Isiah

[Secho99]

Brown gets a DNP for the 4th straight game and 5th time in 6 games (with his only PT coming in 4 garbage-time minutes against Indiana).

So he can't get, like 8 minutes in a game where we're struggling to get to 50? We couldn't use a guy who look like he actually wants to play offense and can get to the rim and make guys foul him? I get he might have shortcomings, but that's just a complete waste of a roster spot if he can't even get into a game, especially when the other guys off the bench aren't exactly lighting it up (a combined 0 points from guys not named Falzon).

There's no indication that he's hurt, right? Or is he?

 

[NJCat]

There's no indication that he's hurt, right? Or is he?

Not according to Collins. He give vague BS about Ash playing better in practice and just being ready because his time will come. But he is clearly deep in the Collins dog house and appears to be on the Vassar plan.

 

[SmellyCat]

This goes beyond dog house, I’m afraid to say. If he’s healthy and hasn’t been disciplined for anything public, then there aren’t a lot of possibilities for what it can be.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Not according to Collins. He give vague BS about Ash playing better in practice and just being ready because his time will come. But he is clearly deep in the Collins dog house and appears to be on the Vassar plan.

I think we all know what's going on at this point. I called it awhile back, and I'm certain this was the player's choice.

 

[SmellyCat]

I think we all know what's going on at this point. I called it awhile back, and I'm certain this was the player's choice.

Yeah. Sad to say I agree.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Why not try Brown? Mac was nasty out there

 

[Cats20]

Collins wants him to transfer. That's it. He can't give him janitor duty because of Vassar, but he can sit him every game if he wants to--and it's looking like he might.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Collins wants him to transfer. That's it. He can't give him janitor duty because of Vassar, but he can sit him every game if he wants to--and it's looking like he might.

No, the choice has already been made. Collins is just investing in his future by playing guys that are returning. Kudos to Isaiah for remaining with the team for the season and cheering them on from the sideline.

 

[Wildcatfootball12]

Since we're going to subtly-openly talk about this, I might as well ask, are you suggesting this was CCC pushing him out, or him seeing the writing on the wall and deciding he wanted out?

Having said that, unless anyone has any real info...can we please stop?

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Since we're going to subtly-openly talk about this, I might as well ask, are you suggesting this was CCC pushing him out, or him seeing the writing on the wall and deciding he wanted out?

Having said that, unless anyone has any real info...can we please stop?

I’ll admit I have zero inside information, but at this point with how this has played out, how can you not have the “it’s hard to picture Brown on the team next year” vibe? Brown was a contributor, and brings an ability that other players don’t. Yet he’s buried on the bench and suddenly doesn’t even play. It’s odd and makes it hard to believe there isn’t more to the story. Of course, hope I’m wrong.

 

[Walker Fan]

Bottom line, in order for this team to win the big three need to have good games in Law, McIntosh and Lindsey. One out of three tonight does not cut it. As for the complementary players, they needed Falzon to step up which he has not happened. Skelly is more of a sixth man and his flaws are exposed playing long minutes. Brown and Benson needed to take the next step and has not happened. Brown is a needed offensive playmaker and Collins chose an offensive stagnater over Brown and it has cost them time and time in UNL, OSU and now UM games. Brown was key in NU’s huge win on the road at OSU last season which does not get enough importance. The team needs playmakers and CC has chosen not to play his only offensive playmaker off the bench. Also, the toughness of Sanjay was never replaced and Nate was much more an offensive igniter off the bench than what we have now.

 

[Walker Fan]

Bottom line, in order for this team to win the big three need to have good games in Law, McIntosh and Lindsey. One out of three tonight does not cut it. As for the complementary players, they needed Falzon to step up which he has not happened. Skelly is more of a sixth man and his flaws are exposed playing long minutes. Brown and Benson needed to take the next step and has not happened. Brown is a needed offensive playmaker and Collins chose an offensive stagnater over Brown and it has cost them time and time in UNL, OSU and now UM games. Brown was key in NU’s huge win on the road at OSU last season which does not get enough importance. The team needs playmakers and CC has chosen not to play his only offensive playmaker off the bench. Also, the toughness of Sanjay was never replaced and Nate was much more an offensive igniter off the bench than what we have now.

