Thanks to BC

[NJCat]

Two of the best players this season have been..........

Sanjay and Tap.

Give Collins and staff credit for developing them. They are completely different players than they were in their earlier years.

Good teams have Senior leadership, and man, have these two guys really been up to it this season.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Sanjay is a sight to behold with his giant basketball brain oozing all over the court.

 

[JournCat]

Lumpkin has been absolutely fantastic. The OP nails it: Credit to both coaches for finding and developing him. If he keeps up a double-double pace, he's going to be in the conversation for all-Big Ten.

 

[Katatonic]

Ha - I was going to post the same thing!

And to think there were more than few here who were predicting that Lumpkin would only be getting 10 mins or so of playing time per game (w/ a healthy Falzon) or even that CC wouldn't ask Lumpkin back for a 5th year (which was just stupid, as CC prizes D and not only that, he loves Sanjay).

As for Tap, many of the same had written him off as any sort of major contributor.

Luckily, CC is not the type to brush aside/dismiss what players can bring to the table simply b/c they weren't originally his recruits.

 

[Sec_112]

I'm dumbfounded by what Lumpkin has brought to the table so far this year. He's killing my 20-Minute Rule!

But for me, these two are far from the only surprises this year. It's a long list so far that nobody saw coming. We can go into that another time.

 

[DaCat]

I wonder if Lumpkin has OCD or something. 14 pts, 14 reb against Dayton. 13 pts, 13 reb against IUPUI. Whatever it is, hope he keeps it up during the Big 10 schedule.

 

[hdhntr1]

I wonder if Lumpkin has OCD or something. 14 pts, 14 reb against Dayton. 13 pts, 13 reb against IUPUI. Whatever it is, hope he keeps it up during the Big 10 schedule.

I mentioned that to him last night after the game

 

[CommodoresAndCats]

Lumpkin has been something special to watch this season. You barely even notice him at times until you look at the box score, we're going to miss him when he's gone. Tap has filled his role extremely well this season, and filling the same role that Falzon had. Although, Tap has been much more efficient shooting than Falzon was as a freshman.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Lumpkin has been something special to watch this season. You barely even notice him at times until you look at the box score, we're going to miss him when he's gone. Tap has filled his role extremely well this season, and filling the same role that Falzon had. Although, Tap has been much more efficient shooting than Falzon was as a freshman.

Hard to imagine saying this 365 days ago, but with the dynamic of our team, and taking into account both players game on both ends of the court, I'm pretty confident we will miss Lumpkin more next year than we do Demps this year.

 

[Kelly_32_rivals]

Hard to imagine saying this 365 days ago, but with the dynamic of our team, and taking into account both players game on both ends of the court, I'm pretty confident we will miss Lumpkin more next year than we do Demps this year.

Scottie Lindsey's improvement has offset the departure of Demps.

 

[Medill90]

Scottie Lindsey's improvement has offset the departure of Demps.

Scottie looks to me like a guy who still doesn't know how good he can be. He's doing more of it this year....but there's a whole lot more he can do if he just decides to.

Skelly too. Can't wait to see Skelly play some conference games when the refs swallow their whistles.

 

[willycat]

Scottie Lindsey's improvement has offset the departure of Demps.

gree and maybe Falzone and possibly Rap will make Lumpkin's leaving a lot easier.

 

[Kelly_32_rivals]

I don't feel like we've missed Olah or Demps. I think the ball moves quicker and we are better defensively without Demps and we are a lot more athletic and faster without Olah.

My phone just tried to change Olah to Olajuwan. I would take a 20 year old Akeem on this team.

 

[NJCat]

My phone just tried to change Olah to Olajuwan. I would take a 20 year old Akeem on this team.

I'd take a 12 year old Olajuwan......

 

[PZAZ]

We have Rap, Falzon and Gaines coming next year, losing Sanjay and Nate.
Perhaps a wash - but everyone else with more experience.

 

[NJCat]

We have Rap, Falzon and Gaines coming next year, losing Sanjay and Nate.
Perhaps a wash - but everyone else with more experience.

Cats are going to be GOOD next year.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I'm dumbfounded by what Lumpkin has brought to the table so far this year. He's killing my 20-Minute Rule!

