Des Claude expectations

[Xuperman]

All that preseason hype....is starting to be a head scratcher.

DC has a really good scoring average, and he should, with the minutes/targets he gets. However, his shooting percentages are terrible.

9-39 from 3....23%? DOWN over 6 %pts from last year.
His FT numbers are are getting better, but the reality is, he sits at a dismal 63% overall.

These numbers can only go up, and he is developing into a fine facilitator. BBall IQ is questionable....decision making needs some corrections.

I think the Colby Jones comparison is not close. His shooting Is currently closer to a Jason Carter. Yikes!!

[XUGRAD80]

He needs to develop into at least an average threat from the outside, otherwise I fear that teams will just sag off him and dare him to shoot.

[xukeith]

I think Claude because he is 6'5 and very strong he can post up smaller guards and not be stopped within 3-8 feet in front of basket.

I don't think against top 120 kenpom competition he will make 3s at an excellent %.
If he is wide open, then I give Claude the green light. Same for Green and Lazar.

[bleedXblue]

He's 11 games into his sophomore year. He didn't come here as a known shooter. He will be fine and he will continue to get better.

[Xville]

He's 11 games into his sophomore year. He didn't come here as a known shooter. He will be fine and he will continue to get better.

Yep exactly and the Colby jones comparisons are right on point. Colby wasn’t a good shooter until his third year. Des will be just fine.

The op is the same one who thought uc was going to smoke us and defended Steele until the end.

[Xavier]

Yep. He’s a sophomore who, at times, has looked great. If he wasn’t thrown into the leadership role I think we’d all be pretty excited about his future still. The 3 point shot will come around, does most his work inside the 3 point line with solid drives. Shifty with his body to create space…..sounds just like Colby first couple years.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Overly high expectations have been a bug-a-boo for this team this year. Claude is a solid scorer but a mediocre outside shooter. Still, he has improved. Last season he was a poor outside shooter. He isn't headed straight to the League. He needs to improve his overall game and, I think, he will. Last year he was a talented role player with potential. This year he is supposed to don the wrap of greatness and lead us to the promised land. That expectation is unfair to a young man who will be a very good player for us.

Our expectations for this program are high every year. While that's good overall, this year we are, so far, disappointed. XUGRAD80 gave a fair and reasonable assessment of expectations around the Euros in the Winthrop game thread. Personally, I thought Tre Green would have more of an immediate impact that he, so far, has. There is nothing wrong with any of these players. They are not living up to our hopes and dreams because we have been unrealistic.

Looking forward to the SJU game. Our first conference road game of the season. If we come away with a win, I will be happy. If we lose, I will not be surprised.

[paulxu]

I think Claude would look and play much differently if we had Hunter and Freemantle in the paint.
The whole team would also.

[Masterofreality]

He needs to develop into at least an average threat from the outside, otherwise I fear that teams will just sag off him and dare him to shoot.

They already are…

[xukeith]

I think Claude would look and play much differently if we had Hunter and Freemantle in the paint.
The whole team would also.

Good point BUT will Ciani, Lazar, Gytis, Ousmane, and Nze all play with Freemantle and Hunter?

[paulxu]

Good point BUT will Ciani, Lazar, Gytis, Ousmane, and Nze all play with Freemantle and Hunter?

No. Some of them wouldn't even been in the States I'd guess.

[MHettel]

Colby shot 33% then 29% from 3 his first 2 years. He took just under 2 attempts per game.

In similar minutes, Dez shot 29% as a freshman on about 1.2 attempts per game. And this year is shooting 23% on 3.5 attempts per game.

That is bad shooting. Colby wasn’t exactly Reggie Miller out there as a soph, but Claude’s poor shooting on too many attempts is a problem.

Maybe the way to look at it is as a roster construction issue. I was bemoaning the lack of 3 pt shooters on the roster before we ever saw this team play, and as it turns out we have been left to rely on Claude being one of the guys that simply is forced into taking more than maybe he is comfortable with.

This is what we saw with Jason Carter. A very ok shooter from 3 that somehow was in an offense that made him attempt more than he normally would have. Confidence craters in that situation.

We need Dez to stay focused on what he does best (attack the rim) and we need another deep option to emerge…( uhh, looking at you Lazar and Gytis and Dayvion)

[xukeith]

Colby shot 33% then 29% from 3 his first 2 years. He took just under 2 attempts per game.

In similar minutes, Dez shot 29% as a freshman on about 1.2 attempts per game. And this year is shooting 23% on 3.5 attempts per game.

That is bad shooting. Colby wasn’t exactly Reggie Miller out there as a soph, but Claude’s poor shooting on too many attempts is a problem.

Maybe the way to look at it is as a roster construction issue. I was bemoaning the lack of 3 pt shooters on the roster before we ever saw this team play, and as it turns out we have been left to rely on Claude being one of the guys that simply is forced into taking more than maybe he is comfortable with.

This is what we saw with Jason Carter. A very ok shooter from 3 that somehow was in an offense that made him attempt more than he normally would have. Confidence craters in that situation.

We need Dez to stay focused on what he does best (attack the rim) and we need another deep option to emerge…( uhh, looking at you Lazar and Gytis and Dayvion)

The other freshman, Green, is also supposed to be a good shooter too. He is the shooting pg of our future.

[MHettel]

The other freshman, Green, is also supposed to be a good shooter too. He is the shooting pg of our future.

It’s ESSENTIAL to have at least 2 shooter on the court at all times. Ideally you have 3. It’s a luxury to have 4. And if you are a moron like Travis Steele you run an offense as IF you had 4 shooters out there.

And when I say “shooter” I don’t just mean a guy that can stand in the corner and shoot 35%. I mean a guy that simply cannot get lost defensively or you WILL pay.

Olivari has been excellent. 1/2 Trevon and 1/3 Boum. He shoots with minimum daylight, can get his own shot off the dribble and is deadly when using off ball screens.

But that’s all we have. Gytis is basically a catch and shoot at the top of the arc with nobody on him kind of shooter.

We need more shooting on the court. When Olivari is out, it seems like the ball doesn’t move and we stall out.

Maybe Swain? He’s made a few and down some other good things. More PT for him? Less for Lazar and maybe Dez?

[XUBison]

I don’t get the comparisons to Colby. Claude is an attacking scorer, while Colby was a guy who did all the little things and let the offense come to him. Claude‘s offensive game right now reminds me more of Naji Marshall’s. I’m sure roster composition has something to do with that, in both cases.

Claude was a freshman role-player who had flashes last year, yet is now being asked to carry the TEAM. I think he’s doing a pretty damn good job, all things considered.

