Game 8: Minnesota Thoughts

[bac2therac]

Tonight really showed how far we have to go. The first 6 games may have been good for getting the frosh and sophs feet wet in getting more comfortable but getting a little more reality these two games. RU loses by 22 and that may look like a blowout but it wasnt as bad as the final score. RU played much of the game with a 10-12 point type defecit and the most important takeaway is that the team continues to compete. RU can lose by 22 and mail it in. RU competed against a top 15 team that is certainly going to be top 3 in league and may even win it. Thats all you can ask for right now. Minnesota is just better and more experienced across the board. Remember this Minnesota team was right next to RU at the bottom of the league two years ago. Pitino added a couple of players and they blossomed last year with experience. RU may be two or three years away but make no mistake from where RU was, Pike no doubt has the program getting better even in these losses against top teams. And remember the only tougher games than Minnesota this year will be Purdue and Michigan State.

To me tonight I saw positives out there. I saw a poised and beyond his years Baker handling adversity well and still sticking to it. His shot was not falling clearly but he did do some good things late ending up the 2nd leading scorer with 12 Again showing confidence against a top point guard and holding his own is a clear sign we have a special player here that is only going to be better. Mentally he is tough, his shot still a struggle but I can live with that now as a freshmen. Doucoure has his best game as a Knight. This against a top talent like Lynch. Duke was the leading scorer with 13 points and just missed a double double with 9 boards. He had some nice shots away from the ball and while he did foul out, he didnt rack up those ugly ticky tack fouls like he did against FSU. Thats a great sign of learning right there. Both Baker and Doucoure need to adjust to the quicker pace of the game and I think we saw improvement tonight from the FSU game. Eugene also a big positive tonight even though he disappeared in the 2nd half. I think there may have been an adjusment made on D by Pitino because E only took one shot in the 2nd half. Still with 11 points he is contributing and got a huge compliment from one of the announcers on how is moves were the other night. Again he is an unexpected X factor that RU can rely on. Thiam sort of quiet but I wouldnt write him off yet

The key here is the best players on the court were all the younger players. It was the younger players who were composed and not flustered. That is a nice signal for the future. Unfortunately the upperclassmen trio struggled mightily in certain aspects. They combined to go 9-37. Freeman a woeful 4-16, did get a double double, no one questions his effort with another double double 10 and 12 but he really seems to be out of control and forcing the issue again, that bad habit we saw last year at times. Has to realize that he is playing against better players and be smarter. Corey was terrible in the first half with his shot, had a flurry of offense to start the 2nd half but then hit with a stupid T mouthing off to ref and Pike sent a message by sitting him the rest of the game..I think at least 8 minutes. Not something you expect or want to see from a junior who is expected to be leading the offense. Hopefully he will finally learn his lesson, that when he plays in control he is a tremendous asset to this team but when he is not...... Mike Williams simply cannot shoot, he had many open shots that bricked. People keep saying his shot is going to fall but we need to accept that will be the exception not the rule.

Big key in this game was rebounding, RU was down 10 at half and played relatively well because they took more shots that Minnesota..like over 10 and that was because they outrebounded them 29-20 but in the 2nd half Minny controlled the boards and ended up outrebounding RU 26-14 to finish 46-43 ahead in that catagory. Just too many options, too many weapons and just not enough talent for RU. Pike still will need a couple of players to build the depth we need where its not about just competing, its about possibly winning a game like this. Not there yet not even close and RU will take their lumps vs Michigan State for sure and hopefully this 3 game stretch prepares RU for a big matchup with SHU where they will be prohibitive underdog yet with a punchers chance. All we can ask right now is the team continues to play hard and the younger players get enough exposure and experience for next year and the following years. The upperclassmen need to do some reflecting on how they can help this team and not hurt it

 

[MadRU]

Good analysis. Agree, will add we had some bad turnovers in bad areas of the court.

 

[RU MAN]

Tonight really showed how far we have to go. The first 6 games may have been good for getting the frosh and sophs feet wet in getting more comfortable but getting a little more reality these two games. RU loses by 22 and that may look like a blowout but it wasnt as bad as the final score. RU played much of the game with a 10-12 point type defecit and the most important takeaway is that the team continues to compete. RU can lose by 22 and mail it in. RU competed against a top 15 team that is certainly going to be top 3 in league and may even win it. Thats all you can ask for right now. Minnesota is just better and more experienced across the board. Remember this Minnesota team was right next to RU at the bottom of the league two years ago. Pitino added a couple of players and they blossomed last year with experience. RU may be two or three years away but make no mistake from where RU was, Pike no doubt has the program getting better even in these losses against top teams. And remember the only tougher games than Minnesota this year will be Purdue and Michigan State.

