carolinaspider
Bench player
Black Boss Porter
Spiders Sound Off Podcast
- Thread starter RichmondNative
- Start date
Monday morning listen complete. Good discussion on expectations for early season lineups and glad to hear practice is still intense.
On Daughtry, I am not expecting to see him in the lineup until likely mid-December. Hopefully he is a full go by New Year’s Eve vs GW. Also, wonder if he stamina issue was related to the heart condition.
As to Porter’s “win by 20” statements, that is a realistic expectation based on the quality of a number of our opponents, but exactly what didn’t happen last year. Would love to see the Spiders with a significant lead at half and getting decent minutes from players deeper on the bench. Sounds like if there is no clear 1s vs 2s yet that it may be into the regular season before the cream rises to the top.
Regarding the comment on Bryson, it sounds like exactly how I would have described Collin last year. Lots of thinking that causes the fractional second delays. Sounds like Collin has worked through that now and is now “flowing” with the scheme.
Totally agree that we need to see chemistry and confidence this year and to say the OOC was successful we will have to have seen development as well. Should be able to carry over quite a bit next year if the development happens, other than the 5 spot which will be the big gap.
Hoping to be able to make the JMU exhibition to be able to get my own eye test reading.
On Daughtry, I am not expecting to see him in the lineup until likely mid-December. Hopefully he is a full go by New Year’s Eve vs GW. Also, wonder if he stamina issue was related to the heart condition.
As to Porter’s “win by 20” statements, that is a realistic expectation based on the quality of a number of our opponents, but exactly what didn’t happen last year. Would love to see the Spiders with a significant lead at half and getting decent minutes from players deeper on the bench. Sounds like if there is no clear 1s vs 2s yet that it may be into the regular season before the cream rises to the top.
Regarding the comment on Bryson, it sounds like exactly how I would have described Collin last year. Lots of thinking that causes the fractional second delays. Sounds like Collin has worked through that now and is now “flowing” with the scheme.
Totally agree that we need to see chemistry and confidence this year and to say the OOC was successful we will have to have seen development as well. Should be able to carry over quite a bit next year if the development happens, other than the 5 spot which will be the big gap.
Hoping to be able to make the JMU exhibition to be able to get my own eye test reading.
MrTbone
Bench player
It is such a massive problem that it takes a year, or good forbid two years, for guys to feel comfortable in”the system”.
It’s archaic thinking at the very least to operate this way.
Spider17
Starter
Another great discussion and enjoyed listening! A few points from the podcast that I had thoughts on.
1. I disagree a bit with the notion that beating bad teams by 20+ will help prepare us for the Dayton's and VCU's of the conference. Playing other top competition (other very good mid majors or P4s) will best prepare us for those games in my opinion.
2. Interesting point about whether the A10 office has to approve buy games first or not before being scheduled. If that's the case, I could see that potentially leading to some strife between programs and the A10 office if A10 programs are being declined good buy games by the A10 office out of worry they will lose a lot. Still, I can see where the A10 office is coming from and was something I talked about in the old board. Teams like Fordham or La Salle should be scheduling differently than VCU and Dayton non-conference. It does not do the league any good to have our teams losing 30+ many games. So it's about each team finding that right balance in schedule of putting themselves in position to play and beat good teams but not schedule too many top teams where the get blown out most games or schedule too many cupcakes either.
3. I am glad to hear Argabright has stood out in practice. It has been awhile since a true freshman has been an impactful contributor to our team from the getgo. Mooney talks about wanting to have players stay all 4 years and a great way to do that is have players contribute from day 1. To be candid, I don't think our high school recruiting has been the best the past couple of years, as evident by many players transferring out after their 1st or 2nd year. We can't rely on transfers who come in only for 1-2 years to be the reason we're good. Too much variability there. Instead, the core needs to be on high school players and then transfers fill the gaps where needed. That falls on the staff to go out and a) identify talented high school players and b) successfully recruit them here over other schools. I feel we have been lacking a bit in this department the past couple of years.
1. I disagree a bit with the notion that beating bad teams by 20+ will help prepare us for the Dayton's and VCU's of the conference. Playing other top competition (other very good mid majors or P4s) will best prepare us for those games in my opinion.