[xukeith]

According to FS1 and ESPN live camera action in the huddle, opposing coaches believe X does not have good shooters.

[profson]

I don’t get the comparisons to Colby. Claude is an attacking scorer, while Colby was a guy who did all the little things and let the offense come to him. Claude‘s offensive game right now reminds me more of Naji Marshall’s. I’m sure roster composition has something to do with that, in both cases.

Claude was a freshman role-player who had flashes last year, yet is now being asked to carry the TEAM. I think he’s doing a pretty damn good job, all things considered.

The comparison with Colby is far from being obvious. First, Colby was junior surrounded by better talent and Des is a sophomore which can be quite different. They are also very different as players. As mentioned Des relies on strength. The reason Colby is in the NBA is his elite BB IQ and ability to find teammates in good positions and make them better. Remember comparisons to Josh Hart?

[XUGRAD80]

I seem to remember that Miller said that Dez would be taking on Colby’s place on this year’s team. I think that’s where the comparison started.

Actually if you look at yesterday’s stat line he was perhaps the best all round player. 15 pts, 7 rebs, 6 assts, 2 blks., 1 TO and 0 fouls. That dog will hunt.

[Xville]

I’m not sure what some of you all are watching. Yeah he’s not a great 3 pt shooter hey, but he’s still our best all around player. He does everything well except 3 pt shooting

[profson]

Yes Des is critical to the team which is different from saying he is similar to Colby. One of his most valuable aspects is being asked to guard a very good player that ideally Hunter would have, because there is no one remotely like Hunter on the squad on the defensive end.

[MHettel]

I’m not sure what some of you all are watching. Yeah he’s not a great 3 pt shooter hey, but he’s still our best all around player. He does everything well except 3 pt shooting

Agree that Dez is really good. Only real weakness is deep shooting. His strengths far outweigh that. I do, however, make the point that o wish he was less relied upon from deep as he is. That’s not a gripe on HIM at all. That’s just a broader issue with the team.

[Three Point Pete]

Agree that Dez is really good. Only real weakness is deep shooting. His strengths far outweigh that. I do, however, make the point that o wish he was less relied upon from deep as he is.

Let Des do what he does best, NOT make him brick 3's. He already has scored more points than last season. Let him drive to the rim and take mid-range shots, which he makes about 45%. His FT Stat is trending up from 57.1% to 68% and will get better.

This thread was very amusing [emoji1787] I couldn't help but think this stuff is similar to what the OKC Thunder fans are saying about Josh Giddey!

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[XUGRAD80]

I think that the criticism of his 3-point shooting is warranted. He isn’t a good shooter from deep. Unfortunately, there are lineups where he is asked to do just that. That’s more a criticism of the roster makeup than it is of him. Chances are that he will never develop into a great 3pt shooter, even with lots and lots of practice. Some players never become great shooters, no matter how much they try. BUT, X does have some really good 3 point shooters on the roster. It may just be a matter of time before those players develop their overall games enough that they can be in the lineup with Dez, and relieve him of the burden of needling to shoot deep shots. Let us hope. Meanwhile, I will just enjoy what it is that Dez already does well and hope that he doesn’t try to often to do what he doesn’t do well. Someone asked awhile back when we would expect this team to “gell”? I’m beginning to believe that it may well be late this year or even next year before these players have developed to a point where we can say that is the case. I can absolutely see progress happening, but the level of competition is about to ratchet itself up and thus even if they have improved a lot it may not revel itself with wins.

[webxu]

The 3PT shooting, Quincy aside, has been an issue. I do think when the roster was constructed that the coaching staff figured to get some of that from Craft and Ducharme, and neither have contributed. I havent heard anything on Ducharme, assuming they are redshirting him?

[bleedXblue]

The 3PT shooting, Quincy aside, has been an issue. I do think when the roster was constructed that the coaching staff figured to get some of that from Craft and Ducharme, and neither have contributed. I havent heard anything on Ducharme, assuming they are redshirting him?

Alarming neither can find the floor.......AT ALL....especially when we need some shooters. Assume they aren't picking the system up and cant defend well enough to earn any PT

[American X]

Pretty simple, don't foul and don't take fucked up shots.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Alarming neither can find the floor.......AT ALL....especially when we need some shooters. Assume they aren't picking the system up and cant defend well enough to earn any PT

A few weeks back, Miller said that Craft had asked for a medical redshirt year. Miller acknowledged he is fully healed but lost his spot in the rotation while injured and thus the request to preserve a year of eligibility. I have to wonder if Craft intends to transfer but we could use his outside shooting this year.

[bleedXblue]

A few weeks back, Miller said that Craft had asked for a medical redshirt year. Miller acknowledged he is fully healed but lost his spot in the rotation while injured and thus the request to preserve a year of eligibility. I have to wonder if Craft intends to transfer but we could use his outside shooting this year.

I dont see either in an X uniform next year

[Xville]

I dont see either in an X uniform next year

Yeah I agree. I don’t have any inside knowledge on it, but with (hopefully) free and hunter coming back, plus the incoming recruit, I don’t see how either fit. Going to need to replace olivari but don’t see either of them being able to do that.

[bleedXblue]

Yeah I agree. I don’t have any inside knowledge on it, but with (hopefully) free and hunter coming back, plus the incoming recruit, I don’t see how either fit. Going to need to replace olivari but don’t see either of them being able to do that.

I'm guessing we will have 3-4 open spots for next year. Just seems to be the way things are trending now in college hoops

[D-West & PO-Z]

All that preseason hype....is starting to be a head scratcher.

DC has a really good scoring average, and he should, with the minutes/targets he gets. However, his shooting percentages are terrible.

9-39 from 3....23%? DOWN over 6 %pts from last year.
His FT numbers are are getting better, but the reality is, he sits at a dismal 63% overall.

These numbers can only go up, and he is developing into a fine facilitator. BBall IQ is questionable....decision making needs some corrections.

I think the Colby Jones comparison is not close. His shooting Is currently closer to a Jason Carter. Yikes!!

Haven't read the whole thread yet, someone may have said this, but Colby shot 29% from 3 as a sophomore.

I think when everyone compares a current player to a former player, they always do so thinking of the former players best year, usually a later year, than the current player.

[UCGRAD4X]

We start Big East play on Wednesday. The rubber is about to hit the road. Miller likes to tell the freshmen that they are not freshmen anymore. Des is not a sophomore anymore. I think we will see in the weeks to come who DC really is.

[XUBison]

If Des were shooting 35% from three, he’d be one of the top ten players in the country.

[X-band '01]

Pretty simple, don't foul and don't take fucked up shots.

If they're doing an all-access game, taking one or two fucked-up shots should be mandatory for the game.

