Georgetown's poor performance against Pitt brought out a lot of negativity from the cynical yet delusional Hoya fanbase, a fanbase which has seemingly been spoiled by the team's strong start and nationally ranked powerhouse status. A lot of the vitriol has been aimed at sophomore forward Nate Lubick, whose poor play of late has been a lightning rod for those who believe that replacing him in the starting lineup with freshman sensation Otto Porter gives the Hoyas a better chance to win. Since I know for a fact that JT3 listens to the suggestions put forward by THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON and its Casualties, before we get to UConn tomorrow let's take today to ponder the question further.
Nate v. Otto after The Jump:
The Numbers:
Nate Lubick:
19.5 mins, 3.7 points, 4,5 rebs, 2.1 assists, .5 steals, .5 blocks, 1 turnover 46% FG, 48% FT, 14% from three.
Otto Porter:
28.2 mins, 8.5 points, 6.9 rebs, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, .9 blocks, 1.2 turnovers, 50% FG, 65% FT, 20% from three.
Georgetown Should Stick with Nate Lubick:
Effect on Hollis Thompson:
Hollis is a sharpshooter and needs looks from the outside to be effective. Starting Otto will push Hollis to the 4, and while he is certainly more aggressive than in the paint than last year, it still is not the best use of him.
Limits Lineup Options:
Otto coming in at the 16 minute mark allows JT3 to give Nate or Henry a quick rest, and take advantage of the opposition doing the same with their bigs. Counter argument, of course, is by that time, Georgetown is already down a dozen.
How Bad is Nate, Really?
We have seen his potential. He was outstanding against DePaul and held his own in the Cincy loss. What will moving to the bench do to his confidence? Now before some of you get your panties in a bunch, let me clarify. I don't mean his personal confidence, as in whether or not he will need a blanky to sleep. I mean his confidence with the ball, when in games. Nate, like it or not, is a critical part of this Georgetown team. We need him to grab offensive rebounds and feed our guards on backcuts. Benching him won't help Nate feel anymore comfortable with the ball. He needs in-game experience.
Georgetown Needs to Make the Switch to Otto Porter:
Slow Starts:
Georgetown has been awful at opening games against quality opponents. This team is deep enough with Porter starting to bring energy off the bench, like Greg Whittington or Mikael Hopkins -- it no longer makes sense to play essentially down one man on offense.
Offense:
Porter hitting two threes on Saturday against Pitt makes this point even stronger. Nate has been looking timid on the court -- except when jacking up his one open three per game. Teams don't have to respect him and can clog the middle, which disrupts Henry Sims' ability to be effective down low. Porter's heroics against Rutgers tell a similar story -- he can score almost anywhere on the court and that opens up things for teammates whereas Nate isn't. Nate is a banger -- let him channel that energy into short stints off bench.
Athleticism:
Otto is prone to getting pushed around by longer defenders, but his reach and anticipation make up for a lot of that while Nate looks plain lost too often. UConn and Syracuse will not be any kinder to Nate than Pitt, which means this move needs to be made now before the season takes a turn for the worse.
What say you, Hoyas fans?
0 recs | 121 comments
Doesn't matter who starts the game what matters who finishes strong...
Kent Adrian - January 31, 2012
I would rather not be buried alive than keep a shovel to dig me out of a grave
Need to start strong and worry about of the end of the game when we get there.
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
I think it's obvious changes will be made soon the Hoyas coaching staff will figure this out not us :0)
Kent Adrian - January 31, 2012
This is not a debate.
It’s Ottomatic all day every day.
Cuse Swallows - January 31, 2012
Start Porter
The “off the bench” tactic sounds nice, like it does’t really matter who starts in the overall scheme, but I do think it’s indicative of what the coaches are asking the players to do. I don’t think it has been particularly effective over the last two years.
