So...we finish 10th. We only played the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14 place teams one time each. That's a tough conference schedule. Still managed to win six without a healthy Cobb and the toughest conf schedule.
Interesting fact on our conference schedule
- Thread starter VirginiaWildcat
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Going 6-12 after being 1-10 in conference says a lot about the character of the coach and the team. A year of development and growth for both. CC's first recruiting class on short notice proved to be a good one. We are moving in the right direction. We should be able to improve on our conference record next year given the returning players and incoming class.
The talent swing alone will improve the team and then there is development of the current freshmen. We lose three guys who are replaced by more athletic players.
I take a different view from you. I would say that the improvement of the remaining three classes is where significant improvement is most likely to come from.
Talent and athleticism are not the same thing. The incoming freshmen obviously have the potential, based on athleticism, to have better overall careers than the outgoing seniors. However, I'm not necessarily expecting the incoming freshmen to be better players in year one than the outgoing seniors.
On the other hand, the one-year improvement of Olah, Law, BMac, Lindsey, Demps, Taphorn and Skelly--plus the fit/readiness of van Zegeren--will determine our success next season.
That said, I do think that Aaron Falzon will have a huge opportunity to make an immediate impact, perhaps even start. And Ash should have an opportunity as a backup at both guard positions.
The improvement by olah and demps was interesting. Credit goes to coaching. What im curious about is the timing of their improvement, ie, is it directly related to the zone defense?
Next year, im not certain that we would need minutes from ash. Falzon will b green but i think he will get ooc minutes and fill in any injury minutes.
Hats off to BMC, law and lindsey for developing nicely over the season.
I think vasser is the player who notified collins that he wont e back so who knows. If i had a preference over it being lumpkin taphorn or vasser id prolly lean vasser who still seems raw.
Next year, im not certain that we would need minutes from ash. Falzon will b green but i think he will get ooc minutes and fill in any injury minutes.
Hats off to BMC, law and lindsey for developing nicely over the season.
I think vasser is the player who notified collins that he wont e back so who knows. If i had a preference over it being lumpkin taphorn or vasser id prolly lean vasser who still seems raw.
My thinking is that Van Zegeren is a step above Kreisberg. Falzon and Ash will be the equal of Injured Cobb and Sobo who isn't well matched for CC system.
All three of these guys who are leaving the program have contributed this year but none of them has been game changers.
Cobb and sobo have struggled with man. Sobo was at his best as a freshman in the various zones including the 1-3-1.
Not surprisingly, he is giving solid minutes again on both ends since the 2-3 switch.
Olah is a big guy and wide. He really struggles getting back on man. He also has been able to focus on offense better even though he still has to figure out who his man is to block out in 2-3. Iowa killed us on offensive boards by us not identifying players in the zone.
Not surprisingly, he is giving solid minutes again on both ends since the 2-3 switch.
Olah is a big guy and wide. He really struggles getting back on man. He also has been able to focus on offense better even though he still has to figure out who his man is to block out in 2-3. Iowa killed us on offensive boards by us not identifying players in the zone.
The character of the coach and the team got my attention when they rose to win 5 of the last 7. Surprised a lotta people.
It will take more winning to enable CC to recruit the top players, but it surely looks like he's on his way.
NU fans can feel momentum and excitement in Men's hoops.
It will take more winning to enable CC to recruit the top players, but it surely looks like he's on his way.
NU fans can feel momentum and excitement in Men's hoops.
I understand this perspective and agree it's probably not too far off. Although I have to disagree about the "game changers" statement in regards to Cobb on Senior Night!
Cobb can't play D? Cobb hasn't been a game changer?
Cobb is one of the craftiest and physical defensive guards in the Big Ten. Even playing at 60%, he's ahead of all of NU's guards from a defensive perspective.
And he's the guy that a fifth year Drew Crawford described as "an offensive genius."
Van Zee is different than Big Ivy. He doesn't have the same basketball IQ, can't shoot it as well, but he plays above the rim with physicality and has a nose for the ball. Exactly what NU needs. James and Collins will help him with his free throws. He may have a big year.
Cobb is one of the craftiest and physical defensive guards in the Big Ten. Even playing at 60%, he's ahead of all of NU's guards from a defensive perspective.
And he's the guy that a fifth year Drew Crawford described as "an offensive genius."
