What’s still on our “needs improvement” list?

[Palindrome]

This new edition of NU hoops is a whole lot of fun to watch, largely because of some things I am seeing that were often lacking in the past: Rebounding, defensive intensity, free throw shooting, offensive assertiveness (finishing) in the paint and around the rim, smart and crisp movement and passing.

What, in your mind is the most important area(s ) for improvement? It appears this team will be good enough to hang with most teams they’ll face and to make games close (at least) and winnable. So, my “needs improvement” list would start with steadiness (decisiveness and poise) in crunch time, to close out opponents when under pressure. That’s probably indicative of having a relatively young squad and if so it will probably improve with experience.

What else?

 

[NURoseBowl]

STH's in the purple sections USING THEIR SEATS.

 

[Deeringfish]

STH's in the purple sections USING THEIR SEATS.

Some lottery system to get anybody sitting in those seats.
In this day and age of easy communication, Nu should create a way to let the STH, who must be good fans to pony up the $ for those seats, email in and say, "I'm not going to be at that game have the ushers move some down into my seats." A lot of people would really appreciate the seat upgrade and it would bring more energy to the floor and look better on TV. Even if you filled half the empty seats it would be visually better.

Edit: Even better, an email system that would allow the ticket office to resell the tickets at the last minute cheap to students or faculty or anyone I guess.

 

[ubercat]

Last night at the game, when I was about to take my seat in the upper bowl of the purple seats, an usher came up to me and told me that I could relocate down to any of the empty seats in the 100 level, lower bowl (and there were quite a few). I was about to enter the lower section when another usher asked me where I was heading. I explained the situation to him. He then adamantly refused, saying that I could instead go sit behind one of the baskets. I went back to my originally assigned seat, thinking: this is SO Welsh-Ryan.

Second anecdote: A few years back, before I had season tickets, my son and I went up to the ticket window at W-R to buy tickets for a late December non-conference game. The agent offered us two purple seats tickets in the second row of the lower bowl, which we gladly accepted. (A thoughtful STH who couldn't attend the game had given them back to the ticket office) We ended up sitting next to an elegantly coiffed octogenarian who occupied two seats: one for herself and one for her portable oxygen tank. God Bless her.

 

[Medill90]

To the OP....this team needs to get better in just about every area and they seem to have the mindset to do just that. Sanjay is an incredible leader. As Shon Morris said last night, he always beats the man he's guarding to the spot the offensive player wants. That takes serious commitment to studying film (not to mention he gives up height and weight to just about everyone he guards). That has spread to the other players.

The triumvirate of Sanjay, Law and Lindsey on defense is something to watch. The man defense is outstanding, the switching, the communicating. It's really great and will only get better as the season goes on. And B Mac is playing respectable man, especially versus where he was two years ago.

The consistency of Lindsey is really something. Impact player on both ends of the court and brings it every night. Hats off to Scottie and the coaches.

Finally, we're nine games in and haven't had a crappy game. Think about that versus the last, what, twenty years. It's critical that NU not take a two week dive during conference. So far, there's every indication that is just not in NU's DNA.

 

[willycat]

This new edition of NU hoops is a whole lot of fun to watch, largely because of some things I am seeing that were often lacking in the past: Rebounding, defensive intensity, free throw shooting, offensive assertiveness (finishing) in the paint and around the rim, smart and crisp movement and passing.

What, in your mind is the most important area(s ) for improvement? It appears this team will be good enough to hang with most teams they’ll face and to make games close (at least) and winnable. So, my “needs improvement” list would start with steadiness (decisiveness and poise) in crunch time, to close out opponents when under pressure. That’s probably indicative of having a relatively young squad and if so it will probably improve with experience.

What else?

4 more schlorship players.

 

[NJCat]

4 more schlorship players.

You expect more transfers? NU has 1 LOI for 2017, loses Tap and Sanjay, and has the Vassar slot for 2017. Which means at most 2 more scholarship players for 2017.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

This new edition of NU hoops is a whole lot of fun to watch, largely because of some things I am seeing that were often lacking in the past: Rebounding, defensive intensity, free throw shooting, offensive assertiveness (finishing) in the paint and around the rim, smart and crisp movement and passing.

