A lot to improve on...but all good

[Medill90]

For a three point shooting team to only make 23 percent from three and win against a talented team is a big deal.

NU's defense held WF to 28 pts below their season average (if I read it correctly). WF also shot 23 from three. I'd argue that NU had open looks and missed. Badly. WF saw more perimeter defense than they are used to.

The poor shooting had as much to do with WF's rebounding edge as WF's size.

NU turns the ball over too much and that really needs to be fixed.

NU shot like crap from the line. The game could have been over earlier.

This is one of the better NU defenses I can remember. You schmucks who have been crappin' on my man Sanjay Lumpkin for four years can stuff it. What he does out there night in and night out is incredible. Shut down defense against talented guys five or six inches taller. Just incredible. And an excellent student.

 

[DaCat]

NU 3-point shooting was definitely off, but I wouldn't say they were missing shots badly. The rims looked greased by the way shots were going in and out or just rimming out. I hope it's just one of those nights, because like you said they were getting open looks.

And +1 for Sanjay.

 

[julescat]

Yes. Very impressive to win that game while shooting pretty badly. Excellent win.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

For a three point shooting team to only make 23 percent from three and win against a talented team is a big deal.

NU's defense held WF to 28 pts below their season average (if I read it correctly). WF also shot 23 from three. I'd argue that NU had open looks and missed. Badly. WF saw more perimeter defense than they are used to.

The poor shooting had as much to do with WF's rebounding edge as WF's size.

NU turns the ball over too much and that really needs to be fixed.

NU shot like crap from the line. The game could have been over earlier.

This is one of the better NU defenses I can remember. You schmucks who have been crappin' on my man Sanjay Lumpkin for four years can stuff it. What he does out there night in and night out is incredible. Shut down defense against talented guys five or six inches taller. Just incredible. And an excellent student.

A couple of my thoughts from the game, some of which you already stated:

- I love that we can play against a respectable Power 5 program, shoot that poorly from 3, and still find a way to win. We needed to find a way to win a close one and we did it last night.

- I also love that we don't just have one guy that makes us go. In past years, if our best player (Shurna, Coble, etc.) had an off game, it was pretty much game over for us. Now we have several guys that can make contributions. Law and Lindsey were off last night, but Skelly had a great 1st half, Sanjay played great defense throughout (especially the latter half of the 2nd half), Mac caught fire in the 2nd half, etc. In the Notre Dame game, it was Taphorn that stepped up and had a nice game (despite a couple of late mistakes). I think the depth of this team is the best we have ever had and that's without Falzon, who was a starter last year.

- This team can play some defense. We still give up size to most teams, but that gap is not nearly as wide as we are used to with past teams. We also now have Power 5 level athleticism. Again, many teams still have more athleticism than we do, but that gap is much slimmer than we are used to as well. Both of these contribute to better defense and rebounding, which leads to transition offense, and that's how Collins wants to play.

 

[Alan Smithee]

I agree that we missed a ton of open looks - you have to give WF some credit, but I'd argue we didn't have great difficulty getting open looks; we simply missed the shots.

As for turnovers - we turned it over 8 times in the first half. But then we cleaned it up. We didn't have one in the second half for almost 15 minutes. Then we had a couple in a row - but that was a considerable stretch of clean ball.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I'd kill to see us have a player like Collins on this team. But it's hard to complain after what I separate last night--great defense in crunch time and contributions from various players in various ways. I cannot recall an NU team that was this deep and versatile.

 

[NJCat]

I'd kill to see us have a player like Collins on this team. But it's hard to complain after what I separate last night--great defense in crunch time and contributions from various players in various ways. I cannot recall an NU team that was this deep and versatile.

We do....BMac......

Oh, I thought you meant Chris Collins......

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

I cannot recall an NU team that was this deep and versatile.

And WITHOUT Falzon who was expected to play major minutes!

 

[NJCat]

And WITHOUT Falzon who was expected to play major minutes!

