Thiamoruyi

[kcg88]

(Sorry for the thread title)

I thought Thiam and EO were both pretty good stepping up in place of Freeman in terms of getting rebounds. Thiam went for 10 points. 8 rebounds and Omoruyi had 8 points, 10 rebounds. More importantly, they combined for those 18 points on 13 shots, which isn't *fantastic* but it's better than what we've been getting.

People have defended Freeman by pointing to his raw point and rebound numbers but to me they've always kind of been empty calories. Here's every game against a high-major opponent this season in which Freeman went for at least either 10 points/8 rebounds, or 8 points/10 rebounds:

Indiana: 13/8 on 11 shots
Purdue: 14/9 on 14 shots
Nebraska: 10/10 on 10 shots
Michigan: 11/11 on 12 shots
Iowa: 14/8 on 11 shots
Seton Hall: 12/16 on 14 shots
Michigan State: 13/9 on 10 shots
Minnesota: 10/12 on 16 shots
Florida State: 15/16 on 18 shots

Thiam/Omoruyi combined for 1.38 points per shot. Freeman only eclipsed that number against Illinois and Wisconsin, and he wasn't grabbing rebounds in those games. They also combined for 5 steals, 2 blocks, 3 assists, and just 2 turnovers (all turnovers/assists were Omoruyi's).

That is the kind of efficiency we've been dying for. Obviously if their usage increases by a lot the efficiency will go down, but Sanders (and next year, Mathis and Baker and Kiss) can shoulder the big usage. Get these two a little more involved, though, and good things will happen.

 

[higgins3]

That's one of the best titles I have seen!

Both these two players leave you very hopeful for Rutgers going forward.

I think Omoyuri has become my favorite player on the team. I shall call him " Mini Mike W." Constantly making smart plays. How about that hail mary for Sanders layup? Or making players foul him on Rutgers offensive possessions? Drawing charges? Omoyuri has to be very proud of himself.

 

[Knights 1212]

Eugene was amazing last night and Thiam was huge in the last few minutes ant the OT. He had the huge steal in OT as well as two great rebounds as well as the two huge threes. Hopefully they both can continue to grow and contribute even more next season.

 

[RU82]

Omoruyi was like a tongue twister for me all last season. Thiamoruyi rolls off the tongue much easier.

 

[whofrewdatmataRU13]

Freeman needs to get 10 mins max

 

[Local Shill]

Good post, OP.

Freeman is selfish at times but just think 4 or five more games and we won’t have him to kick around anymore.

 

[littlenis5]

Look, on a team fairly devoid of shot creators, Freeman has some value. The volume alone isn’t the problem, but of how that volume is distributed. For freeman, Good volume is shots after offensive rebounds, open jumpers late in the shot clock, post ups late in the shot clock. The problem is in games when he looks bad is that he takes a tough shot early on and no one else gets to touch the ball, which lets the defense get set. It baffles me that we never post, throw the ball back to the guards, and re-post.

This concept of good and bad volume tends to apply to Corey too, albeit he’s a better scorer/player.

 

[SJScarlet]

(Sorry for the thread title)

I thought Thiam and EO were both pretty good stepping up in place of Freeman in terms of getting rebounds. Thiam went for 10 points. 8 rebounds and Omoruyi had 8 points, 10 rebounds. More importantly, they combined for those 18 points on 13 shots, which isn't *fantastic* but it's better than what we've been getting.

People have defended Freeman by pointing to his raw point and rebound numbers but to me they've always kind of been empty calories. Here's every game against a high-major opponent this season in which Freeman went for at least either 10 points/8 rebounds, or 8 points/10 rebounds:

Indiana: 13/8 on 11 shots
Purdue: 14/9 on 14 shots
Nebraska: 10/10 on 10 shots
Michigan: 11/11 on 12 shots
Iowa: 14/8 on 11 shots
Seton Hall: 12/16 on 14 shots
Michigan State: 13/9 on 10 shots
Minnesota: 10/12 on 16 shots
Florida State: 15/16 on 18 shots

Thiam/Omoruyi combined for 1.38 points per shot. Freeman only eclipsed that number against Illinois and Wisconsin, and he wasn't grabbing rebounds in those games. They also combined for 5 steals, 2 blocks, 3 assists, and just 2 turnovers (all turnovers/assists were Omoruyi's).

