Encouraged by Hoops, Not down at all

[bowlgoal]

What I realized after this game is that there is no difference in talent now between Rutgers and Seton Hall and that hasn’t been the case in years if ever. We have beaten the Hall before with less talent when they played horribly. We couldn’t shoot well again but managed to keep the game within striking distance cutting it very close. Powell is the most talented kid on the floor but some of our other position.players balance out the talent. We pounded the boards and missed some chip put backs. We win back trophy convincingly next season imo.

Yes, we are 5-5 and thought we would be 7-3 or worse case 6-4 but I’m seeing some really positive things. Mathis and Kiss are starting to get better; particularly Mathis. Myles Johnson is getting important minutes as is Harper. Harpers shot will begin to fall and when it does, that’s going to be a big boost. We also need to get Thiam open for more shots. Eugene is still taking some bad shots and I think it’s part of the problem. He’s a good player but he has play within himself, get closer to the basket and use the glass. I don’t like some of these fade away shots that are just off the mark consistently. He has to realize there are better options.

In any case, it’s a work in progress. No need to get discouraged. I think this team wins a few games we all don’t expect. Next year is where is all comes together.

 

[PatrickRU92]

I hear what you are saying but there is one big gap in talent level and his name is Myles Powell.

he might have a shot at the NBA.

 

[Knightmoves]

I hear what you are saying but there is one big gap in talent level and his name is Myles Powell.

he might have a shot at the NBA.

We had no answers for Powell today. Even when we defended him tight he could make the three or drive to the basket for the score.

He is an elite CBB player.

 

[bac2therac]

true Powell got his but RU lost because they couldnt shoot

 

[bowlgoal]

I hear what you are saying but there is one big gap in talent level and his name is Myles Powell.

he might have a shot at the NBA.

I agree he has a shot and he’s a terrific player. But in the past, SHU had many more players who were just quicker and more talented and the gap has closed in Pikiells third year where we really had nothing but Corey and Mike Williams surrounded by a lot of mediocrity. Willard is in his 9th year. I’m convinced we will get our own Myles Powell in the 2020 class.

Great things are within reach. The fact that I’m not that upset is interesting but I’m looking at Rutgers now as a program and I see other unexpected wins coming our way this year.

 

[biazza38]

I agree with OP here. Its why I don’t lose my mind after the Fordham loss. Winning is very very important. But overall it’s about developing a roster. A guy like Powell takes a team like SHU and turns them into a tournament team. That’s what Pike needs. He’s done a good job grabbing the high three and four star guys. The 2020 class is where the money is made. Need the big time scorer

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Rutgers is 2 players away

 

[kcg88]

Our 2-10 is better than their 2-10. But their #1 is incredible.

 

[jordkap]

Rutgers is 2 players away

As has been the case for 40 years

 

[JQRU91]

If we had a guy like Powell, we'd be in business.

 

[sportsfantatic44]

What I realized after this game is that there is no difference in talent now between Rutgers and Seton Hall and that hasn’t been the case in years if ever. We have beaten the Hall before with less talent when they played horribly. We couldn’t shoot well again but managed to keep the game within striking distance cutting it very close. Powell is the most talented kid on the floor but some of our other position.players balance out the talent. We pounded the boards and missed some chip put backs. We win back trophy convincingly next season imo.

Yes, we are 5-5 and thought we would be 7-3 or worse case 6-4 but I’m seeing some really positive things. Mathis and Kiss are starting to get better; particularly Mathis. Myles Johnson is getting important minutes as is Harper. Harpers shot will begin to fall and when it does, that’s going to be a big boost. We also need to get Thiam open for more shots. Eugene is still taking some bad shots and I think it’s part of the problem. He’s a good player but he has play within himself, get closer to the basket and use the glass. I don’t like some of these fade away shots that are just off the mark consistently. He has to realize there are better options.

In any case, it’s a work in progress. No need to get discouraged. I think this team wins a few games we all don’t expect. Next year is where is all comes together.

