Partial Post Mortem by Lion - RU v Columbia

[lion1983]

So ... I have bee told a full post mortem should not be bothered with (by Greene) ... so that is fair. But still, I have some thoughts to share.

1) This was RU's first game where they put a full 40-minute effort into the game. And it showed. Still, I would call this RU's 3rd best overall game, behind the Alabama and Texas A&M games (yes, RU's defense vs Alabama was sorely lacking and RU was carried by a herculean effort by Harper - but even so ...). I rank those 2 games ahead of this one, even though RU lost because when you have either the lead or a chance to win in the last minute of the game (i.e. a 1-possession game) against 2 top 15 teams, that is a better game than beating an albeit 11-1 Columbia team easily.

2) I believe this was the 1st game all season where both Harper AND bailey were outstanding - especially when both were offensively efficient. For better or worse, against better teams RU will need BOTH Harper AND Bailey to be offensively efficient and good in order to win - unless one is outrageously good, plus other players step up in important ways.

3) I believe we have seen the rotation Pikiell has settled into - unless there are major changes in individuals' performances, I think here it is, a PRIMARY SEVEN (7) man rotation (maybe 8-man rotation if Acuff elevates himself into that role), sprinkled with 2-3 other players playing situational roles:

a) Starters: Harper, Davis, Williams, Bailey (at the 4) and Ogbole.​

​

b) Top 2 Reserves: Derkack and Sommerville​

​

c) Situational Reserves (depending on match-ups, foul troubles, if someone gets hot, defensive needs, etc.): Acuff, Hayes and Martini. It is POSSIBLE that Acuff is in the "Top" reserve category making it an 8-man rotation ... his defense is just so bad, though.​

​

d) Deep Reserve: Grant - in desperation mode, unless he develops more in practice and Martini completely disappears.​

4) SOME individual player comments (not on Harper or Bailey, whose play spoke for itself in this game):

a) Martini - sorry to start with the negative ... had an awful game vs Princeton (though not as bad as I initially thought when I rewatched the last 11 minutes). But against Columbia, he was not awful ... just completely useless. 10 minutes of play, 0-2 3-point FG (both open), and literally no other stats: No rebounds, steals, assists - or turnovers ... just useless. If he cannot contribute in a way that helps RU win against teams like Columbia and Princeton, I just do not see what role he plays except occasional post-fodder at the "4" ... not that he can defend the "4", just that RU will need a body there from time to time. Pray Grant improves in practice enough to play and supplant Martini. FYI, it would not surprise me if very occasionally Martini ahs a gme with 2-3 made 3's and some FT's. I just think Pikiell cannot count on that. Since the 3rd game, the Monmouth game, when Martini had 18 points, following 8 and 7 points in the prior 2 games, Martini is averaging 15 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.2 ass/g, 0.3 TO/game, 31% 3-point shooting, 33% overall FG and 55% FT. If you take way the Princeton game )oddly enough his best statistical game since Monmouth), he is 3-12 3-point, 1-2 2-point FG and 1-5 FT ... in 9 total games (with a DNP vs Penn St). Think about that ... in 9 games since Monmouth: 4 total FG, 3 3-point FG, 5-9 FT (4-4 in one game), 101 total rebounds (4 in one game vs Merrimack). If you exclude the Merrimack game (the game after Monmouth), his next 8 games are even worse.​

​

b) Davis: He was great. Period. When he hits his shots, he is RU's 3rd or 4th best player ... which will not be every game, of course. As long as he is playing excellent on-ball defense and not wildly taking shots (i.e. if he is missing but shooting anyway), he will start, and will get 20 + mpg. And should. Since he has earned the starting nod vs Penn St. (yes, a small sample size still), he is averaging 23 mpg, 5.3 ppg, 2.8 ass/game, 1.0 turnover/g (an assist/TO ratio of 2.8), 1.8 rpg, 1.8 steals/game and 0.5 blocks/game, shooting 38% FG (needs to improve, true), but 44% 3-point FG and unfortunately 1-4 FT in the 4 games.​

​

c) Sommerville/Ogbole: In the Columbia game they were a good pair, each doing what they do best: Ogbole rebounding and clogging the middle, Sommerville scoring (plus some rebounds) ... combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds on 6-8 FG combined, 2-3 FT.​

​

d) Derkack: Not a good game, frankly. You would think he would do well against an Ivy League team, no? A good match-up for him, like when he was at Merrimack. One thing he showed - not in a good light - is that he has ZERO mid-range game ... everything is either ta the rim or a 3-point shot. He had THREE wide open catches of passes into the interior of the Columbia 2-3 zone. Once he turned, 8-9 feet from the basket, no one NEAR him, and instead of shooting, he passed the ball out. One other time he missed the shot. The 3rd time he drove to the rim (cannot remember if he made that shot or missed it). And he was only okay defensively, no better. Yeah he had 2 steals - good for him, But only 1 rebound (maybe Harper was getting all the rebounds Derkack might have gotten?). Derkack was not awful, but he really did not do much this game.​

