Observations from Welsh Ryan

[GOUNUII]

Here’s what I saw from Section 107 behind the team bench.

1. Collins coached hard all night and was none too happy at times. He was hardest on the team when they were up 20. I like that in a coach.
2. Page is a blessing. He’s not a center. Footwork in the paint is atrocious and doesn’t know what a back to the basket game looks like. But he can rebound and score facing the basket. He can block a shot. And without him we would be just another small ball team.
3. Why isn’t KJ getting more minutes? We need his offensive punch, especially from 3.
4. Jake West is a HS coach’s dream. Smart, skilled and tough. And still not close to being strong enough to compete in the BIG.
5. Singleton is a joy to watch. Does so many things well. All the stuff that doesn’t show up in a box score and more.
6. What’s the scoop on Ciaravino not dressing tonight? No visible sign of an injury, but in street clothes tonight.
7. Green can help this team. Strong floor game, willing rebounder and a plus 3 point shooter vs the right matchups.

Team is still a work in progress. As you would expect with so many new faces. I was really impressed with how everyone was looking to make the right pass. Even if the results were a bit ugly at times.

Small ball needs work.

GOUNUII

 

[Davidgolds5]

Angelo took a very tough spill the other night on his tailbone/low back. Maybe bruised up from that? Hopefully nothing else.

 

[hdhntr1]

Here’s what I saw from Section 107 behind the team bench.

1. Collins coached hard all night and was none too happy at times. He was hardest on the team when they were up 20. I like that in a coach.
2. Page is a blessing. He’s not a center. Footwork in the paint is atrocious and doesn’t know what a back to the basket game looks like. But he can rebound and score facing the basket. He can block a shot. And without him we would be just another small ball team.
3. Why isn’t KJ getting more minutes? We need his offensive punch, especially from 3.
4. Jake West is a HS coach’s dream. Smart, skilled and tough. And still not close to being strong enough to compete in the BIG.
5. Singleton is a joy to watch. Does so many things well. All the stuff that doesn’t show up in a box score and more.
6. What’s the scoop on Ciaravino not dressing tonight? No visible sign of an injury, but in street clothes tonight.
7. Green can help this team. Strong floor game, willing rebounder and a plus 3 point shooter vs the right matchups.

Team is still a work in progress. As you would expect with so many new faces. I was really impressed with how everyone was looking to make the right pass. Even if the results were a bit ugly at times.

Small ball needs work.

GOUNUII

Heard on Clarvino it was a groin injury and they kept him out. He was there is street cloths

 

[hdhntr1]

Here’s what I saw from Section 107 behind the team bench.

1. Collins coached hard all night and was none too happy at times. He was hardest on the team when they were up 20. I like that in a coach.
2. Page is a blessing. He’s not a center. Footwork in the paint is atrocious and doesn’t know what a back to the basket game looks like. But he can rebound and score facing the basket. He can block a shot. And without him we would be just another small ball team.
3. Why isn’t KJ getting more minutes? We need his offensive punch, especially from 3.
4. Jake West is a HS coach’s dream. Smart, skilled and tough. And still not close to being strong enough to compete in the BIG.
5. Singleton is a joy to watch. Does so many things well. All the stuff that doesn’t show up in a box score and more.
6. What’s the scoop on Ciaravino not dressing tonight? No visible sign of an injury, but in street clothes tonight.
7. Green can help this team. Strong floor game, willing rebounder and a plus 3 point shooter vs the right matchups.

Team is still a work in progress. As you would expect with so many new faces. I was really impressed with how everyone was looking to make the right pass. Even if the results were a bit ugly at times.

Small ball needs work.

GOUNUII

This is early Collins knows what he has with guys from last years team and he needs to find out what he has in new players

 

[Hungry Jack]

Tyler Kropp pissed off CCC faster than any player in NU history

 

[Username Not Available]

I noticed Angelo's absence but didn't know why. Hopefully he heals up nicely and gets back by week two.

I'm hopeful they'll coach the kids up on the defense of 'the ball will come to you if you're in the right place'. Too many kids tonight lunging for the steal and giving up easy passes and scores. I like the aggressive defense and everyone going after the ball, but lets clog the lanes more and lunge less.

