Sean O'Mara

[JTG]

Listening to Mack's post game last Sat., he was asked about OMara's performance. His reply was , yeah, I'm definitely going to play him more from now on. Duh, ya think. I noticed during a shot of him during some free throws, the kids legs look like telephone poles. He's got the perfect back to the basket post up body. Plus, on D, having him in the lane, is like having a car parked there. I hope to see more of him. If he fouls, so what, he gets a feel for what he can and can't get away with. I, for one, am anxious to see what he can do.

[bleedXblue]

I hoping there is a direct correlation to his playing time and Stain starting to perform how this team needs him to. Hopefully he can rest a few more minutes with Sean playing more minutes and be more productive while he's in.

[xu82]

I forget who it was, but one guy was trying to drive the lane, bounced into O'Mara, and pulled the ball back out. You generally see a guy in there keep trying to get the shot off. Stuck in my mind. I'm sure someone else remembers that.

[X Factor]

I forget who it was, but one guy was trying to drive the lane, bounced into O'Mara, and pulled the ball back out. You generally see a guy in there keep trying to get the shot off. Stuck in my mind. I'm sure someone else remembers that.

Yep, pretty sure that was Henton who tried to drive into the lane and ran squarely into O'Mara. Sean stopped him in his tracks and he had to kick it back out.

[XMuskieFTW]

I expect 5-8 minutes out of him a game going forward. Like what he showed. Just need to stand tall and limit the fouls and use his body to clear space.

[XUFan09]

I forget who it was, but one guy was trying to drive the lane, bounced into O'Mara, and pulled the ball back out. You generally see a guy in there keep trying to get the shot off. Stuck in my mind. I'm sure someone else remembers that.
Yup, it was Henton. That was one of my favorite plays of the game. His minutes might be limited though when we go to a four-out lineup.

[GoMuskies]

Didn't O'Mara average about 2 fouls a minute earlier in the season? That could certainly limit his clock.

Looking back at the game log, it's not as bad as I remembered. You know what they say about first impressions: O'Mara fouled out in 6 minutes against NAU, and I guess that stuck in my memory.

[XUFan09]

To add on to what I was saying about the difficulty finding minutes for O'Mara:

Earlier in the season, Bluiett was playing about half his time (about 15 minutes) at the 4 essentially making him the fourth big in the rotation. Lately, since the emphasis on the 4-out lineup, his time there has gone up. In the last five games, he's played three-fourths of his minutes there, good for over 20 minutes a game, and that's including two games (Georgetown and Providence) where Xavier was able to play a more traditional two-big lineup. It's not as much that other bigs are preventing O'Mara from getting minutes (though that is true) as it is that fellow freshman Bluiett is.

[American X]

The Quiet Man is a stone wall of defense and corned beef.

The foul calls against him were racism.

[Masterofreality]

Remember how the Coaching staff can't develop players- especially Big Men?

Uh, right. Sean seems to be right on schedule.

[mid major]

Where have you been MOR? What about Eddie Johnson, Dexter Campbell, Duane Wilson and Reggie Butler? Sure they developed under other coaching staffs but it's the same program.

[Xavier]

Remember how the Coaching staff can't develop players- especially Big Men?

Uh, right. Sean seems to be right on schedule.

I'd say he could be- I don't think he has ever really had a chance. Not disagreeing with you that he could be improving but I hate the 1/2 game reactionary comments like this. If the team plays well and wins the Mack lovers come on and say "See, thought he couldn't coach!". Then we lose at home to Creighton and the Mack haters come in and show how bad it is. What you're doing here is the same thing.

[MADXSTER]

I'd say he could be- I don't think he has ever really had a chance. Not disagreeing with you that he could be improving but I hate the 1/2 game reactionary comments like this. If the team plays well and wins the Mack lovers come on and say "See, thought he couldn't coach!". Then we lose at home to Creighton and the Mack haters come in and show how bad it is. What you're doing here is the same thing.

But this creates balance in the universe. And don't forget, some are both Mack lovers and haters depending on the outcome of the last game.

[GoMuskies]

I'd say he could be- I don't think he has ever really had a chance. Not disagreeing with you that he could be improving but I hate the 1/2 game reactionary comments like this. If the team plays well and wins the Mack lovers come on and say "See, thought he couldn't coach!". Then we lose at home to Creighton and the Mack haters come in and show how bad it is. What you're doing here is the same thing.

