mobrien
Masters Student
Posts: 402
Loc: New York
Reg: 04-18-17
|
03-22-19 03:15 PM - Post#282484
This will be a much, much more difficult test than Georgetown. NC State, by all rights, should have been a tournament team (KP #35), compared to a very inconsistent Georgetown team (KP #99) that was only almost on the bubble because of an over reliance on looking at Q1 wins instead of the whole resume.
NC State's coach, Kevin Keatts, is a former Pitino assistant who runs the same system: presses the whole game. That's going to be the biggest challenge for us, since they're pretty good at it too; NC State forces the 27th-most turnovers in the country. If Juzang isn't able to go, even more than usual is going to be on Bryce and Noah's plate. The two of them will need to keep their turnovers to collectively around 6 or 7 for us to stay in it.
NC State also gets the 14th-most offensive rebounds. We're going to need a good game from Lewis, and another solid Baker game if we're going to have a chance.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
03-24-19 10:21 AM - Post#282574
In response to mobrien
Ok, last time out I predicted that senior Co-captain Weiner Perez might start - and he did! Weisner is a real battler and seems to perform well against big teams (e.g., Kansas and now Georgetown). I also suggested the re-emergence of ROBERT Baker. Baker did play and was a key contributor to the Crimson victory.
Another idea is prompted by the longer 3 point line being used in the NIT. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the other senior Co-captain Corey Johnson inserted for some long range shooting.
Good Luck today!
|
digamma
Masters Student
Posts: 468
Loc: Minneapolis
Reg: 11-27-11
|
03-24-19 11:38 AM - Post#282578
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
I grew up following Georgia Tech. The Jackets were not a good basketball team. Their marquis win of the season was over NCSU. Of course, the Wolfpack shot 31% that night. Here's hoping that happens again?
Perimeter defense will really be tested between Dorn and Johnson. Excited to watch these guys at least one more time though.
|
mrjames
Professor
Posts: 6062
Loc: Montclair, NJ
Reg: 11-21-04
|
03-24-19 06:29 PM - Post#282628
In response to digamma
It’ll be good to see Harvard play one more time this season, but I’ll be impressed if they keep the TO rate under 30%.
Always tough to play a generic top 40 team on the road (like playing a top 15 team at home), but this one looks like a bad matchup to boot. Not optimistic about tonight - think it could get ugly.
|
bradley
PhD Student
Posts: 1842
Age: 74
Reg: 01-15-16
|
03-24-19 06:41 PM - Post#282629
In response to mrjames
NC State was ranked 23 in the country at one point and time but they did fold over the last 11 games especially scoring 24 points against Virginia Tech -- hard to believe. If Harvard applies solid defensive effort, the Crimson have an opportunity. NC State is probably "bummed out" playing in the NIT.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
03-24-19 08:39 PM - Post#282633
In response to bradley
Nice effort once Crimson adjusted to the pace.
Haravard out rebounding NC State 20-11 but have 12TO’s
|
penn nation
Professor
Posts: 21193
Reg: 12-02-04
|
03-24-19 09:40 PM - Post#282636
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
Gotta say it was nice to see Aiken get totally stuffed like that during crunch time.
He has killed so many Ivy teams this year like that. Enough is enough.
|
mobrien
Masters Student
Posts: 402
Loc: New York
Reg: 04-18-17
|
03-24-19 10:02 PM - Post#282637
In response to penn nation
Other than that one spurt in the first half, we did a relatively good job handling their pressure. Turnovers were still a problem, but they weren't catastrophically bad.
Lewis was a beast inside, Baker blocked a couple of shots and was a difference-maker defensively, and Kirkwood was fantastic when the refs weren't fouling him out on utterly BS calls. (The block they called on him in the first half, and then the push off a play later were game-changing, terrible calls).
Bryce made a couple of big threes in the first half to keep us in it, and then a few layups at the end, but was really laboring with his knee there in the second half. He was trying to bring the ball back on that final possession — it slipped out of his hand before it got blocked — which was really too bad. I thought he was going to win it for us there.
