I mean, it wasn't enjoyable per se watching so many winnable close losses to the upper echelon teams of college basketball, but...
I thought it was great to be back at that level once again. We were right there.
MAW, Mike Saunders and Mason Madsen are decent players but are really 8th man level players at best for a program like ours. They are now at programs more appropriate for them and the best of luck to them for it.
One other thing to note about Arringten Page is that it appears he can play at the 4. I don't follow USC closely, but based on minutes distribution it looks like they played a lot of 2 big man lineups. Watching some Arringten page film it appears he played at least some minutes at PF, though I'm not sure how much. We know that Wes likes the two 6'11"+ lineups.
I've said that we need another big man, preferable a guy who can play PF/C. It's possible that Page is that guy and likely that Wes thinks he can be. Which means we could also be in the market for another pure center.
(04-19-2024 08:07 AM)Bear Catlett Wrote: I mean, it wasn't enjoyable per se watching so many winnable close losses to the upper echelon teams of college basketball, but...
I thought it was great to be back at that level once again. We were right there.
MAW, Mike Saunders and Mason Madsen are decent players but are really 8th man level players at best for a program like ours. They are now at programs more appropriate for them and the best of luck to them for it.
Averaging 12 turnovers per game and 68% FT shooting (which led to many of those close losses) is what was tough for me to watch.
Watching a bit more of USC, it appears Page played a lot of minutes at the 4.
Granted I'm no USC expert, I've now watched about 30 minutes of Page's play over a few games. In those, he played center for about 30 seconds and the rest of the time was at the 4. That may also explain his rebounding percentage, wouldn't expect him to grab as many rebounds if he's mainly playing on the perimeter and foul rate (didn't foul much because he was primarily guarding perimeter players).
It appears they mainly used him for his defense. He doesn't struggle to switch onto smaller guys and with his size, length and movement he's hard to get room against. Offensively he didn't seem to do much more than stand on the three point line, make occasional cuts to the basket and turn it over if he tries to do much more (though he can dribble it well for his size, decision making is more of the issue). He seems to be very limited in post up offense as well. In my limited sampling his motor seems to be about average, he doesn't seem like a guy who brings high energy off the bench, nor a guy who stands out as taking plays off.
There may be concerns about his ability/desire to play the 5 full time and his lack of offense if he plays the 4. He can make open threes, which makes him a bit more suited to the stretch 4 roll. He could also play as a stretch 5 in a 5-out offense. The more I watch, the more I see him as one of those guys with tons of potential, but serious questions about how quickly he can contribute in a big way.
(04-19-2024 09:37 AM)skyblade Wrote: One other thing to note about Arringten Page is that it appears he can play at the 4. I don't follow USC closely, but based on minutes distribution it looks like they played a lot of 2 big man lineups. Watching some Arringten page film it appears he played at least some minutes at PF, though I'm not sure how much. We know that Wes likes the two 6'11"+ lineups.
I've said that we need another big man, preferable a guy who can play PF/C. It's possible that Page is that guy and likely that Wes thinks he can be. Which means we could also be in the market for another pure center.
I found Chad and Chris' breakdown of Page especially intriguing. Outside of his perceived upside, past recruiting ranking, etc., what was impressive to me was his reaction to making mistakes, which they highlight in the video; didn't give up on the play, sprinted back to make a block or inhibit the shot. You don't see that kind of attitude from every player in the sport, let alone freshmen. It bodes well for the role he'll take on at Cincinnati where he'll be allowed to make those mistakes and learn from them with the expectation that he'll mature and potentially be "the guy" at the 5 after Aziz leaves.
(04-19-2024 09:37 AM)skyblade Wrote: One other thing to note about Arringten Page is that it appears he can play at the 4. I don't follow USC closely, but based on minutes distribution it looks like they played a lot of 2 big man lineups. Watching some Arringten page film it appears he played at least some minutes at PF, though I'm not sure how much. We know that Wes likes the two 6'11"+ lineups.
I've said that we need another big man, preferable a guy who can play PF/C. It's possible that Page is that guy and likely that Wes thinks he can be. Which means we could also be in the market for another pure center.
I found Chad and Chris' breakdown of Page especially intriguing. Outside of his perceived upside, past recruiting ranking, etc., what was impressive to me was his reaction to making mistakes, which they highlight in the video; didn't give up on the play, sprinted back to make a block or inhibit the shot. You don't see that kind of attitude from every player in the sport, let alone freshmen. It bodes well for the role he'll take on at Cincinnati where he'll be allowed to make those mistakes and learn from them with the expectation that he'll mature and potentially be "the guy" at the 5 after Aziz leaves.