​

e) Acuff: Mostly a zero (2 late meaningless 3's), but clearly he is the 8th man right now. Got burned several times on defense. Did have 3 rebounds and an assist. Did make a couple of okay offensive moves, but missed both shots. You can tell Pikiell is still holding out t=for Acuff to generate some offense, especially when either Harper or Bailey - or both - are resting.​

​

f) Hayes: He was given a chance to get real minutes in the 1st half, especially against Columbia's zone ... but went 1-5, all on wide open 3's. His minutes were limited in the 2nd half - and he passed up 2-3 wide open shots. It may be unfair, especially since he is hitting 40% from 3 on the year, but in games where he first misses open 3-;s, and then does not TAKE open 3's, he is then unplayable. There will probably be a couple of games where he hist 3, or even 4, 3's and helps RU a lot. But do not figure on too many of those games. Remember, Hayes was NOT RU's 1st - or even 2nd or 3rd - choice to fill this role. RU missed on several other choices they had ahead of Hayes. So hard to criticize a player too much, especially one who does love playing for RU - but he appears to be a miss, though not as bad a miss as Martini.​

​

g) Williams: he was fine ... not his best game, but did just fine ... especially limiting the efficiency of Columbia's star - plus 4-10 FG and 9 points.​

​

5) One last note: It is worth mentioning what a good job Williams and Harper did defensively (not just Davis - who was also excellent defensively). Williams covered Rubio De la Rosa when they were both in the game. But Harper was given the assignment when Williams was not in the game, and did very well also. Rubio De la Rosa was 7-16 FG, 3-11 3-point - credit to contesting defense by Williams and Harper.

​

​

 

[Southside Lonny]

Thanks for the thoughts with which largely agree.

As for Davis, he did have an outstanding game, consistent with his recent form. That being said, I'd really prefer that he not take too many shots, particularly early in the shot clock, even if that means he passes up some wide open three pointers.

 

[Mr_Twister]

Turn down wide open 3’s? With Harper and Bailey on the floor at the same time, Davis will see plenty of them.

 

[winfield102]

Davis - should not be shooting early in the shot clock. Ever. His 1st 3 (miss) and the 12 footer(make) in the 2nd half are not shots we don't want/need from him. Everyone has the greenlight to shoot whenever they want. :( Harper can't finish with 3 shots in the 1st half of any remaining games.

Derkack - why do we want him shooting 10-12 footers? If he is stuck in the 10-12 foot range, that's an opportunity to kick it out for a 3. That's a no shot zone for him. Layups or 3's(none early in the shot clock). He showed awareness and wisely didn't pull the trigger on a few 3's that were available. Good 2nd half for him. He's most like Gary Nova (good Nova/bad Nova).

Lathan - still tries to do too much when he gets the ball. He still thinks he is on his high school team.

JWill - thought he did a very good job of playing defense, not being over aggressive and putting himself in a bad position. I didn't notice him getting beat and then trying to get a steal after the player got by him. There has been a lot of that in previous games.


Just re-watched the 2nd half. Harper did it all. Points, assists, rebounds, causing turnovers. What a star.

 

[RW90]

Assuming JMike plays offense within himself going forward, I think Derkack's role has been reduced to mop up duty. Meanwhile Martini's role will be kept at (or cut) to a couple minutes per game just to keep him involved. Acuff and Hayes remain viable 3 point options, but little else.

 

[goru7]

So ... I have bee told a full post mortem should not be bothered with (by Greene) ... so that is fair. But still, I have some thoughts to share.

1) This was RU's first game where they put a full 40-minute effort into the game. And it showed. Still, I would call this RU's 3rd best overall game, behind the Alabama and Texas A&M games (yes, RU's defense vs Alabama was sorely lacking and RU was carried by a herculean effort by Harper - but even so ...). I rank those 2 games ahead of this one, even though RU lost because when you have either the lead or a chance to win in the last minute of the game (i.e. a 1-possession game) against 2 top 15 teams, that is a better game than beating an albeit 11-1 Columbia team easily.

2) I believe this was the 1st game all season where both Harper AND bailey were outstanding - especially when both were offensively efficient. For better or worse, against better teams RU will need BOTH Harper AND Bailey to be offensively efficient and good in order to win - unless one is outrageously good, plus other players step up in important ways.

