Jerome Hunter

[nuts4xu]

Nice article about Jerome Hunter on the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning. Playing for Archie for 3 years, he should pick up Sean's system fairly easily.

Not sure if this is behind a paywall or not...

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2022/07/29/xavier-basketball-jerome-hunter-pickerington-north-grad-excited-play-indiana/10178508002/

[hoopster68]

Hunter has had a checkered career altered by illness & injuries. If he can find his personal "sweet spot" on Coach Miller's squad X will be a stronger, more competitive team. He could be a significant sub with 10--12 minutes per night, or give the team a different look on occasion. Go JH!

[Muskie]

I think Jerome will have a better season this year. I'm hoping a change in coaching philosophy is just what the doctor ordered for him. We've all seen flashes of what he can and can't do. Still hoping he pulls it all together.

[xu82]

I think Hunter has a lot of “solid play” to offer, it he realizes his limitations. I think Miller will get thru to him on that….or at least I HOPE he can.

[Xuperman]

Hunter has had a checkered career altered by illness & injuries. If he can find his personal "sweet spot" on Coach Miller's squad X will be a stronger, more competitive team. He could be a significant sub with 10--12 minutes per night, or give the team a different look on occasion. Go JH!

I could be on a island here, but I am hoping that Coach ends up starting a Jones/Boum backcourt and Hunter, Free, Nunge 3-4-5. Seriously hoping Jones will hone his skills there, if NBA aspirations are his future.

[bigdiggins]

I could be on a island here, but I am hoping that Coach ends up starting a Jones/Boum backcourt and Hunter, Free, Nunge 3-4-5. Seriously hoping Jones will hone his skills there, if NBA aspirations are his future.

Here's to hoping he plays less than 5 minutes a game and someone with potential (ie Caesar) plays instead.

[xukeith]

Here's to hoping he plays less than 5 minutes a game and someone with potential (ie Caesar) plays instead.

Hereis to jones playing the 3.
Hunter will be coming off the bench and lneeds to mix it up in the paint. No more brick 3's.
Kunkel, please stop launching 40 footersand going 0-9 from deep. Pass teh ball, drive or stop and let Craft/Claude show how it is supposed to be.

[bleedXblue]

cant shoot and doesnt rebound well

I dont see many minutes at all

[bleedXblue]

cant shoot and doesnt rebound well

I dont see many minutes at all

[xudash]

Interesting quote about Sean:

“Everybody’s getting better,” Hunter said. “All my team is loving the new coach and he’s really explaining things in-depth as to what he wants to get accomplished so everybody’s getting on board. Once everybody’s on board, I feel like we can have a big season this year.”

[xudash]

Interesting quote about Sean:

“Everybody’s getting better,” Hunter said. “All my team is loving the new coach and he’s really explaining things in-depth as to what he wants to get accomplished so everybody’s getting on board. Once everybody’s on board, I feel like we can have a big season this year.”

[xavierj]

cant shoot and doesnt rebound well

I dont see many minutes at all

34% year 2 at Indiana on more attempts than last year. I would throw out all three percentages under Travis Steele for everyone and expect a major uptick in shooting.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

34% year 2 at Indiana on more attempts than last year. I would throw out all three percentages under Travis Steele for everyone and expect a major uptick in shooting.

Agree. Hunter had some good minutes and made some big plays last year. But, he also forced the long ball and made some decisions that were real head-scratchers. Still, he's long, athletic and seems to have a pretty good attitude. I'm optimistic about this team under Miller. I think we will see some players turn their games around. Hunter is one for whom I have high hopes.

Last year was last year.

[drudy23]

Jerome, use your length and go be the best defender on the floor. And then go be a menace on the offensive and defensive boards. Be the best role player on the team. We'd all like that Jerome.

[xavierj]

Agree. Hunter had some good minutes and made some big plays last year. But, he also forced the long ball and made some decisions that were real head-scratchers. Still, he's long, athletic and seems to have a pretty good attitude. I'm optimistic about this team under Miller. I think we will see some players turn their games around. Hunter is one for whom I have high hopes.

Last year was last year.

I also heard the coaches are extremely pleased with Zach Freemantle and expect a huge year from him. I think Zach was very unhappy last year and it showed in his play. Heard his attitude has been great.

