Most Pleasant Surprise?

[NJCat83588]

BTN gets league writers to weigh-in on the seasons surprise to date. No surprise, it's NU....

http://btn.com/2015/12/17/big-ten-survey-most-pleasant-mens-hoops-surprise-so-far-is/

To wit:

"they’re [sic] lone loss was a neutral-site game against North Carolina. Add in wins over Missouri and Virginia Tech (both away), and Northwestern has already assembled one of the best non-conference resumes in the Big Ten."

Leave it to a writer from Nebraska to use "they're" instead of "their".......

 

[rwhitney014]

It seems the only people displeased with our season so far are some of our fans.

 

[Catreporter]

It seems the only people displeased with our season so far are some of our fans.

We're 19-3 in football and basketball this year and yet I keep hearing complaints on this board about the boring offense (football) or the weak home non-con schedule (basketball). Enjoy the winning, folks. It hasn't really happened all that often around here.

 

[thewildcat2011]

Glad we're getting some buzz and exactly what CC wanted and needed with this year's sched (it's still very boring). It's encouraging to me because it is another piece of evidence that CC has his finger right on the pulse of what this program needs, where it is, and what it can do. Pretty much everything is going along what I think has been the plan.

My pleasant surprise is that i think we look solid enough, and with a downswing for UW and OSU I think our schedule is such that we will keep up our winning ways in conference.

I'm also pleasantly surprised at how good BMac looks. His jump has been pretty huge so far.

My only disappointment (besides Law) is that the light hasn't come on for Lindsey yet.

What are some other pleasant surprises people have had?

 

[NJCat83588]

Glad we're getting some buzz and exactly what CC wanted and needed with this year's sched (it's still very boring). It's encouraging to me because it is another piece of evidence that CC has his finger right on the pulse of what this program needs, where it is, and what it can do. Pretty much everything is going along what I think has been the plan.

My pleasant surprise is that i think we look solid enough, and with a downswing for UW and OSU I think our schedule is such that we will keep up our winning ways in conference.

I'm also pleasantly surprised at how good BMac looks. His jump has been pretty huge so far.

My only disappointment (besides Law) is that the light hasn't come on for Lindsey yet.

What are some other pleasant surprises people have had?

I am very pleasantly surprised by Alex Olah. I am impressed by how much better he looks this year than last. Much quicker afoot, better moves inside. I only wish he would stop shooting 3's.

Next, I am pleasantly surprised by Taphorn. He has upped his game this year. Much more physical and showing indications that he can put the ball on the floor. I think his Senior year is going to be really solid.

Agree with you on BMac and Scottie. Not surprised by Sanjay, he is what I thought he could be, a solid defender with enough offense to complement the scorers. Slightly disappointed in Ash, he seems overwhelmed so far. Hope he will come on as the season progresses.

 

[Sec.112]

I'm going to choose BMac as most surprising. In general, I think he's controlling every game right now. When he wants to score, he scores. He carried a couple of these wins.

However, when the objective/game plan was to help others get the kinks out, he's done that and kept his game under wraps.

The rest of the team has been too up-and-down for anything else to be positively surprising.

 

[corbi296]

I am very pleasantly surprised by Alex Olah. I am impressed by how much better he looks this year than last. Much quicker afoot, better moves inside. I only wish he would stop shooting 3's.

Next, I am pleasantly surprised by Taphorn. He has upped his game this year. Much more physical and showing indications that he can put the ball on the floor. I think his Senior year is going to be really solid.

Agree with you on BMac and Scottie. Not surprised by Sanjay, he is what I thought he could be, a solid defender with enough offense to complement the scorers. Slightly disappointed in Ash, he seems overwhelmed so far. Hope he will come on as the season progresses.

The fact that Lindsay has no

Glad we're getting some buzz and exactly what CC wanted and needed with this year's sched (it's still very boring). It's encouraging to me because it is another piece of evidence that CC has his finger right on the pulse of what this program needs, where it is, and what it can do. Pretty much everything is going along what I think has been the plan.

My pleasant surprise is that i think we look solid enough, and with a downswing for UW and OSU I think our schedule is such that we will keep up our winning ways in conference.

I'm also pleasantly surprised at how good BMac looks. His jump has been pretty huge so far.

My only disappointment (besides Law) is that the light hasn't come on for Lindsey yet.

What are some other pleasant surprises people have had?

Lindsay's slow development and inconsistent contribution should not be a surprise to anyone that saw him play in HS. The kid has always had the raw skills but there has always been something missing. Hopefully he can put it together.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Sanjay's 3PT shot when open has been a pleasant surprise thus far...

 

[IGNORE2]

We're 19-3 in football and basketball this year and yet I keep hearing complaints on this board about the boring offense (football) or the weak home non-con schedule (basketball). Enjoy the winning, folks. It hasn't really happened all that often around here.

