Game and team thoughts

[torque-cat]

Every game in the big ten is TOUGH. We have a talented team and this is actually among the most talented NU teams I've seen but even a weak Illinois team has some serious athletes. The difference between tourney bid and missing the NIT may be just a few buckets. If we had pulled out UM or Indy, we'd be 2-2 in the big ten with a signature win and very much on the NCAA bubble. With the depth of the big ten this year, .500 in conference projects to a tourney bid.

1. Not Law's best game, but he played well late and hit some huge FTs.

2. I'm sure Taylor has a green light, but I'd give him the double green light so he can shoot himself into rhythm. Since he's not the man this year in the way he's been before, I think he has just a little doubt/hesitation. Let him shoot through any slumps cause when he gets hot, he gives us bulk points that nobody else can.

3. I know the grass is always greener, but I doubt Lathon would have mattered this season. Based on stats he's an average player on a bad, non Power-5 team. I don't see how he'd fare well against the big ten. Copp and Nance were much higher rated and they have struggled to adjust. Greer is actually a nice surprise and I love his moxy. I wouldn't trade him for Lathon and glad we have him.

4. Illinois has real talent, though very young. Ayo is smooooth, tough to stay in front of and almost impossible to stop at the rim. If the kid has his head on straight, works hard, gets stronger he may get a look at the next level. I still like THT better, but that's a different discussion.

5. Turner. Like Taylor I want to see this kid just keep shooting and being aggressive. He is long, quick, athletic, has a nice handle and nice looking shot. Just keep letting it fly because we need his offense to come around. Maybe the Illinois shot will give him the confidence, but I have liked his aggressiveness all season.

6. Gaines. Great shots, maybe he also gets the green light. Despite his toughness and defense, we're not going to win games playing 4 on 5 offense in the big ten. If he can shoot 33% from 3 and keep the defense honest, that opens things up for Law, Pardon and Taylor and allows Gaines to stay in the game more.

7. Kopp. Still adjusting but you can see he's a player. I actually think it's tougher being on a team with 4 solid upperclassmen and 2 stars because he's figuring out his role. I think he has the potential to be an all big ten player down the road with his size, strength, toughness and what I believe will be solid shooting/offense. Right now I like that Collins is giving him time because if the switch turns on, we have another guy who can help us down the stretch.

8. Greer. As above, I think he's a player and like Kopp trying to contribute without taking the ball too much out of the hands of the star players. I don't think he's that far behind BMac as a frosh ball-handler and passer, but BMac didn't have to worry about being pulled if he made a mistake 'cause there was nobody else to take his place. I think his perimeter shooting will surpass BMac and I don't think he's a worse athlete, but he doesn't have the size. Otherwise love the kid.

 

[Jeffrey Cat]

Every game in the big ten is TOUGH. We have a talented team and this is actually among the most talented NU teams I've seen but even a weak Illinois team has some serious athletes. The difference between tourney bid and missing the NIT may be just a few buckets. If we had pulled out UM or Indy, we'd be 2-2 in the big ten with a signature win and very much on the NCAA bubble. With the depth of the big ten this year, .500 in conference projects to a tourney bid.

1. Not Law's best game, but he played well late and hit some huge FTs.

2. I'm sure Taylor has a green light, but I'd give him the double green light so he can shoot himself into rhythm. Since he's not the man this year in the way he's been before, I think he has just a little doubt/hesitation. Let him shoot through any slumps cause when he gets hot, he gives us bulk points that nobody else can.

3. I know the grass is always greener, but I doubt Lathon would have mattered this season. Based on stats he's an average player on a bad, non Power-5 team. I don't see how he'd fare well against the big ten. Copp and Nance were much higher rated and they have struggled to adjust. Greer is actually a nice surprise and I love his moxy. I wouldn't trade him for Lathon and glad we have him.

4. Illinois has real talent, though very young. Ayo is smooooth, tough to stay in front of and almost impossible to stop at the rim. If the kid has his head on straight, works hard, gets stronger he may get a look at the next level. I still like THT better, but that's a different discussion.

5. Turner. Like Taylor I want to see this kid just keep shooting and being aggressive. He is long, quick, athletic, has a nice handle and nice looking shot. Just keep letting it fly because we need his offense to come around. Maybe the Illinois shot will give him the confidence, but I have liked his aggressiveness all season.