Several of these guys are still projects and need to learn better decision making, but they're all athletic like wow. Several clown-show transitions and plays that should never have happened, but mostly worked out against Mercyhurst and won't fly at all against real competition, but also demonstrated awareness and physical ability.

I agree that Page is a power forward rather than a center. He looks good (had a double double his first game here, yay!) and I love his free throw stroke. He'll miss shots, but they all look like they should go in. He's going to get fouled a lot in conference, so it's good knowing that can still work out for the team.

Nick had a rough game and missed the front end of a few 1 and 1s that kept him under 20 points. He had too many turn overs, not all counted against him, and generally got zerged by the defense. That's not going to stop happening to him, being triple teamed in the paint, so hopefully he's ready for that next time and is better at passing out.

Generally, the team looked not too bad to me, and if it really mattered Collins could have easily run up the scope and crushed Mercy, but it looked to me more like he was using this as another tune up game to get everyone on the team minutes and experience. 70 bench minutes tells that story pretty well.

 

[hdhntr1]

I noticed Angelo's absence but didn't know why. Hopefully he heals up nicely and gets back by week two.

I'm hopeful they'll coach the kids up on the defense of 'the ball will come to you if you're in the right place'. Too many kids tonight lunging for the steal and giving up easy passes and scores. I like the aggressive defense and everyone going after the ball, but lets clog the lanes more and lunge less.

Several of these guys are still projects and need to learn better decision making, but they're all athletic like wow. Several clown-show transitions and plays that should never have happened, but mostly worked out against Mercyhurst and won't fly at all against real competition, but also demonstrated awareness and physical ability.

I agree that Page is a power forward rather than a center. He looks good (had a double double his first game here, yay!) and I love his free throw stroke. He'll miss shots, but they all look like they should go in. He's going to get fouled a lot in conference, so it's good knowing that can still work out for the team.

Nick had a rough game and missed the front end of a few 1 and 1s that kept him under 20 points. He had too many turn overs, not all counted against him, and generally got zerged by the defense. That's not going to stop happening to him, being triple teamed in the paint, so hopefully he's ready for that next time and is better at passing out.

Generally, the team looked not too bad to me, and if it really mattered Collins could have easily run up the scope and crushed Mercy, but it looked to me more like he was using this as another tune up game to get everyone on the team minutes and experience. 70 bench minutes tells that story pretty well.

A BIG that can shoot FTs. How refreshing

 

[Max_Power]

Heard on Clarvino it was a groin injury and they kept him out. He was there is street cloths

First post was correct - hard fall against ISU. Should play Friday.

I noticed Angelo's absence but didn't know why. Hopefully he heals up nicely and gets back by week two.

I'm hopeful they'll coach the kids up on the defense of 'the ball will come to you if you're in the right place'. Too many kids tonight lunging for the steal and giving up easy passes and scores. I like the aggressive defense and everyone going after the ball, but lets clog the lanes more and lunge less.

Several of these guys are still projects and need to learn better decision making, but they're all athletic like wow. Several clown-show transitions and plays that should never have happened, but mostly worked out against Mercyhurst and won't fly at all against real competition, but also demonstrated awareness and physical ability.

I agree that Page is a power forward rather than a center. He looks good (had a double double his first game here, yay!) and I love his free throw stroke. He'll miss shots, but they all look like they should go in. He's going to get fouled a lot in conference, so it's good knowing that can still work out for the team.

Nick had a rough game and missed the front end of a few 1 and 1s that kept him under 20 points. He had too many turn overs, not all counted against him, and generally got zerged by the defense. That's not going to stop happening to him, being triple teamed in the paint, so hopefully he's ready for that next time and is better at passing out.

Generally, the team looked not too bad to me, and if it really mattered Collins could have easily run up the scope and crushed Mercy, but it looked to me more like he was using this as another tune up game to get everyone on the team minutes and experience. 70 bench minutes tells that story pretty well.

Ciaravino sat out as a luxury after the hard fall against ISU.

 

[DaCat]

First post was correct - hard fall against ISU. Should play Friday.

Ciaravino sat out as a luxury after the hard fall against ISU.

Yep, and Collins said the post-game presser that Gelo should be ready for the next game. But no need to rush him at this point, it's a long season ahead of us.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Here’s what I saw from Section 107 behind the team bench.
3. Why isn’t KJ getting more minutes? We need his offensive punch, especially from 3.

