A Few Game Thoughts

[PhilaPhans]

1.) Corey Sanders and DeShawn Freeman have been godsends. While neither of them are LeBron James, both of them are legit B1G players. If Coach can bring in two guys of this quality every year, the team would make the dance every year.

2.) Foreman has no excuse for shooting 5-13 from the line, or the 5 TOs (I mean, it's not like the ball goes through his hands every possession ... I could see if our PG had a bad game).

3.) Looking forward to the time when the 3 starts falling, because it's not like we've got 6'8 athletic guys closing out on us so far this year. The open shots won't come nearly as easily.

4.) Otherwise it's just Howard. Nice not to lose a game like this, but not much to get really excited about.

 

[Caliknight]

Shooting, as always, is a major concern. We haven't had a consistent shooter since Douby.

 

[ruman]

Howard was up 12 on Umass in the second half yesterday. We will play teams that are much worse.

No reason to overdue things, but it's a good win. Could easily have been a loss in previous years. And all wins are good wins for this program

 

[Duff366]

Like the aggressive play in the paint by Freeman and Foreman.. Foreman can be a little out of control and can't hit free throws, but I will take that over a passive front line player any day. Laurent looked athletic and aggressive as well

Also like the four guards we have..very impressed with Sanders.. He will have a lot of freshman moments but is unselfish and a tremendous passer

Williams will give 100 percent each night which will rub off on the other guys.. Daniel's play is flawed but his athleticism and ability to drive and get fouled is needed.. Goode looks like a steady 4th guard and is money from the line

This team will lack shooting at times.. Wish, they had a tall three point threat and a polished offensive center. But overall, as some one said earlier, this team should be infinitely more enjoyable to watch

 

[RutgersJoe]

2-0 for the first time since 09-10 season is refreshing. Not sure that RU's November team from last year would have pulled this one out. Impressed with how much composure Sanders showed on the court - finds the open man and does not force shots at all. Mike Williams a pleasant surprise early on.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

Here are my impressions. First of all, I was told Howard was a decent team. They are not. However, I think we will be slightly better than I expected.

I expected us to be disaster and that's not what I saw.

First the good.

Sanders is really good. I was afraid he was going to be flashy and selfish but he's not at all. His shot is suspect but it's so nice to have a true point guard on this team. He makes everyone around him better and needs to be on the court at all times. He also seems to be a leader on the court.

Laurent and Goode can be very nice players in time. They are not the "lost" kind of athletes that we have been adding in recent years (Kone, Okoro, etc). Laurent should be solid and Goode looks to have a great shot...although he wasn't hitting them tonight. He is a defensive liability, so he has to be used strategically.

Freeman is also very good but not exactly what i was expecting. He will get a lot of garbage points...especially in our OOC games. He might struggle at times in the B1G because he's smaller than the style of game he plays. He hustles and hits foul shots but his shot looks suspect also. A

Mike Williams looked like himself but seemed frustrated at times. It reminded me a little of the negativity that seemed constant with last years team. I hope not. He stills hustles and plays D but he didn't look too thrilled to me.

Which brings me to my main "positive". If we traded Mack and Jack for Sanders and Freeman, I think we win big time. They looked like they enjoyed playing with each others and it made me realize what a head case Jack was and how out of position Mack was.

Now the Bad.

I have nothing good to say about Daniels, so I'll say nothing.

Grier looks like he might be this year's Okoro (odd man out).

And I saved the best (worst) for last). Diallo is completely and utterly lost. He can catch the ball, loses his man, and is not very coordinated. Lewis is still Lewis but maybe not as good. Foreman looked better in the second half but our big men are a big weakness.

 

[BKIn118]

Adjust your glasses Magoo...you aren't seeing too clearly if that's your evaluation following today's game!

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

so offer your differences, I'm curious

 

[RutgHoops]

We have 10 basketball players. First time in a while. This team is pretty good.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

so offer your differences, I'm curious

I agree, some of your observations make me think I watched the wrong today.

 

[ScarletLongIsland_rivals]

I just love to see all 5 players on the floor within the flow of the offense. Nice to see us attack the basket with crisp and smart passes. Fun to watch.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

My guess is that you disagree about the big men or Daniels (or anything negative). Otherwise, you disagree with almost everyone on here.