Next year NU adds Rap, Gaines and Falzon while losing only Tap and Sanjay. Plus who knows, perhaps a 5th year guy and a transfer. 2018 will be the year in the NCAA.

 

[EvanstonCat]

No Fitzphile.

This year will be the year.

 

[NJCat]

No Fitzphile.

This year will be the year.

We'll see.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

No Fitzphile.

This year will be the year.

Would you stop saying that, ECAT! Ugh....

 

[IGNORE2]

Next year NU adds Rap, Gaines and Falzon while losing only Tap and Sanjay. Plus who knows, perhaps a 5th year guy and a transfer. 2018 will be the year in the NCAA.

While this team is fun to watch, next year is intriguing already. Playing the 8-9 man rotation game is tough. Known is Mac at 1 and Pardon at 5. Presume Falzon at 4 but Skelly might have something to say with his development. The 3 seemingly will be Law with Rap looking for minutes. Then Brown and Lindsey compete for minutes at the 2. Benson sees the floor behind Pardon.

That's legit 9 deep without considering Ash, Gaines or the other two schollies. I think I would like to see a fifth year big with one and a sit out transfer with the other.

Just fun to think about.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Would you stop saying that, ECAT! Ugh....

THIS WILL BE THE YEAR.

It is written.

What? You'd prefer that I say next year is the year like Fitzphile?

 

[TheC]

No Fitzphile.

This year will be the year.

Well... we're not eliminated yet, so why not keep rooting for it. The problem with banking on next year is that unpredictable things happen. Injuries are one thing that can blow up a season. We need to win now and not wait for tomorrow.

 

[NJCat]

Would you stop saying that, ECAT! Ugh....

Yeah, NU is one Pardon hand injury away from a 15-16 season. Fingers crossed.......

 

[Sec.112]

... This is one of the better NU defenses I can remember. You schmucks who have been crappin' on my man Sanjay Lumpkin for four years can stuff it. What he does out there night in and night out is incredible. Shut down defense against talented guys five or six inches taller. Just incredible. And an excellent student.

1) One of the impressive things about this team so far is that they have not had anything close to a perfect game. I hope at some point they can BMac, Pardon, Law and Lindsey in a groove at the same time. If so, watch out.

2) Count me as one of the schmucks who crap on Lumpkin. Great game last night.

"Night in and night out" ... let's not go crazy. That's a little of a stretch.

You know he shouldn't be starting at this point, right? But that's fine, I'll go along with it.

He's finding his place as long as he's limited to his one miss each game outside five feet.

 

[mickbula]

I'm not sure if the question has been broached already. I guess I am a little bit out of the loop. Can anyone tell me- is Pardon OK? I didn't see the game, but read that he hurt his hand. And when is Falzon supposed to be back to 100%?

 

[PURPLECAT88]

I'm not sure if the question has been broached already. I guess I am a little bit out of the loop. Can anyone tell me- is Pardon OK? I didn't see the game, but read that he hurt his hand. And when is Falzon supposed to be back to 100%?

Question 1. No one knows for sure yet. Hopeful that it's a bruise not a break.
Question 2. Probably not 100% until next season. Rumors of a redshirt.

 

[Medill90]

"Night in and night out" ... let's not go crazy. That's a little of a stretch.

You know he shouldn't be starting at this point, right? But that's fine, I'll go along with it.

It is a bit of a stretch. But it's tough for a guy his size to be asked to defend quality bigs all the time.

I disagree with the starting. His minutes are down into the mid twenties which I think is about right. He sets the tone for the defensive intensity and I'd argue that it's the D that's winning games.

I have to say I thought Falzon was underrated on defense. He also fought for tough rebounds. His not playing is a loss on both ends.

 

[Medill90]

No Fitzphile.

This year will be the year.

There's a difficult five or six game stretch in the middle of the conference schedule. If NU can be competitive in those games, win half or almost half, we have a shot at winning 10 or 11 games in conference. Do that and finish the regular season at around 40/very low 40's Ken Pom (now at 46) ranking and it'll be tough to keep us out.