Boring offense? Who? I do not think boring is the complaint. And both 'complaints' will reveal themselves out. We play a Bowl game - let's see what happens. It will quite one side or the other. We will play a B1G season and then hold our breath when post season is announced - again it will quiet one side or the other. Fortunately, these are not hypothetical debates. Ultimately, the proof will be found in the pudding.

 

[IGNORE2]

Glad we're getting some buzz and exactly what CC wanted and needed with this year's sched (it's still very boring). It's encouraging to me because it is another piece of evidence that CC has his finger right on the pulse of what this program needs, where it is, and what it can do. Pretty much everything is going along what I think has been the plan.

My pleasant surprise is that i think we look solid enough, and with a downswing for UW and OSU I think our schedule is such that we will keep up our winning ways in conference.

I'm also pleasantly surprised at how good BMac looks. His jump has been pretty huge so far.

My only disappointment (besides Law) is that the light hasn't come on for Lindsey yet.

What are some other pleasant surprises people have had?

I share most of yours. I would add the results around the B1G have been a pleasant surprise as they give hope that we might do some damage in a vulnerable B1G this year. I realize the downside is lower RPI. Still, a down B1G and upcoming NU - maybe a '95 kinda season will result. (Dreaming of watching the Cats on every Sunday in March)

 

[Ubermorgen]

Taphorn!

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Boring offense? Who? I do not think boring is the complaint. And both 'complaints' will reveal themselves out. We play a Bowl game - let's see what happens. It will quite one side or the other. We will play a B1G season and then hold our breath when post season is announced - again it will quiet one side or the other. Fortunately, these are not hypothetical debates. Ultimately, the proof will be found in the pudding.

What "sides" are you taking about?

 

[IGNORE2]

What "sides" are you taking about?

In the 'boring offense,' I suspect the OP really meant the group that feels that the NU FB offense is not very good vs. the group of posters that believe it is good enough and should not be subjected to regular criticism since the team has performed well.

The BB reference, IMHO, is to the group of posters that argue the OOC schedule has hurt our program for a number of reasons v. the group of posters that argue it has not.

There are at least two sides to both debates with active participants.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

In the 'boring offense,' I suspect the OP really meant the group that feels that the NU FB offense is not very good vs. the group of posters that believe it is good enough and should not be subjected to regular criticism since the team has performed well.

The BB reference, IMHO, is to the group of posters that argue the OOC schedule has hurt our program for a number of reasons v. the group of posters that argue it has not.

There are at least two sides to both debates with active participants.

Huh? Who here thinks the OOC schedule has hurt our program for a number of reasons?

 

[willycat]

Huh? Who here thinks the OOC schedule has hurt our program for a number of reasons?

I bet a few of us could guess who they might be.

 

[IGNORE2]

Huh? Who here thinks the OOC schedule has hurt our program for a number of reasons?

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Do you mean you do? You think our OOC hurts us for a "number of reasons"? How so? I understand the "hurts our RPI" argument. What are the other reasons?

 

[IGNORE2]

Do you mean you do? You think our OOC hurts us for a "number of reasons"? How so? I understand the "hurts our RPI" argument. What are the other reasons?

I really haven't decided my position on it, but there is a thread three pages long full of good points on both sides. You should read it, maybe post, pick a fight over there...

Learning how to win, developing a good record and so on. I think I would have liked to see a couple more challenging games or local games at home. Give me UIC, Loyola, NIU over the bottom of the barrel from Mississippi. Or mix in one or two home games against decent MAC or A10 teams.

But if I were to offer a strong opinion, it would be that neither Demps nor Mac should be playing more than 20 minutes against the cupcakes. They escaped injuries but added wear and tear unnecessarily.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

I really haven't decided my position on it, but there is a thread three pages long full of good points on both sides. You should read it, maybe post, pick a fight over there...

The only main reason in that thread was hurts our chances for the Dance. What other reasons are there?

 

[mikewebb68]

Biggest surprise: BM's improvement on defense. It is noticeable not just for the phenomenal improvement in steals (14 thus far this year, 8 for ALL of last year), but in generally keeping his man away from the basket.

 

[EvanstonCat]

We're 19-3 in football and basketball this year and yet I keep hearing complaints on this board about the boring offense (football) or the weak home non-con schedule (basketball). Enjoy the winning, folks. It hasn't really happened all that often around here.

I'm quite happy and elated with the record with football, especially in light of the struggles on offense.

