Derkack needs to get benched

[RRRRUUUU]

Your math isn't mathing.

Derkack has taken just 27 threes in 365 minutes, or 3.0 per 40 minutes. Omoruyi played 26.9 min as a senior... which would work out to 2.0/game, not 3.0/game.

Derkack is also .222 this year and a career .257 over 183 attempts. Cliff was a career .200 in just 35 total attempts (which isn't even enough to get a real %, as a single extra shot made or missed would swing his average from .171 to .229). Similarly, Derkack shoots so infrequently that if made his next 3P bucket, his average would jump to .250 - make two in a row tonight, and it'd jump to .276

Derkack (and Davis) need to take occasional threes as guards to keep defenses honest. Centers don't need to do that.

You're doubling down on an argument that makes no sense and makes it look like you have no idea how the game of basketball works.

The cliff example was just to show how bad of a shot it is but let’s do some math bud.

Derkack has shot 22.2% this season. What is the expected value of that possession? It is:

3pts x 22.2% x 1.3 (30% OR rate) x 0.9 (10% turnover rate) = 0.78 points per possession.

A #50 offense js 1.15 points per possession.

Rutgers offense is 1.11 points per possession. So each time he takes that shot, Rutgers expected point total goes down by 0.33 points. (1.11 -0.78 =0.33)

If a tree falls in the forest but no one hears it, does it make a sound?

If Derkack shoots a 3, but his % is terrible, does that keep teams honest? There’s a reason his attempts are all wide open.

we can do the same math for his 2 pt attempts and include free throws. It will not be pretty.

if he’s going to add value to the team, it will be on the defensive side. Jmike understands this now and barely shoots or hogs the ball but plays great D. That’s the role Derkack would have to accept. It’s up to him.

 

[RUChoppin]

You're using that 22.2% number as an absolute - and it just isn't one. Peter Noble isn't a 50.0% shooter, either. You need a critical mass of shots to trust a percentage, and Derkack just doesn't have one this year. Especially so when he has 183 career shots at the same distance, so we can use the 25.7% number more reliably.

He also isn't shooting threes in a bubble, where a three point attempt only has the value of a three point attempt. He's not an assembly line worker who only shoots threes - shooting infrequent threes changes the way he is defended. Making a three sets up the shot fake - which he uses frequently - which adds additional value in getting his defender off his feet and adds to increased value on his 2PA. This is Basketball 101.

And let's be honest, he already adds value to the team. Adjusted for # of possessions played, he's 2nd in assists, 2nd in FTA & FTM, 3rd in steals, 4th in rebounding (best under 6-10), 5th in DRtg (2nd best under 6-10).

There are things he needs to improve, which is expected - specifically around decision making and focus/effort - but the argument that he's somehow on anyone's "worst player" list is pretty absurd on its face.

 

[RedTeam1994]

It is silly.. just as silly as Derkack shooting 3s!! The absurdity is the entire point.

you’re talking about how many 3s for the mins played. Cliff played 30 mins, Derkack closer to 20. 2 for Derkack would be like 3 for cliff. Cliffs 3pt % is just as bad as Derkacks. The point is that neither should be shooting 3s, that’s how bad Derkack has been from 3 even when wide open.

You say a 5 with no outside shooting should shoot a 3 ever. What about a guard who shoots JUST AS BAD???

Isn’t it even worse that JD is shooting 22% while wide open? What about that says to you that’s a good shot?

you just want to argue and exaggerate/ twist to try to be "right". I have no interest in engaging with someone who doesnt want to engage in actual conversation so I'll just conclude with this...

Is Dercack's 3-point shooting (or Davis' for that matter) good? of course not. I never said it was.

but if you cant understand why its worse for a poor-shooting 5 like Cliff to shoot vs guards (for the reasons I and others stated above) then I cant help you.

there is ZERO reason for cliff to ever shoot a 3. If Cliff shot multiple 3s in a game the ONLY logical thing for Pike to do would be to bench him.

but despite their poor %s there are still legit basketball reasons for guards like Dercack and Davis to shoot the occasional open 3.

many, including myself, have explained why.

have a nice day. Im done.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

You're using that 22.2% number as an absolute - and it just isn't one. Peter Noble isn't a 50.0% shooter, either. You need a critical mass of shots to trust a percentage, and Derkack just doesn't have one this year. Especially so when he has 183 career shots at the same distance, so we can use the 25.7% number more reliably.