This is the most positive I've been about the program in quite some time.

 

[nirrad]

Did Grier play yet?

 

[MCKnight]

Shooting is a concern, as we all anticipated. But ball movement is there, sanders has great vision and court savy. Still too many turnovers, especially from our bigs, freeman needs to focus on making a simple pass, not behind the back and alley oop type passes on the interior. Deepest team we've had where every player can offer something. But I'd say Eddie already has his favorites, his recruits, not surprisingly. Expect to see a lot of Freeman, Sanders, Foreman and Laurent.

 

[Scarlet Shack]

I like this team...we are going to have plenty of moments of mistakes

But we have players and athletes and lot lot lot more "we" and a lot lot less "me"

And Corey sanders is beyond a breathe of fresh air....

 

[78CollegeAve]

I can live with Diallo's, uh, issues. Hamady wasn't exactly smooth during his first year or two. Big guys are different, or at least a 6-10 or 6-11 who is willing to come to RU. Hard to believe that Goode will see many minutes once the opposition gets better. Great mechanics on his FTs but just don't see him getting his 3 off in the B1G. And no man or press with him on the court. Sanders looked very composed. Can't wait to see him against tougher comp. Freeman is a Man. That is really good. Still think it's a struggle to get to 10 Ws, but 2-0 looks great!

 

[linzalonic]

Ball movement. Unselfishness. Crashing the boards. Athleticism. Slightly better defensive focus. Much higher bball IQ.

Lots to like about this squad. There will be growing pains but the entertainment quotient hasn't been this high since at least Rice's 2nd year.

Freeman is a difference maker. Diallo is a freshman big; steeper learning curve than guards.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Can our bigs finish around the rim in B1G play?

A ? To me.

 

[jakeknight]

Well this team does look to be an improvement, but let's not be unrealistic, if they could win 4-6 league games that would be a huge improvement over last years team. Frankly right now it's enough for me to see a RU team play decent team basketball and not play like a bunch of immature bone heads. SJ this week will provide a better yardstick for where this team is now.

 

[jakeknight]

Well this team does look to be an improvement, but let's not be unrealistic, if they could win 4-6 league games that would be a huge improvement over last years team. Frankly right now it's enough for me to see a RU team play decent team basketball and not play like a bunch of immature bone heads. SJ this week will provide a better yardstick for where this team is now.

 

[bac2therac]

Here are my thoughts....

Freeman and Sanders make the rest of the team better period. This team was quite awful the first half of Rutgers Newark. Freeman was a difference maker and his insertion in the 2nd half made the rest of the team able to find a niche in that 2nd half. For Howard having both Sanders and Freeman helped the team get better moreso. So from the start of RU-N to the end of Howard this team got better.

I was a bit worried about this Howard game given how they played against UMass and how close RU Newark was. While I wasn't impressed with Howard at all, they aren't very good, have to give credit to Jordan and staff and the players for working hard in this game and staying focused. Once the team asserted itself midway through the first half they controlled the rest of the game and when Howard made a little run to cut it to 5 or 6, RU responded with a run of their own to give them a new biggest lead of the game

Athleticism is the major difference from prior years. Whether its the press or a drive to the hoop, its much improved. That alone narrows some of the talent gap that will exist with other programs on the schedule.

Freeman is the real deal. Love what he brings, Jonathan Mitchell potential. Sanders was solid in his first start. I think that Williams and Foreman are off to solid enough spots. I am disappointed with Daniels and Lewis, both should be able to have taken bigger steps up as they hit their senior year so slow starts from them is a bit troubling to me. The others like Laurent, Grier, Diallo will need work overall. Its a little soon to declare anything..ditto for Goode who has a nice shot but lets not go overboard here because when competition gets tougher he will be at a disadvantage especially defensively

Overall pleased with the first two games. I think the team will have scoring droughts and hopefully they clean up some poor decision making late in the game playing with a lead. ..no reason to not run some clock instead of trying to force layups. SJU game is a tossup. They beat Wagner in their opener so while rumor is they don't have much talent I expect a close game and it would be huge for confidence to pick that one up.