That is the kind of efficiency we've been dying for. Obviously if their usage increases by a lot the efficiency will go down, but Sanders (and next year, Mathis and Baker and Kiss) can shoulder the big usage. Get these two a little more involved, though, and good things will happen.

Great post, except I would say that 1.38 points per shot is fantastic. That equates to over 83 points on our 60 shot attempts last night if the whole team was that efficient. People have talked about improved guard depth next year, but for a while I have thought it is at that wing spot with the Thiam/Omoruyi combo where we can do the most damage most nights next year.

 

[biazza38]

Thiam’s two threes at the end were incredible. When he misses, he really misses. But man, he has a good shot when his mechanics are on

 

[DHajekRC84]

Thiam’s two threes at the end were incredible. When he misses, he really misses. But man, he has a good shot when his mechanics are on

once he got to the line and made the 2 foul shots you knew it would change. Amazing how that happens. Same for Corey...Geo needed to get there too. Need to see the ball go through the hoop when struggling! Amazing how that can fix the head and flow into the mechanics.

 

[kcg88]

Great post, except I would say that 1.38 points per shot is fantastic. That equates to over 83 points on our 60 shot attempts last night if the whole team was that efficient. People have talked about improved guard depth next year, but for a while I have thought it is at that wing spot with the Thiam/Omoruyi combo where we can do the most damage most nights next year.

Including Omoruyi's two turnovers, we got 18 points from 15 possessions, which is 1.2 points per possession, which you're right, is really great. Makes you appreciate how Villanova, Duke, Gonzaga, and St. Mary's are doing better than that as a TEAM this season. That kind of efficiency is easier in lower-volume (heck, Mensah and Sa were both 1-1 last night!) but to do it like that is crazy.

Thiam/Omoruyi combining to do it for 15 possessions is a good start. That's almost a quarter of the game.

 

[DHajekRC84]

One more comment on Eugene. I know sportsmanship is not something players want to expose and weakin the image these days but I really appreciated him going over to McIntosh after the collision and seeing him hurt to slap hands. Caught and noted on TV broadcast. Good stuff. Reflection of his personality.

 

[kcg88]

One more comment on Eugene. I know sportsmanship is not something players want to expose and weakin the image these days but I really appreciated him going over to McIntosh after the collision and seeing him hurt to slap hands. Caught and noted on TV broadcast. Good stuff. Reflection of his personality.

I think Omoruyi likes everybody EXCEPT the refs. The way he reacts is like every call against him is the most absurd thing he's ever heard, which I really get a kick out of. He doesn't get in their face or anything, he just shoots them the "you effing kidding me" look every single time.

 

[biazza38]

once he got to the line and made the 2 foul shots you knew it would change. Amazing how that happens. Same for Corey...Geo needed to get there too. Need to see the ball go through the hoop when struggling! Amazing how that can fix the head and flow into the mechanics.

That’s exactly what I thought when Thiam hit that three with 4 or 5 minutes left. And nice job by the team to swing the ball to him on that play. I was so pumped when he hit the three in OT

 

[anon_xekqhstck0ygt]

lol I notice it too sometimes, but I love it because I'm doing the same thing in my living room.

He's gonna be really good next year imo.

I think Omoruyi likes everybody EXCEPT the refs. The way he reacts is like every call against him is the most absurd thing he's ever heard, which I really get a kick out of. He doesn't get in their face or anything, he just shoots them the "you effing kidding me" look every single time.