But for me, these two are far from the only surprises this year. It's a long list so far that nobody saw coming. We can go into that another time.

I was one that didn't see this coming but if Falzon and. RI were healthy, raise your hand if you thought they would RS. Those with hands down, tell me where there minutes would come from - especially in games that Pardon plays.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

I was one that didn't see this coming but if Falzon and. RI were healthy, raise your hand if you thought they would RS. Those with hands down, tell me where there minutes would come from - especially in games that Pardon plays.

Probably 5 or so minutes each from Lindsey, Law, Lumpkin, and Taphorn to keep everyone fresher throughout the year.

 

[go cats go_rivals310290]

I was one that didn't see this coming but if Falzon and. RI were healthy, raise your hand if you thought they would RS. Those with hands down, tell me where there minutes would come from - especially in games that Pardon plays.

I thought Falzon was going to be big for us. Contradicting some other posters' predictions, I did actually expect Sanjay and Skelly to be major players for us. At the same time, I didn't expect Lindsey to be so good...and I was cautiously optimistic about Law, but he has also exceeded expectations. BMac, on the other hand, ugh.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I thought Falzon was going to be big for us. Contradicting some other posters' predictions, I did actually expect Sanjay and Skelly to be major players for us. At the same time, I didn't expect Lindsey to be so good...and I was cautiously optimistic about Law, but he has also exceeded expectations. BMac, on the other hand, ugh.

I think Tap and Lump's opportunities came at the loss of Falzon and RI, and a bit to Pardon. Had RI and Falzon produced at acceptable levels, I doubt we would have seen these two and thus they would not have demonstrated this unexpected growth. I cannot think of a single successful program that runs a 10 or 11 man rotation - 7 or 8. And I do not think a few minutes here or there would have provided the stage for these two to sufficiently showcase their development and push Falzon and RI aside.

In my mind, the fact that Tap and Lump where forced into heavy duty and took that opportunity to show people like me that they are much better than I could have dreamed speaks volumes to their dedication and personal growth and the coaching staff's ability to develop (something missing from many aspects of our football coaching staff...).

I am shocked and awed by the success of this injury riddled team. If RI is as good as advertised, if Falzon develops from his freshman level and if the rest of the guys continue to develop - then I think we will rock next year.

The one concern I have is Mac. I did not have great expectations of him as a recruit, but the last two years made me a believer. So, this season is disappointing so far, especially with the coaching staff seemingly strong. Is he pressing to be the star? Is it simply a down year? Is it a difficult transition to a new role for him in a team with multiple options? Not sure - but if Mac returns to old form, then this team will be fun to watch all year and could be down right dangerous next year.

I still want a 2017 big guy for Xmas - preferably one with immediate PT talent.

 

[go cats go_rivals310290]

The one concern I have is Mac. I did not have great expectations of him as a recruit, but the last two years made me a believer. So, this season is disappointing so far, especially with the coaching staff seemingly strong. Is he pressing to be the star? Is it simply a down year? Is it a difficult transition to a new role for him in a team with multiple options? Not sure - but if Mac returns to old form, then this team will be fun to watch all year and could be down right dangerous next year.

BMac's shots just aren't going in. It seems like he is taking good shots. But he's shooting miserable percentages from inside and beyond the arc...and he has taken more shots than anyone else on the team. The "high pick offense" to let BMac score or dish has not been good--and this is the offense we have gone to with second-half leads, hence the brutally close games against inferior opponents (and the loss against Butler). BMac just doesn't have it right now.

Every now and then, BMac this season has been more brilliant than he has ever been. The second half against Wake Forest was incredible. But, game by game, he has been perhaps the weakest starter. Sure, he averages double-digits...but he shoots so damn much. He is averaging more than 12 field goal attempts and 2.5 free throws per game!

Meanwhile, Sanjay takes 4.5 shots per game and averages 8 ppg. Different role, but still.

 

[NJCat]

I think Tap and Lump's opportunities came at the loss of Falzon and RI, and a bit to Pardon. Had RI and Falzon produced at acceptable levels, I doubt we would have seen these two and thus they would not have demonstrated this unexpected growth. I cannot think of a single successful program that runs a 10 or 11 man rotation - 7 or 8. And I do not think a few minutes here or there would have provided the stage for these two to sufficiently showcase their development and push Falzon and RI aside.