What, in your mind is the most important area(s ) for improvement? It appears this team will be good enough to hang with most teams they’ll face and to make games close (at least) and winnable. So, my “needs improvement” list would start with steadiness (decisiveness and poise) in crunch time, to close out opponents when under pressure. That’s probably indicative of having a relatively young squad and if so it will probably improve with experience.

What else?

Here's the four biggies I see:

- Better quality play and consistency from Brown...ESPECIALLY if BMac is on the bench. I know he's a frosh...unfortunately, he's not going to be allowed to play like one for much longer.

- Limiting foul trouble. This is a biggie and still could really haunt us in the conference season.

- Taphorn still has an abnormal amount of brain farts defensively. He's got to limit those to truly stay in the game long enough to be effective offensively.

- Continued noticeable improvement from Benson...especially defensively with positioning and not picking up cheap fouls.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Sanjay needs to grow about 5 inches so we can start him at center.

We need a better answer to one possession games other than BMac trying to drive and create. Butler and Notre Dame still bother me.

Benson's body looks like the Sta-Puff man (OK, not quite). But getting him ready physically will take some time. But the skills are plainly evident, especially on offense.

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

Some lottery system to get anybody sitting in those seats.
In this day and age of easy communication, Nu should create a way to let the STH, who must be good fans to pony up the $ for those seats, email in and say, "I'm not going to be at that game have the ushers move some down into my seats." A lot of people would really appreciate the seat upgrade and it would bring more energy to the floor and look better on TV. Even if you filled half the empty seats it would be visually better.

Edit: Even better, an email system that would allow the ticket office to resell the tickets at the last minute cheap to students or faculty or anyone I guess.

Does it even need to be that complicated? If it is tipoff and there are a shit-ton of open seats let people sit where they want - I assume squatters at an NU basketball game would have enough common sense and courtesy to relocate should the ticket holder eventually come. I am a Cubs fan but take my boys to white sox games - they let you sit wherever you want.

 

[TheC]

We need a better answer to one possession games other than BMac trying to drive and create. Butler and Notre Dame still bother me.

This is what I think too. We need that one guy we can lean on to get buckets when things aren't going well. BMac is not quite it. He can handle the ball and get to the basket, but he's still too small to consistently finish. Law is not quite it. He has the athleticism to be that guy, but his handles are still not fluid enough to break down his man and get a bucket. Same thing with Lindsay. Those three are close, but not quite there.

 

[NJCat]

Those three are close, but not quite there.

Then there is no one on the current roster.

I think Scottie might be the one.

 

[DC Cats]

Then there is no one on the current roster.

I think Scottie might be the one.

I realize he's still making some silly errors, but I believe that Brown is the most gifted scorer on the team and will ultimately be the best person to have the ball in those situations.

 

[hdhntr1]

To the OP....this team needs to get better in just about every area and they seem to have the mindset to do just that. Sanjay is an incredible leader. As Shon Morris said last night, he always beats the man he's guarding to the spot the offensive player wants. That takes serious commitment to studying film (not to mention he gives up height and weight to just about everyone he guards). That has spread to the other players.

The triumvirate of Sanjay, Law and Lindsey on defense is something to watch. The man defense is outstanding, the switching, the communicating. It's really great and will only get better as the season goes on. And B Mac is playing respectable man, especially versus where he was two years ago.

The consistency of Lindsey is really something. Impact player on both ends of the court and brings it every night. Hats off to Scottie and the coaches.

Finally, we're nine games in and haven't had a crappy game. Think about that versus the last, what, twenty years. It's critical that NU not take a two week dive during conference. So far, there's every indication that is just not in NU's DNA.

Don't forget what Skelly brings to the table. He has gotten to where I thought he would be when he was signed. He along with Sanjay does all the dirty work.

 

[hdhntr1]

I realize he's still making some silly errors, but I believe that Brown is the most gifted scorer on the team and will ultimately be the best person to have the ball in those situations.

I would like him to pass a bit more

 

[NJCat]

I realize he's still making some silly errors, but I believe that Brown is the most gifted scorer on the team and will ultimately be the best person to have the ball in those situations.