Van Zee is different than Big Ivy. He doesn't have the same basketball IQ, can't shoot it as well, but he plays above the rim with physicality and has a nose for the ball. Exactly what NU needs. James and Collins will help him with his free throws. He may have a big year.
I think he means game-changer from game to game. Cobb was absent for much of this season, and his overall numbers will be easily replaced as a result. In fact, neither senior has notable numbers that need replacing...
Cobb could play defense and was a game changer for bursts or for a couple of games. But a very good or great player or game changer has to consistently bring it every game. Yes, there will be off games. Cobb's injuries and other issues prevented him from being a game changer. It is a shame because when he was recruited he was a top 100 recruit (closer to 100) and I was hoping he, along with Crawford and Shurna, could have helped to get us to .500 in the conference and into the tourney. Cobb almost did with his 20+ point performance in a close loss to Minnesota in the Big 10 tourney two years ago. Cobb's performance in the UM double OT win was magical and I wish him well in his future endeavors.
I don't think there's any question that JvZ is a massive upgrade vs. Kreisburg.
He was averaging 10 and 5 in the ACC. He's 6'10 and 230 lbs and plays above the rim, was the Hokies' leading rebounder and best big, so outside of Olah, he is going to be the most physical presence we have and will help with our boards immensely. He went 18 and 10 against Penn State, so that gives you an idea of what he might be capable of against B1G competition.
My guess at this point is that he starts at the 4 next to Olah and switches over to give Olah rest when needed and will give us 30 min a game. Falzon and Skelly and perhaps Tap will play some 4 as well, and possibly Pardon plays some 4 but probably mainly is our 3rd 5 if he doesn't redshirt. Law and Lumpkin will rarely if ever play the 4.
Here's the rotation as I see it:
BMac, Vassar, Ash
Demps, Lindsey, Ash
Law, Lumpkin, Taphorn
JvZ, Taphorn, Skelly, Falzon
Olah, JvZ, Pardon
Maybe one or more of the Frosh (especially Falzon) move up, but I'm putting them at the back end for now as we haven't seen them.
That roster is looking very solid to me, and an NCAA contender.
This post was edited on 3/9 1:59 PM by EvanstonCat
He was averaging 10 and 5 in the ACC. He's 6'10 and 230 lbs and plays above the rim, was the Hokies' leading rebounder and best big, so outside of Olah, he is going to be the most physical presence we have and will help with our boards immensely. He went 18 and 10 against Penn State, so that gives you an idea of what he might be capable of against B1G competition.
My guess at this point is that he starts at the 4 next to Olah and switches over to give Olah rest when needed and will give us 30 min a game. Falzon and Skelly and perhaps Tap will play some 4 as well, and possibly Pardon plays some 4 but probably mainly is our 3rd 5 if he doesn't redshirt. Law and Lumpkin will rarely if ever play the 4.
Here's the rotation as I see it:
BMac, Vassar, Ash
Demps, Lindsey, Ash
Law, Lumpkin, Taphorn
JvZ, Taphorn, Skelly, Falzon
Olah, JvZ, Pardon
Maybe one or more of the Frosh (especially Falzon) move up, but I'm putting them at the back end for now as we haven't seen them.
That roster is looking very solid to me, and an NCAA contender.
This post was edited on 3/9 1:59 PM by EvanstonCat
If Ash and Falzon are getting fewer minutes than Vassar and Tap, NU will be in a world of hurt next season. Ash has excelled at the highest level of Chicago basketball. Vassar has shown nothing.
I agree except I see Tap ahead of Law on the wing and Lindsey starting and Demps finishing. I also don't think we go beyond 2 two deep absent significant injury which is still a deep 9 man rotation. I'm really hoping we only see one of the freshman if he clearly beats out the backup - beats out enough to be in the starter conversation.
This post was edited on 3/9 3:44 PM by xyzbobxyz
This post was edited on 3/9 3:44 PM by xyzbobxyz
I'm very high on Ash. I don't know if he'll show it right away, but I think he'll push for starting time by the end of non-con.
What could prevent that is Demps taking another step forward. I think Ash is a better athlete, but an improved/more efficient Demps (aka Demps of the past few games) becomes one of the leading scorers in the league.
What could prevent that is Demps taking another step forward. I think Ash is a better athlete, but an improved/more efficient Demps (aka Demps of the past few games) becomes one of the leading scorers in the league.
That's one interpretation, another reasonable explanation is that Tap raised his game...again - and/or Vasser improved his shooting.
