My final player profile is for Patrick Suemnick, and 6’ 8”, 225 pound fifth year center/forward from Oklahoma State (17-18, 7-13 in the Big Twelve Conference).
Suemnick has been a bench player his entire career. Over four seasons, one at Robert Morris, two at West Virginia, and one at OK State, he has averaged ten minutes per game. For that little playing time, he has made an impact – his 3 points, 2 rebounds, 0.3 blocks and 0.3 steals project out to 11 points/7 rebounds/1 assist/1 block shot over 40 minutes.
Suemnick has four very favorable qualities. First, he is physical and tough. He seems to relish contact, especially when he has the basketball in his hands. Second, he has soft hands, and does well catching the interior pass, something that a lot of big men struggle with. Third, Suemnick is an excellent rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. Finally, Suemnick knows where the basket is, and is a strong driver with solid inside moves.
The biggest concern about his game is his free throw shooting. Last season, his field goal percentage (52%) was better than his free throw shooting (44%). The Hall already has enough big men who struggle from the line.
As Coach Holloway pointed out in his interview with Adam Zagoria, Suemnick has played for three years in the Big Twelve, which is a tough, physical Power Four conference. The level of play in the Big East should not create problems for him. Coach Holloway also liked Suemnick’s shooting, but here I am unconvinced – Suemnick has shot 53% from the floor over his career, which is what one would expect from a player who gets most of his points on put backs. On the other hand, he has made but four three-pointers in his college career. Given his per game steals and block average, Suemnick will provide solid defense when he is in the game.
The signing of Najai Hines has completely transformed the big man picture for the Pirates. If Coach Holloway chooses to play a center and a big man at power forward, we may see some minutes for Suemnick at the four. If Coach Holloway wants to play a scorer at the four – like Dar or Rivera – then Suemnick will have another season with limited minutes. If nothing else, Suemnick is five extra fouls. At best, he will be a defensive force on our opponents scoring power forward, and a grab a couple of garbage baskets that will be crucial in close games.
Ironically, Suemnick’s biggest contributions may occur at practice. Godswill Erheriene, Assane Mbaye and Najai Hines all will require some development. Suemnick’s role may be to push the underclassmen, and help develop them into complete players.
Suemnick has been a bench player his entire career. Over four seasons, one at Robert Morris, two at West Virginia, and one at OK State, he has averaged ten minutes per game. For that little playing time, he has made an impact – his 3 points, 2 rebounds, 0.3 blocks and 0.3 steals project out to 11 points/7 rebounds/1 assist/1 block shot over 40 minutes.
Suemnick has four very favorable qualities. First, he is physical and tough. He seems to relish contact, especially when he has the basketball in his hands. Second, he has soft hands, and does well catching the interior pass, something that a lot of big men struggle with. Third, Suemnick is an excellent rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. Finally, Suemnick knows where the basket is, and is a strong driver with solid inside moves.
The biggest concern about his game is his free throw shooting. Last season, his field goal percentage (52%) was better than his free throw shooting (44%). The Hall already has enough big men who struggle from the line.
As Coach Holloway pointed out in his interview with Adam Zagoria, Suemnick has played for three years in the Big Twelve, which is a tough, physical Power Four conference. The level of play in the Big East should not create problems for him. Coach Holloway also liked Suemnick’s shooting, but here I am unconvinced – Suemnick has shot 53% from the floor over his career, which is what one would expect from a player who gets most of his points on put backs. On the other hand, he has made but four three-pointers in his college career. Given his per game steals and block average, Suemnick will provide solid defense when he is in the game.
The signing of Najai Hines has completely transformed the big man picture for the Pirates. If Coach Holloway chooses to play a center and a big man at power forward, we may see some minutes for Suemnick at the four. If Coach Holloway wants to play a scorer at the four – like Dar or Rivera – then Suemnick will have another season with limited minutes. If nothing else, Suemnick is five extra fouls. At best, he will be a defensive force on our opponents scoring power forward, and a grab a couple of garbage baskets that will be crucial in close games.
Ironically, Suemnick’s biggest contributions may occur at practice. Godswill Erheriene, Assane Mbaye and Najai Hines all will require some development. Suemnick’s role may be to push the underclassmen, and help develop them into complete players.