A disappointing, but at the same time pretty encouraging performance. That was a good team in a tough environment, and we had a chance to win at the end. We can hang with the big boys — and we're getting Towns back and bringing in Ledlum. Just need to keep everyone healthy.
|
mobrien
Masters Student
Posts: 402
Loc: New York
Reg: 04-18-17
|
03-24-19 10:03 PM - Post#282638
In response to penn nation
I don't know man. I'd say it was nicer when Aiken ripped Penn's heart out at the Palestra — the most fun I've had at a game in awhile — or ended Antonio Woods's career with that stepback three in his face in the Ivy semis.
|
Naismith
Sophomore
Posts: 149
Loc: RI
Reg: 11-11-18
|
NIT at NC State
03-24-19 10:19 PM - Post#282639
In response to mobrien
Sorry to see an "Ivy fan" expressing glee when Aiken didn't deliver on a chance for a road win vs. an ACC team. Thought I had seen a lot of pleasure expressed on several different pages here when Penn beat Villanova. And we all marveled at Yale's gutsy rebound and 2nd half effort vs. LSU.
Actually, based on where it landed, I'd guess Aiken missed the second FT on purpose and it worked perfectly when the scramble nearly produced an offensive rebound lay-in. Think they just advertised in two NIT games how strong they will be next season.
Edited by Naismith on 03-24-19 10:20 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
penn nation
Professor
Posts: 21193
Reg: 12-02-04
|
NIT at NC State
03-24-19 10:26 PM - Post#282641
In response to mobrien
I'm sure it was.
But probably not as sweet as Penn taking down Harvard in last year's championship game.
It's nothing against Harvard per se, more just how ridiculous Aiken was this year in the clutch.
Edited by penn nation on 03-24-19 10:29 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
03-24-19 10:45 PM - Post#282643
In response to penn nation
Man, what a classless self-revealing post.
Frustrated over Penn getting swept in all 3 outings vs Bryce? Or was it the overall losing record in Ivy play?
|
penn nation
Professor
Posts: 21193
Reg: 12-02-04
|
03-24-19 10:50 PM - Post#282644
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
No, it's Aiken.
Look, I can't stand Steph Curry either. So you should consider this a compliment.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
03-24-19 10:54 PM - Post#282645
In response to penn nation
Really? Funny compliment though. You do realize that Bryce didn't play in any of the games vs Penn last year, even the one at the Palestra that you noted in you snippy comeback - and which thus had nothing to do with Bryce.
|
penn nation
Professor
Posts: 21193
Reg: 12-02-04
|
03-24-19 10:56 PM - Post#282646
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
I know--was just referring to levels of enjoyment.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
NIT at NC State
03-24-19 11:08 PM - Post#282647
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
Anything to be learned from this NIT experience?
- Crimson did a nice job responding to faster pace on the road.
- Haskett took over for Juzang, but possibly just because Juzang was ill. Haskett did a good job.
- Robert Baker was rediscovered. Defense and rebounding contributed more than his 3's tonight.
- Chris Lewis really enjoyed the more open lane under the experimental rules. Seemed much more nimble and quick. 16 pts on 7-7 shooting and 4 blocks vs top 40 NC State and he looked good. 12-15 over the two games
- Bassey still seems limited, but gutted it out. Hopefully he regains his 'ups'
- Crimson outrebounded Georgetown and NC State. Use of Baker/Djuricic/Forbes with Lewis is big
- This is an 80% FT shooting team (30-37 = 81% in NIT) with Bryce. It will be even better with Seth.
- NOAH KIRKWOOD IS GOING TO BE A STAR! Can't wait to see him with Towns and Ledlum next year.
- Too many TO's 16 & 17, but these were quick opponents that pressed and played a fast tempo.
Really looking forward to next year.
Disappointed we didn't get to see Corey, even though both contests were close.
Edited by HARVARDDADGRAD on 03-24-19 11:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
digamma
Masters Student
Posts: 468
Loc: Minneapolis
Reg: 11-27-11
|
03-24-19 11:15 PM - Post#282648
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
Couldn't be prouder to support this team. Can't wait until next season.
|
mobrien
Masters Student
Posts: 402
Loc: New York
Reg: 04-18-17
|
03-24-19 11:53 PM - Post#282649
In response to digamma
The only thing I'd change is: NOAH KIRKWOOD *IS* A STAR.
He's grown up so much in just the last month. His decision-making improved so much from the beginning of the year. He stopped driving into charges/turnovers, and just figured out how to get to his spots on offense. His passing is really what separates him. He can almost be too unseflish at times, but we could, uh, use that.
