So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

helltopay1 said:

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So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

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Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

Who did they have in on a recruiting visit? PG, SG, Wing?

entry scheduled for 2022-2023 or further out?

Domestic or International recruit?

Has his name been discussed here or elsewhere in relationship to Caliornia?

Looks like last place in the conference.

Big C said:

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I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

HoopDreams said:

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4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

Hope does spring eternal. Fox will probably get one more year after this, and, then, hope will spring eternal again. Not recruiting a single PG during the recruiting period tells you all you need to kn ow. During his brief tenure, all the star players have left the program. Next!!!!

calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

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4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

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In summer of 2012, I think, I went to a pro-am game where Thurman took Dwight Powell apart, dominated him. Outscored him 20-6 or something like that, outrebounded him. It was a clinic, dunks, drives, short jumpers and a hook or two. I just think Monty never fully trusted Thurman, and grudgingly gave him minutes when there was no on else better on the bench. I don't question it. He must have had his reasons. The Lars of last season could not carry The Thurmanator's gym bag. But he is still way ahead of Darrell Imhoff's ability at the same point in their careers. The junior year was the big breakout year for Imhoff. We'll see soon enough if Lars has improved much.

SFCityBear said:

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calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

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4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

In summer of 2012, I think, I went to a pro-am game where Thurman took Dwight Powell apart, dominated him. Outscored him 20-6 or something like that, outrebounded him. It was a clinic, dunks, drives, short jumpers and a hook or two. I just think Monty never fully trusted Thurman, and grudgingly gave him minutes when there was no on else better on the bench. I don't question it. He must have had his reasons. The Lars of last season could not carry The Thurmanator's gym bag. But he is still way ahead of Darrell Imhoff's ability at the same point in their careers. The junior year was the big breakout year for Imhoff. We'll see soon enough if Lars has improved much.

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Imhoff had big man whisperer Pete Newell to coach him.

calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

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4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

4thGenCal said:

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calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

I'd say ceiling is we go .500 in conference and win like 2/3 OOC games (esp the scrubs).

4thGenCal said:

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calumnus said:

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HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

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Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

89Bear said:

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4thGenCal said:

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calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

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90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

4thGenCal said:

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89Bear said:

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4thGenCal said:

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calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

---

90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

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Thanks for your insight as always. Why would we play Hyder with an unhealed stress fracture in his foot if we knew that was the reason he could not play effectively and it might lead to his still not being healthy a year later? I don't get that.

calumnus said:

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4thGenCal said:

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89Bear said:

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4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

---

90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

---

Thanks for your insight as always. Why would we play Hyder with an unhealed stress fracture in his foot if we knew that was the reason he could not play effectively and it might lead to his still not being healthy a year later? I don't get that.

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Hyder has been cleared by the trainer's/doctors etc and is practicing - he just needs to be 100% cardio ready. He should be totally in game form shortly. Stress fracture is now pain free. But yes no guarantees going forward, that he would not experience soreness etc.

4thGenCal said:

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helltopay1 said:

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So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

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Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

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Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?


• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

NVBear78 said:

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4thGenCal said:

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helltopay1 said:

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So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

---

Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

---

Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?
• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

---

1. Fox brought Foreman back for three point shooting. He is an average 3-point shooter, which is better than Shepherd and Hyder shoot them. We don't have a guard other than Celestine who is a proven 3-pt shooter, and he may be needed at the SF slot. Besides he is still recovering and not 100%. Brown has made some threes, but his volume is so low, we can't be sure he can make more than he does. If Betley had chosen to stay, perhaps Fox does not bring Foreman back. Foreman will be just fine if they can give him some screens so he can focus on catch and shoot. He can't drive a lick.

2. With Lars, some of it is hand strength, some of it is reflexes, some of it is experience, more minutes. And Cal does not have good passers. You can't pass a ball to a 7-footer around the knees or the ankles and expect him to catch it every time. He needs to be getting the inlet pass at shoulder height or above.

