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Post by stlexplorer on Jun 8, 2013 10:32:42 GMT -5
Thought we could condense any media talk of the team here. Rothstein likes talking La Salle and tweeted this today:
@jonrothstein: Delaware transfer Khalid Lewis is going to give La Salle a defensive ace on the perimeter. Just needs to make open 3's on offense.
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Post by stlexplorer on Jun 8, 2013 10:33:22 GMT -5
@jonrothstein: The Atlantic 10 will have several really good teams next season. Incredibly deep league. Very little separation between teams 2 and 10.
I'm assuming he's talking VCU at #1
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Post by vasalos on Jun 8, 2013 10:51:59 GMT -5
So Mr. Rothstein is telling us that there's little separation between St. Louis and the likes of URI, GW and St. Joe's? I don't buy it. A10 is going to be a weaker conference. It may have more depth since the bottom half will contend with #4-6 teams within the standings. A10 enjoyed a Renaissance last year. It was a one year deal. With Temple, Butler and Xavier gone, the A10 lost a lot. Plus the fact that the A10 will only get 3 bids speaks to conference strength.
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Post by stlexplorer on Jun 8, 2013 11:11:28 GMT -5
I like the though of having a shutdown defender. All those years of smaller guards kicking our a$$es still makes me cringe
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Post by explorerman on Jun 8, 2013 13:01:44 GMT -5
His defense might be nice but he needs to be able to make the open 3. There will be a lot of them considering the doubling of Wright and the help defense when Garland and Duren beat there man off the dribble.
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Post by vasalos on Jun 9, 2013 5:56:43 GMT -5
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Post by coqui900 on Jun 9, 2013 7:52:20 GMT -5
Their frontcourt was pretty beastly last year without a kid from Indiana who lit up the Big 10 pre-injury. If he's healthy and they get anything from their guards they'll be in really good shape.
I can't think of who else is returning from the remaining A-10 league. I'm assuming VCU has a bunch of athletic monsters returning.
But aside from that, do we possibly have the best front court in the A-10? Jerrell was incredible during the final stretch of the season. From the St. URI game on, if I did the math right, he shot 75% (!) from the field. The only team he struggled with during that stretch was St. Louis who were monstrous on defense. He lit up in the tournament, too. That is a kid making THE LEAP if anyone has. (His run actually started against St. Joe's.)
Dr. G was once again bullish on Steve making yet another leap. He's gone from "guy who can grab a few minutes" to "at least decent and very smart player." Add in some depth from Jermaine and Tony Washington and we're talking something with a lot of potential.
Man, why can't it be October? I was at a party last night with a ton of La Salle grads and it's all we talked about.
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Post by vasalos on Jun 9, 2013 13:01:08 GMT -5
Juvonte Reddic (VCU) and Dwayne Evans (St. Louis) are going to be the front court class of the A10. Can Jerrell consistently put up at least 15 pts a game? I think that's why we got our guards. Jerrell doesn't need to put that pressure on himself. Let Garland and Duren take the focus off of him so he can do his work inside late in the game.
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Post by lasallescreamer on Jun 9, 2013 18:28:46 GMT -5
If JW can hit his free throws, he can get 15 w/o forcing it. Assuming that TD and TG are constants, key is the 3 from DJ, Sam and KL. If 3s are hit, JW will have a feast down low. If he is hitting, then gets doubled and kicks for 3. All is good.
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Post by stlexplorer on Jun 9, 2013 19:00:44 GMT -5
I don't like putting a lot of pressure on a player but I'm expecting big things from Jerrell going forward. He put his big boy pants on and held his own if not took it to teams at the biggest stage we'll play on. He needs to be a force for us inside as he's shown he can be.
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Post by sweat83 on Jun 9, 2013 20:07:34 GMT -5
I think STLguy is spot on. I'm expecting a great year from JW. Excellent games against 2 BCS teams in the NCAA's showed what he is capable of doing. Needs to perform night in and night out
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Post by stlexplorer on Jun 9, 2013 23:31:34 GMT -5
I'm not saying he's gotta be national player of the year but he's shown he can be an Elite A-10 big man and anything less we now know is him underachieving
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Post by a10champion15 on Jun 10, 2013 0:11:04 GMT -5
@jonrothstein Jerrell Wright + Steve Zack give La Salle two veteran front court players. The Explorers are known for guards --- but their bigs are solid.