[MHettel]

If Des were shooting 35% from three, he’d be one of the top ten players in the country.

If Dez was shooting 35% vs his current rate of 23%, he would be averaging 1.26 additional points per game. That would be great, but thats not Top 10 in the country.

I'd also like to see him shooting 80% from the stripe. That would be 6 additional pts this year. Another .5 to his scoring average.

[Xville]

If Dez was shooting 35% vs his current rate of 23%, he would be averaging 1.26 additional points per game. That would be great, but thats not Top 10 in the country.

I'd also like to see him shooting 80% from the stripe. That would be 6 additional pts this year. Another .5 to his scoring average.

I think he meant overall player, not just scoring average.

[drudy23]

We really don't have a player on our roster who is going to be someone that dominates the college landscape. Those guys don't come to X.

His advancement as a player will come as the team improves. He may not end up being the alpha, and that may be fine. It's hard to be the alpha when you struggle to shoot the rock. If he can't shoot, it pretty much takes away his ability to attack.

If he can start hitting shots, he'd be a nightmare to guard.

He HAS to improve his jumpshot. It was said it was much improved, but that certainly hasn't been evident. And yes, his free throw shooting also needs to be better, especially if he's going to be a guy with the ball in his hands in clutch situations.

[MHettel]

I think he meant overall player, not just scoring average.

Yeah, that’s what I meant too.

Dez is not close to a top 10 player in the country. Not close.

Top 10 in the BE? There is an argument to make there.

[Xville]

Yeah, that’s what I meant too.

Dez is not close to a top 10 player in the country. Not close.

Top 10 in the BE? There is an argument to make there.

Probably fair regarding the country. I do think he’s top ten in big East, probably top 5 if he gets his outside shot where it needs to be. Honestly, I’m just kind of annoyed by this whole thread. A lot of dogging on what I think is easily our best overall player and probable future NBA draft pick who is barely into his sophomore year. I think it’s a bit ridiculous.

[Xavier]

We really don't have a player on our roster who is going to be someone that dominates the college landscape. Those guys don't come to X.
.

Depends on your definition. Tre was an All American, I thought. Crawford was legit as good as any guard his year at X. Lavender was a McDonald’s all American I believe, not sure where Tu was but thought he was up there.

[MHettel]

Probably fair regarding the country. I do think he’s top ten in big East, probably top 5 if he gets his outside shot where it needs to be. Honestly, I’m just kind of annoyed by this whole thread. A lot of dogging on what I think is easily our best overall player and probable future NBA draft pick who is barely into his sophomore year. I think it’s a bit ridiculous.

You don’t think anyone is dogging Des. He’s a good player with strengths and weaknesses…like every player. I haven’t seen any personal attacks. I have seen some legitimate and fair observations and opinions.

Fair game.

[webxu]

Depends on your definition. Tre was an All American, I thought. Crawford was legit as good as any guard his year at X. Lavender was a McDonald’s all American I believe, not sure where Tu was but thought he was up there.

Agreed above, and adding West as national player of the year, TU and Tre were All-Americans, the Stain Train was a spokesman for Uber, so we have definitely had players making national news...

[Masterofreality]

You don’t think anyone is dogging Des. He’s a good player with strengths and weaknesses…like every player. I haven’t seen any personal attacks. I have seen some legitimate and fair observations and opinions.

Fair game.

Yup. I don’t see anyone “dogging” Dez, but his numbers speak for themselves. As the stats say, he is not a good shooter. Yet?? Even free throws are a challenge. Time will tell.
But remember how Jerome had free rein under Steele to Jack threes that, basically were a turnover. As Sean described to Jerome, Dez needs to concentrate on what he does well-defend, attack and rebound. Maybe he’ll become more dependable from outside of 10 feet as we go, but it’s not guaranteed.

[Xville]

You don’t think anyone is dogging Des. He’s a good player with strengths and weaknesses…like every player. I haven’t seen any personal attacks. I have seen some legitimate and fair observations and opinions.

Fair game.

You and several others weren’t but certainly think the op was. Basically saying he wasn’t worth the hype, comparing his numbers to Carter etc. I think it’s a bit ridiculous considering he’s the best overall player x has and he’s 11 games into his sophomore year.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Those guys don't come to X.

DFW would like to disagree!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Depends on your definition. Tre was an All American, I thought. Crawford was legit as good as any guard his year at X. Lavender was a McDonald’s all American I believe, not sure where Tu was but thought he was up there.

I believe the only AP All Americans have been David West (twice, 2nd team then 1st team), Tre (2nd team), and Tu (3rd team), and Byron (3rd team).

We have had other guys be named All Americans by other publications and be named AP honorable mention.

[drudy23]

DFW would like to disagree!

He wasn't a blue chip recruit, that's my point. He was kind of under the radar, where X has had success.

Tu, Crawford, Lavender - all transfers. Great that they got here eventually, but I'm not sure Des is in that mold. Good college player, but will he be the alpha dog? I'd argue we'd already be seeing that if we was, because the alphas take what's theirs. That doesn't mean he can't be a great contributor within a team oriented philosophy.

He needs to be better, yes, but I think it's unfair to cast him in the "savior" light.

He needs to find his jumpshot as that opens up all kinds of possibilities for him and makes him one of the toughest players to guard in the league if he can improve it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He wasn't a blue chip recruit, that's my point.

Oh, ok, that point did not come through in your post. You said X doesn't have guys who dominate the college landscape. Didn't realize you meant anything about high recruits.

Granted, I think even the other point I overall understand, we don't typically have All American's but have had several and those guys certainly did dominate the college landscape. So even though Des (or others) weren't high recruits, Xavier players have shown the ability to be those types of guys.

[Xavier]

Did Tu transfer? I didn’t think he ever ended up going to Indiana, but he could’ve red shirted there maybe. I still agree with your point it’s rare we get absolute studs. But I don’t really think you need that to win in college basketball anyways. If Zach never went down I’d be shocked if we didn’t end up higher on the seed line with as good a chance as ever at going to the F4. Truly believe that, but easy to after watching highlights of the team at UConn which was probably their best game.

[atljar]

Did Tu transfer?.

No. He commited to IU but rescinded that when Sampson left

[XUBison]

If Dez was shooting 35% vs his current rate of 23%, he would be averaging 1.26 additional points per game. That would be great, but thats not Top 10 in the country.

I'd also like to see him shooting 80% from the stripe. That would be 6 additional pts this year. Another .5 to his scoring average.

If Des were shooting 35% from three, I’d assume it would follow that his FT shooting would be at 75% or so. If defenses had to respect his shot, his whole offensive game would open up— his ability to get to the rack and facilitate. I don’t think it would be far fetched at all that he’d be in the convo for a top-ten player in the nation. Top ten in the conference? He’s not far off that as is.