3. I don't think lack of shot-creators is Cal's problem. We had a creator last season with Bradley, and you saw our record. If you want shot-creators, you need several of them, and you need them to not be too selfish. Tall order. Cal's roster problems are lack of a good traditional point guard, a good traditional center who can rebound, play defense, protect the rim, and score 10 or more points every night, and we need another three point shooter. The only proven three point shooter we have is Grant. I suspect we might see someone like Celestine, Kuany, or Alajiki might start making some threes. If Hyder's stress fracture was affecting his shot, maybe now he might make some. In any case we need all that. Besides the roster, Cal really needs Fox to step up his game and coach better, earn that fat salary. It is never too late to learn. Just install an offense with some plays, screens for shooters, and lots of players moving without the ball. Even Cal's defense did not look as good last year, compared to the year before. It's a lot to ask of everyone, but I'm going to the first game. It will be interesting.

4thGenCal said:

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calumnus said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

89Bear said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

---

90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

---

Thanks for your insight as always. Why would we play Hyder with an unhealed stress fracture in his foot if we knew that was the reason he could not play effectively and it might lead to his still not being healthy a year later? I don't get that.

---

Hyder has been cleared by the trainer's/doctors etc and is practicing - he just needs to be 100% cardio ready. He should be totally in game form shortly. Stress fracture is now pain free. But yes no guarantees going forward, that he would not experience soreness etc.

---

My question is why did we play him last year if we knew he had a stress fracture and knew that it was affecting his play? (Reminds me of the Longshore situation in 2007).

...and to teach him post footwork.

calumnus said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

89Bear said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

---

90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

---

Thanks for your insight as always. Why would we play Hyder with an unhealed stress fracture in his foot if we knew that was the reason he could not play effectively and it might lead to his still not being healthy a year later? I don't get that.

---

Hyder has been cleared by the trainer's/doctors etc and is practicing - he just needs to be 100% cardio ready. He should be totally in game form shortly. Stress fracture is now pain free. But yes no guarantees going forward, that he would not experience soreness etc.

---

My question is why did we play him last year if we knew he had a stress fracture and knew that it was affecting his play? (Reminds me of the Longshore situation in 2007).

---

The stress fracture was a different injury than he had when he first was eligible and played early on with lingering ankle issues. The stress fracture occurred at the Stanford post season game as best known to him/team. And frankly when players want to play, they can sometimes hold back telling or knowing the severity of an injury until too late. There was a screw inserted and he is healthy now - hoping for his dedication and love of the game/commitment, he is able to show his capabilities.

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

89Bear said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

calumnus said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

Big C said:

---

I know the title of this thread is "pt guard", but...

4thGen, how improved do you expect Lars might be this season? He seemed to have inched forward his sophomore year, especially on defense. I have high hopes that he will be a solid contributor... but they are merely hopes, at this point.

---

Lars is an outstanding young man, respectful, works very hard in practice and off the court with his weight training Also is a very solid student. Really want him to become a impactful player and become the defensive interior stopper the team needs. I tend to believe his basketball improvement will be minimal this season. He looks stronger and slightly more active offensively, but remains challenged in the areas he needed to show improvement (better hands, explosiveness, use of a consistent jump hook) there is some improvement, just not to where the team needs him to be. Hopefully I am proved wrong. Kelly does look slightly leaner, quicker and in better cardio shape.

---

thanks again for your insight. if Lars can just strengthen his lower body and defensively move better, and avoid dumb fouls, it would be an improvement. But I agree that his offense is another story. He's not going to be an offensive threat.

I think our post offense improvement will be Kelly playing 5 minutes more a game than last season

But any comment about DJ?

---

Lars becoming Thurman: focusing on interior defense, rebounding and catching and dunking if left open (ie forcing the other team to guard him) and being able make free throws would be more than enough.

Agree, Kelly playing more would be an improvement, but based on last year that means Lars playing less, so that is a bit zero sum.and that is fine.

It really comes down to our starting five and eventual shortened rotation. More minutes for Celestine and Kelly will help, but rather than incremental improvement from everyone I think we desperately need someone to breakout as the unquestioned 5th starter. There are a lot of candidates, we just need one (preferably two) to to step up.

---

Agree on the 5th starter (right now per Fox, its Kuany) but hoping Celenstine gets completely healthy (which will mentally turn him loose and not hold back some). Its a deep/balanced roster. Foreman, all three freshman are very active and athletic - better than I thought they would be at this early point, Hyder, Bowser and DJ (cleared now to practice after missing the past week with concussion protocol). Would be difficult to shorten near term, to 8-9 players in my limited viewing. Kelly hopefully can stay our of foul trouble (poor cardio last season contributed to that) as he will be a key factor, along with Grant and the transfer Shepard. Its a good roster, not the top half of the conference wise, but should be competitive and improved.