His best recent player comparison might be Mamoudou Diarra, Page is a bit taller but has a similar build and ability to move on defense. Page seems to be less high energy, but more under control. Similar upside, but more basketball experience. Like with Diarra, Page's physical potential is close to unlimited, it's understanding the game that he needs to figure out. Also similar to Diarra in that his offense wasn't much more than shooting open threes and he was a turnover machine last year. He's built like Diarra or Bandaogo, not a banger type of body.
No inside info, but I'd be curious if Page wants to play the 5 long term or if that's what Wes brought him in to do. Most guys would rather play the 4 if they can, even guys like Vik who don't quite fit at the 4. Page looks like he's already a plus defender at the 4 and will only improve with experience. Between that and his shooting ability, I strongly suspect he doesn't see his future as playing center for the majority of his minutes.
(This post was last modified: 04-19-2024 11:57 AM by skyblade.)
Dude.... Diarra is an awful comp. I have a big soft spot for Dou who seemed to love being a Bearcat, but he didn't have near the talent or skill as Page. They are in different stratospheres of potential. Page also has a more filled out body at this point in his career.
Dou had a nice little jump shot, and was high energy on defense... but his feel for the game on both ends wasn't ever there and his skill level wasn't either.
(04-19-2024 10:10 AM)icehole6 Wrote: I'd also like to see another big who can run the floor and rebound. Someone in the 6-8 to 6-11 range, heck, the Tyler McKinley kid maybe it.
What they do with the last scholarship will probably answer the question whether they think McKinley can step in and contribute or not.
In general, I was hoping for a top of the roster type wing or 2 guard which I don't think Hickman is. I'm guessing they must think that guy is already on the roster.
(04-19-2024 11:59 AM)bearcatmark Wrote: Dude.... Diarra is an awful comp. I have a big soft spot for Dou who seemed to love being a Bearcat, but he didn't have near the talent or skill as Page. They are in different stratospheres of potential. Page also has a more filled out body at this point in his career.
Dou had a nice little jump shot, and was high energy on defense... but his feel for the game on both ends wasn't ever there and his skill level wasn't either.
Upperclassman Dou, not freshman. There are differences sure, but I'd argue that as a Junior/Senior Dou was quite similar to Page as a freshman, good on defense and could guard almost every position, no real post game and too many TO's. Struggled to do more than shoot open threes on offense. Page will hopefully pick up the understanding after a year at the college level, but he didn't last year.
I'm not sure how credible they are, but I'm seeing some tweets about 6-9 PF Sean Stewart being scheduled to visit UC. 5* top 20 recruit who just entered the portal from Duke.
(04-21-2024 07:47 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote: I'm not sure how credible they are, but I'm seeing some tweets about 6-9 PF Sean Stewart being scheduled to visit UC. 5* top 20 recruit who just entered the portal from Duke.
If we get him that would be great! When is the visit.
04-21-2024 10:00 PM
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(04-21-2024 07:47 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote: I'm not sure how credible they are, but I'm seeing some tweets about 6-9 PF Sean Stewart being scheduled to visit UC. 5* top 20 recruit who just entered the portal from Duke.
(04-21-2024 07:47 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote: I'm not sure how credible they are, but I'm seeing some tweets about 6-9 PF Sean Stewart being scheduled to visit UC. 5* top 20 recruit who just entered the portal from Duke.
Played AAU ball with Jizzle in Florida
Hell of a list, both in terms of number and variety.
Highest bidder. It's becoming like one of those Hollywood charity auctions where you can pay to go to dinner and an art opening with a B list actress from the 90's.
Drive up the number$. Start a public website listing the NIL offers for each player ahead of a deadline. How gross would that be?
Highest bidder. It's becoming like one of those Hollywood charity auctions where you can pay to go to dinner and an art opening with a B list actress from the 90's.
Drive up the number$. Start a public website listing the NIL offers for each player ahead of a deadline. How gross would that be?
Amateurism is dead. There's no going back. I'm fine with full cost of tuition. Shoot, give 'em a stipend offsetting having to work part time. Now, it's in the multiple factors of stratosphere. I'm getting closer to the edge of not wasting my limited time and energy on this model. At some point, supporting and watching my favorite professional teams instead of semi-pros is preferred. Look at what's happened in just a few short years. The next couple of years...yeesh.
Highest bidder. It's becoming like one of those Hollywood charity auctions where you can pay to go to dinner and an art opening with a B list actress from the 90's.
Drive up the number$. Start a public website listing the NIL offers for each player ahead of a deadline. How gross would that be?
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2024 Bearcats Basketball Offseason Thread