You may be right. I don't think it will be this season though.

 

[NURoseBowl]

You may be right. I don't think it will be this season though.

+1.

 

[willycat]

You expect more transfers? NU has 1 LOI for 2017, loses Tap and Sanjay, and has the Vassar slot for 2017. Which means at most 2 more scholarship players for 2017.

I was just referring to the fact that NU now has just 9 healthy schlorship players. Gee could sure have used that extra one this season that is now being held hostage.

 

[Palindrome]

Last night at the game, when I was about to take my seat in the upper bowl of the purple seats, an usher came up to me and told me that I could relocate down to any of the empty seats in the 100 level, lower bowl (and there were quite a few). I was about to enter the lower section when another usher asked me where I was heading. I explained the situation to him. He then adamantly refused, saying that I could instead go sit behind one of the baskets. I went back to my originally assigned seat, thinking: this is SO Welsh-Ryan.

Second anecdote: A few years back, before I had season tickets, my son and I went up to the ticket window at W-R to buy tickets for a late December non-conference game. The agent offered us two purple seats tickets in the second row of the lower bowl, which we gladly accepted. (A thoughtful STH who couldn't attend the game had given them back to the ticket office) We ended up sitting next to an elegantly coiffed octogenarian who occupied two seats: one for herself and one for her portable oxygen tank. God Bless her.

I know this is way off topic, but ...That really does stink, ubercat. I don’t blame you for being p.o.’d. However, I’d have gone with the end zone option. I was usually behind the West basket by choice before moving out of state, no matter where my “official” ticketed seat(s) is/are. Near the court and a great view of the action from there. And pretty close to the bench also. My favorite is back row so as to use the wall as a backrest and you can stand whenever you want, and move around a bit.

ps ... About the elderly lady: In the event (God forbid) I become a widower, any idea if she is dating, and did you happen to get a name and number? Maybe I could break the ice by offering to lug the tank to games and even keep it on my lap.

 

[GOUNUII]

+1.

The play of B-Mac and Brown will be the biggest key to the balance of this season IMHO. They both need to be able to penetrate -- dish -- and score some points against the better defenses we will face in he BIG. Their assist to turnover ratio is one stat I would keep am eye on. Health and foul trouble are constant considerations for everybody. But if Brown can play well down the stretch, and B-Mac can deliver consistency, nothing spectacular -- just consistently good stuff --, this team can win a lot of games. I have been very impressed with how Collins and his staff have handled the building of a program at NU. Equally impressed by the player development and game coaching we've seen. The team has all the look and feel of one that has both good team chemistry and total team confidence.

GOUNUII

 

[7th Cir. Cat]

Agree with you on this point. Through 2+ seasons, we always defaulted to B-Mac isolation plays and I don't think it's working, plus it is entirely predictable. I wouldn't mind letting Law or Scottie have a go at being the next Tre Demps in crunch time.

 

[Sec.112]

Short term
1) A better strategy/recognition when BMac gets double-teamed in the back court. Butler did this as well as several teams last year. It's been done so much that I assume it's part of "the book" on NU.

Too often, BMac understandably gets caught up.

2) Brown or Lindsey need to be stronger game managers when BMac is out.

3) Lindsey still commits too many dumb fouls.

4) A lot is riding on Pardon's health. In place of that, I agree that Benson's improvement is vital.

I think if Benson can add a couple buckets each game, reasonable defense and good rebounding against good teams, that would be a win. I'm not sure you're going to get much more than that.

Long term
1) Talent still needs to improve. It's decent talent on the NU scale, but the rest of the B10 ... ehhhhhhh.

2) The Cats still need some size.

3) Health.

4) I'm not sure Brown is a long-term answer at the point. You'll need either another lead guard or a strong point off the bench.

5) I'll agree with anybody who wants to drag me into the purple seats discussion.

Those people who are supposedly your strongest supporters ... well, it's a different story on gameday. I've argued for a while that it strongly devalues the program.

The stadium renovation is a great excuse to address the problem as well as a long-term solution/correction (incentive program). My concern is the fundraising opportunities of the new arena are going to generally make the problem worse.