6. Gaines. Great shots, maybe he also gets the green light. Despite his toughness and defense, we're not going to win games playing 4 on 5 offense in the big ten. If he can shoot 33% from 3 and keep the defense honest, that opens things up for Law, Pardon and Taylor and allows Gaines to stay in the game more.

7. Kopp. Still adjusting but you can see he's a player. I actually think it's tougher being on a team with 4 solid upperclassmen and 2 stars because he's figuring out his role. I think he has the potential to be an all big ten player down the road with his size, strength, toughness and what I believe will be solid shooting/offense. Right now I like that Collins is giving him time because if the switch turns on, we have another guy who can help us down the stretch.

8. Greer. As above, I think he's a player and like Kopp trying to contribute without taking the ball too much out of the hands of the star players. I don't think he's that far behind BMac as a frosh ball-handler and passer, but BMac didn't have to worry about being pulled if he made a mistake 'cause there was nobody else to take his place. I think his perimeter shooting will surpass BMac and I don't think he's a worse athlete, but he doesn't have the size. Otherwise love the kid.

Greer is actually nearly 6/3, but he doesn’t look like it with all those other big guys out there. The difference between him and McIntosh, is Mac was a year or more older and had played on a bigger stage prior to coming here ( two state championships in Indiana at the second to the largest schools and played before large crowds in big games). MAC was a good guy with a great attitude and Greer seems from the same mold.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Every game in the big ten is TOUGH. We have a talented team and this is actually among the most talented NU teams I've seen but even a weak Illinois team has some serious athletes. The difference between tourney bid and missing the NIT may be just a few buckets. If we had pulled out UM or Indy, we'd be 2-2 in the big ten with a signature win and very much on the NCAA bubble. With the depth of the big ten this year, .500 in conference projects to a tourney bid.

1. Not Law's best game, but he played well late and hit some huge FTs.

2. I'm sure Taylor has a green light, but I'd give him the double green light so he can shoot himself into rhythm. Since he's not the man this year in the way he's been before, I think he has just a little doubt/hesitation. Let him shoot through any slumps cause when he gets hot, he gives us bulk points that nobody else can.

3. I know the grass is always greener, but I doubt Lathon would have mattered this season. Based on stats he's an average player on a bad, non Power-5 team. I don't see how he'd fare well against the big ten. Copp and Nance were much higher rated and they have struggled to adjust. Greer is actually a nice surprise and I love his moxy. I wouldn't trade him for Lathon and glad we have him.

4. Illinois has real talent, though very young. Ayo is smooooth, tough to stay in front of and almost impossible to stop at the rim. If the kid has his head on straight, works hard, gets stronger he may get a look at the next level. I still like THT better, but that's a different discussion.

5. Turner. Like Taylor I want to see this kid just keep shooting and being aggressive. He is long, quick, athletic, has a nice handle and nice looking shot. Just keep letting it fly because we need his offense to come around. Maybe the Illinois shot will give him the confidence, but I have liked his aggressiveness all season.

6. Gaines. Great shots, maybe he also gets the green light. Despite his toughness and defense, we're not going to win games playing 4 on 5 offense in the big ten. If he can shoot 33% from 3 and keep the defense honest, that opens things up for Law, Pardon and Taylor and allows Gaines to stay in the game more.

7. Kopp. Still adjusting but you can see he's a player. I actually think it's tougher being on a team with 4 solid upperclassmen and 2 stars because he's figuring out his role. I think he has the potential to be an all big ten player down the road with his size, strength, toughness and what I believe will be solid shooting/offense. Right now I like that Collins is giving him time because if the switch turns on, we have another guy who can help us down the stretch.

8. Greer. As above, I think he's a player and like Kopp trying to contribute without taking the ball too much out of the hands of the star players. I don't think he's that far behind BMac as a frosh ball-handler and passer, but BMac didn't have to worry about being pulled if he made a mistake 'cause there was nobody else to take his place. I think his perimeter shooting will surpass BMac and I don't think he's a worse athlete, but he doesn't have the size. Otherwise love the kid.

CCC has to trust the players more. He said so himself, he has a quick hook after a mistake for all but Law and Pardon.

 

[NUCatVet]

All of our players have the “green light”. Whether they take advantage of that fact is up to each of them individually. CC said as much after the game. It was good to see AG take his open shots and AJT not hesitate at the end yesterday.

