Positives (and . . . on a coaching note).

[zebnatto]

The development of Eugene this year over last and the development of Issa whose growth has exploded in the past few games.

Should he stay at RU next year, Matt is back in the mix as a potential 8-12 minute guy and situational match-up problem.

I prefer Eugene over DeShawn, so even if Shaq C is not as good as advertised, even in a backup role he provides depth.

Please coach: If Duke picks up a foul in the first minute don't wait to get him out until he picks up his second a minute later.

 

[RUChoppin]

The development of Eugene this year over last and the development of Issa whose growth has exploded in the past few games.

Should he stay at RU next year, Matt is back in the mix as a potential 8-12 minute guy and situational match-up problem.

I prefer Eugene over DeShawn, so even if Shaq C is not as good as advertised, even in a backup role he provides depth.

Please coach: If Duke picks up a foul in the first minute don't wait to get him out until he picks up his second a minute later.

Eugene has been so much fun to watch - and I really hope as a junior he takes more a leadership role and gets some of the younger guys to buy in to his style of play. He's hard nosed, smart with the ball, fully committed on defense, and has great defensive anticipation to be standing where the offense doesn't expect him to be.

Thiam needs to continue to work on his confidence, and to uncork his shot more - less hesitation, more desire to be "the guy" with the ball in his hands. Hoping this progresses as he becomes an upperclassman, too, and that he puts on even more weight/muscle.

Bullock has certainly been confident in short stints, which is good. Defensively, he's not really there yet - which makes me wonder if that's part of what had him rooted to the bench along with conditioning. Hoping he gives us some more this year - but I don't see him on the court much next year if everyone is healthy.

REALLY hoping Carter is as good as advertised, and is a willing and capable defender. If he can start, Omoruyi can continue to give 20+ minutes as a 6th man spark off the bench

 

[RickB113]

If Corey stays and Pike can land one more big ten player we a chance at something next season.

 

[Dpgru]

All that has been said I agree with totally. What is absolutely needed to put us over the top is a deadly three point shooter. Imagin how tough we would be if we had this team, minus Mensa and with, pick any one, Bohanon from Iowa, Herder (SP) from Maryland, etc. Etc.. Each team has that one guy who just drains threes. That shooter opens everything up. Maybe Kiss becomes that guy.

 

[biazza38]

Bullock is a really interesting player. Complete wild card. I don’t understand why he’s so overweight. It stinks because I think he could contribute on this team. He was all state for a reason. He has a lot of confidence on the court too. His first possession he got the ball down low and went to work. He may have also taken an ill advised jumper, but point being is he’s looking to score

 

[BIGRUBIGDBIGredmachine]

Bullock is a really interesting player. Complete wild card. I don’t understand why he’s so overweight. It stinks because I think he could contribute on this team. He was all state for a reason. He has a lot of confidence on the court too. His first possession he got the ball down low and went to work. He may have also taken an ill advised jumper, but point being is he’s looking to score

Bullock would need to lose a lot of weight to play significant mins. at a mid-major let alone in B1G. He does appear to be a good baller.

 

[RepeatedCrown6]

The development of Eugene this year over last and the development of Issa whose growth has exploded in the past few games.

Should he stay at RU next year, Matt is back in the mix as a potential 8-12 minute guy and situational match-up problem.

I prefer Eugene over DeShawn, so even if Shaq C is not as good as advertised, even in a backup role he provides depth.

Please coach: If Duke picks up a foul in the first minute don't wait to get him out until he picks up his second a minute later.

Matt Bullock is NOT A GOOD D-1 PLAYER, please for the love of god people stop thinking he can be any sort of contributor in the big ten.

 

[lilphilw]

If Thiam had Bullock's confidence, he'd be a consistent double digit point player. I think Thiam has a lot of potential and could be the top scorer for RU by senior year

 

[RUinFla]

To be fair, Frank Kaminsky had a poor freshman year at Wisconsin--and is now a solid NBA player. Bullock wasn't All-State because he can't play. Stay on him during the off-season about conditioning, and during preseason practice. Watching him, and realizing that he has not played since senior year in HS two seasons ago, he shows remarkably little rust. As noted, he has plenty of confidence. Maybe that can rub off. And he can play. Next year he will be a soph, right?
TL

 

[zebnatto]

Matt Bullock is NOT A GOOD D-1 PLAYER, please for the love of god people stop thinking he can be any sort of contributor in the big ten.