In hoops, I'm more satisfied than happy - we are exactly where I expected to be and no more, no less. Other NU teams of old have come through the non-conf season with 1 or less wins. 12-1 non-conf is not a surprise, it was a minimum expectation, and perhaps anything more would have been a surprise (a win over UNC). To get there, we will have not have a single upset for or against. I have been as high on this team as anyone here, and still believe we are going to make it to the dance this year, but the truth is we really don't know what kind of team we have until January. in addition, we cannot possibly be anything of a surprise in my mind until then, unless it be an unpleasant one if we were to drop a game between now and then.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Other NU teams of old have come through the non-conf season with 1 or less wins. 12-1 non-conf is not a surprise, it was a minimum expectation,

Ergh! Don't jump the gun ECAT!!! Today's game has me nervous. If we lose, I'm blaming you!

 

[EvanstonCat]

Ergh! Don't jump the gun ECAT!!! Today's game has me nervous. If we lose, I'm blaming you!

We could lose. Just like with Columbia or most other games (not Mississippi Valley State though).

But, if we do, it will be unexpected and an upset. Nothing that has happened to date in the W-L column has been a surprise. Hopefully, that will continue through the rest of the non-conf season.

Playerwise, I'm surprised Demps and Olah haven't played even better. I was surprised Demps missed game winners. I was surprised Olah has disappeared at times and didn't play like he did against MSVU every game. Lindsey so far is underplaying to my expectation. I thought he'd be a superstar this year.

I was surprised by Sanjay being decent on O. I think he is one of our best starters - his D is suffocating and he's a menace when he's guarding someone roughly his same size instead of up on a 4. I was surprised by BMac. He's been a superstar. Skelly is a pleasant surprise. I think he should get more minutes. Did someone post plus/minus stats? I think he's very positive in that department.

JvZ is what I thought he'd be. Taphorn doesn't surprise me. I thought he'd progress and be the shooter he always was. Expected Falzon to be this good. Expected Ash to be better.

 

[NUThump]

Sanjay has been great. It makes me wonder what the split in minutes would be if Law didn't have surgery. Law is an all around player, is a better scorer and rebounder, but I think Sanjay is the better defensive stopper. We have needed that so far this year.

I am surprised that, for the most part, I haven't noticed the reduced shot clock. I expected to see more desperation shots early in the season to beat the clock.

 

[Walker Fan]

I have liked the contributions and been pleasantly surprised by Aaron Falzon and he has shown flashes of an all-around game while being a lights out shooter, Gavin Skelly really has provided great contributions on offense and defense particularly in Columbia and Missouri games, and Lumpkin has played very well at VaTech. It appears to me that Falzon will be a big scorer next season and help compensate for the loss of offense with Tre's and Alex's graduation.

Today will be a test as DePaul's Billy Garrett Jr. and Tommy Hamilton beat NU two years ago in a tight one in W-R as Garrett posted Dave Sobo and hit the game-winning bucket in a tight game. Also, Myke Henry is an athletic wing player who transferred from Illinois and they have some talented frosh.

As for our non-conference schedule, NU needed the confidence of winning games and they are doing that and needed to stack wins to make the post-season (at least the NIT and fingers crossed maybe more but they need to have a winning record in the Big 10). Fingers crossed for this afternoon's game as we know as NU fans, nothing is given and they need to come out and prove it every game. Olah needs to continue his aggressive play.

BTW, I checked the recruiting site this morning and Isiah Brown of WA, NU's 2016 recruit is a true PG and has a great feel for the game and can dribble drive and take the ball to the hoop and draw the defense and kick it out. It appears that he was 6'0",155 lbs. last year and now most reports have him at 6'1", 165 lbs. and now others have him at 6'3', approx. 175 lbs. It may be that he is still growing but there is some variations in his size. He is averaging 30+ ppg and will be a welcome addition for the 'cats next season. He might be able to play some PG and maybe just maybe Bryant could play with him the backcourt as a SG for some minutes. Also, I would not be surprised if Vic would play some minutes at SG next year. Lastly, hopefully, Scottie continues to grow and be more consistent at SG also.

 

[IGNORE2]

The only main reason in that thread was hurts our chances for the Dance. What other reasons are there?

As I don't have a strong feeling about the OOC, I have not read the four pages of discussion. You are awfully fixated on me lately. Doc ignoring you? Don't you have kids? A dog? A normal hobby?

If that is the only point of the detractors of the schedule, ok. I thought I have read that some felt the choice of opponents was poor - a Chicago flavor to help attendance, interest and recruiting. I thought I read somewhere that the absence of mid level competition denies the opportunity to gauge the team or to allow better experience going into B1G. But, ultimately, these could simply be some of the voices in my head discussing my subconscious thoughts about the OOC.

It's clear from these posts that you are a fan of the OOC. Good for you. I really don't care enough to banter. Wanna talk about the backup PG spot some more?

 

[IGNORE2]

The only main reason in that thread was hurts our chances for the Dance. What other reasons are there?

