Troy 2nd Half

cl_1_2008 · January 1, 2012

The first half, we played the same inconsistent basketball we've been playing, so I don't even want to talk about it. Actually I don't even want to talk about most of the 2nd half. All I want to talk about is the 1st 8(EIGHT) minutes. We scored 25 points in that span. That was by far the best stretch of basketball we have had this season. Like I have been saying all season, all we need to do is push the ball up the court. We are simply too athletic to play a half-court game. There is nobody in the entire Sun Belt that could even CONSIDER running with us. Ked being out hurts our depth, but with the depth we have, we should be pressing ALL THE TIME, and not just "when we have to." We have 10 guys(CJ, Al, Jordan, Roger, TM, Norris, Walton, Holmen, Niko, and Alonzo) that play. When you have a 10-man rotation, there is no reason not to press. Nobody in the Sun Belt can even think about touching our athleticism, and it is about time we start taking advantage of that. Also, Johnny needs to tailor the half-court offense more towards the players we have now. We're running the same thing as last year, even though the players we have now have a completely different skill-set. We finally have a PURE POINT GUARD. The offense should run through him at all times when he's on the floor(and it never does). The majority of his assists come on the break, and it's a shame, because if we used him more in the offense, we would be much better, and he'd average more assists.

cl_1_2008 · January 1, 2012

Also, I feel like EVERYONE I know is disappointed with Tony. WHY?!?! Go read ANY draft profile on him. He is EXACTLY what they say he is. At UNT, he anchors our defense. There are very few people in the Sun Belt that even want to drive to the basket because they know he's liable to throw their shot into the third row. He makes our defense so much better because people are scared to go to the rim, and he sucks up every rebound within a reasonable distance. His offense consists of(like the scouts already said) fast break points(because he runs better than anyone his size), put-backs(because he gets his fair share of offensive rebounds), and if he plays the 4, he can beat guys off the dribble at will. Unfortunately, we have yet to see him do this because we hardly ever pass him the ball in an ISO situation. The pluses for Tony: he never takes bad shots(he's one of the most efficient players in the nation), he's a great passer(also comes from him being unselfish, but he always finds the open man). Other than that, who knows, because we NEVER RUN PLAYS FOR HIM. His stats may not show it, but he's still made a tremendous impact on this team, because he changes the entire dynamic of our defense.

cl_1_2008 · January 1, 2012

As for everyone else:

Chris Jones: Can you say enough about this guy? He's the best player on our team, and that is counting Tony. This team goes as CJ goes. Even as a freshman, I can't think of anyone I'd rather have running the point. If his shot improves, he will be absolutely unstoppable.

Trey Norris: He's a good bench PG. That is all I have to say. He will only get better.

Alzee Williams: Probably our best perimeter defender. Very limited offensively but can make free throws and open shots.

Brandan Walton: 3-point shooter. Still not consistent though. If he isn't hitting, he's useless, but he is by far the best shooter on the roster.

Jordan Williams: He has the highest ceiling on the team other than Mr. Mitchell. 6'7" SGs are tough to come by for anyone in the nation. There's a reason that he had a ton of big time offers. IF(big if) he can perfect the 3-point shot, then I guarantee you he will play in the NBA. He can already do pretty much everything else.

Roger Franklin: In my opinion, he is our 3rd best player at the moment(behind CJ and TM). We finally have him playing his position(which OSU refused to do) at PF/occasional SF. He's just an undersized big guy. He plays full speed all the time. He cleans the glass. He's a great finisher. He has cut down on taking bad shots. He's definitely in the running for my favorite player.

Jacob Holmen: If his shot is on, I love him. If it isn't, I hate him. He's gonna shoot whether it's on or not.

Niko: Love him on offense. Hate him on defense.

Zo: He's a big body I guess. Good defender, but he isn't good at anything else.

If we play like we did in the first part of the second half today, there isn't anyone in the Sun Belt that can touch us. I'm very much looking forward to watching it play out, because I feel like we SHOULD beat everyone in the conference. I know we won't, but nobody can touch us when it comes to talent.

GMG!!

Andrew · January 1, 2012

Walton is shooting over 50% from 3 the past 5 games and Niko has played better defense then just about anyone on this roster...