3) I believe we have seen the rotation Pikiell has settled into - unless there are major changes in individuals' performances, I think here it is, a PRIMARY SEVEN (7) man rotation (maybe 8-man rotation if Acuff elevates himself into that role), sprinkled with 2-3 other players playing situational roles:

a) Starters: Harper, Davis, Williams, Bailey (at the 4) and Ogbole.​

​

b) Top 2 Reserves: Derkack and Sommerville​

​

c) Situational Reserves (depending on match-ups, foul troubles, if someone gets hot, defensive needs, etc.): Acuff, Hayes and Martini. It is POSSIBLE that Acuff is in the "Top" reserve category making it an 8-man rotation ... his defense is just so bad, though.​

​

d) Deep Reserve: Grant - in desperation mode, unless he develops more in practice and Martini completely disappears.​

4) SOME individual player comments (not on Harper or Bailey, whose play spoke for itself in this game):

a) Martini - sorry to start with the negative ... had an awful game vs Princeton (though not as bad as I initially thought when I rewatched the last 11 minutes). But against Columbia, he was not awful ... just completely useless. 10 minutes of play, 0-2 3-point FG (both open), and literally no other stats: No rebounds, steals, assists - or turnovers ... just useless. If he cannot contribute in a way that helps RU win against teams like Columbia and Princeton, I just do not see what role he plays except occasional post-fodder at the "4" ... not that he can defend the "4", just that RU will need a body there from time to time. Pray Grant improves in practice enough to play and supplant Martini. FYI, it would not surprise me if very occasionally Martini ahs a gme with 2-3 made 3's and some FT's. I just think Pikiell cannot count on that. Since the 3rd game, the Monmouth game, when Martini had 18 points, following 8 and 7 points in the prior 2 games, Martini is averaging 15 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.2 ass/g, 0.3 TO/game, 31% 3-point shooting, 33% overall FG and 55% FT. If you take way the Princeton game )oddly enough his best statistical game since Monmouth), he is 3-12 3-point, 1-2 2-point FG and 1-5 FT ... in 9 total games (with a DNP vs Penn St). Think about that ... in 9 games since Monmouth: 4 total FG, 3 3-point FG, 5-9 FT (4-4 in one game), 101 total rebounds (4 in one game vs Merrimack). If you exclude the Merrimack game (the game after Monmouth), his next 8 games are even worse.​

​

b) Davis: He was great. Period. When he hits his shots, he is RU's 3rd or 4th best player ... which will not be every game, of course. As long as he is playing excellent on-ball defense and not wildly taking shots (i.e. if he is missing but shooting anyway), he will start, and will get 20 + mpg. And should. Since he has earned the starting nod vs Penn St. (yes, a small sample size still), he is averaging 23 mpg, 5.3 ppg, 2.8 ass/game, 1.0 turnover/g (an assist/TO ratio of 2.8), 1.8 rpg, 1.8 steals/game and 0.5 blocks/game, shooting 38% FG (needs to improve, true), but 44% 3-point FG and unfortunately 1-4 FT in the 4 games.​

​

c) Sommerville/Ogbole: In the Columbia game they were a good pair, each doing what they do best: Ogbole rebounding and clogging the middle, Sommerville scoring (plus some rebounds) ... combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds on 6-8 FG combined, 2-3 FT.​

​

d) Derkack: Not a good game, frankly. You would think he would do well against an Ivy League team, no? A good match-up for him, like when he was at Merrimack. One thing he showed - not in a good light - is that he has ZERO mid-range game ... everything is either ta the rim or a 3-point shot. He had THREE wide open catches of passes into the interior of the Columbia 2-3 zone. Once he turned, 8-9 feet from the basket, no one NEAR him, and instead of shooting, he passed the ball out. One other time he missed the shot. The 3rd time he drove to the rim (cannot remember if he made that shot or missed it). And he was only okay defensively, no better. Yeah he had 2 steals - good for him, But only 1 rebound (maybe Harper was getting all the rebounds Derkack might have gotten?). Derkack was not awful, but he really did not do much this game.​

​

e) Acuff: Mostly a zero (2 late meaningless 3's), but clearly he is the 8th man right now. Got burned several times on defense. Did have 3 rebounds and an assist. Did make a couple of okay offensive moves, but missed both shots. You can tell Pikiell is still holding out t=for Acuff to generate some offense, especially when either Harper or Bailey - or both - are resting.​

​

f) Hayes: He was given a chance to get real minutes in the 1st half, especially against Columbia's zone ... but went 1-5, all on wide open 3's. His minutes were limited in the 2nd half - and he passed up 2-3 wide open shots. It may be unfair, especially since he is hitting 40% from 3 on the year, but in games where he first misses open 3-;s, and then does not TAKE open 3's, he is then unplayable. There will probably be a couple of games where he hist 3, or even 4, 3's and helps RU a lot. But do not figure on too many of those games. Remember, Hayes was NOT RU's 1st - or even 2nd or 3rd - choice to fill this role. RU missed on several other choices they had ahead of Hayes. So hard to criticize a player too much, especially one who does love playing for RU - but he appears to be a miss, though not as bad a miss as Martini.​

​

g) Williams: he was fine ... not his best game, but did just fine ... especially limiting the efficiency of Columbia's star - plus 4-10 FG and 9 points.​

​

5) One last note: It is worth mentioning what a good job Williams and Harper did defensively (not just Davis - who was also excellent defensively). Williams covered Rubio De la Rosa when they were both in the game. But Harper was given the assignment when Williams was not in the game, and did very well also. Rubio De la Rosa was 7-16 FG, 3-11 3-point - credit to contesting defense by Williams and Harper.