To me tonight I saw positives out there. I saw a poised and beyond his years Baker handling adversity well and still sticking to it. His shot was not falling clearly but he did do some good things late ending up the 2nd leading scorer with 12 Again showing confidence against a top point guard and holding his own is a clear sign we have a special player here that is only going to be better. Mentally he is tough, his shot still a struggle but I can live with that now as a freshmen. Doucoure has his best game as a Knight. This against a top talent like Lynch. Duke was the leading scorer with 13 points and just missed a double double with 9 boards. He had some nice shots away from the ball and while he did foul out, he didnt rack up those ugly ticky tack fouls like he did against FSU. Thats a great sign of learning right there. Both Baker and Doucoure need to adjust to the quicker pace of the game and I think we saw improvement tonight from the FSU game. Eugene also a big positive tonight even though he disappeared in the 2nd half. I think there may have been an adjusment made on D by Pitino because E only took one shot in the 2nd half. Still with 11 points he is contributing and got a huge compliment from one of the announcers on how is moves were the other night. Again he is an unexpected X factor that RU can rely on. Thiam sort of quiet but I wouldnt write him off yet

The key here is the best players on the court were all the younger players. It was the younger players who were composed and not flustered. That is a nice signal for the future. Unfortunately the upperclassmen trio struggled mightily in certain aspects. They combined to go 9-37. Freeman a woeful 4-16, did get a double double, no one questions his effort with another double double 10 and 12 but he really seems to be out of control and forcing the issue again, that bad habit we saw last year at times. Has to realize that he is playing against better players and be smarter. Corey was terrible in the first half with his shot, had a flurry of offense to start the 2nd half but then hit with a stupid T mouthing off to ref and Pike sent a message by sitting him the rest of the game..I think at least 8 minutes. Not something you expect or want to see from a junior who is expected to be leading the offense. Hopefully he will finally learn his lesson, that when he plays in control he is a tremendous asset to this team but when he is not...... Mike Williams simply cannot shoot, he had many open shots that bricked. People keep saying his shot is going to fall but we need to accept that will be the exception not the rule.

Big key in this game was rebounding, RU was down 10 at half and played relatively well because they took more shots that Minnesota..like over 10 and that was because they outrebounded them 29-20 but in the 2nd half Minny controlled the boards and ended up outrebounding RU 26-14 to finish 46-43 ahead in that catagory. Just too many options, too many weapons and just not enough talent for RU. Pike still will need a couple of players to build the depth we need where its not about just competing, its about possibly winning a game like this. Not there yet not even close and RU will take their lumps vs Michigan State for sure and hopefully this 3 game stretch prepares RU for a big matchup with SHU where they will be prohibitive underdog yet with a punchers chance. All we can ask right now is the team continues to play hard and the younger players get enough exposure and experience for next year and the following years. The upperclassmen need to do some reflecting on how they can help this team and not hurt it

BAC, this was one of your most spot on posts. The underclassmen did show more composure and shot selection than our upper classmen. Freeman never seems to learn that going up against better competition he can't just drive to the basket and expect to be fouled. He was stuffed at least a half dozen times. Corey played out of control in the first half and was a TO machine. Williams to his credit may be still hurting a bit from his injury. He just didn't look right out there tonight.

As for Geo, Eugine, Mamadou, Thiam, I think the future is very bright. I really like these kids with Eugene making a huge improvement on the offensive side of the ball over the summer. He still needs to learn help defense. He was burned at least three times tonight with not helping below. Geo is going to be a All-B1G player by his junior year.

I like the kids we're bringing in next year and I believe we can become (finally) an NCAA team in 2019/2020. In Pikiell I trust.

 

[bac2therac]

Good analysis. Agree, will add we had some bad turnovers in bad areas of the court.

yes a few times where we cut it to 6 or 8 and then stupid turnover....Corey had way too many and Baker had some in the last few minutes

on a positive note, RU was 14-18 on free throws..baby steps

 

[richthedentist]

Good analysis. Agree, will add we had some bad turnovers in bad areas of the court.

yes a few times where we cut it to 6 or 8 and then stupid turnover....Corey had way too many and Baker had some in the last few minutes

on a positive note, RU was 14-18 on free throws..baby steps

We just need some shooters plain and simple we miss too many open outside shots!!