UNT90 · January 1, 2012

Walton is shooting over 50% from 3 the past 5 games and Niko has played better defense then just about anyone on this roster...

Dude, you say some crazy shi+.

Andrew · January 1, 2012

Dude, you say some crazy shi+.

When did his man score on him yesterday? because Franklin was blown by on multiple occasions. He hedged his screens and recovered every time denying his man the ball. He also brought down 10 boards and yes... passed the ball incredibly well for a big man.

Andrew · January 1, 2012

Niko guarded Owens and Cunningham who combined for 5 points. He had 4 assists and zero turnovers. 7 points and 10 rebounds. granted this team is by far not a great team. But he performed well and he can do this consistently when given the chance. He He puts the ball on the floor and drives to goal instead of jacking a three like the rest of the team. Franklin is great in the post but the second he puts the ball on the floor and takes a shot he misses. I do however love his moves in the post and his intensity over Niko. Franklin has a big mouth, and I mean that in a good way. he gets in the opponents heads. Niko is too laid back for me and needs some of that drive.

NT03 · January 1, 2012

Niko is a serviceable big man. Nothing more , nothing less. Much improvement over Knoxy. For every good game he has he will probably have a bad one. Yesterday he did a good job , but the game before he had 3 shots that didn't even hit the rim. I think he is a natural SF , but because he's 6'10 he is being forced to guard 4/5s.

Depending on what the other team has on the floor depends on him helping us win or being a non factor

Maybe next year we can throw out Niko @ 3 , T Mitch @ 4 & Odoh @ 5. Talk about a matchup nightmare

Edited January 1, 2012 by NT03

UNT90 · January 1, 2012

I think he is a natural SF , but because he's 6'10 he is being forced to guard 4/5s.

This. But again, he will be forced to guard smaller, quicker players at that position. I think any way you look at it, he is a defensive liability. But at the 3, he causes better matchup problems on the other end that may let you get by with playing him 15 a game at the 3.

Andrew · January 1, 2012

Niko is a serviceable big man. Nothing more , nothing less. Much improvement over Knoxy. For every good game he has he will probably have a bad one. Yesterday he did a good job , but the game before he had 3 shots that didn't even hit the rim. I think he is a natural SF , but because he's 6'10 he is being forced to guard 4/5s.

Depending on what the other team has on the floor depends on him helping us win or being a non factor

Maybe next year we can throw out Niko @ 3 , T Mitch @ 4 & Odoh @ 5. Talk about a matchup nightmare

Why not Mitchel at the 3? He is going to have to play there if he goes pro and he is going to have to create his own shot because we are not given him the touches in the post. I would love to see him have the ball in his hands above the arc and go to work.

NT03 · January 1, 2012

Why not Mitchel at the 3? He is going to have to play there if he goes pro and he is going to have to create his own shot because we are not given him the touches in the post. I would love to see him have the ball in his hands above the arc and go to work.

Agree , we need to get TM more involved on the other end of the floor. I still think it has to do w/ his lack of practice. Would be great if he starts to get it in Hot Springs.

I Just posted that lineup from a DEF standpoint. TMitch needs to guard the 4 whenever he is out there

Andrew · January 1, 2012

Agree , we need to get TM more involved on the other end of the floor. I still think it has to do w/ his lack of practice. Would be great if he starts to get it in Hot Springs.

I Just posted that lineup from a DEF standpoint. TMitch needs to guard the 4 whenever he is out there

Got ya and yes Mitchel in the post on D is clutch

GrandGreen · January 1, 2012

Mitchell is still finding his way, you are correct he has already made the team much better. He is exactly as advertised, a tremondous talent but not yet an offensive force. Those that think he is a Kobe type 3 are delusional at best. He is an inside player who should grow to dominate the Belt. Tony is probably too unselfish, he is setting up our outside shooters when the team would probably be better off with him taking it to the basket. He should average a double double and led the league in blocked shots.

Jones has been simply superb and should get much better. I question all our message board experts that think that about every elite program has a better point. A few maybe, but when you take into consideration the cast they playing in versus Chris than you may have another conclusion. Jones has had to carry the offense early on as well as handling the ball. He is not the best ball handling, defender, or shooter but there are few around that are better all around players. Jones reminds me of Tristian Thompson in that he can just about get his shoot at any time ether from the outside or driving in.

