Former player thread: 2024-25

[MHettel]

Claude with a big game in a high scoring, no defense game against UT Arlington (98-95).

His scoring is still elite. 9-12 from the field, and 8-9 from the line. No attempts from 3.

26/5/8.

[GoMuskies]

26 5 and 8 for Des tonight. Apparently USC isn't great. Squeaked by UT-Arlington by 3.

[Xville]

26 5 and 8 for Des tonight. Apparently USC isn't great. Squeaked by UT-Arlington by 3.

Not like this is abnormal, but their rotation are all transfers, so probably trying to figure out how to play together. Musselman can obviously coach, so I'd expect them to be better as the season wears on.

[Xavier]

Claude with a big game in a high scoring, no defense game against UT Arlington (98-95).

His scoring is still elite. 9-12 from the field, and 8-9 from the line. No attempts from 3.

26/5/8.

The no attempts from 3 is probably another reason he isn’t here. Really good player just didn’t fit the system at all. Hoped he’d go on the Colby path. Still good using his body in the lane though. An automatic mismatch when he’d get to post up his defender (reminded me of nova teams years ago using guards to post up)

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I watched the USC game, nobody played any defense. UTA had a legit shot to beat them. Musselman has his work cut out. Again though, USC has 4 freshmen and a ton of transfers. They could mesh and be very good but it will take time. They have no true PG.

[drudy23]

The no attempts from 3 is probably another reason he isn’t here. Really good player just didn’t fit the system at all. Hoped he’d go on the Colby path. Still good using his body in the lane though. An automatic mismatch when he’d get to post up his defender (reminded me of nova teams years ago using guards to post up)

These potential late round/second round/two way guys have to start understanding that their path to NBA longevity is their versatility and playing a role. Too many think they are getting to step on the floor and score points. NBA teams already have the studs that are going to dominate the ball. You have to be the best of the best to get in that situation.

Even David West was pretty much a role player in the NBA, and he was X's best player ever and a national POY. So was Posey. Guys like Colby and Naji may stick around because of their versatility, length and adapting to a role. And the jury is still out on Colby. Swain could fit this mold as well.

Commit to a role, and be great at it. Claude is never going to have a career in the NBA as a scoring guard. It just won't happen. But he does have the body and length to be this versatile piece a coach can use to make the team better...if he commits to it.

I love Quincy, but he's probably going to be fighting for his life to be a SG in the NBA. There are guys just like him everywhere that can make shots.

[MHettel]

I watched the USC game, nobody played any defense. UTA had a legit shot to beat them. Musselman has his work cut out. Again though, USC has 4 freshmen and a ton of transfers. They could mesh and be very good but it will take time. They have no true PG.

They announcers mentioned the "no PG" fact a few times. They led off the broadcast with it, and then later they brought a PG into the game and said that allows Des top move to his more natural "off ball" position.

I dont get the decision making by Des. by FAR his biggest weakness is his 3 pt shot. He's an NBA player in alot of other areas in his game (he was getting to the rim at will last night and drawing a bunch of fouls). But insisting on playing PG is NOT what he needs to do. He could lead the NCAA in assists and he still wouldnt sniff the NBA unless he gets that shot figured out.

[MHettel]

These potential late round/second round/two way guys have to start understanding that their path to NBA longevity is their versatility and playing a role. Too many think they are getting to step on the floor and score points. NBA teams already have the studs that are going to dominate the ball. You have to be the best of the best to get in that situation.

Even David West was pretty much a role player in the NBA, and he was X's best player ever and a national POY. So was Posey. Guys like Colby and Naji may stick around because of their versatility, length and adapting to a role. And the jury is still out on Colby. Swain could fit this mold as well.

Commit to a role, and be great at it. Claude is never going to have a career in the NBA as a scoring guard. It just won't happen. But he does have the body and length to be this versatile piece a coach can use to make the team better...if he commits to it.

I love Quincy, but he's probably going to be fighting for his life to be a SG in the NBA. There are guys just like him everywhere that can make shots.

Good points.

Although I'd argue that David West was far more than a role player. He was a starter on some decent New Orleans teams with Chris Paul and played a similar key role on those very good Indiana teams that just couldn't beat Lebron in Miami. West LATER became more of a sixth man / Locker room guy as he went for the ring. (Check his stats with Golden State. he was just in the game to "chop wood" inside. his blocks per 36 minutes was 2.7 in his last year vs a career average of 1. His fouls per 36 minutes was 4.3 vs a career average of 3...he had a limited role and played it to a T.

Posey, Grand and Hill were all pretty much NBA starters as opposed to role players.

Aaron Williams, Derek Strong, Naji and (maybe) Colby certainly fit the role player description.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Good points.

Although I'd argue that David West was far more than a role player. He was a starter on some decent New Orleans teams with Chris Paul and played a similar key role on those very good Indiana teams that just couldn't beat Lebron in Miami. West LATER became more of a sixth man / Locker room guy as he went for the ring. (Check his stats with Golden State. he was just in the game to "chop wood" inside. his blocks per 36 minutes was 2.7 in his last year vs a career average of 1. His fouls per 36 minutes was 4.3 vs a career average of 3...he had a limited role and played it to a T.

Posey, Grand and Hill were all pretty much NBA starters as opposed to role players.

Aaron Williams, Derek Strong, Naji and (maybe) Colby certainly fit the role player description.

Totally agree on West. Was only a role player later in his career. The prime of his career he was a top 2 guy in New Orleans and a top 3 guy with the Pacers. And lets not forget, a 2 time All Star as well.

[drudy23]

Totally agree on West. Was only a role player later in his career. The prime of his career he was a top 2 guy in New Orleans and a top 3 guy with the Pacers. And lets not forget, a 2 time All Star as well.

But West was also a legit lottery guy. The more recent X guys aren't that, and need to find a niche to stay there.