The too far 200 thread

[IGNORE2]

an earlier post has me thinking about next year too. For the sake of the archive, anyone want to play?

Starters: Mac, Lindsey, Law, Falzon, Benson (but I'm thinking 5th year transfer - can't believe a true or RS frosh start here)

Minutes
Mac 30
Lindsey 30
Ash 15
Brown - I think RS if no injuries above here
Law 25
Lump 15
RI 15
Tap - squeezed out unless RI takes a shirt
Falzon 25
Skelly 15
Pardon 10
Benson 20

This is on average in a mythical injury free season and just to start. 10 deep in non-conf talk. By season, I would expect an 8 man regular rotation depending who establishes themselves or is healthy.

I also think ccc plays around with a 'small' lineup a lot. Absent a 5th year, there is no experience at the 5 and shallow experience at 4. I can also see RI taking a shirt to get some bulk on his frame. Removing him and rounding Tap into the 9th or 10th seat makes sense withe available personnel.

 

[backdoorpass]

I won't get into breaking down minutes, but here are a couple thoughts...

We have a hell of an offer and opportunity for an eligible 5th year graduate transfer center. That is the one spotty position on an otherwise very well rounded and experienced roster.

Regardless of what happens with a potential 5th year center and the immediately performance of two freshmen centers, I like the prospect of a faster (3 Forwards + 2 Guards) lineup with Skelly at the Forward/Center spot. Skelly can get up and down the floor, jump, rebound, pass, make free throws, bring energy...and he has experience playing the center position in our system. This will not work 40 minutes a game and/or against all matchups, but it is a strong option to consider given next year's potential roster.

 

[chicagocatfan24]

I have heard that RI is not even going to come close to red shirting and could very well walk in and start immediately, and it's from a source close to the program.

#SOURCE

 

[Smokejumper]

Thats some high praise for RI given the projected talent we have at the 3 and 4 next year.

Imagine the possibility of landing the kids from stevenson and evanston - absolutely love the idea of having the option to run 3 forwards/2 guards or a traditional 5 with Pardon and Barrett depending upon the matchups. I can't even imagine the last time NU had that kind of depth, flexibility and talent.

rotflmao

 

[chicagocatfan24]

And the same guy told me Nojel Eastern practiced with the team in an open gym a little while back and got destroyed by the freshmen

edit: awful grammar

 

[Smokejumper]

Pleased to hear that Nojel is playing pickup with the team.

Not surprising for an incoming junior to get destroyed by a collegiate player. Despite not having significant college game experience, Ash practiced all summer with the team and went to spain for some bigtime experience at with his teammates playing at the next level. 2 years and hours of intense collegiate practice can make a world of difference...

Still most excited to hear about his playing with the team...

 

[Medill90]

Agree that it's a positive sign Smokejumper. If you already have a group of friends at a Big Ten school ten minutes from your home that has a loaded roster the alternatives look less attractive.

I would just add that re the open gym play, for the last six months Nojel has been coming back from a pretty serious injury. I still recommend NU take this 6' 5" pass first point guard with the excellent shot.

 

[NJCat83588]

Agree that it's a positive sign Smokejumper. If you already have a group of friends at a Big Ten school ten minutes from your home that has a loaded roster the alternatives look less attractive.

I would just add that re the open gym play, for the last six months Nojel has been coming back from a pretty serious injury. I still recommend NU take this 6' 5" pass first point guard with the excellent shot.

And it would be nice for NU to be Evanston's Big 10 Team for a change!

 

[JournCat]

What about Lumpkin at the 5? Or would we get destroyed on rebounding?

 

[CappyNU]

What about Lumpkin at the 5? Or would we get destroyed on rebounding?

We would get destroyed on rebounding.

 

[thewildcat2011]

I have heard that RI is not even going to come close to red shirting and could very well walk in and start immediately, and it's from a source close to the program.

#SOURCE

I can't wait to see him in person.

I'll be honest, watching his tape doesn't give me the tinglies. It's obvious that he's very, very, skilled...but I really worry about the athleticism. He doesn't seem laterally quick or explosive to me.

Then again, no one has ever said my talent evaluations are any good, so who cares what I think.

 

[clarificationcat]

I can't wait to see him in person.

I'll be honest, watching his tape doesn't give me the tinglies. It's obvious that he's very, very, skilled...but I really worry about the athleticism. He doesn't seem laterally quick or explosive to me.

Then again, no one has ever said my talent evaluations are any good, so who cares what I think.

He's got pretty good hops for his size and it appears that he may be a couple of inches taller than Falzon. If he's a legit 6'9" or taller, that can compensate for average quickness on offense and defense. He appears more athletic than Falzon and Taphorn and has some post-up moves (which we really need) to go along with a nice outside shot. I am pretty excited.