In my mind, the fact that Tap and Lump where forced into heavy duty and took that opportunity to show people like me that they are much better than I could have dreamed speaks volumes to their dedication and personal growth and the coaching staff's ability to develop (something missing from many aspects of our football coaching staff...).

I am shocked and awed by the success of this injury riddled team. If RI is as good as advertised, if Falzon develops from his freshman level and if the rest of the guys continue to develop - then I think we will rock next year.

The one concern I have is Mac. I did not have great expectations of him as a recruit, but the last two years made me a believer. So, this season is disappointing so far, especially with the coaching staff seemingly strong. Is he pressing to be the star? Is it simply a down year? Is it a difficult transition to a new role for him in a team with multiple options? Not sure - but if Mac returns to old form, then this team will be fun to watch all year and could be down right dangerous next year.

I still want a 2017 big guy for Xmas - preferably one with immediate PT talent.

BMac has turned into Tre Demps of Fall 2015......

 

[NUCat320]

Cats are going to be GOOD next year.

Dude, they're good this year.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

BMac's shots just aren't going in. It seems like he is taking good shots. But he's shooting miserable percentages from inside and beyond the arc...and he has taken more shots than anyone else on the team. The "high pick offense" to let BMac score or dish has not been good--and this is the offense we have gone to with second-half leads, hence the brutally close games against inferior opponents (and the loss against Butler). BMac just doesn't have it right now.

Every now and then, BMac this season has been more brilliant than he has ever been. The second half against Wake Forest was incredible. But, game by game, he has been perhaps the weakest starter. Sure, he averages double-digits...but he shoots so damn much. He is averaging more than 12 field goal attempts and 2.5 free throws per game!

Meanwhile, Sanjay takes 4.5 shots per game and averages 8 ppg. Different role, but still.

The shooting has been disappointing, but I'm not really concerned about it. Guys go through stretches where the shots just aren't falling, and they snap out of it eventually. To me, the biggest concern with BMac has been the increased turnovers. While we are playing a more uptempo game with better athletes, so a slight increase in turnovers can be expected, the increase has been much larger than expected. To this point, that has been a much bigger concern of mine that his shooting struggles.

 

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

I wish McIntosh were shooting better. While we're waiting for that to happen, I'm more concerned about his turnovers. They're not epic, but we've seen him play better. The shots will eventually fall - in the meantime, if he can do some of the other things well it's going to help a lot.

 

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

The shooting has been disappointing, but I'm not really concerned about it. Guys go through stretches where the shots just aren't falling, and they snap out of it eventually. To me, the biggest concern with BMac has been the increased turnovers. While we are playing a more uptempo game with better athletes, so a slight increase in turnovers can be expected, the increase has been much larger than expected. To this point, that has been a much bigger concern of mine that his shooting struggles.

Great minds think alike Jonny.

 

[go cats go_rivals310290]

BMac has turned into Tre Demps of Fall 2015......

BMac is a better free-throw shooter... But aside from that, the overall performance in Tre's slump was better than BMac's slump. Let's hope that BMac wakes up in B1G play at least as much as Tre did in 2016.

(At least Tre had the excuse of being a new father! Who can I blame besides the NU Athletics Marketing Team for the "BMac Dime" gimmick jinx? Get it together, Bryant!)

 

[NJCat]

(At least Tre had the excuse of being a new father! Who can I blame besides the NU Athletics Marketing Team for the "BMac Dime" gimmick jinx? Get it together, Bryant!)

Pretty hard to blame Tre's early season woes on fatherhood, given that the baby wasn't born until March....

 

[Medill90]

Tre didn't run the offense.

It would be great if BMac shot better in pre conference, but his overall performance has been fine. NU has played more talented teams versus last year so nothing is as easy. But, his assists to turnovers are still decent and the shooting will come around. He'll end up shooting about the same percentage he always has. Which isn't news.

 

[NJCat]

NU has played more talented teams versus last year so nothing is as easy. But, his assists to turnovers are still decent and the shooting will come around. He'll end up shooting about the same percentage he always has. Which isn't news.