 

[freewillie07]

Bottom line, in order for this team to win the big three need to have good games in Law, McIntosh and Lindsey. One out of three tonight does not cut it. As for the complementary players, they needed Falzon to step up which he has not happened. Skelly is more of a sixth man and his flaws are exposed playing long minutes. Brown and Benson needed to take the next step and has not happened. Brown is a needed offensive playmaker and Collins chose an offensive stagnater over Brown and it has cost them time and time in UNL, OSU and now UM games. Brown was key in NU’s huge win on the road at OSU last season which does not get enough importance. The team needs playmakers and CC has chosen not to play his only offensive playmaker off the bench. Also, the toughness of Sanjay was never replaced and Nate was much more an offensive igniter off the bench than what we have now.

Considering he is playing through injury, I wouldn’t bash Falzon. Tonight he went 2-3 on 3-pointers. The rest of the team shot 2-13.

And I’d call it the “Big Four,” including Pardon. Unless you’re assuming it’s a given he’ll have a solid game every time out, which isn’t unreasonable.

 

[Secho99]

Also, the toughness of Sanjay was never replaced and Nate was much more an offensive igniter off the bench than what we have now.

I love Sanjay and Nate, but if you return your top FOUR scorers from a tournament team and get worse, something’s wrong. Yeah there’s some bad luck (injuries) but good grief, most teams out there lost a whole lot more than we did.

 

[lunker35]

No, the choice has already been made. Collins is just investing in his future by playing guys that are returning. Kudos to Isaiah for remaining with the team for the season and cheering them on from the sideline.

It doesn't matter if he's transferring. I played with guys that were transferring and if they were the best guys they played. It's bizarre and I hate to say it but it makes me question Collins, since we flat out can't score and he's stapled to the bench. I don't care if he's leaving next year, because he's on the team now.

 

[Walker Fan]

I am not bashing Falzon. I am saying that I had hoped he would be a lights out shooter but either due to injuries or not being fully rehabbed from his knee surgery, he has never been the consistent offensive contributor that might alleviate the strain on McIntosh, Lindsey and Law to create on their own.

 

[Turk_rivals223269]

Brown gets a DNP for the 4th straight game and 5th time in 6 games (with his only PT coming in 4 garbage-time minutes against Indiana).

So he can't get, like 8 minutes in a game where we're struggling to get to 50? We couldn't use a guy who look like he actually wants to play offense and can get to the rim and make guys foul him? I get he might have shortcomings, but that's just a complete waste of a roster spot if he can't even get into a game, especially when the other guys off the bench aren't exactly lighting it up (a combined 0 points from guys not named Falzon).

There's no indication that he's hurt, right? Or is he?

Brown is done. Has nothing to do with his health. Sure we can use him and Collins knows that, but it is obviously an internal matter. I support Collins. Collins is our bread and butter. I'm sure Brown will be able to find another place when he transfers because he has been "Vassered" unless he wants to stay just for the academics because it really doesn't look like he is going to play except when we are blowing someone out, then he may go in just to protect our active players from getting injured in chump time. Sad, I really liked the kid but he either tried to fight City Hall or got in one helluva doghouse that he either isn't willing to get out of or is just lost to figure it out.

 

[Secho99]

I am not bashing Falzon. I am saying that I had hoped he would be a lights out shooter but either due to injuries or not being fully rehabbed from his knee surgery, he has never been the consistent offensive contributor that might alleviate the strain on McIntosh, Lindsey and Law to create on their own.

Falzon’s hurt and is still second on the team behind Pardon in offensive efficiency and is shooting 44% from 3 in Big 10 play. He’s made only 11 fewer FTs than MacIntosh, who always has the ball. We know he struggles on the other end but he’s been one of our best players offensively.

 

[JournCat]

Maybe Brown would be totally lost in the matchup zone. Probably, even. But as long as he’s on the team, Collins owes it to him and everyone else to at least have tried him out there. Give him a few minutes and if he messes up, take him out again.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Ok, assuming a schollie opens, how to use? I think 5th year has to be the focus. Don’t need 5 freshman and only 2 graduate next year. So, 5th year backup time PG or 5th year backup type big man?

I see Lathom as clear LG with wings of Law and Turner. Hopefully, Nance is ready at the 4 w Pardon as the big. Falzon becomes Taphorn 2.0. Still no D stopper unless Gaines makes a leap. Benson still backing up Benson. So, in my book, backup PG is the need.

And is Rap cannot come back for whatever reason, then we are just flushed w schollies. Suppose we ever see 13 active schollies on the team and able to play again?

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Considering he is playing through injury, I wouldn’t bash Falzon. Tonight he went 2-3 on 3-pointers. The rest of the team shot 2-13.

And I’d call it the “Big Four,” including Pardon. Unless you’re assuming it’s a given he’ll have a solid game every time out, which isn’t unreasonable.

