Thoughts on the Minny game

[Medill90]

Text from friend and Gopher fan with two minutes left in the game: Olah is a force.

My thoughts:

* Demps was the difference with his ball handling and distribution. 7 assists? From Tre Demps? Are you kidding me. Nice game Tre;
* Um, did you see NU's offensive movement? It's becoming fairly complex with a series of off the ball screens and high low post movement. Open looks all over the place. This is not a case of teams not defending the three as Iowa and MN fans are protesting. This is a case of defenses breaking down after so much movement;
* Collins seems to really trust Taps decision making with the ball. Tap is working his way into a major role the next two years. He kept sealing their center right under the basket and took away any chance at a rebound. It was funny and great;
* The freshmen are no longer freshmen. They have too much experience and have played too many minutes against quality Big Ten opponents. Much more settled in their play. Helps in huge way with the three point shooting;
* Skelly has a super fast step on D that allows him to shut down lanes. He's going to get better and better. Someone else has said it...he'll be one of the most hated players in the Big Ten;
* I think MN has a roster problem. Too little, not enough size for the Big Ten. Don't think it gets much better next year;
* There wasn't a minute of play last night that MN looked like the better team to me. But then I thought NU played really fine D.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

A couple of my own thoughts and thoughts of your thoughts...thoughts.

- I was thinking the same thing about NU's passing/movement on offense while watching last night. Excellent use of off the ball screens, and it also seems like they are learning when to make that one extra pass. Skelly had a couple great passes last night (one on a back door layup to Taphorn and another on a missed 3 to Lindsey).
-Speaking of Skelly, you make a great point about him becoming one of the most hated players in the Big Ten in future years (which is a compliment). I could be wrong, but I don't see him ever being a big scorer, but he's that type of role player that is often incredibly important on a good team. Gives you 10-25 minutes a game (depending on the night), and provides great energy off the bench. Does a ton of the hard work, makes smart passes, and gives you great energy. Still needs a little polish, but his basketball IQ is already high and he's really fun to watch.
-After so many years of having teams that couldn't figure out how to beat a full court press, it is really refreshing to watch players that know how to break it. Ten turnovers against a team that presses a lot and relies on high energy defense to force turnovers is an impressive stat.
-Due to the good passing, we got a lot of good looks, and we hit a ton of 3's, but I still would like us to go inside a little bit more. You can only get so far with shooting that many 3's a game, because there are going to be nights they aren't falling. 58% of our shots last night were 3 pointers, which is a crazy stat. Again, not complaining since we played so well and we were hitting them, but would like to see us make a little more effort to go inside.
-Of all the things to be happy about last night, I think I was happiest for Vic Law. Law was the first big name to jump on board in last year's class, had a lot of hype coming into this year, and has not played up to the unfair high expectations that were put on him. I don't think he's played poorly, because I think many people don't realize many of the things he does well (for example, he's our most athletic rebounder, and uses that athletic skill to get rebounds other guys can't), but I think his lack of scoring and inconsistent shot have let some people down. I'm sure it's been frustrating for him. But last night, he got hot, and hit three huge 3 pointers when we really needed them. Changed the whole game around. I'm sure it felt absolutely great for him. He's going to be a star for us, I believe that, and hopefully that helps build the confidence.

 

[hdhntr1]

He will have to stand in line after that pick by Tap.

 

[clarificationcat]

I am not sure if Law is going to be a star but I think, at a minimum, he's going to be a good player on good teams.

I completely agree on the unfair expectations. He was a top 100 player based on his potential and core skill set (rightfully so). Instead of focusing on his effort and upside, folks have used the rankings to justify taking shots at a freshman, which is kind of pathetic. They suck.

