Eugene Appreciation Thread

S_Janowski

Heisman
May 24, 2009
13,904
26,494
113
Since kyk, won't start one I will.

What a game by the kid!

Major improvements from freshman to sophomore year. He was all over the court on offense and defense. Exerting himself with the ball in his hands and kept that game close.

22 Pts on 9-11 shooting and 5 boards in 26 minutes against a team with SIZE. Not bad for a kid some wrote off last year.

Looking forward to his progression throughout the season!
 
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bac2therac

Hall of Famer
Jul 30, 2001
247,281
176,953
113
IN.....I didnt have much expectations for him heading into the year but the earlier game this year and now tonight against legit competition means we are potentially onto something. Not sure his progress will be linear but we know what he is capable of now
 

S_Janowski

Heisman
May 24, 2009
13,904
26,494
113
What I like most about him this year is his tenacity and ability to finish in the paint!

Hopefully he can keep it up in conference play.
 

BigEastPhil

Heisman
Nov 25, 2007
19,132
13,320
66
He has confidence and was not afraid to take the ball to the hoop against the long arms of FSU. The kid has improved so much. Part of the reason is our S&C Coach - Van Dyke - who I personally thanked after the game in the corridors for what he has done with the squad. As Piscataway Mike said - Eugene is the classic prototype recruit for Pikiell who loves to get the "under-recruited" kid and coach him up.
 

FELONIOUSMONK

All-American
Apr 1, 2012
11,909
5,090
0
I was there with my bro who is up from Florida and hasn't been to an RU game in years. He said that we hustle we don't give up Sanders needs to take it down a peg we can't shoot and Eugene should be in the game ahead of Thiam.He saw what we all saw..
 

RU-ROCS

All-American
Feb 5, 2003
12,407
7,573
113
There was a lot of speculation that Eugene would not be able to perform against a big front line like that of many Big10 teams. He disproved that speculation tonight. He was terrific. And, it was great to see him knock down his FTs.
 

Randal7

All-American
Jul 22, 2009
6,710
6,120
77
Eugene was tremendous tonight. His shot fake was vicious. So were his hard cuts to the hoop and the strong finishes.

Also, outside the game, our dance team was really sultry tonight. They deserve an appreciation thread too
 
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AreYouNUTS

Heisman
Aug 1, 2001
123,215
57,181
113
- confidence
- court awareness
- calmness

...from him tonight was a very nice thing to see. Am I mistaken?
 

RUChoppin

Heisman
Dec 1, 2006
19,270
13,695
0
Glad to see him step up tonight - huge game, and hopefully more of that to come this year.
 

rutger80

All-Conference
Oct 14, 2013
2,477
1,762
0
Also, his patience. Not rushing shots, waiting for the other team's bigs to jump themselves out of position.
The announcers particularly lauded him for this.
 
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ruman

All-American
Nov 30, 2001
12,426
9,055
98
Fantastic. And that defense play when he jumped into the lane and knock the ball away was beautiful
 
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SirScarlet

Heisman
Jun 27, 2001
27,246
44,311
113
Love Eugene.

have loved him from day 1 since seeing him in practice last year. you could just tell he saw the floor better than most. just needed to get stronger and play faster (eg. not think so much)

he is just scratching the surface. a monster out there today.

oh, and it wasn't just kyk. There were many people who would flat out say he stunk. some of the same ill-informed "fans" saying the same about Issa. a shame that some of our fans don't understand that if you're not a 5*, you actually need time and game experience to develop.
 

RUAEPI

Sophomore
Dec 6, 2005
2,068
168
0
Eugene said at one time he models his game after Draymond Green. I am an avid Warriors fan, and I could see it tonight. It wasn't his scoring, because that is not Draymond's game, but it was in his decision making. The game seemed a little slower for him tonight. And his intensity was off the charts. He came in for a block after a foul and the violence in his block was raw emotion that you just have for the game.

Now don't get me wrong....he has a lot to learn. But you can see where the framework is there. If he puts in as much time and effort as Draymond has over his carreer, then we have a lot to look forward to in next couple of years.
 

ScarletRunner

Junior
Aug 17, 2001
1,949
366
0
Great post, and we'll-deserved.

Obviously he's not there yet talent-wise, but Draymond Green is a good comparison... Combo of passion, court-awareness, athleticism and a knack for getting under the opponents skin. Eugene is going to be a great player by the time all is said and done and will be an all-timer in RU lore/appreciation.
 

rufeelinit

All-Conference
May 16, 2010
12,647
4,351
0
Played really well in a big game. Good to see. I don’t think we can expect that every night but looks like solid contributor on both ends. I am fine with him coming off the bench.
 

littlenis5

Senior
Jun 21, 2004
1,477
995
113
I wish the coaching staff was ready to let him guard the center when he and Freeman share the court. Guarantee those easy layups Walker got down the stretch would have been strongly contested if he were in the paint.

Great game from him and hope more minutes come his way as the rotation tightens.
 

4theknights

Senior
Mar 9, 2012
727
751
73
Its time for Eugene to start over Issa. We need his toughness right from the start and he has earned it. I know it was only an exhibition game vs St John's but we made our late run with Eugene and Freeman playing together. I like when both guys are in game...D, rebounding and blocking shots. Eugene finishing around the basket last night against a tough foe was the highlight of the game for me.
 

linzalonic

Senior
Apr 28, 2003
1,011
412
0
I was an early buyer of Eugene stock. First time I saw him I thought 'Baby Draymond'. Obviously he was quite raw, but people forget the development curve in college basketball. While he is highly unlikely to make the NBA, he can be a big contributor the next few years. A PJ Tucker / Taj Gibson / Draymond type of player.

Every time we face a zone, Eugene needs to be at the high post. His offensive development is ahead of schedule. That's a legit front line he was ballin' against.

His block on #12 was the most impressive play of the night. Kudos to all his hard work in the weight room and on the practice court.
 

hiwater

All-Conference
Aug 1, 2001
9,566
3,120
113
Since kyk, won't start one I will.

What a game by the kid!

Major improvements from freshman to sophomore year. He was all over the court on offense and defense. Exerting himself with the ball in his hands and kept that game close.

22 Pts on 9-11 shooting and 5 boards in 26 minutes against a team with SIZE. Not bad for a kid some wrote off last year.

Looking forward to his progression throughout the season!
Yes...KYK is lucky that all of the crows flew south for the winter.
 

Knights 1212

All-American
Sep 9, 2003
27,549
8,483
113
All I know is there were a few guys ripping eugene before the season who said he would never even play 10 minutes a game. There are too many on here who are always ripping one or some of our players. Our kids worked their tails off last night and are improving every day. I am enjoying the ride.
 

Degaz-RU

Heisman
Dec 19, 2002
22,312
26,536
88
Its time for Eugene to start over Issa. We need his toughness right from the start and he has earned it. I know it was only an exhibition game vs St John's but we made our late run with Eugene and Freeman playing together. I like when both guys are in game...D, rebounding and blocking shots. Eugene finishing around the basket last night against a tough foe was the highlight of the game for me.

No - Eugene is a PF, and we need at least the THREAT of the 3-point shot from Thiam at the WF position.
 
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soundcrib

All-Conference
Oct 7, 2002
6,743
3,903
113
I appreciate Eugene. I was skeptical last year coming into this year and he has proved me wrong. Just wish he was a little bit taller...

Great heart.
 

Knight Owl

All-Conference
Jul 27, 2001
3,536
2,580
0
Ahh-ma-roo-eeeee!