What I took from last night

[Halldan]

There's one parallel between this year's team and last year's team. How many times last season did we hopelessly fall behind early in the second half by high double digits only to make a furious comeback late?

That disturbing trend is repeating itself now that Big East play has begun. The difference last season is we never made it all the way back. This season for the most part we have,

There is so much to be proud of with this roster and I think they now know they belong.This was a wasted opportunity, but also a learning experience. Now they absolutely cannot have a let down in what I consider a must win Saturday to keep their NCAA hopes alive.

 

[Piratz]

The first halves of these home games against Villanova, Creighton, and Connecticut are all the same. The offense is atrocious. It needs to be addressed. It was the same at Georgetown.

A huge part of that is starters who take a lot of shots early aren’t playing well for a while now. They typically get replaced later. We then get on a roll with the defensive intensity with different personnel that fuels downhill offense.

Sha needs to get those guys figured out.

 

[Halldan]

For the first time all year maybe we need to shake up the starting lineup. Eventually the players are going to get their minutes. But a change of pace might just help.

That and Clark must be told early in the game to control his aggression. Over and over we are seeing our most important player pick up two fouls in the first half and he is the one player who has to be on the court for 32-34 minutes per game.

I don't totally agree with Holloway's comment about he has to be aggressive. Of course he does, but learn to pick your spots and those spot are not in the first half. Especially once you inevitably get that first foul.

 

[PirateFan95]

Im as upset as anyone with last nights loss. We had a chance at a real opportunity to basically be a tournament lock. Im hoping they learn from this and take care of Butler and getting our quality win at MSG. Theres plenty of tickets available its going to be a borderline neutral site

 

[Halldan]

Noon games are hard for the crowd to be loud and aggressive. And coming off this deflating game is only going to make it worse.

Holloway has a tough row to hoe here. He'll certainly be ready but will the team and the fanbase at the game be as well? If so this should be a comfortable win. If not a nail biter.

 

[joeyklings]

That’s what I’m afraid of. Tough spot against a dangerous Butler team

 

[joeyklings]

I think if we lose to Butler and StJ you’ll see a change in the starting lineup

 

[NYC Pirate]

For the first time all year maybe we need to shake up the starting lineup. Eventually the players are going to get their minutes. But a change of pace might just help.

That and Clark must be told early in the game to control his aggression. Over and over we are seeing our most important player pick up two fouls in the first half and he is the one player who has to be on the court for 32-34 minutes per game.

I don't totally agree with Holloway's comment about he has to be aggressive. Of course he does, but learn to pick your spots and those spot are not in the first half. Especially once you inevitably get that first foul.

Noon games are hard for the crowd to be loud and aggressive. And coming off this deflating game is only going to make it worse.

Holloway has a tough row to hoe here. He'll certainly be ready but will the team and the fanbase at the game be as well? If so this should be a comfortable win. If not a nail biter.

I actually was going to post a thread about a lineup change. Up until this point I would have said no, but if it is broke you fix it. My thought would be to start either Simpkins or Parker over Staton-Mc Cray. I think if you bring Staton-McCray off the bench when the other team goes to their second unit it may allow him to operate with less focus on him. He needs to get his confidence back. He may be able to contribute more off the bench. He is vital to the offense. The Butler home game may be the chance to try it?

The noon game will see a good crowd. More families and their kids in the arena. We all know its a virtual Must game.

 

[joeyklings]

How does Holloway not have Stat McCray on the court when we’re down 3???? I know he didn’t play a lot in the 2nd half, but he has to at least be a decoy.

 

[SHallguy2]

I actually was going to post a thread about a lineup change. Up until this point I would have said no, but if it is broke you fix it. My thought would be to start either Simpkins or Parker over Staton-Mc Cray. I think if you bring Staton-McCray off the bench when the other team goes to their second unit it may allow him to operate with less focus on him. He needs to get his confidence back. He may be able to contribute more off the bench. He is vital to the offense. The Butler home game may be the chance to try it?

The noon game will see a good crowd. More families and their kids in the arena. We all know its a virtual Must game.