And it's not just that he hit 3 3-pointers. He hit three shots that I have only seen Demps make. In each case, he was running full speed off of picks and had to square himself up to get the shots off. There are lots of guys at the local gym that can hit an open 3-pointer when they already have their feet set. Lindsey, Taphorn and McIntosh all did a great job of hitting those types of 3's yesterday. Not many can square up like Law did. He looked like Kyle Korver coming off of those picks. I don't know if he will become a good 3-point shooter but I think he will get to 33% next year, which should open up driving lanes for him once he gets stronger and more confident. He seems like he gives a good effort, so I am befuddled why everyone isn't very excited about his future.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Originally posted by clarificationcat:
I completely agree on the unfair expectations. He was a top 100 player based on his potential and core skill set (rightfully so). Instead of focusing on his effort and upside, folks have used the rankings to justify taking shots at a freshman, which is kind of pathetic. They suck.

I was going to say something similar, but held back. Glad you said it for me.

I think most of us probably realize Law isn't going to be a superstar. But, make no mistake; he's going to be a good one. Even if he never becomes a huge scorer, he's a great rebounder and is on his way to becoming a great defensive player. His jumpshot has all sorts of potential because of the release point. As he develops confidence and becomes more acquainted with the role he's going to play, he'll be very exciting.

 

[Gladeskat]

I, for one, am enthusiastic for his future! He has great leaping ability and grabs some spectacular rebounds and gets the occasional block. He was rated so high probably because of his athleticism and all around game. He just needs to work on his dribbling and driving ability and he'll be fine! People may have hyped Law too much, but they also ignored Lindsey and Skelly, and they have both played well or shown terrific flashes as true freshmen. Mac has been outstanding this year and will be a star for us. The future looks bright for all these guys.

 

[clarificationcat]

Agreed on Lindsey and Skelly. Skelly is so active for a big man. Based on the ESPN player efficiency rankings, he is currently 30th in the Big Ten. It will obviously be a lot harder to sustain his energy over more minutes, but I am anxious to see what he can do next year with more playing time.

We may not have a great team next year, but I don't think we have had a deeper team. I still think it may be tough for Falzon and Ash to get minutes next year. Lumpkin, Taphorn, Skelly and Falzon (hopefully) should all be able to play the 4. Law, Lindsey and Taphorn can share minutes at the 3. Demps, Lindsey and Ash (hopefully) provide good options at the 2. We need Vasser to develop as good back-up to McIntosh because there is a big drop off when is not on the court. And we obviously need more help at center for next year and beyond. That seems to be the biggest challenge for Collins.

 

[NUCat320]

I absolutely think he has 'best player on an ncaa tourney team' potential. Law has springs. He brings effort. He's tall. That is enough to make him a great defender.

Offensively, he's got a lot to learn, but he's already learned a lot.

He's now averaging 6-5-1 for the season. Shurna was 7-3-1 as a frosh.

I promise, guys get better from their frosh to soph to senior years.

 

[WinstonSalemCat]

Originally posted by NUCat320:

I promise, guys get better from their frosh to soph to senior years.

Then why are people so hard on Sobo?

 

[Walker Fan]

People are hard on Sobo because he had an awful shooting year his junior year and he is a defensive liability because he is 5'10". Also, BC thought he had a combo deal with Sobo and his high school buddy and teammate at Benet. BC could not close the deal and made him the offer on speaker phone from his vacation and his buddy went to UW. His buddy did not play his freshman year, played limited minutes his sophomore year, was the West Region MVP his junior year and could very well be the national player of the year his senior year. His name is Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky. So with Sobo and Frank the Tank we have a tale of two schools. NU gets the unathletic 5'10" PG who peaked at 19-20 years old and UW gets the national player of the year who is headed to the NBA. But at least we eventually hired Chris Collins and it looks like he has us on the right path to building a sustained winner at NU for the first time in 50-60 years so maybe everything turns out in the end.

 

[hoosboot]

Stoked for our future...

…love the promise of what Vic Law and the other young guys can become. Love the way Olah is developing. Love the much improved off-ball movement and screening I'm seeing (after having complained about a lack of it earlier in the year). Psyched about Coach Collins. Love Coach Carmody and Sobo and all they did/have done for NU basketball.

Can't stand some of our douchey fans.