---

Is Hyder fully healthy? When he transferred in, I expected big things from him.

---

90% - he is improving, had surgery over off season for stress fracture in foot area. He is getting better and better, but not quite 100%. Celenstine also around 90% and getting better week by week (had a rod put in to repair his tibula. Team definitely needs both to be game ready and produce what they are capable of doing. Some posters last year took unnecessary criticism of Hyder who was playing on one and 1/2 feet. Likely they will be fully healed over next couple of weeks/practice.

---

Thanks for your insight as always. Why would we play Hyder with an unhealed stress fracture in his foot if we knew that was the reason he could not play effectively and it might lead to his still not being healthy a year later? I don't get that.

---

Hyder has been cleared by the trainer's/doctors etc and is practicing - he just needs to be 100% cardio ready. He should be totally in game form shortly. Stress fracture is now pain free. But yes no guarantees going forward, that he would not experience soreness etc.

---

My question is why did we play him last year if we knew he had a stress fracture and knew that it was affecting his play? (Reminds me of the Longshore situation in 2007).

---

The stress fracture was a different injury than he had when he first was eligible and played early on with lingering ankle issues. The stress fracture occurred at the Stanford post season game as best known to him/team. And frankly when players want to play, they can sometimes hold back telling or knowing the severity of an injury until too late. There was a screw inserted and he is healthy now - hoping for his dedication and love of the game/commitment, he is able to show his capabilities.

---

Ok, got it. Thanks

NVBear78 said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

helltopay1 said:

---

So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

---

Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

---

Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?
• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

---

HI NVBear78 Good thoughts and SFCityBear answered them and I generally agree with his assessments. Foreman was kept because Hyder's health/availability was unknown (surgery was decided and no certainty on the foot recovery), second because he is a decent to good 3 pt shooter (though his % dropped over the season) and 3rd, the staff liked his locker room voice (maturity and that teammates listened to him). Lars in my limited opinion/viewing will continue to experience sure hands issues on entry passes and this is largely due to slow reflexes. He is stronger and looks in shape - however he is not explosive at either end of the court and does not protect the rim (nor Kelly or DJ) well. Great young man and coachable and certainly plays hard, without hanging his head etc. I think the 3 areas of concern in order is limited 3 pt shooters (that coach can stick with) Grant is the best one and was the highest drill scorer with 71 made 3"s in a NBA 5 min drill from splitting the shooting area into 3rd's. Known college record in 77 btw. Shepard, Obinna (I get mixed up between him and Sam) but i believe He is the one with the better outside shot and its surprising good. Then Jalen, Makale and Hyder. However again its not the strength of the team and Coach Fox has said he anticipates that the team will shot less 3's than last season. Kuany has a good corner 3 btw. 2nd concern is interior defense/rim protection - Kelly is in better cardio and will play more minutes than last season likely, but is not an explosive/strong leaper. DJ is a great young man and deserves some good fortune (missed last week due to concussion protocol - playing now) but a bit of a tweener and a back up player. 3rd would be lack of shot creator's when the shot clock is expiring/key last minute shot attempts (who takes it etc) The hope is Grant and Shepard really shine with their experience. The team is deeper as earlier stated, better shape, more experienced and defensively the drills being stressed were executed well. The team also has added more athleticism with the three impressive freshmen. They are better at this early stage than I anticipated. However the amount of actual impact, likely will be spot 2nd team minutes.
The team is improved, but how will that translate in a very tough conference? Nobody knows and the starting 5 talent wise is not in the top half of the conference. However the coaching staff is (per viewing and feedback from several players) is doing a good job of preparing the team thus far, - both in individual skill work and in team concepts.