What's impressed me the most is how complete he is as a player. He's been a plus defender, works hard on the boards, can shoot threes, post up, drive, find teammates. He does it all. I love seeing him at the point since he's more of a natural passer/playmaker than Aiken.
The bottom line: he is going to be Aiken and Towns's equal next year.
|
rbg
Postdoc
Posts: 3052
Reg: 10-20-14
|
03-25-19 09:14 AM - Post#282655
In response to mobrien
Nothing up yet at The Crimson on last night's game, but there is something from the NC State student newspaper, The Technician.
http://www.technicianonline.com/sports/article_b97...
|
PennFan10
Postdoc
Posts: 3585
Reg: 02-15-15
|
03-25-19 09:39 AM - Post#282657
In response to rbg
I thought Harvard played a great game against a top 50 team. a different bounce here or there and they easily could have won that game in a very tough environment. I have been really impressed with Noah Kirkwood late in the season and in the two NIT games. The rebirth of Robert Baker has been critical as well. Credit to kids like that who stay ready when the call comes.
The Ivy League is going to be very tough next year.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
NIT at NC State
03-25-19 12:05 PM - Post#282665
In response to mobrien
Kirkwood is versatile, and plays differently than Bryce and Seth increasing his value. His ability to attack the rim on breaks and overplays is remarkable. His rebounding and defense seem to have developed under this coaching staff. Same thing happened with Bassey and Seth and hopefully will Ledlum next year as well.
Early in the season I worried about his deliberate style and high dribble. Last night’s announcers praised Noah’s ability to slow things down, see the court, and pass. It seems Noah has adjusted to this level now and his strengths - which early on led to TO’s - have adjusted. Again, not dissimilar to Wes Saunders but on an accelerated timeline.
I remember when the Crimson just weren’t physical enough to play with teams like Arizona. With players like Noah, Chris, Justin, Kale and likely Ledlum, Tommy is building a core that can battle with most OOC rosters. Crimson just outrebpunded two big-bodied big conference squads in Georgetown (+9) and NC State (+4). The addition of 6’7†Seth and 6’6†Ledlum should build on that advantage while hopefully cutting down on TO’s.
If Noah can run the point as he did in spurts last night, when Bryce rests Crimson will be able to put on the court a physical lineup.
Edited by HARVARDDADGRAD on 03-25-19 12:07 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
Mike Porter
Postdoc
Posts: 3618
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
Reg: 11-21-04
|
03-25-19 12:48 PM - Post#282668
In response to HARVARDDADGRAD
For the record, another Penn fan who was rooting for your guys to win (I support any Ivy team in post season), and I’m on the record for saying nice win post Georgetown in that other thread.
End of day, a tough loss but a heck of a game to play at a top 40 ACC team’s house and almost get the win. Penn Nation is a good dude but that was a pretty dickish post (sorry PN but it was and poorly timed).
If everyone gets back healthy Harvard will be a hell of a team. If Penn gets everyone back healthy and the frosh live up to expectations, Penn can give them a run and make for a really exciting season. My hope is that both teams get and stay healthy so we can all enjoy how it really plays out.
|
mrjames
Professor
Posts: 6062
Loc: Montclair, NJ
Reg: 11-21-04
|
03-25-19 01:08 PM - Post#282669
In response to Mike Porter
Gonna be important to everyone to have Ivy teams do well in the non-conference next year. The Top 75 is the double-bonus, as it means a Q1 and Q2 game versus just a Q2 one. Will be vital to have Harvard, Penn and Yale crack that Top 75 and hopefully get one or two other Ivies into the 135 for extra Q2 chances.
Everyone should be rooting for each other in Nov and Dec - pretty high stakes next year.
|
HARVARDDADGRAD
Postdoc
Posts: 2691
Loc: New Jersey
Reg: 01-21-14
|
03-25-19 01:28 PM - Post#282670
In response to Mike Porter
Thanks. Very classy and thoughtful post. Agree with you on all points. I did recognize that [Mr.] Penn Nation had second thoughts and sought to walk back his comments somewhat.
This league is most fun when it is most competitive. Recent years have featured two or three team races for the championship, but increasing talent league wide seems to be expanding that. That is awesome.
|