This post was edited on 2/20 2:42 AM by hoosboot

 

[willycat]

Walk, you have it nailed. Wonder if "The Tank" would be at NU if CC was the coach then. Heck, maybe he would have committed that day on campus, if the HC was present.

 

[wildcatpn]

Originally posted by Walker Fan:
People are hard on Sobo because he had an awful shooting year his junior year and he is a defensive liability because he is 5'10". Also, BC thought he had a combo deal with Sobo and his high school buddy and teammate at Benet. BC could not close the deal and made him the offer on speaker phone from his vacation and his buddy went to UW. His buddy did not play his freshman year, played limited minutes his sophomore year, was the West Region MVP his junior year and could very well be the national player of the year his senior year. His name is Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky. So with Sobo and Frank the Tank we have a tale of two schools. NU gets the unathletic 5'10" PG who peaked at 19-20 years old and UW gets the national player of the year who is headed to the NBA. But at least we eventually hired Chris Collins and it looks like he has us on the right path to building a sustained winner at NU for the first time in 50-60 years so maybe everything turns out in the end.

You mean this relative to other PG's in the Big 10 right? Because Sobo certainly is not unathletic and is actually a great athlete compared to 99% of the general population.

 

[CappyNU]

FWIW, Law was +19 for the game in 22 minutes, while Skelly was +12 in 8 minutes. Olah and Sobo were -6 in 32 and 14 minutes respectively, Lindsey was -13 in 22 minutes, and Lumpkin was -1 in 15 minutes.

 

[clarificationcat]

Sobo had a good freshmen year on a good team. He has hit some big shots this year in limited minutes. He seems like a great teammate. Whatever happened with Kaminsky is not his issue.

 

[hdhntr1]

I think it sort of depends on the definition of superstar, but to expect it as a Frosh was ridiculous. As a HS player, his O game as much more of a clean up the glass player. Now he is asked to hit threes which was not really a major part of his game. He is showing to be a very effective rebounder a very good defensively. And that is despite being undersized currently for the position he is playing. Off season in the weight room should help a lot so he can hold his ground and additional shooting in the gym should improve his shot.

Again, the question comes up as to what you consider would be superstar. Great D and 8-10 rpg plus 12 ppg? That would obviously be very solid and IMO bordering on SS status. Make that 15 ppg and 10 rpg and you are probably there. What does that take? Adding15-20 lbs of muscle, improving his 3 point shot to over 33% coupled with some more put backs and 30 mpg and he is likely pretty close

 

[Walker Fan]

Ok. I meant not as athletic as other PGs in the Big 10 or other power basketball conferences. Yes, his size is an issue as seen with zone press situations against Minny where he can't power through when trapped. Yes, he appears to be a good teammate and know his role but what other Big 10 school would he be on the team? That is the underlying issue.

 

[wildcatpn]

I completely get what you're saying and agree with you in that context. It's just kind of a pet peeve of mine when any D1 athlete is called unathletic because there aren't any at that level.

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Originally posted by hdhntr1:
Again, the question comes up as to what you consider would be superstar. Great D and 8-10 rpg plus 12 ppg? That would obviously be very solid and IMO bordering on SS status. Make that 15 ppg and 10 rpg and you are probably there. What does that take? Adding15-20 lbs of muscle, improving his 3 point shot to over 33% coupled with some more put backs and 30 mpg and he is likely pretty close

To me, a "super"star is a guy that's the face of the team, the go-to guy in the clutch who scores 15-20ppg, and contributes in a lot of other areas. I don't think Law will ever be "that" guy, but I think he'll be really good...

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Originally posted by wildcatpn:
I completely get what you're saying and agree with you in that context. It's just kind of a pet peeve of mine when any D1 athlete is called unathletic because there aren't any at that level.

I agree almost completely. I will say you occasionally come across a 7+ footer that appears quite unathletic.

 

[Medill90]

Based on its guard play, Iowa could certainly use him.

 

[WinstonSalemCat]

If Reggie Hearn could almost grow into that role as a Senior, I see no reason why Vic Law Jr couldn't. He certainly has more raw material to work with. Time will tell. Seems premature to speculate this early in his career.