McConnell finally play point

[RUsojo]

The adjustment had been made! McConnell has been playing the wrong role the last two seasons on the wing primarily off the ball.

Time will tell if this is just because Geo is out or a full time thing.

Hoepuflly this continues and Paul goes back to the wing because unlike McConnell he moves very well off the ball and has developed a capable catch and shoot game. McConnell is an off the dribble shooters and has been much more comfortable.

simple switch I think would help the team going forward

 

[Danprusa_4]

Much agreed

 

[Degaz-RU]

The adjustment had been made! McConnell has been playing the wrong role the last two seasons on the wing primarily off the ball.

Time will tell if this is just because Geo is out or a full time thing.

Hoepuflly this continues and Paul goes back to the wing because unlike McConnell he moves very well off the ball and has developed a capable catch and shoot game. McConnell is an off the dribble shooters and has been much more comfortable.

simple switch I think would help the team going forward

Paul is playing a really good game tonight, mostly at PG

 

[RUsojo]

Paul is playing a really good game tonight, mostly at PG

Yeah Paul’s played pretty well, offense falters still here and there with him and did tonight, but it’s not a night to steal from Calebs thunder. Kid played his best game in years and looked so happy playing in a role he’s comfortable in.

 

[Joey Bags]

Geo used to go HAM as a 2

 

[RUtrumpet92_rivals498139]

Paul 7 dimes, Caleb 2. Whole team did well looking to make the extra pass for a better shot.

 

[Shell21]

Paul has been looking to push the ball more the last two games; much needed

 

[RUBlackout]

Geo used to go HAM as a 2

Geo should be a 2 and CM and then PM take the ball up

 

[zappaa]

The adjustment had been made! McConnell has been playing the wrong role the last two seasons on the wing primarily off the ball.

Time will tell if this is just because Geo is out or a full time thing.

Hoepuflly this continues and Paul goes back to the wing because unlike McConnell he moves very well off the ball and has developed a capable catch and shoot game. McConnell is an off the dribble shooters and has been much more comfortable.

simple switch I think would help the team going forward

The key is to get PM off the point

 

[RedChucken123]

Finally! Caleb is a better penetrator and mid-range shooter. He was actually blowing by his guy a couple times, which we have been missing this season. Paul is better when he finds the ball in the middle of the lane and can make the correct pass. Paul shouldn’t be standing with the ball at the top of the key. Should be cutting or being the zone breaking middle guy. If these two guys keep this up, we’ll be in good shape. We’ll probably get more wide open threes and if we can knock those down (versus wild, chucked threes), we’ll be in GREAT shape.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Geo should be a 2 and CM and then PM take the ball up

No - Soho is right. The key is to figure out how best to utilize Caleb so he’s most comfortable on offense which seemed to work well when he was on ball as opposed to more of a catch and shoot type role. We have no choice really but to adjust the offense around minimizing his liabilities on that side of the ball. The drop off on defense when Caleb sits is massive and probably not something we’re going to be able to compensate for in the medium term against BIG competition. To have a chance to turn things around, Caleb’s defense will be needed for big minutes.

 

[toby83]

Paul 7 dimes, Caleb 2. Whole team did well looking to make the extra pass for a better shot.

Hyatt prone to occasional quick trigger

 

[zappaa]

Soho is big time correct.
By making Caleb the PG, and living with the pitfalls.
Two other important contributors are not playing out of position, and give us a better chance to win
Geo can play point when Caleb is off the floor

 

[Scarlet Blind_rivals]

I like this dual PG look they have been experimenting with the last 2 games, @ UMass and vs Clemson, without Geo.

Caleb 3/7, 9asts, 5/7 2 asts, 8/14, 11asts
Paul 5/10 6 asts, 2/7 7 asts, 7/17, 13asts
I think Caleb didn't get as many assists because Jaden just didn't hit his shots, where RHJ did on Paul's side.