Tap isn't a bad stretch 4 in a 2-3 zone. If he spends more time working and learning the system and his teammates' tendencies, then his outside shot rivals Falzon. Falzon had 30 pounds on Tap to start the year, but I think Tap has added a few more.
Law was highly recruited 4* out of HS and by start of B1G play, many were calling him a failure. Lately, he has turned it around to average to above average - far from All B1G as some clamored in the preseason. After a season of some starting and lots of minutes, he has developed to a degree.
Vasser, not as highly regarded, looked pre-good in very limited minutes in OOC. This past week, in more garbage time, he seems to have regressed - or is pressing.
Seems to me, Falzon is 4*, not 5*, not a one and done (or even two, or three...). Absent some very impressive practices, unless CCC plans to play him heavy (meaning all vZ and Falzon, no minutes at the 4 for Tap, Lump, Skelly), then it's a disservice. Unless he beats out the number two, or the starter, then cycling him in does not develop his skill set. Better to let him man the 4 on the scout squad in practices, play against Tap and vZ regularly and come out bigger, stronger and more experienced in year two.
So, I can see the argument that if Falzon or Ash are playing heavy minutes next year, then NU is in a world of hurt - or they were underrated as 4*.
Was there really anyone saying that Law would be All Big-Ten as a freshmen? Were there really many saying he was a failure 20 games into his freshmen year? I don't recall either.
I don't think we are in a world of hurt in either scenario but I agree with you that minutes will be tough for Ash and Falzon.
I think that Taphorn can provide similar offense to Falzon (next year), although he has struggled at times defensively. He has a hard time getting out to shooters in our zone. If Taphorn can continue to get stronger and improve his lateral quickness, I think he will see 10 to 15 minutes at the 4 (more if he is shooting well).
Ash is 6'3" and is a good but not great athlete (for a B1G player) based on what I have read. Unless he's a great 3-point shooter, I just don't see him getting many minutes next year in front of Demps or Lindsey. I get the impression he's kind of a streaky outside shooter. If he can play the point, I can see him getting some minutes there, although I certainly haven't written Vasser off. Vasser will have a big edge in his second year in the the program over a guy who did not play point guard in high school.
Collins should have plenty of flexibility to go big or small next year without playing Ash or Falzon. We will be in a world of hurt if this year's freshmen don't improve and get bigger and stronger. If they do and Olah and Demps are healthy, it should be a fun year.
I don't think we are in a world of hurt in either scenario but I agree with you that minutes will be tough for Ash and Falzon.
I think that Taphorn can provide similar offense to Falzon (next year), although he has struggled at times defensively. He has a hard time getting out to shooters in our zone. If Taphorn can continue to get stronger and improve his lateral quickness, I think he will see 10 to 15 minutes at the 4 (more if he is shooting well).
Ash is 6'3" and is a good but not great athlete (for a B1G player) based on what I have read. Unless he's a great 3-point shooter, I just don't see him getting many minutes next year in front of Demps or Lindsey. I get the impression he's kind of a streaky outside shooter. If he can play the point, I can see him getting some minutes there, although I certainly haven't written Vasser off. Vasser will have a big edge in his second year in the the program over a guy who did not play point guard in high school.
Collins should have plenty of flexibility to go big or small next year without playing Ash or Falzon. We will be in a world of hurt if this year's freshmen don't improve and get bigger and stronger. If they do and Olah and Demps are healthy, it should be a fun year.
I thought he was regarded as more of an athlete than a lot of our roster (save Law). I've linked some highlights in case you've only read about him. Personally, I think the move at 1:17 shows some plus athleticism. Same with right around 2:30.
Of course, everything changes when you get to college and I don't evaluate tape for a living.
This post was edited on 3/9 5:31 PM by thewildcat2011
Jordan Ash, uploaded 2 months ago.
It's the other type of Northwestern curse...people are so desperate for optimism that they'll label good players as saviors before they even step on campus.
A lot of people (including the media) were hyping Law to be one of those freshman super studs. He isn't and wasn't, but he is very good and you can see how he can become great.
I mean...some people were putting super hype on Vasser. It's just what we do.
(I remember being really, really excited to see Nick Freundt play, so there's that)
A lot of people (including the media) were hyping Law to be one of those freshman super studs. He isn't and wasn't, but he is very good and you can see how he can become great.
I mean...some people were putting super hype on Vasser. It's just what we do.