You say this based upon what? People are looking at him as a role player.

 

[RUChoppin]

Next year he will be a soph, right?

Not sure if he actually got a redshirt last year or not. He'd either be a true Junior or a RS Soph next year.

The trouble with Bullock is that he can only really give us minutes at the SF position. He's not tall enough to play PF, and he's not quick enough to play guard.

This year, he gets some minutes because our depth demands it - there is no one behind Thiam to give him a rest, so he was pulled into action. Next year he'll need to fight for minutes against not only Thiam and Kiss, but also minutes used for three-guard sets (Sanders/Baker/Mathis) and for incoming freshman Harper. Assuming everyone is healthy, there just won't be any room at the inn.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

To be fair, Frank Kaminsky had a poor freshman year at Wisconsin--and is now a solid NBA player. Bullock wasn't All-State because he can't play. Stay on him during the off-season about conditioning, and during preseason practice. Watching him, and realizing that he has not played since senior year in HS two seasons ago, he shows remarkably little rust. As noted, he has plenty of confidence. Maybe that can rub off. And he can play. Next year he will be a soph, right?
TL

Bullock was all state because he was playing as a 3-4 that could shoot. That ain't happening in the B1G.

 

[RepeatedCrown6]

You say this based upon what? People are looking at him as a role player.

Because he’s not a guard. He’s a 6’4 260 pound small forward. He’s not athletic enough to play the three. Maybe if he’s open he can make jump shots, but can’t create his own shot, he can’t really defend. He should not be on scholarship at a big ten school. You were asking about Luke Nathan, clearly you’re way too optimistic about the end of the bench.

 

[Russ Wood]

To be fair, Frank Kaminsky had a poor freshman year at Wisconsin--and is now a solid NBA player.

Poor comparison imo. Kaminsky was a lanky 6-foot-10, 220 pounds when he arrived at Wisconsin. Kid could shoot it but needed to add a lot of strength and grow into his body.

It was clear Kaminsky could play at the HM D1 level. He chose Wisconsin over Notre Dame, Indiana, Northwestern and DePaul.

Bullock chose Rutgers over Binghamton and other LM & MM schools.

 

[zebnatto]

Because he’s not a guard. He’s a 6’4 260 pound small forward. He’s not athletic enough to play the three. Maybe if he’s open he can make jump shots, but can’t create his own shot, he can’t really defend. He should not be on scholarship at a big ten school. You were asking about Luke Nathan, clearly you’re way too optimistic about the end of the bench.

Neither Matt nor Luke is going to lead us anywhere in the B1G. Mike went down and with no college experience Matt did well. Luke is a fresh—in his jr year, can he provide minutes. Are theirs wasted spots on the bench, or is there a contribution to be made? That’s what I’m interested in.

 

[zebnatto]

Poor comparison imo. Kaminsky was a lanky 6-foot-10, 220 pounds when he arrived at Wisconsin. Kid could shoot it but needed to add a lot of strength and grow into his body.

It was clear Kaminsky could play at the HM D1 level. He chose Wisconsin over Notre Dame, Indiana, Northwestern and DePaul.

Bullock chose Rutgers over Binghamton and other LM & MM schools.

Do you think there’s zero contribution to be made from Matt?

 

[RUChoppin]

Do you think there’s zero contribution to be made from Matt?

What I don't understand is that he played 20 lbs lighter as a senior in HS. His recruiting profiles were all listed at 6-4, 240... and the expectation was that he'd drop that to 230 or below once he got into the conditioning program. Instead, it ballooned to 260.

He's right now closer in weight to Shaq Doorson (6-11, 275) than he is to Mamadou Doucoure (6-9, 243)... and he's only 6-4. Geo Baker is our only other player listed at 6-4, and Bullock has him by 80 pounds (about the weight of an average 11-year old boy).

Unless there's something medical going on that we don't know about (or his reported recruiting weight was lowballed), I just don't understand how that can happen.

 

[RepeatedCrown6]

Do you think there’s zero contribution to be made from Matt?

I think Nathan has more of chance to contribute because he’s 6-10 and reportedly has Ivy League offers.

Bullock should not be on this team and contributes pretty much nothing.

 

[RUChoppin]

I think Nathan has more of chance to contribute because he’s 6-10 and reportedly has Ivy League offers.

Bullock should not be on this team and contributes pretty much nothing.