According to Matt's article, KJ had the third most minutes on the team. I thought he played very well, not surprisingly much more mature game than last year.

 

[lunker35]

According to Matt's article, KJ had the third most minutes on the team. I thought he played very well, not surprisingly much more mature game than last year.

KJ is a difference maker. I'd like to see him on the floor a lot. I know we are really deep, which is great but I think he has intangibles that others don't have at this point.

 

[DaCat]

KJ is a difference maker. I'd like to see him on the floor a lot. I know we are really deep, which is great but I think he has intangibles that others don't have at this point.

I was surprised that Collins started Clayton over KJ. Perhaps he wants KJ to be the supersub who can turbo charge the offense when it stagnates. KJ is so confident with his shot, and like you said he can contribute in a lot of other ways too.

 

[Deeringfish]

I was surprised that Collins started Clayton over KJ. Perhaps he wants KJ to be the supersub who can turbo charge the offense when it stagnates. KJ is so confident with his shot, and like you said he can contribute in a lot of other ways too.

Some guys seen to just play better off the bench. Let's say Clayton and KJ are equal commodities but KJ is better off the bench, that would be the way to play them.

 

[GatoLouco]

I was surprised that Collins started Clayton over KJ. Perhaps he wants KJ to be the supersub who can turbo charge the offense when it stagnates. KJ is so confident with his shot, and like you said he can contribute in a lot of other ways too.

Without having watched a single second of the games this season, that is my guess. Spark off the bench.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Focus on minutes, not who gets the start. The starting group should hopefully have enough scoring balance to hold its own. What really is exciting is having someone like KJ come in after the game settles. They’re fresh, seeing the flow, and often facing a mix of second unit defenders. That kind of instant offense spark off the bench is the kind of luxury a deeper roster can finally afford.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Also saw some glimpses of some full court press which NU might have the athletes and depth to run.

 

[clarificationcat]

Here’s what I saw from Section 107 behind the team bench.

1. Collins coached hard all night and was none too happy at times. He was hardest on the team when they were up 20. I like that in a coach.
2. Page is a blessing. He’s not a center. Footwork in the paint is atrocious and doesn’t know what a back to the basket game looks like. But he can rebound and score facing the basket. He can block a shot. And without him we would be just another small ball team.
3. Why isn’t KJ getting more minutes? We need his offensive punch, especially from 3.
4. Jake West is a HS coach’s dream. Smart, skilled and tough. And still not close to being strong enough to compete in the BIG.
5. Singleton is a joy to watch. Does so many things well. All the stuff that doesn’t show up in a box score and more.
6. What’s the scoop on Ciaravino not dressing tonight? No visible sign of an injury, but in street clothes tonight.
7. Green can help this team. Strong floor game, willing rebounder and a plus 3 point shooter vs the right matchups.

Team is still a work in progress. As you would expect with so many new faces. I was really impressed with how everyone was looking to make the right pass. Even if the results were a bit ugly at times.

Small ball needs work.

GOUNUII

Do you think Page will be able to guard 5’s? To me, that kind of determines whether he is a 4 or a 5. And how were his screens? Matt had no post game or footwork either but he could guard 5’s, set great screens and roll to the basket and was a good passer.

 

[hdhntr1]

Do you think Page will be able to guard 5’s? To me, that kind of determines whether he is a 4 or a 5. And how were his screens? Matt had no post game or footwork either but he could guard 5’s, set great screens and roll to the basket and was a good passer.

Jury still out

 

[hdhntr1]

Also saw some glimpses of some full court press which NU might have the athletes and depth to run.

Looked like it was more just to show something different rather than to really disrupt

 

[hdhntr1]

I was surprised that Collins started Clayton over KJ. Perhaps he wants KJ to be the supersub who can turbo charge the offense when it stagnates. KJ is so confident with his shot, and like you said he can contribute in a lot of other ways too.

Clayton was a steadying force early. He got a lot of rebounds in those first few minutes

 

[hdhntr1]

Focus on minutes, not who gets the start. The starting group should hopefully have enough scoring balance to hold its own. What really is exciting is having someone like KJ come in after the game settles. They’re fresh, seeing the flow, and often facing a mix of second unit defenders. That kind of instant offense spark off the bench is the kind of luxury a deeper roster can finally afford.