You just described MOR in both cases. As a matter of fact, I think he might have been responding to his own post-Creighton comments. :)

[American X]

That was the best game The Quiet Man has had in a Xavier uniform.

[LA Muskie]

Yeah I'm really impressed with O'Mara. Must confess I never saw it coming. His footwork and touch are pretty damn impressive.


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[bjf123]

Yeah I'm really impressed with O'Mara. Must confess I never saw it coming. His footwork and touch are pretty damn impressive.


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He just keeps getting better.


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[GreatWhiteNorth]

He is going to be our starting centre/forward next year, unless JR stays for another year.

[scoscox]

I think he is the best post player we have and that is saying something. He basically scores a point a minute and is just automatic in close. If we can replace James next year, Xavier will be terrifyingly good. We might even be ranked in the pre-season! Still pretty far off, let's beat Providence!

[UCGRAD4X]

He is going to be our starting centre/forward next year, unless JR stays for another year.

...even if.

[smileyy]

I could tell he had something earlier in the season with the footwork and body control he showed with the dunk off of the London pass

[Strange Brew]

reactionary comments like this.

1927

Great game by Sean! Love the effort by Fuhrer (it means leader before you go all PC) Farr and Sultan Sean!

[xu82]

He just looks better every game. Great footwork, effort and looks comfortable with moves around the basket. Keep it up, big guy!

[LA Muskie]

I agree. Farr's year-over-year improvement is astonishing. (I really don't think we've ever seen anything like it -- and that includes J. Love and Anthony Myles). But a very close second is O'Mara's game-over-game improvement. It's like watching a kid grow up years at a time.


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[xudash]

I agree. Farr's year-over-year improvement is astonishing. (I really don't think we've ever seen anything like it -- and that includes J. Love and Anthony Myles). But a very close second is O'Mara's game-over-game improvement. It's like watching a kid grow up years at a time.


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His maturity and manner are a big part of it all, IMHO.

Look at him on the court.

Smiling and chatting with Ellis during the UC game - during the game while on the floor.

He's always quick to offer a hand to an opposing player needing to get up from the ground.

I just like how he carries himself.

[XfansinKy]

...even if.

Yep. As of right now, he's a lot better than Jalen. Jalen could change that any game but I'm losing faith. Hope he blows up next game.

[Cheesehead]

Aren't we over in schollies if Jalen stays? I would put money on Jalen not being here next year. He will be an older NBA prospect at best and if he stays he will be even older. My guess is he plays overseas somewhere.

[Frambo]

Aren't we over in schollies if Jalen stays? I would put money on Jalen not being here next year. He will be an older NBA prospect at best and if he stays he will be even older. My guess is he plays overseas somewhere.

He better pick his play up to even be considered. Farr's got a much better chance of playing, but it's not too late for Jalen to turn it on.

[XUMIOH12]

ive always like O'Mara and am glad that he is coming around now and producing on both ends of the court when he is out there. he is tough to stop in the post when he gets 1 on 1.

[Muskeagle]

I thought he had some pretty good moments last year....I can't think of one, but I remember being encouraged. This year, though, he is virtually unstoppable on the low post. His post moves are fantastic....and his defense is catching up.

[IM4X]

His maturity and manner are a big part of it all, IMHO.

Look at him on the court.

Smiling and chatting with Ellis during the UC game - during the game while on the floor.

He's always quick to offer a hand to an opposing player needing to get up from the ground.

I just like how he carries himself.

Me too... Classy James.

[Strange Brew]

I agree. Farr's year-over-year improvement is astonishing. (I really don't think we've ever seen anything like it -- and that includes J. Love and Anthony Myles). But a very close second is O'Mara's game-over-game improvement. It's like watching a kid grow up years at a time.


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Um, Farr didn't suck at all last year. Dude's been eating boards and dropping sick sky hooks for quite some time.

[UCGRAD4X]

Um, Farr didn't suck at all last year. Dude's been eating boards and dropping sick sky hooks for quite some time.

I agree. He would do that in spurts last year. But the consistency and frequency this year seem exponential.