That’s all a matter of opinion, so whatever. The point is, aside from the shooting, I’m not sure what more we could ask at this point. A guy who has 12 career starts needs to improve? Stop the presses. Maybe he’s a bricklayer for life. We’ll see, but I’m not getting worked up about it yet.

[XUBison]

I believe the only AP All Americans have been David West (twice, 2nd team then 1st team), Tre (2nd team), and Tu (3rd team), and Byron (3rd team).

We have had other guys be named All Americans by other publications and be named AP honorable mention.

I hate the fallout from the brawl. Tu was most certainly dominating the landscape before that postgame debacle and was an early frontrunner for NPOY. I know that season rounded out nicely, but i still feel like it’s one of our biggest what-if’s, especially as it pertained to Tu.

[MHettel]

He needs to find his jumpshot as that opens up all kinds of possibilities for him and makes him one of the toughest players to guard in the league if he can improve it.

I think just having shooting AROUND Dez can make him more effective. he doesnt need to be a great shooter. having guys that are deep threats will casue the defense to shade towards them and open the floor for Dez. if they dont respect the shooter and instead focus on stopping Claude's drives, then Dez becomes the distrubutor and we work to get an open perimeter shot.

the right guys AROUND Dez can lead to a more effective Dez.

[drudy23]

I think just having shooting AROUND Dez can make him more effective. he doesnt need to be a great shooter. having guys that are deep threats will casue the defense to shade towards them and open the floor for Dez. if they dont respect the shooter and instead focus on stopping Claude's drives, then Dez becomes the distrubutor and we work to get an open perimeter shot.

the right guys AROUND Dez can lead to a more effective Dez.

Solid point.

[GIMMFD]

He needs to develop into at least an average threat from the outside, otherwise I fear that teams will just sag off him and dare him to shoot.

He's getting the Freshman year Semaj treatment of teams sagging off him anyways, the only bad part is Semaj took like 30 threes all year, while Claude is averaging quite a few per game (I think around 3-4?). If he starts to make some, then we're in business for sure, don't need him to be Brad Redford out there, just more respectable.


I think just having shooting AROUND Dez can make him more effective. he doesnt need to be a great shooter. having guys that are deep threats will casue the defense to shade towards them and open the floor for Dez. if they dont respect the shooter and instead focus on stopping Claude's drives, then Dez becomes the distrubutor and we work to get an open perimeter shot.

the right guys AROUND Dez can lead to a more effective Dez.

Yup, plays into your first point about having 2-3 shooters on the court, right now Olivari is the only one I feel confident to hit from deep, and when he's on, he's really fun to watch, but there's literally nobody else that strikes fear into the heart of other teams. Even if McKnight went back to the 33-34% he shot at WKU opposed to the 27% he's shooting with us, that'd be a major step forward, but right now it seems everybody lacks a bit of confidence in that shot. It congests things and our offense stalls. It seems at time it's just waiting for Claude to make a move to the rim, or Olivari to do something exciting. Like I said in the St. John's game thread, we're lacking a true "killer" that can take over and score for us. I also don't think we can rely on a Freshman in Green to be our only other legitimate threat from deep this year, he definitely has the potential to develop into that, but that's just not feasible in the role he plays right now.

[MHettel]

He's getting the Freshman year Semaj treatment of teams sagging off him anyways, the only bad part is Semaj took like 30 threes all year, while Claude is averaging quite a few per game (I think around 3-4?). If he starts to make some, then we're in business for sure, don't need him to be Brad Redford out there, just more respectable.



Yup, plays into your first point about having 2-3 shooters on the court, right now Olivari is the only one I feel confident to hit from deep, and when he's on, he's really fun to watch, but there's literally nobody else that strikes fear into the heart of other teams. Even if McKnight went back to the 33-34% he shot at WKU opposed to the 27% he's shooting with us, that'd be a major step forward, but right now it seems everybody lacks a bit of confidence in that shot. It congests things and our offense stalls. It seems at time it's just waiting for Claude to make a move to the rim, or Olivari to do something exciting. Like I said in the St. John's game thread, we're lacking a true "killer" that can take over and score for us. I also don't think we can rely on a Freshman in Green to be our only other legitimate threat from deep this year, he definitely has the potential to develop into that, but that's just not feasible in the role he plays right now.

yeah, 3 point shooting percentages need to be taken with some context. There are WIDE OPEN 3's, close out 3's, and 3's off the dribble. Olivari can hoit all of them. So could Boum. and trevon. Kunkel too.

Some guys can nail the wide open and close out 3's at 36%+ which is good (nunge, Nate Johnson), but they would never attempt a 3 off the dribble. These guys will get at least a little respect from defenses. But guys that shoot below 30% on wide open catch and shoot 3's (Jason Carter, James farr back when he would take 3's, Freemantle as a soph, Hunter and basically the whole team this year) will be ENCOURAGED to take those shots by the defense. A missed 3 is almost a sure fire defensive rebound and no risk of committing a foul. ALL DAY I would let XU (besides Q) take open 3's against me. Claude's ability to drive is actually pretty essential for Quincy as well, although teams will shadow Q for the rest of the year until another shooter emerges that commands some respect.

Our offense right now is one of these 4 things...
- Q having to work for a 3 attempt
- one of our mediocre shhoters taking a catch and shoot 3 (with or without a closeout defender)
- Claude going to the rim
- lob entry pass with a big going right up with it.

Maybe Trey can be a shoot off the dribble guy. Swain might be a catch and shoot or close-out shooter that could approach 36%+.

I'd like to see a big emerge that can pass a little bit out of the post. Once the ball is inside, it's goin up immediately. too predictable and just allows the defense to sag down

[Xuperman]

A BIG congrats to this young man for this outstanding road effort!!

One would think that due to his fast tracked expectations......and those expectations turnIng out to being a hard row to hoe, significant self doubt has likely been in play. Coach Miller has obviously stuck to his guns, and has confidently continued to require mass usage of Des and he certainly delivered today.

It CAN NOT be understated how a performance like that, should yield solid consistency for him from here on out.

[bjf123]

Agreed. Stellar performance today by Des. Keep it up young man!


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[Xuperman]

What is interesting about Mr Claude, is that his overall stats are quite impressive..numbers are up there at 1st glance. It's the shooting PERCENTAGES that are somewhat appalling. I am firmly convinced that he has struggled to meet unexpected and a under qualified team leader role,

This was a HUGE game for him to get right mentally.