Being on the bench at the beginning of the game also allows them to see what is happening and helps avoid mistakes and turnovers and see opportunities when they get in

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Clayton was a steadying force early. He got a lot of rebounds in those first few minutes

He is an excellent rebounder for his size.

 

[Napcat]

He, like Ciraravino, has put on alot of muscle since he arrived.

 

[Catreporter]

He is an excellent rebounder for his size.

Unfortunately he still has trouble making an open shot,

 

[Username Not Available]

Several players missed layups last night. The kinds of layups they'll definitely need to be making the rest of the season. Clayton and Reid were both guilty of this, but they weren't alone.

 

[freewillie07]

CCC has earned the trust to know what he’s doing. Game was never in doubt and so he tried some things. I expect more of the same in the coming games before the noncon slate gets more serious.

Like others I expect KJ could be a Tre Demps like 6th man who ends up more in the 25-30 min range during conference play.

Gotta give Singleton a good amount of run in the early going. Just so much upside and he looks like he belongs. But we have the luxury of having other guys who can slot in and give him a breather so he’s not burnt out by conference play.

Page and Martinelli have to play, obviously.

That leaves not a massive amount of minutes to go around. It will be interesting to see how the rotation develops. Martinelli’s postgame comments sure make it sound like CCC has telegraphed a deep rotation this year but we will see. Hard to see for example how Jake West slots in, barring injuries.

 

[No Chores]

Unfortunately he still has trouble making an open shot,

Unfortunately he still has trouble making an open shot,

Right you are, and this, in my opinion, is real cause for concern. I know Clayton is well respected and well liked, which is why he was chosen as a captain, but you can't continue to start a guy who is unable to make a shot from the field.

 

[NJCat]

Right you are, and this, in my opinion, is real cause for concern. I know Clayton is well respected and well liked, which is why he was chosen as a captain, but you can't continue to start a guy who is unable to make a shot from the field.

Clayton started last night only because Jello was hurt. He'll back up Reid going forward, which is fine because they will have 4 other scorers on the floor when he plays.

 

[No Chores]

Clayton started last night only because Jello was hurt. He'll back up Reid going forward, which is fine because they will have 4 other scorers on the floor when he plays.

Well, I guess we'll see, but I thought Clayton started the 2 exhibition games as well. I hope you're right that in the future his primary roll will be to back up Reid. He stared last night, played 20 minutes and scored zero points.

 

[NJCat]

Well, I guess we'll see, but I thought Clayton started the 2 exhibition games as well. I hope you're right that in the future his primary roll will be to back up Reid. He stared last night, played 20 minutes and scored zero points.

I'm going by what Collins said in the post-game. Yes, Clayton started the exhibition games, but that was because Reid was hurt the first game and was working back into shape the second.

 

[prez77]

Some guys seen to just play better off the bench. Let's say Clayton and KJ are equal commodities but KJ is better off the bench, that would be the way to play them.

But they aren't equal commodities. KJ is a vastly better scorer, possibly second best on the team. Clayton may be a better defender, but not that much better, and certainly not enough better to keep the best known three-point shooter on the bench. And to the "spark" argument, I'd rather have my spark from the get-go than having to get it later, which in the BIG10, will likely mean coming from behind.

 

[No Chores]

I'm going by what Collins said in the post-game. Yes, Clayton started the exhibition games, but that was because Reid was hurt the first game and was working back into shape the second.

Well, again, we'll see, but I can see no reason to start a guy who had zero points in 20 minutes of action, so it will be interesting to see what happens on Friday.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

Well, again, we'll see, but I can see no reason to start a guy who had zero points in 20 minutes of action, so it will be interesting to see what happens on Friday.

At this point in the season, Clayton has the second best ability to run the offense. His overall ceiling as a player may be limited, but he’s a reliable ball handler and capable of keeping the team organized. With Reid in foul trouble, They leaned more heavily on Clayton to steady the offense and initiate sets.

Ideally, Reid would take the majority of the lead guard minutes, with Clayton coming in to give him a breather. West could also factor into that rotation as an additional option at the position.