It does make you wonder if that was the plan going into 21-22 before Geo decided to comeback and kind of wreck what they were working on all summer, and basically killing the momentum they had built for months while Geo and RHJ entertained the NBA stuff. RHJ fits the new look offense, Geo definitely DOES NOT, and why they scrapped it for the first 5 games for Geo ball, Lehigh to Lafayette.

 

[S_Janowski]

The adjustment had been made! McConnell has been playing the wrong role the last two seasons on the wing primarily off the ball.

Time will tell if this is just because Geo is out or a full time thing.

Hoepuflly this continues and Paul goes back to the wing because unlike McConnell he moves very well off the ball and has developed a capable catch and shoot game. McConnell is an off the dribble shooters and has been much more comfortable.

simple switch I think would help the team going forward

Last week you also were saying that McConnell should be the “last man in the rotation, or last man in”.

Curious what changed?

I’ve always believed that to have a successful season we need definitely McConnell. That’s not saying his time needed to be trimmed or position changed, but he will be a key factor in any potential success this year.

 

[RUsojo]

Last week you also were saying that McConnell should be the “last man in the rotation, or last man in”.

Curious what changed?

I’ve always believed that to have a successful season we need definitely McConnell. That’s not saying his time needed to be trimmed or position changed, but he will be a key factor in any potential success this year.

His entire role! I never thought Pike would go back it’s been over 2 years since we’ve been discussing McConnnell to PG. I brought it up a few times pre-season this year and after the first two games about what’s our best lineup Etc but honestly thought Pike would not change.

Glad he did

 

[S_Janowski]

His entire role! I never thought Pike would go back it’s been over 2 years since we’ve been discussing McConnnell to PG. I brought it up a few times pre-season this year and after the first two games about what’s our best lineup Etc but honestly thought Pike would not change.

Glad he did

Well that’s a way better point than “McConnell should the the last man in the rotation”!

Caleb has struggled big time this year but hopefully last night was exactly what he needed. He brings length, defense, and toughness….and he did have a decent mid-range jumper early in his career. He will definitely be needed to have any type of successful season.

 

[RUsojo]

Well that’s a way better point than “McConnell should the the last man in the rotation”!

Caleb has struggled big time this year but hopefully last night was exactly what he needed. He brings length, defense, and toughness….and he did have a decent mid-range jumper early in his career. He will definitely be needed to have any type of successful season.

I’ve made both points multiple times so idk what else to tell ya but either way glad the adjustment was made.

 

[S_Janowski]

I’ve made both points multiple times so idk what else to tell ya but either way glad the adjustment was made.

I mean both points couldn’t have been further apart from eachother but glad to see a post like this

 

[RUsojo]

I mean both points couldn’t have been further apart from eachother but glad to see a post like this

I only make the points that are sitting there to make I can’t help how they do or don’t relate.

Let’s see if Pike sticks with this.

meanwhile, Hyatt played well again and is one of if not our only consistent threat to penetrate. The moves are there to make to get this team back on track

 

[RUsojo]

Put McConnell back at the 1 and reduce Geos minutes there and Jones more minutes at the 2 and reduce minutes there.

The best four is pretty clear imo it’s 2-5 Jones Ron Hyatt Cliff.

@S_Janowski here you go from a few weeks ago.

 

[RUsojo]

Put McConnell back at the 1 and reduce Geos minutes there and Jones more minutes at the 2 and reduce minutes there.

The best four is pretty clear imo it’s 2-5 Jones Ron Hyatt Cliff.

I just don’t see how any coach could think a lineup of Geo Paul McConnell would end up doing well offensively. Add Harper, who McConnell usually just crowds if he’s off ball and maybe we have enough film from last year to know those four are a mess together.

I should say, that is if you only McConnell at all.

The full context in one thread. Think it’s pretty rational, covers each dynamic you’re talking about.