And even then, Nathan's minutes would likely be limited to moments of extreme foul trouble by our bigs. He's an extra few fouls to throw into the mix.

 

[higgins3]

What I don't understand is that he played 20 lbs lighter as a senior in HS. His recruiting profiles were all listed at 6-4, 240... and the expectation was that he'd drop that to 230 or below once he got into the conditioning program. Instead, it ballooned to 260.

He's right now closer in weight to Shaq Doorson (6-11, 275) than he is to Mamadou Doucoure (6-9, 243)... and he's only 6-4. Geo Baker is our only other player listed at 6-4, and Bullock has him by 80 pounds (about the weight of an average 11-year old boy).

Unless there's something medical going on that we don't know about (or his reported recruiting weight was lowballed), I just don't understand how that can happen.

Enter the case of the Livingston Dining Hall and take out line!The only time I have ever gained more than 10 pounds in my life.

 

[Knightmoves]

Because he’s not a guard. He’s a 6’4 260 pound small forward. He’s not athletic enough to play the three. Maybe if he’s open he can make jump shots, but can’t create his own shot, he can’t really defend. He should not be on scholarship at a big ten school. You were asking about Luke Nathan, clearly you’re way too optimistic about the end of the bench.

Bullock looks like a slightly shorter version of Rashad Kent when he first came to RU. We had Kent slotted for 3rd string PF. Of course he started at 5 from day one.

Can Bullock help with his inside play? I liked the offensive putback he got vs UM.

 

[Russ Wood]

Do you think there’s zero contribution to be made from Matt?

I personally think Bullock is at the wrong level. But he doesn't have to play for me, he has to play for Coach Pikiell.

As long as Coach Pikiell believes Bullock can contribute he will be on the team and given an opportunity to prove himself in practice.

 

[RUChoppin]

Bullock looks like a slightly shorter version of Rashad Kent when he first came to RU. We had Kent slotted for 3rd string PF. Of course he started at 5 from day one.

Can Bullock help with his inside play? I liked the offensive putback he got vs UM.

Yes, and Kent was already short for a center at 6-6, 265. Bullock has about the same weight, but is two inches shorter still. In the B1G, Freeman struggles with height at the PF spot at 6-7... Bullock isn't going to be able to do much down there at 6-4.

His best bet re: inside play is getting boards and putbacks, more along the lines of what Williams provided at that the 3 (and really where Freeman is at his best) - he's not going to be able to do much with passes into the post trying to back down guys who have him by 4-6 inches.

 

[Westcoast]

Yes, and Kent was already short for a center at 6-6, 265. Bullock has about the same weight, but is two inches shorter still. In the B1G, Freeman struggles with height at the PF spot at 6-7... Bullock isn't going to be able to do much down there at 6-4.

His best bet re: inside play is getting boards and putbacks, more along the lines of what Williams provided at that the 3 (and really where Freeman is at his best) - he's not going to be able to do much with passes into the post trying to back down guys who have him by 4-6 inches.

And let's be clear, pretty sure Kent wasn't 6-6 and Freeman's not 6-7. But Bullock probably isn't 6-4 either.

 

[RUChoppin]

And let's be clear, pretty sure Kent wasn't 6-6 and Freeman's not 6-7. But Bullock probably isn't 6-4 either.

All very likely true.

 

[zebnatto]

Didn't mean to turn this into another Bullock thread--Issa and Eugene are more important to the team's future.But, my final word (I hope) on Matt: I think his best level would haev been low-major which does not mean that, since he is already on the team, there is nothing (zero) he can contribute. Give the kid some minutes and see where he fits. He has played about twelve minutes of college basketball. My initial post asked if he could develop into a 8-12 minute guy. I think that's TBD.

 

[jellyman]

And let's be clear, pretty sure Kent wasn't 6-6 and Freeman's not 6-7. But Bullock probably isn't 6-4 either.

True - Kent was probably no more than 6'5", and Freeman is 6'6" (clearly 1" shorter than Omoruyi right now - who is also listed at 6'7", having supposedly grown an inch since last year) ... and Kent was freakishly athletic leaper - and Freeman is an extremely athletic leaper as well. Bullock is not.

Bullock is a 6'3" to MAYBE 6'4" PF, without hops or quickness.

That said, he was ... okay ... as a bench player the last 2 games ... held his own more than I would have expected.

