point shots that rimmed out. Need to shoot a little more from his finger tips to create the back spin. That results in a higher, softer shot and will reduce the rim outs.
Robert Mueller needs to investigate how Geo did not make the all-freshman Big 10 team. That was ridiculous. One of the best RU freshman season in a long time. We need more diamonds in the rough like this!
2017-2018 Mamadou Doucore – C
A nice transitional year – from high school to college. I thought he was going to be a bit better, particularly since he was quoted preseason as thinking he was going to be the Big 10 freshman of the year! There’s no way I would have started him over either Doorson or Sa.
Basically, He only had one game that showed what he might become – the first Minnesota game. He hit several nice, mid-range shots. I see him as a power forward, not a center. He has no low post moves. His outside shot is one of the best on the team. He is reliable foul shooter.
He needs to improve his flexibility. He plays and moves very stiffly or rigidly. His defense is below average. He fouls way too because he doesn’t move his feet quickly enough. Much work needs to be done this off season, but he definitely has potential. Could be a surprise -- on the order of Kadeem Jack – sophomore to junior year. We shall see.
2016-2017 Matt Bullock - Inc.
I, for one was disappointed that he was red shirted. He was highly touted as having a good outside shot, a winner, blah blah blah. We saw none of this. Was he offered a scholarship in order to entice HS buddy, Naz Reid to give us a shot? Whatever. Unless he's the next coming of Charles Barkley, he looks nearly 50 lbs overweight. We shall see...
2017-2018 – C
We finally got to see what was languishing on the bench for the past 2 years. I was surprised. Bullock wasn’t that bad. He remains woefully out of shape, but he demonstrated a pretty decent looking outside shot and feel for the game. It is hard to believe that it took so long to try him in an actual game. If he drops 30lbs, he could contribute on a more consistent basis. I guess he doesn’t have the self-discipline to do it. We shall see. I predict he will be back and will drop 10lbs!
2017-2018 Souf Mensah – D
Souf was overmatched -- plain and simple. He plays pretty decent on-ball defense, but his lateral quickness was not D-1 quality. Any quick guard was able to destroy him by simply changing direction. He’s built like a pro-running back, is a good athlete, but he plays too stiffly and rigidly. He lacks confidence in his outside shooting and was a turnover machine. Perhaps this was an “adjustment year” and next year he can contribute more consistently.
If he stays, I think we will see some modest improvement, but nothing more.
2016-2017 Walk-ons -- A
Every walk on gets an A. The effort they put in is amazing. They practice just as hard as the scholarship players and they contribute by being good teammates. i love the effort. Special kudos to Jake Dadika. He made a meaningful contribution in several games (the Illini game comes to mind) and improved his skill level. Now if he could only knock down some shots, he might continue to get playing time. He rarely makes a mistake and is an excellent passer.
2017-2018 -- A
Dadka and Luke Nathan had a great year. I predict that Nathan will see some time next year – he worked on his body and looks pretty coordinated during the layup drills!
Walkons always get an A, just for committing their time. Dadika has some nice moments. He helped the team every time he got in the game. Too bad his outside shot never materialized.
Effort gets these guys an A.
2016-2017 Pikiell Coaching Staff: -- B+
A remarkable job. A complete -- Knight and Day transformation. I am thrilled with the improvement in rebounding, defense, hustle, etc. I like the fact that Pikiell plays so many players. His post game quote that "This is not Little League, where everyone gets a trophy." (or some variant of that) says a lot. If you want to play for me, you need to perform in practice and during the game. If you fail to perform, you are sitting next to me on the bench. That's fair and it is the way life should be -- a complete meritocracy!
Some areas where I would like to see improvement in our coaching philosophy --more pressing, more zone, more 3 point shooting (once we get the players who can perform), more alley oop attempts and a more concerted effort to run. I would also like to see Pikiell get a technical foul called in an effort to shake up these refs. We get no respect from the B1G refs and enough is enough. I'm sure Pikiell preaches toughness to his players, he has to show his toughness by taking one for the team at the right moment. A message has to be sent to these refs that we are no longer the doormat of the league. How many atrocious calls are we going to have to take before we make a stand -- no mas, baby!
If we get a player or two who can really shoot, we are going to be a tougher out next year. Recruit, recruit and recruit. Even RU is entitled to a lucky break -- if we get one, look out!!
2017-2018 – B+
I expected a few more wins in the Big 10. That is the only reason the coaching staff didn’t get an A-.
The in game coaching was superior. However, I think some of the decision making regarding playing time missed the mark as Eugene and Sa should have been the starters. Freeman and Doucore should have come off the bench.
The Big 10 tourney is where the staff really made their mark. They did a masterful job taking the 14 seed as far as they did. We definitely should have recruited a grad transfer shooter -- there had to be someone worthy of taking. Our Achilles heel was our piss-poor shooting. The worst of any Power 5 Division 1 team.
If we can get a few more players, perhaps we will finally have the depth to press. If Corey stays – then next year will be special. If he leaves, then we will have a similar year -- 3-5 Big 10 wins.
Pikiell is a great coach with a great staff. But in the end you need to win some more games -- particularly back-to back in the Big 10. It's time to take 2 steps forward and one step back -- no more 1 step forward and 2 back.
Let's see what 2018-2019 brings!! Go RU...