@S_Janowski

not sure what else I can do be considerate of all the context

 

[cm_13]

That jumper from the top of the key was falling whenever Caleb wanted it. Got his pocket picked a couple times bringing the ball up but aside from that he played a great game tonight on both ends. Really happy for Caleb

 

[RUsojo]

That jumper from the top of the key was falling whenever Caleb wanted it. Got his pocket picked a couple times bringing the ball up but aside from that he played a great game tonight on both ends. Really happy for Caleb

His frosh year when he looked like Bambi and hadn’t grown into his body yet that jumper was money off the dribble when he was playing point. McConnell has been a consistent perform at PG when asked.

 

[Scarlet Blind_rivals]

2019-20 season started 1-1(Geo) in the B1G, McConnell started 12 B1G games at PG with Mathis at 2, RHJ at 3, Yeboah at 4 and Myles Johnson at 5. That starting lineup went 7-5(started 6-2, ended 1-3). They finished the season 3-3(Geo). 2020-21, JY and Geo were battling each other who was the PG. JY no Geo 2-1, Geo/JY 1-5, Geo no JY 5-3, Geo/JY 2-1, B1G tourny 1-1, NCAA 1-1. They did enough to get into the tourny but both never fully bough into that backcourt. This year, I think Caleb and Paul really feed off each other well as a backcourt, where Geo/Paul or Geo/Caleb hasn't and probably won't. I don't know how Geo fits in this new system, because it is way more effective without Geo in it, and Geo probably sees it as an injured outsider looking in. Geo will need to find a new role on this team going forward.

 

[goru7]

I like this dual PG look they have been experimenting with the last 2 games, @ UMass and vs Clemson, without Geo.

Caleb 3/7, 9asts, 5/7 2 asts, 8/14, 11asts
Paul 5/10 6 asts, 2/7 7 asts, 7/17, 13asts
I think Caleb didn't get as many assists because Jaden just didn't hit his shots, where RHJ did on Paul's side.

It does make you wonder if that was the plan going into 21-22 before Geo decided to comeback and kind of wreck what they were working on all summer, and basically killing the momentum they had built for months while Geo and RHJ entertained the NBA stuff. RHJ fits the new look offense, Geo definitely DOES NOT, and why they scrapped it for the first 5 games for Geo ball, Lehigh to Lafayette.

Except they couldn’t have played worse in their careers in the first 5 games. Caleb and Paul have finally played up to their capabilities and stat sheet stuffers these last 2 games. First 5 , they couldn’t shoot (record for air balls ) , couldn’t pass, hardly any assists , couldn’t defend like normally they do nor get in the passing lanes and create steals. You cannot tell me seeing Caleb hit 2 mid range shots and finally a 3 was not what you expected coming into the year and when it didn’t happen , people shat all over him. Now he is playing back to what he is capable of. No , he will not get 16 points a night but he should get 10 with 6-7 assists or rebounds or steals and impact the defensive end. That is plausible and something he is very capable of.

 

[Scarlet Blind_rivals]

Except they couldn’t have played worse in their careers in the first 5 games. Caleb and Paul have finally played up to their capabilities and stat sheet stuffers these last 2 games. First 5 , they couldn’t shoot (record for air balls ) , couldn’t pass, hardly any assists , couldn’t defend like normally they do nor get in the passing lanes and create steals. You cannot tell me seeing Caleb hit 2 mid range shots and finally a 3 was not what you expected coming into the year and when it didn’t happen , people shat all over him. Now he is playing back to what he is capable of. No , he will not get 16 points a night but he should get 10 with 6-7 assists or rebounds or steals and impact the defensive end. That is plausible and something he is very capable of.