 

[RAC’emUp]

Here are my impressions. First of all, I was told Howard was a decent team. They are not. However, I think we will be slightly better than I expected.

I expected us to be disaster and that's not what I saw.

First the good.

Sanders is really good. I was afraid he was going to be flashy and selfish but he's not at all. His shot is suspect but it's so nice to have a true point guard on this team. He makes everyone around him better and needs to be on the court at all times. He also seems to be a leader on the court.

Laurent and Goode can be very nice players in time. They are not the "lost" kind of athletes that we have been adding in recent years (Kone, Okoro, etc). Laurent should be solid and Goode looks to have a great shot...although he wasn't hitting them tonight. He is a defensive liability, so he has to be used strategically.

Freeman is also very good but not exactly what i was expecting. He will get a lot of garbage points...especially in our OOC games. He might struggle at times in the B1G because he's smaller than the style of game he plays. He hustles and hits foul shots but his shot looks suspect also. A

Mike Williams looked like himself but seemed frustrated at times. It reminded me a little of the negativity that seemed constant with last years team. I hope not. He stills hustles and plays D but he didn't look too thrilled to me.

Which brings me to my main "positive". If we traded Mack and Jack for Sanders and Freeman, I think we win big time. They looked like they enjoyed playing with each others and it made me realize what a head case Jack was and how out of position Mack was.

Now the Bad.

I have nothing good to say about Daniels, so I'll say nothing.

Grier looks like he might be this year's Okoro (odd man out).

And I saved the best (worst) for last). Diallo is completely and utterly lost. He can catch the ball, loses his man, and is not very coordinated. Lewis is still Lewis but maybe not as good. Foreman looked better in the second half but our big men are a big weakness.

No way I trade Sanders and Freeman for Mack and Jack. Jack is way more talented than Freeman. Having said that Sanders and Freeman are both good team players. We just don't have the scorers, the interior defense or the experience. It's gonna be a real tough season, although I would love to be wrong.

 

[richthedentist]

while I liked what Freeman brought I have no idea if he can shoot he at least 5 open shots about 12 feet in and never took a single one. If we are to have any chance to win some big games he is going to have to shoot those shots. Heck I think Greg Lewis is our best shooter!!!

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

No way I trade Sanders and Freeman for Mack and Jack. Jack is way more talented than Freeman. Having said that Sanders and Freeman are both good team players. We just don't have the scorers, the interior defense or the experience. It's gonna be a real tough season, although I would love to be wrong.

Freeman attacked the middle of the zone more in one game than Jack did all last year. I remember watching games last year and scratching my head that 6'9" Jack never popped into the middle of zone.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

while I liked what Freeman brought I have no idea if he can shoot he at least 5 open shots about 12 feet in and never took a single one. If we are to have any chance to win some big games he is going to have to shoot those shots. Heck I think Greg Lewis is our best shooter!!!

It's not a negative that Greg Lewis is your best mid-range jump shooter. Jordan said he was a very good mid range shooter and he wants him to take that shot. With the court spread, he will get that chance. He hit one today that was all net...I think you'll see more.

The big guys that will attack off the dribble are Foreman and Freeman....then Laurent.

 

[RU-Choppin-Ohio]

My guess is that you disagree about the big men or Daniels (or anything negative). Otherwise, you disagree with almost everyone on here.

This is the most positive I've been about the program in quite some time.

You are correct, I don't dwell on negatives, that's just my MO. I think in terms of positives and certain areas for improvement.

Foreman needs to shot FT's better because with his aggressive nature he will get fouled a lot.

Freeman needs to keep attacking, but, be cautious about getting too fancy. He just needs to keep it simple and finish. He was a very good passer when he gets the ball in the middle of the defense.

Daniels just needs to pick his spots. Including, catch and drive then make his foul shots, take the occasional mid range or 3 point shot and use his speed in transition.

Diallo needs to be ready to catch passes because Sanders will find him if he is open. I also noticed he is not shy about taking shoots. At 6'10, that could be a good thing. He does NOT look lost.