2. Interesting point about whether the A10 office has to approve buy games first or not before being scheduled. If that's the case, I could see that potentially leading to some strife between programs and the A10 office if A10 programs are being declined good buy games by the A10 office out of worry they will lose a lot. Still, I can see where the A10 office is coming from and was something I talked about in the old board. Teams like Fordham or La Salle should be scheduling differently than VCU and Dayton non-conference. It does not do the league any good to have our teams losing 30+ many games. So it's about each team finding that right balance in schedule of putting themselves in position to play and beat good teams but not schedule too many top teams where the get blown out most games or schedule too many cupcakes either.
3. I am glad to hear Argabright has stood out in practice. It has been awhile since a true freshman has been an impactful contributor to our team from the getgo. Mooney talks about wanting to have players stay all 4 years and a great way to do that is have players contribute from day 1. To be candid, I don't think our high school recruiting has been the best the past couple of years, as evident by many players transferring out after their 1st or 2nd year. We can't rely on transfers who come in only for 1-2 years to be the reason we're good. Too much variability there. Instead, the core needs to be on high school players and then transfers fill the gaps where needed. That falls on the staff to go out and a) identify talented high school players and b) successfully recruit them here over other schools. I feel we have been lacking a bit in this department the past couple of years.
somebody (23?) mentioned that we're following GW's scheduling strategy from last year. they played one of the weakest OOC schedules in the country. then they trouncing Dayton by 20. nobody in their schedule prepared them for Dayton. it didn't matter. maybe winning games mattered more. and integrating new players ... figuring out how to play together ... building confidence ...
Spider17
Starter
Just because teams play bad teams OOC doesn’t mean they can’t beat good teams in conference. I just don’t think it adequately prepares them for those games. GW played the game more intensely, motivated, and maybe matched up well against Dayton. Good for them. They were up to the challenge but not because of their OOC. Plus, they still finished 9-9. We don’t want our team to only play tough against VCU or Dayton but every team in the league. Every conference game is important.
Confidence is an important thing but I think the primary motivator of that should come internally within the team independent of who they play. That belief should be instilled by the coaching staff every day in practice for the team to be ready day 1. Relying on beating Citadel or Southern VA by 30+ can also lead to a sense of false confidence or even hubris too, which wouldn’t be good either.
*23*
Starter
I am in the belief that every year you schedule as difficult as possible - if you are returning 5 starters off of an NCAA team - then yes you may have opportunity to be more strategic and not shoot yourself in the foot. But in general I just feel scheduling tough sets the tone, and adds to your own motivation to make sure you are competitive. Heck, I think schedule two legit power 4 teams in pre-season. That just sets the tone and guys see how far they have to go to be game ready.
I mentioned on one thread that I went to the Uconn / Boston College exhibition the other night. I have seen BC preseason ranked 18 out of 18 in the ACC in on ranking. And Uconn (though starting two freshman) played this like a real game from what I could tell. Both teams had to fight to get off shots every possession. Have to think this exhibition - though very game atmosphere and intensity level similar to a game - helped both teams get ready - and especially the Uconn freshman acclimate just a little more. One A10 note, Malachi Smith from Dayton started at point for UCONN (though not expected to but transfer was in street clothes) and did well. Hurley was on the refs as usual - though one weird sequence he was giving the ref a shoulder massage - thought that was a bit peculiar. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I mentioned on one thread that I went to the Uconn / Boston College exhibition the other night. I have seen BC preseason ranked 18 out of 18 in the ACC in on ranking. And Uconn (though starting two freshman) played this like a real game from what I could tell. Both teams had to fight to get off shots every possession. Have to think this exhibition - though very game atmosphere and intensity level similar to a game - helped both teams get ready - and especially the Uconn freshman acclimate just a little more. One A10 note, Malachi Smith from Dayton started at point for UCONN (though not expected to but transfer was in street clothes) and did well. Hurley was on the refs as usual - though one weird sequence he was giving the ref a shoulder massage - thought that was a bit peculiar. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
97spiderfan
Bench player
Anyone who thinks beating up on inferior competition prepares or makes you better than playing good competition has never stopped foot on a field or court.
the theory makes sense but rarely translates.
just one example, but Holy Cross was respectable in losses at Wisconsin, at Rhode Island, and at Virginia last year. then they went out and finished last in the PL.
you are what you are. if you're good, you're good. if not, then playing tough teams won't make you good.
just one example, but Holy Cross was respectable in losses at Wisconsin, at Rhode Island, and at Virginia last year. then they went out and finished last in the PL.
you are what you are. if you're good, you're good. if not, then playing tough teams won't make you good.