A lot can happen but NU has done what it needs to do against the quality portion of its non con.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Question 1. No one knows for sure yet. Hopeful that it's a bruise not a break.
Question 2. Probably not 100% until next season. Rumors of a redshirt.

Too bad about Falzon. I somehow missed that he could miss the entire year as that is news to me. What's his issue- is it a shoulder? Surgery required? If so, and he's going to redshirt, might as well jump on that surgery now similar to what Law did at the beginning of last season so he's ready to go at the beginning of the 17-18 season.

Speaking of surgeries, there's a guy on our bench (white guy) that was in street clothes and had his arm in a sling. Who is that? Rap? I only saw him once and didn't get a good look.

 

[IGNORE2]

Too bad about Falzon. I somehow missed that he could miss the entire year as that is news to me. What's his issue- is it a shoulder? Surgery required? If so, and he's going to redshirt, might as well jump on that surgery now similar to what Law did at the beginning of last season so he's ready to go at the beginning of the 17-18 season.

Speaking of surgeries, there's a guy on our bench (white guy) that was in street clothes and had his arm in a sling. Who is that? Rap? I only saw him once and didn't get a good look.

That is Rap.

 

[NJCat]

Too bad about Falzon. I somehow missed that he could miss the entire year as that is news to me. What's his issue- is it a shoulder? Surgery required? If so, and he's going to redshirt, might as well jump on that surgery now similar to what Law did at the beginning of last season so he's ready to go at the beginning of the 17-18 season.

Collins said it was tendonitis in his knee(s). If so, surgery isn't indicated.

 

[willycat]

It is a bit of a stretch. But it's tough for a guy his size to be asked to defend quality bigs all the time.

I disagree with the starting. His minutes are down into the mid twenties which I think is about right. He sets the tone for the defensive intensity and I'd argue that it's the D that's winning games.

I have to say I thought Falzon was underrated on defense. He also fought for tough rebounds. His not playing is a loss on both ends.

Agree Falzon was underrated and think he will be needed in conference games. If he doesn't make it back the NIT is still a strong possibility. Another concern is who backs up Mac. Don't think Ash has the handle, although CC seems to be giving him PT. Also Lindsey brought the ball up a couple of times last night and looked ok. He might be that guy. The next couple of scholarships or transfers should be a big and a PG.

 

[Sec.112]

It is a bit of a stretch. But it's tough for a guy his size to be asked to defend quality bigs all the time.

You make a lot of good points. I take one of them to be that starting doesn't matter compared to the minutes, and I couldn't agree more.

Allow me to switch this to who I want to see in the ladt five minutes of the game. And I can live with Lumpkin if the Cats have a lead or its close. But if they are down 6 with three minutes left, his defense isn't that valuable when you need to make up points.

Anyhow, he was fabulous on those big guys last night. Such great footwork.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Too bad about Falzon. I somehow missed that he could miss the entire year as that is news to me. What's his issue- is it a shoulder? Surgery required? If so, and he's going to redshirt, might as well jump on that surgery now similar to what Law did at the beginning of last season so he's ready to go at the beginning of the 17-18 season.

Speaking of surgeries, there's a guy on our bench (white guy) that was in street clothes and had his arm in a sling. Who is that? Rap? I only saw him once and didn't get a good look.

That was Rap.

Falzon knee is barking so shoulder surgery seems likely

 

[Styre]

Do that and finish the regular season at around 40/very low 40's Ken Pom (now at 46) ranking and it'll be tough to keep us out.

Agree with your general point, but just keep in mind that RPI is pretty much the only formula considered by the committee. Right now we're sitting at RPI 46, which would give us a very good shot at a tournament bid. Unfortunately, that number is going to go down as we start playing terrible non-conference opponents again.

 

[NJCat]

Falzon knee is barking so shoulder surgery seems likely

Maybe he can play linebacker when he returns.