Goode will have many multiple 3 point shooting games, including a few of those 4-6 or 5-7 games when teams play zone. The play run for him near the end of the game when Sanders found him was very nice.

 

[Mr. Magoo1]

Fair enough. I disagree about Diallo however.

I also seriously hope Daniels comes off the bench in the future. We need shooting in the starting lineup and I think Williams has to start with Sanders if we only start two guards.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Like others noted above, There was a lot to like from the newcomers, especially Sanders and Freeman, both of who appear to be Big10 talents. As for the returning guys, I loved Mike Williams energy in both of the last 2 games. If his 3-point shot actually starts falling watch out. Lewis was not great, but his shot seems improved. Foreman is much more assertive so far, but needs to hit his FTs! Daniels is off to a disappointing start. For a senior he looks surprisingly lost out there too many times. He also makes too many bad decisions. Hopefully, he'll snap out of it.

 

[linzalonic]

No way I trade Sanders and Freeman for Mack and Jack. Jack is way more talented than Freeman. Having said that Sanders and Freeman are both good team players. We just don't have the scorers, the interior defense or the experience. It's gonna be a real tough season, although I would love to be wrong.

If we're picking squads on the playground, you can have Jack & I'll take Freeman. We'll see who wins, all else equal.

Believe me, I wish Kadeem had achieved his full potential & was drafted into the NBA. Instead he was inconsistent on offense & nonexistent on defense. Once in a while he would go off & post a double double. But mostly he gave diehard fans grey hair.

In two games, Freeman has flashed the "it" factor. He knows where to be, when to cut, when to flash. he looks for teammates (which Jack rarely did). He has a knack for loose balls & rebounds, and has shown court awareness. Most important, the team clearly plays better when he is in the game.

Jack & Mack were great kids & I wish they had played on better teams while at RU. But the deification of them by some people on this board is puzzling. I'm very encouraged by what I've seen so far (excepting two veterans who've played poorly & Diallo who's suffering major growing pains).

 

[JPhoboken]

I am disappointed with Daniels and Lewis, both should be able to have taken bigger steps up as they hit their senior year so slow starts from them is a bit troubling to me.

Thought the post was spot on, and especially about Daniels and Lewis. Will obviously hope they start seeing the light and take it up a level, would be Huge for Rutgers, but I was thinking the exact same thing. Again, lets hope for some bigger things from those two.

 

[JPhoboken]

No way I trade Sanders and Freeman for Mack and Jack. Jack is way more talented than Freeman. Having said that Sanders and Freeman are both good team players. We just don't have the scorers, the interior defense or the experience. It's gonna be a real tough season, although I would love to be wrong.

Although I liked Mack and Jack a lot, good kids and had some big games. Not consistent enough in BIG 10 games to be difference makers though.

Bottom line, we lost with Mack and Jack, we can lose without them. Lets give the Sanders and Freeman show a chance and see what happens.

 

[MadRU]

Jack is more a pro prospect than Freeman but after two games from what I have seen, Freeman might be a better college basketball player. He has a high motor, does some of the dirty work that is needed to build a successful team. Jack has a very high level of talent which is probably better suited for the pros. I am not putting down Jack, I appreciated everything he did for Rutgers, especially enduring a tough situation, just observing talent levels and where they fit in best, imo.

 

[RAC’emUp]

If we're picking squads on the playground, you can have Jack & I'll take Freeman. We'll see who wins, all else equal.

Believe me, I wish Kadeem had achieved his full potential & was drafted into the NBA. Instead he was inconsistent on offense & nonexistent on defense. Once in a while he would go off & post a double double. But mostly he gave diehard fans grey hair.

In two games, Freeman has flashed the "it" factor. He knows where to be, when to cut, when to flash. he looks for teammates (which Jack rarely did). He has a knack for loose balls & rebounds, and has shown court awareness. Most important, the team clearly plays better when he is in the game.

Jack & Mack were great kids & I wish they had played on better teams while at RU. But the deification of them by some people on this board is puzzling. I'm very encouraged by what I've seen so far (excepting two veterans who've played poorly & Diallo who's suffering major growing pains).