 

[freewillie07]

Nice post. Perhaps you are right about Lathon, but to be fair a lot of very smart posters here were saying that they liked his game more than Ayo's... which is saying something. I have to say, I was daydreaming during the commercial breaks about what NU would look like this year with Ayo at lead guard...alas.

I wonder if we will see Falzon play important minutes at all. I mean, the guy started against Big Ten opponents as a freshman. Obviously a lot has happened since then, but is he really a worse option than Nance at this point? Obviously Pete has far more upside and Collins needs to build for the future, but he still looks like the game is moving too fast for him.

Regardless, if Greer turns into a guy that can play 10-12 solid minutes a game, that would be enormously helpful.

 

[torque-cat]

All of our players have the “green light”. Whether they take advantage of that fact is up to each of them individually. CC said as much after the game. It was good to see AG take his open shots and AJT not hesitate at the end yesterday.

CC has a quick hook on any mistakes, other than Law and Pardon. I believe he tells guys to shoot, but I feel like they are a bit hesitant and having watched CC, my sense is that they are afraid to screw up. For Taylor, I'd rather him put up more 3 pt shots even if that means a couple more bad shots because I think we need him to feel unconscious about shooting. He's the on guy that can light the offense on fire.

 

[haywood jahblowme]

Nice post. Perhaps you are right about Lathon, but to be fair a lot of very smart posters here were saying that they liked his game more than Ayo's... which is saying something. I have to say, I was daydreaming during the commercial breaks about what NU would look like this year with Ayo at lead guard...alas.

I wonder if we will see Falzon play important minutes at all. I mean, the guy started against Big Ten opponents as a freshman. Obviously a lot has happened since then, but is he really a worse option than Nance at this point? Obviously Pete has far more upside and Collins needs to build for the future, but he still looks like the game is moving too fast for him.

Regardless, if Greer turns into a guy that can play 10-12 solid minutes a game, that would be enormously helpful.

yes. i sometimes forget Greer was supposed to be in the next class and still be in prep school right now. He was recruited to be behind Lathon and be serviceable. we will see how he shapes up and if him and buie can be a solid combo at that spot for the next few years.

 

[torque-cat]

Nice post. Perhaps you are right about Lathon, but to be fair a lot of very smart posters here were saying that they liked his game more than Ayo's... which is saying something. I have to say, I was daydreaming during the commercial breaks about what NU would look like this year with Ayo at lead guard...alas.

I wonder if we will see Falzon play important minutes at all. I mean, the guy started against Big Ten opponents as a freshman. Obviously a lot has happened since then, but is he really a worse option than Nance at this point? Obviously Pete has far more upside and Collins needs to build for the future, but he still looks like the game is moving too fast for him.

Regardless, if Greer turns into a guy that can play 10-12 solid minutes a game, that would be enormously helpful.

Fair points. I think Greer has more upside than 10-12 min down the road but we'll see. Lathon is currently an average player for a bad team in a non power 5 conference. Not sure how that could project to being an impact player in the big ten. More likely he'd have major growing pains much like Nance and Kopp. I also didn't think Ayo looked special in HS, but yesterday I saw the talent.

 

[Katatonic]

Got 2 main takes from the game.

1. Liked that CC mixed the lineups earlier in the game than usual.

Liked what I saw from Greer - did a better job bringing up the ball against the aggressive D and made several really nice passes.

Wouldn't mind seeing Greer get more minutes; while Sobo often gets maligned, think all of us would be happy if Greer replicated Sobo's stat-sheet as a frosh (won't really know unless CC gives him more of a chance/minutes).

2. The 'Cats went into that long scoring drought when the ball-handlers were having a tough time against the swarming Illini D, looking to pass the ball, sometimes stopping dribbling before looking to pass.

Saw too much stagnation/standing around from the other players (little movement) and all-too-often, when a player realized that the ball-handler was in trouble and made a move, it was too late (leading up to a bad/forced pass which led to the turnovers).

 

[Medill90]

Got 2 main takes from the game.

1. Liked that CC mixed the lineups earlier in the game than usual.

Liked what I saw from Greer - did a better job bringing up the ball against the aggressive D and made several really nice passes.

