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LIU
Dec 20, 2012 0:07:34 GMT -5
Post by oldtimer1 on Dec 20, 2012 0:07:34 GMT -5
A shout out to all players tonight. They like to run and do it well. Since everything was on target in the above posts I'll talk about another Peacock I really like.
Said it before, Chris Burke not only (along with Yvon ) is the best athlete on the team but also has the best basketball instincts. As pointed out a team leading 8 rebounds in only 24 minutes. The kid is a very quick leaper and has a nose for the ball. Defensively is outstanding and threw the three best passes of anyone on the court tonight. Credited with only one assist?
To top things off when LIU put 3/4 court pressure on the ball it was Blaise, with the help of Chris, who broke it quite easily. Hit the open guy at the right time. Let me also say this about his shooting. Yes, he does not have a great shot but that's a far cry from some saying he can't shoot at all. Already has made a couple or more of timely 3's this year. His problem that spcfan and I agree on is that he is a reluctant shooter. Tonight he had two open looks where he failed to pull the trigger. No doubt Chris is more of a slasher than shooter but his shooting percentage last year was, I believe, second best on the team. Tonight 3/3 for 8 points. If he ever develops a confident shot he is ALL-MAAC material. Just my opinion.
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LIU
Dec 20, 2012 0:26:37 GMT -5
Post by figgyprez on Dec 20, 2012 0:26:37 GMT -5
Just to add one thing. Notice how SPU consistently attacked its advantage by driving with no great stopper inside for LIU. I don't think FFrench took one shot beyond 13-15" and Yvon took just one 3that rattled out. Even Desi had several shots at the tin even though he got off from deep too. Compare that to Iona's failure to do the same. This is coaching folks. JD always has an effective plan, but sometimes he doesn't have the players to finish the deal. I just think it shows that if he ever gets the chance at a place where the talent level is consistently strong, he'd win a lot. Not to compare him, but look at how Coach K did once he went to a place which allowed him to get consistently good talent. I think everyone knows that there are coaches out there who get talent, but disappoint with results- Rick Barnes comes to mind. JD can coach, but SPU resources create an annual scrap for adequate talent
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LIU
Dec 20, 2012 0:41:04 GMT -5
Post by oldtimer1 on Dec 20, 2012 0:41:04 GMT -5
figgyprez...well said and thought out.
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LIU
Dec 20, 2012 10:51:50 GMT -5
Post by loyal on Dec 20, 2012 10:51:50 GMT -5
If Burke can make 38%-40% of his shots, he'd really help at the small forward position. I hope like heck his shooting hurdles have been a matter of confidence and a game like this propels him forward. We'll see. Regarding the game....quite enjoyable to see the Peacocks put up 80. LIU coach lamented afterward he could tell his team was flat before the game. JD quoted as saying LIU's "energy left the building" once SPU took a large second half lead. I thought it was a combination of SPU playing 9/10 guys plus a Mayanesque FG percentage for the Peacocks plus LIU throwing in the towel pretty quickly, as noted. MAAC is looking pretty strong, as Canisius has established itself as a real threat, Iona has generally played well and Loyola is deep and big upfront. If the Jaspers get a healthy Beamon back, they go to the front of the class as well. One more thing....Ffrench reallyplays good defense. He is now a very legit offensive threat. I could not have been (happily!) more wrong about Blaise ability to man the point in an impactful way this season. OT, forget that golf thing......start hawking your services to scout for an NBA team!
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LIU
Dec 20, 2012 12:26:28 GMT -5
Post by oldtimer1 on Dec 20, 2012 12:26:28 GMT -5
loyal...the point is that Chris Burke really helps our team RIGHT NOW! Last year he was our high scorer in several games and made over 40% of his shots One doesn't have to help a team big time by being a shooter. In fact, most of those "shooters" who play the #3 or #4 have little else to their game, at least in this league.. Last night Burke was the leading rebounder for BOTH teams, played great defense, threw some great passes including more than a few, over the top, which helped break the press big time. Bottom line, I'm quite happy with Chris Burke. If he shoots the ball better (last night he was 3/3)... fine. But he's a slasher, not a spot up jump shooter. Would I love him to be a great shooter, absolutely but it may not be in the cards. PS Tucker played very well last night.
Regarding Blaise. I said the same thing last year. At 6'2" he distributes well, rebounds and may be our best defender. I love Yvons defense ( he did get beat a lot last night) but he's more prone than Blaise to make silly fouls, probably due to his intensity. The bonus this year is his offensive game. After watching him in pick-up the past two years I knew he had the potential but gained confidence this year and the rest is history. Much like Burke, if Blaise scored zero points per game (God forbid ) he's still be a big asset to this team.
Finally, thanks for the compliment but many of us would have seen what I saw if given the opportunity to watch these players in practice.
Regarding the team, we still are lacking height and multiple scoring threats. Think JD has countered this by letting the team run. Problem is that it's difficult to run without creating turnovers ( we do that) or defensive rebounding ( we are lacking). Note, however, that JD is beginning to experiment with a 3/4 court trapping defense. Used it on occasion last night.With the athletes we have I'd like to see more of that.
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