4thGenCal said:

---

NVBear78 said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

helltopay1 said:

---

So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

---

Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

---

Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?
• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

---

HI NVBear78 Good thoughts and SFCityBear answered them and I generally agree with his assessments. Foreman was kept because Hyder's health/availability was unknown (surgery was decided and no certainty on the foot recovery), second because he is a decent to good 3 pt shooter (though his % dropped over the season) and 3rd, the staff liked his locker room voice (maturity and that teammates listened to him). Lars in my limited opinion/viewing will continue to experience sure hands issues on entry passes and this is largely due to slow reflexes. He is stronger and looks in shape - however he is not explosive at either end of the court and does not protect the rim (nor Kelly or DJ) well. Great young man and coachable and certainly plays hard, without hanging his head etc. I think the 3 areas of concern in order is limited 3 pt shooters (that coach can stick with) Grant is the best one and was the highest drill scorer with 71 made 3"s in a NBA 5 min drill from splitting the shooting area into 3rd's. Known college record in 77 btw. Shepard, Obinna (I get mixed up between him and Sam) but i believe He is the one with the better outside shot and its surprising good. Then Jalen, Makale and Hyder. However again its not the strength of the team and Coach Fox has said he anticipates that the team will shot less 3's than last season. Kuany has a good corner 3 btw. 2nd concern is interior defense/rim protection - Kelly is in better cardio and will play more minutes than last season likely, but is not an explosive/strong leaper. DJ is a great young man and deserves some good fortune (missed last week due to concussion protocol - playing now) but a bit of a tweener and a back up player. 3rd would be lack of shot creator's when the shot clock is expiring/key last minute shot attempts (who takes it etc) The hope is Grant and Shepard really shine with their experience. The team is deeper as earlier stated, better shape, more experienced and defensively the drills being stressed were executed well. The team also has added more athleticism with the three impressive freshmen. They are better at this early stage than I anticipated. However the amount of actual impact, likely will be spot 2nd team minutes.
The team is improved, but how will that translate in a very tough conference? Nobody knows and the starting 5 talent wise is not in the top half of the conference. However the coaching staff is (per viewing and feedback from several players) is doing a good job of preparing the team thus far, - both in individual skill work and in team concepts.

---

pretty much matches my view (and you've got more visibility than I do)

A big loss from last year no one is talking about was Bentley. If we were losing Bradley, we needed him to stay for his shooting, rebounding and experience.

We will need to win with better fundamentals of FT shooting, rebounding and limiting our turnovers. We need to get the points when we can, and limit scoring opportunities of opponents.

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

NVBear78 said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

helltopay1 said:

---

So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

---

Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

---

Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?
• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

---

HI NVBear78 Good thoughts and SFCityBear answered them and I generally agree with his assessments. Foreman was kept because Hyder's health/availability was unknown (surgery was decided and no certainty on the foot recovery), second because he is a decent to good 3 pt shooter (though his % dropped over the season) and 3rd, the staff liked his locker room voice (maturity and that teammates listened to him). Lars in my limited opinion/viewing will continue to experience sure hands issues on entry passes and this is largely due to slow reflexes. He is stronger and looks in shape - however he is not explosive at either end of the court and does not protect the rim (nor Kelly or DJ) well. Great young man and coachable and certainly plays hard, without hanging his head etc. I think the 3 areas of concern in order is limited 3 pt shooters (that coach can stick with) Grant is the best one and was the highest drill scorer with 71 made 3"s in a NBA 5 min drill from splitting the shooting area into 3rd's. Known college record in 77 btw. Shepard, Obinna (I get mixed up between him and Sam) but i believe He is the one with the better outside shot and its surprising good. Then Jalen, Makale and Hyder. However again its not the strength of the team and Coach Fox has said he anticipates that the team will shot less 3's than last season. Kuany has a good corner 3 btw. 2nd concern is interior defense/rim protection - Kelly is in better cardio and will play more minutes than last season likely, but is not an explosive/strong leaper. DJ is a great young man and deserves some good fortune (missed last week due to concussion protocol - playing now) but a bit of a tweener and a back up player. 3rd would be lack of shot creator's when the shot clock is expiring/key last minute shot attempts (who takes it etc) The hope is Grant and Shepard really shine with their experience. The team is deeper as earlier stated, better shape, more experienced and defensively the drills being stressed were executed well. The team also has added more athleticism with the three impressive freshmen. They are better at this early stage than I anticipated. However the amount of actual impact, likely will be spot 2nd team minutes.
The team is improved, but how will that translate in a very tough conference? Nobody knows and the starting 5 talent wise is not in the top half of the conference. However the coaching staff is (per viewing and feedback from several players) is doing a good job of preparing the team thus far, - both in individual skill work and in team concepts.