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

To simplify things (and I agree with Bac) the motion of the offense is fine, even if that talent level doesn't have the athletes or skill level to get points from every position.....BUT, the ball stops when two or three passes are made and then the ball hits Corey's hands and it stops.....not Carmelo Anthony like, but very close....

It's one thing to look to generate offense, but there were possessions where things were flowing and it stopped once Corey wanted to survey the defense and try to generate offense.

I think that works once the shot clock is under 10 seconds, but there needs to be more movement and that either will happen or wont....that's up to the rest of the team to start scoring and show they can generate offense so Corey doesn't feel like he has to do it all.

Overall now that this stretch of games has started and ends on Tuesday night, we have a better idea on what's needed in recruiting and where the new pieces will fit together. I'm comfortable because we are getting points from Doucoure and Eugene and I think in time we will get points from Mike Williams, which will make RU much more complete.

 

[bac2therac]

good point and perhaps we will reach a point this year where Corey and DeSean do not feel like they have to be saviors for the team and trust their teammates. If this happens our offense will be so much more effective. I feel now defenses are keying on Corey and Desean and maybe risking getting beat by Eugene or Duke

 

[78CollegeAve]

That, uh, performance by Corey Sanders in his B1G opener brought to mind Eddie Stankey’s description of Carl Yastrzemski — “an all-star from the neck down”.

 

[goru7]

Nice roundup BAC. We have to shoot better to win, it is as simple as that and Patrick has been saying it since DOUBY left. We had a lot of unforced errors that were not timely and prevented us cutting into the 8-10 point lead but almost more open shots that did not go down. Everybody missed some easy ones except Doucore who had his best game , but one that can be duplicated with that sweet jumper. If Corey or Mike or Geo or Deshawn hit their open jumpers we are right there with them. Down 8 multiple times, Mike missed a three or two. Corey missed a shot also down 8 and after another stop , missed a floater. Geo missed an open foul line jumper and an easy scoop layup. Damn frustrating!! We get it to 4 , the pressure would have mounted on them.
Lots of positives, especially Duke but also Eugene again and Deshawn in the first half until he got in foul trouble. Our defense in the second half was one negative as they got the shot they wanted almost every trip.

We need Mike and Issa badly to hit those wide open threes if we are going to win these games. Mike missed 5 open ones tonight. We all love how hard Mike works on defense and rebounding but we need his scoring now.
Finally we need Corey ! He has struggled and is a little surprising because he is a junior and Pike seems to have his focus. We need him the most to win these games. We will not win without Corey playing his best and anyone that is posting totally negative things about him does not understand that he is the key to our success . Fair criticism to point out his turnovers, missing open shots and defensive lapses but the negative personal attacks on one of our players is uncalled for .

 

[Degaz-RU]

If only.

If only we could hit jump shots.

So many times we got open looks, and we just don’t hit them. Our offense was moving well, but when it came time to cash in on the possession, we missed the shots.

Contrast Minnesota’s offense, geezus that team hits EVERYTHING if they have an inch of space. They have so many weapons, and are so diverse it’s downright scary. If they’re not a Sweet 16 team, I’ll be really surprised with the way they can score.

If only we could shoot HALF as good as them.

 

[RU-ROCS]

The key here is the best players on the court were all the younger players. It was the younger players who were composed and not flustered. That is a nice signal for the future.

Amen to that! I really think that Pike is the answer, although it will likely take longer than any of us would like.

 

[jellyman]

Good recap and thoughts, BAC.

Here is my take:

1) Doucore and Baker are going to be stars as they continue to develop. They each have all the tools necessary to star at their positions (Center/PF and PG - and yes, Baker will be and can be a PG). Doucore will have invisible games this season, but you saw a flash of his overall skill tonight. He has more than just a jump shot. He has good footwork and moves, and uses his body to create some shooting space in the post, even against taller players. And he is a good FT shooter already. He may not be a defensive star. but should be at least solid. Baker is smooth, calm and collected, and has really good vision. He made some just top notch seeing the floor plays. We know he CAN hit the pull-up and step-back jumper - and the 3 - when he does that more consistently, which should occur as he develops, he will be a consistent double digit scorer and 4-6 assist per game guy. When is the last time RU has had a post player and PG/Combo guard combo like that? Lamizana's team?

