Let’s Go Free!

[IM4X]

Preseason All-Big East first team
Nate Watson, Providence
Julian Champagnie, St. John’s
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Paul Scruggs, Xavier
Zach Freemantle, Xavier <<<<<<

Let’s go finish this season playing like the guy who earned a place on the preseason All-Big East first team! Let’s go take a page out of James Farr’s book when he decided to back off on taking some of the lower percentage jumpers and instead concentrated on getting to work in the paint with power dunks, layups, rebounds and put backs. Let’s see more toughness and tenacity in the paint.

This team has a pretty high ceiling when everyone is locked-in… when they are selfless and giving their best… when the veterans are showing great leadership by playing smart, displaying that extra gear… grabbing one more rebound or loose ball or steal… when they are taking one more charge, making one more key pass or block… when they are leaving it all out on the floor. Let’s loose the “tough guy” attitude after the whistle that is hurting the team and replace it with more tough playing during the game that will help the team get into the dance and even possibly go on a deep run.

[whopper]

I can see the confusion on his face and know what he has to do..go back to the drawing board..realize he will play 25 min a game and average 4 fouls. Do the little things, run the court harder every play, dont just look to post but try to Rodman some offensive rebounds by digging out position(Karl Malone was a terrrible offensive rebounder as he was always posting), set more picks and hold position. I have seen players do this in every sport and kind of rejuvinate their careers. In his mind he remembers the days with Tyrique as a freshman when less was demanded, and also the days with Carter when he had to take more shots. He is confused but what i mentioned would help every player

[hoopster68]

I can see the confusion on his face and know what he has to do..go back to the drawing board..realize he will play 25 min a game and average 4 fouls. Do the little things, run the court harder every play, dont just look to post but try to Rodman some offensive rebounds by digging out position(Karl Malone was a terrrible offensive rebounder as he was always posting), set more picks and hold position. I have seen players do this in every sport and kind of rejuvinate their careers. In his mind he remembers the days with Tyrique as a freshman when less was demanded, and also the days with Carter when he had to take more shots. He is confused but what i mentioned would help every player

Isn't correcting & improving players what a coaching staff is paid to do?

[Cincypunk.org]

He looks like the slowest player on the court by a wide margin. His feet are stuck in wet concrete on defense.

[Xuperman]

This was, IMO, the low point in Freemantle's career here. Not only did he post terrible numbers in a massively important game, but his ongoing lack of maturity/composure was on full display. Pre season accolades have clearly gone to his head. He lost some fans last night.

[boozehound]

This was, IMO, the low point in Freemantle's career here. Not only did he post terrible numbers in a massively important game, but his ongoing lack of maturity/composure was on full display. Pre season accolades have clearly gone to his head. He lost some fans last night.

Well put. Disappointed to see him acting like that. It hurts the team. I also think it makes him look stupid, since he was getting badly outplayed for the whole game.

[bleedXblue]

Free needs a foot up his a** and he needs to respect the uniform he wears. HIs maturity level is embarrassing. His toughness is questionable. Right now I would give him 5-10 MPG. Invest some time in other players who get it.

[xuphan]

Free needs a foot up his a** and he needs to respect the uniform he wears. HIs maturity level is embarrassing. His toughness is questionable. Right now I would give him 5-10 MPG. Invest some time in other players who get it.

Free and Nate need to be coming off the bench. No way either should start tomorrow.

[X Factor]

This was, IMO, the low point in Freemantle's career here. Not only did he post terrible numbers in a massively important game, but his ongoing lack of maturity/composure was on full display. Pre season accolades have clearly gone to his head. He lost some fans last night.

On the heels where he acted pretty immature during the Butler game too. After Butler was called for a tech, Zach was looking at X bench pointing to himself with some goofy expression. It was embarrassing. He needs to focus on making good basketball plays for this team. Put your head down and compete hard on every possession.

[Xville]

Free and Nate need to be coming off the bench. No way either should start tomorrow.

