75bear said:

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I do agree trying Cone off the bench might be the wise move. Either that, or limit his off balance shot selection. But even with that, there's not much we can do to improve his defense, he will always get picked on.

Decisions, decisions.

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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I think we wish he would play like Vinnie Johnson, Mr instant offense.

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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oskidunker said:

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Downtown Rodney Brown(3-6). Vs The Cone of Silence.

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dimitrig said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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I think we wish he would play like Vinnie Johnson, Mr instant offense.

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Maybe that is the role we should try him at.

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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I think we wish he would play like Vinnie Johnson, Mr instant offense.

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Maybe that is the role we should try him at.

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I was trying to say that he doesn't show signs of heating up quickly. We wish he did. I'm not sure having him come off the bench would change that. Maybe? People respond differently in different roles of course. Shouldn't Madsen be trying these alternate lineups out before we suggest them? I miss Monty. Hated him as Furd coach. Loved him as our coach. Credit to him Id say.

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dimitrig said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

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I think we wish he would play like Vinnie Johnson, Mr instant offense.

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Maybe that is the role we should try him at.

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I was trying to say that he doesn't show signs of heating up quickly. We wish he did. I'm not sure having him come off the bench would change that. Maybe? People respond differently in different roles of course. Shouldn't Madsen be trying these alternate lineups out before we suggest them? I miss Monty. Hated him as Furd coach. Loved him as our coach. Credit to him Id say.

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I am just saying that if Cone is going to get a green light to fire away then he should be put into that role and told to fire away when he gets in the game versus having that green light all game long.

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HoopDreams said:

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during the game before I knew Cone was injured, I came to the conclusion that Brown needed to play more and Cone needed to play less, because:

1. Brown has shown he's a hooper. He had his best game vs ASU, but has been a spark off the bench. He also has the extreme confidence to make plays at big moments, and he's not just a spot up shooter, as he's shown the ability to slash and score

2. Cone is a volume shooter and takes too many bad shots. Splitting time with Brown will give Coach the ability to switch out Cone if he thinks he's not taking the right shots. That should emphasize to Cone that he needs to play differently

3. AND the big thing in my mind that changes the balance is teams are attacking him relentlessly. They post up players against him, get switches to get the matchup, and basically attack him on every opportunity.

4. Compared #3 to Brown's defense who has length that helps him defensively on shooters, scorers and passes. The negative on Brown is he sometimes gets lost on defense and lacks some defensive fundamentals. I still think our defense improves significantly with Brown over Cone

The problem is we need both, and if Cone is injured Brown will have to play too much, and then who is the other guard we use since Askew is also injured?

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HearstMining said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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upsetof86 said:

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dimitrig said:

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Jalen "The Microwave" Cone

---

I think we wish he would play like Vinnie Johnson, Mr instant offense.

---

Maybe that is the role we should try him at.

---

I was trying to say that he doesn't show signs of heating up quickly. We wish he did. I'm not sure having him come off the bench would change that. Maybe? People respond differently in different roles of course. Shouldn't Madsen be trying these alternate lineups out before we suggest them? I miss Monty. Hated him as Furd coach. Loved him as our coach. Credit to him Id say.

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Whenever Braun faced Monty, I always knew Cal would have to shoot well to win because if it came down to in-game coaching, Cal was at a disadvantage. If I were Madsen, I'd be trying to schedule a weekly phone call or zoom session with Montgomery to review the previous pair of games and plan for the upcoming ones.

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BearlyCareAnymore said:

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oskidunker said:

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Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

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Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

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concernedparent said:

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HoopDreams said:

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during the game before I knew Cone was injured, I came to the conclusion that Brown needed to play more and Cone needed to play less, because:

1. Brown has shown he's a hooper. He had his best game vs ASU, but has been a spark off the bench. He also has the extreme confidence to make plays at big moments, and he's not just a spot up shooter, as he's shown the ability to slash and score

2. Cone is a volume shooter and takes too many bad shots. Splitting time with Brown will give Coach the ability to switch out Cone if he thinks he's not taking the right shots. That should emphasize to Cone that he needs to play differently

3. AND the big thing in my mind that changes the balance is teams are attacking him relentlessly. They post up players against him, get switches to get the matchup, and basically attack him on every opportunity.

4. Compared #3 to Brown's defense who has length that helps him defensively on shooters, scorers and passes. The negative on Brown is he sometimes gets lost on defense and lacks some defensive fundamentals. I still think our defense improves significantly with Brown over Cone

The problem is we need both, and if Cone is injured Brown will have to play too much, and then who is the other guard we use since Askew is also injured?

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Next man up, Wrenn Robinson or Vlad with spot minutes.