LOL. You have beaten the Hall once in the last 6 years. Stop drinking the Rutgers kool-aid. Get a clue.

 

[littlenis5]

As has been the case for 40 years

Except that for the last ten years it’s really been like 5 players away. So closing the gap back down!

 

[Rhuarc]

If we had a guy like Powell, we'd be in business.

That was my thought as well. If Baker was our 2nd option and didn't have to carry the full load of responsibility, we'd probably at least be over .500.

 

[ruready4somefootball]

Rutgers is 2 players away

Bird and Magic?

 

[rufeelinit]

Thats a pretty optimistic take by the OP about the status of our team. Right now we are pretty inconsistent, have not played well to start the second half in about 5 games and the trend on the offensive end is not good as the comp has improved.

 

[soundcrib]

That was my thought as well. If Baker was our 2nd option and didn't have to carry the full load of responsibility, we'd probably at least be over .500.

There’s a 1st option guy that had a year left of eligibility sitting on his couch SMH.

 

[kcg88]

There’s a 1st option guy that had a year left of eligibility sitting on his couch SMH.

Is that the same guy who shot 22% on three pointers? Not sure he'd be the answer for a team that can't shoot.

 

[NickKnight 1]

true Powell got his but RU lost because they couldnt shoot

Yes, Powell didn't beat us, we beat ourselves.

 

[urbanecane]

How long did Rutgers have the lead yesterday? Seton hall was clearly the better team even with Thompson only playing like 5 minutes.

 

[bowlgoal]

What I realized after this game is that there is no difference in talent now between Rutgers and Seton Hall and that hasn’t been the case in years if ever. We have beaten the Hall before with less talent when they played horribly. We couldn’t shoot well again but managed to keep the game within striking distance cutting it very close. Powell is the most talented kid on the floor but some of our other position.players balance out the talent. We pounded the boards and missed some chip put backs. We win back trophy convincingly next season imo.

Yes, we are 5-5 and thought we would be 7-3 or worse case 6-4 but I’m seeing some really positive things. Mathis and Kiss are starting to get better; particularly Mathis. Myles Johnson is getting important minutes as is Harper. Harpers shot will begin to fall and when it does, that’s going to be a big boost. We also need to get Thiam open for more shots. Eugene is still taking some bad shots and I think it’s part of the problem. He’s a good player but he has play within himself, get closer to the basket and use the glass. I don’t like some of these fade away shots that are just off the mark consistently. He has to realize there are better options.

In any case, it’s a work in progress. No need to get discouraged. I think this team wins a few games we all don’t expect. Next year is where is all comes together.

LOL. You have beaten the Hall once in the last 6 years. Stop drinking the Rutgers kool-aid. Get a clue.

Oh yeah. Well I slept with your wife!

 

[bowlgoal]

How long did Rutgers have the lead yesterday? Seton hall was clearly the better team even with Thompson only playing like 5 minutes.

We didn’t play well. Omuyuri missed a lot of shots and Harper can’t seem to buy a 3ball. The offensive isn’t clicking just yet. It will get better. They’ve had much better teams in the past and they are very beatable. Powell is a beast but imagine how bad they would be without him?

 

[Rhuarc]

There’s a 1st option guy that had a year left of eligibility sitting on his couch SMH.

I partially agree. However, one can argue that with him not being here the other guys are getting more chance to develop and accelerating the timeline for sustained success.

 

[soundcrib]

Timeline would've been exactly the same if Corey stayed:

This year: Not last place
Next year: Winning record
Geo's Senior year: Something special/Dance?

Now the area of concern from the above is this year. Hitting that goal will be a challenge.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Rutgers is 2 players away

The question is 2 players away from what. I like our roster, but we are flawed at every spot in the rotation.

 

[RU-ROCS]

I hear what you are saying but there is one big gap in talent level and his name is Myles Powell.

he might have a shot at the NBA.