This is what I was thinking, he was our leading scorer but is struggling right now. Seems to be thinking too much instead of being aggressive. Coming off the bench might help him but you run the risk of killing his confidence further as well. Tough call in my opinion. I’m going to be in the minority because I think we have guys who can shoot just not getting the clean open looks you want to see in the flow of the game. We need to give UConn and Creighton some credit both are great defensive teams. Gtown is also a good defensive team, personally think we break out offensively against Butler and score 70 or 80 points and this discussion goes away.

 

[ivyhillpark63]

I think if we lose to Butler and StJ you’ll see a change in the starting lineup

We ain't losing to butler

 

[Bud Boomer]

My biggest takeaway from last night was that Budd has taken the next step. That was the best backcourt defense in the league, and he carved it up like cheese when he wasn’t sitting on the bench with foul trouble. It was always a confidence thing with him, and his confidence is building and building.

My second biggest takeaway was that Hines is going to be so good. Something we already knew, but man does he show up when it matters most.

 

[STLPirate12]

The slow starts (in terms of pace / intensity, not results) are by design, and it makes sense, but the problem is the results match.

We're not a team that's going to put anyone away in the first half. We tighten the screws and find another level of intensity in the last 10 minutes when our opponent is wearing down, but we obviously can't play at that level for a full 40 or we'd wear ourselves down (and foul everyone out). And it can work - it has worked - but we've gotta find ways to keep the hole more manageable. Pressure enough in the first half to make the opponents work for everything they get, but limit the risk taking that results in early fouls and easy buckets.

I won't be worried about this team playing from behind in the second half, but we've faced double digit deficits in every big east game but the first, including 20, 16 and 18. We managed to steal one of those 3 and almost a second, but you can't consistently win that way.

 

[Seton00]

My biggest takeaway is the guy in the sweat-stained blue button-down shirt behind the announcers needs to relax. People around him need to tell him.

I remember when I had my first beer. He looks like a finance bro with "do you know who my father is" energy.

Love the passion, but it's crossed the line into cringe and embarrassing.

 

[donnie-baseball]

Im as upset as anyone with last nights loss. We had a chance at a real opportunity to basically be a tournament lock. Im hoping they learn from this and take care of Butler and getting our quality win at MSG. Theres plenty of tickets available its going to be a borderline neutral site

Not on a weeknight.

 

[JTSHU]

There's one parallel between this year's team and last year's team. How many times last season did we hopelessly fall behind early in the second half by high double digits only to make a furious comeback late?

That disturbing trend is repeating itself now that Big East play has begun. The difference last season is we never made it all the way back. This season for the most part we have,

There is so much to be proud of with this roster and I think they now know they belong.This was a wasted opportunity, but also a learning experience. Now they absolutely cannot have a let down in what I consider a must win Saturday to keep their NCAA hopes alive.

Question is what adjustments are we making other than frenetic defense and press. The halfcourt offense continues to be a problem, especially when we cant knock down open jumpers.

 

[joeyklings]

We ain't losing to butler

I think we’re better than butler, but sometimes you lose a game you shouldn’t. A noon tip after a deflating loss could be troubling.

 

[joeyklings]

My biggest takeaway from last night was that Budd has taken the next step. That was the best backcourt defense in the league, and he carved it up like cheese when he wasn’t sitting on the bench with foul trouble. It was always a confidence thing with him, and his confidence is building and building.

My second biggest takeaway was that Hines is going to be so good. Something we already knew, but man does he show up when it matters most.

Let me start by saying Budd was awesome vs Gtown.

I must be watching different games. I saw our pg miss wide open jumpers when we needed it the most, go 0-2 from the ft line, and have 2 assists. I sure hope that wasn’t our pg taking the next step.

 

[JTSHU]

Why not switch up TJ and AJ? Lets see if it sparks something. TJ has really been struggling and the defense intensity stays the same.

 

[SHallguy2]

My biggest takeaway from last night was that Budd has taken the next step. That was the best backcourt defense in the league, and he carved it up like cheese when he wasn’t sitting on the bench with foul trouble. It was always a confidence thing with him, and his confidence is building and building.

My second biggest takeaway was that Hines is going to be so good. Something we already knew, but man does he show up when it matters most.