[xukeith]

I also heard the coaches are extremely pleased with Zach Freemantle and expect a huge year from him. I think Zach was very unhappy last year and it showed in his play. Heard his attitude has been great.

I think I expect Zach to havea breakout season. He is very skilled offensivly . Now just 100% healthy

[XUGRAD80]

I’ve no doubt in my mind that many of the players on last years team were playing scared and tight. The substitution patterns were all over the board and there seemed to be little or no rhyme or reason why some players got tons of minutes, and others saw none. I’m also quite sure that the players were well aware of the pressure that Steele was under. I expect players to have a much better understanding of their roles under Sean, and for all of them to understand that Sean owes none of them anything and that they will be expected to earn their minutes based on IN GAME production. Yes, there is going to be pressure on them to produce, but it’s the kind of pressure that real players look forward too and embrace.

[UCGRAD4X]

34% year 2 at Indiana on more attempts than last year. I would throw out all three percentages under Travis Steele for everyone and expect a major uptick in shooting.

I think we are looking to many up-tics on both sides of the court - otherwise, "why Miller". Part of it, of course, revolves around - how much of the past revolved around the lack of talent and how was much more on the coaching. My vote is on the coaching, or lack of same.

[Masterofreality]

“ “Everybody’s getting better,” Hunter said. “All my team is loving the new coach and he’s really explaining things in-depth as to what he wants to get accomplished so everybody’s getting on board. Once everybody’s on board, I feel like we can have a big season this year.”

HUUUUUUUGE!!!

[xukeith]

“ “Everybody’s getting better,” Hunter said. “All my team is loving the new coach and he’s really explaining things in-depth as to what he wants to get accomplished so everybody’s getting on board. Once everybody’s on board, I feel like we can have a big season this year.”

HUUUUUUUGE!!!

Kunkel might stop launching so many 3's. I only pray it is true

[drudy23]

Kunkel might stop launching so many 3's. I only pray it is true

He can shoot 3s - the problem is shooting too many quick, deep and tough 3s. Let your teammates make it easier instead of firing the first chance you see a smidge of daylight to get your shot off.

[D-West & PO-Z]

“ “Everybody’s getting better,” Hunter said. “All my team is loving the new coach and he’s really explaining things in-depth as to what he wants to get accomplished so everybody’s getting on board. Once everybody’s on board, I feel like we can have a big season this year.”

HUUUUUUUGE!!!

Anyone wonder why not everyone is on board, lol?

[boozehound]

He can shoot 3s - the problem is shooting too many quick, deep and tough 3s. Let your teammates make it easier instead of firing the first chance you see a smidge of daylight to get your shot off.

I'm not going to miss the Mack/Steele offense. Terrible ball movement leading to contested 3 pointers.

[drudy23]

I'm not going to miss the Mack/Steele offense. Terrible ball movement leading to contested 3 pointers.

IMO, Mack held players more accountable for their roles within the offense. I didn't have a huge issue with Mack's offensive flow. Steele just gave the green light to everyone, and everyone took it, to the detriment of the team.

The offense under Steele was the most terrible on the eyeballs in the 40 years I've been watching Xavier basketball. It was horrendous.

[boozehound]

IMO, Mack held players more accountable for their roles within the offense. I didn't have a huge issue with Mack's offensive flow. Steele just gave the green light to everyone, and everyone took it, to the detriment of the team.

The offense under Steele was the most terrible on the eyeballs in the 40 years I've been watching Xavier basketball. It was horrendous.

Mack was definitely a lot better than Steele, for sure. I still thought that Mack's teams did too much passing around the perimeter while standing still, before eventually driving into traffic or shooting a contested shot. Part of why I think it worked better under Mack is he had some players that could score while being guarded: Crawford, Christon, Blueitt, and Marshall could all beat a defending 1:1 either by shooting over them or driving past them.

I kind of always thought of Steele's offense as a very, very poor man's version of Mack's philosophy except with more wings chucking up 3's and less emphasis on inside presence.

[XUBison]

Anyone wonder why not everyone is on board, lol?

Yep, thought the same thing. Are they on board, or aren’t they? Very confusing!

[MADXSTER]

Yep, thought the same thing. Are they on board, or aren’t they? Very confusing!
Well I'm on board. Are you?