[XfansinKy]

Yes Jason Love's jump was very impressive. Farr though, has had an improvement over a season that makes it hard for me to come up with a better example of a player's improvement from Jr to Sr year. No he didn't suck last year but I remember him missing so many point blank looks and sometimes not even hitting the rim. Now, it's hard to think of more than a few times that his short shots have been bricks. He looks like a completely different player. I was watching with my dad yesterday and he said,"If I hadn't followed college basketball in a few years and somebody told me Farr was a 2nd or 3rd team All-American candidate, I would believe it watching him dominate both ends today". O'mara's improvement is crazy too. O'mara has some athleticism too the way he sprints up n down the court. He may not be a quick leaper but he can get up for a guy his size.

[Snipe]

Farr has grown by leaps and bounds. But he was the 2nd leading rebounder on a per minute basis returning this year, and he did start last year.

I love what Sean O'Mara is doing. I think he is going to put pressure on for more minutes the way things are going. He has a confidence and a tenacity that is admirable. He knows what he can do and he takes it to the rack.

He is leading the team with 62% fg shooting from the field. Lately we have been playing Kaiser Gates more than O'Mara. I guess they offer different profiles and skill sets, but I have to think that one of them will see their minutes diminish in favor of the other. Also, if Jalen starts playing more minutes due to improved play and less foul trouble that spells less minutes for both of them.

At 6-10 247, Irish is the biggest player on the squad.

Here is is high school coach on him from Xavier's website:



HEIDKAMP ON O’MARA:
“One of the best back to the basket players in the nation. Sean is a great warrior on the block, an old-fashioned physical post player who takes no prisoners.”

That is high praise and you expect a coach to be in the corner of his best player. His back to the basket play does seem fantastic. He has always been confident in taking the ball to the rack when he is fed down low. And I can see that confidence only growing.

He is playing 8.5 minutes a game. He is averaging 4 points and 2.2 rebounds. The aforementioned 62% field goal percentage leads the team. Can I see Irish starting and scoring 14 pts a game and pulling down 7 or 8 boards as an upperclassman? Sure, I don't think it is a stretch.

One road block may be Mack's desire to play uptempo. I think that Gates gets some playing time for this reason. And for a frosh I think that Gates has played well. It is nice to have options. As the season progresses though rotations generally get shorter. Either one or both could see a reduction in minutes. Having so much depth is a nice problem to have.

I am a big fan of Mr. Sean O'Mara.

[Snipe]

Interesting article (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-26/sports/ct-spt-0927-prep-foot-pvw-1-benet-20130926_1_basketball-coach-gene-heidkamp-pat-new-sean-o-mara) talking about what a great football offensive lineman he was.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-26/sports/ct-spt-0927-prep-foot-pvw-1-benet-20130926_1_basketball-coach-gene-heidkamp-pat-new-sean-o-mara

[paulxu]

If Reynolds and Farr are both gone next year, it might be Sean/Kaiser as Mack works Gaston into the rotation.
Gates plays the middle on the 1-3-1 and he probably does like to have his lateral quickness at that spot.

[xu82]

If Reynolds and Farr are both gone next year, it might be Sean/Kaiser as Mack works Gaston into the rotation.
Gates plays the middle on the 1-3-1 and he probably does like to have his lateral quickness at that spot.

And London, who'll be bigger and stronger and fits that athletic mold while being able to stretch the floor. As we bring in the new class of Bigs. I DO love what Coach Mack is doing!

[Muskie]

So does it look like this?

Best improvement over four years:
1. James Farr
2. Jason Love
3. Anthony Myles
4. Reggie Butler
5. T.j. Johnson


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[LA Muskie]

Um, Farr didn't suck at all last year. Dude's been eating boards and dropping sick sky hooks for quite some time.

Who said he sucked last year? Certainly not me. Way to turn a positive into a negative, bro.


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[LutherRackleyRulez]

Imagine where this squad would be if Jalen R

progressed in the same fashion as Jimmy & Sean....


Final 4 dreams would be a reality!

[UCGRAD4X]

Interesting article (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-26/sports/ct-spt-0927-prep-foot-pvw-1-benet-20130926_1_basketball-coach-gene-heidkamp-pat-new-sean-o-mara) talking about what a great football offensive lineman he was.

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-26/sports/ct-spt-0927-prep-foot-pvw-1-benet-20130926_1_basketball-coach-gene-heidkamp-pat-new-sean-o-mara

"I think the success of the team means a lot to him. It speaks to his character that he plays a position that is not glamorous."

I love hearing this, but especially with the next statement from an opposing coach:

"He's got good feet, long levers and some nasty in him. He gave us fits all night."