I will add one more biggest takeaway from last nights game was Trey Parker who in my opinion was amazing. He had a drive to the hoop late wow! He played great in a big spot, as good as I've seen him play. I had us losing by 11 to Uconn if Clark was sidelined. Getting us within a point was in a large part because of Parker. He stepped up big time. Need to keep him in Pirate Blue. Clark and Parker is as good as it can get together.

 

[HALL85]

They actually had the lead at about the 11 minute mark, so the starters did their job last night. But the first half numbers in general have been atrocious of late for the entire rotation.

 

[Bud Boomer]

Let me start by saying Budd was awesome vs Gtown.

I must be watching different games. I saw our pg miss wide open jumpers when we needed it the most, go 0-2 from the ft line, and have 2 assists. I sure hope that wasn’t our pg taking the next step.

A 120 ORTG against Connecticut’s backcourt is excellent. You’re talking about a team that has shut down Keaton Wagler, Melvin Council, Chase Ross, Jason Edwards. They turned Robert Wright over 6 times.

With normal mins, Budd’s stat line would have looked nice last night. Yes he missed a few shots but he also made some big ones. And that hesi on the baseline where he left Solo Ball in the stands….whew.

 

[SHallguy2]

They actually had the lead at about the 11 minute mark, so the starters did their job last night. But the first half numbers in general have been atrocious of late for the entire rotation.

Then we spent the rest of the half watching Uconn cutting under the basket for easy scores or getting wide open 3 point looks. Team went bad after Clark went to the bench in the first half. We made some adjustments at the half and came out ready to play. Most importantly we saw a different Trey Parker in the second half when Clark picked up two more fouls. I'm sure Uconn players were relieved to get on the bus and out of town last night. I'm putting my money down on the Pirates when we go up to Storrs, just got a feeling we take them out on their home floor.

 

[Bud Boomer]

I will add one more biggest takeaway from last nights game was Trey Parker who in my opinion was amazing. He had a drive to the hoop late wow! He played great in a big spot, as good as I've seen him play. I had us losing by 11 to Uconn if Clark was sidelined. Getting us within a point was in a large part because of Parker. He stepped up big time. Need to keep him in Pirate Blue. Clark and Parker is as good as it can get together.

Too many TOs last night but he’s really improved. He reminds me of a more athletic version of Quincy McKnight. Tenacious with his ball pressure. Great glue guy who takes a lot defensive weight off Budd.

 

[PirateFan95]

For the first time all year maybe we need to shake up the starting lineup. Eventually the players are going to get their minutes. But a change of pace might just help.

That and Clark must be told early in the game to control his his aggression. Over and over we are seeing our most important player pick up two fouls in the first half and he is the one player who has to be on the court for 32-34 minutes per game.

I don't totally agree with Holloway's comment about he has to be aggressive. Of course he does, but learn to pick your spots and those spot are not in the first half. Especially once you inevitably get that first foul.

didnt understand why Sha thought Jerry’s question was so insane either.

My biggest takeaway from last night was that Budd has taken the next step. That was the best backcourt defense in the league, and he carved it up like cheese when he wasn’t sitting on the bench with foul trouble. It was always a confidence thing with him, and his confidence is building and building.

My second biggest takeaway was that Hines is going to be so good. Something we already knew, but man does he show up when it matters most.

Agree on all fronts. Its almost insane how good he is as a true freshman big man. You rarely ever seem them as good as this. We need all hands on deck to make sure he stays at the hall

 

[Seton75]

I thought they handled Hines well. We were no match for Reed. I make no lineup changes. Mike was doing nothing and got his game back Maybe ASM does too.

I agree with Dan re Budd. But where does he let up? He can stop being all over his man at half court sometimes I guess.

Did they make sure TS didnt kill them or was it something else? Only ONE SHOT.

Trey can play.

DH had on-going coversations with the refs all game. Why do they go over abd talk with him? How about shut up and coach or i am T-ing your as$. Nah, we'll give Sha a T instead. But Dan had a great gameplan to feature Reed and exploit the high hedging.

Best Rock environment. Great student turnout. Lets show up and be there on time. We have a good team and they deserve our support.

 

[NIL BAD]

My take was that we're not that far away from Uconn. The difference was that they knew how to get their big man the ball in good position down low & not draw traffic to him to avoid the double team.