2) Omoruyi WILL be better than Freeman. He does not have the quickness and overall athleticism that Freeman has, and he will not be as good a rebounder, ever, that Freeman is. BUT ... he WILL be a better and more consistent scorer, in my opinion, may already be a better on ball defender, and has WAY better floor vision.

3) Do not go to sleep on Thiam. He may not be the star of the team as a Junior and Senior. But I believe he WILL be a 11-13 ppg scorer, at least, with 4-6 rpg. By the way, Bac, you stated Thiam was "kind of quiet, but you would take it." He did have 8 points on 3-7 shooting - 2-4 from 3, plus 6 rebounds, and again played absolutely terrific defense. Thiam is already a better defensive player the last 2-3 games than Mike Williams has shown himself to be - his length really helps, and he is REALLY working hard on defense (though his defensive style is different than Williams; style). And, Thiam is showing himself to be really cool, calm and collected. He even pump faked and dribble-penetrated a little tonight - must have been told after the FSU he needed to do that a little.

4) Sanders and Freeman had disappointing games, but - Sanders' technical aside - they both DO really work HARD. To their credit.

5) By the way, the ENTIRE team works REALLY HARD, ALL GAME. There has been no quit in this team, or in any player. Pikiell and his staff, and the players, should get credit for getting them to buy in (the coaches) and for buying in (the players). This should be a very easy team for which fans can root. If RU had any player who could shoot from the outside like Mason of Minny, or Powell of SHU, they would be post-season-bound THIS year. But RU does NOT have any such player ... Baker, Thiam, Williams, et al might have occasional games shooting like that, but until Baker's and Thiam's offensive games mature more, and until additional players are brought in in the coming years, we fans will just have to wait, be patient, and enjoy some upsets that I hope will come.

P.S. Mensah added nothing, but neither did he hurt the team tonight. He was filler - which was better than what he has done in previous games. Is that progress?

P.P.S. A team in 2018-2019, should Sanders return, that starts Sanders, Baker, Thiam, Carter or Omoruyi and Doucore ... with Omoruyi/Carter, Doorson, Mathis, MJohnson off the bench ... not sure what Harper brings to the table as a Freshman ... that could be a good team, though it would need Baker and Thiam to develop into more consistent outside shooters, and Mathis to be productive off the bench. That team could use 1 more guard, also. Maybe NEED one more guard. That should be a post-season team, maybe even a bubble team ... if Sanders returns.

 

[DHajekRC84]

If only.

If only we could hit jump shots.

So many times we got open looks, and we just don’t hit them. Our offense was moving well, but when it came time to cash in on the possession, we missed the shots.

Contrast Minnesota’s offense, geezus that team hits EVERYTHING if they have an inch of space. They have so many weapons, and are so diverse it’s downright scary. If they’re not a Sweet 16 team, I’ll be really surprised with the way they can score.

If only we could shoot HALF as good as them.

If only.

If only we could hit jump shots.

So many times we got open looks, and we just don’t hit them. Our offense was moving well, but when it came time to cash in on the possession, we missed the shots.

Contrast Minnesota’s offense, geezus that team hits EVERYTHING if they have an inch of space. They have so many weapons, and are so diverse it’s downright scary. If they’re not a Sweet 16 team, I’ll be really surprised with the way they can score.

If only we could shoot HALF as good as them.

I'd be thrilled if we could make the shots from near the rim. We throw up such crap that don't even look like shots.

 

[winfield102]

Minnesota was impressive. They hit shots even when we defended well 5 dunks in the 1st half. Mason is a stud. Wow.

We have zero margin for errors (TO's and shitty shots). Freeman and Sanders take 5-10 bad shots per game. Im more concerned this year with seeing good misses than shitty shots that fall.

I was wondering why Duke didn't more touches to start the season. We need to develop him this year. 7-8 shots a game. He can hit his foul shots.

 

[GSGS]

Sanders would be nuts to leave early, if anything tonight highlighted exactly how far he has to go.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Really excited about Duke. Totally surprised how polished his offensive game is (for a freshman). Coming into the season, I assumed he was more of a banger, rather than a scorer. Looks like he can do both!
Defensively, he's still adjusting to the speed of the game. I thought he was passive a few times, probably because he's been battling foul trouble all year. In time, I am confident he will be an excellent defender.

