Rotation and Minutes

[*23*]

We have 11 players playing 12+ minutes per game. While I do like the depth, have to think this will cut way down in A10 play.

It seems like Mooney will look to get Jrob to the bench. When he has a good game, seems like he leaves him on the bench the next game for a long time. Between he and Bryson - this push to build through HS recruiting is not looking great. Really was hoping both would have bigger roles this season. As usual - the redshirt and playing against our players for a year - does not seem like the best path for these young players.

AP - He looks decent at times, but is shooting 19% from 3 point range. And playing more minutes per game than Daughtry. Mooney loves him some AP - even though he can't shoot - so expect these minutes to continue.

Argabright - Spotlight is on him at Belmont. Looks like he has the feel and talent to be that next great guard. Did not fare well in Disney - combined 1 for 7 from the field, zero percent on 3's, and two assists total between the two games. Looking for a big bounce back performance at Belmont to give some hope for the A10 season. I think he will need to play 25+ minutes/game for the Spiders to have a top tier A10 finish.

AJ - Averaging 17 minutes/game. He needs more. Mooney is probably not crazy about his aggressiveness and shot selection sometimes. But in these little minutes, he has at times carried us offensively. Quick first step, and though it doesn't always look pretty, has hit some tough drives and layups. And shooting the three with a lot of confidence. Quick first step keeps the defense back.

Daughtry - Probably still ramping up a bit. Big impact in 16 minutes/game. Really looks like a bucket getter and 3 point shot has looked very good. And shown some ability to rebound outside his space. Really like what I have seen. I have seen the lack of size and lateral speed hurt on D, but his offense is so good and he gives effort all over the court - he should be a 30 minute guy.

Tyne, Johnston and Thomas have all seemed a bit interchangeable - with Tyne best ball handler - interesting to see if one or two step up to grab more of these minutes and establish as a consistent scorer.

I think Mooney is going to continue to split the Walz/Beagle minutes - barring injury don't see him changing anything here.

Tanner - Wow, was somewhat surprised to see he is also only shooting 19% from 3. Has seemed pretty good at getting to the midrange and at the basket, but think at this point AJ has looked more impressive and greater impact on winning while maintaining his shooting percentages from last year.

To my point from two months ago, unfortunately we don't seem that much closer to establishing roles. Hoping we see a little more tightening of rotation at Belmont.

 

[Spiderguy]

Good stuff, 23.

Def believe Daughtry should start. Has already shown his potential as probably best at his position on team. Not sure if health issues still dictating Moon limiting his playing time.

I think JRob has tools and like his strength and aggressiveness. But Moon might relegate him as last forward option.

Mooney wed to AP getting mins. A couple decent games but on balance taking mins from Daughtry and JRob. I realize there are some skill set differences and pros / cons. Unless AP steps it up over last season, we know what to expect. And there are better options.

 

[97spiderfan]

Good stuff, 23.

Def believe Daughtry should start. Has already shown his potential as probably best at his position on team. Not sure if health issues still dictating Moon limiting his playing time.

I think JRob has tools and like his strength and aggressiveness. But Moon might relegate him as last forward option.

Mooney wed to AP getting mins. A couple decent games but on balance taking mins from Daughtry and JRob. I realize there are some skill set differences and pros / cons. Unless AP steps it up over last season, we know what to expect. And there are better options.

AP getting minutes over Daughtry and JRob is classic Mooney. First off, both are better than AP, Daughtry is WAY better. JRob has made some young mistakes, but I'll take that any day over AP and his singular lack of playmaking ability.

Secondly, it would be one thing if we were all in this year, shooting for an at large this year to go with your senior system "glue guy" which Mooney obviously seems AP fits that mold. Since we are not that team though, the focus should be on developing our younger talent who have more potential so they are ready to meaningfully contribute at the end of the season and so also they don't go anywhere next year.

But Mooney likes the guy who goes out there and doesn't make mistakes, even if that same guy is not really making plays to help you win either. Go with his overall mantra of play not to lose vs. play to win.

 

[Section9_RowD]

Argabright - Spotlight is on him at Belmont. Looks like he has the feel and talent to be that next great guard. Did not fare well in Disney - combined 1 for 7 from the field, zero percent on 3's, and two assists total between the two games. Looking for a big bounce back performance at Belmont to give some hope for the A10 season. I think he will need to play 25+ minutes/game for the Spiders to have a top tier A10 finish.