 

[TheC]

Then there is no one on the current roster.

I think Scottie might be the one.

I read the OP as a more programmatic kind of question. What is the main thing that is missing from this team that would take the program to the next level.

 

[hdhntr1]

Short term
1) A better strategy/recognition when BMac gets double-teamed in the back court. Butler did this as well as several teams last year. It's been done so much that I assume it's part of "the book" on NU.

Too often, BMac understandably gets caught up.

2) Brown or Lindsey need to be stronger game managers when BMac is out.

3) Lindsey still commits too many dumb fouls.

4) A lot is riding on Pardon's health. In place of that, I agree that Benson's improvement is vital.

I think if Benson can add a couple buckets each game, reasonable defense and good rebounding against good teams, that would be a win. I'm not sure you're going to get much more than that.

Long term
1) Talent still needs to improve. It's decent talent on the NU scale, but the rest of the B10 ... ehhhhhhh.

2) The Cats still need some size.

3) Health.

4) I'm not sure Brown is a long-term answer at the point. You'll need either another lead guard or a strong point off the bench.

5) I'll agree with anybody who wants to drag me into the purple seats discussion.

Those people who are supposedly your strongest supporters ... well, it's a different story on gameday. I've argued for a while that it strongly devalues the program.

The stadium renovation is a great excuse to address the problem as well as a long-term solution/correction (incentive program). My concern is the fundraising opportunities of the new arena are going to generally make the problem worse.

We have one coming as far as the lead guard. Asking good D out of Benson at this stage is a little hard as he is just learning game speed and will likely make Frosh mistakes. He is getting valuable minutes that will make a huge difference down the road.

 

[mikewebb68]

I was just referring to the fact that NU now has just 9 healthy schlorship players. Gee could sure have used that extra one this season that is now being held hostage.

Post moar about this plz. You don't post about this issue nearly enough.

 

[Walker Fan]

The basic need for this team and future NU teams is size and muscle down low. Right now they have no one who can deal with an effective post scorer which is rare in today's game. However, in the Big 10, you have to deal with 4 and 5-star power forwards like Purdue's Caleb Swanigan, Illinois' Leron Black, Indiana's Thomas Bryant, Juwann Morgan, MSU's Nick Ward and Miles Bridges, UW's Ethan Happ who might be able to run roughshod over NU's 6'5" Lumpkin and 6'9" Gavin Skelly down low and a very green Barrett Benson who have to fight some of those physically more mature players. NU needs more 6'8-6'10" with some width or girth to plant themselves down low. Maybe Pardon becomes that player, but he needs to put on some pounds. Also, NU needs athletic wings who can create their shot when the game is on the line. In this season, we have seen that McIntosh has struggled being the alpha dog with the game on the line. Maybe Law and Lindsey develop into wanting the shot when the game is on the line. Law needs to stay out of foul trouble or maybe Brown is the guy to step up with McIntosh driving and dishing to Law, Lindsey, Brown or Skelly.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

We will need another point guard

 

[Palindrome]

I read the OP as a more programmatic kind of question. What is the main thing that is missing from this team that would take the program to the next level.

That was indeed my intent, TheC. Thank you. Given what I/we(oldsters) have seen over the decades as fans, my knee-jerk reaction to the current squad is to feel, “now that’s more like it” but the better reaction, I tell myself, SHOULD be to think about what are the next priorities for continuous improvement? Until, that is, we become Duke-like etc., year in and year out.

Some here have offered good opinions in that regard. Examples: (1) the big, muscular space eater in the middle (Al McGuire’s Jerome Whitehead, aka, an “aircraft carrier” in his lingo); (2) more diversity in who are tasked with penetrating, drawo defenses and dishing or shooting in game-on-the-line situations so it’s not BMac-or-bust all the time, (3) seasoned depth in the point guard position, (4) avoidance of foul trouble stemming from slow reaction or poor positioning

 

[backdoorpass]

I read the OP as a more programmatic kind of question. What is the main thing that is missing from this team that would take the program to the next level.