I also think it is interesting that, early in HS, he wouldn't consider playing basketball for a coach who did not want him to play football, yet winds up at Xavier.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Yeah I'm really impressed with O'Mara. Must confess I never saw it coming. His footwork and touch are pretty damn impressive.


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Great footwork is what I kept saying at the game to my dad and brother, it is really impressive.

[xu82]

Unlike Stain, Sean will throw it down hard when given the chance! Those nights with a multitude of missed bunnies could be maddening.

[JTG]

And London, who'll be bigger and stronger and fits that athletic mold while being able to stretch the floor. As we bring in the new class of Bigs. I DO love what Coach Mack is doing!

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see London ever being an inside presence

[xu82]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see London ever being an inside presence

He's had some very impressive blocks in his few minutes of play. He came in like a twig. Making progress. Long way to go with this young man. We shall see.

[bleedXblue]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see London ever being an inside presence

I used to do this and then stopped when guys really started to improve from one year to the next.......or, just look at James Farr. NO ONE on this board could have predicted his play this year after his first 3 years at X.

[More Cowbell]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see London ever being an inside presence

How many posters on this board thought Myles Davis should have transferee after his freshman (redshirt?) year?

[LA Muskie]

I used to do this and then stopped when guys really started to improve from one year to the next.......or, just look at James Farr. NO ONE on this board could have predicted his play this year after his first 3 years at X.

My thoughts exactly.


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[Masterofreality]

How many posters on this board thought Myles Davis should have transferee after his freshman (redshirt?) year?

Sorry.....like no one.

[D-West & PO-Z]

How many posters on this board thought Myles Davis should have transferee after his freshman (redshirt?) year?


Sorry.....like no one.

Yeah, what? I dont remember any of that.

And I echo what bleedXblue said.

I say this at least a couple times a year, I just dont understand how anyone ever writes any of our players off after 1 or 2 years, it is just so dumb. How many guys do we have to have had who contribute little to zero their first year or two and then become big time stars their last 2 years for guys to stop saying things like that?

[xu82]

London's upside is crazy. Hope we see it some day. Takes some guys longer than others. O'Mara came in a man, and continued to work. Very different skill sets and development curves.

[xu82]

In fairness, he said "being an inside presence", not a washout. I think he can really develop, but it could have been an understandable perception about style of play. (That's the best I can offer.)

[nasdadjr]

Remember how the Coaching staff can't develop players- especially Big Men?

Uh, right. Sean seems to be right on schedule.

But jalen is a little behind right now so that evens it out right lol.

[UCGRAD4X]

Yeah, what? I dont remember any of that.

And I echo what bleedXblue said.

I say this at least a couple times a year, I just dont understand how anyone ever writes any of our players off after 1 or 2 years, it is just so dumb. How many guys do we have to have had who contribute little to zero their first year or two and then become big time stars their last 2 years for guys to stop saying things like that?

We're still waiting for Jeff Robinson to do something.

[markchal]

I wouldn't mind seeing some more of London if Gates keeps slumping. He hasn't given us the same punch he did when called on during Sumner's absence.

[XUMIOH12]

How many posters on this board thought Myles Davis should have transferee after his freshman (redshirt?) year?

was that ever a discussion? I don't know anyone who thought that.

[xavierj]

I wouldn't mind seeing some more of London if Gates keeps slumping. He hasn't given us the same punch he did when called on during Sumner's absence.

Gates is playing because of his defense at this point. He is a really good defender and mack loves that. Makinde won't see much time this year. Hopefully he will contribute next season.

[XUMIOH12]

I wouldn't mind seeing some more of London if Gates keeps slumping. He hasn't given us the same punch he did when called on during Sumner's absence.

Gates is slumping? he had 2 nice scoring games when Sumner was out but that was it, we really just need him to grab a few rebounds and play some defense.
I know London had a sore back or whatever earlier, but it is interesting that he has been getting absolutely zero minutes lately. Would like to see him get in there a little bit.

[JTG]

In fairness, he said "being an inside presence", not a washout. I think he can really develop, but it could have been an understandable perception about style of play. (That's the best I can offer.)

Thank you.....London is built like Reggie Milller, who was a great player......he may develope as a player but not inside. OMara was a man when he arrived on campus. London is more like Tashaun Prince.

[D-West & PO-Z]

We're still waiting for Jeff Robinson to do something.