He also isn't shooting threes in a bubble, where a three point attempt only has the value of a three point attempt. He's not an assembly line worker who only shoots threes - shooting infrequent threes changes the way he is defended. Making a three sets up the shot fake - which he uses frequently - which adds additional value in getting his defender off his feet and adds to increased value on his 2PA. This is Basketball 101.

And let's be honest, he already adds value to the team. Adjusted for # of possessions played, he's 2nd in assists, 2nd in FTA & FTM, 3rd in steals, 4th in rebounding (best under 6-10), 5th in DRtg (2nd best under 6-10).

There are things he needs to improve, which is expected - specifically around decision making and focus/effort - but the argument that he's somehow on anyone's "worst player" list is pretty absurd on its face.

The 25.7% includes playing at the NEC level. You realize though that doesn’t change the math enough though right? Like if I were the opposing coach, I’d throw out the red carpet for Derkack to shoot 3s at 25.7%.

The shooting math and his own +/- says he adds negative value (over the course of the entire season). That is a fact. We’re also 1-0 when he hasn’t played. You can choose to ignore facts though. What is the cost of those rebounds / assists? It’s a net negative.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

you just want to argue and exaggerate/ twist to try to be "right". I have no interest in engaging with someone who doesnt want to engage in actual conversation so I'll just conclude with this...

Is Dercack's 3-point shooting (or Davis' for that matter) good? of course not. I never said it was.

but if you cant understand why its worse for a poor-shooting 5 like Cliff to shoot vs guards (for the reasons I stated above) then I cant help you.

there is ZERO reason for cliff to ever shoot a 3. If Cliff shoot multiple 3s in a game the ONLY logical thing for Pike to do would be to bench him.

but despite their poor %s there are still legit basketball reasons for guards like Dercack and Davis to shoot the occasional open 3.

many, including myself, have explained why.

have a nice day. Im done.

There is no reason for a guard like Derkack to shoot 3s if he’s shooting ar this low of a rate. It does not keep teams honest. They will beg him to take those shots. I laid out the math in the other post. You can choose to ignore the math. Have a nice day, and I hope we win today.

 

[RedTeam1994]

There is no reason for a guard like Derkack to shoot 3s if he’s shooting ar this low of a rate. It does not keep teams honest. They will beg him to take those shots. I laid out the math in the other post. You can choose to ignore the math. Have a nice day, and I hope we win today.

but it DOES keep them honest. we have seen this all season long.

because he DOES shoot the occasional open 3 his defenders DONT LAY BACK - they PLAY UP ON HIM. he then pump fakes them and drives and ROUTINELY gets fouled on his drives - these LANES OPEN UP because he is a threat to shoot. He has been doing this, effectively, all season long.

If he stopped shooting open 3s all together then the defender would know to just lay back, clogging the driving lanes.

we all wish he would shoot a better % but passing up open 3s all together is not the answer

 

[RRRRUUUU]

but it DOES keep them honest. we have seen this all season long.

because he DOES shoot the occasional open 3 his defenders DONT LAY BACK - they PLAY UP ON HIM. he then pump fakes them and drives and ROUTINELY gets fouled on his drives - these LANES OPEN UP because he is a threat to shoot. He has been doing this, effectively, all season long.

If he stopped shooting open 3s all together then the defender would know to just lay back, clogging the driving lanes.

we all wish he would shoot a better % but passing up open 3s all together would NOT be good basketball.

Ok so then the question is taking these 3s which have a 0.33 point per possession a good shot because it leads to other higher quality shots (pump fake, leading to driving to the lane)?

This is data vs top 100 opponents:

His 2pt % is 41.7%

41.7% x 2 pts x 1.3 (OR rate) x 0.7 (doesn’t get fouled 70% of the time) = 0.75

72% (free throw %) x 2 shots x 0.3 (30% of the time gets foulded = 0.432

(0.75 + 0.432) x 0.8 (JDs TO rate is 20%) = 0.95.

So the payoff for taking the 0.33 shot once in a while, is to generate a shot that leads to 0.95 points per possession. Rutgers is at 1.11 points per possession.