​

​

Lion , your #1 is absolutely correct . Cannot compare top level play against 2 top 10 and top 20 teams to a game against Columbia.
The # 3 about the rotation is close but will vary game to game because of the inconsistency of Jeremiah, JMike , Jordan , PJ , Acuff and Martini. We don’t know what we wil get from the supporting cast. Very disappointed we cannot get consistent play from Jeremiah and Jordan every single night , whic we really need. Center position is getting almost what we need except better rebounding but points are good.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

So ... I have bee told a full post mortem should not be bothered with (by Greene) ... so that is fair.

​

​

NO WAY! Was a JOKE about Martini. Didn't need proof why Martini shouldn't be playing. A joke.

Your detailed write ups are phenomenial and I really look forward to them and are helpful to me.

 

[seansherm]

Davis - should not be shooting early in the shot clock. Ever. His 1st 3 (miss) and the 12 footer(make) in the 2nd half are not shots we don't want/need from him. Everyone has the greenlight to shoot whenever they want. :( Harper can't finish with 3 shots in the 1st half of any remaining games.

Derkack - why do we want him shooting 10-12 footers? If he is stuck in the 10-12 foot range, that's an opportunity to kick it out for a 3. That's a no shot zone for him. Layups or 3's(none early in the shot clock). He showed awareness and wisely didn't pull the trigger on a few 3's that were available. Good 2nd half for him. He's most like Gary Nova (good Nova/bad Nova).

Lathan - still tries to do too much when he gets the ball. He still thinks he is on his high school team.

JWill - thought he did a very good job of playing defense, not being over aggressive and putting himself in a bad position. I didn't notice him getting beat and then trying to get a steal after the player got by him. There has been a lot of that in previous games.


Just re-watched the 2nd half. Harper did it all. Points, assists, rebounds, causing turnovers. What a star.

Davis should not shoot early in the shot clock is a lazy take I've seen multiple times. If Davis shoots we want him to shoot when its a good, open shot. I definitely don't want him shooting rushed, late in the clock.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

To add Derkack had 3 late close outs that led to Columbia 3s. Of course he made some of that back with aggressive help defense that led to 2 steals.

Knight always shows his emotions when he is upset at individual players. Pike not as much. Last night Pike a few times showed his displeasure at a few different players after bad plays.

Definitely thought we benefitted this game playing Princeton 1st. We defended backdoor cuts pretty much perfectly.

 

[winfield102]

While he was joking, I don't think anyone is going to make a case for Martini getting PT.

Id say an analysis would only be needed if you felt he should be on the court or has been adding value with his PT to date.

The analysis just makes it more depressing that Grant isn't getting any PT. I'll assume Pike is making the right decision, but holy smokes.

Martini should look like the walk ons do at the end of a blow out, actively hunting 3's and always looking to get in strong positions to shoot. He's deferring, which I can understand to a certain extent. I keep finding myself coming back to "Pike doesn't define each players offensive role with each player". Martini has neutered himself, and offers no value as a result.

 

[DC8690]

Davis - should not be shooting early in the shot clock. Ever. His 1st 3 (miss) and the 12 footer(make) in the 2nd half are not shots we don't want/need from him. Everyone has the greenlight to shoot whenever they want. :( Harper can't finish with 3 shots in the 1st half of any remaining games.

Derkack - why do we want him shooting 10-12 footers? If he is stuck in the 10-12 foot range, that's an opportunity to kick it out for a 3. That's a no shot zone for him. Layups or 3's(none early in the shot clock). He showed awareness and wisely didn't pull the trigger on a few 3's that were available. Good 2nd half for him. He's most like Gary Nova (good Nova/bad Nova).

Lathan - still tries to do too much when he gets the ball. He still thinks he is on his high school team.

JWill - thought he did a very good job of playing defense, not being over aggressive and putting himself in a bad position. I didn't notice him getting beat and then trying to get a steal after the player got by him. There has been a lot of that in previous games.


Just re-watched the 2nd half. Harper did it all. Points, assists, rebounds, causing turnovers. What a star.

Lathan was 5-7 with 11 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes. Not sure what you saw, but saw last night.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

If you want a computer to rank our performances...they would agree with oyu

1. Columbia and Penn State
3. Alabama
4. Wagner
5. Texas A&M (practically tied with Wagner)
6. Merrimack
7. Monmouth
8. Notre Dame
9. Ohio State
10. St. Peters
11. Princeton
12. Seton Hall
13. Kennesaw State

 

[dpwhite]

Assuming JMike plays offense within himself going forward, I think Derkack's role has been reduced to mop up duty. Meanwhile Martini's role will be kept at (or cut) to a couple minutes per game just to keep him involved. Acuff and Hayes remain viable 3 point options, but little else.

Think you're gonna be wrong on the Derkack thing. They like how he plays. He got 16 minutes last night.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

While he was joking, I don't think anyone is going to make a case for Martini getting PT.