 

[hdhntr1]

Question 1. No one knows for sure yet. Hopeful that it's a bruise not a break.
Question 2. Probably not 100% until next season. Rumors of a redshirt.

Heard Falzon might need the knife so RS likely for this year.

 

[rwhitney014]

Agree with your general point, but just keep in mind that RPI is pretty much the only formula considered by the committee. Right now we're sitting at RPI 46, which would give us a very good shot at a tournament bid. Unfortunately, that number is going to go down as we start playing terrible non-conference opponents again.

Actually, a lot of the cupcakes we play this year are sitting in the 100s in RPI right now. That will change as we get into conference play, but Texas' is also way low right now. (EWU in particular is helping out at the moment, right around 105.) This schedule may turn out OK, but we need to take care of business the rest of the way through.

 

[Catreporter]

I thought EWU looked like a pretty good team with two legit players when we played them (they are 5-2 right now). I think Bryant will win their share as well. They have some potent 3-point shooters.

 

[ricko654321]

Would you stop saying that, ECAT! Ugh....

If he says it every year, I think the Jinx gradually loses its power.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

If he says it every year, I think the Jinx gradually loses its power.

Hoping so!

 

[ricko654321]

You make a lot of good points. I take one of them to be that starting doesn't matter compared to the minutes, and I couldn't agree more.

Allow me to switch this to who I want to see in the ladt five minutes of the game. And I can live with Lumpkin if the Cats have a lead or its close. But if they are down 6 with three minutes left, his defense isn't that valuable when you need to make up points.

Anyhow, he was fabulous on those big guys last night. Such great footwork.

I've long been a Sanjay supporter, and I honestly don't mind him shooting. His impact on the defensive end is just as dynamic and important as Vic and Bryant on the offensive end. Maybe more so since we don't have anyone else like him - Vic is as athletic but can't guard the bigs the way he does, and no one on the team moves their feet and gets proper position nearly as well as he does. Or provides that sort of energy on the defensive end. As long as he isn't a liability on offense (can make an open 3 50% of the time) then we should play him 30 minutes against any team that has a player that the rest of the team struggles to match up with - which is a decent number of teams.

Last night in a series of I think 9 possessions mid to late 2H (I'd have to check the tape, but when the score was in the 40s), we got 8 stops I believe. And 5 of the 8 of those were specifically because of Sanjay - over the course of that series he guarded 3 different players, each time one of the 2 most dangerous players on the court for Wake. One was John Collins, one was a wing, one was the PG. 3 different body types, he doesn't care he will guard anyone. Same thing happened 2H against EW. And the big guy on TX who may be a 1st rounder down the road. Only guy I've seen score more than once on him so far this year is Colson of ND, and even he was mixed. He literally took over that game singlehandedly on the defensive side of the court, just as much as BMac took over the game on the offensive side of the court.

PS think a bunch of people have said or heard this by now - but re Falzon - I didn't specifically hear he's getting surgery on the knee, just that we prob shouldn't expect him back this year. Never say never, and we should wait until the final word from the staff, but just framing expectations. Hope he gets healthy as soon as possible regardless.

 

[NJCat]

If he says it every year, I think the Jinx gradually loses its power.

Just like NU beating OSU in Columbus?

 

[ricko654321]

Just like NU beating OSU in Columbus?

Precisely.

 

[clarificationcat]

I've long been a Sanjay supporter, and I honestly don't mind him shooting. His impact on the defensive end is just as dynamic and important as Vic and Bryant on the offensive end. Maybe more so since we don't have anyone else like him - Vic is as athletic but can't guard the bigs the way he does, and no one on the team moves their feet and gets proper position nearly as well as he does. Or provides that sort of energy on the defensive end. As long as he isn't a liability on offense (can make an open 3 50% of the time) then we should play him 30 minutes against any team that has a player that the rest of the team struggles to match up with - which is a decent number of teams.

