Game thread - @ VCU Tuesday 1/27 7pm CBS Sports Network

[MrTbone]

Surprised enough to think both could be quality starters for us at some point? I don't see that from either one. Don't mean to be negative about them. They could maybe be rotation pieces, but I think we need more impactful starters if we want to be in the top tier of the A-10.

I'm not sure JRob can handle, shoot, or drive good enough to be a wing, and seems undersized as a Cayo type 4 if we wanted that. We haven't seem Harper a lot, but nothing has made me say wow.

Physically I think JRob isnt grossly undersized compared to Nate. Basically same height and I imagine similar weight projection. JRob has way more athleticism. Agree on handle but I think that can come for him.

I disagree on Harper. In his limited time I think he looks good. He makes some freshman mistakes but he’s aggressive and looks sticky on D.

 

[MrTbone]

even at a low HM like DePaul, I don't think they'd see AA as a solution.
I think he's at the right level where he can succeed, with the right coach and team.
if he moves up I'll wish him well ... but I think it'd be a mistake.

I tend to agree with this, it of course depends on what matters to him. He has a chance at UR to be a leader the next three years and go to guy. He’s cemented a position in all likelihood here that’s not at all guaranteed at a P5. We aren’t likely to make ncaas multiple times though or even at all. That’s sobering.

It helps that he’s local and a little undersized.

 

[Spiderguy]

I tend to agree with this, it of course depends on what matters to him. He has a chance at UR to be a leader the next three years and go to guy. He’s cemented a position in all likelihood here that’s not at all guaranteed at a P5. We aren’t likely to make ncaas multiple times though or even at all. That’s sobering.

It helps that he’s local and a little undersized.

And also where else will he be given the opportunity to cover opposing team’s tall forwards and centers on defense?

 

[MrTbone]

And also where else will he be given the opportunity to cover opposing team’s tall forwards and centers on defense?

True dat.

 

[vt4700]

Physically I think JRob isnt grossly undersized compared to Nate. Basically same height and I imagine similar weight projection. JRob has way more athleticism. Agree on handle but I think that can come for him.

I disagree on Harper. In his limited time I think he looks good. He makes some freshman mistakes but he’s aggressive and looks sticky on D.

I think Nate is at least 2 inches taller, meaning Nate is at least 6'7 and JRob is maybe 6'5. Maybe. I love his athleticism, but I do worry about his all around game if he is a big minute guy. Hope I am wrong about him.

I would love to be wrong on Harper as well, but I just haven't seen much. I realize he hasn't played much so I guess we can score it an incomplete. 7-19 from 2 and 5-15 from 3 doesn't scream starting 2 guard, but I will take a closer look at him. I am just waiting for a wow stretch that tells me he's a key piece.

 

[PalmTreeSpidUR]

The one thing that gives me hope that AA will stay is the one thing we have been consistently good at over the years. Developing and winning with small quick point guards.

 

[carolinaspider]

Surprised enough to think both could be quality starters for us at some point? I don't see that from either one. Don't mean to be negative about them. They could maybe be rotation pieces, but I think we need more impactful starters if we want to be in the top tier of the A-10.

I'm not sure JRob can handle, shoot, or drive good enough to be a wing, and seems undersized as a Cayo type 4 if we wanted that. We haven't seem Harper a lot, but nothing has made me say wow.

But Cayo did develop his offensive game last two years, including being a decent FT shooter. There is hope for
JRob.

 

[MrTbone]

I think Nate is at least 2 inches taller, meaning Nate is at least 6'7 and JRob is maybe 6'5. Maybe. I love his athleticism, but I do worry about his all around game if he is a big minute guy. Hope I am wrong about him.

I would love to be wrong on Harper as well, but I just haven't seen much. I realize he hasn't played much so I guess we can score it an incomplete. 7-19 from 2 and 5-15 from 3 doesn't scream starting 2 guard, but I will take a closer look at him. I am just waiting for a wow stretch that tells me he's a key piece.

Nate was/is 6’7”, JRob is 6’6”, so only an inch shorter. He’s undersized for a big but so was Nate probably.

Don’t disagree on Harper from a stats perspective, I just think that’s too small a sample size to read much from and in the games where he got a more extended run I thought he produced ok.

But neither guy screams A10 starter yet, no argument there.

 

[brooklyn brownstone]

Doesn't matter if you have 5 all A10 players if you have Moon as the coach. Sad, but true.

