Observations from Practice

[ouchmyknee]

For those who weren't able to attend today's practice, I figured I'd shed some light on what I saw. I got there a little early before the official practice started and spent time watching Eugene Omoruyi. He looks to be a little bigger than last year and his shooting range is greatly expanded. I don't think he'll be taking many shots in our games, but it's nice to know that he was knocking them down out to 18 feet.

Also spent time watching Doucore. The kid is a monster, who has legit B1G size. He seems to be pretty decent near the basket and appears to have a love of playing. He is a character and is pretty vocal for a frosh. I overheard Coach saying that he expects him to be a force on the boards and it appears he goes after everything.

Baker seems like the real-deal. The game seems to come to him very easy and looks the most effortless of anyone on the team. He is also going to be the team's best shooter. I wouldn't be surprised to see him average 12-14 points a game, while playing good defense.

Corey is Corey, though I noticed a few times where he went to the rack with his left hand. He seems to be improved at the line.

Thiam looks a little bigger up top, though he still has the skinniest legs. He seems way more confident this year. He busts his *** in practice and is always the first guy in sprints. His shot looks a little better and I noticed he has a higher release than last year.

Peter Kiss looks to be the best (or 2nd best) shooter on the team. It's a shame he can't play this year. He seems like the type of player that Wisconsin or ND always have that are great role players who contribute on both ends of the floor. He also has a swagger to him.

Myles Johnson looks like he'll be a contributor in the future. Has great hands and is a good passer. His body is a little soft, which can be expected for a freshman.

Overall, I think we'll see better defense this year. Also our team is fast. Probably the fastest team we've had in a long time. I think we'll still struggle to put up points, but if Geo can contribute right away, we might be in ok shape. For some reason, I keep coming up with 16-18 wins this year. I think we'll get 5 wins in the B1G.

Can't wait for the season to start.

 

[KevH]

For those who weren't able to attend today's practice, I figured I'd shed some light on what I saw. I got there a little early before the official practice started and spent time watching Eugene Omoruyi. He looks to be a little bigger than last year and his shooting range is greatly expanded. I don't think he'll be taking many shots in our games, but it's nice to know that he was knocking them down out to 18 feet.

Also spent time watching Doucore. The kid is a monster, who has legit B1G size. He seems to be pretty decent near the basket and appears to have a love of playing. He is a character and is pretty vocal for a frosh. I overheard Coach saying that he expects him to be a force on the boards and it appears he goes after everything.

Baker seems like the real-deal. The game seems to come to him very easy and looks the most effortless of anyone on the team. He is also going to be the team's best shooter. I wouldn't be surprised to see him average 12-14 points a game, while playing good defense.

Corey is Corey, though I noticed a few times where he went to the rack with his left hand. He seems to be improved at the line.

Thiam looks a little bigger up top, though he still has the skinniest legs. He seems way more confident this year. He busts his *** in practice and is always the first guy in sprints. His shot looks a little better and I noticed he has a higher release than last year.

Peter Kiss looks to be the best (or 2nd best) shooter on the team. It's a shame he can't play this year. He seems like the type of player that Wisconsin or ND always have that are great role players who contribute on both ends of the floor. He also has a swagger to him.

Myles Johnson looks like he'll be a contributor in the future. Has great hands and is a good passer. His body is a little soft, which can be expected for a freshman.

Overall, I think we'll see better defense this year. Also our team is fast. Probably the fastest team we've had in a long time. I think we'll still struggle to put up points, but if Geo can contribute right away, we might be in ok shape. For some reason, I keep coming up with 16-18 wins this year. I think we'll get 5 wins in the B1G.

Can't wait for the season to start.

Thanks for sharing your observations.

 

[SirScarlet]

Thank you!

 

[Rutgers25]

For those who weren't able to attend today's practice, I figured I'd shed some light on what I saw. I got there a little early before the official practice started and spent time watching Eugene Omoruyi. He looks to be a little bigger than last year and his shooting range is greatly expanded. I don't think he'll be taking many shots in our games, but it's nice to know that he was knocking them down out to 18 feet.

Also spent time watching Doucore. The kid is a monster, who has legit B1G size. He seems to be pretty decent near the basket and appears to have a love of playing. He is a character and is pretty vocal for a frosh. I overheard Coach saying that he expects him to be a force on the boards and it appears he goes after everything.

Baker seems like the real-deal. The game seems to come to him very easy and looks the most effortless of anyone on the team. He is also going to be the team's best shooter. I wouldn't be surprised to see him average 12-14 points a game, while playing good defense.