[bleedXblue]

There are Xavier fans I know that have been disappointed in Claude this year. I mean how ridiculous is that? Yes, not shooting it well from 3, but everything else he has been doing and he's taken a huge step up from last year.

[UCGRAD4X]

There are Xavier fans I know that have been disappointed in Claude this year. I mean how ridiculous is that? Yes, not shooting it well from 3, but everything else he has been doing and he's taken a huge step up from last year.

He really seemed to play withing his game yesterday. He attached and used his athleticism and strength. Then, when he got caught and started to verge on hero ball, he tried to force it up (one of which he made anyway), he went back to more distributing and hit from outside.

[xavierj]

One thing I find interesting with Des is that he is a rhythm shooter off the dribble. He has made 5 of his last 9 threes and I think all 5 were after he took a dribble or two and then shot. Looks so much more comfortable than when he catches and shoots.

[muskieindent]

Expectations may have been a little high for him. His shooting hasn't been great but some of that is due to him having to create shots when the shot clock is winding down.If other players like Trey Green step up,I think that will take pressure off him. I think he's going to be the leader of this team for several years.

[Xuperman]

A post by request.

Claude has done nothing to take his negative floor shooting percentages off the start of this thread.

HOWEVER, he has become $$$$ from the line!!!!

[xuwillie]

I’m amazed Miller gives him such a long leash to shoot from 3. Let’s be honest he’s the last guy you want shooting a three beside our true centers.

[Xuperman]

I’m amazed Miller gives him such a long leash to shoot from 3. Let’s be honest he’s the last guy you want shooting a three beside our true centers.

Yup,
The numbers are easily available, but to post them might upset "fans".

[XUGRAD80]

I cringe every time he shoots a 3. He’s open because other teams know he only makes 1 out of 4 and when he is out there shooting them he isn’t in position to rebound. They WANT him to shoot 3’s.

[Xuperman]

I’m amazed Miller gives him such a long leash to shoot from 3. Let’s be honest he’s the last guy you want shooting a three beside our true centers.

Des is just the latest Musketeer to have this problem. As far a coach's "green light"...... one has to assume that these guys are shooting them at a high % in practice.

[Xuperman]

On the bright side, it looks likely he will continue his college career until he figures this out.....hopefully on Victory Parkway. He is an outstanding player.

Early chatter here was he's Association bound.

[UCGRAD4X]

A post by request.

Claude has done nothing to take his negative floor shooting percentages off the start of this thread.

HOWEVER, he has become $$$$ from the line!!!!

Have absolutely noticed the FFs. Not only is he making them (until the announcer mentioned he was 10/10 :thumbsdown:) but the consistency and smoothness in his shot.

When his 3 finally clicks the same way....

[Xuperman]

Have absolutely noticed the FFs. Not only is he making them (until the announcer mentioned he was 10/10 :thumbsdown:) but the consistency and smoothness in his shot.

When his 3 finally clicks the same way....

And he is really starting to hone his ability to get there. A clear understanding of that is key to him being a guy who consistently WINS GAMES for us!

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/5105606/desmond-claude

There's a lot to unpack here.

1st, his usage is sky high AND he is a volume shooter from the field. So it's no surprise he has double digit scoring in every game but ONE. He needed the aforementioned charity stripe prowess to maintain that streak for sure. Only 21 turnovers vs BIG EAST competition is VERY IMPRESSIVE, considering his usage rate.

The guy is a dangerous weapon. He's a SOLID defender. It's February. He needs to limit his threes, work hard toward getting his FG% closer to 50 and consistently attack the damn rim!!

[Xville]

Des is a great player and thank goodness for him this year. His form and everything look fine, I think it's just a lack of confidence at this point. Colby had similar struggles from deep until his Junior year when his shot came together. Hoping that Des has the same trajectory and is entering the league after next season.

Xavier guys entering the league on a consistent basis is important for everyone associated with the program.

[webxu]

I’m amazed Miller gives him such a long leash to shoot from 3. Let’s be honest he’s the last guy you want shooting a three beside our true centers.

To be fair Abou IS shooting a higher percentage from 3 than Dez..

[drudy23]

Claude has stepped up the latter part of the season. He's been considerably better.

But damn, if he had a consistent jumper, he'd be lethal and really, really hard to guard. If he can get more consistency there, he's a bona fide pro prospect.

[xuwillie]

Claude has stepped up the latter part of the season. He's been considerably better.

But damn, if he had a consistent jumper, he'd be lethal and really, really hard to guard. If he can get more consistency there, he's a bona fide pro prospect.

Agree. He’d be a first rounder this year if he could should around 37-40% from three. I actually think his dribble drive pull-up is better than Colby’s right now

[Xavier]

Claude is tough. The team ceiling is highest when he’s hitting his shots and is aggressive. He usually has a pretty good ability to get to the spot he wants to work in (mid rangeish) and get off good looks. If they are going in, it’s great. I think the thing I struggle with is he doesn’t seem engaged all the time, and gets lost on D easily. Just frustrating because we are much better when he’s fully in.

Still think he has taken a major jump from last year, if he continues to do that I think he will get drafted. He appears to be ahead of where Colby was at this time, but I do think Colby is slightly more athletic and quicker.

[UCGRAD4X]

re: Desmond 3 pt. shooting and coaching philosophy.

1. Players who you know (think, assume) can shoot them, should shoot through a slump.

2. Go with the hot hand. If a player isn't shooting, stop until you can prove otherwise (there is an obvious flaw in this view imho)

3. Like Steele, practice means more than games, so as long as he shoots in practice, he has green light no matter what.

4. Before/after practice shoot a thousand times and/or until you get ______ in a row (similar to #2 and maybe #3).

5. Teach a different technique - analyze and adjust.

6. Trying to mess with the technique makes it worse.

7. combination of 1 - 7

[MHettel]

re: Desmond 3 pt. shooting and coaching philosophy.

1. Players who you know (think, assume) can shoot them, should shoot through a slump.

2. Go with the hot hand. If a player isn't shooting, stop until you can prove otherwise (there is an obvious flaw in this view imho)

3. Like Steele, practice means more than games, so as long as he shoots in practice, he has green light no matter what.

4. Before/after practice shoot a thousand times and/or until you get ______ in a row (similar to #2 and maybe #3).

5. Teach a different technique - analyze and adjust.

6. Trying to mess with the technique makes it worse.

7. combination of 1 - 7

You should coach....

[drudy23]

re: Desmond 3 pt. shooting and coaching philosophy.