The problem with that was Paul and Caleb was rarely the backcourt as long as Geo was on the floor, Geo either played at point guard or 2 guard. Geo does not ever play wing in the first 5 games or his career. So it was a backcourt of Geo/Caleb or Geo/Paul, the other on the Wing. 140 out of 160 minutes first 4 games and 26 out of 27 minutes vs Lafayette and Caleb didn't start vs Lafayette, down 35-42, lost 51-53. You can't really base how Caleb/Paul backcourt worked, when Geo only missed 21 minutes out of the first 187 minutes, 5 games, in his last substitution at 12:53 left and the substitutions were disjointed badly vs Lafayette. The last 2 games is more of the sample size of how the team would be as the backcourt and how the season might of started vs Lehigh. April 7 Geo declared for the NBA and announced being back July 07, this team moved on for 3 months, Geo didnt and came back which to me hurt the chemistry more than helped, and why the struggled start to the season.

 

[S_Janowski]

The full context in one thread. Think it’s pretty rational, covers each dynamic you’re talking about.

@S_Janowski

not sure what else I can do be considerate of all the context

The full context in one thread. Think it’s pretty rational, covers each dynamic you’re talking about.

@S_Janowski

not sure what else I can do be considerate of all the context

Honestly it’s hard to keep up with what your points actually are because I’ve seen a number of times you saying that McConnell shouldn’t be on the floor and you’re also posting that it’s a positive that Baker is injured…

Glad you were able to pull this all from somewhere though.

 

[29PAS]

I loved it when Caleb ripped the ball away from the Clemson player near the end of the game.

 

[RUsojo]

Honestly it’s hard to keep up with what your points actually are because I’ve seen a number of times you saying that McConnell shouldn’t be on the floor and you’re also posting that it’s a positive that Baker is injured…

Glad you were able to pull this all from somewhere though.

Its not uncommon when someone is on the board and posting more than another person that the latter is a bit behind. No hard feelings.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

No - Soho is right. The key is to figure out how best to utilize Caleb so he’s most comfortable on offense which seemed to work well when he was on ball as opposed to more of a catch and shoot type role. We have no choice really but to adjust the offense around minimizing his liabilities on that side of the ball. The drop off on defense when Caleb sits is massive and probably not something we’re going to be able to compensate for in the medium term against BIG competition. To have a chance to turn things around, Caleb’s defense will be needed for big minutes.

Honestly it’s hard to keep up with what your points actually are because I’ve seen a number of times you saying that McConnell shouldn’t be on the floor and you’re also posting that it’s a positive that Baker is injured…

Glad you were able to pull this all from somewhere though.

In fairness, most of his negative posts for reducing Caleb’s PT were from last season when we did have 3 other strong defenders on the roster. I disagreed with his arguments for playing Montez over Caleb (but both are decent perimeter defenders - the debate was about trade off between dumb turnovers / decision making and having more of a transition game). Unfortunately right now the defensive drop off when Caleb sits is massive and while others on here seem to dismiss this - it hasn’t really been Soho despite his prior views on Caleb. Our defense will get eaten alive right now in BIG play without Caleb on the floor 30ish minutes. I don’t know what to tell anyone who doesn’t see this - but that hasn’t been Soho.

 

[S_Janowski]

In fairness, most of his negative posts for reducing Caleb’s PT were from last season when we did have 3 other strong defenders on the roster. I disagreed with his arguments for playing Montez over Caleb (but both are decent perimeter defenders - the debate was about trade off between dumb turnovers / decision making and having more of a transition game). Unfortunately right now the defensive drop off when Caleb sits is massive and while others on here seem to dismiss this - it hasn’t really been Soho despite his prior views on Caleb. Our defense will get eaten alive right now in BIG play without Caleb on the floor 30ish minutes. I don’t know what to tell anyone who doesn’t see this - but that hasn’t been Soho.

Soho has also been hating on him this year too. He wrote last week that McConnell should be out of the rotation or the last man into the rotation.

https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/threads/what-three-changes-would-you-make.229574/#post-5378646

I get he’s struggled big time and a lot of posters have been critical this year but he’s going to be needed if we want to have any shot at making another tournament run.