They dont all pan out as expected but here are several examples of guys people really questioned their ability:

-BJ Raymond
-Jason Love
-James Farr
-Kenny Frease
-Travis Taylor

[LA Muskie]

I probably wouldn't include Frease in this list. But I'll be the first to admit I may have allowed his personality to color my opinion.


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[markchal]

Gates is slumping? he had 2 nice scoring games when Sumner was out but that was it, we really just need him to grab a few rebounds and play some defense.
I know London had a sore back or whatever earlier, but it is interesting that he has been getting absolutely zero minutes lately. Would like to see him get in there a little bit.

Yeah, it just felt like he might have been turning a corner when Sumner was out, but hasn't played with the same confidence since his return. I understand that consistency is something that eludes most freshmen, and that his man to man defense is better than London's, but I think Makinde plays the middle of that 1-3-1 just as well.

[UCGRAD4X]

They dont all pan out as expected but here are several examples of guys people really questioned their ability:

-BJ Raymond
-Jason Love
-James Farr
-Kenny Frease
-Travis Taylor

The thing I remember about Jeff was seeing him at his first Muskie Madness and being wowed. Granted, it was just MM, but it never seemed to be a matter of talent with JR, that was the most frustrating thing with him.

[JAPER]

Back to topic: Sean o'mara is becoming a huge asset to team94. Go get me big guy!

[ammtd34]

Yeah, it just felt like he might have been turning a corner when Sumner was out, but hasn't played with the same confidence since his return.

He had 5 rebounds in 9 minutes against Seton Hall, a game where another guy off the bench scored 24. I'm not sure I'd read too much into it.

[Masterofreality]

Back to topic: Sean o'mara is becoming a huge asset to team94. Go get me big guy!

Besides the stat sheet numbers, Sean made a fantastic pass to Jimmy Farr for an assist that turned into a basket and a 3 point play that pumped everybody up in the first half. It was the epitome of team basketball. Then in the second half he had a 30 second stretch that was awesome. A basket and then a great defensive play and tough rebound at the other end. I am truly excited to see what the future holds for this kid. If he can develop a mid range 10-15 foot shot....look the hell out!!!!!!!!!!

[Muskie]

They dont all pan out as expected but here are several examples of guys people really questioned their ability:

-BJ Raymond
-Jason Love
-James Farr
-Kenny Frease
-Travis Taylor

New Poll:

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?30671-Biggest-Jump-Over-Four-Yearss

[xuwin]

Besides the stat sheet numbers, Sean made a fantastic pass to Jimmy Farr for an assist that turned into a basket and a 3 point play that pumped everybody up in the first half. It was the epitome of team basketball. Then in the second half he had a 30 second stretch that was awesome. A basket and then a great defensive play and tough rebound at the other end. I am truly excited to see what the future holds for this kid. If he can develop a mid range 10-15 foot shot....look the hell out!!!!!!!!!!

To be fair and balanced he also neglected to box out on a missed free throw that allowed Seton Hall to score an easy layup. I love his development but he's not perfect yet.

[SemajParlor]

O'Mara will be an absolute force his Junior and Senior year.

[Masterofreality]

To be fair and balanced he also neglected to box out on a missed free throw that allowed Seton Hall to score an easy layup. I love his development but he's not perfect yet.

No doubt, but can any of us say that we are perfection.....other than maybe Snipe? I'll happily accept this Sophomore's development. More than any of us could have expected.

[Muskie]

To be fair and balanced he also neglected to box out on a missed free throw that allowed Seton Hall to score an easy layup. I love his development but he's not perfect yet.

He probably astutely figured that the baseline referee would have called a ridiculous foul on a perfectly legal box out, so he let him have it to save fouls as some of the other Big Men were in Foul Trouble.

How's that for spin?

[xuwin]

He probably astutely figured that the baseline referee would have called a ridiculous foul on a perfectly legal box out, so he let him have it to save fouls as some of the other Big Men were in Foul Trouble.

How's that for spin?

In other words, he fell asleep. :yawn:

[Masterofreality]

He probably astutely figured that the baseline referee would have called a ridiculous foul on a perfectly legal box out, so he let him have it to save fouls as some of the other Big Men were in Foul Trouble.

How's that for spin?

Yeah, aka Myles Davis in the first minute of the game. Went back and looked again on replay. Myles had a perfectly legal box out.

[Muskie]

Yeah, aka Myles Davis in the first minute of the game. Went back and looked again on replay. Myles had a perfectly legal box out.