Powell is terrific. His size makes him a bit of a tweener for the NBA because he's a shooting guard in a point guard's body. He's a jersey kid so I hope he makes it, but despite his incredible talent, he will have to overcome his height. There are not many, if any at all, like Steph Curry who can play both point and shooting guard at 6'-3". That may be good news for SHU, who might get him back for his senior year.

 

[seels2662]

I am actually more discouraged now than I have been all of 2018. We are staring at a 10-12 win season again. Mulcahy and Young are good, but are they eight more wins good? Probably not. And by the time everyone is "ready" we are going to need to find someone to replace Omoyuri who graduates after next year. We need to hope that Pike lands at least a couple top 50 type players for me to even say now that anyone on this team will ever see the postseason.

That is why I really wanted this team to be a NIT contender this year. It is obviously not the case.

 

[SJScarlet]

I am actually more discouraged now than I have been all of 2018. We are staring at a 10-12 win season again. Mulcahy and Young are good, but are they eight more wins good? Probably not. And by the time everyone is "ready" We are going to need to find someone to replace Omoyuri who graduates after next year. We need to hope that Pike lands at least a couple top 50 type players for me to even say now that anyone on this team will ever see the postseason.

That is why I really wanted this team to be a NIT contender this year. It is obviously not the case.

While success under Pikiell does not look like a sure thing at the moment, your “are Mulcahy and Young 8 wins good” question neglects the fact that the current roster also has a year to get better individually and as a team. There is no doubt there will be a ton of imrpovement with the guys playing right now.

 

[seels2662]

While success under Pikiell does not look like a sure thing at the moment, your “are Mulcahy and Young 8 wins good” question neglects the fact that the current roster also has a year to get better individually and as a team. There is no doubt there will be a ton of imrpovement with the guys playing right now.

I agree that they will get better next year. But not everyone. And also add in that we have noone to replace Doorson next year. I change my mind if this team shows me a higher baseline this year, like if we become an eight win team in league this year.

 

[kcg88]

Builds are not linear. Northwestern didn't make the NIT in 2013, 14, or 15 and then made the tournament in 2016. Oregon State didn't make any postseason tournament in 2015 and then was a 7 seed in 2016. Baylor made the NIT in 2001 and then didn't make another postseason until they made the tournament in 2008.

There's no "do this, then this, then this" formula.

 

[seels2662]

Builds are not linear. Northwestern didn't make the NIT in 2013, 14, or 15 and then made the tournament in 2016. Oregon State didn't make any postseason tournament in 2015 and then was a 7 seed in 2016. Baylor made the NIT in 2001 and then didn't make another postseason until they made the tournament in 2008.

There's no "do this, then this, then this" formula.

Who did these players add that caused the spike? If we add a couple more four stars we will spike as well.

 

[kcg88]

Who did these players add that caused the spike? If we add a couple more four stars we will spike as well.

Northwestern didn't really add anybody, they just got older. Only one freshman played serious minutes for them in their tournament year and he wasn't any good.

Same deal for Baylor when they jumped from 15-16 (4-12) to 21-11 (9-7) to make the tournament. Granted the freshman was very good (LaceDarius Dunn... over 40% from three) but he was only playing 20 minutes a game.

Oregon State was helped by two good freshmen, both sons of coaches on the staff, but it was senior Gary Payton Jr. that made that team go. And there have been injuries but the two freshman are upperclassmen now and they haven't gotten anywhere close to the tournament since.

Having experienced upperclassmen is so important unless you're pulling in top-10 guys. Look at Villanova, they had an awesome recruiting class and are still struggling.

 

[NickKnight 1]

I am actually more discouraged now than I have been all of 2018. We are staring at a 10-12 win season again. Mulcahy and Young are good, but are they eight more wins good? Probably not. And by the time everyone is "ready" we are going to need to find someone to replace Omoyuri who graduates after next year. We need to hope that Pike lands at least a couple top 50 type players for me to even say now that anyone on this team will ever see the postseason.

That is why I really wanted this team to be a NIT contender this year. It is obviously not the case.