Id say an analysis would only be needed if you felt he should be on the court or has been adding value with his PT to date.

The analysis just makes it more depressing that Grant isn't getting any PT. I'll assume Pike is making the right decision, but holy smokes.

Martini should look like the walk ons do at the end of a blow out, actively hunting 3's and always looking to get in strong positions to shoot. He's deferring, which I can understand to a certain extent. I keep finding myself coming back to "Pike doesn't define each players offensive role with each player". Martini has neutered himself, and offers no value as a result.

Martini was angry walking to the bench at a timeout after missing a 3. That isn't a healthy mindset right now. He is definitely pressing. Given that his only asset is perimeter shooting it is understandable why he is pressing.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Think you're gonna be wrong on the Derkack thing. They like how he plays. He got 16 minutes last night.

I don't think many expected Davis to be ahead of Derkack on the depth chart. Derkack was supposed to be a taller and better version of JaMike.

 

[winfield102]

Davis should not shoot early in the shot clock is a lazy take I've seen multiple times. If Davis shoots we want him to shoot when its a good, open shot. I definitely don't want him shooting rushed, late in the clock.

Huh?

If Davis has an open 3 late in the shot clock, he has to take it. I'm not a fan of passing him the ball late in the clock, but we've done it.

You don't have your worst shooter taking shots early in the shot clock (especially with Ace and Dylan on the court), especially against a team like Columbia. You work for a better shot. This is basic grade school stuff. Know your role as an offensive player based on the 5 that are on the court. When Dylan and Ace are off the court, everyone's role changes.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

2 minor things I saw Ogobole do....

1. 1st half a nice drop step move on the left side low box
2. 2nd half set a nice natrual screen sealing his man allowing for an easy layup attempt Derkack didnt take advatage of. Ogobole screened and motion for Derkack to use it.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Huh?

If Davis has an open 3 late in the shot clock, he has to take it. I'm not a fan of passing him the ball late in the clock, but we've done it.

You don't have your worst shooter taking shots early in the shot clock (especially with Ace and Dylan on the court), especially against a team like Columbia. You work for a better shot. This is basic grade school stuff. Know your role as an offensive player based on the 5 that are on the court. When Dylan and Ace are off the court, everyone's role changes.

A wide open 3 with JaMike with 20 seconds on the clock. Should he shoot it. I think that is a great debate and definitely see both sides.

1. What percent chance does he make it?
2. What % chance do we have at a OREB if he misses

 

[winfield102]

Martini was angry walking to the bench at a timeout after missing a 3. That isn't a healthy mindset right now. He is definitely pressing. Given that his only asset is perimeter shooting it is understandable why he is pressing.

I thought he was late to the spot on that shot. Bad shot imo with so much time on the clock. He is a stationary 3 point shooter.

He should have been pissed that he didn't work hard enough to get in the best position. We are so poor with the details.

 

[RuSnp]

So ... I have bee told a full post mortem should not be bothered with (by Greene) ... so that is fair. But still, I have some thoughts to share.

1) This was RU's first game where they put a full 40-minute effort into the game. And it showed. Still, I would call this RU's 3rd best overall game, behind the Alabama and Texas A&M games (yes, RU's defense vs Alabama was sorely lacking and RU was carried by a herculean effort by Harper - but even so ...). I rank those 2 games ahead of this one, even though RU lost because when you have either the lead or a chance to win in the last minute of the game (i.e. a 1-possession game) against 2 top 15 teams, that is a better game than beating an albeit 11-1 Columbia team easily.

2) I believe this was the 1st game all season where both Harper AND bailey were outstanding - especially when both were offensively efficient. For better or worse, against better teams RU will need BOTH Harper AND Bailey to be offensively efficient and good in order to win - unless one is outrageously good, plus other players step up in important ways.

3) I believe we have seen the rotation Pikiell has settled into - unless there are major changes in individuals' performances, I think here it is, a PRIMARY SEVEN (7) man rotation (maybe 8-man rotation if Acuff elevates himself into that role), sprinkled with 2-3 other players playing situational roles:

a) Starters: Harper, Davis, Williams, Bailey (at the 4) and Ogbole.​

​

b) Top 2 Reserves: Derkack and Sommerville​

​

c) Situational Reserves (depending on match-ups, foul troubles, if someone gets hot, defensive needs, etc.): Acuff, Hayes and Martini. It is POSSIBLE that Acuff is in the "Top" reserve category making it an 8-man rotation ... his defense is just so bad, though.​

​

d) Deep Reserve: Grant - in desperation mode, unless he develops more in practice and Martini completely disappears.​