Falzon and Brown are the big question marks as both can score. I don't think Brown would have been as bad as Mac yesterday. We aint dancing, so give the kid some minutes.

 

[NJCat]

Ok, assuming a schollie opens, how to use? I think 5th year has to be the focus.

At this point, with LOI signing date next week, it is HIGHLY unlikely NU will get another Freshman, so a 5th year is the only hope to use the 13th scholarship. Otherwise we have another year of one poster whining about the soon-to-be unused Brown scholarship......

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

He's likely gonna transfer. Probably already told Collins

 

[TheC]

My theory, and its only a theory, is that coach and perhaps the team are tired of Brown getting into the game and completely either not knowing or ignoring the entire offensive and defensive schemes. When he is in, I notice that he basically just dribbles and dribbles without any semblance of playing within the offense. Now, occasionally, he'll make a great play and score a bucket - which causes us fans to salivate over the fact that we have someone who can actually do that - but most of the time he just dribbles and dribbles into a turnover or a rushed shot. My theory is that the rest of the team don't know what the hell to do when he is on the court because he free-lances everything. If he is doing that on the defensive end too, then I understand why CCC would not put him in games.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

My theory, and its only a theory, is that coach and perhaps the team are tired of Brown getting into the game and completely either not knowing or ignoring the entire offensive and defensive schemes. When he is in, I notice that he basically just dribbles and dribbles without any semblance of playing within the offense. Now, occasionally, he'll make a great play and score a bucket - which causes us fans to salivate over the fact that we have someone who can actually do that - but most of the time he just dribbles and dribbles into a turnover or a rushed shot. My theory is that the rest of the team don't know what the hell to do when he is on the court because he free-lances everything. If he is doing that on the defensive end too, then I understand why CCC would not put him in games.

If true, then there have been many opportunities to put him in to see if he has figured it out. And if he is not going to or able to then I see it as a Vassar scenario.

Either way, I think we have seen the last meaningful brown minutes. Now it's a question of who will hold that schollie.

Haywood - what do you think? And any thoughts on rap's future?

 

[docrugby1]

My theory, and its only a theory, is that coach and perhaps the team are tired of Brown getting into the game and completely either not knowing or ignoring the entire offensive and defensive schemes. When he is in, I notice that he basically just dribbles and dribbles without any semblance of playing within the offense. Now, occasionally, he'll make a great play and score a bucket - which causes us fans to salivate over the fact that we have someone who can actually do that - but most of the time he just dribbles and dribbles into a turnover or a rushed shot. My theory is that the rest of the team don't know what the hell to do when he is on the court because he free-lances everything. If he is doing that on the defensive end too, then I understand why CCC would not put him in games.

My question is what offense is he ignoring ?

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

My theory, and its only a theory, is that coach and perhaps the team are tired of Brown getting into the game and completely either not knowing or ignoring the entire offensive and defensive schemes. When he is in, I notice that he basically just dribbles and dribbles without any semblance of playing within the offense. Now, occasionally, he'll make a great play and score a bucket - which causes us fans to salivate over the fact that we have someone who can actually do that - but most of the time he just dribbles and dribbles into a turnover or a rushed shot. My theory is that the rest of the team don't know what the hell to do when he is on the court because he free-lances everything. If he is doing that on the defensive end too, then I understand why CCC would not put him in games.

You may be right! I thought Ash needed to be in there more than Mac, who was off!

 

[Walker Fan]

10 minutes or more from JA means the second unit's offense grinds to a screeching halt. No movement, poor passing and ole defense with opponents having wide open jumpers. The bounce pass to Benson was pitiful and a costly turnover. You could tell that announcer Bill Raferty was dismayed by the poor execution. Collins was very happy about it on the sidelines. Not!

Then we saw the poor defense and move by Wagner that got that player out of position was a joke and left Wagner open for a wide open jumper from the elbow. Get ready for more bagels on the scorecard as NU struggles to break 50 on a bad night and 60 on a good night. (See OSU and UM game which were winnable games if someone could have come off the bench and scored a couple of baskets) Also, the starters have to compensate by playing 35 plus minutes as the second unit struggles to get shots up, let alone getting good shots. Too bad, we can't find more minutes for the more talented player who has proven he can make some plays and create when needed. Let's give minutes to the non-PG who plays hard, but has no feel for the game and plays defense with his arms and reaches way too much. Yes, that way is really working.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

What's up with Brown? Walkerfan,do u know? I would like to c him on the court also. Can't be worse than Mac.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I wish I had the answer walkerfan. But I don't. Collins is no dummy. I likely would have put Brown in there for a dozen minutes,but I ain't the coach. I would have started Mac over Ash. Mac is a decent guard,who seems to choke at the end of the games. He is a good passer. Occasionally,a good shooter. Not sure there exists a solution. Imho, Collins needs to start Ash over Mac for a few games,based on what I hear from others that Brown is done at NU. Brown has some upside. My guess is he lands closer to home. Pac 10, run and gun.