1. Players who you know (think, assume) can shoot them, should shoot through a slump.

2. Go with the hot hand. If a player isn't shooting, stop until you can prove otherwise (there is an obvious flaw in this view imho)

3. Like Steele, practice means more than games, so as long as he shoots in practice, he has green light no matter what.

4. Before/after practice shoot a thousand times and/or until you get ______ in a row (similar to #2 and maybe #3).

5. Teach a different technique - analyze and adjust.

6. Trying to mess with the technique makes it worse.

7. combination of 1 - 7

Was the purposefully confusing as hell?

[Xuperman]

Up top to address the injury.

[drudy23]

Not sure how severe it is, but what's the point of having him play the last 2-3 games if he's injured?

Get healthy for the Miracle @ MSG.

[GoMuskies]

Is the "Miracle @ MSG" us making it to Thursday?

Just realized we're basically locked into the 8/9 game now, so a Wednesday win gets us UConn on Thursday. Miracle indeed.

[drudy23]

Is the "Miracle @ MSG" us making it to Thursday?

Just realized we're basically locked into the 8/9 game now, so a Wednesday win gets us UConn on Thursday. Miracle indeed.

That should be fun.

[Xville]

Is the "Miracle @ MSG" us making it to Thursday?

Just realized we're basically locked into the 8/9 game now, so a Wednesday win gets us UConn on Thursday. Miracle indeed.

If Nova loses out (which is very possible with what they have left) we'd sneak into the 7 (if we go 2-1)...but then probably have to play Marquette. That's probably just as yikes lol.

[Xavier]

Yeah but then we wouldn’t have to go through Uconn then creighton then Marquette. Obviously a miracle to pull it off regardless but let’s look for the easiest miracle possible.

*im not sure where creighton ends up actually

[Xville]

Looking back, that Providence loss really effed up seeding. Win that one, and X would be in good shape for a 5 or 6 still.

Anyways back on topic, any news this morning on Des? Hope it's something he can come back from to be able to at least finish out the season. He's had to take on too much of a load this year.

[Three Point Pete]

36 points on Hoya Roadkill! Well, that just about covers flybys, er Des Claude.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[bleedXblue]

Hell of a game and this kid keeps getting better. Improve his 3 PT shooting and he will be NBA bound in 25'

[Three Point Pete]

Congratulations Des! Big East Most Improved Player "across the board" sez BE Conference.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[Xville]

Congratulations Des! Big East Most Improved Player "across the board" sez BE Conference.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

Great to see and very happy for the young man. Got a little bit to go this year, but hopefully this offseason he makes the same jump that Colby did from year 2 to year 3 and this time next year we are wondering which team will take him in the draft.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Congratulations Des! Big East Most Improved Player "across the board" sez BE Conference.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

I'm old enough to remember when posters on this board claimed Claude had made no significant improvements from last year.

Congrats to Des!

[bleedXblue]

I'm old enough to remember when posters on this board claimed Claude had made no significant improvements from last year.

Congrats to Des!

LOL.....yep, amazing

[Xville]

That des guy is pretty damn good.

[drudy23]

I'm old enough to remember when posters on this board claimed Claude had made no significant improvements from last year.

Congrats to Des!

Him playing well the past 4 weeks doesn't take away reality from the previous 12.

He wasn't very good.

What you're doing is the same is if we somehow win the BET and then xville says "see, I told you so".

Don't be that guy.

[Xville]

Him playing well the past 4 weeks doesn't take away reality from the previous 12.

He wasn't very good.

What you're doing is the same is if we somehow win the BET and then xville says "see, I told you so".

Don't be that guy.

Whether he has played better or not the last 4 weeks is a non sequitur. The premise by a lot of posters was that he had made no significant improvements since last year which is a pretty dumb statement even in those previous “12 weeks.”

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Him playing well the past 4 weeks doesn't take away reality from the previous 12.

He wasn't very good.

What you're doing is the same is if we somehow win the BET and then xville says "see, I told you so".

Don't be that guy.

He was inconsistent for part of the season, for sure. What's different now is that he's passing up the outside shot, putting the ball on the floor and going to the basket. I'm interested to see how that works tomorrow. He's playing to his strengths and that makes him somewhat one dimensional.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Him playing well the past 4 weeks doesn't take away reality from the previous 12.

He wasn't very good.

What you're doing is the same is if we somehow win the BET and then xville says "see, I told you so".

Don't be that guy.

False and the Big East coaches disagree with you.

The award isn’t given for a couple week stretch.

Some people had some unrealistic expectations of what Des should be in his sophomore campaign and let it cloud their judgement when considering the substantial gains in his game. If you think the Big East has some pretty smart coaches, and most of us do, then you were the ones wrong. Don’t try and diminish the award for Claude and the big step forward his game took this year.

Don’t be Hett claiming victory while ignoring the facts staring all of us in the face.

[drudy23]

Whether he has played better or not the last 4 weeks is a non sequitur. The premise by a lot of posters was that he had made no significant improvements since last year which is a pretty dumb statement even in those previous “12 weeks.”

At the time those statements were made, he hadn't shown any of that. There was NOTHING to point to on the floor to make those statements. He hadn't shown this great improvement on the floor. We heard it, but didn't see it. And that's pretty accurate.

The last month, he's been awesome. That's just reality.

[drudy23]

He was inconsistent for part of the season, for sure. What's different now is that he's passing up the outside shot, putting the ball on the floor and going to the basket. I'm interested to see how that works tomorrow. He's playing to his strengths and that makes him somewhat one dimensional.

For sure. He's making better decisions which highlight his strengths.

[D-West & PO-Z]

At the time those statements were made, he hadn't shown any of that. There was NOTHING to point to on the floor to make those statements. We heard it, but didn't see it. And that's pretty accurate.

The last month, he's been awesome. That's just reality.

You’re wrong on a couple levels. Claude did not only start to show improvements from last year in tne last several weeks. That’s ridiculous.

As recently as the last 2 weeks someone posted on here that Claude had made no significant improvements from last year. I remember bc I got in a debate about it.

[drudy23]

You’re wrong on a couple levels. Claude did not only start to show improvements from last year in tne last several weeks. That’s ridiculous.

As recently as the last 2 weeks someone posted on here that Claude had made no significant improvements from last year. I remember bc I got in a debate about it.

Not really.

Apparently we watched different seasons. The first 3/4th of the year, he was turnover prone (still is), super inconsistent, couldn't make a 3 (still can't), disappeared for several games, struggled at the free throw line, and the defensive effort lacked. During that stretch, we saw glimpses of his greatness when he played his game.

He's still turnover prone, but is showing that his mid range and slashing game is pretty elite. That aspect has gotten better, for sure, but everything else is pretty much the same.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=drudy23;779493]Not really.