Simply put, we need a true star with an NBA future--at any position--to ascend to the next level. In my 25 years following NU hoops, we have never had the kind of depth that we have now. We are truly solid 7-8 guys deep with legitimately good college basketball players this season. (No offense to Ash and Benson, but I only see them as borderline serviceable at this point in their careers. And Brown is also still figuring things out.) And it's crazy that we have two 4-star recruits sitting out the season with injuries--not to mention that we only have two seniors on the squad!

I was certainly a Carmody fan, but his teams always depended on 3 or so main guys really clicking and not being injured. And there were always a few guys on the bench who had no business even being on scholarship at a B1G school.

I love the personality that this team is developing. We have a defensive identity and a cast of guys that can get it done. I believe that this team will figure out how to win in crunch time this season. Add some continuity in recruiting and a true star to this team and we are fighting for B1G Championships--not just an NCAA berth.

 

[willycat]

Post moar about this plz. You don't post about this issue nearly enough.

Actually it hasn't been talked about nearly enough. That un-used schlorship is certainly hurting this teams chances of doing something big, now that Rap. Falzon and pardon are on the sidelines. I would bet that his former teammates feel the same in spades. Now go a take your constant rants elsewhere.

 

[backdoorpass]

Actually it hasn't been talked about nearly enough.

False.

 

[DaCat]

Actually it hasn't been talked about nearly enough. That un-used schlorship is certainly hurting this teams chances of doing something big, now that Rap. Falzon and pardon are on the sidelines. I would bet that his former teammates feel the same in spades. Now go a take your constant rants elsewhere.

You know, I have to agree with you. That extra scholarship would've enabled CC to recruit a 5-star NBA-ready player, guaranteed, that would help us win gobs and gobs of games. Let's keep talking about it over and over again.

/s

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

(No offense to Ash and Benson, but I only see them as borderline serviceable at this point in their careers. And Brown is also still figuring things out.)

Definitely too early to tell on Benson, especially after seeing that sweet hook shot of his. And Collins has certainly proven he can develop players...

 

[Hungry Jack]

You know, I have to agree with you. That extra scholarship would've enabled CC to recruit a 5-star NBA-ready player, guaranteed, that would help us win gobs and gobs of games. Let's keep talking about it over and over again.

/s

Anthony Davis is available right?

 

[thewildcat2011]

Actually it hasn't been talked about nearly enough. That un-used schlorship is certainly hurting this teams chances of doing something big, now that Rap. Falzon and pardon are on the sidelines. I would bet that his former teammates feel the same in spades.

Collins had the scholarship to use in this year's transfer market and chose not to (or couldn't get someone he wanted to commit), so it's kind of a tenuous argument there. I'm willing to bet you have no real idea how they feel, nor do I, but I'm also willing to bet that they don't think about it nearly as much as you do.

Now go a take your constant rants elsewhere.

 

[DaCat]

That's a nice Hypocrisy meter, but where the hell is the Sarcasm meter? Can we please have that fixed and returned to this board?

 

[willycat]

Collins had the scholarship to use in this year's transfer market and chose not to (or couldn't get someone he wanted to commit), so it's kind of a tenuous argument there. I'm willing to bet you have no real idea how they feel, nor do I, but I'm also willing to bet that they don't think about it nearly as much as you do. Don't know if you have ever played team sports above let's say high school level but I can assure you that teammates do not care for guys who make their chance of winning tougher. A player who takes up a schlorship and does nothing for it is just that kind of guy, especially now that NU is down to 9 healthy schlorship players.

 

[DaCat]

Come on willy...

 

[thewildcat2011]

I can assure you that a team that spends any significant time thinking about someone who is not on the team will not have too much success.

That's a nice Hypocrisy meter, but where the hell is the Sarcasm meter? Can we please have that fixed and returned to this board?

 

[willycat]

Come on willy...

OK, you guys have convinced me that the fact that one young man is using a basketball schlorship and not playing basketball is actually a good thing for NU BB. Also the fact that NU has only 9 healthy schlorship players available also is a good thing and not related in any way to the missing schlorship. Maybe the available scollie could have been used for to this season for a deserving kid, who could have at the very least added depth to the roster. And finally that the former teammates of this BB schlorship holder think the world of him.