 

[radecicco]

Have to agree with Holloway about Clark. If he’s not aggressive he’s just a 5’10 point guard on the court. Some fine tuning is needed, but he’s led the team to 14-3 being who he is.

 

[SPK145]

Trey Parker has improved so much throughout this season.

 

[ivyhillpark63]

We looked our best offensively out in Maui. Why? Because Williams and mccray were great. We can only go so far without mccray . He needs to come alive..

 

[Halldan]

Question is what adjustments are we making other than frenetic defense and press. The halfcourt offense continues to be a problem, especially when we cant knock down open jumpers.

I might replace Staton McCray with Parker. Let him take the tougher defensive assignment and have Clark play off the point. Even if he gives up some height. Those two play well together. And If it doesn't work out you could always then go bigger. But Holloway must do something with Clark getting in foul trouble.

 

[joeyklings]

We looked our best offensively out in Maui. Why? Because Williams and mccray were great. We can only go so far without mccray . He needs to come alive..

We also didn’t play any teams who are good defensively.
Nc St 89th
USC 139th
Wash St 272nd

 

[NIL BAD]

I might replace Staton McCray with Parker. Let him take the tougher defensive assignment and have Clark play off the point. Even if he gives up some height. Those two play well together. And If it doesn't work out you could always then go bigger. But Holloway must do something with Clark getting in foul trouble.

What happens if both get into foul trouble? Not out of the realm of possibility considering how aggressive they play.

 

[NIL BAD]

We looked our best offensively out in Maui. Why? Because Williams and mccray were great. We can only go so far without mccray . He needs to come alive..

We also ran our offense better. Picks were solid & motion was consistent. Last night there was a noticeable difference at how effective Uconn's screens were compared to ours.

 

[Halldan]

What happens if both get into foul trouble? Not out of the realm of possibility considering how aggressive they play.

You have to make a choice and that choice is doing something to keep Clark out of foul trouble. There has to be some give and take and some scenarios as you noted could cause a problem and that's where your head coach has to monitor the situation.

Clark above anyone else is the key. He has to play smarter knowing his importance to the team. And Holloway;s comment basically saying that's who he is means he's giving into Clark's aggression.

Time and place, and the time is not two early fouls in the first half in important games. Reel him in, even sit him when you sense he's going to pick up a bad foul early. Watch the action on the court. With so many players you can just see they are going to pick up a foul. Clark is such a player.

By sitting him even for a minute or two and talking to him to calm down might help.

 

[HALL85]

Then we spent the rest of the half watching Uconn cutting under the basket for easy scores or getting wide open 3 point looks. Team went bad after Clark went to the bench in the first half. We made some adjustments at the half and came out ready to play. Most importantly we saw a different Trey Parker in the second half when Clark picked up two more fouls. I'm sure Uconn players were relieved to get on the bus and out of town last night. I'm putting my money down on the Pirates when we go up to Storrs, just got a feeling we take them out on their home floor.

My point was that the starters gave the team the lead last night and the subs gave it away and then some.

 

[HALL85]

I might replace Staton McCray with Parker. Let him take the tougher defensive assignment and have Clark play off the point. Even if he gives up some height. Those two play well together. And If it doesn't work out you could always then go bigger. But Holloway must do something with Clark getting in foul trouble.

I would worry about Parker picking up quick fouls at the start of the game because of his aggressiveness too.

 

[JTSHU]

Is it feasable budd and najai ask and get over 1M next year? If so, id have budd shoot from 3 all off sesson and najai work on his low post moves. I have a feeling we are gonna need a bump in NIL

 

[joeyklings]

Hines yes, Budd no

That’s not a knock on Budd but I don’t think a big school would give a 5’8 guard averaging 10ppg a mil

 

[Bud Boomer]

Is it feasable budd and najai ask and get over 1M next year? If so, id have budd shoot from 3 all off sesson and najai work on his low post moves. I have a feeling we are gonna need a bump in NIL

We can worry about this stuff in the offseason. I will say, though, that as badly I want this team back (particularly Budd and Hines), I have a lot more confidence now in Shaheen’s ability to backfill.