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HearstMining said:

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KoreAmBear said:

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BearlyCareAnymore said:

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oskidunker said:

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Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

---

Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

---

I am wondering now if Mad Dog can actually be mad at his players, which at times you need to be. Monty had that unfortunate situation with Allen Crabbe. He crossed the line. But good coaches coach like an obsession, to the point of that line, to better the player and team. Can Mad Dog wake this team up with whatever approach he uses? First guy to do that with is Cone, I agree. Right now he is mid-major all the way. He has to show he can be disciplined, work within the offense/defense that helps the team, and belongs in a power conference. I believe he can do it, but someone has to kind get on his case. We are halfway through the season, though, of his final year of eligibility -- same with Aimaq and Keonte. Window is closing fast on Mad Dog's first class.

---

There were reasons that Cone, Kennedy, and Aimaq were all mid-major, and I think we all agree that Kennedy has made the best adjustment to Pac-12 play. Aimaq needs to stop trying to dribble, use his strength better on offense and defense, and needs to get the ball occasionally when he is in the low post. Andre Kelly was 3-4 inches shorter but figured out how to play against most of the longer post players he faced and Aimaq has ~15 games to do the same. Kennedy reminds me of Prentice McGruder - good defender, decent ball handler, and any more that 6-8 points a game is gravy. Everything has been said about Cone. Realistically, this team is a patchwork affair whose best hope is to generate enough fan interest that they can draw 5k fans to a game by the end of the season. A pathetically low bar, but there you are.

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HoopDreams said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

KoreAmBear said:

---

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

---

Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

---

I am wondering now if Mad Dog can actually be mad at his players, which at times you need to be. Monty had that unfortunate situation with Allen Crabbe. He crossed the line. But good coaches coach like an obsession, to the point of that line, to better the player and team. Can Mad Dog wake this team up with whatever approach he uses? First guy to do that with is Cone, I agree. Right now he is mid-major all the way. He has to show he can be disciplined, work within the offense/defense that helps the team, and belongs in a power conference. I believe he can do it, but someone has to kind get on his case. We are halfway through the season, though, of his final year of eligibility -- same with Aimaq and Keonte. Window is closing fast on Mad Dog's first class.

---

There were reasons that Cone, Kennedy, and Aimaq were all mid-major, and I think we all agree that Kennedy has made the best adjustment to Pac-12 play. Aimaq needs to stop trying to dribble, use his strength better on offense and defense, and needs to get the ball occasionally when he is in the low post. Andre Kelly was 3-4 inches shorter but figured out how to play against most of the longer post players he faced and Aimaq has ~15 games to do the same. Kennedy reminds me of Prentice McGruder - good defender, decent ball handler, and any more that 6-8 points a game is gravy. Everything has been said about Cone. Realistically, this team is a patchwork affair whose best hope is to generate enough fan interest that they can draw 5k fans to a game by the end of the season. A pathetically low bar, but there you are.

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Aimaq did not play mid-major

Kennedy might not as good a passer nor defender, but he is a much better shooter and scorer

Really wish both players had another year

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dimitrig said:

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HoopDreams said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

KoreAmBear said:

---

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

---

Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

---

I am wondering now if Mad Dog can actually be mad at his players, which at times you need to be. Monty had that unfortunate situation with Allen Crabbe. He crossed the line. But good coaches coach like an obsession, to the point of that line, to better the player and team. Can Mad Dog wake this team up with whatever approach he uses? First guy to do that with is Cone, I agree. Right now he is mid-major all the way. He has to show he can be disciplined, work within the offense/defense that helps the team, and belongs in a power conference. I believe he can do it, but someone has to kind get on his case. We are halfway through the season, though, of his final year of eligibility -- same with Aimaq and Keonte. Window is closing fast on Mad Dog's first class.

---

There were reasons that Cone, Kennedy, and Aimaq were all mid-major, and I think we all agree that Kennedy has made the best adjustment to Pac-12 play. Aimaq needs to stop trying to dribble, use his strength better on offense and defense, and needs to get the ball occasionally when he is in the low post. Andre Kelly was 3-4 inches shorter but figured out how to play against most of the longer post players he faced and Aimaq has ~15 games to do the same. Kennedy reminds me of Prentice McGruder - good defender, decent ball handler, and any more that 6-8 points a game is gravy. Everything has been said about Cone. Realistically, this team is a patchwork affair whose best hope is to generate enough fan interest that they can draw 5k fans to a game by the end of the season. A pathetically low bar, but there you are.

---

Aimaq did not play mid-major

Kennedy might not as good a passer nor defender, but he is a much better shooter and scorer

Really wish both players had another year

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Agree. Makes one wonder what kind of coaching they had up until now.