It’s clearly better shot for him than shooting a 3, with the expected value almost triple! But it’s still below the Rutgers average. That is why in my view, it’s addition by subtraction having his minutes go to Grant etc if this is how he’s going to play. If he chooses to really go all out on D and defer on offense, I can see him adding value.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

There is no reason for a guard like Derkack to shoot 3s if he’s shooting ar this low of a rate. It does not keep teams honest. They will beg him to take those shots. I laid out the math in the other post. You can choose to ignore the math. Have a nice day, and I hope we win today.

He typically takes one three a game dude. Thats the math in 10 out of 16 game. Your whole argument about him being the worst hinges on one single missed shot a game. He doesn’t take many 3s. But he does do other good things which is how he earned more playing time than expected this season. Albeit the competition really underperformed too but the point is he doesn’t stand out as this horrendous outlier at all.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Ok so then the question is taking these 3s which have a 0.33 point per possession a good shot because it leads to other higher quality shots (pump fake, leading to driving to the lane)?

This is data vs top 100 opponents:

His 2pt % is 41.7%

41.7% x 2 pts x 1.3 (OR rate) x 0.7 (doesn’t get fouled 70% of the time) = 0.75

72% (free throw %) x 2 shots x 0.3 (30% of the time gets foulded = 0.432

(0.75 + 0.432) x 0.8 (JDs TO rate is 20%) = 0.95.

So the payoff for taking the 0.33 shot once in a while, is to generate a shot that leads to 0.95 points per possession. Rutgers is at 1.11 points per possession.

It’s clearly better shot for him than shooting a 3, with the expected value almost triple! But it’s still below the Rutgers average. That is why in my view, it’s addition by subtraction having his minutes go to Grant etc if this is how he’s going to play. If he chooses to really go all out on D and defer on offense, I can see him adding value.

There’s more value to drawing fouls than just the 72%. Every fouls he draws is another foul on the path to 5 fouls for an opponent. It’s also another tick along the path to the 7 foul bonus. Drawing fouls has value outside of the raw efficiency numbers. Isn’t that common sense?

 

[RRRRUUUU]

He typically takes one three a game dude. Thats the math in 10 out of 16 game. Your whole argument about him being the worst hinges on one single missed shot a game. He doesn’t take many 3s. But he does do other good things which is how he earned more playing time than expected this season. Albeit the competition really underperformed too but the point is he doesn’t stand out as this horrendous outlier at all.

I will agree with you there is definately exaggeration in saying the worst in 25 years. That was said out of frustration on my way home from the RAC after Purdue. So if the argument is that he’s not the worst in 25 years that plays that many minutes, you are right, there’s been worse.

But I think he is the worst on this roster who played significant minutes. I’m not including Hayes because he’s barely playing.

 

[lion1983]

Derkack the worst Rutgers player ever who got that many minutes? That's nuts.

Here are some season stat lines for players just on Pike's rosters with 20+ min and sub .300 3P%, with names removed:
SIMPSON? 26.0 min, 8.3 pts (.305 FG%, .282 3P%, .864 FT%), 3.2 rb, 2.9 ast, 1.4 stl, 1.5 tov, 1.3 pf (25 starts)
23.3 min, 8.3 pts (.390 FG%, .216 3P%, .776 FT%), 4.1 rb, 0.9 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.2 tov, 1.6 pf (6 starts)
23.1 min, 5.6 pts (.371 FG%, .222 3P%, .522 FT%), 3.1 rb, 1.9 ast, 1.1 stl, 1.3 tov, 1.0 pf (14 starts)
22.9 min, 8.5 pts (.376 FG%, .239 3P%, .556 FT%), 2.9 rb, 1.1 ast, 0.7 stl, 1.3 tov, 1.8 pf (22 starts)
22.9 min, 5.7 pts (.317 FG%, .204 3P%, .800 FT%), 4.3 rb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf (8 starts)
DERKACK? 22.8 min, 7.0 pts (.356 FG%, .222 3P%, .721 FT%), 3.9 rb, 2.4 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.6 tov, 2.5 pf (8 starts)
22.6 min, 7.4 pts (.383 FG%, .297 3P%, .661 FT%), 3.5 rb, 1.2 ast, 1.0 stl, 1.0 tov, 1.9 pf (31 starts)
22.3 min, 7.8 pts (.413 FG%, .278 3P%, .667 FT%), 3.1 rb, 1.1 ast, 0.6 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf (19 starts)
21.4 min, 6.7 pts, (.411 FG%, .280 3P%, .800 FT%), 3.7 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.4 tov, 1.6 pf (21 starts)
21.3 min, 8.5 pts (.413 FG%, .277 3P%, .571 FT%), 3.5 rb, 1.2 ast, 1.0 stl, 2.1 tov, 1.5 pf (0 starts)
21.2 min, 8.3 pts (.383 FG%, .297 3P%, .574 FT%), 2.8 rb, 0.8 ast, 0.7 stl, 1.1 tov, 2.4 pf (13 starts)
20.1 min, 7.1 pts, (.374 FG%, .217 3P%, .793 FT%), 1.6 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 0.9 tov, 1.2 pf (6 starts)

There's a clear "worst" in this list?