 

[willisneverrana43]

Bullock is a really interesting player. Complete wild card. I don’t understand why he’s so overweight. . . .

I’m gonna field this one. He eats too much.

 

[KnightsofChrome]

Because he’s not a guard. He’s a 6’4 260 pound small forward. He’s not athletic enough to play the three. Maybe if he’s open he can make jump shots, but can’t create his own shot, he can’t really defend. He should not be on scholarship at a big ten school. You were asking about Luke Nathan, clearly you’re way too optimistic about the end of the bench.

Sorry, don't agree with you at all regarding his athleticism, he just might be the most athletic guy on the team next to Cory of course. You don't see it because of his weight, the same weight that gives him the strength over other players. Love the way he creates shots for himself. You can't create shots, as he does if he wasn't athletic. His lack of quick feet on the D, hurts him. Doesn't have the quickness, but athletic, absolutely!
As a reference, "The Round Mound" Charles Barkley played 255 pds and was 6'6", no one thought he was athletic either, at least not enough to succeed, then they played against him.
I'm not saying he is anywhere on the same level as Sir Charles, but take away 2 years of rust, and you never know.

 

[jellyman]

Sorry, don't agree with you at all regarding his athleticism, he just might be the most athletic guy on the team next to Cory of course. You don't see it because of his weight, the same weight that gives him the strength over other players. Love the way he creates shots for himself. You can't create shots, as he does if he wasn't athletic. His lack of quick feet on the D, hurts him. Doesn't have the quickness, but athletic, absolutely!
As a reference, "The Round Mound" Charles Barkley played 255 pds and was 6'6", no one thought he was athletic either, at least not enough to succeed, then they played against him.
I'm not saying he is anywhere on the same level as Sir Charles, but take away 2 years of rust, and you never know.

Despite your throwaway statement "I am not saying he is anywhere on the same level of Sir Charles ..." I cannot believe you just compared Bullock to Barkley ... Where is RutgersAl when you need him ... even RutgersAl would not make that comparison.

Bullock is nowhere near the most athletic guy on the team other than Sanders ... I am not sure where on earth you come up with that. If Bullock was anywhere NEAR that athletic, he would have been playing all season, regardless of conditioning issues. He has never shown any such athleticism, as best I can tell, either at RU or in High School. Adn if he HAD shown any such level of athleticism he would have had many more offers coming out of high school than he did.

And to say we cannot see his true athleticism because of his weight is ridiculous ... Barkley looked fat also - his athleticism was not hidden. For RU, Kent looked fat, but HIS athleticism was not hidden. If a player was really that athletic, even 30-40 extra pounds would not truly hide it ... it would be apparent in some way. And it is not even clear he has all that much strength over other players ... which players, exactly, do you think he has strength over, and what evidence do you have of that? Basically, you have a player who is apparently overweight, lacks quick feet (i.e. lateral quickness), lacks quickness overall, and does not appear to get off his feet very high ... but somehow is "athletic, absolutely," in your words. You are right! I must be missing his hidden athleticism!

 

[rubaseball78]

Neither Matt nor Luke is going to lead us anywhere in the B1G. Mike went down and with no college experience Matt did well. Luke is a fresh—in his jr year, can he provide minutes. Are theirs wasted spots on the bench, or is there a contribution to be made? That’s what I’m interested in.

Isn't Nathan a walkon so that is not really a wasted spot but actually someone who may grow into a role player down the road.

 

[willisneverrana43]

I'll give Bullock this: his shooting so far has fit right in with the rest of the team.

 

[RepeatedCrown6]

Sorry, don't agree with you at all regarding his athleticism, he just might be the most athletic guy on the team next to Cory of course. You don't see it because of his weight, the same weight that gives him the strength over other players. Love the way he creates shots for himself. You can't create shots, as he does if he wasn't athletic. His lack of quick feet on the D, hurts him. Doesn't have the quickness, but athletic, absolutely!
As a reference, "The Round Mound" Charles Barkley played 255 pds and was 6'6", no one thought he was athletic either, at least not enough to succeed, then they played against him.
I'm not saying he is anywhere on the same level as Sir Charles, but take away 2 years of rust, and you never know.

So in this thread we have seen the following.