Wouldn't mind seeing Greer get more minutes; while Sobo often gets maligned, think all of us would be happy if Greer replicated Sobo's stat-sheet as a frosh (won't really know unless CC gives him more of a chance/minutes).

2. The 'Cats went into that long scoring drought when the ball-handlers were having a tough time against the swarming Illini D, looking to pass the ball, sometimes stopping dribbling before looking to pass.

Saw too much stagnation/standing around from the other players (little movement) and all-too-often, when a player realized that the ball-handler was in trouble and made a move, it was too late (leading up to a bad/forced pass which led to the turnovers).

Collins mentioned post-game that he shares fault for not playing bench players more. Good sign IMO.

I thing Greer and Sobo have some similarities...think Greer has a bit more swivel.

Re stagnation...."cut hard to the ball" is taught in grade school for when the ball handler has picked up his dribble and is in trouble. Lifting up one arm and taking two steps to the side really doesn't get the job done.

 

[go cats go_rivals310290]

For Taylor, I'd rather him put up more 3 pt shots even if that means a couple more bad shots because I think we need him to feel unconscious about shooting.

Disagree about excusing bad shots. Our team takes too many bad shots already--and the results aren't good when we do. What I liked about Taylor's shots the past couple games is that most were solid, open looks created by the offense and Taylor's off-ball movement--e.g. the two wide open threes from each corner against Illinois. It's not a coincidence that he has suddenly started making a higher percentage of his threes.

 

[freewillie07]

Fair points. I think Greer has more upside than 10-12 min down the road but we'll see. Lathon is currently an average player for a bad team in a non power 5 conference. Not sure how that could project to being an impact player in the big ten. More likely he'd have major growing pains much like Nance and Kopp. I also didn't think Ayo looked special in HS, but yesterday I saw the talent.

Sorry I meant 10-12 minutes for the rest of THIS YEAR would be huge for Greer. Yes, down the road I’m hoping he will play even more, unless he’s recruited over in the 2020 class.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Collins mentioned post-game that he shares fault for not playing bench players more. Good sign IMO.

I thing Greer and Sobo have some similarities...think Greer has a bit more swivel.

Re stagnation...."cut hard to the ball" is taught in grade school for when the ball handler has picked up his dribble and is in trouble. Lifting up one arm and taking two steps to the side really doesn't get the job done.

Is swivel a dance move?

 

[Medill90]

Is swivel a dance move?

swivel is about the hips....the more ya got, the more ya can get through traffic

 

[macarthur31]

Sorry I meant 10-12 minutes for the rest of THIS YEAR would be huge for Greer. Yes, down the road I’m hoping he will play even more, unless he’s recruited over in the 2020 class.

I was pleasantly surprised to see him able to drive past his defender on a couple of drives. Granted, he didn't finish them, but that strength will come in time. If we assume that I agree that Greer may not be All-B1G when it's all said and done, but I see him as a productive 4 year player.

 

[torque-cat]

Disagree about excusing bad shots. Our team takes too many bad shots already--and the results aren't good when we do. What I liked about Taylor's shots the past couple games is that most were solid, open looks created by the offense and Taylor's off-ball movement--e.g. the two wide open threes from each corner against Illinois. It's not a coincidence that he has suddenly started making a higher percentage of his threes.

I think everyone on the team needs a green light when they are "open" and in rhythm. Open of course is a judgment in the moment. Taylor however is the one guy who can totally change the game for us when he gets hot, we've seen it a few times and I think he is still second guessing a bit. He is the only guy I'd excuse for taking some poor shots because I'd rather him err on the side of too many then too few 3 pt shots.

 

[loyolacat]

Just Curious,,,is Falzone hurt again? or is he just behind everyone at this point? or is he an indication that we have already written off this year in terms of meaningful goals ...like post-season play and are going to give any spare minutes to the youngsters?

 

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

Just Curious,,,is Falzone hurt again? or is he just behind everyone at this point? or is he an indication that we have already written off this year in terms of meaningful goals ...like post-season play and are going to give any spare minutes to the youngsters?

My guess is that he's still hurt, at least enough to affect his performance.

 

[freewillie07]

Just Curious,,,is Falzone hurt again? or is he just behind everyone at this point? or is he an indication that we have already written off this year in terms of meaningful goals ...like post-season play and are going to give any spare minutes to the youngsters?

No one on the team is writing off this year.

But it might be an indication that he’s not coming back next year, and thus Collins would rather allocate the minutes to Nance.