Clearly, Simpson is the worst on that list ... at least I am pretty sure that is Simpson of last season (the 1st stat line listed).

The player right above who I think is Derkack is also worse (the 5th stat line) . Was that Davis last year, as a freshman?

Though their overall FG percentages were better, you could argue Derkack has been better than the 3rd and 4th stat lines, also. Is one or both Mathis and/or Mike Williams?

And Derkack is better so far than the last stat line on the list - have no idea who that is.

So ... 12 stat lines from 12 seasons of players, and Derkack is at worst the 6th worst of those 12 stat lines ... middle of the pack.

 

[ancienthooper]

I will agree with you there is definately exaggeration in saying the worst in 25 years. That was said out of frustration on my way home from the RAC after Purdue. So if the argument is that he’s not the worst in 25 years that plays that many minutes, you are right, there’s been worse.

But I think he is the worst on this roster who played significant minutes. I’m not including Hayes because he’s barely playing.

Ah, the dreaded immediate post-game knee-jerk reaction. Not to be confused with the more dangerous in-game knee-jerk reaction expressed in the game day thread, which has the ability to turn otherwise sane and rational people into raging psychopaths. The thread that refuses to let the game BREATHE and experience the ebbs and flows found in most games.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I will agree with you there is definately exaggeration in saying the worst in 25 years. That was said out of frustration on my way home from the RAC after Purdue. So if the argument is that he’s not the worst in 25 years that plays that many minutes, you are right, there’s been worse.

But I think he is the worst on this roster who played significant minutes. I’m not including Hayes because he’s barely playing.

I think he’s better than Acuff personally and that will prove true over the remainder of the season. Acuff is just not good at defense. He’s so slow. I also don’t think Martini contributes as much as Jordan game in and out.

So in my opinion we have Dylan, Ace, J Will as clear options ahead of him. Lathan and Ogbole share the 5 - not apples to apples as they don’t compete with anyone else for playing time really. In my mind Davis and Jordan each offer different pros and cons - especially on this team. Neither are good shooters. Davis is a better defender in man to man and press schemes but he’s also an extremely poor rebounding guard compared to Jordan who is an excellent rebounder for his size. Jordan draws more fouls and is better from the line as well. Basically I see the two of them as even with the choice being game dependent for the next kid in the rotation.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

I think he’s better than Acuff personally and that will prove true over the remainder of the season. Acuff is just not good at defense. He’s so slow. I also don’t think Martini contributes as much as Jordan game in and out.

So in my opinion we have Dylan, Ace, J Will as clear options ahead of him. Lathan and Ogbole share the 5 - not apples to apples as they don’t compete with anyone else for playing time really. In my mind Davis and Jordan each offer different pros and cons - especially on this team. Neither are good shooters. Davis is a better defender in man to man and press schemes but he’s also an extremely poor rebounding guard compared to Jordan who is an excellent rebounder for his size. Jordan draws more fouls and is better from the line as well. Basically I see the two of them as even with the choice being game dependent for the next kid in the rotation.

I would have agreed on the Acuff that we saw in Nov/dec. He looked faster the last few games and can finally play defense. The leg injury slowed him down but he’s starting to get back to his old self. We’ll see soon enough though.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I would have agreed on the Acuff that we saw in Nov/dec. He looked faster the last few games and can finally play defense. The leg injury slowed him down but he’s starting to get back to his old self. We’ll see soon enough though.

I’m not sure what game you watched if you think he did anything super positive vs UCLA. He made a shot. Missed 2 others and basically did nothing else. Only played 15 minutes.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

I said The last few games acuff:

UCLA 3pts, 1 assist
Purdue 10pts, 5 rb, 3 assig
Wisconsin 17pts, 2rb, 2 assirs

Over that period 43% from 3, 36% overall

Last 3 Derkack:

Purdue 2pts, 2rb, 2 ast
Wisconsin 8pts, 1rb, 2ast
Indiana 3pts, 2rb, 1 ast

Over that period 25% from 3, 27% overall

I’m not sure how you come to the conclusion Derkack is better.