He shot 42% both of his first 2 seasons but is only hitting 36% 40% of the way through the season. His 3 point is down to 26% versus 36% prior to this season. If you believe that his shooting percentages are down due to more difficult competition, it is hard to see how he will increase them to career average once the difficult Big 10 grind starts.

 

[willycat]

I think Tap and Lump's opportunities came at the loss of Falzon and RI, and a bit to Pardon. Had RI and Falzon produced at acceptable levels, I doubt we would have seen these two and thus they would not have demonstrated this unexpected growth. I cannot think of a single successful program that runs a 10 or 11 man rotation - 7 or 8. And I do not think a few minutes here or there would have provided the stage for these two to sufficiently showcase their development and push Falzon and RI aside.

In my mind, the fact that Tap and Lump where forced into heavy duty and took that opportunity to show people like me that they are much better than I could have dreamed speaks volumes to their dedication and personal growth and the coaching staff's ability to develop (something missing from many aspects of our football coaching staff...).

I am shocked and awed by the success of this injury riddled team. If RI is as good as advertised, if Falzon develops from his freshman level and if the rest of the guys continue to develop - then I think we will rock next year.

The one concern I have is Mac. I did not have great expectations of him as a recruit, but the last two years made me a believer. So, this season is disappointing so far, especially with the coaching staff seemingly strong. Is he pressing to be the star? Is it simply a down year? Is it a difficult transition to a new role for him in a team with multiple options? Not sure - but if Mac returns to old form, then this team will be fun to watch all year and could be down right dangerous next year.

I still want a 2017 big guy for Xmas - preferably one with immediate PT talent.

Agree that Tap and Lumpkin have shown that they are quality Big Ten type players but a heathy Falzone lots of minutes from Lumpkin and add Rap to the mix and tap sees very limited minutes.

 

[willycat]

I wish McIntosh were shooting better. While we're waiting for that to happen, I'm more concerned about his turnovers. They're not epic, but we've seen him play better. The shots will eventually fall - in the meantime, if he can do some of the other things well it's going to help a lot.

Do you think that some of Mac's turnover problems are the result of him not having a regular partner at the two?

 

[Medill90]

If you believe that his shooting percentages are down due to more difficult competition, it is hard to see how he will increase them to career average once the difficult Big 10 grind starts.

I do think in part his bumpy start is due to better competition.

I think he'll improve in conference. Part of that is that he'll simply play out of what's going on and he'll regress to his mean. The other part is that the Big Ten is softer this year, and NU has a weaker Big Ten schedule than last year.

 

[ThatadultfromHolland]

I highly doubt lumpkin would many min to falzon and RI. Taphorn took Falznones min as they are similar players while I believe Falzone has more upside. But lumpkin is no contest our best defender and our second best offensive rebounder and one of our top rebounders (law maybe over him? with pardon being overall best) Collins likes defense and that's honestly what has won us games even when we shoot poorly it's the defense that is the difference this year.

 

[NJCat]

Do you think that some of Mac's turnover problems are the result of him not having a regular partner at the two?

Does Scottie Lindsey ring a bell? He's averaging 30.5 min/game at the 2......Isiah is Getting the rest of the minutes.

 

[Medill90]

I highly doubt lumpkin would many min to falzon and RI. Taphorn took Falznones min as they are similar players while I believe Falzone has more upside. But lumpkin is no contest our best defender and our second best offensive rebounder and one of our top rebounders (law maybe over him? with pardon being overall best) Collins likes defense and that's honestly what has won us games even when we shoot poorly it's the defense that is the difference this year.

There are five or six guys on this board who preseason had Sanjay not starting and down to five minutes a game. One was going to push him out so that his scholly could be used for the Barry kid.

I'll cede the floor and let them tell you now why you're wrong......

(sound of birds chirping)

 

[xxxbobxxx]

There are five or six guys on this board who preseason had Sanjay not starting and down to five minutes a game. One was going to push him out so that his scholly could be used for the Barry kid.

I'll cede the floor and let them tell you now why you're wrong......

(sound of birds chirping)

I was one of those referred. And you may recall that we had no schollies so something had to give. In my defense, I thought more likely that Tap would medically retire. Regardless, I was wrong - JV had his athletic schollie replaced and was embroiled in activity that would lead to a lawsuit against NU. Not sure that is such a cool result that it beats my speculation as to the source of that schollie.