Corey is Corey, though I noticed a few times where he went to the rack with his left hand. He seems to be improved at the line.

Thiam looks a little bigger up top, though he still has the skinniest legs. He seems way more confident this year. He busts his *** in practice and is always the first guy in sprints. His shot looks a little better and I noticed he has a higher release than last year.

Peter Kiss looks to be the best (or 2nd best) shooter on the team. It's a shame he can't play this year. He seems like the type of player that Wisconsin or ND always have that are great role players who contribute on both ends of the floor. He also has a swagger to him.

Myles Johnson looks like he'll be a contributor in the future. Has great hands and is a good passer. His body is a little soft, which can be expected for a freshman.

Overall, I think we'll see better defense this year. Also our team is fast. Probably the fastest team we've had in a long time. I think we'll still struggle to put up points, but if Geo can contribute right away, we might be in ok shape. For some reason, I keep coming up with 16-18 wins this year. I think we'll get 5 wins in the B1G.

Can't wait for the season to start.

Thanks! How did Souf look?

 

[ouchmyknee]

Thanks! How did Souf look?

Souf plays really fast. I believe he'll be a tenacious defender. He probably makes Corey work harder in practice than he ever has at RU. I don't think he'll be scoring a bunch though.

 

[bowlgoal]

I’ll give you some thoughts of my own:

First, the practice was intense. I don’t know what I was expecting to see but these guys do not stop and the coaches are vocal. Pikiell actually took the time to explain drills to the crowd with the microphone and the intention of each drill. Very nice education for the novice fan. The defenses are all different so and they work on getting to spots and going at warp speed.

Mike Williams really can’t stop Geo and mike is a good defender. Souf gets the ball down court faster than anyone. He’s a good passer and tough to guard while going to the hoop because of his body. He’s very strong. Not sure about his shooting?

Eugene is much improved with his jumper and is the most intense player on the floor.

Doucoure is going to be a good player. He also hits most of his free throws at least in practice.

Corey is very solid and the better players on the court should help his overall game,

To me, Kiss is the best shooter we have and I wish he was playing this year.

Shaq doesn’t look like he’s going at full speed and still inconsistent with free throws.

These guys are having fun out there and the entire coaching staff is on the same page. They get the most out of every minute of the practice with no time wasted. Not sure how anyone wouldn’t want to play for Pikiell?

 

[ColonelRutgers]

Great summaries from everyone else above. Not sure if who starts is really important but I know there's always conversation about who the starters will be. The "first team" appears to be:

C - Doucoure
F - Freeman
F - Thiam
G - Williams
G - Sanders

Geo is definitely going to see major time and has excellent size as a guard. Physically towers over Williams and not just because of his Corey-like hair.

Doucoure has Big Ten-ready body, is explosive at the rim and good footwork. His offensive game has a ways to go - needs to keep his jump shot in his back pocket for a while.

Really entertaining one-on-one drill which was probably much less about basketball than about trying to foster competition. Some real battles (lots of fouling!):

• Corey v. Souf
• Mike v. Geo
• Deshawn v. Eugene
• Doucoure v. Candido, I think
• Shaq v. Myles, I think
• Issa v. Peter Kiss
• Bullock v. Smith (walkon)

 

[biazza38]

We have a great coach guys. We won't be outworked very much this year. He really pushes these guys and they're all in. I like our depth. Not great depth when it comes to scoring. But it's flexible when it comes to defensive match ups. Baker has B1G height for a guard. I love that. Souf is a leader out there. Expect to see him in close games. Overall we're not winning the B1G this year, but I like what Pike is doing. Moving the program forward

 

[ch414]

We have a great coach guys. We won't be outworked very much this year. He really pushes these guys and they're all in. I like our depth. Not great depth when it comes to scoring. But it's flexible when it comes to defensive match ups. Baker has B1G height for a guard. I love that. Souf is a leader out there. Expect to see him in close games. Overall we're not winning the B1G this year, but I like what Pike is doing. Moving the program forward

Appreciated how, after practice, each player came into the stands and showed their appreciation. Shaking hands with all and having sincere smiles.

 

[rutger80]

Thanks for all the updates

 

[SJScarlet]

I was there, and will agree with others that both Baker and Doucore just ooze talent and potential. Neither look like freshman. Doucoure in particular is super intense and I think will dominate on defense and the glass as his career goes on. Doorson only took part in portions of practice and then goes and pedals on a bike to the side. He clearly has a ways to go in terms of conditioning but I think he will play to start the season.

 

[RickB113]

Thanks for the updates. Unfortunately scoring is the most important part. But we are going in the right direction and scoring is on its way. Hopefully we can pick up one more guy for next year who can score.