 

[toby83]

His brother (who I am still doubtful is Big Ten talent, but only a junior) plays Sunday at Kean where they are having few good games. Plainfield (with their new bug man) vs Elizabeth a great game.

 

[Knight Shift]

Derkack is a selfish player and continues to drive into double and triple teams. He is too slow on defense and got torched multiple times tonight. This is another Souf Mensa crappy recruiting pick. Send him back to Merrimack

Derkacks says:

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I said The last few games acuff:

UCLA 3pts, 1 assist
Purdue 10pts, 5 rb, 3 assig
Wisconsin 17pts, 2rb, 2 assirs

Over that period 43% from 3, 36% overall

Last 3 Derkack:

Purdue 2pts, 2rb, 2 ast
Wisconsin 8pts, 1rb, 2ast
Indiana 3pts, 2rb, 1 ast

Over that period 25% from 3, 27% overall

I’m not sure how you come to the conclusion Derkack is better.

I said Acuff has not gotten better at D. I’m not seeing it. With Harper in th frame offense isn’t what we really need as much as tough nosed D. Just my opinion anyway.

 

[SBP]

Big E just cant rotate

 

[red sail]

Derkacks says:

Nothing exactly to gloat about on Derkack's production. In his 9 mins of time he was 1-3 on FGs, 0-1 on 3pt attempts, 1-1 FTs, 1 OReb, 2 DReb's which I give him credit for. I thought he had 1 TO but it could have been assessed to DH. If there's any kudo's to be passed around it's to Martini and Grant for their production last night.

 

[toby83]

That was his turnover that pass wasn't getting through

 

[RUChoppin]

Nothing exactly to gloat about on Derkack's production. In his 9 mins of time he was 1-3 on FGs, 0-1 on 3pt attempts, 1-1 FTs, 1 OReb, 2 DReb's which I give him credit for. I thought he had 1 TO but it could have been assessed to DH. If there's any kudo's to be passed around it's to Martini and Grant for their production last night.

He played pretty solid defense last night, I thought. Was a step slow getting around a screen to the corner for one made three, but overall had a solid night in a reduced role.

 

[RUChoppin]

That was his turnover that pass wasn't getting through

Turnover was not credited to him. It was an errant pass that he tried to save from going out of bounds. He was trying to tip it back in bounds to a Rutgers player, but it went to Nebraska (which would have happened anyway had he not tipped it back in bounds). The turnover was credited to the bad pass itself.

The other pass of his that went off Bailey was first deflected by a Nebraska player, then went off Bailey's hand. Not sure who that one got credited to.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

He played pretty solid defense last night, I thought. Was a step slow getting around a screen to the corner for one made three, but overall had a solid night in a reduced role.

There was definitely a little more pep in his step on D.

 

[ru-baby]

When he first came in it seemed he had a change. Looked to pass and hustled every minute on D.

After a few minutes though, there was some reversion and even some less than full hustle on D. And one absurd time he was on the wing when Dylan was at the top of the key and HE WAS CALLING FOR THE BALL -to take it out of Dylan's hands.

Really still struggling with understanding his role. Should be PEPRETUAL MOTION on offense cutting etc and full effort at all times on D and rebounding.

 

[GRU23]

One good thing about Derkacks absurd confidence is that it plays pretty well on the road. Usually players feel they need to slow down, adjust on the road while Derkack simply just attacks unconditionally, which is useful when we are stagnant

 

[DHajekRC84]

Turnover was not credited to him. It was an errant pass that he tried to save from going out of bounds. He was trying to tip it back in bounds to a Rutgers player, but it went to Nebraska (which would have happened anyway had he not tipped it back in bounds). The turnover was credited to the bad pass itself.

The other pass of his that went off Bailey was first deflected by a Nebraska player, then went off Bailey's hand. Not sure who that one got credited to.