---

pretty much matches my view (and you've got more visibility than I do)

A big loss from last year no one is talking about was Bentley. If we were losing Bradley, we needed him to stay for his shooting, rebounding and experience.

We will need to win with better fundamentals of FT shooting, rebounding and limiting our turnovers. We need to get the points when we can, and limit scoring opportunities of opponents.

---

I would have preferred Betley over Foreman as Betley provided a little better shooting (although like Foreman he cooled off during league play) but also rebounded well from the SG spot. We had a hard time with rebounding last year otherwise.

Betley had a difficult time getting his shot against the more talented (better defensive) teams.
Foreman can create his own shot at least.
We are going to have to win with defense and scheme. The talent level just isn't there.
Grant should be a 3rd or 4th option, but he is our 1st.

Wasn't Celestine injured in 2019? Is the current injury from 2020 or more recent? He did have that one monster game.

KoreAmBear said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

NVBear78 said:

---

4thGenCal said:

---

helltopay1 said:

---

So where is the point guard Fox was recruiting this fall????

---

Have 2 returning for next season. Immediate need is to recruit a shooter - be it a wing, off guard. Had a recruit in yesterday. Really impressed with the conditioning of the team, improved strength and depth on the roster. The freshmen are better than anticipated and the transfer Shepard makes the other players around him better. Practices are competitive and very well run and instructed at the appropriate moments. Very strong conf and will be interesting to see how the team competes. Again for the anti Fox contingent (I am neutral till the season finishes) The staff had obstacles that 99% of the other D1 programs do not face. The roster is now competitive top to near bottom. Still have weaknesses in interior defense/rim protecting, consistent outside shooting and with the loss of Bradley - who can create their shot ,as the shot clock is expiring/jend of game needed bucket.

---

Really appreciate these insights regarding the team! A couple of follow up questions:

• I don't understand why they brought Foreman back? Seemed to short/small to play at the Pac-12 level, not athletic enough and not skilled enough as a shooter though not afraid to hoist up the three ball. Are there reasons we don't know of that he could help the team?
• The biggest problem with Lars to me is his hands-is this something that can be improved upon through drills and practice?

As noted the biggest problem with this team is lack of players who can create their shot and score by themselves if needed. I don't see anyone on the roster who can help with this, seems to be really hard to become "the man" on your college team when you were the second or third option on your lower level team...

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HI NVBear78 Good thoughts and SFCityBear answered them and I generally agree with his assessments. Foreman was kept because Hyder's health/availability was unknown (surgery was decided and no certainty on the foot recovery), second because he is a decent to good 3 pt shooter (though his % dropped over the season) and 3rd, the staff liked his locker room voice (maturity and that teammates listened to him). Lars in my limited opinion/viewing will continue to experience sure hands issues on entry passes and this is largely due to slow reflexes. He is stronger and looks in shape - however he is not explosive at either end of the court and does not protect the rim (nor Kelly or DJ) well. Great young man and coachable and certainly plays hard, without hanging his head etc. I think the 3 areas of concern in order is limited 3 pt shooters (that coach can stick with) Grant is the best one and was the highest drill scorer with 71 made 3"s in a NBA 5 min drill from splitting the shooting area into 3rd's. Known college record in 77 btw. Shepard, Obinna (I get mixed up between him and Sam) but i believe He is the one with the better outside shot and its surprising good. Then Jalen, Makale and Hyder. However again its not the strength of the team and Coach Fox has said he anticipates that the team will shot less 3's than last season. Kuany has a good corner 3 btw. 2nd concern is interior defense/rim protection - Kelly is in better cardio and will play more minutes than last season likely, but is not an explosive/strong leaper. DJ is a great young man and deserves some good fortune (missed last week due to concussion protocol - playing now) but a bit of a tweener and a back up player. 3rd would be lack of shot creator's when the shot clock is expiring/key last minute shot attempts (who takes it etc) The hope is Grant and Shepard really shine with their experience. The team is deeper as earlier stated, better shape, more experienced and defensively the drills being stressed were executed well. The team also has added more athleticism with the three impressive freshmen. They are better at this early stage than I anticipated. However the amount of actual impact, likely will be spot 2nd team minutes.
The team is improved, but how will that translate in a very tough conference? Nobody knows and the starting 5 talent wise is not in the top half of the conference. However the coaching staff is (per viewing and feedback from several players) is doing a good job of preparing the team thus far, - both in individual skill work and in team concepts.