 

[Jeffrey Cat]

No one on the team is writing off this year.

But it might be an indication that he’s not coming back next year, and thus Collins would rather allocate the minutes to Nance.

Willie your right. Why give a fifth year to a player who is constantly injured. What is his injury anyway. Remember the scholarship is guaranteed for four years not five.

 

[ricko6543211]

Every game in the big ten is TOUGH. We have a talented team and this is actually among the most talented NU teams I've seen but even a weak Illinois team has some serious athletes. The difference between tourney bid and missing the NIT may be just a few buckets. If we had pulled out UM or Indy, we'd be 2-2 in the big ten with a signature win and very much on the NCAA bubble. With the depth of the big ten this year, .500 in conference projects to a tourney bid.

1. Not Law's best game, but he played well late and hit some huge FTs.

2. I'm sure Taylor has a green light, but I'd give him the double green light so he can shoot himself into rhythm. Since he's not the man this year in the way he's been before, I think he has just a little doubt/hesitation. Let him shoot through any slumps cause when he gets hot, he gives us bulk points that nobody else can.

3. I know the grass is always greener, but I doubt Lathon would have mattered this season. Based on stats he's an average player on a bad, non Power-5 team. I don't see how he'd fare well against the big ten. Copp and Nance were much higher rated and they have struggled to adjust. Greer is actually a nice surprise and I love his moxy. I wouldn't trade him for Lathon and glad we have him.

4. Illinois has real talent, though very young. Ayo is smooooth, tough to stay in front of and almost impossible to stop at the rim. If the kid has his head on straight, works hard, gets stronger he may get a look at the next level. I still like THT better, but that's a different discussion.

5. Turner. Like Taylor I want to see this kid just keep shooting and being aggressive. He is long, quick, athletic, has a nice handle and nice looking shot. Just keep letting it fly because we need his offense to come around. Maybe the Illinois shot will give him the confidence, but I have liked his aggressiveness all season.

6. Gaines. Great shots, maybe he also gets the green light. Despite his toughness and defense, we're not going to win games playing 4 on 5 offense in the big ten. If he can shoot 33% from 3 and keep the defense honest, that opens things up for Law, Pardon and Taylor and allows Gaines to stay in the game more.

7. Kopp. Still adjusting but you can see he's a player. I actually think it's tougher being on a team with 4 solid upperclassmen and 2 stars because he's figuring out his role. I think he has the potential to be an all big ten player down the road with his size, strength, toughness and what I believe will be solid shooting/offense. Right now I like that Collins is giving him time because if the switch turns on, we have another guy who can help us down the stretch.

8. Greer. As above, I think he's a player and like Kopp trying to contribute without taking the ball too much out of the hands of the star players. I don't think he's that far behind BMac as a frosh ball-handler and passer, but BMac didn't have to worry about being pulled if he made a mistake 'cause there was nobody else to take his place. I think his perimeter shooting will surpass BMac and I don't think he's a worse athlete, but he doesn't have the size. Otherwise love the kid.

You are a bit more optimistic about many of these guys than I. I agree with someone else's response that shot selection needs to improve - I think some of these players could have more confidence in their outside shot, but just blanket encouraging everyone to shoot more won't help things.

Some positive from the IL game:
- Better passing to cutters... in certain stretches
- Some nice, more assertive play from Greer
- Vic filled up the box score and made an impact on the game despite struggling with the ball in his hands
- Good FT shooting (and getting to the line)
- Great perimeter defense (IL 0-11 from 3)
- Gaines gave good minutes

Some negatives...
- Still struggled with on-ball (and off-ball) pressure defense, we had a decent number of layups but also 15 TOs and too many possessions where we were unable to start the offense, lack of a PG is an issue
- Vic looked a bit sluggish, not in terms of effort per se, but just struggled to get separation on O or elevate
- We were unable to even get the ball into Pardon in the post bc of their D... other teams will try to replicate this
- Turner struggled for much of the day, though he redeemed himself with that huge 3

A win is a win, even though it was ugly. I still think we are tracking for the 8-12 range. But for now, let's beat Iowa! And take it one game at a time.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

swivel is about the hips....the more ya got, the more ya can get through traffic

Ok, never saw swivel mentioned for a B Ball player. Usually see that associated with a Cornerback in football.