 

[soundcrib]

"Thiamoruyi"

Fantastic! :joy:

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

I think Omoruyi likes everybody EXCEPT the refs. The way he reacts is like every call against him is the most absurd thing he's ever heard, which I really get a kick out of. He doesn't get in their face or anything, he just shoots them the "you effing kidding me" look every single time.

when you land almost 30 charges so far this season and probably should have had another 4 or 5, I'd be looking at the ref too.....those are collisions where you get knocked around a lot.

 

[rufeelinit]

My only nitpick with the comparison is that it probably should just be Eugene for DeShawn. Thiam has been playing more of a 3 position with or without Deshawn. If the point is that EM and IT play better together than DF and IT ok but combining the two and comparing against DF almost increases the value of what DF provides. If we could get 10 and 8 with any regularity from IT would we be so much better. EM is certainly a building block going forward.

 

[RUKnights86]

Eugene I think we all agree on how fantastic his development has been from last year, this especially for a kid who picked up the game late. Give that man an elbow (8-10ft jumper) or foul line shot when teams go zone and he will create a match-up nightmare.

As for Issa, he has struggled to shoot the rock as of recent but that will return. What I am more happy to see from him is his attempts to drive to the rim, post up on occasion & most importantly the rebounding/defense that he brings. Last year the kid would barely sniff a rebound, and tonight comes up a couple shy of a double double is just proof in the pudding that Pike has these guys buying into him.

For Junior year for Issa I would love for him to continue to develop confidence in taking it to the rim and or coming off down screens for a mid range jumper. Do that and he will be a nice quiet 8-10ppg kinda guy next year on efficient shooting.

 

[ScarletArmor]

Thiam needs to get more aggressive on offense, especially when driving to the basket.

 

[ScarletDave]

Thiam’s drives to the basket are a thing of beauty. He is so fast he gets there in 3 steps and can get the ball to the rim out of no where ... I hope it develops where he’s such a force from three that he puts the ball up on a fake, draws the defenders up and out and takes it right to the hoop.

 

[ChasRC69]

Thiam’s drives to the basket are a thing of beauty. He is so fast he gets there in 3 steps and can get the ball to the rim out of no where ... I hope it develops where he’s such a force from three that he puts the ball up on a fake, draws the defenders up and out and takes it right to the hoop.

If he can improve as much from this year to next as he has from 2016/2017 to now, it will be even more fun to watch him. Here are the average comparisons in B1G games:
'16/'17 = minutes 17.4, points 2.3, fg % .263, 3pt % .179, rebounds 1.8, steals .65
'17/'18 = minutes 29.5, points 5.9, fg % .361, 3pt % .360, rebounds 3.3, steals .57

To put his potential in perspective, look at this year's B1G stats in 29.5 minutes per game and compare those to what he did in the last 9:50 of Tuesday's game - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and his defense prior to his steal forced Northwestern to use their last time out in order to avoid a 5 second call.

 

[RU848789]

when you land almost 30 charges so far this season and probably should have had another 4 or 5, I'd be looking at the ref too.....those are collisions where you get knocked around a lot.

Hope that kid is wearing a cup, lol...

 

[mikefla]

Freeman has only a few games left in his very solid RUTGERS career

He has led the team in REBS, Steals, blocks and double doubles

I THANK him for his hard work

Those of you who have a need to bash him?
You arent really fans
I hope at some point you get your heads out of your empty headed non fan keesters

 

[kcg88]

Thiamoruyi update: Combined 9-16 for 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers. Plus three charges drawn by Omoruyi.

 

[bac2therac]

Eugene has shown great improvement this year...a legit player.

 

[jellyman_rivals307848]

Eugene has shown great improvement this year...a legit player.

Yes indeed. Thiam is going to get there also, in my opinion.

By the way, ANOTHER 3 offensive charges taken by Omoruyi against Maryland. What does that make, something like 30 offensive charges taken this year, so far (and he missed 2 games)?

 

[higgins3]

Yes indeed. Thiam is going to get there also, in my opinion.

By the way, ANOTHER 3 offensive charges taken by Omoruyi against Maryland. What does that make, something like 30 offensive charges taken this year, so far (and he missed 2 games)?