I think he's talking about that pass from the top thru the lane. That was totally on Derk and had a ridiculous amount of force and wasn't close to a good pass. He needs to calm down. I really like him but he needs to calm down and know his gears.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Nothing exactly to gloat about on Derkack's production. In his 9 mins of time he was 1-3 on FGs, 0-1 on 3pt attempts, 1-1 FTs, 1 OReb, 2 DReb's which I give him credit for. I thought he had 1 TO but it could have been assessed to DH. If there's any kudo's to be passed around it's to Martini and Grant for their production last night.

Look - someone has to play guard alongside Dylan and two players have to play that position in the 5 or so minutes that Dylan sits.

There are 4 options - J Will (clearly the best option), Jordan, Davis and Acuff. Davis and Acuff were a combined 0-6 in 20 minutes of action with 1 rebound and 2 assists. I’ll take 1-3 from the field, 3 rounds and a made free throw in 9 minutes any day of the week over those stats. He was better than the others yesterday on D too.

 

[BigRnj]

The kid is a basketball player and should be able to contribute with his toughness and hustle…. I don’t understand why he’s permitted to play the way he does.

It looked like Derkack got the talk. He wasn’t forcing the action as much (rifle pass to Ace aside). There was a moment where it looked like he was going to put his head down and drive to the basket but instead stopped awkwardly and forced a short pass to Somerville who was out of position. In the past he would have played hero ball with 3 pump fakes followed by a forced shot that would be blocked.

I’m with you, he has a role to play and is a skilled player. He’s just not a go to guy at this level. If the coaches played a role in this then great, better late then never.

 

[RUChoppin]

I look at Derkack as early-days McConnell. McConnell had a lot of growth at Rutgers, especially learning how to be elite on the defensive side of the ball.

But look at McConnell's sophomore/junior years compared to what we're seeing from Derkack so far this year:

JD (Jr) - 21.9 min, 6.8 pts (.358 FG%, .214 3P%, .746 FT%), 3.9 rb, 2.3 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.5 tov, 2.4 pf
CM (So) - 21.4 min, 6.7 pts, (.411 FG%, .280 3P%, .800 FT%), 3.7 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.4 tov, 1.6 pf
CM (Jr) - 22.9 min, 5.7 pts (.317 FG%, .204 3P%, .800 FT%), 4.3 rb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf

That's... not too dissimilar. If Derkack can continue to improve defensively and really internalize Pike's defensive schemes, he could be a real asset next year.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

I look at Derkack as early-days McConnell. McConnell had a lot of growth at Rutgers, especially learning how to be elite on the defensive side of the ball.

But look at McConnell's sophomore/junior years compared to what we're seeing from Derkack so far this year:

JD (Jr) - 21.9 min, 6.8 pts (.358 FG%, .214 3P%, .746 FT%), 3.9 rb, 2.3 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.5 tov, 2.4 pf
CM (So) - 21.4 min, 6.7 pts, (.411 FG%, .280 3P%, .800 FT%), 3.7 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.4 tov, 1.6 pf
CM (Jr) - 22.9 min, 5.7 pts (.317 FG%, .204 3P%, .800 FT%), 4.3 rb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf

That's... not too dissimilar. If Derkack can continue to improve defensively and really internalize Pike's defensive schemes, he could be a real asset next year.

Caleb was also the defensive player of the year and would always guard the best guard on the opposing team. Do you think JD has similar upside on the defensive end to justify the lacking offensive performance?

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Caleb was also the defensive player of the year and would always guard the best guard on the opposing team. Do you think JD has similar upside on the defensive end to justify the lacking offensive performance?

The poster said early Caleb. He wasn’t close to that as a younger player (frosh and sophomore). Jordan has 2 more years to play after this one and never played in a man to man system before this season. He also brings different offensive skills than Caleb did that look worse on paper because the fouls he draws in penetration aren’t reflected in his shooting percentages. Caleb was actually a decent shooter from midrange - despite that being an inefficient statistical shot in general. So different types of offensive players.

 

[RUtrumpet92]

The Caleb stat comparison is eerily similar. JD can definitely play a key role off the bench this year. Hey, who did Pike trust with making the last two inbounds passes at Nebraska, a play that has really let us down in past games but went perfectly this time? Derkack. He doesn't need to become the conference defensive player of the year to justify getting minutes.

 

[RRRRUUUU]

The poster said early Caleb. He wasn’t close to that as a younger player (frosh and sophomore). Jordan has 2 more years to play after this one and never played in a man to man system before this season. He also brings different offensive skills than Caleb did that look worse on paper because the fouls he draws in penetration aren’t reflected in his shooting percentages. Caleb was actually a decent shooter from midrange - despite that being an inefficient statistical shot in general. So different types of offensive players.