And I also expected both Tap and Lump to sit most of the year. I didn't anticipate both RI and Falzon going down with season ending injuries. But I will ask you, even with the knowledge of the development in Tap and Lump, who did you see starting if RI and Falzon are healthy? I'll sit back and listen to the crickets as you look for a way to dodge the question.

 

[NJCat]

And I also expected both Tap and Lump to sit most of the year. I didn't anticipate both RI and Falzon going down with season ending injuries. But I will ask you, even with the knowledge of the development in Tap and Lump, who did you see starting if RI and Falzon are healthy? I'll sit back and listen to the crickets as you look for a way to dodge the question.

To be fair to Medill90, here is what he posted (and you Liked) on Nov. 2:

"I think...
* Collins goes with a fairly long rotation;
* You guys and gals that think Collins doesn't start the loyal and selfless Sanjay are smoking dope. But I agree his minutes are down a tad;
* BMac plays a minute or three less than last year;
* Law plays about the same minutes as BMac minus two or three;
* Falzon plays about the same minutes as last year plus two or three;
* Lindsey's minutes will be up a little from last year;
* Skelly and Tap will play about the same minutes as last year;
* Dererk plays Olah's minutes almost equally;
* Benson plays, but not huge minutes;
* Brown is the X factor. When it's going in he plays. When it's not, Ash plays."

 

[Medill90]

I was one of those referred. And you may recall that we had no schollies so something had to give. In my defense, I thought more likely that Tap would medically retire. Regardless, I was wrong - JV had his athletic schollie replaced and was embroiled in activity that would lead to a lawsuit against NU. Not sure that is such a cool result that it beats my speculation as to the source of that schollie.

And I also expected both Tap and Lump to sit most of the year. I didn't anticipate both RI and Falzon going down with season ending injuries. But I will ask you, even with the knowledge of the development in Tap and Lump, who did you see starting if RI and Falzon are healthy? I'll sit back and listen to the crickets as you look for a way to dodge the question.

I don't get the JV comment. JV has been off the team and has nothing to do with anything. I know there are some NU supporters who are anti Phillips and see bringing up the JV lawsuit as a way to diminish what Collins has accomplished. (and I honestly don't know if you are one those people because I'm a little older and can't remember individual posters) So why you'd bring up JV in a thread about Sanjay I have no idea. (I'd just add that I'm not a big phillips guy)

In regards to your question, I saw Sanjay starting and playing 25 minutes a game. I think I posted as much pre season. I did see some of the bigs taking minutes from him.

I did not see Skelly getting the minutes he's getting. I envisioned Tap playing far fewer minutes than he is. A lot of games, I thought, Tap would not play because he was last man out on minutes.

Based on reports that I've read and separate from his injury, I had Rap further along in his development than he probably is. In July after seeing the team workout and seeing Rap's seriousness and intensity, I had Rap pressing for starts by the end of his freshman year.

I had Falzon starting. I think that Falzon's defense and rebounding are underrated on this board. It's why he was out there last year instead of junior Tap. I think if Falzon went into October 100% healthy he starts.

I think the bigger point is that three starters are written in ink...BMac, Sanjay and Pardon. Sanjay because of his defense, intensity and leadership was never, ever not going to start.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

To be fair to Medill90, here is what he posted (and you Liked) on Nov. 2:

"I think...
* Collins goes with a fairly long rotation;
* You guys and gals that think Collins doesn't start the loyal and selfless Sanjay are smoking dope. But I agree his minutes are down a tad;
* BMac plays a minute or three less than last year;
* Law plays about the same minutes as BMac minus two or three;
* Falzon plays about the same minutes as last year plus two or three;
* Lindsey's minutes will be up a little from last year;
* Skelly and Tap will play about the same minutes as last year;
* Dererk plays Olah's minutes almost equally;
* Benson plays, but not huge minutes;
* Brown is the X factor. When it's going in he plays. When it's not, Ash plays."

Well, that is post RI injury. And I do like much about the post. But without two screens (on my iPad down in FL), I'm curious how many minutes that adds up to be. 200 is the limit. If it exceeds 200, then it is like participation trophies - meaningless adulation.