Last night in a series of I think 9 possessions mid to late 2H (I'd have to check the tape, but when the score was in the 40s), we got 8 stops I believe. And 5 of the 8 of those were specifically because of Sanjay - over the course of that series he guarded 3 different players, each time one of the 2 most dangerous players on the court for Wake. One was John Collins, one was a wing, one was the PG. 3 different body types, he doesn't care he will guard anyone. Same thing happened 2H against EW. And the big guy on TX who may be a 1st rounder down the road. Only guy I've seen score more than once on him so far this year is Colson of ND, and even he was mixed. He literally took over that game singlehandedly on the defensive side of the court, just as much as BMac took over the game on the offensive side of the court.

PS think a bunch of people have said or heard this by now - but re Falzon - I didn't specifically hear he's getting surgery on the knee, just that we prob shouldn't expect him back this year. Never say never, and we should wait until the final word from the staff, but just framing expectations. Hope he gets healthy as soon as possible regardless.

I think Sanjay is playing a lot better this year than last year. He is playing great defense but also being more active offensively (even though he is not shooting well from 3 point range) in cutting to the basket and in hitting open cutters. He needs to continue to contribute offensively once conference play begins. He doesn't generate enough steals or blocks to justify playing him 30 minutes if he's not contributing 5 plus points a game and adding a couple of assists. Last year he had a stretch of conference games where he didn't score a point and that puts a lot of strain on the offense.

Although with Skelly playing a fair amount of center and Falzon and Rap being hurt, I guess the only alternative at times is Taphorn and I agree that there will be some games where his offense will not offset his defense depending on the matchup. I think that a Pardon, Skelly, Law, Lindsey, Mac lineup is our best offensive lineup and a pretty strong defensive lineup as well. But if Pardon gets in foul trouble, Skelly needs to play the 5. Sanjay will probably always get at least 15 minutes and, depending on the matchup, as much as 30 minutes. As others have said, it's nice to at least have a few options and I think Chris has done a good job so far of riding the hot hands. It will be great to add a couple of 6'8" plus shooters next year (Rap appears to be the tallest guy on the team other than Benson). I hope both of them can get stronger before next season because most of their minutes are going to come at the 4.

 

[willycat]

I've long been a Sanjay supporter, and I honestly don't mind him shooting. His impact on the defensive end is just as dynamic and important as Vic and Bryant on the offensive end. Maybe more so since we don't have anyone else like him - Vic is as athletic but can't guard the bigs the way he does, and no one on the team moves their feet and gets proper position nearly as well as he does. Or provides that sort of energy on the defensive end. As long as he isn't a liability on offense (can make an open 3 50% of the time) then we should play him 30 minutes against any team that has a player that the rest of the team struggles to match up with - which is a decent number of teams.

Last night in a series of I think 9 possessions mid to late 2H (I'd have to check the tape, but when the score was in the 40s), we got 8 stops I believe. And 5 of the 8 of those were specifically because of Sanjay - over the course of that series he guarded 3 different players, each time one of the 2 most dangerous players on the court for Wake. One was John Collins, one was a wing, one was the PG. 3 different body types, he doesn't care he will guard anyone. Same thing happened 2H against EW. And the big guy on TX who may be a 1st rounder down the road. Only guy I've seen score more than once on him so far this year is Colson of ND, and even he was mixed. He literally took over that game singlehandedly on the defensive side of the court, just as much as BMac took over the game on the offensive side of the court.

PS think a bunch of people have said or heard this by now - but re Falzon - I didn't specifically hear he's getting surgery on the knee, just that we prob shouldn't expect him back this year. Never say never, and we should wait until the final word from the staff, but just framing expectations. Hope he gets healthy as soon as possible regardless.

Anyone know when the injury happened or was discovered?

 

[Styre]

Actually, a lot of the cupcakes we play this year are sitting in the 100s in RPI right now. That will change as we get into conference play, but Texas' is also way low right now. (EWU in particular is helping out at the moment, right around 105.) This schedule may turn out OK, but we need to take care of business the rest of the way through.

If they actually stay in relatively high ranges, that'll be a huge boost to our schedule. Hope for good seasons and strong conferences.