No "deification" of Mack and Jack on my part. You make good points on Freeman. I do like him. What I don't see, at least not yet, is that we will have the ability to score against the bigger and better front line players in the Big 10. I see that the new guys are team players and I like that. In the end though, a team needs scoring talent too. Not sure where that will come from.

On a related matter, I don't see this team as one that will effectively run. Again, a talent thing. I like Eddie though and remain hopeful.

 

[RUMountie]

Fair enough. I disagree about Diallo however.

I also seriously hope Daniels comes off the bench in the future. We need shooting in the starting lineup and I think Williams has to start with Sanders if we only start two guards.

Can we give Diallo some time to develop? Obviously he needs to get alot more skilled catching the ball, shooting the ball, etc. However, this was only his second college basketball game. Diallo definitely seems to have the athletic ability and size to be a good big man so let's not write him off just yet.

 

[higgins3]

Had the pleasure of listening to this game on my headphones while making lunch before I went into work. A lot of people were talking about the departure of Mack and Jack. Thankfully, we are now seeing what Sanders&Freeman bring to the table. Not only Sanders and freeman, but Laurent, Goode, the whole team. Because that is how basketball is won- having the whole team play well together.

Solid win. Coach Jordan has to get on Foreman with his free throws or else he will be pulled late in games. Also, his free throws are the difference maker between a win and a loss in the big ten. Foreman has to show progression and improvement. I am very high on his play. His play will only be bettered if he does better at the line. He is a big kid that will draw fouls, but it won't mean much unless he starts shooting 70-80 percent. Start hanging with Goode a little bit.

I liked what Coach Jordan said about Sanders defense. Over time, he will have to assert himself less and stop going for steals all the time.

In general, definitely an improved bunch. This is easily a game we lose last year. Also, WHEN HAVE WE EVER SAW A HEADLINE THAT SAID RU BBALL ROLLS OVER AN OPPONENT?Awesome stuff!When listening/watching this team, I am clearly seeing a NOW and a FUTURE of RU basketball. Good for the team and staff, and fans that have been supporting the program for a long time.

 

[higgins3]

Can we give Diallo some time to develop? Obviously he needs to get alot more skilled catching the ball, shooting the ball, etc. However, this was only his second college basketball game. Diallo definitely seems to have the athletic ability and size to be a good big man so let's not write him off just yet.

I agree. With time, he will get a lot better. I am okay with where he is at now, and think by next year he can do a lot better.

 

[RutgersFbFan]

I agree. With time, he will get a lot better. I am okay with where he is at now, and think by next year he can do a lot better.

I like Diallo's potential & you can't teach size, but i'm a little nervous he is too confident at this stage in his career. obviously a small sample size, but it seemed like whenever he got the ball he would just put his head down and try to score without playing within himself. that's a one way ticket to the doghouse for a big, as he forced shots and dribbled into traffic. If he plays within himself on offense, i think he can be a solid contributor right away with his length and size on defense

 

[higgins3]

I like Diallo's potential & you can't teach size, but i'm a little nervous he is too confident at this stage in his career. obviously a small sample size, but it seemed like whenever he got the ball he would just put his head down and try to score without playing within himself. that's a one way ticket to the doghouse for a big, as he forced shots and dribbled into traffic. If he plays within himself on offense, i think he can be a solid contributor right away with his length and size on defense

Very valid point. He is easily flustered as well.

 

[RU-ROCS]

The only cautionary note about Foreman, besides his horrid FT shooting, is that he looked great in a couple of early non-conference games last year, but then he really struggled v. better competition. Hopefully, this year he takes the next step forward.

 

[higgins3]

The only cautionary note about Foreman, besides his horrid FT shooting, is that he looked great in a couple of early non-conference games last year, but then he really struggled v. better competition. Hopefully, this year he takes the next step forward.

i hear you. I will say, I think foreman can be a great player if he gets his ft under wraps. A lot of games last year he was a little olde english away from a nice basket. I am very happy to see him contributing on the boards. That is HUGE and was one thing I was looking for out of him. He is willing to do what the team needs on the boards. Him and laurent helping out on the rebounding front from the wing area is very big for us.