 

[rufeelinit]

My only caution about Duke is that I thought the refs let a lot go inside especially early in the game. I think with a different crew he might have had more of an issue with fouls.

 

[jonS]

Good recap and thoughts, BAC.

Here is my take:

1) Doucore and Baker are going to be stars as they continue to develop. They each have all the tools necessary to star at their positions (Center/PF and PG - and yes, Baker will be and can be a PG). Doucore will have invisible games this season, but you saw a flash of his overall skill tonight. He has more than just a jump shot. He has good footwork and moves, and uses his body to create some shooting space in the post, even against taller players. And he is a good FT shooter already. He may not be a defensive star. but should be at least solid. Baker is smooth, calm and collected, and has really good vision. He made some just top notch seeing the floor plays. We know he CAN hit the pull-up and step-back jumper - and the 3 - when he does that more consistently, which should occur as he develops, he will be a consistent double digit scorer and 4-6 assist per game guy. When is the last time RU has had a post player and PG/Combo guard combo like that? Lamizana's team?

2) Omoruyi WILL be better than Freeman. He does not have the quickness and overall athleticism that Freeman has, and he will not be as good a rebounder, ever, that Freeman is. BUT ... he WILL be a better and more consistent scorer, in my opinion, may already be a better on ball defender, and has WAY better floor vision.

3) Do not go to sleep on Thiam. He may not be the star of the team as a Junior and Senior. But I believe he WILL be a 11-13 ppg scorer, at least, with 4-6 rpg. By the way, Bac, you stated Thiam was "kind of quiet, but you would take it." He did have 8 points on 3-7 shooting - 2-4 from 3, plus 6 rebounds, and again played absolutely terrific defense. Thiam is already a better defensive player the last 2-3 games than Mike Williams has shown himself to be - his length really helps, and he is REALLY working hard on defense (though his defensive style is different than Williams; style). And, Thiam is showing himself to be really cool, calm and collected. He even pump faked and dribble-penetrated a little tonight - must have been told after the FSU he needed to do that a little.

4) Sanders and Freeman had disappointing games, but - Sanders' technical aside - they both DO really work HARD. To their credit.

5) By the way, the ENTIRE team works REALLY HARD, ALL GAME. There has been no quit in this team, or in any player. Pikiell and his staff, and the players, should get credit for getting them to buy in (the coaches) and for buying in (the players). This should be a very easy team for which fans can root. If RU had any player who could shoot from the outside like Mason of Minny, or Powell of SHU, they would be post-season-bound THIS year. But RU does NOT have any such player ... Baker, Thiam, Williams, et al might have occasional games shooting like that, but until Baker's and Thiam's offensive games mature more, and until additional players are brought in in the coming years, we fans will just have to wait, be patient, and enjoy some upsets that I hope will come.

P.S. Mensah added nothing, but neither did he hurt the team tonight. He was filler - which was better than what he has done in previous games. Is that progress?

P.P.S. A team in 2018-2019, should Sanders return, that starts Sanders, Baker, Thiam, Carter or Omoruyi and Doucore ... with Omoruyi/Carter, Doorson, Mathis, MJohnson off the bench ... not sure what Harper brings to the table as a Freshman ... that could be a good team, though it would need Baker and Thiam to develop into more consistent outside shooters, and Mathis to be productive off the bench. That team could use 1 more guard, also. Maybe NEED one more guard. That should be a post-season team, maybe even a bubble team ... if Sanders returns.

You forgot to include Peter Kiss in your 2018-19 team. He's regarded as a very fine outside shot .

 

[jellyman]

You forgot to include Peter Kiss in your 2018-19 team. He's regarded as a very fine outside shot .

Ah .. I thought I was missing someone, but I could not come up with the name! Yes, Kiss would be the 3rd or 4th guard, if Sanders returns: Sanders and Baker to start, Kiss and Mathis off the bench. Baker OR Sanders would likely have to be in the game at all times, to play PG ... with Mensah as emergency back-up PG, I suppose. Kiss, at 6'5" - like Baker - can defend a WF, so RU's line-up could go with 3 "guards" in certain situations, like it has this season with Baker, Sanders and Williams in together from time to time.