 

[ImBadRU]

Caleb needs to get his FT mojo back. He was always good from charity stripe.

 

[RUsojo]

Caleb needs to get his FT mojo back. He was always good from charity stripe.

McConnells free throw prowess or lack there of on any given night is borderline irrelevant. Doesn’t really matter as he averages 1 FT attempt per game. It’s the difference between .6 and .8 ppg.

If he stays in a PG role more often than it will matter more as in .9 to 1.2 ppg! Lol

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

McConnells free throw prowess or lack there of on any given night is borderline irrelevant. Doesn’t really matter as he averages 1 FT attempt per game. It’s the difference between .6 and .8 ppg.

If he stays in a PG role more often than it will matter more as in .9 to 1.2 ppg! Lol

nonsense.. if he is to play the point as you and others argue.. he better be able to shoot FTs.

 

[RUsojo]

McConnells free throw prowess or lack there of on any given night is borderline irrelevant. Doesn’t really matter as he averages 1 FT attempt per game. It’s the difference between .6 and .8 ppg.

If he stays in a PG role more often than it will matter more as in .9 to 1.2 ppg! Lol

nonsense.. if he is to play the point as you and others argue.. he better be able to shoot FTs.

Anything to add about the importance of this other than saying it’s nonsense?

Over their careers even Geo only avg 2 FT attempts a game, Paul .8 FT a game.

Relative to other aspects of the game the difference between these guys shooting 67% and 75% is almost a non-factor.

 

[dbegleiter]

Anything to add about the importance of this other than saying it’s nonsense?

Over their careers even Geo only avg 2 FT attempts a game, Paul .8 FT a game. Not really.

Relative to other aspects of the game the difference between these guys shooting 67% and 75% is almost a non-factor.

McConnell needs to shoot better from the line than he has been this year. Missing front ends of 1 and 1s is like giving up 2 points. Also to think Geo will need to find a new role on this team is just not realistic. When he’s back and the team needs a bucket the ball is going in his hands mostly… for better or for worse

 

[RUsojo]

Yeah sure he needs to shoot better but even if he does it amounts to next to nothing is all I’m saying.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Soho has also been hating on him this year too. He wrote last week that McConnell should be out of the rotation or the last man into the rotation.

https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/threads/what-three-changes-would-you-make.229574/#post-5378646

I get he’s struggled big time and a lot of posters have been critical this year but he’s going to be needed if we want to have any shot at making another tournament run.

Ah - I must’ve missed that part of the string. It was following Caleb being something like 0-11 from the floor so there were a lot of threads down on Caleb at that point.

His collective point in a round about way seems to be (Soho correct me if I have this wrong) is that we just have not been a very good offensive team combination wise with Geo, Caleb and Paul all playing in the backcourt together. Unfortunately - if Caleb is the one (of those 3) who you send to the bench for more offense, the drop off in perimeter defense more than cancels out the improvement in offense (at least based on where we are at right now). So I think he’s saying that by moving Caleb to a role where his primary responsibility isn’t set shooting (his biggest weakness) Caleb can stay in the game to help on defense and be less of an offensive liability.

 

[RUsojo]

Ah - I must’ve missed that part of the string. It was following Caleb being something like 0-11 from the floor so there were a lot of threads down on Caleb at that point.

His collective point in a round about way seems to be (Soho correct me if I have this wrong) is that we just have not been a very good offensive team combination wise with Geo, Caleb and Paul all playing in the backcourt together. Unfortunately - if Caleb is the one (of those 3) who you send to the bench for more offense, the drop off in perimeter defense more than cancels out the improvement in offense (at least based on where we are at right now). So I think he’s saying that by moving Caleb to a role where his primary responsibility isn’t set shooting (his biggest weakness) Caleb can stay in the game to help on defense and be less of an offensive liability.

Without going too much into it again yeah - Caleb is a liability on offense as Pike has primarily used him for last two plus years and it hurts us more than his defense helps us