[SC in DC]

Well, we aren't not going to be Bored once Miller gets everyone on-board.

[xu82]

I'm not going to miss the Mack/Steele offense. Terrible ball movement leading to contested 3 pointers.

It was actually difficult and unpleasant to watch. I’ve watched every game I could, but I can’t say I enjoyed it very often.

[bleedXblue]

34% year 2 at Indiana on more attempts than last year. I would throw out all three percentages under Travis Steele for everyone and expect a major uptick in shooting.

I hope he gets better, but lets not get too carried away with 34% from 2 years ago. I would much prefer him to be a defensive stopper and improve his rebounding.

[Muskie]

Everyone loved the Mack/Steele offense when Macura was drilling ill advised 3's. It worked out because JP was JP. When you have guys that aren't JP or Crawford taking those shots your results may vary.

[drudy23]

Everyone loved the Mack/Steele offense when Macura was drilling ill advised 3's. It worked out because JP was JP. When you have guys that aren't JP or Crawford taking those shots your results may vary.

It was beyond stupid for Steele to keep that 3-point oriented offense with the lack of shooters his teams had. Mind boggling.

"The shots are going to fall" - they never did.

[xukeith]

It was beyond stupid for Steele to keep that 3-point oriented offense with the lack of shooters his teams had. Mind boggling.

"The shots are going to fall" - they never did.

Oh boy, did they fall!

i saw a lot of falling shots.

[xu82]

Oh boy, did they fall!

i saw a lot of falling shots.

It’s the “WHERE” they fall that matters. Details, details……




.

[IM4X]

I hope he gets better, but lets not get too carried away with 34% from 2 years ago. I would much prefer him to be a defensive stopper and improve his rebounding.

Yeah. I am right there with you. He missed a ton of wide open 3s and a ton of easy bunnies. That has nothing to do with coaching.

If he's been focusing on his layups and rebounding and learning to hold refrain from taking so many 3s (just because he's open) I feel he will have proven he's grown tremendously.

[IM4X]

Yep, thought the same thing. Are they on board, or aren’t they? Very confusing!

Agree. A bit confusing. The quote starts out sounding positive and then he goes on to suggest that everyone is not yet on board.

[xavierj]

It was beyond stupid for Steele to keep that 3-point oriented offense with the lack of shooters his teams had. Mind boggling.

"The shots are going to fall" - they never did.

I don’t think the results were because of the shooters, I think it was because of Travis. 4 years of crap shooting becomes a result of the system. A lot of those guys were good shooters before they played for Travis. It is what it is. Next year they will probably shoot 36% to 38% from 3 as a team.

[drudy23]

I don’t think the results were because of the shooters, I think it was because of Travis. 4 years of crap shooting becomes a result of the system. A lot of those guys were good shooters before they played for Travis. It is what it is. Next year they will probably shoot 36% to 38% from 3 as a team.

In Steele's tenure, I always felt that he had a system that he "hoped" would work, but his players didn't really have the requisite skills to make it work. Almost like he was hoping they would become a good shooting team.

And then as that didn't happen, he continued with the system and kept playing the guys that didn't have the requisite skills for the system. It all seemed very "I'm going to show them, even if it means my job."

Odd way to go out.

[MHettel]

I have one play stuck in my head from Hunter from last year.

I swear, I saw it a DOZEN times. But maybe not. Maybe this one play is a perfect curation of what drove me crazy about Hunter.

Offensive rebound situation, and he can grab the board and go right back up for an easy uncontested deuce...or he can attempt the Highlight putback jam that bounces off the back of the rim out of bounds.

THAT is the play I see in my head, over and over and over. It happened once. I saw it. But that KIND of play happened all the time.

We just need Hunter to play within the system, and use his athleticism to excel.

In fact, I'd really love to see a lineup where Tandy comes off the bench for 5-6 minutes in each half and runs with Miles and Hunter and a couple others. Turn up the pace and let KyKy jack up shots while the big guys play rim protector.

[UCGRAD4X]

Everyone loved the Mack/Steele offense when Macura was drilling ill advised 3's. It worked out because JP was JP. When you have guys that aren't JP or Crawford taking those shots your results may vary.