 

[Jim_from_RU]

This program has all the makings of being completely turned around. Pike and Co. are just awesome. Haven't been this excited about men's hoops in a very, very long time.

 

[Bob Chaewsky_rivals]

Great summaries from everyone else above. Not sure if who starts is really important but I know there's always conversation about who the starters will be. The "first team" appears to be:

C - Doucoure
F - Freeman
F - Thiam
G - Williams
G - Sanders

Geo is definitely going to see major time and has excellent size as a guard. Physically towers over Williams and not just because of his Corey-like hair.

Doucoure has Big Ten-ready body, is explosive at the rim and good footwork. His offensive game has a ways to go - needs to keep his jump shot in his back pocket for a while.

Really entertaining one-on-one drill which was probably much less about basketball than about trying to foster competition. Some real battles (lots of fouling!):

• Corey v. Souf
• Mike v. Geo
• Deshawn v. Eugene
• Doucoure v. Candido, I think
• Shaq v. Myles, I think
• Issa v. Peter Kiss
• Bullock v. Smith (walkon)

Geo starts

 

[Goku]

Thanks for the posts. This has me excited as well.

 

[bowlgoal]

Great summaries from everyone else above. Not sure if who starts is really important but I know there's always conversation about who the starters will be. The "first team" appears to be:

C - Doucoure
F - Freeman
F - Thiam
G - Williams
G - Sanders

Geo is definitely going to see major time and has excellent size as a guard. Physically towers over Williams and not just because of his Corey-like hair.

Doucoure has Big Ten-ready body, is explosive at the rim and good footwork. His offensive game has a ways to go - needs to keep his jump shot in his back pocket for a while.

Really entertaining one-on-one drill which was probably much less about basketball than about trying to foster competition. Some real battles (lots of fouling!):

• Corey v. Souf
• Mike v. Geo
• Deshawn v. Eugene
• Doucoure v. Candido, I think
• Shaq v. Myles, I think
• Issa v. Peter Kiss
• Bullock v. Smith (walkon)

Geo starts

Geo is most likely the starter. I love Mike and he’s a great shooter but Geo brings some other things to the table. He can light up the scoreboard as well.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

Geo is most likely the starter. I love Mike and he’s a great shooter but Geo brings some other things to the table. He can light up the scoreboard as well.

I expect to see a lot of three guard lineups especially against the weak non-conference opponents. Thiam just hasn't produced as a shooter/scorer and Mike also contributes in other ways so he'll be out there with Corey and Geo a lot I would suspect. In one other drill where team was broken out into 4 groups (guards, power forwards, center, small forwards) Mike was drilling with the small forward types and not with the guards.

 

[RU MAN]

Ouch thanks for this post. If Thiam can raise his shooting position over his head and knock them down, he will be better off for it and so will Rutgers. His shooting angle last year was so low and for a tall guy he could be easily blocked.

 

[KnightTerrors]

My most important observation:

Geo was under recruited! It's obviously just practice but this kid looks like a player!

 

[NJDOVES]

My most important observation:

Geo was under recruited! It's obviously just practice but this kid looks like a player!

True, and I love Kiss and Souf's game!

 

[KevH]

I’ll give you some thoughts of my own:

First, the practice was intense. I don’t know what I was expecting to see but these guys do not stop and the coaches are vocal. Pikiell actually took the time to explain drills to the crowd with the microphone and the intention of each drill. Very nice education for the novice fan. The defenses are all different so and they work on getting to spots and going at warp speed.

Mike Williams really can’t stop Geo and mike is a good defender. Souf gets the ball down court faster than anyone. He’s a good passer and tough to guard while going to the hoop because of his body. He’s very strong. Not sure about his shooting?

Eugene is much improved with his jumper and is the most intense player on the floor.

Doucoure is going to be a good player. He also hits most of his free throws at least in practice.

Corey is very solid and the better players on the court should help his overall game,

To me, Kiss is the best shooter we have and I wish he was playing this year.

Shaq doesn’t look like he’s going at full speed and still inconsistent with free throws.

These guys are having fun out there and the entire coaching staff is on the same page. They get the most out of every minute of the practice with no time wasted. Not sure how anyone wouldn’t want to play for Pikiell?

Very encouraging updates! Can't wait to see this team in action. Thanks.

 

[RUJMM78]

Ouch thanks for this post. If Thiam can raise his shooting position over his head and knock them down, he will be better off for it and so will Rutgers. His shooting angle last year was so low and for a tall guy he could be easily blocked.

