Game Thread: Xavier v. Wake Forest (Skip Prosser Classic) December 17, 2016

[xufan2434]

the problem with expecting that is that he played just 10 minutes per game last year on a loaded team and wasn't asked to do much (which leads to fans only remembering the good things that he did, and then thinking he would do those things constantly with more minutes).

Completely agree. I just remember Mack saying that he was an elite defender and can guard multiple positions (still true). But most of his offensive game was being a screener and popping out when open. This year he doesn't have that exact role because they need more scoring from him. Only problem is only way I've seen him score is catch and shoot 3's or the occasional offensive rebound put back. If he could somehow develop a mid-range game where he could face defenders up, then I think he would become really good.

It does look like he's gotten bigger since last year. I just have 0 clue what his possible post game would look like.

[XUMIOH12]

Completely agree. I just remember Mack saying that he was an elite defender and can guard multiple positions (still true). But most of his offensive game was being a screener and popping out when open. This year he doesn't have that exact role because they need more scoring from him. Only problem is only way I've seen him score is catch and shoot 3's or the occasional offensive rebound put back. If he could somehow develop a mid-range game where he could face defenders up, then I think he would become really good.

It does look like he's gotten bigger since last year. I just have 0 clue what his possible post game would look like.

yeah his post game apparently is non-existent right now. At this point, offensively, he is pretty much an Ethan Wragge who can't shoot, aka worthless. I like Gates and he has definitely added some good weight this past offseason. I think he will be a better player throughout this season and a good player for Xavier in the near future.

[XUMIOH12]

yeah his post game apparently is non-existent right now. At this point, offensively, he is pretty much an Ethan Wragge who can't shoot, aka worthless. I like Gates and he has definitely added some good weight this past offseason. I think he will be a better player throughout this season and a good player for Xavier in the near future.

i mean shit, all he has to do is knock down around 40% or better from 3 and play good D and he becomes a pretty good player.