Bottom line is that even though Lubick has steadied his play somewhat, he hasn’t really improved from last year. While this is disappointing in and of itself, it is not necessarily a disaster. Nate is a four-year guy who I do think will improve as an upperclassmen and will be a solid and important contributor before all is said and done. However, he is not there yet.
On the other hand, Porter may be raw offensively but he is obviously a key part of this year’s Hoya squad, and he will almost certainly become the centerpiece of the team for however long he stays in school. He is a bit undersized right now to just stick at the 4, and that is probably the biggest knock against him starting (could get into foul trouble early), but I think that is something we need to risk going forward. He has great instincts on the boards, and I think he just needs to know the team is relying on him for him to play with full confidence for 30+ minutes.
Clark and Sims upped their games this year, which has been tremendous, but let’s not forget that in the big picture the best thing the Hoyas have going for them is their talented freshman class. It’s probably time to make the most of it, and I do not think JT3 would be shaking the team to it’s core if he made this move.
WarmupEwing - January 31, 2012
Otto should play +35 minutes. Don't care who those minutes come from.
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
I realize everyone's going to think I'm crazy, but you know what worked against DePaul?
Starting Otto over Markel. Gives us a stupid large presence to open the game, and lets Markel be the lightning rod off the bench.
More like Awesome Freeman - January 31, 2012
Actually
this was pretty effective, but Markel is a very steady player.
Big Spoon - January 31, 2012
Except when he picks up two PF before the first media timeout
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
What helped most with depaul is depaul not being very good
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
^this
vivanloshoyas - January 31, 2012
Perhaps
that concussion a few games ago has really messed up Starks thought process?!
Big Spoon - February 1, 2012
Keep Porter
on the bench b/c as stated the Hoyas need Nate to help with banging down low (granted it looks like he’s slapping at rebounds).
Also we have to keep in mind is that JT3 is down 2 bigs (Ayegba & Adams), so right now at this point it’s best to keep Lubick to add size, and furthermore have Otto be that key component off the bench (with the ie, starters minutes), also Hopkins just isn’t ready yet. Then again, does JT3 trust Hopkins yet to add more minutes? To be continued….
The Hoyas need not get destroyed with a thin yet athletic 4 (Hollis or Otto) starting in the BE.
Last but not least, the Hoyas need to stop starting off slow.
Big Spoon - January 31, 2012
I voted for keeping Lubick in the starting lineup, but I think the biggest argument in favor of Porter is to prevent those slow starts.
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
i agree
although I do like the idea of Otto over Starks. Starks really hasn’t seemed like himself for the last five games.
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
I meant this as a short term fix
Until Starks produces again. Right now we are down two offensive players at the start of the game.
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
I HAD A DREAM..
this morning that we were playing miami (OH) again and nate lubick was starting. we were down at the half 25-10.
and then i awoke with a start and came to this blog to see this post.
BENCH NATE. MY SOUL CAN’T TAKE LOSING TO MIAMI OF FUCKING OHIO AGAIN.
john carrolls lap - January 31, 2012
Ohio University...
but does it make a difference?
Brasky - January 31, 2012
on a totally unrelated note..
OMG BLAKE GRIFFIN.
john carrolls lap - January 31, 2012
for those who missed it
Blake Griffin
CasualHoya - January 31, 2012
Did he create these Fireball dunks?
I guess Dwight Howard won the dunk contest with one while dressed as Superman, but Blake is clearly the master.
HoyaJoker07 - January 31, 2012
Ree-dee-co-loss....
vivanloshoyas - January 31, 2012
dicky v calling the game tomorrow
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
Ugh
Outlandish hyperbole and countless forays into the irrelevant await us
TouomouIsMyHomie - January 31, 2012
glackensghost - January 31, 2012
Hooray for home games!
WarmupEwing - January 31, 2012
Could really mix it up with Starks, Clark, trawick, Hollis, and porter
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
Went with Otto on this one
I love Nate when he plays well, but looking at those stats, Otto outclasses him in every category. I know the thing with Nate is that he brings intangibles that don’t show up in the stat lines, but it sure doesn’t seem like he’s been bringing them the last couple of games.