I briefly jumped on that thread - long enough to read one contention of the detractors is they feel the games are boring. They are an argument, although I would watch them play a high school team.

Do I win a prize for citing another argument by the detractors?

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

As I don't have a strong feeling about the OOC, I have not read the four pages of discussion. You are awfully fixated on me lately. Doc ignoring you? Don't you have kids? A dog? A normal hobby?

If that is the only point of the detractors of the schedule, ok. I thought I have read that some felt the choice of opponents was poor - a Chicago flavor to help attendance, interest and recruiting. I thought I read somewhere that the absence of mid level competition denies the opportunity to gauge the team or to allow better experience going into B1G. But, ultimately, these could simply be some of the voices in my head discussing my subconscious thoughts about the OOC.

It's clear from these posts that you are a fan of the OOC. Good for you. I really don't care enough to banter. Wanna talk about the backup PG spot some more?

Wow...that's quite a response to someone who's trying to have a real basketball discussion.

And and I understand the "boring" complaint, but how does that hurt the program? Once the B1G starts, nobody's going to care about some boring OOC games...

 

[IGNORE2]

Wow...that's quite a response to someone who's trying to have a real basketball discussion.

And and I understand the "boring" complaint, but how does that hurt the program? Once the B1G starts, nobody's going to care about some boring OOC games...

Wouldn't this digression be better served on the appropriate thread? And some discussions interest me, others, not so much. What you are trying to do is draw me into one of the few controversial threads that doesn't inspire me. I gave you the extent of my thoughts on the topic earlier. I'm sorry if that is insufficient to draw you into a full fledged battle.

Unlike you and doc, I don't post for the sole purpose of battling an individual poster. You will need to find another topic to engage me or get Doc interested.

Now, if we lose this game,maybe some fodder will develop.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Wouldn't this digression be better served on the appropriate thread? And some discussions interest me, others, not so much. What you are trying to do is draw me into one of the few controversial threads that doesn't inspire me.

Geez...I'm not trying to start anything, miss sensitive. If you don't have an answer, just say "I don't know."

 

[Mr. Stupor]

We're 19-3 in football and basketball this year and yet I keep hearing complaints on this board about the boring offense (football) or the weak home non-con schedule (basketball). Enjoy the winning, folks. It hasn't really happened all that often around here.

And once people like you stop bringing up NU's past every damn chance you get as your baseline, and cease the idiotic lectures like this, we won't have to even discuss these things. Alas, you persist in bringing NU's past up. Just drop it once and for all!!

 

[IGNORE2]

Geez...I'm not trying to start anything, miss sensitive. If you don't have an answer, just say "I don't know."

It's not a matter of knowing, it's a matter of opinion. And I did say repeatedly that I didn't have a strong one on the topic. Go back and read the course of our exchanges.

 

[Katatonic]

I am very pleasantly surprised by Alex Olah. I am impressed by how much better he looks this year than last. Much quicker afoot, better moves inside. I only wish he would stop shooting 3's.

Not surprised since that was what we were hearing about re Olah during the off-season (in particular, losing some weight to better run the floor).

I'm going to choose BMac as most surprising. In general, I think he's controlling every game right now. When he wants to score, he scores. He carried a couple of these wins.

Coming into the season, thought there would be less reliance on BMac as a scorer, so him being the 1-2 punch (for the most part) w/ Demps was surprising (but I guess not so much w/ Law being out and some inconsistency from the rest of the team).

Even w/ the expectations heading into his 2nd season, BMac has impressed.

Sanjay's 3PT shot when open has been a pleasant surprise thus far...

Don't know why that would be a surprise since Lumpkin had the 2nd best 3pt shooting % last yr after Tap.

Lumpkin's 3pt shooting % just recently passed his mark last season and now has the highest shooting % on the team w/ a .471 mark.

Granted, Lumpkin has about half the 3 pt attmpts as Tap or Lindsey, but still, his efficiency from 3 pt range and overall FG% (.610) has been pretty impressive.

Sanjay has been great. It makes me wonder what the split in minutes would be if Law didn't have surgery. Law is an all around player, is a better scorer and rebounder, but I think Sanjay is the better defensive stopper. We have needed that so far this year.

Would think that CC would want to see one of his top F defenders on the floor w/ Tap or Falzon - so might have seen a Law/Tap and Lumpkin/Falzon rotation, except when CC thinks he needs his best defenders on the floor.

Not exactly a surprise either since always had high hopes for Skelly and liked what he showed last season despite playing out of position, but w/ continued improvement, Skelly will be a very nice option at the 4 (a little more size and better defender/rbnder) for CC.

The kid can take a hit and finish at the basket - highest FG% on the team (.682).

W/ Rap arriving next season and Law returning, CC should have an abundance of riches at the F positions (6 deep).