4) SOME individual player comments (not on Harper or Bailey, whose play spoke for itself in this game):

a) Martini - sorry to start with the negative ... had an awful game vs Princeton (though not as bad as I initially thought when I rewatched the last 11 minutes). But against Columbia, he was not awful ... just completely useless. 10 minutes of play, 0-2 3-point FG (both open), and literally no other stats: No rebounds, steals, assists - or turnovers ... just useless. If he cannot contribute in a way that helps RU win against teams like Columbia and Princeton, I just do not see what role he plays except occasional post-fodder at the "4" ... not that he can defend the "4", just that RU will need a body there from time to time. Pray Grant improves in practice enough to play and supplant Martini. FYI, it would not surprise me if very occasionally Martini ahs a gme with 2-3 made 3's and some FT's. I just think Pikiell cannot count on that. Since the 3rd game, the Monmouth game, when Martini had 18 points, following 8 and 7 points in the prior 2 games, Martini is averaging 15 mpg, 2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.2 ass/g, 0.3 TO/game, 31% 3-point shooting, 33% overall FG and 55% FT. If you take way the Princeton game )oddly enough his best statistical game since Monmouth), he is 3-12 3-point, 1-2 2-point FG and 1-5 FT ... in 9 total games (with a DNP vs Penn St). Think about that ... in 9 games since Monmouth: 4 total FG, 3 3-point FG, 5-9 FT (4-4 in one game), 101 total rebounds (4 in one game vs Merrimack). If you exclude the Merrimack game (the game after Monmouth), his next 8 games are even worse.​

​

b) Davis: He was great. Period. When he hits his shots, he is RU's 3rd or 4th best player ... which will not be every game, of course. As long as he is playing excellent on-ball defense and not wildly taking shots (i.e. if he is missing but shooting anyway), he will start, and will get 20 + mpg. And should. Since he has earned the starting nod vs Penn St. (yes, a small sample size still), he is averaging 23 mpg, 5.3 ppg, 2.8 ass/game, 1.0 turnover/g (an assist/TO ratio of 2.8), 1.8 rpg, 1.8 steals/game and 0.5 blocks/game, shooting 38% FG (needs to improve, true), but 44% 3-point FG and unfortunately 1-4 FT in the 4 games.​

​

c) Sommerville/Ogbole: In the Columbia game they were a good pair, each doing what they do best: Ogbole rebounding and clogging the middle, Sommerville scoring (plus some rebounds) ... combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds on 6-8 FG combined, 2-3 FT.​

​

d) Derkack: Not a good game, frankly. You would think he would do well against an Ivy League team, no? A good match-up for him, like when he was at Merrimack. One thing he showed - not in a good light - is that he has ZERO mid-range game ... everything is either ta the rim or a 3-point shot. He had THREE wide open catches of passes into the interior of the Columbia 2-3 zone. Once he turned, 8-9 feet from the basket, no one NEAR him, and instead of shooting, he passed the ball out. One other time he missed the shot. The 3rd time he drove to the rim (cannot remember if he made that shot or missed it). And he was only okay defensively, no better. Yeah he had 2 steals - good for him, But only 1 rebound (maybe Harper was getting all the rebounds Derkack might have gotten?). Derkack was not awful, but he really did not do much this game.​

​

e) Acuff: Mostly a zero (2 late meaningless 3's), but clearly he is the 8th man right now. Got burned several times on defense. Did have 3 rebounds and an assist. Did make a couple of okay offensive moves, but missed both shots. You can tell Pikiell is still holding out t=for Acuff to generate some offense, especially when either Harper or Bailey - or both - are resting.​

​

f) Hayes: He was given a chance to get real minutes in the 1st half, especially against Columbia's zone ... but went 1-5, all on wide open 3's. His minutes were limited in the 2nd half - and he passed up 2-3 wide open shots. It may be unfair, especially since he is hitting 40% from 3 on the year, but in games where he first misses open 3-;s, and then does not TAKE open 3's, he is then unplayable. There will probably be a couple of games where he hist 3, or even 4, 3's and helps RU a lot. But do not figure on too many of those games. Remember, Hayes was NOT RU's 1st - or even 2nd or 3rd - choice to fill this role. RU missed on several other choices they had ahead of Hayes. So hard to criticize a player too much, especially one who does love playing for RU - but he appears to be a miss, though not as bad a miss as Martini.​

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g) Williams: he was fine ... not his best game, but did just fine ... especially limiting the efficiency of Columbia's star - plus 4-10 FG and 9 points.​

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5) One last note: It is worth mentioning what a good job Williams and Harper did defensively (not just Davis - who was also excellent defensively). Williams covered Rubio De la Rosa when they were both in the game. But Harper was given the assignment when Williams was not in the game, and did very well also. Rubio De la Rosa was 7-16 FG, 3-11 3-point - credit to contesting defense by Williams and Harper.

​

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Great writeup but weirdly missing the biggest revelation from last night. We've finally found our third option on offense. Noble. Kid is averaging 60 points per 40 min on 50% from 3

 

[dpwhite]

I don't think many expected Davis to be ahead of Derkack on the depth chart. Derkack was supposed to be a taller and better version of JaMike.

