For those who were there, how did Blue and Jones look overall? I just saw the numbers, but was curious if they got points by jumping or driving?
Blue was disruptive on the defensive end. He had 3 steals in the first 10 mins. Quick with the ball, and finished like he did in the non-conference season last yr. We will see once the competition gets stiffer. One outside shot did not go down, but nobody's did.
Jones could find himself in the starting lineup if he keeps playing like he did last night. He looked like a completely different player. If a couple of his 3s dropped (which they will) he could've had 16-20 pts. Strong and agressive player with size. Easily the most improved from last yr in my mind.
I was impressed with Jones. Sometimes it looked like he forced a shot. Even though it was a weak opponent, I don't remember him getting this much playing time last year against cupcakes and for sure didn't look this confident. I sometimes forget he was ranked in the 60s coming out of high school. If he could step up and be a nice scoring option off the bench, I would feel very good about our chances this upcoming season. Tough to tell how his defense was with the opponent.
I thought Vander looked good too. Much more in control and not forcing everything. He still turned to the side on his jumper, which worries me. Although, if he is able to make shots that way then he just needs to be consistent and hopefully they will fall in games.
I thought Jones stuck out more than Van did. Loved his intensity on defense and very good in the passing lanes. Definitely did not go out of his way and let the game come to him. Took smart open shots. He looked like the type of player I thought he would be at this stage: Used his length, smart, athletic, and much more patient.
Blue still needs work with the jumper. Not necessarily his form, but just knocking him down. Could be mechanics, but I'm not picky there. He picked up a couple quick fouls offensively and defensively by being overly aggressive, which is - in my book, way better than picking them up when you're out of control and hacking. Ballhawk on D. Slasher on O. Can get to the basket easily if he sees it early enough.
You can definitely see Buzz making defense a priority with this club. I love it.
I liked what I saw from Jones as well. I read a little about DJO improving his mid-range game, and I thought Junior and Jones both showed they had solid mid-range games as well. Buzz will be able to go with a line-up of Jones and J. Wilson at the 2 and 3 for the next few years...a solid mid-range game from those two will allow them to shoot over most D1 teams.
Vander looked like he did last year during the non-conference games. It will be interesting to see what happens against better competition. It will certainly help MU if he can be a lock-down defender, attack the rim appropriately, and create for others.
J. Wilson was probably the player I was most disappointed with...IMHO, he's going to have to play much stronger if he's going to do what this team needs him to.
Blue is definitively a lock down defender but he still looks a bit scared/confused on offense. As for Jones, he looked really really good IMO. This was really his first game getting good PT and he looked very comfortable. He looked strong around the basketball and he didn't mind having the ball in his hand. I can see him really developing during Nonconference play.
blue looked better, but blue always looks good against weaker opponents.
jones looked great w/ the flat top a pretty jumper and hustling all over the court.
Wilson has a nose for the offensive glass, but alot of bounces didn't go our way last night off the glass.
thought the white uni's looked "dope"?
I think Blue looked pretty good. His body language seemed a lot different than last year. There's definitely more confidence there. He did look sloppy every now.
Same for Jones. He's a shooter, I don't really recall seeing much more of his game other than taking jumpers.
Jones actually looked like Kendall Gill
Quote from: T-Bone on November 12, 2011, 01:38:34 PM
Same for Jones. He's a shooter, I don't really recall seeing much more of his game other than taking jumpers.
He had a pretty nice dunk, too.
Quote from: T-Bone on November 12, 2011, 01:38:34 PM
I think Blue looked pretty good. His body language seemed a lot different than last year. There's definitely more confidence there. He did look sloppy every now.
Same for Jones. He's a shooter, I don't really recall seeing much more of his game other than taking jumpers.
I don't think he scored a single point off of a catch-and-shoot situation though...the mid-range game off the dribble was nice to see.
Not only that, most were of the put it on the floor, take 2-3 dribbles, pull up and shoot variety. Along with one cool dunk.
That dunk seemed to give Juice a lot of confidence, shooting 3 of the next 5 Marquette possessions. I agree with some that he had a bit too much confidence at times and pulled up for 17 footers, but its not something to worry about at this point against cupcakes. I'm still not sold on him defensively though. The few times I keyed in on him he seemed to lack a bit of lateral quickness.
As for Vander, it's good to see him confident again, but he needs to hit from the perimeter during Big East play in order to get to the basket. Defenders won't be so easy to blow by as the year progresses and the opponents pose real challenges.
But I digress, it was a good first game for both and I can't wait to see what else is in store for them this year.
If we're going to be completely honest, Mount St. Mary's wasn't good enough to declare that Blue and Jones will be good/great players this season based on their performances. But I think they both showed some of the great athleticism we expected out of high school.
Both looked good to me too. Blue was lettign the game come to him more that last year, and was more comfortable. I liked what I saw. Jones was on a mission - he looked very good and when his threes stop dropping - look out.
Very solid.
VB is a lock down defender on this team...those guys usually do not lead the team in scoring. VB will never be a great scorer, but he'll be a great player for MU in what he brings to the court. Lets stop microing his scoring, its not his strenght to the team.
I was relly pleased whth Jones. Blue played very well and for most of the game he did not force shots. Late in the second half Blue started getting aggressive on the offensive end and Buzz actauly called timepout as Blue started to drive to the basket. I hoping Buzz had the same thought I did. Here we go again with Blue thinking he should take over the game offensively. As long as Blue plays within himself and takes the shots he is given he is a very good player. Buzz needs to keep Blue from thinking he is an offensive star.
My observations have to be tempered given the strength of the opponent. That said, I was pleased with both of their performances. We should expect meaningful minutes out of Jones this year. He'll be in the top 8 rotation in my eyes.
Who says Ja Mailman doesn't deliver on Veteran's Day.