Who is X's go to man?

[WestCoastMuskie]

Just saw this thread. I've been absorbed by the NBA Finals, where my team is one win from its 4th title in 8 years, to say that based on the end of last year, Jones is no where close to NBA ready. Our pro last player - Naji Marshall - had the raw skills, he just needed elite coaching, and the Pelicans have turned him into a good wing - his 3-pointer is vastly improved. But the Jones of the end of last season would have no chance at covering Tatum or Brown, or chasing Steph around screens. I know these are elite players, but you at least have to see the talent to develop into the kind of player who can stay on the court with the players. Not yet for Jones.

I would love for him to prove me wrong next season!

[skyhops]

I have to agree with you regarding Jones. He will need to improve his handle, defense, and especially 3 point shooting play a 2 in the NBA. He has another year or two to polish his craft.

[Anti-Homer]

I'm surprised Freemantle didn't get more love. I was a very subdued critic with his Marshall like philosophy of shooting anywhere, anytime, and in any situation last year, but since all players other than Nunge played with a low IQ, it was obviously a product of the philosophy of the Coach at Miami. Freemantle, along with Jones, had the best five game stretch of any X player in the last five games, because he took appropriate shots, utilized his shot fake and drove to the hoop, and took two steps in on his half hooks. In other words, he played smart basketball and understood what his skillset really is. Amazing what a little accountability and structure can do.

He is still a sieve on D, so don't like him playing 30+ minutes against athletic fours, but I see him being the primary option in the last five minutes of many games this year. The only problem with Nunge is he gets bullied by physical bigs, and Jones lacks great explosiveness and a consistent 17-footer, as well as being a subpar FT shooter. I see all three being the primary guys in most games, based on matchups. X has no Tu, Bluiett, or Coly on this team, but has great balance on paper. Tandy being only an afterthought after being an All-BE Freshmen tells you the kind of options X has. Now, I feel confident bc we have a master tactician calling the shots.

[Lead Guitar]

Zach has enough athleticism and drive to be an exceptional college player. As mentioned by most, he lacks defensive skills and maybe the court awareness required to be exceptional. You can still play good defense without being able to Jump thru the roof! Experience and anticipation will make up for some athletic deficiencies. In addition coaches can implement different defenses for different personnel so they can be on the court for their offense.

What I think would be beneficial for Zach is the study of films on YouTube of Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, and Drew Timme. Those three show how to use drop steps, fakes, and most importantly the backboard! I know it might be considered old school, but using the backboard allows for more room for error and a higher trajectory when playing against taller players. The touch floaters by undersized 4/5’s are difficult shots. Hope he makes an adjustment.

[Anti-Homer]

Zach has enough athleticism and drive to be an exceptional college player. As mentioned by most, he lacks defensive skills and maybe the court awareness required to be exceptional. You can still play good defense without being able to Jump thru the roof! Experience and anticipation will make up for some athletic deficiencies. In addition coaches can implement different defenses for different personnel so they can be on the court for their offense.

What I think would be beneficial for Zach is the study of films on YouTube of Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, and Drew Timme. Those three show how to use drop steps, fakes, and most importantly the backboard! I know it might be considered old school, but using the backboard allows for more room for error and a higher trajectory when playing against taller players. The touch floaters by undersized 4/5’s are difficult shots. Hope he makes an adjustment.

Zach is athletic enough, but will never been confused with Derrick Brown, or even James Brown. However, he can still be an effective offensive player in many matchups, because you can run sets to free him up, and he is often guarded by similar players who are marginally athletic. It is on the defensive end on switches and pick and rolls in particular, where he is exposed. He gets lost often, and isn’t big enough to defend bigger, low post players, nor quick enough to guard athletic wings in space. He is what he is. A very skilled offensive player who is a poor defender.

Neither Walton nor McHale are good examples, because it was a different era where 4s and 5s stayed within 6 feet of the hoop. Bird would be a better example, but his tremendous offensive skills more than made up for his defensive liabilities. I don’t remember specifically how he did against guys like Julius Erving, because I was just a precocious, darling boy during a fair amount of his career, and only watched the NBA mainly during the playoffs, as I do now, when I watch. I know Zach F. Zach F is no Larry Bird. But he is a v good offensive, and bad defensive player, who can be effective in certain situations and matchups with a strategist calling the shots, which Miller is.

[olsingledigit]

Zach has enough athleticism and drive to be an exceptional college player. As mentioned by most, he lacks defensive skills and maybe the court awareness required to be exceptional. You can still play good defense without being able to Jump thru the roof! Experience and anticipation will make up for some athletic deficiencies. In addition coaches can implement different defenses for different personnel so they can be on the court for their offense.

What I think would be beneficial for Zach is the study of films on YouTube of Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, and Drew Timme. Those three show how to use drop steps, fakes, and most importantly the backboard! I know it might be considered old school, but using the backboard allows for more room for error and a higher trajectory when playing against taller players. The touch floaters by undersized 4/5’s are difficult shots. Hope he makes an adjustment.

IMO Steve Downing of Indiana (1972 team) a 6'8" center had the best drop step I have ever seen. Old films of him might be good to watch also.

[X-Expert]

Adam Kunkle? His shot selection was the worst on the team.

Not even close and he took shots that he was capable of making. One of the few players that wasn't hesitant to shoot even when they had an open shot.

Honestly no one got more mileage out of a last second 3 point shot than adam Kunkel. I like his hustle, attitude and effort but you just cant argue with his performance-at least as a shooter. He came to X as a 3 point specialist and hasn't panned out. He shot was worst than both Marshall and Goodin in their last year and we all know how people drilled them. He shot 26.5% in 2021 and improved to 33.3 in 2022. During the NIT, he shot 25.8% from 3. Dont get me wrong, he does hit some big shots but as a Xavier player, he has not been a good 3 point shooter up to this point, I hope he improves next year because i do like him.

[skyhops]

Spot on again X-Expert. Unless Kunkle's defense and shooting improves I would be surprised to see his minutes decrease with Craft, KyKy, and the other freshman guard in the fold. The BE has improved especially with the new transfer rules. Anyone hear about the progress of Tucker? He seems to be the odd man out.

[LetsGoMuskies]

It seems like a lot of guys last year were missing shots they would normally make in their career. Will be interesting to see how that works this year and if it evens back out.

[skyhops]

Unlike last year if players are not making threes (Hunter, Free, etc.) they will not be shooting them according to my sources. Too bad we didn't have this philosophy the last four years.