That said, I don’t think Otto is really an outside threat yet – two made threes do not a consistent scoring threat make. If he does begin to hit the three ball with some consistency, then Otto all the way since, combined with his midrange game, he’ll be scoring from all over the floor and a nightmare to defend.
Until that happens, I think that Otto should start, but am less gung-ho about it; just seems like he has more drive to win and more ability to make it happen at this point.
J-Wall's Mom's Broom - January 31, 2012
BS Content Filler Post
Blog the worst.
Where is my Positive Prognosis? I am in need of some SILVER LINING!
JahidiLikesPie - January 31, 2012
one could argue that the fact we're arguing about porter/lubick starting on a top 15 team is a positive prognosis
CasualHoya - January 31, 2012
Yes
We are in dire need of a Positive Prognosis
thediesel - January 31, 2012
Or at least a "games that matter"
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
Yeeeesh…who starts? who cares?
Against Uconn with Drummond and Oriakhigjbjjjjgcj it should be Nate. I like Otto over Markel though, that’s a huge lineup that creates mismatches all over the floor. Maybe Markel needs time to calm down at the beginning of games because he is a foul machine in the first half.
Slow starts are more because it takes time for Hank to settle in than Nate starting IMO..
We go as Hank goes.. Gooo Hank
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
If Nate is the reason for our slow starts…
Than why do we come out blazing in the second half of games usually.. He starts the second half too right? Maybe Otto should start the 1st and Nate should start the second, or maybe this is much adieu about Nada.. TTS
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
starks needs to start
and keep his head in the game. this frees up clark to move around and create. Too much falling on his shoulders right now.
hoyabballownsall - January 31, 2012
The real question is..
Why do the Knicks suck..smh
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
Gee the 11 am
start this Saturday for USF will really help us get going early on. I sure won’t have my A game going by that hour.
iheartgregmonroe - January 31, 2012
Start Both And Bench Hollis
That way, Hollis will know when he enters the game that he needs to score. I honestly think that Hollis is much more of an issue now for the team than either Nate or Otto. The fact is that Otto is getting starter minutes and Nate is not. Hollis is getting starter minutes and bench production.
With paranoia,
hoyaparanoia - January 31, 2012
definitely dreading the
convict game tomorrow.
If nothing else it could be time for the annual – Pitchers and Catchers Report in 19 Days. I have high hopes for the Nats this year. Maybe they will have a good season. It really would be fun to have playoff baseball in DC.
But first the Convicts!!!
iheartgregmonroe - January 31, 2012
Same here
heartburn, sweaty palms and blurry vision have started more than 24hrs ahead of the UConn game…
Can’t wait for Stras. Gio, JZimm and CMW to climb the mound in Florida.
vivanloshoyas - January 31, 2012
Question
I will be on a flight tomorrow night with wifi. Is ESPN3 my best bet to catch the game?
JGD - January 31, 2012
Yep or Firstrowports.tv
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
does flight have directv?
hoyabballownsall - January 31, 2012
It's Delta
So I don’t think so. Boy, do I hope so though.
JGD - January 31, 2012
This is
absolutely silly. Why are we still entertaining this big slow white boy who’s got a dumbface worse than Eli Manning’s? The guy can’t play, period. There is no reason to say that Nate having two good games out of about 20 is any reason for him to continue to deserve the starting position. Also, I am so sick of everybody talking about Nate’s confidence. He took the starting role from an upperclassman last year, if he doesn’t have “confidence” now, he’ll never have it. This is a D1, top tier college basketball program. We do not spend our time worrying about how moving a player to the bench will help them perform. IF THEY DON’T PERFORM, THEY GET THE PINE. Bob Huggins does this over the course of ONE GAME. Look how his team has given us fits over the years. I’m tired of Nate Lubick. Everybody loves him because he’s big and he’s white and he’s an “underdog” (i.e. he is clearly less skilled than everyone else on the court).