Thiam has shown he can make 3 pointers from the corners.His problem is getting open for shots because he is a stationary shooter.

 

[Bob Chaewsky_rivals]

Ouch thanks for this post. If Thiam can raise his shooting position over his head and knock them down, he will be better off for it and so will Rutgers. His shooting angle last year was so low and for a tall guy he could be easily blocked.

LOL - Thiam needs to raise his shot to have less moving parts in the shot and more touch. At 6'9", and mostly taking threes, I don't think its about having shots blocked.

 

[RickB113]

I agree with this. Where Thiam releases the ball matters little. Quick releases help. It was/is the biggest misconception on this board. With a low release point he probably releases it higher than a 6’5 SF or SG. Quick release is important. He get it off faster and that will come.

 

[Rutgers25]

I agree with this. Where Thiam releases the ball matters little. Quick releases help. It was/is the biggest misconception on this board. With a low release point he probably releases it higher than a 6’5 SF or SG. Quick release is important. He get it off faster and that will come.

Agree, not to mention when you're not a threat to put the ball on the floor, it is easy for guys to close out hard on his shot

 

[RU MAN]

Disagree guys. Thiam had his shot blocked last year on at least 6 occasions. Yes I realize that shouldn't matter but it does because he doesn't drive,to the basket enough. He,thinks he's more of a perimeter guy. If Pikiell and company can make him more of a slasher then his shooting angle may not matter as much.

 

[RickB113]

Disagree guys. Thiam had his shot blocked last year on at least 6 occasions. Yes I realize that shouldn't matter but it does because he doesn't drive,to the basket enough. He,thinks he's more of a perimeter guy. If Pikiell and company can make him more of a slasher then his shooting angle may not matter as much.

It’s still not the release point. It is his decision making on when to shoot leading to it taking too long to shoot.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

It’s stull not the release point. It is his decision making on when to shoot leading to it taking too long to shoot.

This. 100% indecisive, inexperienced.

 

[RUsojo]

My unpopular opinion with Issa is his most drastic year to year development won't happen until well after he graduates. What holds him back is he is not grown into his frame. With tall lanky guys they don't get their legs under them until they get much older than college years. If he stays in shape he will become much better 2-4 years after college. It's not his release that is the problem it's planting and going up that takes too long before he even gets to his release.

 

[higgins3]

Geo is most likely the starter. I love Mike and he’s a great shooter but Geo brings some other things to the table. He can light up the scoreboard as well.

I could see maybe Baker starting to try to get a lead, and then Williams coming in to do the dirty work after Baker has his ten minutes. I am very high on Baker, but Williams had played D1 basketball for four years. It's nice to play with a lead,though. It's going to be a lot of fun at the RAC regardless.

 

[nirrad]

Thanks for the update. Did Shaq practice?

 

[Knights 1212]

Yes, but he did not participate in all of the drills.

 

[hiwater]

I agree with this. Where Thiam releases the ball matters little. Quick releases help. It was/is the biggest misconception on this board. With a low release point he probably releases it higher than a 6’5 SF or SG. Quick release is important. He get it off faster and that will come.

A 6'5" guy with a release point over his head with a little jump is going to be releasing the ball at least 3 feet higher than Thiam pushing the ball straight out from his shoulders. That doesn't even include the 3 feet forward in arms legnth that Thiam is pushing his shot. It's not even close. a 6' guard can swat that away from 3 feet in from of him and they did last year.

He still had open shots coming off screens last year or just moving to the ball with nobody right on him. His problem with shooting was more that he drifted toward the side that he was taking the pass from in his catch and shoot. He never squared up. He was pretty good when he was standing still and went straight at the basket.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Great summaries from everyone else above. Not sure if who starts is really important but I know there's always conversation about who the starters will be. The "first team" appears to be:

C - Doucoure
F - Freeman
F - Thiam
G - Williams
G - Sanders

I sure hope Doorson gets healthy fast. Starting a freshman center in the Big10 is not a recipe for success.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Thanks for the update. Did Shaq practice?

Shaq did a little work, but nothing drastic....they are taking the cautious approach.

Some items that I have mentioned to a few that have sent messages to me over the last day or so.

I think Baker is the guard we always see on another team we play in the B1G....a guard that can do pretty much everything. I think if Geo can develop a bit of selfishness, he'll create havoc early with his scoring. He looks harmless because he's got a freshman look or appearance, but his long arms and legs allow him to defend very well.

