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CU Guru [1997]
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The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
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Jan 5, 2023, 8:04 AM
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Is 100% depth, key role players, and a better defensive presence. A lot of that started with having Dawes and Honor off the court, I have nothing bad to say about Honor other than he was undersized, but I didn't realize how much Dawes was pulling this team down with lackluster defense and a 3-ball addiction. I do miss Collins though, he was a solid player.
Chase Hunter has been key, two times last night I recall VT going on a run, after we missed some 3's, and Hunter went down, drove the ball, and got either a layup or a foul call (and hit free throws) to quell their momentum a bit. Last year that situation feels like Dawes jacking a 3 early in the shot clock.
Beadle and Godfrey have become two great role players on the defensive end, and they have the ability to score a bit on offense as well. Dillon Hunter can play a good PG if Hunter needs a rest, Galloway can fill in the 2 guard when Hemenway is out (or vice versa), and PJ Hall and Hunter Tyson speak for themselves. Even Middlebrooks has been good to eat some minutes, play decent defense, and get some buckets. Same for Schieffelin.
Really impressed with how well everyone has gelled when I was concerned we had too many players to rotate in and out, everyone gets their time and plays their role well. We have to continue to shoot the 3 ball well, can't have another 3-21 Loyola game, but that could be said for most any NCAA team.
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CU Medallion [64972]
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The team is still gaining experience, and figuring out how
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Jan 5, 2023, 8:16 AM
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all the various pieces fit together. It is gratifying to see the youngsters making progress. To me, Middlebrooks is probably THE most improved right now. He has gone from being a liability to actually being a young PJ Hall type clonette. His future looks bright.
With so many players getting minutes, my hope for this team is that we don't have EVERYBODY go cold at the same time, and get some of those legendary Brownell scoring droughts of 8 to 10 minute duration. Hard to win when you only score in 3/4 of the game. We had a mini one last night, but were able to overcome it with some tough play inside from Hall.
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CU Guru [1997]
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Re: The team is still gaining experience, and figuring out how
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Jan 5, 2023, 8:29 AM
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Agree on Middlebrooks, although I don't think he will ever be at PJ Hall's level. However, he can get the ball in the bucket, shoot free throws decently well, and be a big body inside on defense. That is more than I can say about many Clemson big men over the years, so there is definite upside.
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Orange Blooded [2669]
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Re: The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
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Jan 5, 2023, 8:34 AM
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Dawes with more of the same this year at seton hall.....
He's averaging 10.9 points and is taking way more 3's than 2 pointers. Only averaging 1.6 assists per game.
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Orange Blooded [4604]
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Re: The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
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Jan 5, 2023, 8:34 AM
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Great analysis. Especially about Dawes. He was a cancer. Honor was a warrior and a fine streak shooter but just too short. As you said, this team has a lot of potential, not because of their star power but because each player seems to know and enjoy their role and thus far, the fit has been kinda nice to watch.
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Orange Blooded [2922]
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Pretty sure we can comment on this team without trashing Dawes…
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Jan 5, 2023, 9:17 AM
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It’s apparent that Chase Hunter playing PG and his improvement has unlocked a different gear for this offense…but he was on the team last year too. And yes, this team has a combination of depth, experience and overall talent that last year’s team did not have.
I don’t begrudge Dawes or Honor…they gave it their all but there was a ceiling there. Dawes was asked to be a scorer on previous teams to mixed results (it wasn’t coming from many other places on those teams). And yes, he and Honor being undersized cost us defensively. But calling him a ‘cancer’ is a little too much…
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CU Medallion [67693]
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Re: The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
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Jan 5, 2023, 9:00 AM
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what is nice is everyone who plays brings something good. It may vary based on PT and experience but everyone is looking to do the job and finding ways to help. And PJ is such a warrior. Outstanding po
lay in an injury recovery mode.
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Orange Blooded [4423]
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good take...
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Jan 5, 2023, 9:02 AM
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Depth is a big time factor. Having 4 viable big men is huge as well. Last night, when foul trouble started to creep up, there was no drop off (at least defensively) having Middlebrooks, Sheiflin, and/or Godfrey in the game.
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Orange Blooded [2336]
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Re: The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
Jan 5, 2023, 10:08 AM
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Sometime we forget the thin line between winning and losing
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Orange Blooded [2669]
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Re: The Difference in This Years Team and Last Years....
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Jan 5, 2023, 10:23 AM
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Yes. Very thin line.
People complain about last year, but it could have easily been a 20 win season if a few shots/bounces went our way.
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