The great thing about Caleb was that he knew his role and took great pride in it, to the point his defense earned him national honors. He wasn’t the best shooter, and deferred to Ron and Geo on that end of the floor. Dylan and Ace are head and shoulders above Ron and Geo on the offensive end.

Hopefully JD is starting to get it and takes similar pride and focus on the defensive end and realizes what his teammates have to offer that’s better for the team on offense.

 

[SirPerceval]

The shooters like Acuff, Martini, Hayes, Derkack who rely on passes to get a shot (Ace and Dylan just make their own shots) are definitely impacted by this team’s absolute piss poor passing - few passes hit the pocket and most are two feet off.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

The shooters like Acuff, Martini, Hayes, Derkack who rely on passes to get a shot (Ace and Dylan just make their own shots) are definitely impacted by this team’s absolute piss poor passing - few passes hit the pocket and most are two feet off.

Jordan isn’t a shooter. He’s a slasher type. And it’s not accurate in his case to say he should never drive and try to create for himself underneath. That’s “his shot” and he does draw a lot of fouls. He needs to make better decisions and risk the temptation to drive into 1 on 2 and 1 on 3 situations as well as driving into much bigger stronger post players. It’s an adjustment as he was likely able to get away with it at the lower level. He needs to learn to kick off in those instances and recognize that right now his offense isn’t usually the number one option.

The other guys you mentioned are shooters and I agree with your description. In my opinion, Davis is the guy whose overall game lacks a fit on this roster the most. Outside of playing pure point which he’s not needed for this season, he doesn’t really offer any offense that complements the team. Hes a poor shooter and unlike Dercack - he doesn’t draw that many fouls or finish well at the rim. Hes also extremely poor with executing fast break lay ups. His on ball D gets him some minutes but as Jordan improved in the man scheme, he has at times absorbed Davis’ minutes based on his other skills such as rebounding.

 

[SirPerceval]

Jordan isn’t a shooter. He’s a slasher type. And it’s not accurate in his case to say he should never drive and try to create for himself underneath. That’s “his shot” and he does draw a lot of fouls. He needs to make better decisions and risk the temptation to drive into 1 on 2 and 1 on 3 situations as well as driving into much bigger stronger post players. It’s an adjustment as he was likely able to get away with it at the lower level. He needs to learn to kick off in those instances and recognize that right now his offense isn’t usually the number one option.

The other guys you mentioned are shooters and I agree with your description. In my opinion, Davis is the guy whose overall game lacks a fit on this roster the most. Outside of playing pure point which he’s not needed for this season, he doesn’t really offer any offense that complements the team. Hes a poor shooter and unlike Dercack - he doesn’t draw that many fouls or finish well at the rim. Hes also extremely poor with executing fast break lay ups. His on ball D gets him some minutes but as Jordan improved in the man scheme, he has at times absorbed Davis’ minutes based on his other skills such as rebounding.

Agree Derkack is not a shooter first but he does take threes off passes.

 

[Simce91]

I look at Derkack as early-days McConnell. McConnell had a lot of growth at Rutgers, especially learning how to be elite on the defensive side of the ball.

But look at McConnell's sophomore/junior years compared to what we're seeing from Derkack so far this year:

JD (Jr) - 21.9 min, 6.8 pts (.358 FG%, .214 3P%, .746 FT%), 3.9 rb, 2.3 ast, 0.9 stl, 1.5 tov, 2.4 pf
CM (So) - 21.4 min, 6.7 pts, (.411 FG%, .280 3P%, .800 FT%), 3.7 rb, 1.5 ast, 0.8 stl, 1.4 tov, 1.6 pf
CM (Jr) - 22.9 min, 5.7 pts (.317 FG%, .204 3P%, .800 FT%), 4.3 rb, 1.6 ast, 1.5 stl, 0.9 tov, 2.4 pf

That's... not too dissimilar. If Derkack can continue to improve defensively and really internalize Pike's defensive schemes, he could be a real asset next year.

Great analogy of early Caleb

Including the multiple threads that wanted to export him from the Banks 😁😁😁

 

[Knight Owl]

If JD can hit the magic 30% from trey mark consistently he will be worthy of starter minutes. I do love the pump fake he gives from deep to those closing-out-defenders as it works like a charm.