 

[Spiderguy]

Nate was/is 6’7”, JRob is 6’6”, so only an inch shorter. He’s undersized for a big but so was Nate probably.

Don’t disagree on Harper from a stats perspective, I just think that’s too small a sample size to read much from and in the games where he got a more extended run I thought he produced ok.

But neither guy screams A10 starter yet, no argument there.

JRob at 5 is tough guarding much taller guys when it’s not left to our guards. He does seem to have talent but playing out of position in my mind.

I can’t remember how tall he was, but Peter Woolfolk was shorter than most guys he played against but more than held his own. He was a force. Remember his toughness playing against David Robinson. Great stuff. JRob kind of reminds me a bit of Woolfolk. Hopefully he develops in next few years cause he looks like the potential is there.

 

[MrTbone]

JRob at 5 is tough guarding much taller guys when it’s not left to our guards. He does seem to have talent but playing out of position in my mind.

I can’t remember how tall he was, but Peter Woolfolk was shorter than most guys he played against but more than held his own. He was a force. Remember his toughness playing against David Robinson. Great stuff. JRob kind of reminds me a bit of Woolfolk. Hopefully he develops in next few years cause he looks like the potential is there.

He is not really built for and should not be playing the 5. It’s certainly out of necessity but I hope that doesn’t become the plan.

 

[brooklyn brownstone]

In Moonball, you either play the high post as a passer as a 5 or you sort of stand in the corner as a 4. It's genius, really.

btw has anyone noticed that Robinson never, ever gives the dribble handoff to the guard? He always makes a left handed pass to the corner in front of the other team's bench.

I still like JRob and think he has a lot of potential, but just like others, any basketball creativity and instinct is being stifled out of him.

If basketball is jazz, Moonball is a player piano.

 

[SensibleSpider]

In Moonball, you either play the high post as a passer as a 5 or you sort of stand in the corner as a 4. It's genius, really.

btw has anyone noticed that Robinson never, ever gives the dribble handoff to the guard? He always makes a left handed pass to the corner in front of the other team's bench.

I still like JRob and think he has a lot of potential, but just like others, any basketball creativity and instinct is being stifled out of him.

If basketball is jazz, Moonball is a player piano.

I've noticed the same thing with JRob and passing. There are also certain guys who almost exclusively cut vs. go for the dribble hand off. Mooney says the offense is all about reading the defense, but it sure looks like the team is making up their minds in advance.

 

[RichmondNative]

I've noticed the same thing with JRob and passing. There are also certain guys who almost exclusively cut vs. go for the dribble hand off. Mooney says the offense is all about reading the defense, but it sure looks like the team is making up their minds in advance.

I get the same sense. Something tells me if
Carril was recruiting for Richmond, he wouldn’t be getting the same players.

 

[sman]

btw has anyone noticed that Robinson never, ever gives the dribble handoff to the guard? He always makes a left handed pass to the corner in front of the other team's bench.

was thinking the same thing after a few in a row yesterday, but then he did hand off a couple times.

he's clearly in the role of a 5 whether we think that's his long term spot or not. he runs things pretty well up there. solid passer ... roll threat. just not a shooter like Golden or Cline or Walz.

 

[URFan1]

JRob at 5 is tough guarding much taller guys when it’s not left to our guards. He does seem to have talent but playing out of position in my mind.

I can’t remember how tall he was, but Peter Woolfolk was shorter than most guys he played against but more than held his own. He was a force. Remember his toughness playing against David Robinson. Great stuff. JRob kind of reminds me a bit of Woolfolk. Hopefully he develops in next few years cause he looks like the potential is there.

Pete was listed at 6'5", but qualified and played in under 6'5" pro league

 

[carolinaspider]

JRob at 5 is tough guarding much taller guys when it’s not left to our guards. He does seem to have talent but playing out of position in my mind.

I can’t remember how tall he was, but Peter Woolfolk was shorter than most guys he played against but more than held his own. He was a force. Remember his toughness playing against David Robinson. Great stuff. JRob kind of reminds me a bit of Woolfolk. Hopefully he develops in next few years cause he looks like the potential is there.

PW was 6'5 or 6'6 but was extremely muscular and had an uncanny softtouch around the rim and was able to use the backboard effectively. He was strong enough to keep Robinson boxed out and at times frustrated.