What happened to Cliff?

[RAC93]

One thing that has happened to him (it may not be the only thing) is that he doesn't have someone who knows how to (or can) get him the ball the way that certain previous players did. Now, that fact may underscore limitations in Cliff's game. So be it. But, regardless, to this point, nobody seems to be able to get Cliff the ball in situations that allow him to take advantage of his quickness, leaping ability and long arms the way that certain (unnamed) previous players could.

So true, Noah and Cliff have displayed zero on the floor chemistry as far as pick and roll, lob passes, dishes from Fernandes on a drive to the hoop. Most of Cliff’s buckets were the result of being set up for lobs and dishes by Geo, Ron, Paul, Caleb and Cam. He would also draw fouls on opponents by being set up by teammates. That well has dried up and here we are left with Cliff trying to beat his man one on one in the post. It just doesn’t work, whatever reason you want to pick (Cliff lacks the skill, Cliff has limited basketball experience, Coaches have failed his development)……whatever the reason is, the reality is you can’t run your offense through Cliff in the post.

 

[DC8690]

At times I feel that Cliff is working off the critique of his game when he went to NBA camps and we're now seeing the unfortunate net results.....

I have 2 thoughts- he is either playing only to impress scouts (which ironically is the opposite is happening bc he is coming off very lazy) or he realizes there is not future for him in bball and he is just coasting and getting a degree.

 

[ScarletDog]

It seems the pump fake gets him off his feet, and leads to nothing good, more this year so far…

Illinois exploited this very well yesterday.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Coach needs to allow Cliff to do the things he’s good it.
Pike is embarrassing the kid by insisting he gets the ball 10 to 15 feet from the basket.

Exactly. Pike has designed this offense around posting Cliff up, but he is just not good at this. I think they are both reacting to NBA feedback and trying to get Cliff to the league, but it is obvious it is not working. They should play to Cliff‘s strengths and allow him to do what he is good at, like pick and roll and getting him lobs, and stay away from things he is not good at, like posting up.

 

[RUBlackout]

Exactly. Pike has designed this offense around posting Cliff up, but he is just not good at this. I think they are both reacting to NBA feedback and trying to get Cliff to the league, but it is obvious it is not working. They should play to Cliff‘s strengths and allow him to do what he is good at, like pick and roll and getting him lobs, and stay away from things he is not good at, like posting up.

I can’t remember the last time I have seen anyone post up in the NBA….seems like a forgotten play that we are trying to resurrect for some odd reason

 

[mikeyoc]

Coaching

Sorry but it's not Pikes fault that Cliff keeps hitting the front rim with that baby hook he keeps throwing up from the baseline

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Sorry but it's not Pikes fault that Cliff keeps hitting the front rim with that baby hook he keeps throwing up from the baseline

It‘s Pike‘s fault to allow him to keep throwing up such a poor shot.

 

[mikeyoc]

It‘s Pike‘s fault to allow him to keep throwing up such a poor shot.

There's nothing wrong with the shot. He just needs to get it over the front rim every once in a while

 

[Nycrusupporter]

There's nothing wrong with the shot. He just needs to get it over the front rim every once in a while

He has consistently shown he can’t make the shot. He fades away from the basket and puts up an awkward one handed fling that has little chance of going in. It is a terrible shot and he shouldn’t be allowed to keep taking it.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Beginning of last year I noted a few times that he looked miserable. It's even more obvious now. Not sure why/what, and how it's going to change, but it did over break last season so I'm hoping it happens again in a few weeks.

 

[Ridge 22]

He has consistently shown he can’t make the shot. He fades away from the basket and puts up an awkward one handed fling that has little chance of going in. It is a terrible shot and he shouldn’t be allowed to keep taking it.

He throws it at the rim like dodge ball. A total missile with zero arc