Everyone loved the Mack/Steele offense when Macura was drilling ill advised 3's. It worked out because JP was JP. When you have guys that aren't JP or Crawford taking those shots your results may vary.


In Steele's tenure, I always felt that he had a system that he "hoped" would work, but his players didn't really have the requisite skills to make it work. Almost like he was hoping they would become a good shooting team.

And then as that didn't happen, he continued with the system and kept playing the guys that didn't have the requisite skills for the system. It all seemed very "I'm going to show them, even if it means my job."

Odd way to go out.

This is the overall issue and a theme that seems to be recirculated in different forms throughout the commentary.

Tin Man did not know how to use the strengths of the players he had. Did he not know how to recognize it, develop it, analyze it or all-of-the-above?. Although he is credited with a level of recruiting prowess, the more in-depth analysis talents the new players brought to the table were not utilized. He may have been able to see overall talent, but the more minute details and specifics of that talent were beyond him. Hell, I can read a talent or scouting report and realize the strengths. A real coach needs to be able to dig a little deeper and recognize the finer points, how those details relate to other potential skill and subsequent development, and, perhaps most importantly, how that relates to other players skills, talents, strength, etc. That might be why they rarely seemed to play as a team but as a group of individuals, and the perception of so much talent wasted (Exhibit #1 = Suggs).

As a result, his default was to implement a system and HOPE the players' talents would gravitate toward it.

That WILL change under Miller. Exhibit #1 might be Hunter(or Tandy? or Miles?)

[XUGRAD80]

Everyone loved the Mack/Steele offense when Macura was drilling ill advised 3's. It worked out because JP was JP. When you have guys that aren't JP or Crawford taking those shots your results may vary.

I think that many were concerned that the “offense” that Mack ran never seemed to work against really good teams, like Villanova. I for one thought that they didn’t deserve their #1 seed, and while I didn’t expect them to lose in the 2nd round, I didn’t expect them to make a final 4 that year either. I didn’t think that it was an offense that could be relied on game after game against the best teams in the land.

As much as many many people say that basketball has “changed”, I still know that it’s easier to make a layup than it is a trey. I still believe that reliance on outside shooting beyond the arc is fools gold. It’s great when they are falling, but they aren’t always going to fall. I’d rather rely on an offense that runs from the inside out. An offense that has inside scoring first, and which then sucks the defense in and leads to wide open outside shots that the players can step into and make at a high %.

I’d be happy if I never saw Hunter take another 3 pointer and somehow developed a reliable mid-range game combined with strong rebounding and defending.

[xukeith]

I did notice a stretch of games where Hunter looked like a confident and capable freethrow shooter. Soft touch from him.

[XUBison]

I think that many were concerned that the “offense” that Mack ran never seemed to work against really good teams, like Villanova. I for one thought that they didn’t deserve their #1 seed, and while I didn’t expect them to lose in the 2nd round, I didn’t expect them to make a final 4 that year either. I didn’t think that it was an offense that could be relied on game after game against the best teams in the land.

As much as many many people say that basketball has “changed”, I still know that it’s easier to make a layup than it is a trey. I still believe that reliance on outside shooting beyond the arc is fools gold. It’s great when they are falling, but they aren’t always going to fall. I’d rather rely on an offense that runs from the inside out. An offense that has inside scoring first, and which then sucks the defense in and leads to wide open outside shots that the players can step into and make at a high %.

I’d be happy if I never saw Hunter take another 3 pointer and somehow developed a reliable mid-range game combined with strong rebounding and defending.

Well said. I’m not going to give back the #1 seed, but didn’t we earn the dubious distinction of being the worst one-seed ever according to whatever metric?

The three-point game seems to be an all or nothing proposition. Unfortunately for Steele, the latter was a common outcome. I often wonder how well most coaches actually understand advanced metrics. I suspect even fewer understand how to effectively fold them into the human element of the game.

[whopper]

the metric you are thinking of is that our margin of victory was the lowest of any one seed that year(maybe ever). We won so many close games(heck max strus had an open 3 to tie the last game at home v Depaul and would have hit it now- if he hit it we may not have won the BE. i remember so many nip /tuck games v St Johns, Creigton , Butler etc but we did win them all. Trevon hit a FOUR pt play to tie Georgetown and we won in OT. That was a great year but ver tough on the ticker