So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years. Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.
The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me. Steady, consistent, always in the right spots. I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept. Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 16, 2021, 12:36:47 PM
So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years. Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.
The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me. Steady, consistent, always in the right spots. I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept. Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.
The two 3s he hit, and obviously the steal/layup ... if those don't happen, we do not win last night. Period.
He looks like he can be a super-solid player for a long time. Any of those Nova PGs, and Brunson too ... I'd take 'em!
Kolek is going be a guy every other BE fans is going to hate and I love it. He is crafty, confident and full speed guy and is going to annoy the hell out of opponents.
He said in the postgame interview he could barely walk after his knee injury after UNH. Love the dedication just to get back into a state where he could run around and compete last night. True Warrior.
Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball
Quote from: JWags85 on November 16, 2021, 12:36:47 PM
So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years. Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.
The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me. Steady, consistent, always in the right spots. I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept. Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.
I agree. With a couple shooters and a big man with decent hands, Dickie Simpkins prediction of a top 3 assist man might eventually come true.
I also like the Arcidiacono comparison. I don't think he will ever become a Gillespie-quality guy.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on November 16, 2021, 12:45:16 PM
Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball
Yep. As is the case with everybody, he has a lot of room for improvement. Lewis and OMP each slammed one off the glass yesterday, too.
It seemed Illinois was sitting on his kick out passes towards the end of the game. I'm guessing he will be a little more aggressive scoring when his knee feels better.
Kolek is that dude.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on November 16, 2021, 12:45:16 PM
Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball
His balance wasn't quite there on most of his teardrops. I think it's a touch and footwork issue. It seems to me the great ones often decelerate slightly once they decide to unleash the floater and are never in a hurry. If it's a challenge for him to master he could always stop in the lane and take the mini-j. But yes, more arc and touch is preferable.
Playing MU's schedule, he will have to adjust to Big East defenders vs A-10 defenders. Saw a little of that last night. Still hobbling some. Like so many other things, patience and process.
Quote from: Jockey on November 16, 2021, 12:47:57 PM
I agree. With a couple shooters and a big man with decent hands, Dickie Simpkins prediction of a top 3 assist man might eventually come true.
I also like the Arcidiacono comparison. I don't think he will ever become a Gillespie-quality guy.
Arcidiacono is in his 5th NBA season. Not a bad comp, if accurate.
Looks like a very solid player. Happy to have him. SSS so I am not overly concerned, but the shot is kind of gross. Very flat. But definitely willing to give that more time.
I just learned this week that a friend from high school's kids are friends of Kolek. They hung out together in Cumberland, RI.
No other info to share.
He'll probably transfer
Quote from: BrewCity83 on November 16, 2021, 01:27:36 PM
Arcidiacono is in his 5th NBA season. Not a bad comp, if accurate.
FR year = high KenPom comp w Collin Gillespie fwiw
Not sure if this has been discussed elsewhere but the steal at the end was really an incredible play. He started moving on that steal 5 or so steps away anticipating that Curbelo would turn back and arrived exactly on time. You just can't teach that. Big fan of that killer instinct.
He didn't steal it from Curbelo.
Also I think that play was a planned trap play by Shaka, amazing coaching if so.
I remember when Illinois was dribbling up the court I was confused why Shaka wasn't calling for a foul?? As I'm worrying about that Kolek makes the move and the rest is history
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 16, 2021, 01:49:28 PM
FR year = high KenPom comp w Collin Gillespie fwiw
Much different circumstances. Gillespie only play 14 minutes a game and was surrounded by 5 or 6 NBA players.
That being said, if he greatly improves his 3 pt shooting, he could be a poor man's Gillespie. Styles are somewhat similar.
Quote from: Jockey on November 16, 2021, 02:36:04 PM
Much different circumstances. Gillespie only play 14 minutes a game and was surrounded by 5 or 6 NBA players.
That being said, if he greatly improves his 3 pt shooting, he could be a poor man's Gillespie. Styles are somewhat similar.
Nope. Should have clarified — 2018-19 (soph) year Collin is the close comp
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 16, 2021, 03:22:45 PM
Nope. Should have clarified — 2018-19 (soph) year Collin is the close comp
I almost put in my post that I would take the comp more seriously if they used Gillespie's 2nd year. I certainly see why they make this comp and see similarities.
My point, though, was about how good they will be. While their games certainly have enough similarities for the comp, I think there is a 0% chance that Kolek will be as good as Gillespie.
I know the comparison doesn't say he will be as good, but I think that is how a lot of people interpret it.
He'll need to be more of a scorer for this team than he's seemed to look to be so far this year. He has the ability to get to spots on the court that not many other guys on this team can, and while he can put teammates in good spots to score, those guys struggle to put the ball in the hoop. Hopefully he's aggressive looking for his shot.
Quote from: BLM on November 16, 2021, 04:21:29 PM
He'll need to be more of a scorer for this team than he's seemed to look to be so far this year. He has the ability to get to spots on the court that not many other guys on this team can, and while he can put teammates in good spots to score, those guys struggle to put the ball in the hoop. Hopefully he's aggressive looking for his shot.
I agree with this analysis.
Holy cow I thought he was a grad transfer. Nice.