100 agree but they will…”those are my guys man”

[xuphan]

100 agree but they will…”those are my guys man”

Free cost us that game last night with his antics. If Steele doesn’t set an example with him, it will be telling. If Free starts tomorrow I hope Steele gets booed when he is announced during the pregame announcements.

[boozehound]

Free cost us that game last night with his antics. If Steele doesn’t set an example with him, it will be telling. If Free starts tomorrow I hope Steele gets booed when he is announced during the pregame announcements.

He very likely may have cost us the game, you are right. The only silver lining was that we replaced Freemantle's garbage production with Edwards, so Free getting a T and fouling out may have actually helped us (minus the 2 FTs and possession, which definitely hurt).

[IM4X]

I can see the confusion on his face and know what he has to do..go back to the drawing board..realize he will play 25 min a game and average 4 fouls. Do the little things, run the court harder every play, dont just look to post but try to Rodman some offensive rebounds by digging out position(Karl Malone was a terrrible offensive rebounder as he was always posting), set more picks and hold position. I have seen players do this in every sport and kind of rejuvinate their careers. In his mind he remembers the days with Tyrique as a freshman when less was demanded, and also the days with Carter when he had to take more shots. He is confused but what i mentioned would help every player

Good post. I think you got the spirit of the thread I was going for. There is already plenty of post expressing displeasure with Free. I am not sure what is going on with him, but I do think there’s a point where we all can find ourselves being a little too brutal on college kids. I want to be careful we don’t go overboard and personally attack someone who is a good kid and part of our X family. Yes, currently he seems to have that little bit of that unnecessary “attitude after the whistle” Jalen Reynolds had which hurt his team too. Yes, other than small sample sizes here and there he is not playing ball like Zach showed he could last year. Still, there is no doubt in my mind that he has the ability to refocus, elevate his game again and make smarter decisions that are helpful to his team.

I got to think part of it was not being able to play with his team at the start of the season. Part of it may be the Big East Preseason first team honor getting in his head. Who knows though. The important thing is that he gets it in his head that he has the tools to be special and he can get there again with focus, better effort and determination on the court, a bit better team chemistry and a need to stay a little more level headed.

This team has a very high ceiling when all the parts are working well together. Imagine if Zach can be Zach again and this team can consistently play smarter and harder each game. This team would get its swagger back and Nate and Adam would be back in a zone making their shots. Scruggs has already shown he is starting to lead again (scoring and facilitating the ball) and Nunge is always a rock the team can count on. Jones and Odom are always playing hard and doing their part. I am telling you, this team still has a chance to be special.

[xukeith]

On the heels where he acted pretty immature during the Butler game too. After Butler was called for a tech, Zach was looking at X bench pointing to himself with some goofy expression. It was embarrassing. He needs to focus on making good basketball plays for this team. Put your head down and compete hard on every possession.

You can bet those SH officials saw the Butler game and took note on what Free does to be annoying.

[whopper]

Isn't correcting & improving players what a coaching staff is paid to do?

True but this is the kind of effort that has to come from within or it cant be sustained. I looked back at box scores and see him having good games as a freshman and sophomore against many known big men so i think he still "can" do it". Maybe 16 -9 becomes 12-7 in 25 minutes and we would kill for that. With him and Nate putting up these numbers we literally cant win (we can get close but that is a world of difference in Big East..Depaul stays close, even Georgetown stays close). Boy oh boy tomorrow night will probably determine the arc of the season. As a Catholic school guy from the Northeast I wont throw him under the bus but he needs some tough love from a respected trusted source and so does Nate or else we really cant play them which seems like an incredible statement(even to me). I hope that Edwards play motivates Zach and who would have thought after Creighton game we would have this issue

[UCGRAD4X]

There is enough frustration with Zack and it is on him ultimately. But what incentive does he have to do better when he is already 1st team, starts and plays 25 - 30 min game? The staff seems to reinforce what he is doing as acceptable. The adults and high paid professionals need to do their job. Yes, it begins and ends with Zack, but whatever the coach has been doing is not working. Sitting him sends a clearer message that anything they can say or do off the court.