 

[TDIrish27]

Agree on most points----first of which Minn is very good

RU is challenged offensively no doubt but they aren't going to win many when the opponent gets over 70 points-----defense wasn't good last night

 

[RUsojo]

Still don't like the dribble hand-off for our offense. I thought we showed improvement last year the second we moved away from it more. Hope to see it less as the season goes on.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

My take....and a slight disagreement with Jelly.

This team (with primarily it's poor shooting) just flat out isn't good enough to not give 100% for 100% of possessions. Unfortunately I think it is 100% unrealistic to think you can give 100% for 100% of possessions, especially playing a lot of minutes.

It seemed every time we took a second off on the defensive end we got hurt.

Turning point of the game, to me at least. We have possession 1 minute left in the 1st half down 6. Eugene forces a pass to doorson and it gets stolen. He jogs back and is one step slow and gets dunked on. I feel bad picking on Eugene, but with a 3 second lapse the game turns. We don't have the offensive firepower to make up for normal lapses of play. Minnesota also had it's fair share of breakdowns of play and effort, but they aren't noticed when you win by 20.

Souf has one possession in 2nd half where we don't play zone. He gets beat, there is help, penetrator finds help's man and there is a layup.

 

[ScarletKid2008]

Really dissapointed in the upper classmen (Sanders, Freeman, Williams) shooting percentage last night. They all were getting great looks and were missing .. a lot. Freeman works his but off and get inside but he misses far too many from inside the paint. Granted those are often contested shots, but at this level, B1G players are making those shots. Freeman would have a shot at all-conference if he cleaned that up and added 6-7 points a game.

Sanders is an athletic freak and his strongest move is getting to the basket. He's probably one of the best in the conference at that. But everyone knows that now and helpside is getting there to stop him. He needs to find those nifty drop off passes when drawing the help which would lead to Freeman, Eugene, Shaq dunks. And I know Sanders has been putting in the extra work at the RAC late at night shooting, but it just hasn't shown up in the games yet. I hope he keeps working on it, stays another year , because if he becomes a shooter than he's also an all-conference type player.

Williams is the heart and soul of the team. No doubt about it. My favorite player on the team. Offensively he is supposed to be out 3pt specialist and he's getting plenty of open looks to make that happen. They just aren't going in. I think he will get hot a few games and that will open up the offense big time. But we've been waiting for it to be consistent and it hasn't. So we'll have to live with those few big games, which might help us to shock at top B1G team at home.

 

[satnom]

Corey is a rhythm shooter. He can go 2-12 just as easily as he can go 8-12. What makes a difference in this type of player is making buckets and being in the flow of the game. It’s just that simple. His shooting form can look god awful when he’s clawing for a basket but when he’s feeling it Corey will make shots. He has to continue driving to the basket but has to kick out to the open man or take a mid range shot when challenged by two defenders. Btw, some of Corey and Geo drives last night created open looks for shooters outside they just have to make shots or get the ball more.

Also, Thiam is getting a little more aggressive in looking for shot but he has to develop his drive game since he’s being guarded as a stationary perimeter player. At least this season he is hitting to the boards more. With the rise of Doucure RU has the ability to avg 70+pts/game along capable scoring from Freeman, Sanders, Baker, Omyuri, Thiam and Williams. RU just needs to keep the defensive intensity to get Ws in conference play.

GO RU

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

Had a prior commitment last night and missed the 2nd half. I thought we played fairly well in 1st half-except for the poor shooting (ugh)--and if Cory and Freeman hit closer to 40% of their very makeable attempts it looked like we would've been even at halftime. Sounds like 2nd half was about the same until Corey was benched for final 5 minutes and a 10-12 pt deficit ballooned to the 22 pt loss?

 

[MV9000]

Corey and Deshawn looked out matched today, Corey needs a suitable backup so he isnt running around on D then entering the O w/ dead legs.

Brightspots: Doucoure.... hes going to be a BEAST. That midrange man.

I was happy Geo had a lot of time on the court to get hit with the lumps and bumps. Will benefit him down the road.

 

[RUChoppin]

Last night showed me that the coaching is there offensively, but the shooting talent just isn't. We were moving the ball and getting good looks at the basket, but we just weren't able to hit shots. If we had guys who could find the bottom of the net, this game could very easily have been one possession throughout.

That's even with the below-our-average defensive effort last night and having essentially 4 blank scholarships (Kiss/Johnson/Bullock/Mensah). Once Pike gets some better shooters on this team, I really think we can start to make some waves. Until then, it'll be a grind.

