Constructive opinions

[Halldan]

I have to believe that most all Pirate fans are delighted with the performance of the team to date.

That said, are there any constructive improvements that in your mind would make the rest of the season better?

I'll refrain for now and eagerly await reading suggestions from both our positive and negative readers. Posting now instead of waiting for a few losses to complain gives balance to your comments as the season progresses.

 

[Fishjam]

1- Less fouling, especially by Clark and our 2 Bigs.

2 - Work on our pick and roll defense and straight halfcourt defense. When we aren't pressing, we 've been exploited at times especially by USC.

3 - Less mistakes with the ball by Budd. Showed great progress in Maui, still finding the balance of when to make a play and when to let things happen organically.

4 - Better/more consistent play from our 4s. Fisher was great vs NC State, but he's still finding his way. A few less 3s and more attacking the hoop would be better. Dar has not hit a 3 all year. Has to get set and ready to shoot, Has a bit of a long delivery, has to get the shot off quicker.

5 - Better overall defensive rebounding. With our Bigs going for blocks, we need everyone to crash the boards consistently.

6 - Have to get more from the backup PG spot. I like using Mike Williams and Simpkins as more of playmakers but they're too valuable as scoring guards they can't be your backup PG. I think you have to get more out of Parker. Find a few plays he's comfortable with and get him good at. If Clark can control his fouls he will become a 30+ minute player and cut down on Parker's minutes.

7 - Need Godswill or Suemnick to come back to at least provide another big body for a few minutes in the games where they'll be needed. Relying solely on Hines and Payne is risky with their fouling tendencies.

 

[IronKaz1]

I want Fisher to score more as he has been a scorer on all his past teams......AND Budd Clark needs to put up more buckets you avg 20 a game last year and he smoked some P5 teams, I want some more, im not saying avg. 20 but like 12 or so ... Agreed?

 

[Turiddu]

I want Clark to score more.
Rebound on both ends better
Improve pick and roll defense

Overall, I was thrilled with their energy and performance in Maui .

 

[shu67]

I want Mbaye in the game when the bigs are in foul trouble! Even for a minute or 2. And if we are losing bigly get Payne and Hines out of the game to protect them and let Mbaye play the 5. I would rather him than Rivera playing the 5.

 

[radecicco]

Get either Godswill and / or Suemnick back. Going to need a third big as season moves forward.

Hope for Fisher to continue to get inside consistently to score and rebound. Obviously we don’t have an answer at PF besides him.

Even though he is the 9th guy, Dar is important as a small PF in spots and to just bring energy and length. Doesn’t have to chuck threes just continue to rebound play D and pick up garbage points. He played well vs Washington State.

 

[jklings99]

1. The most important thing is better play out of Clark. He’s so crucial to our success and the drop off when he’s not in the game. He’s gotta get better on both sides of the ball. He’s been ok, but I was expecting A LOT better with him on the offensive side of the ball.

2. Run more plays for Fisher. I expected him to be our leading scorer and don’t think we go to him enough.

3. Defense needs to improve, especially how much we foul. Yes, our numbers look great but that’s mostly due to the poor schedule (first 5 games).

4. Rebounding.

5. Get Godswil healthy asap & let him take some of Payne’s minutes

6. I think we all would’ve signed up for 7-1, so pretty good start.

 

[HALL85]

1- Less fouling, especially by Clark and our 2 Bigs.

2 - Work on our pick and roll defense and straight halfcourt defense. When we aren't pressing, we 've been exploited at times especially by USC.

3 - Less mistakes with the ball by Budd. Showed great progress in Maui, still finding the balance of when to make a play and when to let things happen organically.

4 - Better/more consistent play from our 4s. Fisher was great vs NC State, but he's still finding his way. A few less 3s and more attacking the hoop would be better. Dar has not hit a 3 all year. Has to get set and ready to shoot, Has a bit of a long delivery, has to get the shot off quicker.

5 - Better overall defensive rebounding. With our Bigs going for blocks, we need everyone to crash the boards consistently.

6 - Have to get more from the backup PG spot. I like using Mike Williams and Simpkins as more of playmakers but they're too valuable as scoring guards they can't be your backup PG. I think you have to get more out of Parker. Find a few plays he's comfortable with and get him good at. If Clark can control his fouls he will become a 30+ minute player and cut down on Parker's minutes.

7 - Need Godswill or Suemnick to come back to at least provide another big body for a few minutes in the games where they'll be needed. Relying solely on Hines and Payne is risky with their fouling tendencies.

Good list. I’m ok with the foul numbers considering the frenetic defense and how many points they are scoring off turnovers. With that, Parker needs to play better at PG when Budd does sit and Pat/Godswill will provide relief when they are back.

Fisher and Dar can score the ball in the paint, but need to improve drastically from range before giving them a green light. Both active defensively, need to bring it every play.

 

[HallGuy2323]

Not much to say. I think they’ve collectively and individually played almost to the top of their abilities so far. Just keep doing what they’re doing.