Apparently we watched different seasons. The first 3/4th of the year, he was turnover prone (still is), super inconsistent, couldn't make a 3 (still can't), disappeared for several games, struggled at the free throw line, and the defensive effort lacked. During that stretch, we saw glimpses of his greatness when he played his game.

He's still turnover prone, but is showing that his mid range and slashing game is pretty elite. That aspect has gotten better, for sure, but everything else is pretty much the same.[/QUOT


Pretty sure the be coaches completely disagree with you as they should.

Sometimes I think people are harder on their own teams/players than what is reality. He is a lot better than last year, the only ones that seem to disagree are a few of our own fans

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=drudy23;779493][/QUOT


Pretty sure the be coaches completely disagree with you as they should.

Sometimes I think people are harder on their own teams/players than what is reality. He is a lot better than last year, the only ones that seem to disagree are a few of our own fans

I'm not disagreeing with any coaches. I'm disagreeing with the people here saying that he was showing this massive improvement during the first half of the year. We certainly weren't witnessing that.

Again, for the 3rd time now, when those statements were made, there was nothing he was doing on the floor to back that up. He didn't have a great first 60% of the season, and I think most people here would 100% agree with that.

We heard a whole bunch of how he got better from alot of different people, but weren't seeing it. Now we are. Has nothing to do with me thinking he didn't deserve the award.

[Xville]

[QUOTE=Xville;779495]

I'm not disagreeing with any coaches. I'm disagreeing with the people here saying that he was showing this massive improvement during the first half of the year. We certainly weren't witnessing that.

Again, for the 3rd time now, when those statements were made, there was nothing he was doing on the floor to back that up. He didn't have a great first 60% of the season, and I think most people here would 100% agree with that.

We heard a whole bunch of how he got better from alot of different people, but weren't seeing it. Now we are. Has nothing to do with me thinking he didn't deserve the award.

When those statements were made it was back in December. At that point Claude was shooting 45% from 2, averaging 15.5 ppg, 4rbs, 4 asts per game with a 2:1 asst/to ratio. Yeah his outside shooting was not improved, every other part of his game was much improved at that point from the year before. People were expecting olivari type 3 pt shooting which obviously didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean he had not greatly improved every other aspect of his game

[D-West & PO-Z]

[QUOTE=Xville;779495]

I'm not disagreeing with any coaches. I'm disagreeing with the people here saying that he was showing this massive improvement during the first half of the year. We certainly weren't witnessing that.

Again, for the 3rd time now, when those statements were made, there was nothing he was doing on the floor to back that up. He didn't have a great first 60% of the season, and I think most people here would 100% agree with that.

We heard a whole bunch of how he got better from alot of different people, but weren't seeing it. Now we are. Has nothing to do with me thinking he didn't deserve the award.

You’re all over the place. There’s been approx 18 weeks of the season. At first you said he’s only had a good last 4 weeks which would constitute 20%ish of the season. Now you’ve doubled that to 40%. Either way the BE coaches don’t give the award based on only 20-40% of the season. So you do disagree with the coaches.

Also you’re ignoring that some people have very recently claimed no significant improvements to Claude’s game. If I really need to find the post I will.

Also some early games of significance. Against #1 seed Purdue in Nov. Des had 15pts on 6/11 shooting with 6 assists and 3 rebs.

Against a now top 25 St. Mary’s Claude had 11 pts on 5/9 shooting with 7 assists 3 rebs and a steal

He struggled shooting against 1 seed Houston but got to the line 12 times and scored 14 with 5 Rebs and 2 assists against an elite defense.

Against UC he had 11pts 6rebs 6 assists

All significant improvements to last year and the first 2 games listed before Quincy really got going into the groove of things. Des wasnthe focus right away.

He’s had inconsistencies obviously, struggled shooting, but has taken on so much responsibility on the team and responded early to that and has made great strides down the stretch.

Obvious improvements from last year right from the start.

Glad the BE coaches vote for the awards and not the fans!

[drudy23]

[QUOTE=drudy23;779498]

You’re all over the place. There’s been approx 18 weeks of the season. At first you said he’s only had a good last 4 weeks which would constitute 20%ish of the season. Now you’ve doubled that to 40%. Either way the BE coaches don’t give the award based on only 20-40% of the season. So you do disagree with the coaches.

Also you’re ignoring that some people have very recently claimed no significant improvements to Claude’s game. If I really need to find the post I will.

Also some early games of significance. Against #1 seed Purdue in Nov. Des had 15pts on 6/11 shooting with 6 assists and 3 rebs.

Against a now top 25 St. Mary’s Claude had 11 pts on 5/9 shooting with 7 assists 3 rebs and a steal

He struggled shooting against 1 seed Houston but got to the line 12 times and scored 14 with 5 Rebs and 2 assists against an elite defense.

Against UC he had 11pts 6rebs 6 assists

All significant improvements to last year and the first 2 games listed before Quincy really got going into the groove of things. Des wasnthe focus right away.

He’s had inconsistencies obviously, struggled shooting, but has taken on so much responsibility on the team and responded early to that and has made great strides down the stretch.

Obvious improvements from last year right from the start.

Glad the BE coaches vote for the awards and not the fans!

The people not acknowledging his improvement in the latter half of the season are wrong. OK?

[MHettel]

I think we need to acknowledge that one of the biggest differences for Claude this year is the players he’s playing with. He was a 7th man for most of last season, and the 6 guys in front of him could all go off for 25 on a given night. That team was loaded with scorers and part of Claude’s role was to NOT take shots away from those guys.

This is is a 180 from last year. Really only Claude and Olivari are reliable scorers. McKnight is capable, but my sense is that he’d just as well run the offense as opposed to scoring.

Claude’s minutes increased by 65% this year, but his shot attempts have tripled. So have his FT attempts. He’s filling the role we needed him to fill this year.

His 3pt shooting is indeed below average, but his finishing at the rim is top notch. Frankly, I could see that last year as well in limited attempts.

He could be very good next year, especially if he can get that 3 ball to 33%.

[xukeith]

End of last season, a lot of the buzz around Claude was he was going to be an NBA player or a top basketball talent for years to come.
I was not so high on him as I didn't think he would be a great shooter.
I never thought his inside the paint, driving to the hoop, good body control was so wonderful.
Boy was I wrong. His strength and body control are outstanding. Physical contact doesn't disturb his shot much.

At times he does look elite and unstoppable.

If he can come closer to 30% consistently with his 3 point shot, look out. He is a good ft shooter. He knows his strengths and weaknesses.

Now shot blockers and strong interior defenders might rain on his parade by blocking his close-to- hoop shots, though. We will see today vs UConn.