In real time that looked like a clear over the back... but that's why they don't let me wear the stripes.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I think this guys, Gates is pretty good at defense for a freshman. The guy can move in the 1-3-1, and he isn't quite the offensive liability that London is right now. Gates will play over London because of that, but the lack of offensive production is mainly due to the fact that they don't run anything for him and his shots come from broken plays.

O'Mara is a good, hard-working player. His HS team was knocked out by 1 point in the Chicago playoffs by Cliff Alexander's team and I remember people saying how well he defended Alexander (his is a Portland Trailblazer now). Despite looking like a knucklehead last year and the start of this year, I knew he would still be a good player. Good B1G teams were on him only to see his Dad send them packing because he wanted a good academic school. Purdue/Michigan was not on him for whatever reason, Northwestern was.

On Reynolds, the guy is 23 and playing with 18-21 year olds. I think he won't want to be 24 next year in college when he will already have his degree. He should stay for development on the court, but he will most likely leave for that reason to make money.

London, we haven't seen much from him. I spotted a 5 second stretch in the St. Johns game when the shot clock was winding down, he demanded the ball, put in on the court, and blew by his defender forcing a late clock foul. This guy has handles, yes it was St. Johns, but they are D1 and can still play and defend alright. London has huge upside and is a full 2-3 inches taller than Gates. If he meets close to his upside he is going to be a very good player.

[XUMIOH12]

On Reynolds, the guy is 23 and playing with 18-21 year olds. I think he won't want to be 24 next year in college when he will already have his degree. He should stay for development on the court, but he will most likely leave for that reason to make money.

Or he could transfer to BYU where he would probably be the youngest player on the team

[Cheesehead]

On Reynolds, the guy is 23 and playing with 18-21 year olds. I think he won't want to be 24 next year in college when he will already have his degree. He should stay for development on the court, but he will most likely leave for that reason to make money.

Or he could transfer to BYU where he would probably be the youngest player on the team

..and without the mission trip

[LA Muskie]

Reynolds at BYU. Now THAT would be a match made in heaven...

[Muncie]

I'm loving what Sean is showing and down the stretch he will be an important cog. Now next year wow, (and I'd love for Jalen to come back and have the senior year we know he can have) we will be even more loaded at all positions than we are this year. Gaston according to all reports is an A player and I expect him to start.

[toledodan]

I think this guys, Gates is pretty good at defense for a freshman. The guy can move in the 1-3-1, and he isn't quite the offensive liability that London is right now. Gates will play over London because of that, but the lack of offensive production is mainly due to the fact that they don't run anything for him and his shots come from broken plays.

O'Mara is a good, hard-working player. His HS team was knocked out by 1 point in the Chicago playoffs by Cliff Alexander's team and I remember people saying how well he defended Alexander (his is a Portland Trailblazer now). Despite looking like a knucklehead last year and the start of this year, I knew he would still be a good player. Good B1G teams were on him only to see his Dad send them packing because he wanted a good academic school. Purdue/Michigan was not on him for whatever reason, Northwestern was.

On Reynolds, the guy is 23 and playing with 18-21 year olds. I think he won't want to be 24 next year in college when he will already have his degree. He should stay for development on the court, but he will most likely leave for that reason to make money.

London, we haven't seen much from him. I spotted a 5 second stretch in the St. Johns game when the shot clock was winding down, he demanded the ball, put in on the court, and blew by his defender forcing a late clock foul. This guy has handles, yes it was St. Johns, but they are D1 and can still play and defend alright. London has huge upside and is a full 2-3 inches taller than Gates. If he meets close to his upside he is going to be a very good player.

i see very little chance jalen comes back. he lloks like he's ready for school to be done. he probably should because i'm not sure he's ready to play over seas either

[D-West & PO-Z]

i see very little chance jalen comes back. he lloks like he's ready for school to be done. he probably should because i'm not sure he's ready to play over seas either

What does this even mean? Are you in classes with him? Is he sleeping or not paying attention, or look bored? What do you mean he looks like he is ready for school to be done?

[MauriceX]

O'Mara is a good, hard-working player. His HS team was knocked out by 1 point in the Chicago playoffs by Cliff Alexander's team and I remember people saying how well he defended Alexander (his is a Portland Trailblazer now). Despite looking like a knucklehead last year and the start of this year, I knew he would still be a good player.