Awesome stuff.

 

[higgins3]

Thiamoruyi update: Combined 9-16 for 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 turnovers. Plus three charges drawn by Omoruyi.

I like the fact that after a week, we have now seperated then yet. Thiamoyuri. Too good!

 

[RutHut_rivals]

Yes indeed. Thiam is going to get there also, in my opinion.

By the way, ANOTHER 3 offensive charges taken by Omoruyi against Maryland. What does that make, something like 30 offensive charges taken this year, so far (and he missed 2 games)?

Are there stats kept for this? All time record for charges taken by a player at RU?

 

[soundcrib]

Man, only if Eugene was 6'9" instead of 6'6".

 

[higgins3]

Man, only if Eugene was 6'9" instead of 6'6".

Measure three inches out. It is not his height that is giving him any trouble. If it was, he wouldn't be grabbing any rebounds at all.

Just has to continue to work on touch, positioning, balance in air. Keep things simple. No need for a reverse layup if a regular one will do the job.

A lot of players expect physicality, but do not get it. When that happens, they go up to strong, and their shot is thrown off.

 

[jellyman_rivals307848]

Measure three inches out. It is not his height that is giving him any trouble. If it was, he wouldn't be grabbing any rebounds at all.

Just has to continue to work on touch, positioning, balance in air. Keep things simple. No need for a reverse layup if a regular one will do the job.

A lot of players expect physicality, but do not get it. When that happens, they go up to strong, and their shot is thrown off.

I am pretty sure he is actually 6'7", now ... and 235 to 240 ... in college, big enough for PF.

He has dramatically improved his ability to finish around the basket this year versus last year, and reduced his turnovers, while improving his defense.

For NEXT season, I hope to see an improved mid-range shot. That will make him MUCH more difficult to defend. I noticed he hit a nice little 10-12 foot shot in the paint against Maryland, yesterday. If he continues to develop in the off-season, and can be comfortable taking and hitting that shot, that makes him into a double digit scorer (10-11 ppg). Already you see him get MANY fewer shots blocked than does freeman, I am pretty sure.

And if Thiam can gain a little additional strength in the off-season, and improve his mid-range and post game - also in the off-season - then with his improvement versus LAST season, i think that could make HIM a double digit scorer (10-11 ppg). Add Baker, and improved strength from him, and maybe with that, greater shooting consistency ... now you have a core of 2 JR's and a SO around whom you can build.

By the way, for a short stretch against Maryland, while RU was coming back temporarily, you saw a flash of what an improved RU offense might look like next season. Thiam from 3, but ALSO from the low post - and RU's PF and C (Sa and Omoruyi cutting to the basket from the foul line, off the double team of Thiam). I could see an offense where Thiam alternates between running baseline to the corners, but also sets up in the low post - and Omoruyi operates in the high post (maybe diagonal to Thiam) - where he has been effective driving to the basket for made shots ... but if he adds a 12-14 foot shot, that makes him much better from the high post. Doucore and/or Carter and/or Johnson alternates between the low post (when Thiam runs baseline from corner to corner), and at the foul line ... and if their man doubles Thiam, cuts down the lane to receive the pass from Thiam (you saw that twice against Maryland in the 2nd half). And sometimes Omoruyi cuts down the lane also.

I will admit, that is not an offense that Sanders runs very effectively - though Baker is fine. So you mix in a slightly different variation if Sanders comes back - because RU WILL be better next season if Sanders is back, than if he is not back.

Notice, by the way, that when Freeman is double-teamed, he almost NEVER passes to a cutting player from that double-team .. and also RU players rarely flash to the lane when Freeman posts. In my opinion, as I NOW think about it, it may be because RU players never have any idea what Freeman is going to do with the ball when he is in the post. I notice this when I play basketball (albeit pick up ball): When I try to set a screen for a teammate, and roll or slide from that screen, but the teammate with the ball keeps dribbling left and right rather than using my screen, I often just get in his way ... I wonder if some of that is going on with Freeman and his teammates.