Miteo

[Bob Chaewsky_rivals]

He has mountains to go to even be in the same stratosphere as Tariq. Last year, his only playmaking shot was a midrange jumper off the dribble and his overall efficiency on it was poor. He did not show an ability to attack the rim, or draw fouls. Doesn’t have a real pump fake. What he was last season was a dime a dozen. He had decent court vision but not a strong enough handle to be a primary PG. Poor defender and inefficent 3 point shooter. Sometimes a year makes a big difference so we’ll have to see. At this point in time, there’s no basis for thinking he could surpass Tariq unless it’s simply because he’s a few inches taller (which didn’t even make him better at defense last year).

I never said he should be the point guard next year, and I must have forgotten what a great defender Francis was last year, even with him being given the easiest defensive assignment every game. And what a great ball handler he was also. He was asked to be the primary ball handler one time and he was a total failure. The difference between Francis this year and Powers next year won't be that great. I'm expecting you to say Powers won't be back. I wouldn't take that bet. If Pikiell was able to talk him into staying this year he'll probably be able to do the same next year, especially if he promises him some time at the point. Another thing - Powers was the best passer on the team BY FAR and the only one on the team who could create his own OPEN shot. At 6'4" he could be Pike's kind of PG. Think Geo Baker, only better. Geo certainly didn't have a great handle, could only go to his right, and wasn't much of a defender. As a freshmen, Powers also shot 32.6% from 3, not as "inefficient" as you claim , and really not that bad for a first year player. I don't think Baker even shot that for his career, and he is considered by many as an all time Rutgers great. Given the chance, Powers could be a top notch PG down the road. I just hope it's with us.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

I never said he should be the point guard next year, and I must have forgotten what a great defender Francis was last year, even with him being given the easiest defensive assignment every game. And what a great ball handler he was also. He was asked to be the primary ball handler one time and he was a total failure. The difference between Francis this year and Powers next year won't be that great. I'm expecting you to say Powers won't be back. I wouldn't take that bet. If Pikiell was able to talk him into staying this year he'll probably be able to do the same next year, especially if he promises him some time at the point. Another thing - Powers was the best passer on the team BY FAR and the only one on the team who could create his own OPEN shot. At 6'4" he could be Pike's kind of PG. Think Geo Baker, only better. Geo certainly didn't have a great handle, could only go to his right, and wasn't much of a defender. As a freshmen, Powers also shot 32.6% from 3, not as "inefficient" as you claim , and really not that bad for a first year player. I don't think Baker even shot that for his career, and he is considered by many as an all time Rutgers great. Given the chance, Powers could be a top notch PG down the road. I just hope it's with us.

I think I said it many times that Tariq is not a “good” defender. He clogged in as slightly below average. Last season, Powers, Zrno and Grant battled it out for worst defender on the team. Powers has a ways to go to catch up - just on D. Tariq has physical limitations but understood the schemes and was rarely out of position. That’s not “nothing” - it matters. But Tariq didn’t play for his defense.

Powers was 34% overall from the field. No - he wasn’t that bad from 3 alone but that proves the point that he was absolutely horrific from 2. You sound ridiculous arguing that Powers was better at creating any shot that Tariq. Your clearly forgetting how many of those same silky smooth midranges Tariq nailed off the dribble. In Tariq’s case though, his portfolio of shots also includes deliberate attempts to draw contact as it rightfully should considering how many fouls he draws and how accurate he is at making them.

I also think your exaggerating the passing skills Powers demonstrated. He showed potential, but let’s not go crazy considering he didn’t even attempt that many passes and most of his better games were in garbage time. He had a great game against UCLA where he was on fire. But if you take that game out, he really wasn’t anything special last season. That doesn’t mean he won’t improve but that’s the starting point.

 

[PSAL_Hoops]

Not the point I'm trying to make, however, you're claiming that not one time all season were Dortch and Ogbole on the court at the same time. I'm guessing they were, and if they were, Dortch was playing the 4.

I bet someone can look it up one way or the other - yes, that’s what I’m claiming. I don’t recall the two of them playing together ever but certainly there were a few games I didn’t watch.

 

[Jerseylegends]

One thing I see people saying that I don't think matters in today's college bball world is "XYZ player didn't stay or come to not start or not get substantial minutes. They are being compensated financially and next year there will be new financially compensated players so a players feelings should not factor into minutes at all...at least imo .

 

[RUfan1977]

One thing I see people saying that I don't think matters in today's college bball world is "XYZ player didn't stay or come to not start or not get substantial minutes. They are being compensated financially and next year there will be new financially compensated players so a players feelings should not factor into minutes at all...at least imo .

The fact that you are paying someone doesn’t change the fact that to bring out the best in someone you have to manage their “feelings” as you describe them. Although the players are compensated that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a need to motivate them on an ongoing basis, playing time is, or should be, part of that reward structure. Everyone can’t play all the minutes they would like, but it’s smart of Pikiel to recognize the efforts of players who need to fill in and step up just as it’s helpful to recognize players who give their all regularly in games.

 

[Loyal-Son]

Jerry has been wrong about every one of his predictions over the past few seasons. Wouldn’t read into anything he says FWIW. Scarlet Nation podcast projects Miteo as a deep, reserve piece.

Bold move to make such a decisive declaration, especially when the reviews are all over the place. Some reputable sources think the opposite.

Me, I have no idea; but I think he might be able to compete for time by the end of the season or next year - if he stays - because those reviews vary so much.

 

[Loyal-Son]

Enjoyable discussion. My main takeaway is that there are a bunch of possible lineups this season. I susect there will be huge changes in the peck order from November to March.

Personally, that makes this season much more enjoyable for me. I am eager to see who rises to the occasion and who doesn't.