what we got vs what we lost

[higgins3]

In the past month or so we have lost kerwin okoro,khalil batie, ryan johnson,junior etou. On the positive side, we have gained Omari Grier, Nigel Johnson, and Deshawn Freeman.

Okoro-great kid, can be replaced.
Khalil Batie- Added depth at point guard, but besides one game, didn't see much of him. Maybe could've been played a little more to see if there was anything more there.

Ryan Johnson-Thought he had potential, but never saw him against d1 potential, so who knows. Also, if it was an academic problem, being really good at basketball wouldn't have helped him.

Junior Etou- Thought he was underutlized, but had a distant attitude and supposedly some academic problems. We will miss his rebounding and nasty streak.

Omari Grier- Has played on three teams and has been able to score some points. Team played in a weaker league and finished last. I do think though with his height and handle, he will be able to contribute for us. He has had an injury and has recovered and I hope he can return to the shooter he once was. If so, big pick up. I look for him to average around 8 points a game and not turn the ball over too much.

Nigel Johnson- Great get I think. Loves the game, and showed his best games against some of the best competition in the country. Eventually he could play some back up for Corey Sanders or even take part in a three guard approach. Another guard that doesn't turn the ball over too much.I think this could be the best get.

Deshawn freeman- Great Juco player. I think with added size he can become a great player for us. Will have two years to play and should his talent at the D1, Big ten level. If he adds size, could be a 10 ppg, 5 rebounds +a game player. Needs to add on some weight but skill is definitely there. Also, he shoots free throws at around 70% which is an upgrade from KJ at 57% or so. Huge at the end of games.

Post is long, I know. Wondering what you guys think of these players and who will have the best potential. Guard heavy so we'll probably see some 3 g approaches at some parts of the season. To me, whoever can keep the ball in their hands, can shoot the ball at a decent rate and play a lick of defense deserves to be on the floor.

 

[RutgHoops]

Obviously the biggest "losses" are Mack and Jack.

I thought Myles had a very good Senior year and should be "Exhibit A" when Eddie goes on the recruiting trail talking about player development at RU. Myles was infinitely better as an upperclassmen and learned to play PG at RU, something many thought he couldn't do coming out of HS and why he was somewhat lightly recruited for a Top 150 kid out of a NJ powerhouse HS. Jack's big year came under Eddie as a Junior, but he regressed majorly as a Senior. Not sure why. He's a loss for sure. I liked Junior's potential. Athletic kid, willing defender with room to develop. I wish the rest well, but not sure they are "losses".

Sanders and Freeman are the headliner "adds" and rightfully so. An interesting symmetry in losing Mack/Jack and adding Sanders/Freeman. I like K.Johnson coming in. Hope some of the "rumblings" are inaccurate. Nigel will be a nice add in a year. Grier brings some needed depth to the backcourt. Diallo also counts as an add for me and I am looking forward to seeing the kid play.

The next interesting "add" for me will be if any/all of Williams/Foreman/Doorson take a step forward as Sophs. They all got time as frosh, showed some flashes here and there, played in a tough league, and should know what part of their games need work this offseason. If one, two or all take a step forward RU could be a pain in the butt come the 2nd half of the season.

Just my $0.02

 

[higgins3]

Mack is a loss, so Is jack, but not as big as Mack. Jack had issues keeping the ball in his hands and also wasn't always aware defensively. I wish Jack the best, just don't think the team takes two step backwards without him.

I hear you with Sanders and Freeman. It's always easier to keep a read on someone who has already played in the league so I feel more confident about Williams and Foreman than I do about Sanders and Freeman. I can't accurately say how JUCO will transfer to BIg ten play and how HS/AAU ball will translate for Sanders.

Coaches help facilitate player development, but bringing in a smart player with a work ethic trumps all to me. Dane Miller great potential but tough past and never reached his potential. Best to the, but we're better off passing on those types of players.

I am interested in seeing what happens with Greg Lewis, Diallo, and Shaq. Will Diallo be more of a center or pf? I think Shaq has a bright future at Ru, and by junior year will become a 7-8 rebound type of kid.

Guard heavy, so who do we have as rebounders? GL had 4.5 rbs per game. Can he push that number to 7-8? I think well need him to. I do trust Shaq though. Think he's a high character kid that will progress.

 

[higgins3]

Rutgershoops, I do like the fact that both Lewis and Freeman shoot freethrows better than Jack. That's big.

Also Jack 2.6 turnovers to Lewis 1.4 turnovers. Still back by 1.5 rebounds, but I am okay with Lewis scoring 8 pts a game if it means he keeps the ball in his hands.