This combination is key. JW really stepped it up and matured throughout the season. Also when Steve Zack was playing JW was able to stay out of foul trouble. They really are a good pair that should be exploited more not more pressure but a little less reliance on guards. We have the big guys so lets use em.
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Post by durenduren on Jun 10, 2013 2:40:39 GMT -5
Also when Steve Zack was playing JW was able to stay out of foul trouble. For the sake of the argument, the off-season stir craziness, and because I've got time to kill working overnight, here are the differences with fouls and Zack's presence this season: With ZackAverages Over 27 Games w/ Wright - 2.6 PF/22.8 Mins, 9.8 Pts 0.11 Fouls Per Minute 0.43 Points Per Minute Without ZackAverages Over 7 Games w/o Wright - 2.9 PF/28.25 Mins, 13.4 Pts 0.10 Fouls Per Minute 0.47 Points Per Minute --------------------------------------------- GW - 2 PF/32 Mins, 16 Pts SLU - 3 PF/32 Mins, 6 Pts Butler - 3 PF/27 Mins, 14 Pts Boise - 2 PF/33 Mins, 13 Pts K State - 4 PF/25 Mins, 21 Pts Ole Miss - 3 PF/27 Mins, 8 Pts Wichita - 3 PF/22 Mins, 16 Pts --------------------------------------------- Without Zack in the lineup, Jerrell played almost 6 more minutes per game, scored 3.6 more points on average, and maintained a slightly better foul rate per minute, all while playing consistently more difficult competition. If anything, I think Zack's absence forced Jerrell to play a more conservative and calculated role. Gone were the rash, jarring post moves and and ill-advised attempts at offensive boards. I don't know if Zack's availability allowed G to play JW as a super aggressive low-post banger during the regular season, but he seemed much more calculated against much larger opponents without Zack available. I don't know if this is the product of him knowing he was basically the lone big option for the Explorers, if JW suddenly morphed into the player we all dreamed he'd be, playing up to the moment, or some combination of the three... If anything, JW discovered his most efficient form without Zack in the lineup, including maintaining the same foul rate. While I'll never want to go back to having one big option available, that crappy scenario may have taught Wright how he's most effective. This is not to discredit Steve. I'm a huge fan of Zack's game, and what he brings while on the court. I think he facilitates the play very well off the ball, creating tons of room for our quick guards. If Jerrell can piece together the subtle changes in his game we saw in March with Zack's presence in the lineup, I think our front could be very good with some scary depth. Just hope that continues if the style changes with two bigs in.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 9:03:27 GMT -5
I don't know what's more impressive. Duren's analysis or the fact that he did it at 4am (assuming he lives on the east coast). I thought I was obsessed.
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Post by coqui900 on Jun 10, 2013 9:56:38 GMT -5
I think one of Dr. G's strengths is he adjusts his style to what he has talent wise. His first teams with Steve Smith played a lot differently than the Rodney teams, which were predicated on getting the ball in post play and rebounding. And the style of play from the last two years were the complete opposite of that since our guards are so talented while our frontcourt was really young.
Since we have some depth up front now, I wouldn't be shocked to see JW and Steve on the court a lot more than we did last season. He couldn't run those sets since it was those two alone and JW was really prone to foul trouble at the start of the season.
We also don't have Ramon. We're essentially replacing the teams' leading scorer with a defensive wizard with an iffy offensive game. The only guard we really have who looks to score and score and score is Garland. Duren plays however needed and Sam struggles finishing in the lane. DJ also doesn't take shots unless he's ridiculously open.
These aren't bad things. They'll get their offense. It's just that we had a dude in Ramon who shot from 32-feet without hesitation who could also finish.
If we run sets with Steve and Wright, we're creating mismatches down low. I'll take JW in the post against any forward in the A-10, which is who he'll have to face since a center is going to have to guard Steve.
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Post by lwc4591 on Jun 10, 2013 11:19:50 GMT -5
Ramon is a loss but don't underestimate are experienced returning players and our new additions (Lewis, Davis and Washington). I believe G will go down low more often this season with his big front line players due to added depth in that area. I look for T. Washington to be a pleasant surprise after watching many of his game films because young man has some skills and gets off the floor pretty good and seems capable of finishing around the basket. J.Davis is a question and I don't know what to expect from his game but maybe others can comment based on what they know. Team should be better well rounded without the fear of getting in foul trouble with little back-up. 25 or 26 wins next season is a realistic possibility. If averything goes really good this team could win A10 and get a 8-9 seed come tourny time. Zack is back and Mister Steve is a very underrated player.