 

[thewildcat2011]

He's got pretty good hops for his size and it appears that he may be a couple of inches taller than Falzon. If he's a legit 6'9" or taller, that can compensate for average quickness on offense and defense. He appears more athletic than Falzon and Taphorn and has some post-up moves (which we really need) to go along with a nice outside shot. I am pretty excited.

Not to my eye, honestly. But that's why I want to see him live...it's not an apples to apples comparison right now.

 

[IGNORE2]

Not to my eye, honestly. But that's why I want to see him live...it's not an apples to apples comparison right now.

I think he is a very much like Falzon but skinny and I wish Falzon didn't have to play this year. I think Falzon is better than he has performed but has been thrown into the fire. Forget RS for a moment, just being able to enter a program with an established 7-8 guys pretty solid in a rotation and practice daily at true college game speed allows that player to develop - without an audience, without public critics, with a support system. Most of our guys get thrown in the fire - and some manage. Others wilt. I don't think it's a good way to bring in new athletes. If it is reasonable, I hope RI gets plenty of time on the bench. Hope he gets to RS. Hope our first 8 come from veterans that deserve to be those first 8.

 

[haywood jahblowme]

i have heard that RI is actually around 215-220 at his prep school and will come in as our biggest wing as a true frosh

 

[haywood jahblowme]

an earlier post has me thinking about next year too. For the sake of the archive, anyone want to play?

Starters: Mac, Lindsey, Law, Falzon, Benson (but I'm thinking 5th year transfer - can't believe a true or RS frosh start here)

Minutes
Mac 30
Lindsey 30
Ash 15
Brown - I think RS if no injuries above here
Law 25
Lump 15
RI 15
Tap - squeezed out unless RI takes a shirt
Falzon 25
Skelly 15
Pardon 10
Benson 20

This is on average in a mythical injury free season and just to start. 10 deep in non-conf talk. By season, I would expect an 8 man regular rotation depending who establishes themselves or is healthy.

I also think ccc plays around with a 'small' lineup a lot. Absent a 5th year, there is no experience at the 5 and shallow experience at 4. I can also see RI taking a shirt to get some bulk on his frame. Removing him and rounding Tap into the 9th or 10th seat makes sense withe available personnel.

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

 

[Smokejumper]

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

I liked his HS videos and have always assumed that a collegiate training table and weight room could transform and elevate his athleticism, which is already as strong or stronger compared to the 5 recruits and commitments we have seen on campus for the past 25 years.

 

[NJCat83588]

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

Wow. Quite a prediction. But you seem to be one of the few on this board with good info........

 

[IGNORE2]

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

Double wow - that would be fantastic. Honestly, I didn't have hopes for Pardon and have openly said I think he is undersized for a 5. If he will beat out a highly touted incoming frosh and pull the majority of the 5 minutes, then CCC continues to impress. The fact he is being a year to learn and acclimate to the speed is awesome.

 

[clarificationcat]

I think he is a very much like Falzon but skinny and I wish Falzon didn't have to play this year. I think Falzon is better than he has performed but has been thrown into the fire. Forget RS for a moment, just being able to enter a program with an established 7-8 guys pretty solid in a rotation and practice daily at true college game speed allows that player to develop - without an audience, without public critics, with a support system. Most of our guys get thrown in the fire - and some manage. Others wilt. I don't think it's a good way to bring in new athletes. If it is reasonable, I hope RI gets plenty of time on the bench. Hope he gets to RS. Hope our first 8 come from veterans that deserve to be those first 8.

Falzon has no back to the basket game as best I can tell. RS appears to have a lot more ways to score and I think he's a couple of inches taller. I assume he is not nearly as good an outside shooter as Falzon but I expect he will be able to contribute pretty quickly because of his size and overall offensive game. We need more scorers. With Taphorn, Lindsey, Falzon and Law (although I am hoping he will expand his game), we have plenty of shooters. Outside of BMac and Demps, though, we don't have guys who can score when their outside shot is not falling.

 

[TheC]

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

I know that when he played a few minutes in that exhibition game, I got really excited. I know some here focused on the bad traveling violations, but I saw a kid with a high motor who worked like crazy to get post position and then demanded the ball. Once he got it, he made some quick moves, but clearly his exuberance got the better of him and he shuffled his feet. But you could see the quickness, strength and energy he will someday bring to the lineup!

 

[NJCat83588]

I know that when he played a few minutes in that exhibition game, I got really excited. I know some here focused on the bad traveling violations, but I saw a kid with a high motor who worked like crazy to get post position and then demanded the ball. Once he got it, he made some quick moves, but clearly his exuberance got the better of him and he shuffled his feet. But you could see the quickness, strength and energy he will someday bring to the lineup!

