Pat Spencer

[EvanstonCat]

2019-2020 was never going to be a banner year for NU. Not sure I expected just one win in conference, but very few truly expected this team to do much but grow.

But, man, Pat Spencer has been a joy to watch. At times. Flashes of unreal play and brilliance that I’ve never really seen before. The missed tomahawk was one of the highlights of my NU hoops watching days, and the behind the back fake for the layup against MD will also be one to remembered. And I love his moxy and his jawing at the Maryland guys. No intimidation whatsoever. I wish we had this kid for 4 years. Amazing he’s played at this level without having played ball in college until now. Unreal.

Hopefully his attitude rubs off on some of the younger players. Pete Nance should room with him.

 

[torque-cat]

2019-2020 was never going to be a banner year for NU. Not sure I expected just one win in conference, but very few truly expected this team to do much but grow.

But, man, Pat Spencer has been a joy to watch. At times. Flashes of unreal play and brilliance that I’ve never really seen before. The missed tomahawk was one of the highlights of my NU hoops watching days, and the behind the back fake for the layup against MD will also be one to remembered. And I love his moxy and his jawing at the Maryland guys. No intimidation whatsoever. I wish we had this kid for 4 years. Amazing he’s played at this level without having played ball in college until now. Unreal.

Hopefully his attitude rubs off on some of the younger players. Pete Nance should room with him.

he has his flaws as a player but he is a beast of a competitor and athlete. If he started as a frosh he might have ended up all big ten with all he could have learned and worked on given his fierce confidence.

 

[Hungry Jack]

His success in lax shows on the court. He has no fear, no quit, and no lack of self control. I hope his moxie can somehow be bottled and rubbed all over guys like Nance, Beran, and Young.

 

[techtim72]

Was at the Maryland game last night. Spencer made a lot of clever assists that were not always rewarded with baskets. He was a big story because he is a legend in Maryland lacrosse.

In a lot of respects NU played better team basketball than Maryland but, at least in the first half, couldn't close the deal. NU's slow foot speed from the big guys hurt them on defense in that they elected to sag in and allow the 3 pointers. Maryland, in contrast could expand the defensive perimeter with quick athletes all around.

Did not see the stats but I cannot recall NU getting a single offensive rebound in the first half. They elected to fall back on defense after every shot probably because they were concerned with getting killed in transition. They were successful in that regard. Maryland's center was a rebounding machine as he was rarely/never contested when Maryland was on defense.

Beran looked a little gimpy running. Buie is fun to watch but in dribbling he does put the ball at risk with his moves. Looks like he has learned how to avoid steals, however. Spencer is always attacking and takes risks. Nance is limited athletically but Jones looks like a talent. Young is clever around the basket. I thought NU looked well coached playing in a tough arena. The Maryland basketball scene is big time.

 

[docrugby1]

I was at the game also. Ryan Young has some nice footwork around the basket, even Smith could not defend him very easily. NU had some success in the 2nd half by playing inside out creating better looks for Kopp and others

NU scored more field goals than UMD but got killed by Smith's dunks and rebounding

 

[PurpleFaze]

The upside for NU is of the frosh and sophs every kid (except maybe Greer) is a legit Big 10 talent. They have all had several nice games over the season- they just aren’t consistent enough or can’t get more than 1-2 guys to have nice games on the same evening.

Another year of maturity and strength plus getting Gaines back, adding Audige, Berry, and Nicholson and this team will have a decent roster.

 

[hdhntr1]

Was at the Maryland game last night. Spencer made a lot of clever assists that were not always rewarded with baskets. He was a big story because he is a legend in Maryland lacrosse.

In a lot of respects NU played better team basketball than Maryland but, at least in the first half, couldn't close the deal. NU's slow foot speed from the big guys hurt them on defense in that they elected to sag in and allow the 3 pointers. Maryland, in contrast could expand the defensive perimeter with quick athletes all around.

Did not see the stats but I cannot recall NU getting a single offensive rebound in the first half. They elected to fall back on defense after every shot probably because they were concerned with getting killed in transition. They were successful in that regard. Maryland's center was a rebounding machine as he was rarely/never contested when Maryland was on defense.

Beran looked a little gimpy running. Buie is fun to watch but in dribbling he does put the ball at risk with his moves. Looks like he has learned how to avoid steals, however. Spencer is always attacking and takes risks. Nance is limited athletically but Jones looks like a talent. Young is clever around the basket. I thought NU looked well coached playing in a tough arena. The Maryland basketball scene is big time.

I feel Young should be utilized more than he has been on O. To date, his O has been considered more as an afterthought. The other night was a prime example of what he can be. I feel that he could do this most nights and another teams focus in trying to take him out of play should open up other areas

 

[lou v]

I agree. Spencer is so much better than I expected. He’s often been NU’s best player. The dude is fearless and is a hell of an athlete. He’d be an All-Big Ten player if he could play four years.

Here’s a nice article from The Baltimore Sun on their native son.

Pat Spencer holding his own as a B1G basketball player

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

I agree. Spencer is so much better than I expected. He’s often been NU’s best player. The dude is fearless and is a hell of an athlete. He’d be an All-Big Ten player if he could play four years.

Here’s a nice article from The Baltimore Sun on their native son.

Pat Spencer holding his own as a B1G basketball player

Toughest kid on the team! It’s too bad next year wasn’t the one year he got because I think he would see those elusive wins.

 

[Max_Power]

I agree. Spencer is so much better than I expected. He’s often been NU’s best player. The dude is fearless and is a hell of an athlete. He’d be an All-Big Ten player if he could play four years.

Here’s a nice article from The Baltimore Sun on their native son.

Pat Spencer holding his own as a B1G basketball player

I think that he is a great story buried on a bad team. Wish he was getting the press for what he is accomplishing on a night in and out basis. I think I remember when Lou mentioned a certain de-commit seemed confused by the Spencer move, many were probably rightfully skeptical (myself included), hats off to Collins for seeing that he could play and even more for letting him log minutes night in and out. Special athlete that looks like he loves every minute on the floor.