UWGB Exhibition Monday 10/19

[SchnitzelBoy]

I don't want to overreact to one exhibition game... But those Damarius Owens stats aren't encouraging. I read Ben Steele's article about him and he's almost been rebranded as a defensive specialist. He can absolutely fly for rebounds too but is it time to adjust your expectations for the dude? At 6'7" with a long wingspan I can see him providing some much-needed heft on the defensive end. But I was hoping his 3-point shooting would come around as well as his scoring at the rim

[MuMark]

I don't want to overreact to one exhibition game... But those Damarius Owens stats aren't encouraging. I read Ben Steele's article about him and he's almost been rebranded as a defensive specialist. He can absolutely fly for rebounds too but is it time to adjust your expectations for the dude? At 6'7" with a long wingspan I can see him providing some much-needed heft on the defensive end. But I was hoping his 3-point shooting would come around as well as his scoring at the rim

You might be overreacting to one game........a practice game.

Let's see how it plays out........

[Scoop Snoop]

You might be overreacting to one game........a practice game.

Let's see how it plays out........

Fair, but yet I gave him a like. Just how long is it going to take to "play out"? And if he could not even play well last night, when will he? There have been flashes that have raised our hopes, but I get the frustration with Owens. I really hope Owens will become a solid starter or first off the bench player, but he is still inconsistent.

[Uncle Rico]

Fair, but yet I gave him a like. Just how long is it going to take to "play out"? And if he could not even play well last night, when will he? There have been flashes that have raised our hopes, but I get the frustration with Owens.

Agree on Owens.  Need to see the light go on, otherwise expecting him to be a body.

[jfp61]

Polymarket had 'someone other than me brings up Owens starting first' trading at 3 cents.

I'll give it 4 real games. But it doesn't make sense.

Phillips looked good. Minessale is seasoned.

[BM1090]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YY0oYF6EY4

A few plays of highlights but not much.

[MU82]

I have what I think are very realistic expectations for Owens - play hard; be a great teammate; have a few games where his scoring is a pleasant surprise; otherwise just be a solid role player. 20-ish minutes when he's going well, less (maybe even much less) when he isn't.

We have four good to very good starters. Need as many solid role players, and that's your rotation. It's really that simple.

[Uncle Rico]

I have what I think are very realistic expectations for Owens - play hard; be a great teammate; have a few games where his scoring is a pleasant surprise; otherwise just be a solid role player. 20-ish minutes when he's going well, less (maybe even much less) when he isn't.

We have four good to very good starters. Need as many solid role players, and that's your rotation. It's really that simple.

St. John's has 8 All-Americans in their lineup

[The Sultan]

I have what I think are very realistic expectations for Owens - play hard; be a great teammate; have a few games where his scoring is a pleasant surprise; otherwise just be a solid role player. 20-ish minutes when he's going well, less (maybe even much less) when he isn't.

We have four good to very good starters. Need as many solid role players, and that's your rotation. It's really that simple.

He also should bring the orange slices for after the game.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Shaka also may feel that Minessale is more valuable coming off the bench due to his versatility.

I expect he'll get more minutes unless Owens really does take a leap.

[BM1090]

Shaka also may feel that Minessale is more valuable coming off the bench due to his versatility.

I expect he'll get more minutes unless Owens really does take a leap.

This feels likely to me. First off the bench and lots of minutes.

[WhiteTrash]

He also should bring the orange slices for after the game.

What is wrong with you? These are college players.


Orange slices for halftime. Root beer and pizza after the game.

[100AcreNation]

Shaka also may feel that Minessale is more valuable coming off the bench due to his versatility.

I expect he'll get more minutes unless Owens really does take a leap.

My prediction is that he'll be the first off the bench splitting minutes with DO until about 5-6 games into the season, at which point he'll take over as the starter. He likely needs some time to get acclimated to high major play and to develop the same chemistry playing alongside NJJ, Royce, and Stevens that DO already possesses. But unless DO has a massive jump from his sophomore year, I think Minessale is the fifth starter going into Big East play.

[TallTitan34]

What is wrong with you? These are college players.


Orange slices for halftime. Root beer and pizza after the game.

I think we've established milkshakes are after the game.

[MU82]

My prediction is that he'll be the first off the bench splitting minutes with DO until about 5-6 games into the season, at which point he'll take over as the starter. He likely needs some time to get acclimated to high major play and to develop the same chemistry playing alongside NJJ, Royce, and Stevens that DO already possesses. But unless DO has a massive jump from his sophomore year, I think Minessale is the fifth starter going into Big East play.

Starting no matta.

[Shooter McGavin]

Thanks for your thoughts JAMs.  I like your player breakdowns and comparisons to our previous players. Feel very similar about many of the players.  Unfortunately, I agree on DO as well.  Would love JB to be right on this one but I'm getting taller Tre Norman vibes.  Hope I and many others here are dead wrong.  Would be a huge bonus for him to be a consistent contributor. 

[SchnitzelBoy]

I like the trio of MPIII, DO, and Nolan as utility guys and think Shaka will ride the hot hand certain nights and plug Nolan in if depending on who is in foul trouble. With Porter in the fold (is that still up in the air?) you'll see Nolan more at the 2-3 which also frees up Damarius and even Phillips to play the 4 if need be. With how thin we are at center right now and Royce almost fouling out it's good to have these bodies.

MPIII had some nice stats last night. If he turns into a instant-offense sub that could be huge

[Scoop Snoop]

I think we've established milkshakes are after the game.

Yes, but I think that is after road wins, right? Milkshakes after all wins and our players will waddle onto the court for tipoff. (OK, maybe not last year though.) And when they attempt a wide-open dunk, they will not get more than maybe 1' off the floor.

[MU82]

bc it's a waste of fukin time. Players should practice on their own time, but in a team practice spending a lotion free throws would be criminal

I was giving him credit for non-teal sarcasm ... but maybe that was a mistake?

[Scoop Snoop]

I was giving him credit for non-teal sarcasm ... but maybe that was a mistake?

I dunno. If it was just FTs, I'd say, "non-teal sarcasm".

Surprised about missed 2 footers. Those and missed 1 footers are the calling card of JayBee's favorite punching bag, who was on the bench the entire game.

[MU82]

Those and missed 1 footers are the calling card of JayBee's favorite punching bag, who was on the bench the entire game.

Still 18's fault. His mere aura causes his teammates to miss. Shaka's killing our team by letting 18 sit on the bench.

[BrewCity83]

50% of 18 is better than 100% of most of these other stiffs.  He should be playing through this injury.