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pretty much matches my view (and you've got more visibility than I do)

A big loss from last year no one is talking about was Bentley. If we were losing Bradley, we needed him to stay for his shooting, rebounding and experience.

We will need to win with better fundamentals of FT shooting, rebounding and limiting our turnovers. We need to get the points when we can, and limit scoring opportunities of opponents.

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I would have preferred Betley over Foreman as Betley provided a little better shooting (although like Foreman he cooled off during league play) but also rebounded well from the SG spot. We had a hard time with rebounding last year otherwise.

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We've had other players whose 3pt shooting tailed off in PAC12 play - McNeill, South. Defense is better in conference, plus playing most of them 2-3 times during a season and more opportunities for scouting gets defenders very familiar with their opponents.

oskidunker said:

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Wasn't Celestine injured in 2019? Is the current injury from 2020 or more recent? He did have that one monster game.

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It is a bit confusing.

One thing notable is his listed size on the roster:
2020-21 6'6" 185
2021-22 6'7" 220

That definitely puts him in more the "small forward" range. We absolutely need him to be heathy and take the next step as a starter. We are taking that as a given.

We then just need one (not getting greedy) of our many candidates to step up to PAC-12 starter level

calumnus said:

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oskidunker said:

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Wasn't Celestine injured in 2019? Is the current injury from 2020 or more recent? He did have that one monster game.

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It is a bit confusing.

One thing notable is his listed size on the roster:
2020-21 6'6" 185
2021-22 6'7" 220

That definitely puts him in more the "small forward" range. We absolutely need him to be heathy and take the next step as a starter. We are taking that as a given.

We then just need one (not getting greedy) of our many candidates to step up to PAC-12 starter level

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I can see him fitting the Theo role. Theo came in as a sniper then embraced his role as a slasher.

From what little I've seen of Celestine I'd say he has bona fide guard skills. I think he could play either SG or SF and possibly PG in a pinch.

If he's now listed at 6'7" that would explain why he looked a little taller than Alajiki and Anyanwu at the CSULA game.

stu said:

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From what little I've seen of Celestine I'd say he has bona fide guard skills. I think he could play either SG or SF and possibly PG in a pinch.

If he's now listed at 6'7" that would explain why he looked a little taller than Alajiki and Anyanwu at the CSULA game.

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Taller than Anywanu would be a significant development considering Anywanwu's game is "undersized PF."

stu said:

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From what little I've seen of Celestine I'd say he has bona fide guard skills. I think he could play either SG or SF and possibly PG in a pinch.

If he's now listed at 6'7" that would explain why he looked a little taller than Alajiki and Anyanwu at the CSULA game.

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Definitely not a PG and not a true SG either - excellent shot, and skilled/crafty with ball, but lacks the handles and the explosiveness for those positions. He is 6' 6" 215lbs - all the players list in shoes/etc. Coach wants him to play with less caution and attack the rim when its there. Jalen still not all the way back mentally from his surgery - physically very close. Love his shot, but coach will make him earn his minutes in practice. With Kuany and the freshmen along with Bowers, he will need to outplay them in practice. He is very talented and hopefully earns 20 minutes/game+-

4thGenCal said:

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stu said:

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From what little I've seen of Celestine I'd say he has bona fide guard skills. I think he could play either SG or SF and possibly PG in a pinch.

If he's now listed at 6'7" that would explain why he looked a little taller than Alajiki and Anyanwu at the CSULA game.

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Definitely not a PG and not a true SG either - excellent shot, and skilled/crafty with ball, but lacks the handles and the explosiveness for those positions. He is 6' 6" 215lbs - all the players list in shoes/etc. Coach wants him to play with less caution and attack the rim when its there. Jalen still not all the way back mentally from his surgery - physically very close. Love his shot, but coach will make him earn his minutes in practice. With Kuany and the freshmen along with Bowers, he will need to outplay them in practice. He is very talented and hopefully earns 20 minutes/game+-

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It's very early, but just in the CSULA I didn't see anything really different from Kuany. I think he also needs to just express himself on the court and max out his athleticism. There were a couple of bursts last year where he he went baseline and exploded to the rim. But that was few and far between (not that he got to play a ton of minutes). I think with more minutes we will see that athleticism come out, which we desperately need.