(I remember being really, really excited to see Nick Freundt play, so there's that)
I think EvanstonCat was the only one hyping Vasser that much, and that's kind of his schtick. He sees a couple of highlights, reads one article and hype away!
I really liked Freundt. He didn't get many chances to show himself, but I remember being pretty pumped when he got some quality PT in a huge win (OSU if I remember correctly). That was cool...
I'm being a little liberal in what people were saying - obviously, if anyone had really attacked Law, half the board would have lynched the poster, since we are a very polarized community. But the general theme is that Falzon is this year's version of Law - same high level expectations and we have seen that play out even with a boatload of minutes. Most have felt a let down. Let's be reasonable in our expectations - that's all I'm saying.
I agree completely with the rest of your post. And I think next year will reveal more about CCC's coaching ability. He is a good recruiter. He has been a little tardy to make changes, but the changes have been effective. Next year, he will have more flexibility - a big lineup, a fast lineup - really be able to tailor the personnel more. I like the idea of a 1-3-1 with Vasser on the bottom, Lindsey or Law on top, Olah inside - not really sure who a like as the other wing.
But I'm looking forward to the game play and strategy next year.
I didn't see the link. Can you try again? I would love to see highlights from this year. He's definitely a good athlete but at 6'3" I think it's pretty hard to make an impact as a freshmen shooting guard unless you are a great outside shooter. I can't think of many guys his size that can score consistently without knocking down 3's.
Edited my post add the link I stupidly forgot.
This video was uploaded 2 months ago and I believe it's from this year.
This video was uploaded 2 months ago and I believe it's from this year.
Thanks. I love his pull-up jumper.
He reminds me of Tre, and I mean that as a compliment. He also seems more solid physically than our freshmen this year. Maybe he can be a spark plug on offense and defense initially. We need to generate more turnovers. I think Tre only has 8 steals this year and McIntosh has 7. I checked and Farrel and Blackmon have over 40 steals. Those easy baskets can be the difference in a close game.
He reminds me of Tre, and I mean that as a compliment. He also seems more solid physically than our freshmen this year. Maybe he can be a spark plug on offense and defense initially. We need to generate more turnovers. I think Tre only has 8 steals this year and McIntosh has 7. I checked and Farrel and Blackmon have over 40 steals. Those easy baskets can be the difference in a close game.
While we have been ranging from pretty good to average on most defensive metrics with Collins at the helm, the lack of turnovers really needs to be addressed.
We're a little better in zone, but not that much better. We were terrible in man.
I imagine a lot of that comes down to speed of thought, length, and pure athleticism. The first will improve with item for the youngsters, the others we're trying to recruit.
We're a little better in zone, but not that much better. We were terrible in man.
I imagine a lot of that comes down to speed of thought, length, and pure athleticism. The first will improve with item for the youngsters, the others we're trying to recruit.
Aside from a Top 100 ESPN ranking, Falzon and Law are quite diff.
Law is thin for his position and wasn't quite the polished offensive player/shooter that Falzon seems to be.
And while Law is more athletic per his position, Falzon already has good size for his.
And while yes, it's prudent to be a bit conservative when it comes to expectations for frosh players, but while I wouldn't expect Falzon to start, at the same time, would not be surprised to see him gradually work his way up in terms of mins at the 4.
Except, that 10 and 5 that you speak of was compiled w/o any ACC games, as JVZ's last game in a Hokie uni was against WVU where he scored 2 pts and grabbed 2 rbds in 15 mins of action (also PSU was undersized in the frontcourt).
The dust-up that JVZ had at VT was about the reduction in his playing time; if JVZ is as good as you make him out to be, why would he be getting less playing time?
Now, that's not to say JVZ fills a crucial hole for the 'Cats next season in being woefully undersized in the frontcourt and w/ above average athleticism at 6-10/235.
JVZ may very well start at the 4, but at the same time, would not be surprised if other players (together) end up getting more minutes at the 4, w/ JVZ splitting his time btwn the 4 and 5 depending on match-ups, Olah's foul trouble and whether CC plays Pardon.
Can even see JVZ getting the bulk of minutes at the 5 when CC wants to play a faster tempo and play man D when the match-up calls for it.
In the prior season (when JVZ actually played ACC games), he had some good/decent games, but was overall more of a role player than an impact player.
Even assuming that JVZ has improved his game since then, I would wouldn't expect too much, but if JVZ can play D, grab rbds and be that physical post player w/ some put-backs and alley-oop action, would be quite satisfied.
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