Quote from: DoctorV on November 16, 2021, 02:17:56 PM
Also I think that play was a planned trap play by Shaka, amazing coaching if so.
I remember when Illinois was dribbling up the court I was confused why Shaka wasn't calling for a foul?? As I'm worrying about that Kolek makes the move and the rest is history
Regarding trap: watch this interview. Coaching matters. He knew exactly what we needed to do. Wojo wouldn't even know how much time was left. I also love how Shaka has the team totally bought in... running huddles comments with Fanta...
https://twitter.com/John_Fanta/status/1460447964200120325?t=jW8yUOITF36qFjqj9PuQeA&s=19
Quote from: BLM on November 16, 2021, 04:21:29 PM
He'll need to be more of a scorer for this team than he's seemed to look to be so far this year. He has the ability to get to spots on the court that not many other guys on this team can, and while he can put teammates in good spots to score, those guys struggle to put the ball in the hoop. Hopefully he's aggressive looking for his shot.
That may be the case, ultimately. For now, however, I think it is important and valuable that his focus is to get others involved. If he was taking a shot more often (when he gets in the lane or moves around the perimeter) other players might start standing around, not expecting a pass. I think he is being well used and playing well at this point.
While I'm among those who worry about how he will keep up with BEast players, I really appreciate how he is defining his role.
Quote from: lostpassword on November 16, 2021, 09:16:15 PM
Regarding trap: watch this interview. Coaching matters. He knew exactly what we needed to do. Wojo wouldn't even know how much time was left. I also love how Shaka has the team totally bought in... running huddles comments with Fanta...
https://twitter.com/John_Fanta/status/1460447964200120325?t=jW8yUOITF36qFjqj9PuQeA&s=19
Fanta is such a goon, and he's a bit corny on the Play by Play, but he's really likeable and genuinely enthusiastic. He's such an asset for the conference.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 16, 2021, 09:52:30 PM
Fanta is such a goon, and he's a bit corny on the Play by Play, but he's really likeable and genuinely enthusiastic. He's such an asset for the conference.
John Fanta is the kind of unique character that is what The Big East has been all about.
Quote from: JWags85 on November 16, 2021, 09:52:30 PM
Fanta is such a goon, and he's a bit corny on the Play by Play, but he's really likeable and genuinely enthusiastic. He's such an asset for the conference.
I would never refer to Fanta as a goon. The rest I agree with.....so I think we both understand who he is and what he does.
Quote from: We R Final Four on November 16, 2021, 10:51:23 PM
I would never refer to Fanta as a goon. The rest I agree with.....so I think we both understand who he is and what he does.
Physically, he definitely does not fit the profile of your typical media personality, and his voice is super annoying. I have wondered aloud in the past if he got that job because he was Val Ackerman's nephew or something.
But he has started to grow on me. He knows his stuff, and has great enthusiasm for the Big East. I even like his loud sportcoats.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on November 16, 2021, 04:32:43 PM
I agree with this analysis.
Same, he seems to get into spots for a stop and pop or runner pretty easily. In this era and to this point in our season the "smart play" is typically a kick-out pass for an open 3. It'll be interesting to see if he starts putting more of those shots up if we don't start knocking down the 3s. It's still early and some of the missed 3s look good, so hopefully the pass remains a good option but it is worth watching how that situation evolves.
Will he evolve into this...
(http://phillyinfluencer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/archie.jpg)
or this...
(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8tRrHzx2lplH5C3D_dY1KIXTueU=/0x201:1800x1200/1200x800/filters:focal(810x609:1098x897)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62226759/Joseph_Chartouny.0.jpg)
or maybe this!?!
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/eric-devendorf-of-the-syracuse-orange-celebrates-during-the-of-the-picture-id57055440)
Why not this?
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XtcAAOSwR65av~Tb/s-l1600.jpg)
Quote from: warriorchick on November 17, 2021, 09:10:07 AM
Physically, he definitely does not fit the profile of your typical media personality, and his voice is super annoying. I have wondered aloud in the past if he got that job because he was Val Ackerman's nephew or something.
But he has started to grow on me. He knows his stuff, and has great enthusiasm for the Big East. I even like his loud sportcoats.
I think he got the job because he hustled his tail off in college with Seton Hall media and was fortunate to be 30 minutes from Big East HQ where he could hustle his tail off there with the newly built digital platforms. Add in FS1's bare bones college hoops start up vibe and it's a perfect storm for him. Really any COMM or JOUR kid his age at SHU or St John's could be in his shoes but he hustled so much that he got it. It's cool to watch.
Quote from: The Lens on November 17, 2021, 02:10:30 PM
I think he got the job because he hustled his tail off in college with Seton Hall media and was fortunate to be 30 minutes from Big East HQ where he could hustle his tail off there with the newly built digital platforms. Add in FS1's bare bones college hoops start up vibe and it's a perfect storm for him. Really any COMM or JOUR kid his age at SHU or St John's could be in his shoes but he hustled so much that he got it. It's cool to watch.
I first heard him covering a MU woman's game a few years back when the team was going well . He did a great job conveying the spirit of the game .
He can probably afford to move out of his van down by the river.