On the wings, Windham, Green, Mullins, Ciaravino, Martinelli, and Singleton are all competing for minutes. In the frontcourt, Page, Kropp, and a mix of Martinelli or Singleton fill out the post rotation.

Those are the general buckets for playing time within Collins’ system right now. Windham can be used at lead guard in certain situations, though Clayton is the more natural fit for running the offense, while KJ profiles better as a wing. Singleton has also shown flashes of being able to handle and initiate, giving the staff some flexibility when lineups tighten or injuries occur later in the season.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

But they aren't equal commodities. KJ is a vastly better scorer, possibly second best on the team. Clayton may be a better defender, but not that much better, and certainly not enough better to keep the best known three-point shooter on the bench. And to the "spark" argument, I'd rather have my spark from the get-go than having to get it later, which in the BIG10, will likely mean coming from behind.

It’s not a KJ vs Clayton thing see my above post. KJ > Clayton at defense imo. KJ getting a feel for the game on the bench playing against second unit defenders helps create that spark. Gelo is probably the starter right now when healthy. Martinelli and Page give enough of a scoring punch in the starting lineup. Why not trust Collins in wanting an instant energy guy off the bench? It’s not like he can’t start him later in the season when someone needs a kick in the rear or just a switch up to get them out of a funk. See Berry last season.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

At this point in the season, Clayton has the second best ability to run the offense. His overall ceiling as a player may be limited, but he’s a reliable ball handler and capable of keeping the team organized. With Reid in foul trouble, They leaned more heavily on Clayton to steady the offense and initiate sets.

Ideally, Reid would take the majority of the lead guard minutes, with Clayton coming in to give him a breather. West could also factor into that rotation as an additional option at the position.

On the wings, Windham, Green, Mullins, Ciaravino, Martinelli, and Singleton are all competing for minutes. In the frontcourt, Page, Kropp, and a mix of Martinelli or Singleton fill out the post rotation.

Those are the general buckets for playing time within Collins’ system right now. Windham can be used at lead guard in certain situations, though Clayton is the more natural fit for running the offense, while KJ profiles better as a wing. Singleton has also shown flashes of being able to handle and initiate, giving the staff some flexibility when lineups tighten or injuries occur later in the season.

Where is FitzMagic when you need him?

 

[TejasCat]

That starting lineup from Monday has zero three point shooters that we can rely on. Really hard to make our offense work with no threat from 3.
At least Gelo will be a threat and I assume he starts friday, but we really need 2+ three point shooters otherwise they will double the heck out of Page and Nick.

We really need Singelton and Reid to knock down any open 3's. I don't have much confidence still in Mullins or Clayton to consistently hit open 3's.
Its fine that KJ doesn't start, but he should be getting high 20's in minutes. Clayton should be closer to 10 than 20 as well.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

But they aren't equal commodities. KJ is a vastly better scorer, possibly second best on the team. Clayton may be a better defender, but not that much better, and certainly not enough better to keep the best known three-point shooter on the bench. And to the "spark" argument, I'd rather have my spark from the get-go than having to get it later, which in the BIG10, will likely mean coming from behind.

I think ultimately this year we're gonna actually have guys who can score off the bench, so if a starter is struggling to score they can see if Clayton is having a good night. That's the idea anyway.

 

[TheC]

I think ultimately this year we're gonna actually have guys who can score off the bench, so if a starter is struggling to score they can see if Clayton is having a good night. That's the idea anyway.

But to think that Clayton is suddenly going to become something different than what he always has been and make three point shots is wishful thinking. Don't think he is ever going to have a good night as far as scoring is concerned.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Well, again, we'll see, but I can see no reason to start a guy who had zero points in 20 minutes of action, so it will be interesting to see what happens on Friday.

Let’s talk about touches. Mart must have them, Page has shown he should get them too. I expect Reid and Singleton also deserve looks. So we could run Clayton - who doesn’t need them and use KJ in place of the other four in rotation and take those touches - or reduce touches for all four to get KJ on the floor with them.

I think total minutes for KJ and being there to close games are more important. If I’m going to run only be able to run five scoring options for limited minutes, I want them at the end. And page probably won’t even make it to the end of many games with his foul concerns.

 

[GatoLouco]

Clayton is a good kid, a steady hand, but if we have to rely on more than 10 minutes from him, we are in trouble.