Matt Bullock talked about in the same sentence as Charles Barkley (NBA HOF)

and

Luke Nathan compared to Frank Kaminsky (2 Final 4's top 10 NBA pick)

Geez you guys are absolutely delusional

 

[Unionst]

Sorry, don't agree with you at all regarding his athleticism, he just might be the most athletic guy on the team next to Cory of course. You don't see it because of his weight, the same weight that gives him the strength over other players. Love the way he creates shots for himself. You can't create shots, as he does if he wasn't athletic. His lack of quick feet on the D, hurts him. Doesn't have the quickness, but athletic, absolutely!
As a reference, "The Round Mound" Charles Barkley played 255 pds and was 6'6", no one thought he was athletic either, at least not enough to succeed, then they played against him.
I'm not saying he is anywhere on the same level as Sir Charles, but take away 2 years of rust, and you never know.

I’m sure you’re going for laughs, right? Otherwise this may be the most bizarre thing I have ever read on this Board.

 

[KnightsofChrome]

I’m sure you’re going for laughs, right? Otherwise this may be the most bizarre thing I have ever read on this Board.

Nope, mostly because this is not a very "laugh" friendly site, I was comparing athletic ability. Those without athletic ability(no offense) seem to think that only people built like Michael Jordan have athletic ability, which is complete nonsense. Athletic ability is not measurable, it becomes noticeable when the game(regardless of which sport), falls to the player, as opposed to the player always trying to play the game. I know, I know, sounds really weird. But, it's very hard to describe.
Ever see a guy/girl who picks up a ball(any ball), and the translation from body to game is effortless? The guy that sees a maneuver by another player for the first time, then proceeds to copy that maneuver, with little effort. That's athleticism. The kid puts on skates, and doesn't fall on his as*, at least not much, athletic. Skateboard, same, obstacle course, same, and so on.
Bullock might not be pretty to look at, but the game falls to him. And, if he is able to get that jump shot back.....I certainly can see how he made All State. And, no he is no Sir Barkely, but I was trying to show similar body types, and athletic ability. Don't forget Barkley was 6'6" and was very dominant inside, but that was many years ago. He was successful because of his ability to use his body, against taller, yet leaner players.

 

[RUChoppin]

The guy that sees a maneuver by another player for the first time, then proceeds to copy that maneuver, with little effort. That's athleticism. The kid puts on skates, and doesn't fall on his as*, at least not much, athletic.

That's not a traditional definition of "athleticism". I'd say that's more kinesthetic intelligence, coordination, and balance.

Athleticism is usually used more as a description of strength, agility, stamina, and overall fitness.

 

[RUPete]

To be fair, Frank Kaminsky had a poor freshman year at Wisconsin--and is now a solid NBA player. Bullock wasn't All-State because he can't play. Stay on him during the off-season about conditioning, and during preseason practice. Watching him, and realizing that he has not played since senior year in HS two seasons ago, he shows remarkably little rust. As noted, he has plenty of confidence. Maybe that can rub off. And he can play. Next year he will be a soph, right?
TL

Get him on the Myles Powell offseason workout and diet regimen.

 

[jonS]

Bullock is a really interesting player. Complete wild card. I don’t understand why he’s so overweight. It stinks because I think he could contribute on this team. He was all state for a reason. He has a lot of confidence on the court too. His first possession he got the ball down low and went to work. He may have also taken an ill advised jumper, but point being is he’s looking to score

I agree about Bullock. He looks confident on offense , has nice shooting form but looks to be a real liability on defense. Opposing players seem to isolate him and then drive around him to the hoop. He needs to lose about 25 pounds

 

[ColonelRutgers]

I agree about Bullock. He looks confident on offense , has nice shooting form but looks to be a real liability on defense. Opposing players seem to isolate him and then drive around him to the hoop. He needs to lose about 25 pounds

Given he jacked up more shots (5) in 11 minutes than Issa did in 29 minutes (4) against Michigan and has at least as many airballs (2) as field goals in TWO YEARS on scholarship, I’d prefer a little less confident.

 

[ChasRC69]

I agree about Bullock. He looks confident on offense , has nice shooting form but looks to be a real liability on defense. Opposing players seem to isolate him and then drive around him to the hoop. He needs to lose about 25 pounds

Opposing players have been driving around ALL our players to the hoop. Bullock hasn't hurt us so far. When he's found himself out of position, he's rushed over in time to not get burned. Also, he tries to score, something that we need when we sub in people. When Jake, Souf and Candido come in, there's a very low probability that they'll attempt a shot.