I just don't think he'll be relegated to mop up time.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

This was the first game we consistently got Bailey the ball in space and closer to the basket where he had the advantage on the other team’s defense, though a big part of the reason was that Colombia was playing a stupid zone.

 

[RUChoppin]

I saw the late closeouts by Derkack, too - but I think the staff likes how he gets in the paint and draws fouls on opposing bigs. If he could convert more into and-one opportunities, that'd be great - but he definitely draws a lot of contact in the lane, and he's got a pretty good handle and assist/turnover ratio as a secondary ball handler.

I'd expect him to continue to get 20+ min in most games. I'd also expect him to be a priority to retain next year for continuity into 2025-26.

 

[winfield102]

A wide open 3 with JaMike with 20 seconds on the clock. Should he shoot it. I think that is a great debate and definitely see both sides.

1. What percent chance does he make it?
2. What % chance do we have at a OREB if he misses

1. Low, lowest on the team?
2. Low, we just stand around and watch our 3 point attempts like foul shots. It drives me nuts. I watch the shooter and other offensive players just freeze when the 3 goes up. We are not a team that crashes the boards when shots go up.

We have Dylan and Ace this year. This isn't 2023.

We will not get the offensive efficiency we need in order to make the tourney because they are basically not coached on offense. Everyone is allowed to shoot when and what they want (it's always been that way with Pike). Some players have self censored.

 

[winfield102]

Lathan was 5-7 with 11 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes. Not sure what you saw, but saw last night.

In a quick stretch, 3 post touches and 3 shots in a row. Miss a 12-13 foot hook shot(bad shot), travels when trying to create space after getting a rebound, makes a difficult shot in the post thru double coverage.

Showed nice hands with 3-4 passes from Dylan that resulted in a layup or dunk.

 

[seansherm]

Huh?

If Davis has an open 3 late in the shot clock, he has to take it. I'm not a fan of passing him the ball late in the clock, but we've done it.

You don't have your worst shooter taking shots early in the shot clock (especially with Ace and Dylan on the court), especially against a team like Columbia. You work for a better shot. This is basic grade school stuff. Know your role as an offensive player based on the 5 that are on the court. When Dylan and Ace are off the court, everyone's role changes.

Disagree, open good shots are open good shots. You can't have teams only thinking two guys will shoot. According to your theory, three guys don't need to be guarded outside the paint until 2nd half the shot clock.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

1. Low, lowest on the team?
2. Low, we just stand around and watch our 3 point attempts like foul shots. It drives me nuts. I watch the shooter and other offensive players just freeze when the 3 goes up. We are not a team that crashes the boards when shots go up.

We have Dylan and Ace this year. This isn't 2023.

We will not get the offensive efficiency we need in order to make the tourney because they are basically not coached on offense. Everyone is allowed to shoot when and what they want (it's always been that way with Pike). Some players have self censored.

I wanted actual number answers.

Also keep in mind Ace hasn't been offensively efficient when touching the ball (last night's numbers may have changed that a bit though).

If one answers
1. JaMike makes 35% of WIDE open 3s
2. We rebound 30% of his misses

35% we get 3 points on possessions
45.5% we get 0 points
29.5% we get 1.1 points

That 1.37 points per possession he takes a WIDE open 3

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

15% of our possessions end in a TO
30% of our total missed shots we offensive rebound

Any shot taken reduces the chances of a TO on the possession drastically (you can still OREB and then travel)

 

[zappaa]

I wanted actual number answers.

Also keep in mind Ace hasn't been offensively efficient when touching the ball (last night's numbers may have changed that a bit though).

If one answers
1. JaMike makes 35% of WIDE open 3s
2. We rebound 30% of his misses

35% we get 3 points on possessions
45.5% we get 0 points
29.5% we get 1.1 points

That 1.37 points per possession he takes a WIDE open 3

15% of our possessions end in a TO
30% of our total missed shots we offensive rebound

Any shot taken reduces the chances of a TO on the possession drastically (you can still OREB and then travel)

Just think how many more games John Wooden could have won with these analytics 😊

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I wanted actual number answers.

Also keep in mind Ace hasn't been offensively efficient when touching the ball (last night's numbers may have changed that a bit though).

If one answers
1. JaMike makes 35% of WIDE open 3s
2. We rebound 30% of his misses

35% we get 3 points on possessions
45.5% we get 0 points
29.5% we get 1.1 points

That 1.37 points per possession he takes a WIDE open 3

uh oh that's 110%

19.5% we get 1.1 points

we are down to 1.26 points per possession

Also add a small benefit to the opposition being forced to guard him which should help us

 

[winfield102]

Disagree, open good shots are open good shots. You can't have teams only thinking two guys will shoot. According to your theory, three guys don't need to be guarded outside the paint until 2nd half the shot clock.

Pike let Cliff shot 3's. Were those good shots?

The offensive efficiency numbers have been brutal under Pike. They are better this year, but not where they need to be with this roster.