I'm tired of the "still getting his feet underneath him from the injury." If he's not ready, all the more reason to not play him.

[IM4X]

Great game Zach!!!

So great to see you focused and back to playing smart, tough and tenacious like… well… that All-Big East Zach!

[whopper]

i am so happy for him...i could see the frustration on his face and when you play you know if you are getting outplayed and it hurts when you know your teammates know. I think this could be a big turnaround effort (he did make 2 nice moves at Seton Hall to start second half before fouled out foolishly). St Johns will be a test..no 4 crabl dribbles against them but still many opportunities. Great job by all

[American X]

So you are saying that playing an All-Big East and not a faux-macho clown helps?

[UCGRAD4X]

I don't know if anyone else noticed but Zack went through the whole game and hardly made an overt reaction positive or negative. He seemed to be focused on the game and not on the histrionics.

Here's hoping Coach sat him down and said, "If I put you out there, whatever happens, offense or defense, you will not react except to focus on what's next. Don't look at the refs - don't look the players in the eyes, don't look at the other team's bench, the other teams coach (especially)...don't even listen to the crowd. Don't crack a smile, don't make a frown, don't scowl, grimace, pump a fist, and, most of all, do not make a stupid "who me - what did I do" motion. Focus on your job. Your team. In short...Just do your fucking job.....man."

Nah. I left out to many 'man's.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I don't know if anyone else noticed but Zack went through the whole game and hardly made an overt reaction positive or negative. He seemed to be focused on the game and not on the histrionics.

Here's hoping Coach sat him down and said, "If I put you out there, whatever happens, offense or defense, you will not react except to focus on what's next. Don't look at the refs - don't look the players in the eyes, don't look at the other team's bench, the other teams coach (especially)...don't even listen to the crowd. Don't crack a smile, don't make a frown, don't scowl, grimace, pump a fist, and, most of all, do not make a stupid "who me - what did I do" motion. Focus on your job. Your team. In short...Just do your fucking job.....man."

Nah. I left out to many 'man's.

I noticed. No trash talking. No "zip em up" or "make a muscle" antics, at least that I saw. He hustled after loose balls. He was really working hard on defense (he's never going to be a great defender). He went out of his way to pull Nate off the floor, under our basket, at one-point last night and then sprinted back on defense. I saw a different Free last night and I liked what I saw.

Sure feels like he had a discussion with somebody------coaches, teammates, whatever. It worked. Here's hoping the Free we saw last night, is the Free we see the rest of the season. That's the guy we need.

[bjf123]

I noticed. No trash talking. No "zip em up" or "make a muscle" antics, at least that I saw. He hustled after loose balls. He was really working hard on defense (he's never going to be a great defender). He went out of his way to pull Nate off the floor, under our basket, at one-point last night and then sprinted back on defense. I saw a different Free last night and I liked what I saw.

Sure feels like he had a discussion with somebody------coaches, teammates, whatever. It worked. Here's hoping the Free we saw last night, is the Free we see the rest of the season. That's the guy we need.

Maybe he read some of the comments here and was just pissed? Whatever it was, it worked. That’s the Zack we thought we’d see all year.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[xudash]

He redeemed himself with me. Hope he stays in this mental space.

[IM4X]

Maybe he read some of the comments here and was just pissed? Whatever it was, it worked. That’s the Zack we thought we’d see all year.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Pretty sure Zach came to this site and saw this thread I started… read my first post and Whoppers follow up post and that’s all it took. A little love and reminder we still believe in the big fella.

In all seriousness, I do think it would be a beautiful thing if we all started treating our X players a little more like the way we’d treat our own kids or our brothers (depending on your age). It’s okay to show a little tough love when they veer off course a bit, but being that they part of our “family” we also need to show them we believe in them and know they have it in them to be pretty special.