Jordan Williams is another phenomenal freshmen talent, but I frankly don't see him having the upside of the NBA you ( cl 1 2008) do. He will become a better shooter and will make better decisions. His biggest drawback IMO is that he really is not a guard at this point. He is a tweener not big enough for the inside or skilled enough on the outside. He should be a very good college 3.

cl_1_2008

Norton and Robinson are overshadowed in this freshmen class but in another year, would be more in the fans' focus. Norton is a good freshman player who is more than capable of getting a lot more time but plays behind Jones. Robinson is still much an unknown but hasn't looked ready in his few minutes this year, but obviously the potential is here.

NT has a freshmen class that could establish NT as a basketball power. All five players could be strong contributors. Three could get all conference mention this year.

As far as the upper classmen, I do take exception with one point. Alzee Williams has turned into one of our best offensive players. At this time, I think he has the most complete game of anyone on the team.

Walton's outside shoot is coming on and that makes him valuable. I do wish he would cut out the ultra long shoots, he does make some; but in most cases he could get closer shoots.

Franklin is a scrapper and garbage basket man. Hard for big men to guard but conversely is at a big disadvantage defending post players.

Niko has skills. Good ballhandler for front court player and has an offensive game. I don't think his defense is as bad as some, but he does get pushed around in the paint. He was very good yesterday.

Hogans is a warrior and NT needs him back in the line up. Not a real offensive thread but plays good defense even against bigger players.

Holmen can run, shoot and has all the tools, but has never been consistent. He does seem to have better shoot selection this year and is not as prone to shooting ever offensive touch.

Edwards is at last healthy. If you need a couple of quick fouls, he is your man. I don't think even though he is in his fifth year that he has had enough playing time to really get a feel for the game. Good atitude and some physical skills, but just has seldom seemed to get into flow of game. He will give NT some good minutes this year but right now seems NT last option in the post.

Edited January 1, 2012 by GrandGreen

TheTastyGreek · January 1, 2012

Why not Mitchel at the 3?

MITCHELL. Great work on Holmen, though.

I look forward to next year, when we get a few weeks of posts with the theme "Why don't we put Odoh at the 3?" in the continuing series: Skiver Annually Insisting We Play Our Posts On The Wing.

When he came here, I thought he'd play the 3. I thought we'd let him do whatever was necessary to prepare for the NBA. But he was a post in the international tournament, and he's going to stay there for us. He's a tremendous difference maker defensively (when he isn't forcing things and getting whistles) and playing him in the paint where he has to be guarded by a post makes it even more effective on offense when we have him slide out and shoot midrange or deeper.

NT03 · January 1, 2012

MITCHELL. Great work on Holmen, though.

I look forward to next year, when we get a few weeks of posts with the theme "Why don't we put Odoh at the 3?" in the continuing series: Skiver Annually Insisting We Play Our Posts On The Wing.

When he came here, I thought he'd play the 3. I thought we'd let him do whatever was necessary to prepare for the NBA. But he was a post in the international tournament, and he's going to stay there for us. He's a tremendous difference maker defensively (when he isn't forcing things and getting whistles) and playing him in the paint where he has to be guarded by a post makes it even more effective on offense when we have him slide out and shoot midrange or deeper.

Maybe OT was right, recruits do read this board ! We never had a shot with Rykhoek & Izundu.

Andrew · January 1, 2012

MITCHELL. Great work on Holmen, though.

I look forward to next year, when we get a few weeks of posts with the theme "Why don't we put Odoh at the 3?" in the continuing series: Skiver Annually Insisting We Play Our Posts On The Wing.

When he came here, I thought he'd play the 3. I thought we'd let him do whatever was necessary to prepare for the NBA. But he was a post in the international tournament, and he's going to stay there for us. He's a tremendous difference maker defensively (when he isn't forcing things and getting whistles) and playing him in the paint where he has to be guarded by a post makes it even more effective on offense when we have him slide out and shoot midrange or deeper.

I am all for Mitchel paying in the post on the defensive end but offensively he would be more of a threat a run away from the basket. We could easily run a 4 out offense with the crew we have now. I am definitely looking forward to Odah next year and having a true center in the post. Rebound and Block, that's all we need.

TheTastyGreek · January 1, 2012

Maybe OT was right, recruits do read this board ! We never had a shot with Rykhoek & Izundu.