Cliff has zero attempts from 3 this year and is shooting 70% at Alabama. Oats defined his role for him. No more low percentage post ups and no 3's. Layups and dunks.

 

[winfield102]

I wanted actual number answers.

Also keep in mind Ace hasn't been offensively efficient when touching the ball (last night's numbers may have changed that a bit though).

If one answers
1. JaMike makes 35% of WIDE open 3s
2. We rebound 30% of his misses

35% we get 3 points on possessions
45.5% we get 0 points
29.5% we get 1.1 points

That 1.37 points per possession he takes a WIDE open 3

Where do you get your data? Is that real or hypothetical?

Davis only shoots open 3's from a stationary position. He was at 18% prior to this game right?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Where do you get your data? Is that real or hypothetical?

Davis only shoots open 3's from a stationary position. He was at 18% prior to this game right?

If you think he will make 18% of wide open 3s then certainly he should never shoot them

 

[ru-baby]

Jelly---Who were you rooting for in the Columbia RU matchup?

 

[winfield102]

Against OSU, we went 7-19 from 3. We got an offensive rebound 2 out of 12 chances. We got a foul shot and a made 3 from those rebounds, for 4 points.

Against ND, we went 8-24. We got an offensive rebound 3 out of 16 times. We scored 3 points from those 3 rebounds (Ace with an and-1).

Against PSU, we went 8-22. We got a rebound 4 of 14 times. We scored 9 from those 4 rebounds 2 3's and an and-1).

Against a&m, we went 6 for 26. We got a rebound 9 of 20 times, scoring 11 points (4 2's and 1 3).

Against seton hall, we went 7 for 13. We did not rebound any of the misses.

Against Alabama, we were 2-13. We got a rebound 2 of 11 times, scoring just 1 points.

20 for 77 (26%), scoring 28 points in those 20 opportunities.

 

[High Quality H2O]

2 minor things I saw Ogobole do....

1. 1st half a nice drop step move on the left side low box
2. 2nd half set a nice natrual screen sealing his man allowing for an easy layup attempt Derkack didnt take advatage of. Ogobole screened and motion for Derkack to use it.

I’m on Ogbole island

 

[seansherm]

Pike let Cliff shot 3's. Were those good shots?

The offensive efficiency numbers have been brutal under Pike. They are better this year, but not where they need to be with this roster.

Cliff has zero attempts from 3 this year and is shooting 70% at Alabama. Oats defined his role for him. No more low percentage post ups and no 3's. Layups and dunks.

The offensive efficiency has sucked I agree, but its because mostly we've recruited shitty offensive talent.
Cliff threw up what, one every 7 games or so? Sure, seven too many, but little effect overall.

 

[winfield102]

The offensive efficiency has sucked I agree, but its because mostly we've recruited shitty offensive talent.
Cliff threw up what, one every 7 games or so? Sure, seven too many, but little effect overall.

Our offensive talent has been lacking. But the players are basically left to their own devices on offense though. Big dogs get 1st crack offensively. You settle for the shot from the poor shooter only when necessary, not right out of the gate. Low percentage shots are available anytime.

We are operating at razor thin margins this year. Actually, we've already gone beyond razor thin margins. We must squeeze every ounce out of the offense this year. This roster will not suddenly start playing the type of defense we've become accustomed to. There will be no 2021-type run via a lock down defense.

 

[Simce91]

2 minor things I saw Ogobole do....

1. 1st half a nice drop step move on the left side low box
2. 2nd half set a nice natrual screen sealing his man allowing for an easy layup attempt Derkack didnt take advatage of. Ogobole screened and motion for Derkack to use it.

I agree and am perplexed that Pike didn't take advantage of the score to give Ogbole more of Martini's minutes in the 2nd half

Ogbole has been showing signs of improvement and fluidity, last night in the 2nd half was a great opportunity to him minutes over Martini to continue his improvement in game situations.

Ogbole contributions are going to be needed more in conference play than Martini's if RU is going to dance

 

[satnom]

Dylan & Ace: Awesome all around.

Davis: Is proving many of us wrong. Streak shooter. Let’s see if he can maintain the scoring efficiency, strong defense and not committing turnovers

Williams: not rushing offense and playing like a Vet. Gave great effort on defense.

Ogbole: like someone said he deserves any mins that go Martini’s way.

Latham: offensively skilled in paint. Nice rhythm foul shooter, and improved defensive effort. Like to see him pass out of the paint once in awhile.

Derkack: not particularly strong game. Like his energy and his attack of the basket but sometimes need not attack if he has space in paint to take an open jumper. Sometimes he rushes into the defender with space for no reason. Like him off the bench as a sixth man.

Acuff: would like to see him attack the basket more than just sitting on the perimeter. Defensively slow footed.

Hayes should have had 12-15pts. Got great 3 pts looks and missed 4 of 5 shots. His shot was off and for his caliber of shooting should have had a field day against Columbia. Would have played more in 2nd half if gone at least 3-5 on open 3 pointers.

Martini: should not be playing.

GO RU