When did O'Mara ever look like a knucklehead? For a freshman big man, he was incredibly dependable. If he got the ball down low, he would score fairly automatically. He didn't play many minutes (we didn't really need him to), but the minutes he did play were almost always productive. Way more productive than any other recent big men have been able to give us in their freshman years (see Farr, Reynolds, London, Frease, Love, Robinson).

[KC4X]

When did O'Mara ever look like a knucklehead? For a freshman big man, he was incredibly dependable. If he got the ball down low, he would score fairly automatically. He didn't play many minutes (we didn't really need him to), but the minutes he did play were almost always productive. Way more productive than any other recent big men have been able to give us in their freshman years (see Farr, Reynolds, London, Frease, Love, Robinson).

I second this post. I'very been impressed with Sean since day 1.

[scoscox]

I second this post. I'very been impressed with Sean since day 1.

Agreed

[Muskeagle]

Agreed

Me, too.

[XfansinKy]

But jalen is a little behind right now so that evens it out right lol.

Jalen could put it together any game now though hopefully.

[UCGRAD4X]

Jalen could put it together any game now though hopefully.

Today could be that day!:pumpiron:

[XUMIOH12]

I second this post. I'very been impressed with Sean since day 1.

same here

[Wheelhouse]

I have to admit, I was not at all impressed with O'Mara last year and did not think he was anywhere close to a high level Division 1 player. Alas, I am an idiot and he has proven to be a valuable piece of this year's puzzle. He developed some quality low post moves and plays with a bit of edge. And the thing is, we really needed him to emerge because without him we'd be in major trouble any time Jalen and Jimmy get into foul trouble.

[xudash]

When did O'Mara ever look like a knucklehead? For a freshman big man, he was incredibly dependable. If he got the ball down low, he would score fairly automatically. He didn't play many minutes (we didn't really need him to), but the minutes he did play were almost always productive. Way more productive than any other recent big men have been able to give us in their freshman years (see Farr, Reynolds, London, Frease, Love, Robinson).

+1

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Come on guys, he had flashes but overall last year and the first couple games this year he looked lost. Hell, the guy had brick hands for a while. I get it, he looks good now, but it's ok to admit he only did some good things for 2-3 minute stretches last year.

[JTG]

Come on guys, he had flashes but overall last year and the first couple games this year he looked lost. Hell, the guy had brick hands for a while. I get it, he looks good now, but it's ok to admit he only did some good things for 2-3 minute stretches last year.

Face it, it doesn't look like most of us agree with your assessment of OMara. Now Frease, on the other hand, looked like a knucklehead for the better part of 4 years.
What I like about OMara is that he is big, not just tall. He's not gonna get run over in the lane. And he has a decent shot and decent feet.

[MauriceX]

It's kinda ironic, but I pulled this from something I wrote in last year's Xavier vs. Providence game thread:

I too was very impressed with O'Mara. I remember thinking near the start of the season that he seemed to be the most adept scoring freshman center we've seen in a while. When he gets the ball down low, he fights for good position and makes the easy bucket. It is good to see that he is progressing well, bringing more than just minutes to the game today. Obviously he is still young and has a lot of room to grow, but I was very impressed with him today.

[XUMIOH12]

i like that he is strong enough to hold his position in the post on both offense and defense.

[XUFan09]

Come on guys, he had flashes but overall last year and the first couple games this year he looked lost. Hell, the guy had brick hands for a while. I get it, he looks good now, but it's ok to admit he only did some good things for 2-3 minute stretches last year.
Yeah, no one agrees with you because you're just wrong. O'Mara had a an offensive rating of 109.5 with a usage rate of 19.6%. He rebounded on the offensive glass well, he didn't turn the ball over, he got to the line, and he blocked shots at a good rate. The only criticisms you could make are that he didn't rebound on the defensive glass well and he didn't make his free throws at a good rate.

Of course, all of this is with too small of a sample size to actually make any real inferences. However, that doesn't change the fact that the small sample size was really good for a freshman.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[smileyy]

I think a lot of opposing guards are going to be sore after running into O'Mara picks over and over again next year.

I kind of expected him to be a stiff, probably because he's white. He has great footwork and movement in the post.

[ballyhoohoo]

Sean stands up straight and can hold his eyes open. He has those two things on Kenny

[paulxu]

Kenny stands up straight and can hold his eyes open. He has those two things on Kenny

I have no idea what that means.

[xu82]

I have no idea what that means.

I'm pretty sure Kenny wouldn't like it.