Providence game thread

[MUMac]

Maybe its just me, but I think Jones has been ok on the defensive side this season when he does get some playing time. He's stepped up his rebounding and has had some nice assists too. He's just lost touch on his shot, and its probably all mental. I'd also buy the argument about defense earning you playing time if it wasn't for the fact that a lot of the guys who play a ton make numerous mistakes on D and still continue to play.

I think it may be just you.  I have watched Mellow when he is on the court.  I like Mellow and hope he improves and contributes down the road, but, right now he is a HUGE liability on D.  Can't stay with his man, which has caused big time breakdowns when he is in there.  He just does not have the defensive feel or skill set right now.  In addition, he is not hitting his shot - not even close.  Hard to see where he would get playing time right now.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Maybe its just me, but I think Jones has been ok on the defensive side this season when he does get some playing time. He's stepped up his rebounding and has had some nice assists too. He's just lost touch on his shot, and its probably all mental. I'd also buy the argument about defense earning you playing time if it wasn't for the fact that a lot of the guys who play a ton make numerous mistakes on D and still continue to play.

I would agree that Jones has been much improved on defense when he makes it onto the court.  He had a couple of games earlier this year when I thought maybe he had turned a corner and was heading towards being a productive player for us.  I still hold out hope that he can get it together whether it be this year or further down the road.  I am not part of the "Grass is always greener" crowd that seems eager to jettison him in favor of some completely unproven freshman.  

[muwarrior69]

That said, Juan Anderson last night looked really good on both offense and defense. However I was really impressed with his rebounding skills. Every time a shot went up he got position on his guy, boxed him up, and had a legit shot for the board. While long athletic teams still worry me with this MU squad, having Anderson continue to develop and build confidence will be critical to beating those kinds of teams.

I agree rebounding has been our achilles heel. I remember Al had some undersized teams in the late sixties when I attended MU; but they could jump and out rebound much taller/bigger teams. Can you teach rebounding?

[ATL MU Warrior]

I think it may be just you.  I have watched Mellow when he is on the court.  I like Mellow and hope he improves and contributes down the road, but, right now he is a HUGE liability on D.  Can't stay with his man, which has caused big time breakdowns when he is in there.  He just does not have the defensive feel or skill set right now.  In addition, he is not hitting his shot - not even close.  Hard to see where he would get playing time right now.

We must we watching different things because his defense is much better than it used to be.  In the last few games in which he played, I don't remember a single defensive breakdown involving JJ.

[MUMac]

We must we watching different things because his defense is much better than it used to be.  In the last few games in which he played, I don't remember a single defensive breakdown involving JJ.

I guess I don't see what you do.  I am not watching on TV, that may be the difference.  As I stated, when he gets in, I have focused on him.  He uses his hands, not his feet - picked up some cheap fouls that way.  When his man does not have the ball and is on the move, he get's lost.  Players blow by him far too easily with the ball.

You are correct, there wasn't a single breakdown involving JJ, more like multiple.

[🏀]

He may work hard.  He may have a great attitude.  He just may not be able to play basketball at this level.

My point exactly.

[GGGG]

I would agree that Jones has been much improved on defense when he makes it onto the court.  He had a couple of games earlier this year when I thought maybe he had turned a corner and was heading towards being a productive player for us.  I still hold out hope that he can get it together whether it be this year or further down the road.  I am not part of the "Grass is always greener" crowd that seems eager to jettison him in favor of some completely unproven freshman. 

I don't think people are are advocating for a transfer - just wouldn't be surprised if he does. 

[Lighthouse 84]

I don't think people are are advocating for a transfer - just wouldn't be surprised if he does. 

Exactly. And Buzz's rotation makes me wonder if he's thinking the same thing.

[77ncaachamps]

When Juan fills out, watch out league! Kid was active on the glass and in the stat categories!

The real deal ( sorry, Todd, lol)

[CTWarrior]

Is it the poor SNY picture or has The Friars coach been drinking reactor water?  Looks like half his hair has fallen out in patches.

Was at the game and it was Ed Cooley bobble head doll night.  The bobble head has the bare patches on his head, too.  Good coach.  The past few times I was there the fans were really unhappy with the team.  This time around you get the feeling they know better times are coming and Cooley is building something.

[AZWarrior]

Was at the game and it was Ed Cooley bobble head doll night.  The bobble head has the bare patches on his head, too.  Good coach.  The past few times I was there the fans were really unhappy with the team.  This time around you get the feeling they know better times are coming and Cooley is building something.

You're kidding, right?

[Bocephys]

You're kidding, right?

Why wouldn't it?  It's supposed to be representative of him, is it not?  Would you give the Jim Abbott bobble head two hands?

[CTWarrior]

You're kidding, right?

Not kidding.

[Lennys Tap]

Was at the game and it was Ed Cooley bobble head doll night.  The bobble head has the bare patches on his head, too.  Good coach.  The past few times I was there the fans were really unhappy with the team.  This time around you get the feeling they know better times are coming and Cooley is building something.

Keno Davis was a bullet that we fortunately dodged when TC skedaddled. Cooley is a definite upgrade.

[Golden Avalanche]

I guess I don't see what you do.  I am not watching on TV, that may be the difference.  As I stated, when he gets in, I have focused on him.  He uses his hands, not his feet - picked up some cheap fouls that way.  When his man does not have the ball and is on the move, he get's lost.  Players blow by him far too easily with the ball.

You are correct, there wasn't a single breakdown involving JJ, more like multiple.

You attend every single MU game in person?

That's pretty impressive.

[Hoopaloop]

Keno Davis was a bullet that we fortunately dodged when TC skedaddled. Cooley is a definite upgrade.

+1