[Xavier]

Saw on the other board Trilly (a known CBB insider) post Claude in his portal thread. He gets a lot right but is also a throw a bunch against the wall and hope it sticks guy. IE he said Sean would be going to Texas last year. And Woodson would be fired this year.

[Xville]

Saw on the other board Trilly (a known CBB insider) post Claude in his portal thread. He gets a lot right but is also a throw a bunch against the wall and hope it sticks guy. IE he said Sean would be going to Texas last year. And Woodson would be fired this year.

Yeah I used to think the guy was a pretty big insider, now I think he’s mostly full of shit that’s as you said just throws shit against the wall and every once in a while it comes true.

[GoMuskies]

Des has obviously improved quite a bit, and it's not his fault the talent around him is....questionable.

But he's the best player on this team (sorry Quincy), and he's not even honorable mention all-league. If the expectation is that he will remain the best player on our team, then he's not good enough. Not yet. He either needs to get substantially better (again), or we need to find someone better than him to add to the roster.

[Xville]

Des has obviously improved quite a bit, and it's not his fault the talent around him is....questionable.

But he's the best player on this team (sorry Quincy), and he's not even honorable mention all-league. If the expectation is that he will remain the best player on our team, then he's not good enough. Not yet. He either needs to get substantially better (again), or we need to find someone better than him to add to the roster.

Is a healthy Free better than him? Regardless, I think a healthy Free elevates Claude's game to another level for next year even if he only marginally improves his 3pt shot.

[GoMuskies]

Free won't have played in 21 months if he is able to come back next November. I'm not sure he'll be better than Ciani or Ousmane. He'd better be if we're going to avoid another season like this one.

[Xavier]

A healthy free is definitely better. But agreed on the shot, just so often when he has the ball his defender sags enough for him to have an easy pull up 3. On the one hand everyone knowing that and he can still put up numbers is impressive. On the other hand, he needs to be able to shoot that confidently next year. I do expect that to improve this off-season

*if it’s the same Freemantle we saw last year. His injury doesn’t seem like it would slow him down like an Achilles or ACL might.

[Xville]

Free won't have played in 21 months if he is able to come back next November. I'm not sure he'll be better than Ciani or Ousmane. He'd better be if we're going to avoid another season like this one.

If he isn't better than them, that's scary. Better get a legit 4 and 5 if that's the case but I understand your point.

I'm sure Miller is more pissed about this season than any of us...I think he corrects it quickly.

[xukeith]

I guess NIL $ and transfer portal magic are the factors Miller has to deal with.

X needs at a minimum a 3 headed monster composed of 2 guards and a post player that simply cannot be stopped by most teams (ie Creighton, Marquette)

[D-West & PO-Z]

If he isn't better than them, that's scary. Better get a legit 4 and 5 if that's the case but I understand your point.

I'm sure Miller is more pissed about this season than any of us...I think he corrects it quickly.

His quote from the other day shows that and I believe him. "We will never have a team like this again" or something along those lines.

[Xville]

I guess NIL $ and transfer portal magic are the factors Miller has to deal with.

X needs at a minimum a 3 headed monster composed of 2 guards and a post player that simply cannot be stopped by most teams (ie Creighton, Marquette)

2 guards? Where is one of them going to play? Dayvion and Claude are starters next year.

[xukeith]

Des has obviously improved quite a bit, and it's not his fault the talent around him is....questionable.

But he's the best player on this team (sorry Quincy), and he's not even honorable mention all-league. If the expectation is that he will remain the best player on our team, then he's not good enough. Not yet. He either needs to get substantially better (again), or we need to find someone better than him to add to the roster.

Agreed. X needs 2 more talents. 1 in backcourt and 1 in frontcourt.

[xukeith]

2 guards? Where is one of them going to play? Dayvion and Claude are starters next year.

no. One or both of the current McKnight and Claude combo need to be All BE conference better and adding a post player is essential.
Teams will have to struggle to stop X offensively.

It is probably safe to not hold our breaths with Freemantle and Hunter coming back 100%. Lets hope for that but not assume it will happen.

[Xville]

no. One or both of the current McKnight and Claude combo need to be All BE conference better and adding a post player is essential.
Teams will have to struggle to stop X offensively.

It is probably safe to not hold our breaths with Freemantle and Hunter coming back 100%. Lets hope for that but not assume it will happen.

ah understood. I read what you said incorrectly. Portal opens Monday, guessing we will have any idea very quickly who is staying.

[drudy23]

Your supporting cast has so much to do with your success in a team game like basketball.

Claude can play, but he's that much better on a team with balance.

Olivari needed to score 20 PPG on THIS team. On last year's team, alot of his forced shots are huge question marks. Last year, 40 point games weren't needed from any one player.

Any team is at their best when many players are offensive threats. Our bigs this year didn't impose ANY fear into our opponents. They knew they could play them straight up and knew no one would beat them. Freemantle is a guy that can demand a double team, and that opens things up for others (and vice versa). We didn't have the talent in the frontcourt to even come close to enabling that for anyone else.

We need better players and better balance. Our guards got a lot of heat this year, but none of it was really their fault. Improvement starts in the paint - period, end of story. And vast improvements are needed.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Your supporting cast has so much to do with your success in a team game like basketball.

Claude can play, but he's that much better on a team with balance.

Olivari needed to score 20 PPG on THIS team. On last year's team, alot of his forced shots are huge question marks. Last year, 40 point games weren't needed from any one player.

Any team is at their best when many players are offensive threats. Our bigs this year didn't impose ANY fear into our opponents. They knew they could play them straight up and knew no one would beat them. Freemantle is a guy that can demand a double team, and that opens things up for others (and vice versa). We didn't have the talent in the frontcourt to even come close to enabling that for anyone else.

We need better players and better balance. Our guards got a lot of heat this year, but none of it was really their fault. Improvement starts in the paint - period, end of story. And vast improvements are needed.

I didn’t see many of Quincy’s shots as forced and if they were I didn’t care considering he shot 42% from three.

[drudy23]

I didn’t see many of Quincy’s shots as forced and if they were I didn’t care considering he shot 42% from three.

Especially late in the year, he was throwing up some bad shots. He took several bad ones today, but like you, I had no issue because someone had to score and he was our best bet.

The point being, his leash was very loooooong being the best scorer on a bad team.

[XUBison]

Especially late in the year, he was throwing up some bad shots. He took several bad ones today, but like you, I had no issue because someone had to score and he was our best bet.

The point being, his leash was very loooooong being the best scorer on a bad team.

Yep. I suspect his role would have been more of a 3-pt specialist on a better/deeper roster. Good thing we had him though, otherwise, ouch.

[Xville]

Some of you all owe Des an apology.