I also feel the Belmont game — and the stretch that follows — is critical to making sure AA keeps getting quality minutes and stays fully involved in the offense. Tthere were several stretches during the games last week where it seems to me that AA was on the floor but not getting nearly the number of touches he should.

In my mind, when he’s out there he needs to be the primary ball handler, not just another guard sharing possessions. If we want his development to stay on track, the offense has to run through him consistently when he’s in the game.

 

[*23*]

In my mind, when he’s out there he needs to be the primary ball handler, not just another guard sharing possessions. If we want his development to stay on track, the offense has to run through him consistently when he’s in the game.

Agree completely on this. I think our entire guard rotation can contribute game to game. But AA is the only one that has that true lead guard ability to make plays and create for himself and others. We will need him to be "the guy" in order for this offense to keep clicking.

 

[97spiderfan]

I also feel the Belmont game — and the stretch that follows — is critical to making sure AA keeps getting quality minutes and stays fully involved in the offense. Tthere were several stretches during the games last week where it seems to me that AA was on the floor but not getting nearly the number of touches he should.

In my mind, when he’s out there he needs to be the primary ball handler, not just another guard sharing possessions. If we want his development to stay on track, the offense has to run through him consistently when he’s in the game.

Didn't get to watch most of the games at Disney but agree completely. Mooney needs a dynamic PG to make his offense hum. Our other guards are simply guys who bring the ball up the court.

 

[Long Time UR Fan]

Agree completely on this. I think our entire guard rotation can contribute game to game. But AA is the only one that has that true lead guard ability to make plays and create for himself and others. We will need him to be "the guy" in order for this offense to keep clicking.

I totally agree with your agreement, I was going to post something similar but you beat me to it. If we are going to have any kind of decent season, AA, and I would also say Daughtry, need to get major minutes IMO.

 

[RichmondNative]

Thanks @*23* for the good content to discuss.

It is an interesting year in reading the coaching tea leaves, but it seems that the plan is to continue playing all the players like has been occurring. Mooney reiterated this fact on the first Behind the Web (BTW) show last night. Daughtry also said the same thing and talked about the coaching that he was getting from Coach Boyden. Therefore, it seems like this is what we are going to see unless the wheels totally fall off and Mooney reverts to the usual pattern. However, it seems like there is too much buy-in to change now.

All that being said, I imagine that there could be some minor shifting of minutes and of course the starting 5 could be changed. But I think we are going to see lots of bodies on the court. I like the idea of trying as much as possible to prepare more for next year by playing the one year guys slightly less. This seems fairly easy to do in the case of Johnson as he is not the player I was hoping he could be. AJ on the other hand may be hard to play less unless Harper can play a little more controlled. He seems like he has the scorer mentality that could replace AJ, but he has way less experience.

The key person that the Spiders need more out of is Walz. He is a great passer, but has been MIA in a few games. I really wish he had hit that fade away (although I hated the shot choice) as that would have been huge to help him on the mental side. We will see how things go.

The other very interesting point from BTW was Daughtry talking about his heart condition. He was told by the doctors initially that his playing days were over. Obviously, he was able to overcome the concerns and was cleared to play. However, my read is that this has always been a concern and probably why he came off the bench at Indiana St. My take is that he is being closely monitored and I doubt he ever plays much more than 20 minutes. It is definitely a “tag team” type situation.

 

[sman]

AP - He looks decent at times, but is shooting 19% from 3 point range. And playing more minutes per game than Daughtry. Mooney loves him some AP - even though he can't shoot - so expect these minutes to continue.

AP started out horribly at 0-10 from 3. Mooney stuck with him ... obviously shooting better behind the scenes than in those 3 games.
since then, AP is 4-11 from 3. if that rate continues (36.4%), he's fine. he rebounds pretty well and handles well for a big forward.

that said ... Daughtry is a pretty dynamic player. I don't know if health is holding down his minutes, but he should pay as much as he can handle.

at guard, AA may have some ups and downs but he looks like the future.

I really don't see a way to cut down the rotation. I think all 11 deserve time. even Harper should get minutes when possible.