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Post by ck on Jun 10, 2013 12:04:05 GMT -5
Looking ahead, with Garland gone 2014, do either of Stukes or Roberts have a significant offensive game? I believe Roberts averaged 8.5 ppg at Georgia Southern as a Freshman.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 14:02:34 GMT -5
Looking ahead, with Garland gone 2014, do either of Stukes or Roberts have a significant offensive game? I believe Roberts averaged 8.5 ppg at Georgia Southern as a Freshman. Stukes averaged over 19 pts per game this past season. He needs to work on his perimeter game but he gets to the rim and finishes pretty well already. Roberts averaged around 18 per game his senior year in high school, can get to the rim and shoots the three well. I think they both have the ability to eventually be double figure scorers at La Salle, and in particular, I think Roberts will be counted on to put points on the board right away. I'm sure that one of G's priorities in the 2014 class is finding at least one, and possibly two, guards who can score. Cleon looks like he jumps pretty well. It's him in the gold jersey. Tyreek Duren ?@tyreekduren 6 Jun Team feelin bouncy today. vine.co/v/bLZF9IKtvOP
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Post by lwc4591 on Jun 10, 2013 14:16:03 GMT -5
Understand C.Roberts has good offensive game and will be joined by A.Stukes,D.J.Peterson,K.Lewis and (2-future)2014 backcourt recruits. We may end up playing inside out instead of outside in if our guards are not up to the task regarding ball penetration and 3 point shooting. By 2014-15 season we should be very good in front court which should help the backcourt until they settle in. Roberts and Stukes can penetrate but my bet is G is looking hard for (1) very skilled attacking guard and (1) very good 3 point shooting guard for his backcourt along with a skilled 3 position player and a 4/5 big man.
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Post by durenduren on Jun 10, 2013 16:45:58 GMT -5
I don't know what's more impressive. Duren's analysis or the fact that he did it at 4am (assuming he lives on the east coast). I thought I was obsessed. Some nights in emergency services are busier than others. Philly took a night off from being the wild west.
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Post by a10champion15 on Jun 10, 2013 17:06:55 GMT -5
Wow I am suprised to see those stats for Wright. I dont want to get too excited about steve though cause he still needs to improve. Often found myself getting frustrated with some of the moves he made expessially when it comes to defending. If he improves just a little bit more he could be one of the best centers in the conference because there are a number of things he does do well.
Also I am really interested see see how much Khalid has improved if he can shooting game has significantly improved he could be a stand out player on the team.
On a side note does anyone have any idea who will be redshirt next year will it be Amar or Washington perhaps both.
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Post by lasallescreamer on Jun 10, 2013 21:15:56 GMT -5
If Z and JW can play high-lo0w and if Z can hit 3 foul line jumpers a game, we will be difficult to play.Z will score more; JW can be fed clo0se to basket and backdoor cutters are available if JW can screen and then move. Its what Screamer sees.
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Post by calsufan on Jun 11, 2013 7:29:19 GMT -5
On a side note does anyone have any idea who will be redshirt next year will it be Amar or Washington perhaps both. I don't think they're going to redshirt Washington. I think they're going to want his rebounding and shot blocking ability from Day 1. With Zack and Wright being juniors, it will be a good time to start mixing him into the rotation. He'll get 2 years of good game experience before they're gone and he steps into the rotation. As far as Stukes, early on the word was that they were going to redshirt him. I'm not sure if that's changed or not. A few board members are a lot closer to the program, so maybe they can comment on him.
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Post by coachd on Jun 11, 2013 8:59:11 GMT -5
It will be interesting to see how G mixes in Davis and Washington... a luxury we didn't have last year.
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Post by coqui900 on Jun 11, 2013 10:33:09 GMT -5
From the rave reviews he got during summer league, is there a chance Stukes plays this season? I'd imagine if he completely blows away G and the team in the pre-season it's a possible. We could use another floor general type to spell Duren when he has to sit. Also, we have no idea what Lewis is going to do.