We don't need any more point guards, man.

Maybe we could make an exception if it meant Izundu man up on Ray Taylor.

NT03 · January 1, 2012

O Who ???

O Doh !!!

UNT90 · January 1, 2012

MITCHELL. Great work on Holmen, though.

I look forward to next year, when we get a few weeks of posts with the theme "Why don't we put Odoh at the 3?" in the continuing series: Skiver Annually Insisting We Play Our Posts On The Wing.

When he came here, I thought he'd play the 3. I thought we'd let him do whatever was necessary to prepare for the NBA. But he was a post in the international tournament, and he's going to stay there for us. He's a tremendous difference maker defensively (when he isn't forcing things and getting whistles) and playing him in the paint where he has to be guarded by a post makes it even more effective on offense when we have him slide out and shoot midrange or deeper.

Granted, I haven't seen much of TM, but fom what I have seen so far this season, he does not currently have the game to play the 3 at the college level. Can't hit the outside shot and his range is VERY iffy past 10 feet. That is a 4 or 5, not a 3. I think we get confused into thinking because of his ball handling skills, he can play the 3. Those skills are great in a running game, but defenses will just sag off him in the half court game and let him dribble away on the perimeter, cause that isn't going to help his jump shot. If he wants to play the 3 in college, he has to be accurate to at least 16 feet when open. Right now, Tony isn't.

And he will always be a 4 or 5 on defense at the college level because of his shot blocking ability.

Edited January 1, 2012 by UNT90

Texas Stranger · January 1, 2012

Words cannot describe how packed an opponents zone will be if TM is facing the basket. They will be very happy to let him shoot from outside 15'

Dr. Seuss · January 2, 2012

Walton is shooting over 50% from 3 the past 5 games and Niko has played better defense then just about anyone on this roster...

Reason 12335234 Skiver knows nothing about basketball.... Niko is like Peja, and thats giving Niko a lot of credit... he goes out there hits a couple baskets and then gets lost on Defense... Youre really starting to out do yourself in your so called "basketball knowledge"

FirefightnRick · January 2, 2012

Reason 12335234 Skiver knows nothing about basketball.... Niko is like Peja, and thats giving Niko a lot of credit... he goes out there hits his first three ball then gets bench immediately afterwards....

There you go.

Rick

Andrew · January 2, 2012

Reason 12335234 Skiver knows nothing about basketball.... Niko is like Peja, and thats giving Niko a lot of credit... he goes out there hits a couple baskets and then gets lost on Defense... Youre really starting to out do yourself in your so called "basketball knowledge"

Peja was able to fit in a "zone d" in the nba which is technically not a zone because it would be considered illegal defense, but either way as he aged yes he was not athletic enough to stay with his man but with the Kings and even to a better extent with the hornets defensively he did his job.

Peja was tagged as the primary defender – and found out he ranked 87th overall out of about 500 NBA players in the database. That defensive ranking was determined by points per posession – so for every posession he defended, the 87th least amount of points were produced overall. (From the stat crunchers who ran the numbers on the average points scored on him per possession. Being in the top 18% of defenders and shutting your man down does not seem "lost" to me. But what do I know... I only go by my experience and the stats. Numbers will always speak for themselves. Take it or leave it but these are the stats and they say he was in the top 18% while with the hornets. (That is when these numbers were run).

Andrew · January 2, 2012

The players that Niko guarded for most of the game against troy scored a total of 5 points. I am not saying he has his lapses but who does not, especially on this team. Mitchel picks up ticky tack fouls in the post, Holmen has been week, and for all the muscle Edwards has he seems to be a step behind his man. Franklin has been great in the post (especially for his size)but we need more. Give Niko a chance. He is not some spectacular defender but who else do you want in the post at this point? Hogans? sure... if he was healthy!

MeanMag · January 2, 2012

The players that Niko guarded for most of the game against troy scored a total of 5 points.

6'9" Tim Owens is averaging 5 points a game for Troy. I don't know who else they played at post. 6'6" Ray Chambers? 6'4" Steven Cunningham?

There's a reason that Troy likes shooting 3 pointers. And it's not because Niko is an insurmountable inside presence. Don't get me wrong, I like Niko's active hands, but if he's going to be our best paint defender, I'm concerned.