 

[MadRU]

Wouldn't mind seeing something run to setup Thiam on the low post/lane to take advantage of his height. Worth a try.

 

[ScarletLongIsland]

The key here is the best players on the court were all the younger players. It was the younger players who were composed and not flustered. That is a nice signal for the future. Unfortunately the upperclassmen trio struggled mightily in certain aspects. They combined to go 9-37. Freeman a woeful 4-16, did get a double double, no one questions his effort with another double double 10 and 12 but he really seems to be out of control and forcing the issue again, that bad habit we saw last year at times. Has to realize that he is playing against better players and be smarter. Corey was terrible in the first half with his shot, had a flurry of offense to start the 2nd half but then hit with a stupid T mouthing off to ref and Pike sent a message by sitting him the rest of the game..I think at least 8 minutes. Not something you expect or want to see from a junior who is expected to be leading the offense. Hopefully he will finally learn his lesson, that when he plays in control he is a tremendous asset to this team but when he is not...... Mike Williams simply cannot shoot, he had many open shots that bricked. People keep saying his shot is going to fall but we need to accept that will be the exception not the rule.

This sums it up.

 

[Antnee79]

Unfortunately poor shooting has been the problem thus far, not just yesterday; it just hadn't come home to roost in the first 6 games against cupcakes. We are 300/351 in FG% at .413. Poor shooting, just like poor offense in football, puts too much pressure on the defense, and despite the high intensity defense Pike has instilled in the players, it just can't overcome the inability to score with regularity. I just don't think we have enough consistent shooters on this team. Once we get them, Pike's defense will be complimented.

 

[RUChoppin]

Unfortunately poor shooting has been the problem thus far, not just yesterday; it just hadn't come home to roost in the first 6 games against cupcakes. We are 300/351 in FG% at .413. Poor shooting, just like poor offense in football, puts too much pressure on the defense, and despite the high intensity defense Pike has instilled in the players, it just can't overcome the inability to score with regularity. I just don't think we have enough consistent shooters on this team. Once we get them, Pike's defense will be complimented.

Yes, but yesterday showed that we're still getting good looks even against much better teams, which is good. The coaching is getting the kids in positions to make shots - just need kids to make shots more consistently.

 

[lilphilw]

Its tough because our 3 "outside" shooters are Williams, Baker, Thiam. Williams is struggling with his shot and has never been a great 3 pt shooter. Thiam doesn't create his own shot and doesn't get enough shots up. Baker is a freshman and is due to struggle. Kiss will be needed big time and I'm excited to see Thiam and Baker improve next year. Mathis will only be a freshman but looks like he can be special like Geo. I just don't see Rutgers keeping up offensively this year and they need to do a better job on D slowing the pace. Same on offense they need to kill more time unlike last night where they were playing to push the ball and trying to keep up with Minnesota. I think they're a year away from having a decent shooting team. No where near enough shooting depth right now but better days are ahead especially if Sanders comes back next year and can find the open man

 

[KnightsofChrome]

Just one comment; anyone count how many layups, or put backs they missed? Anytime, everytime, we have the ball under the basket, and that ball is taken up and is over the rim, it should go in, or get a foul out of the attempt. We missed way to many...

 

[goru7]

Last night showed me that the coaching is there offensively, but the shooting talent just isn't. We were moving the ball and getting good looks at the basket, but we just weren't able to hit shots. If we had guys who could find the bottom of the net, this game could very easily have been one possession throughout.

That's even with the below-our-average defensive effort last night and having essentially 4 blank scholarships (Kiss/Johnson/Bullock/Mensah). Once Pike gets some better shooters on this team, I really think we can start to make some waves. Until then, it'll be a grind.

Totally agree, exactly what happened last night and with the exception of 1 game that Geo hit 7 threes , has happened every game. Corey and Deshawn 's shooting % are definitely below last year, which you probably already know, but Mike Williams continued struggles are beyond frustrating. At least 3 times last night he missed wide open threes that would have cut the lead to 5 and if he makes a couple it is a one possession game. The players are working really hard and spending gym time late at night with extra shots but it has not translated to better shooting in the games. Those three in particular have to pick up their shooting %'s if we are going to win all these toss up games.
Also agreed last night that are defense, especially the second half defense was especially bad as they got what they wanted on almost every possession. Pike was not very happy about it and said so on the post game presser. I