Having a one-year internship as a redshirt would be long-term helpful. And minutes are going to be hard to come by. There are ten guys on the roster next season, seven of whom are returnees (Duren, Mills, Garland, DJ, JW, Steve, Rohan) that we know are productive. Adding in Lewis, Davis and Washington -- that's even more minutes to be divvied up.
But next year's team is capable of doing a lot. Even 8-10 positive minutes a game backing up our four guards might be the difference in a game or two (or maybe more) which could mean the difference in a seed line and/or the bubble.
Either way, it's a great option to have.
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Post by explorerman on Jun 11, 2013 11:39:22 GMT -5
From the rave reviews he got during summer league, is there a chance Stukes plays this season? I'd imagine if he completely blows away G and the team in the pre-season it's a possible. We could use another floor general type to spell Duren when he has to sit. Also, we have no idea what Lewis is going to do. Having a one-year internship as a redshirt would be long-term helpful. And minutes are going to be hard to come by. There are ten guys on the roster next season, seven of whom are returnees (Duren, Mills, Garland, DJ, JW, Steve, Rohan) that we know are productive. Adding in Lewis, Davis and Washington -- that's even more minutes to be divvied up. But next year's team is capable of doing a lot. Even 8-10 positive minutes a game backing up our four guards might be the difference in a game or two (or maybe more) which could mean the difference in a seed line and/or the bubble. Either way, it's a great option to have. Disagree... They have had Lewis for a year now in the system. He has played exclusively against Duren and Galloway for a year. Not much better practice than that than two of the premium guards off the dribble in the A-10 and the country. The attributes known of Lewis is that he is plus passer, plus ball handler and plus quickness. Below average jump shot. Plus, Lewis already has 1,000 minutes at the PG spot. Lewis will absolutely be option #2 at PG which frankly would have been great to have in the games that Duren got in foul trouble (i.e. Temple). Stukes could use a year learning and playing against Duren for an entire season. As a program manager, you want to maximize your returns on the assets that you have (the players). Lewis would be a better PG than Stukes in his true freshman year. Duren and Thomas had their struggles as a freshman PG. Stukes coming in as a redshirt freshman in 2014 will not have those same issues as they will be accustomed to high level PG play for a year already. Stukes also needs to work on his jump shot. Stukes scored a lot points in the paint in HS against undersized players. What will happen in 2014 will be the larger question. What happens if Giannini lands one of these highly sought after guards that he has offered (he has offered plenty). Ideally, the 2014 guard recruit is a shooter because Roberts is the only plus shooter out of the bunch (Roberts, Stukes and Lewis). Our offense was largely successful because defensively teams had to spread to honor our guard range (largely Galloway). This created shots and space in the lane and also allowed to kick outs for high percentage 3 point shots with Mills and Duren. Next year do not be surprised to be see more zones, this is how I would guard us, unless Garland or Lewis can show they can shoot from the perimeter consistently.
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Post by lasallescreamer on Jun 11, 2013 11:58:40 GMT -5
Respectfully disagree with explorerman on RS Stukes. If he plays in 13-14 we might be a little better and that's good. Too, he will be more ready for 14-15 and that's great. I am not sure why focus is on 4 years from now. Who knows what will happen. No guarantee that he will be here. Kids come and go. Lets try to win and win now! If we do that, the future will take care of itself, especially if G around for a long while.Sometimes simple-and less introspection is better-just try and win the next game with your best players or your players who are playing the best. I would step away from this position if recruit WANTS to RS for his own reasons,i.e, wants to adjust to school, wants to get stronger et al.
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Post by luhoopsfan on Jun 11, 2013 12:29:26 GMT -5
For the record, I love the fact that this is the type of offseason banter we currently have - instead of debating all the potential pitfalls that have to be avoided to have a winning record, we now debate whether or not freshmen coming into the program can contribute enough to crack our lineup.
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Post by lwc4591 on Jun 11, 2013 12:38:40 GMT -5
Playing Stukes in my opinion would be a mistake simply due to minutes available. Amar is not going to play ahead of Duren, Garland, Mills or Lewis at this time and would be better suited learning as a red shirt his first season. We have a very deep squad as it is and adding an eleventh player is just going to make it more difficult managing time for players. Ideal situation is ten players being two deep at every position which is very close to what G has obtained. Off topic I pick T.Washington making the All Freshman team in 2013-14. Davis, Washington and Brown will be fighting over 30 minutes per game unless one stands out which I believe will be Washington due to shot blocking and touch around basket.
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