Spider17
Starter
Roussell on the women’s team and Chemotti on men’s lax have been outspoken about their desire to create strong OOC schedules to help raise their teams level to the best in the country and prepare for conference play. Not a coincidence they are our 2 best coaches at UR.
I agree with what sman says that playing top teams is not a guranteed marker of doing well in conference play: if you’re good, you’re good. Same with being bad. Still, I disagree with the notion that beating bad teams by 20+ helps prepare for top conference teams as some type of excuse/reason to justify having this bad of a schedule. If we are good this year annd would be top A10 teams anyway, then this schedule does us an disservice as as we have no chance for an at large bid with this schedule. If we’re bad this year, then beating bad teams only leads to false confidence. If we lose to these bad teams again this year, then serious questions need to be asked about our coaches ability to identify, recruit, develop, and coach A10 level talent on a consistent basis.
I agree with what sman says that playing top teams is not a guranteed marker of doing well in conference play: if you’re good, you’re good. Same with being bad. Still, I disagree with the notion that beating bad teams by 20+ helps prepare for top conference teams as some type of excuse/reason to justify having this bad of a schedule. If we are good this year annd would be top A10 teams anyway, then this schedule does us an disservice as as we have no chance for an at large bid with this schedule. If we’re bad this year, then beating bad teams only leads to false confidence. If we lose to these bad teams again this year, then serious questions need to be asked about our coaches ability to identify, recruit, develop, and coach A10 level talent on a consistent basis.
agreed with Roussell and Chemotti that really good teams should play good schedules. anyone expect us to be that good?
the Big East (think Syracuse) traditionally played very weak OOC schedules. they knew their in conference was tough enough to give them a good SOS. somehow they were always prepared to plat in conference.
I don't like our schedule. it's not exciting. but it's not the reason we won't b good this year, if we're not.
the Big East (think Syracuse) traditionally played very weak OOC schedules. they knew their in conference was tough enough to give them a good SOS. somehow they were always prepared to plat in conference.
I don't like our schedule. it's not exciting. but it's not the reason we won't b good this year, if we're not.
One of the recent episodes questioned if we used a line change strategy in the past - we did indeed have "The Posse" back in 2009
https://richmondspiders.com/news/2009/12/1/205200515
The Posse Revisited
Tulane coach Perry Clark used a second unit called the Posse in the early 1990s to speed up the pace of the game and utilize his deep bench. Chris Mooney has begun using his own version of the posse in the first five games, before not going with the unit against Mississippi State and Missouri. Starter David Gonzalvez goes to the bench a few minutes into each half and returns two minutes later with Francis-Cedric Martel, Darrius Garrett, Darien Brothers and Kevin Smith. The group will look to press and push the tempo more while giving the Spiders' deep bench some minutes.
https://richmondspiders.com/news/2009/12/1/205200515
The Posse Revisited
Tulane coach Perry Clark used a second unit called the Posse in the early 1990s to speed up the pace of the game and utilize his deep bench. Chris Mooney has begun using his own version of the posse in the first five games, before not going with the unit against Mississippi State and Missouri. Starter David Gonzalvez goes to the bench a few minutes into each half and returns two minutes later with Francis-Cedric Martel, Darrius Garrett, Darien Brothers and Kevin Smith. The group will look to press and push the tempo more while giving the Spiders' deep bench some minutes.
*23*
Starter
That was a good thinking outside the box approach by Mooney that season. As noted did not try it against the power schools, which I agree with. It gave a boost against the weaker teams in the OOC and think also served as good motivator to the starters on the bench for this substitution.
And give the bench great opportunity to fine tune their game.
