Baker is not a Point Guard

[MCKnight]

This has been clear all season. His overall game is suffering because he’s asked to handle the ball and control the team all game. His handle is sloppy, and his passing is too careless at times. Against real teams like Seton Hall and Maryland, He has way too many basic dribbling turnovers. He plays better off the ball as evident with Sanders last year and McConnell at times this year.

Pikiell has realized this but has no where to turn this year. But this just further supports Mulcahy will be given the ball from day one. I’m a big believer in Paul and I don’t think he will disappoint.

 

[kcg88]

He hasn't done anything when he's out there with McConnell either, so...

 

[Tango Two]

He won't be next year

 

[Andrew Donnelly]

He hasn't done anything when he's out there with McConnell either, so...

McConnell is less of a point guard than geo honestly

 

[Caliknight]

This has been clear all season. His overall game is suffering because he’s asked to handle the ball and control the team all game. His handle is sloppy, and his passing is too careless at times. Against real teams like Seton Hall and Maryland, He has way too many basic dribbling turnovers. He plays better off the ball as evident with Sanders last year and McConnell at times this year.

Pikiell has realized this but has no where to turn this year. But this just further supports Mulcahy will be given the ball from day one. I’m a big believer in Paul and I don’t think he will disappoint.

Can he shoot?

 

[sct1111]

Can he shoot?

Good question. Mulcahy is another 6'4 - 6'6 guard like Geo and McConnell. Not particularly athletic but high bball iq. What characteristics does he have that makes him a better PG? Better ball handler? Passer?

 

[Caliknight]

I just want to see guys who can shoot. The kind when you see them get an open look, your first thought is this is going in. Aopposed to what I think now. I’m actually shocked when we make shots.

 

[MCKnight]

Paul is not a knockdown shooter, yet. But controls the pace of the game, has a better handle, excellent passer and most importantly has played PG his whole life. Having the ball in your hands from an early age really goes a long way in developing PG ability and B-ball IQ

I think a good comparison will be Bryant McIntosh from Northwestern if you remember him. Gutty smart point guard that led them to the big dance finally, I think Paul does the same here

 

[Caliknight]

We need shooters.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

Good question. Mulcahy is another 6'4 - 6'6 guard like Geo and McConnell. Not particularly athletic but high bball iq. What characteristics does he have that makes him a better PG? Better ball handler? Passer?

He’s a better handler than both of them by far. Also smarter player than both and I do think Geo and McConnell are smart players. I wouldn’t say he’s a better shooter than either of them. Definitely a pass-first guard. Exceptional court vision. More competitive and more of a leader than Geo and McConnell also.

 

[Caliknight]

So who is he going to pass to who will make shots?

 

[sct1111]

So who is he going to pass to who will make shots?

Was thinking the same thing. A pass first PG is great if you have scorers around you. Who's that gonna be?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Mulcahy may be ready for the keys to the offense on Day 1 OR he may never be that guy on a primary basis.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am not worried about the programs future

It is nuts that so many people are putting such high expectations on him. This is not Kenny Anderson

 

[RUsince52]

We need shooters.

Haven't seen him play, but West Milford HS has a kid averaging 20 a game and a great 3 pt shooter. Josiah Basket, 6'3"" guard. I think he has 2 brothers who played. Don't know if he is D1 talent or fits the B1G mold, but he can shoot.
Can never have too many Baskets and God knows we need baskets.

 

[blockm2]

This has been clear all season. His overall game is suffering because he’s asked to handle the ball and control the team all game. His handle is sloppy, and his passing is too careless at times. Against real teams like Seton Hall and Maryland, He has way too many basic dribbling turnovers. He plays better off the ball as evident with Sanders last year and McConnell at times this year.

It seems like this was kinda obvious from watching him last year. He's much better as an off ball option where he can come off screens and catch and shoot. He wasn't recruited to be a PG and is only being asked to this year because of the roster. He'd perform better next to a true PG.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I will repeat this again....we have 5 current guards in place. Mulcahy will make it 6.

There is nothing wrong with looking forward to what the perception is at PG, but this is an elite league with guards that are quick, fast and can defend. The entire guard unit needs to pick up its play overall.

Mulcahy IMO does not project to me anyways, as an automatic starter. BUT if you are looking for the player that is best suited to play the most at PG, it would be a combined effort of McConnell, Baker and Mulcahy.

I think Jacob Young has the speed and ability to generate his own offense and will be a bigger impact player next year. He's more experienced and has capabilities to get double digits most nights if he plays the required defense.

On paper, with 6 guards, someone's going to get beaten out for minutes, but my guess is Mathis is probably a starter as your 3rd guard anyway vs 2 guards, 2 forwards and a Center or 3 guards and 2 forwards (Carter and Eugene should be starting next year IMO).

Mulcahy is a piece to the puzzle, he is not a pure PG, more of a hybrid player that can pass the ball and create off the dribble. He absolutely has to improve his shot off the dribble now, to have an impact immediately next year, but he's definitely an impact player that will make McConnell, Baker, Mathis and Harper better, IF ( a big IF) they get rebounds and push the ball up the floor. I know Mulcahy can play in transition and find people, slash and score. He just needs to come in ready to work and I'm 100% confident he will do that.

Baker is going to be fine folks, i explained there would be a lot of 4 of 14 from the floor nights, which is part of the learning curve as the #1 option. It will be better for him to stay aggressive this year and adopt the mentality of a scorer. If he does that and Jacob Young does his thing, suddenly the roster will look better with Mulcahy wheeling and dealing.