I want to see Godswill come back soon and to play him at the 4 with Payne or Hines.

A lineup like below could do serious damage in spurts offensive and defensively

Clark
ASM
Williams
Godswill
Hines

 

[PirateBlue08]

Play defense without constantly fouling.

 

[HALL85]

Not much to say. I think they’ve collectively and individually played almost to the top of their abilities so far. Just keep doing what they’re doing.

I want to see Godswill come back soon and to play him at the 4 with Payne or Hines.

A lineup like below could do serious damage in spurts offensive and defensively

Clark
ASM
Williams
Godswill
Hines

I actually think that lineup slows the offense down. There is good ball movement and movement without the ball right now. Playing Godswill at the four hurts both.

 

[halltheway]

I only seen 2-3 games because of my TV situation.... What I did see..... I am more than thrilled.
Really like when Budd drives the hole and passes out, but sometimes gets caught in midair,
with no one to throw to, waiting for a t/o to happen.
Hate being picky.

 

[HallGuy2323]

I actually think that lineup slows the offense down. There is good ball movement and movement without the ball right now. Playing Godswill at the four hurts both.

Maybe, but i can see Fischer and Rivera being ineffective during the Big East season. If that happens it puts more pressure on Payne and Hines to control the paint and stay out of foul trouble at the same time. Having another true big in there with them like Godswill could avoid that scenario.

 

[Wolf11642]

We would have absolutely zero ball movement and spacing on offense with Godswill at the 4. Are you forgetting how little offensive skill he has?

This is a moot argument on him because he is out for the season either way with the Lisfranc.

 

[sobo1]

Based on what my expectations were for this team I don’t have a single negative thing to say. Great job all around. Go Pirates.

 

[catholicman]

Can Clark start hitting a few three's?

Can we develop a couple of different options for backup point guard, just in case--God forbid--Clark needs a blow, has foul trouble, or is out with an injury?

 

[The Crows Nest]

1- Less fouling, especially by Clark and our 2 Bigs.

2 - Work on our pick and roll defense and straight halfcourt defense. When we aren't pressing, we 've been exploited at times especially by USC.

3 - Less mistakes with the ball by Budd. Showed great progress in Maui, still finding the balance of when to make a play and when to let things happen organically.

4 - Better/more consistent play from our 4s. Fisher was great vs NC State, but he's still finding his way. A few less 3s and more attacking the hoop would be better. Dar has not hit a 3 all year. Has to get set and ready to shoot, Has a bit of a long delivery, has to get the shot off quicker.

5 - Better overall defensive rebounding. With our Bigs going for blocks, we need everyone to crash the boards consistently.

6 - Have to get more from the backup PG spot. I like using Mike Williams and Simpkins as more of playmakers but they're too valuable as scoring guards they can't be your backup PG. I think you have to get more out of Parker. Find a few plays he's comfortable with and get him good at. If Clark can control his fouls he will become a 30+ minute player and cut down on Parker's minutes.

7 - Need Godswill or Suemnick to come back to at least provide another big body for a few minutes in the games where they'll be needed. Relying solely on Hines and Payne is risky with their fouling tendencies.

I think Fish hits it pretty well. Plus others comments about Clark needing to at least become a threat to make a 3.
But right now honestly they have exceeded my most positive expectations; I actually think we need to see some more negatives/losses to formulate other areas for improvement.
But…I’m hoping we never see that so…lol

seriously, so far, so great. The excitement is back, and I feel like we can challenge almost anyone…and legitimately have a chance to win…that’s a good place

 

[Halldan]

Lots of excellent points above.

I'll give my top 3.

1, Clark.

Early in most every game he is hounding the opposing guard bringing the ball upcourt. Doing so with a lot of contact. That is forcing the ref to blow the whistle meaning 1 more foul and Clark sits for the rest of the first half. Play smarter, you're too important to the team.

2. Fisher.

Give him credit for playing very hard on D. But his kamikaze like drives to the basket, predominantly from his right side dominant dribble, seldom turn out positive. Must play on that side of the ball more efficiently.

3, Parker

Again, plays hard on D. Who doesn't on this team? But he must hone his PG skills as at this time there is no backup at that position to Clark, who through his aggressiveness is always a threat to be in foul trouble.

BTW, really hope to see our negative posters chime in. Don't wait for a couple of losses, Your opinions are valued because they balance out our sometimes over the top positive posters.

 

[shupat08]

PG - Clark showed a lot more in hawaii than he did early in the year. But both his head down reckless abandon into the lane and his ticky tack fouls need lessen. If they don't, they will eventually haunt us this year in late game situations.... Parker not sure what to make of him yet. He's uber athletic.

PF - Dar and Fisher are our weak spot. A lot of weaknesses for these players at this position. We just need rebounds a block or two a steal or two and 10 pts and limit the TOs from this position. Anything more is gravy.

C - Foul trouble will haunt us this year if we don't have Godswill or Suemineck to back up deep on the bench.