Forgive me for not knowing, but who is Young?

 

[kcg88]

Forgive me for not knowing, but who is Young?

Jacob Young. Former 4* prospect, played two years at Texas, currently taking a redshirt season here. He'll be eligible for us next season.

 

[RutHut]

Agree with the OP. It takes more than one bad loss to get enduring RU fans down. Team is still on the rise and heading towards mediocrity, if not already there.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

I am actually more discouraged now than I have been all of 2018. We are staring at a 10-12 win season again. Mulcahy and Young are good, but are they eight more wins good? Probably not. And by the time everyone is "ready" we are going to need to find someone to replace Omoyuri who graduates after next year. We need to hope that Pike lands at least a couple top 50 type players for me to even say now that anyone on this team will ever see the postseason.

That is why I really wanted this team to be a NIT contender this year. It is obviously not the case.

Don't agree with the win total you have. I think the team has a shot at @15 - 17 wins. If we go into the rest of the B10 schedule with a 7-5 record, of the 18 B10 games, I can see us going 9-9. PSU, Minn, Ill, Ohio State, Northwestern, Purdue, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska. We have a shot against each of them. If we go 7-8 in those 15 games and upset one of the other teams, you have 15 wins. Not to mention the B10 tourney! It doesn't cost you anything to be an optimist!

 

[NickKnight 1]

Jacob Young. Former 4* prospect, played two years at Texas, currently taking a redshirt season here. He'll be eligible for us next season.

Any reason given for his departure from Texas?

 

[bowlgoal]

Any reason given for his departure from Texas?

I'm not 100% but just reading between the lines; it seems like he want to be in position to play more minutes. He got more time last year when one of their guards went down but now he's back. Their coach can also recruit and I'm sure some younger kids might take his minutes. He has said he feels very comfortable with the players on Rutgers and I got the feeling he wasn't as comfortable at Texas. The grass is always greener so who knows. He is supposedly the fastest guard we have at practice and we need speed from another penetrating guard to open up more shots.

 

[seels2662]

Don't agree with the win total you have. I think the team has a shot at @15 - 17 wins. If we go into the rest of the B10 schedule with a 7-5 record, of the 18 B10 games, I can see us going 9-9. PSU, Minn, Ill, Ohio State, Northwestern, Purdue, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska. We have a shot against each of them. If we go 7-8 in those 15 games and upset one of the other teams, you have 15 wins. Not to mention the B10 tourney! It doesn't cost you anything to be an optimist!

We play 20 B1G games this year.

 

[bowlgoal]

Here's the bottom line. Our team is still very, very young. Omuyuri came on as a scorer last year and established a jumper this year but he's taking a lot of bad shots; way too many. Thiam isn't shooting and doesn't seem to have enough open looks. Dooson is better but still has deficiencies as he's not a complete player; mostly offensively. And Geo is being asked to play 32-35 minutes or more and he can't do it all. Those are your returning players from last year. I'm not even counting Doorsan because he's simply regressed and doesn't seem capable of contributing enough at this level. Sad because I had high hopes when i first saw him.

The good news is we have some new faces this year who add a lot to this team but they are called new faces for a reason? They lack experience and even Peter Kiss with one year under his belt didn't play consistently against this level of competition. Myles Johnson practiced with the team but didn't play last year.

If you took this team alone in 2019, minus Doorsan, we are still better because of the experience of playing together and Johnson and Carter will contribute more. But adding Mulchay, Jacobs and hopefully a 4 star player or (two) to be named later and we will give any team a run for their money.

Try to see the forest with me and don't pay attention to the trees blocking your view. I know we have waited so long for this to happen but this is the one last year to get through before we can start to get really excited. And mark my words! There will be some big wins this season; especially at the RAC. It's not the season, but a much needed stepping stone.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

We play 20 B1G games this year.

I know. We've played two of them so far, hence "the rest of the B10 schedule" as I wrote. Just for that, I'm going to increase my win total to 16 games, lol. And an NIT invite to boot!