 

[*23*]

Thanks Native, good stuff - I have not listened to the interviews very much over the last 10 years - good info. Interesting about Daughtry, obviously the number one concern is to keep him healthy and no scares or worse. I do find it a little odd that he can safely play half a game, but not 3/4 - but have no details obviously. I will disagree slightly that Walz is a great passer. Last game he made two bad passes, as soon as he let them go he himself was shaking his head. I think he has a high rate of forcing passes I believe. I am with others that I think he would be better off as less facilitator and more banger/aggressive - but we know that is not necessarily his role. Yet Beagle does it. I think u hit the nail on the head, he does lose confidence really easily. He hits a long three in Disney, and then a couple plays later airballs it badly - shaking his head.

I like depth, but at some point really think we need to get this down to a 9 man rotation. It may just be who has the hot hand that game, or foul trouble or injuries.

 

[*23*]

AP started out horribly at 0-10 from 3. Mooney stuck with him ... obviously shooting better behind the scenes than in those 3 games.
since then, AP is 4-11 from 3. if that rate continues (36.4%), he's fine

You may be on SMAN Island on this one I think

Last season 28/108 from 3
This season 4/21 from 3

Not really seeing much to indicate he is going to shoot well from 3 in games, other than a very thin slice you showed there. Hell, I played in a 30 and over league for 10 years, every season like clock work I would have two good shooting games

 

[sman]

You may be on SMAN Island on this one I think

Last season 28/108 from 3
This season 4/21 from 3

Not really seeing much to indicate he is going to shoot well from 3 in games, other than a very thin slice you showed there. Hell, I played in a 30 and over league for 10 years, every season like clock work I would have two good shooting games

lol, you might be right. but he's currently on a 36.4% "heater" /s.
let's see it play out.

 

[vt4700]

We have 11 players playing 12+ minutes per game. While I do like the depth, have to think this will cut way down in A10 play.

It seems like Mooney will look to get Jrob to the bench. When he has a good game, seems like he leaves him on the bench the next game for a long time. Between he and Bryson - this push to build through HS recruiting is not looking great. Really was hoping both would have bigger roles this season. As usual - the redshirt and playing against our players for a year - does not seem like the best path for these young players.

AP - He looks decent at times, but is shooting 19% from 3 point range. And playing more minutes per game than Daughtry. Mooney loves him some AP - even though he can't shoot - so expect these minutes to continue.

Argabright - Spotlight is on him at Belmont. Looks like he has the feel and talent to be that next great guard. Did not fare well in Disney - combined 1 for 7 from the field, zero percent on 3's, and two assists total between the two games. Looking for a big bounce back performance at Belmont to give some hope for the A10 season. I think he will need to play 25+ minutes/game for the Spiders to have a top tier A10 finish.

AJ - Averaging 17 minutes/game. He needs more. Mooney is probably not crazy about his aggressiveness and shot selection sometimes. But in these little minutes, he has at times carried us offensively. Quick first step, and though it doesn't always look pretty, has hit some tough drives and layups. And shooting the three with a lot of confidence. Quick first step keeps the defense back.

Daughtry - Probably still ramping up a bit. Big impact in 16 minutes/game. Really looks like a bucket getter and 3 point shot has looked very good. And shown some ability to rebound outside his space. Really like what I have seen. I have seen the lack of size and lateral speed hurt on D, but his offense is so good and he gives effort all over the court - he should be a 30 minute guy.

Tyne, Johnston and Thomas have all seemed a bit interchangeable - with Tyne best ball handler - interesting to see if one or two step up to grab more of these minutes and establish as a consistent scorer.

I think Mooney is going to continue to split the Walz/Beagle minutes - barring injury don't see him changing anything here.

Tanner - Wow, was somewhat surprised to see he is also only shooting 19% from 3. Has seemed pretty good at getting to the midrange and at the basket, but think at this point AJ has looked more impressive and greater impact on winning while maintaining his shooting percentages from last year.

To my point from two months ago, unfortunately we don't seem that much closer to establishing roles. Hoping we see a little more tightening of rotation at Belmont.

Great stuff, 23. Agree on all of it. Very telling to see Jaylen getting so few and Bryson getting no minutes. Two recruits that Mooney talked up and got us excited about. Looks like many of us were correct. They redshirted during an 8 win season because they aren't as good as we hoped. Otherwise, they get minutes on an 8 win team. Now, a year later, still not a lot of minutes. Jaylen has some good athletic ability, but maybe he is a tweener. A non guard who is too short to be a big like Walz or Beagle.