 

[Medill90]

The awful bounce pass to Benson was a turning point in the game, I thought. NU was sniffing it at that point, but Michigan put the foot on the gas after than and left NU behind. Nothing Benson could do but watch it bounce out of bounds.

There were lots of awful passes by NU...turnovers that led to fast breaks. Just not very good with the ball.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Ash leads the team in least amount of turnovers. Benson didn't break for the basket on a perfectly timed pass. Only one turnover for Ash yesterday. Law had four and Scottie and Mac had three

 

[freewillie07]

My theory, and its only a theory, is that coach and perhaps the team are tired of Brown getting into the game and completely either not knowing or ignoring the entire offensive and defensive schemes. When he is in, I notice that he basically just dribbles and dribbles without any semblance of playing within the offense. Now, occasionally, he'll make a great play and score a bucket - which causes us fans to salivate over the fact that we have someone who can actually do that - but most of the time he just dribbles and dribbles into a turnover or a rushed shot. My theory is that the rest of the team don't know what the hell to do when he is on the court because he free-lances everything. If he is doing that on the defensive end too, then I understand why CCC would not put him in games.

I agree with this theory. Whether he’s transferring or not is pure speculation. But to cast him as some sort of offensive savior who is being unfairly punished is to completely ignore how he’s played in the past.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Isaiah can’t see the entire offense when he has the ball. On defense, he is too small and gets smoked for threes. Nice kid, but Jordan Ash will be leading this offense next year or my name ain’t wrassler!

 

[Walker Fan]

Facts: Last game I.Brown played. 4 minutes of action, 3/3 and 9 points and tied for the team lead in scoring in another under 50 point games as NU lost on national TV 66-46. J.Ash - 14 minutes - 0 pts. and A.Gaines 14 minutes - 0 pts.

Opinion: No, we could not have used Brown in the past couple of games. No way, no how. Don't need a couple of baskets per game.

 

[hdhntr1]

Isaiah can’t see the entire offense when he has the ball. On defense, he is too small and gets smoked for threes. Nice kid, but Jordan Ash will be leading this offense next year or my name ain’t wrassler!

I thought it was Bob

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I thought it was Bob

LOL!

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

Facts: Last game I.Brown played. 4 minutes of action, 3/3 and 9 points and tied for the team lead in scoring in another under 50 point games as NU lost on national TV 66-46. J.Ash - 14 minutes - 0 pts. and A.Gaines 14 minutes - 0 pts.

Opinion: No, we could not have used Brown in the past couple of games. No way, no how. Don't need a couple of baskets per game.

WalkerFan, I like Brown also! But he is done as a wildcat! Sorry! I think he and Collins have moved on!

 

[haywood jahblowme]

there is one thing fans continually fail to realize is that we do not see what happens day in and day out, how a player responds to practice, coaching, and scouting. if a player does not do these things well day in and day, they simply will not play. even if they can come in and give you a few buckets - it destroys a teams chemistry to have a player who is not great in practice and makes the same mistakes over and over to then get a high level of minutes

as far brown scoring points - there is more to it than that. what is the +/- when he is in the game. what is his turnover ratio? does he accumulate hustle stats? does he score 9 points but give up 10? can he run the offense? does he know the plays the coach is calling?

lots of factors.

 

[Walker Fan]

Excellent points that I, along with all of the other posters do not know what one's practice habits are. What I do know is that I.Brown can penetrate and break down defenses and draw fouls which was much needed last night in a winnable game where we went for too long stretches of not being able to score a point or make a bucket. I love Vic Law and he is our most athletic player and a great defender, but he can not dribble and penetrate. His old St. Rita H.S. teammate, Charles Matthews knew that and overplayed his right hand leading to a turnover or turnovers and a dunk for UM. I.Brown was recruited because he can generate offense and if we play zone for 40 minutes as we have for the past number of games, we can mask defensive deficiencies of guarding man-to-man. But that is just my observation. But when our backup PG simply hands off the ball to a wing at the top of the key and retreats to a corner, our offense stagnates and Big 10 teams know this.