 

[Halldan]

Point C is spot on. But not just from the perspective of foul trouble on our big men. But also putting the opponents in the bonus early and often.

Our aggressive D is both a boon to the team and an issue.

 

[HallGuy2323]

We would have absolutely zero ball movement and spacing on offense with Godswill at the 4. Are you forgetting how little offensive skill he has?

This is a moot argument on him because he is out for the season either way with the Lisfranc.

Says who

 

[Halldan]

The latest is this Tuesday he will be seeing his doctor for an update. No one knows how that will go. Saying he is out for the season is just uneducated conjecture at this time.

 

[SPK145]

Clark’s foul trouble and turnovers.

Need for a PF. Fisher is an undersized 4 giving it his all.

Perhaps some zone defense at times.

 

[Seton75]

1. stay together.
2. keep rachetting the energy up and up.
3. stay tough

I get the feeling these three things are our keys and we feed off of them, having them inform the basketball decisions the guys make while in that mindset. i know when i played with a guy who had a bloodied knee from diving for a loose ball it somehow informed my basketball decisions

 

[hallwins]

Keep:

1. forcing AND converting turnovers.

2. blocking shots

3. shooting high FT %

4. keep the ball popping with high assist totals

5. continue to not fall in love with the 3

and this fan be a very good season.

Was impressed that we forced a ton of turnovers against the better teams on our schedule.


Improvements

When Hines and also Payne have back to the basket position, feed them. Both have good post moves and both also have excellent passing vision and are willing passers.

Need to gang rebound.
Budd had some impressive rebounds in Hawaii for a guard his size. Sha and Barrett were great small guard rebounder.

Need Pat or Godswill to round out our rotation.

 

[ivyhillpark63]

Rebounding is an issue and can be improved when and if godswill comes bac

 

[Bud Boomer]

1. Keep pressing even if we have foul trouble.

2. Try some lineups without Budd or Parker on the floor.

3. Start Hines and play him as many minutes as he can handle.

 

[Wolf11642]

The latest is this Tuesday he will be seeing his doctor for an update. No one knows how that will go. Saying he is out for the season is just uneducated conjecture at this time.

The Creighton kid McAndrew is out for the season with the same injury and Godswill has a history of foot issues. He’s not coming back this year, Dan.

 

[Seton75]

poRebounding is an issue and can be improved when and if godswill comes bac

wonder if sha would play two bigs if GE comes back. i hope so but not a given.

 

[HALL85]

wonder if sha would play two bigs if GE comes back. i hope so but not a given.

I don’t see that happening given the way the offense is playing. Godswill at the 4 will slow the offense down, reduce ball movement and scoring options. Also weakens the pressure defense which is generating offense off turnovers.

 

[Wolf11642]

You’d think Godswill is Kevin Durant reading this thread. Does anyone actually remember watching him play? He has zero offensive skill or any ability to shoot from anything deeper than a lob/dunk. If you don’t believe me or disagree with me, go watch video of his free throw shot mechanics.

Suemnick I am more open minded on his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive and have some mid range game.

Regardless, Godswill is not returning this year with the lisfranc injury.

 

[HallGuy2323]

You’d think Godswill is Kevin Durant reading this thread. Does anyone actually remember watching him play? He has zero offensive skill or any ability to shoot from anything deeper than a lob/dunk. If you don’t believe me or disagree with me, go watch video of his free throw shot mechanics.

Suemnick I am more open minded on his ability to put the ball on the floor and drive and have some mid range game.

Regardless, Godswill is not returning this year with the lisfranc injury.

I’m not saying to start him. But to come in and play two bigs when Fischer is struggling could throw the other team off for 5+ minutes

 

[HALL85]

I’m not saying to start him. But to come in and play two bigs when Fischer is struggling could throw the other team off for 5+ minutes

If Fisher is struggling or in foul trouble, Rivera is next man up until Suemnick gets back.

 

[TheHall87]

If I'm playing two of the three bigs together, it's Hines and Payne with the latter sliding to the four.

For the record, I'm not sure any of Hines, Payne and Godswill should be seeing more than a possession or two at the four. I echo the sentiment that you limit your offense in numerous ways if that happens.

 

[Seton75]

we are going to get hit by the other teams pf and center giving us trouble. this is obvious. 2 bigs? 2 bigs in a zone? curious how we react. Sha standing pat wont surprise me. as was said above, i agree that payne is best suited for the pf.

any word on suemnick? for those who looked into his career so far, any idea what to expect?

 

[Halldan]

 

[SPK145]

Those videos are 2 years old now.

He's definitely more of a 4 than Payne/Hines/Godswill but he's just played so very little at the other schools.

 

[shupat08]

If Fisher is struggling or in foul trouble, Rivera is next man up until Suemnick gets back.

Dar?

 

[HallLine69]

wonder if sha would play two bigs if GE comes back. i hope so but not a given.

It would slow us down and hurt our offense, imho.

 

[HALL85]

Dar?

Yes, Dar too. My miss. Even more the reason that we wont see Godswill at the 4.