AP is playing much better this year. Looks like he has a nice all around game with size. Can rebound and handle it pretty good, but he needs to shoot better.

Aiden will need to play well for us to play well. I agree he needs 25+ minutes and needs to be aggressive and spark us.

I like AJ's game a lot. He can score in different ways.

Daughtry has impressed me and needs more minutes. If he gets 2 early fouls, we don't need to sit him the rest of the half.

Agree on Tyne, Johnston, and Thomas. I don't think any need a lot of minutes so maybe we can ride the hot hand or hands. These minutes should fluctuate all year.

We should ride the hot hand and play match ups with Walz and Beagle. I have been impressed with Beagle this year.

Tanner kind of is who he is. I think we have seen enough to know whay we are getting, with mostly average play out there.

 

[sman]

I'm going to trust my eyes on JRob. he's a player even if he might not be a perfect fit for a Mooney team.
I think he'll have a big role next year with Daughtry at big forward and as a small ball 5.

we've seen less of Bryson, but it wouldn't surprise me if he has a shot to win a job next year too.

 

[97spiderfan]

I'm going to trust my eyes on JRob. he's a player even if he might not be a perfect fit for a Mooney team.
I think he'll have a big role next year with Daughtry at big forward and as a small ball 5.

we've seen less of Bryson, but it wouldn't surprise me if he has a shot to win a job next year too.

I like JRob a lot. He is a high flyer and exciting player. He does get exposed on the defensive end at time, so he needs to continue to work at that and clean up that area of his game.

 

[sman]

when you say exposed ... it he getting beat by bigger players when he's the small 5, or wing type players?

 

[97spiderfan]

when you say exposed ... it he getting beat by bigger players when he's the small 5, or wing type players?

Only going off of the home games, but he does some reaching and has some poor positioning on defense. I think he just needs more time/seasoning in games but I think this is reason he is not getting more time than he is right now.

 

[Kneepad McKinney]

I think what AP brings for 15 minutes a game is just fine -- a lot of energy, rebounding outside his area, tip of the spear on the press that has been fairly effective, and ability to switch 1-5 on defense. And it looks like the 0-10 start has chastened him a little on shot selection, which is for the best. I'll take what he's been giving.

Daughtry is indeed a bucket-getter, and pretty dynamic on offense. You have to live with a couple forced turnovers and maybe a bad shot or three, but he's a load and gets baskets that typical Mooney players haven't gotten. On defense however, he isn't great. He's a little slow, definitely not as good at switching as Tanner and AP. He does finish defensive possessions with rebounds though, and that can't be understated. I do think he would get more exposed at 30 mins a game, so I think he settles in at 25 and that's probably about right.

I'm with sman on JRob -- I go with my eyes and he looks the part. Lots of work needed on FT shooting, but the form looks reasonably fine (it's not Trey Davis or Cayo up there), so I have hope that it will improve. It's really just some positioning and lapses of concentration on things it looks like. He's worth the 10-12 mins a game as an athletic tempo-changer.

AA is a much better playmaker than Tyne -- he looked more comfortable diagnosing the zones we saw in FLA than Tyne did. The shooting was off, but that will happen. I love him on the court. And that's not to take anything away from Tyne, who has started this year eons better than he started last year. He deserves his minutes too, but to me AA is the true lead guard on the team.

We say we need to cut down minutes, but so far I'm liking the strategy, and the games are fun to watch. I say keep rolling until it doesn't work any more.

 

[Spiderguy]

I'm going to trust my eyes on JRob. he's a player even if he might not be a perfect fit for a Mooney team.
I think he'll have a big role next year with Daughtry at big forward and as a small ball 5.

we've seen less of Bryson, but it wouldn't surprise me if he has a shot to win a job next year too.

Next year? What about this year? He already red-shirted last year. I hope Mooney doesn't bury him at the end of the bench. He deserves a reasonable amount of minutes this year. He's shown enough potential and skill to get those minutes.

 

[fan2011]

Next year? What about this year? He already red-shirted last year. I hope Mooney doesn't bury him at the end of the bench. He deserves a reasonable amount of minutes this year. He's shown enough potential and skill to get those minutes.

I mean, we have 11 players averaging over 12 minutes a game. There are only so many minutes to go around. I think this is one of the only years you can’t really fault Mooney for not finding playing time.