I had the same reaction. Big body, high motor, bangs around the bucket, will be a nice fit in the Collins offense.

 

[hdhntr1]

I won't get into breaking down minutes, but here are a couple thoughts...

We have a hell of an offer and opportunity for an eligible 5th year graduate transfer center. That is the one spotty position on an otherwise very well rounded and experienced roster.

Regardless of what happens with a potential 5th year center and the immediately performance of two freshmen centers, I like the prospect of a faster (3 Forwards + 2 Guards) lineup with Skelly at the Forward/Center spot. Skelly can get up and down the floor, jump, rebound, pass, make free throws, bring energy...and he has experience playing the center position in our system. This will not work 40 minutes a game and/or against all matchups, but it is a strong option to consider given next year's potential roster.

How does the ability to move Vassar out contribute to this?

 

[IGNORE2]

Absent a transfer, I think it requires it that schollie coming back.

Haywood - can you tell us what is really going on, or happened, with Vasser?

 

[NUThump]

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

Is this comment based on seeing both of them play or just Pardon?

 

[Katatonic]

I
Regardless of what happens with a potential 5th year center and the immediately performance of two freshmen centers, I like the prospect of a faster (3 Forwards + 2 Guards) lineup with Skelly at the Forward/Center spot. Skelly can get up and down the floor, jump, rebound, pass, make free throws, bring energy...and he has experience playing the center position in our system. This will not work 40 minutes a game and/or against all matchups, but it is a strong option to consider given next year's potential roster.

I, too, like the small frontcourt lineup at times - allowing CC to work in Pardon gradually (tho, I've always been high on Pardon, as well as Skelly).

I have heard that RI is not even going to come close to red shirting and could very well walk in and start immediately, and it's from a source close to the program.

i have heard that RI is actually around 215-220 at his prep school and will come in as our biggest wing as a true frosh

The noise around Falzon was one of the top shooting forwards, but figured that D would be an issue and maybe not the ideal 4 when it comes to play around the basket (which is what Skelly is for).

The noise around RI is that he is better when it comes to attacking the basket than Falzon.

RI still has a yr to gain weight/muscle and from what I have seen of him - while still on the thin side for his frame, has good muscle tone (wiry).

By the time RI hits campus, wouldn't be surprised if he was a legit 225 lbs (and let's remember, Swop played the 4 tough at 210 lbs) and he's listed by some as 6-9.

Not to say that RI will be anything like budding superstar and Knick's rookie - Porzingis, but wouldn't it be great if RI turned out to be even 70-75% of Porzingis (well, a shorter one)?

there is zero chance that benson starts over Pardon or that he gets more minutes.

Pardon will turn out to be the best player from that class with Ash and Falzon

Always felt that Pardon was being underrated (in part due to his height and in part due to his star-rating).

While not being a polished at this stage or having the mass, Pardon has the potential to be like a former B1G center that was also 6-8 w/ a long arm span - Jared Sullinger.

Am excited to see an (undersized) athletic big man manning the 5 spot for the 'Cats in the near future.

We need more scorers. With Taphorn, Lindsey, Falzon and Law (although I am hoping he will expand his game), we have plenty of shooters. Outside of BMac and Demps, though, we don't have guys who can score when their outside shot is not falling.

While Law's shooting (esp. from 3-range) improved over the course of last season, felt that Law didn't attack the basket enough (likely due to his slight build).

Seeing a stronger Law attack the basket w/ greater frequency was one of the things I was looking forward to this season.

Lose Demps, but Lindsey should continue to develop and RI should also be able to contribute on that end to go along w/ Law and BMac.

 

[Walker Fan]

To say that Pardon will be better than Falzon and Ash is way out there and stretching. From what I have seen, Falzon has a great understanding of the game and can be a good all-around player. He is not afraid of going down low and grabbing an offensive rebound. He needs to put on 10-15 pounds of muscle but that is not unexpected from a true freshmen. I think he will continue to shoot and hit shots and am not worried about his recent slump. He is a player. Collins has said on numerous occasions that Falzon was one of the best, if not the best shooting forwards in the nation last year. Look at the Duke model on offense and understand the importance of the stretch four to the offense (e.g. Danny Ferry, Ryan Kelly, Laettner was a center who had great range). To me Collins' comments indicates that Falzon will be a lynchpin or one of the main contributors on offense with this team. Next year, NU will need to replace the 15-18 ppg from Demps and the 10-12 ppg from Olah. To me, it is obvious that Falzon will be one of the three or four top scoring options on the team. As for your Pardon analysis, I hope you are right. But I have not seen anything from him and never seen Benson play to make a conclusion that one or the other will be the starter or key contributor at the center position next season. A lot can happen in a year for centers in terms of developing their game or changing their bodies after time in the weight room.