[UCGRAD4X]

As some on here have speculated, it is the lack of tough love from the coaching staff that has allowed some of the undisciplined play and antics. It is the fact that we expect so much more from them that is a big part of the frustration. Discipline without accountability is useless and often counterproductive.

Passion.

[IM4X]

There was definitely something or someone that got this team fired up and playing better together snd with much more tenacious in the UConn game. Almost wonder if having past players and a past coach stop by had a part to play. I could see some of them getting vocal about what it means to wear the X uniform. Also possible Paul and Steele pushed a few of the right buttons.

[Xville]

There was definitely something or someone that got this team fired up and playing better together snd with much more tenacious in the UConn game. Almost wonder if having past players and a past coach stop by had a part to play. I could see some of them getting vocal about what it means to wear the X uniform. Also possible Paul and Steele pushed a few of the right buttons.

I think all of it certainly helped….Steele sitting Nate down obviously also helped. They played so differently than they have almost all year, since maybe the Ohio state game that makes me think it wasn’t just internal.

[xuwillie]

Free can be a good player for X if he has the mentality to get his 10pts and 10 rebounds a game. Not so much when he tries to score 20 a game and should never shoot another 3 while at X. I think coaching or lack there of has a lot to do with his issues

[xukeith]

Free can be a good player for X if he has the mentality to get his 10pts and 10 rebounds a game. Not so much when he tries to score 20 a game and should never shoot another 3 while at X. I think coaching or lack there of has a lot to do with his issues

That is a little strong. For all we know next year he could be an all american shooting 35% from 3

[xu82]

He redeemed himself with me. Hope he stays in this mental space.

Peak when it matters most. Like the Bengals in the playoffs. I wish he could have come out of the boot firing on all cylinders, but that’s a lot to ask. It’s physical AND mental. Finish strong and I’m thrilled!

[xukeith]

That is a little strong. For all we know next year he could be an all american shooting 35% from 3

So I am saying............................there is a chance. In words of Nunge, "Believe"

[IM4X]

I think all of it certainly helped….Steele sitting Nate down obviously also helped. They played so differently than they have almost all year, since maybe the Ohio state game that makes me think it wasn’t just internal.

The important thing is that there is a significant, positive difference with this team. They are finally building chemistry and finding a rhythm. They are playing harder and showing selflessness. They are passing better, defending better and out-hustling their opponent.

If they keep it up, this team will become more and more dangerous. Nate and Adam will start feeling it from 3. Jack and Free will help be stretch defenses, allowing more penetration. Love seeing how this team is now driving more and racking up the fouls. Let’s hope these guys can keep this up. Maybe, just maybe this will indeed be a beautiful and strong finish.

[xuphan]

Preseason All-Big East first team
Nate Watson, Providence
Julian Champagnie, St. John’s
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Paul Scruggs, Xavier
Zach Freemantle, Xavier <<<<<<

Let’s go finish this season playing like the guy who earned a place on the preseason All-Big East first team! Let’s go take a page out of James Farr’s book when he decided to back off on taking some of the lower percentage jumpers and instead concentrated on getting to work in the paint with power dunks, layups, rebounds and put backs. Let’s see more toughness and tenacity in the paint.

This team has a pretty high ceiling when everyone is locked-in… when they are selfless and giving their best… when the veterans are showing great leadership by playing smart, displaying that extra gear… grabbing one more rebound or loose ball or steal… when they are taking one more charge, making one more key pass or block… when they are leaving it all out on the floor. Let’s loose the “tough guy” attitude after the whistle that is hurting the team and replace it with more tough playing during the game that will help the team get into the dance and even possibly go on a deep run.

Still think Free would be better coming off the bench.

[IM4X]

Still think Free would be better coming off the bench.

Like JP?
Maybe.

I don’t see it happening with Steele. I’m eagerly awaiting how Zach plays out of the gate against St. John’s.