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HoopDreams said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

KoreAmBear said:

---

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

---

Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

---

I am wondering now if Mad Dog can actually be mad at his players, which at times you need to be. Monty had that unfortunate situation with Allen Crabbe. He crossed the line. But good coaches coach like an obsession, to the point of that line, to better the player and team. Can Mad Dog wake this team up with whatever approach he uses? First guy to do that with is Cone, I agree. Right now he is mid-major all the way. He has to show he can be disciplined, work within the offense/defense that helps the team, and belongs in a power conference. I believe he can do it, but someone has to kind get on his case. We are halfway through the season, though, of his final year of eligibility -- same with Aimaq and Keonte. Window is closing fast on Mad Dog's first class.

---

There were reasons that Cone, Kennedy, and Aimaq were all mid-major, and I think we all agree that Kennedy has made the best adjustment to Pac-12 play. Aimaq needs to stop trying to dribble, use his strength better on offense and defense, and needs to get the ball occasionally when he is in the low post. Andre Kelly was 3-4 inches shorter but figured out how to play against most of the longer post players he faced and Aimaq has ~15 games to do the same. Kennedy reminds me of Prentice McGruder - good defender, decent ball handler, and any more that 6-8 points a game is gravy. Everything has been said about Cone. Realistically, this team is a patchwork affair whose best hope is to generate enough fan interest that they can draw 5k fans to a game by the end of the season. A pathetically low bar, but there you are.

---

Aimaq did not play mid-major

Kennedy might not as good a passer nor defender, but he is a much better shooter and scorer

Really wish both players had another year

---

HearstMining said:

---

HoopDreams said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

KoreAmBear said:

---

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Whobwould you start as a replacement? Brown? We needto do something about the defense.

---

Honestly, we, and more importantly, Madsen, are being too nice.

Cone has been an undisciplined chucker who has shot abysmally against anyone who is half decent except for a great game against Santa Clara. He is 6-27 in conference, 5-23 from three. His shooting percentage is below team average and his 3 point percentage is at team average. He takes ridiculous shots that no one in high school should take including shooting off balance when he doesn't even need to. And we are taking on a significant defensive liability for that basically because we know he CAN be so much more on offense.

That lack of discipline out of one of your highest volume players is infectious and hurts the team more than just his own play. I'd rather run a walk on out there to set screens and draw charges.

The biggest problem with this is that he CAN be a good offensive player if he plays with a modicum of discipline which to date he has been unable to do.

His butt should be glued on the bench and he should be told in no uncertain terms that he needs better shot selection and that EVERY outside shot needs to be squared up and balanced. Send the message then get him in there and every time he takes an off balance three, his sub is at the scorers table before the ball reaches the basket.

He has talent and skill and his play so far is demonstrating that he is not being coached enough (or is not accepting coaching). It is not a matter of being off or on and having to work through things. The causes for his shooting woes are readily apparent and should be easily fixable. He is an extremely valuable player when he takes reasonable shots in rhythm. Madsen needs to figure out a way to make that happen.

---

I am wondering now if Mad Dog can actually be mad at his players, which at times you need to be. Monty had that unfortunate situation with Allen Crabbe. He crossed the line. But good coaches coach like an obsession, to the point of that line, to better the player and team. Can Mad Dog wake this team up with whatever approach he uses? First guy to do that with is Cone, I agree. Right now he is mid-major all the way. He has to show he can be disciplined, work within the offense/defense that helps the team, and belongs in a power conference. I believe he can do it, but someone has to kind get on his case. We are halfway through the season, though, of his final year of eligibility -- same with Aimaq and Keonte. Window is closing fast on Mad Dog's first class.

---

There were reasons that Cone, Kennedy, and Aimaq were all mid-major, and I think we all agree that Kennedy has made the best adjustment to Pac-12 play. Aimaq needs to stop trying to dribble, use his strength better on offense and defense, and needs to get the ball occasionally when he is in the low post. Andre Kelly was 3-4 inches shorter but figured out how to play against most of the longer post players he faced and Aimaq has ~15 games to do the same. Kennedy reminds me of Prentice McGruder - good defender, decent ball handler, and any more that 6-8 points a game is gravy. Everything has been said about Cone. Realistically, this team is a patchwork affair whose best hope is to generate enough fan interest that they can draw 5k fans to a game by the end of the season. A pathetically low bar, but there you are.

---

Aimaq did not play mid-major

Kennedy might not as good a passer nor defender, but he is a much better shooter and scorer

Really wish both players had another year

---

I'm not dumping on the players, just making an observation. Aimaq played 83 games over three seasons for Utah Valley U in the WAC conference. Due to injury, he only played 11 games for Texas Tech in the Big 12. So, the vast majority of his experience was at UVU and that's why I referred to him as a mid-major player. Isn't the WAC a mid-major conference?

As far as wishing for another year, sure, they'd probably improve; so would most players.

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KoreAmBear said:

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I did like that Cone had a couple of mid-range jumpers during the UCLA game. That was great to see. He can do more than just shoot threes, and hopefully that gets him kick started.

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