Watching practice clearly confirmed how important the reshuffling of the guards on the roster makes sense. I know on paper we lose Nigel Johnson and he finished up last season very well. But the ability Baker shows in flashes, dwarfs what we will be missing from Nigel....that's not a knock on Nigel, but there wouldn't be enough room for growth with Corey, Nigel, Geo, Mike Williams and Souf all on the roster. There is a clear balance that allows Baker to freelance/score and distribute.

I think Sanders will benefit by having Baker take some of the ball handling away from him and can go off the ball at times and score/shoot. I see Sanders scoring the same amount of points per game....where Sanders goes from above average to potentially dominant is knocking down FT's.....if he improves in that one area, he goes from 12-13 PPG to 15-16 a night.

Mike Williams is a legitimate senior guard that has added more size and strength and still has that confident shooting stroke....what was noticeable in individual drills was how competitive Mike was going up against Baker and Baker's longer arms bothered him in trying to get a shot over him. He is definitely captain material and will benefit from Baker scoring early and becoming the 3rd guard in an attack that should be very strong most nights.

Doucoure looks ready to play tomorrow on the front line....he has a good demeanor and sense of humor as well....one thing that I'd watch for his ability to get rebounds and has a soft hook with both hands.

Eugene is definitely most improved by a LOT....he is in tremendous shape, can run, jump and moves his feet very well for a 6'7" player....while his touch is better and his instincts are better, he's not fluid enough to make that jump I think many may be anticipating....granted it was one practice, but I see Eugene dominating in the OOC, the question will be can it carry over to the major games like FSU, SHU and the B1G.

Souf can start at OLB or Defensive end tomorrow for Coach Ash...I think if Souf does one thing well, it's on defense to harass, pester and annoy whomever he guards....his minutes will be so critical to allow Corey and/or Baker a couple of minutes rest, while not sacrificing defense. I'm curious to see what the shooting percentages are over an extended period of time for players he guards.

Candido Sa is about 10-12 lbs stronger and looks healthy after battling through some illnesses last season, Freeman is ready and showing a better shooting touch/range....Myles Johnson is definitely a player that will contribute because he understands the game and can pass. If he gets fouled, I can see him making FT's, which is a plus......Luke Nathan looks like a future B1G player that lands on Northwestern or Wisconsin down the road. If you didn't know he was a walk-on, you would think he's on 'ship.

Peter Kiss looks like a B1G player on some plays and others he looks like an A-10 player....He will drain a couple of 3's that look pure and perfect and the next one will be way off the mark....part of that is getting his feet set and making sure he's squared to the basket....but rest assured, if he was eligible this year, RU would be 2-3 games better....He is the perfect compliment to Issa Thiam, almost as if they are pushing each other to improve.

This roster and next years roster make perfect sense right now. I can see why Shaq Carter, Montez Mathis and Ron Harper Jr all fit and make next years step forward almost inevitable. Add Peter Kiss and another piece to the 2018 class.

The staff and strength and conditioning/training table are top-notch....these gains by the players only payoff when times are toughest....boxing out and getting rebounds and strictly effort.

RU can make a huge jump forward if Doucoure can stay out of foul trouble and Corey goes from under 55% from the FT line in conference play to around 67-70%.....

 

[BigEastPhil]

Some other observations / comments from the practice:

- Coach Pikiell spoke to the fans advising us that this group likes to practice and there are no issues - unlike last year.
- And the practice was intense and long - approx 2 hours.
- Coach also said there is no selfishness on the team and all like to pass - which was quite evident with Souf Mensah; Baker and Corey as well.
- Coach also said that the squad has bought into the program and to the coaching staff - unlike last year.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

My unpopular opinion with Issa is his most drastic year to year development won't happen until well after he graduates. What holds him back is he is not grown into his frame. With tall lanky guys they don't get their legs under them until they get much older than college years. If he stays in shape he will become much better 2-4 years after college. It's not his release that is the problem it's planting and going up that takes too long before he even gets to his release.

I'm really confused why you are talking about Issa Thiam's game 2-4 years after he leaves Rutgers.

 

[RU MAN]

It’s still not the release point. It is his decision making on when to shoot leading to it taking too long to shoot.

Yes, I would agree, but he still needs to work on his release point.

 

[4theknights]

When I came to the practice I was hoping Thiam was a threat this year driving to the basket. I saw one instance when he drove to the basket and Eugene swatted it away. The problem I see with Thiam despite his quickness he doesn't create enough spacing to shoot because he doesn't drive off the dribble. Other teams watch tape so I'm sure they pick this up. I can see why Pike wants to run and get Thiam down in the corner for open looks. I can see his time more limited if he doesn't improve in this area.

 

[4theknights]

And Geo hits free throws too. Amen!