Bottom line, Nate is no longer an integral part of this team. On his best day, he’s good for a few offensive boards. On his worst, his mistakes can cost us the game. Bench Nate.
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
Wow Hate.. Calm down Tex your eyebrows are about to catch fire..
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
Too late
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
lol..
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
My evidence professor was not pleased with my reaction to that picture
He asked if I wanted to share with the rest of the class what was so funny
HoyaParanoia85 - January 31, 2012
Uncle Leo
wasn’t happy either
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
I'll say it-
Lubick = Benimon
AlamoHoya - January 31, 2012 via iPhone app
not even close
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
No way.
Even frustrated hyperbole shouldn’t lead to that conclusion.
Hoya Saxual - January 31, 2012
Benimon was an offensive black-hole and a foul/turnover machine
He is now on the worst D-1 team in the country (Towson). Lubick is light years ahead of Benimon in talent.
HoyaParanoia85 - January 31, 2012
Wow… just.. wow..
No comment, comment.
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
Only slightly less useless than Benimon
at least, I think…
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
Lubick's play is the issue
Nate Lubick was billed as a coaches son with a high basketball I.Q. coming in. But his play from freshman to sophmore year has not improved. If anything, he’s regressed. His offense has been abysmal.
No matter who starts, Nate Lubick needs to play a whole lot better if this team is going to thrive down the stretch.
league20 - January 31, 2012
Nate will be the only
post player next year with any experience. He is going to have to play major minutes next season either as an undersized center or as starting PF and he needs PT to get better – let him start so he can work on being more consistent.
Hopkins could be good but still a turnover machine, adams and moses and bolden are all huge question marks. This team needs Nate to get better to have a shot this year and next.
The problems on O do not lie with Nate. Its the inability of Sims to finish consistently, abmyssmal FT shooting in BE play, and Hollis not getting enough shots.
bunk moreland - January 31, 2012
I would argue
that many of the problems on O DO lie with Nate. You call Hopkins a turnover machine, but Lubick leads the team in bone-headed plays per minute of playing time.
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
he has the second best defensive rating among starters
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
and has a similar O Rtg
than Otto over the last 10 games.
vivanloshoyas - January 31, 2012
O Rating, Schmo Rating
That is no response to what I said about him and his turnover machine. He is second on the team in assists per game, great, but when the team isn’t scoring baskets, that doesn’t mean much. Don’t give the O/D rating crap when you’ve got no response for the fact that you KNOW that the only person on this team who comes even CLOSE to the mental blunders he commits is Greg Whittington, only the second best freshman on our team.
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
lubick > Hopkins, Whittington
And that really is who would be getting his minutes. Otto is getting 30 minutes, not much more he can play. There is no evidence that taking Nates minutes and giving them to some combination of Hopkins and Whitt would do anything positive for the team.
And outside of Otto, I feel more confident with the ball in Nate’s hands than Whitt, Hopkins and sometimes Sims. Lubick has not progressed as much as we would have liked – but he is the best option we have.
bunk moreland - January 31, 2012
At lest Hopkins and Whittington are freshmen
and have an upside. I’m sorry man, but I think there’s no way you can say that Lubick hasn’t simply hit his ceiling as a college basketball player. The guy has been given opportunities and has fallen flat on his face. He’s impressed us MAYBE a couple of times this year. It’s time to stop making excuses for playing him and just sit his ass down. If y’all remember, we weren’t SUPPOSED to be good this year, this was SUPPOSED to be a rebuilding year. Now all of a sudden we forget that because we’re top 15. Remember what the purpose here is fellas, there’s no national title coming from this squad, not this year at least.
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
Really?
Lubick is a SOPHOMORE. It’s not like we’re talking about a redshirt senior here.
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
if there's anything to be learned from the emergence of hank
Is to never lose faith. I don’t think any of us saw hank becoming what he is now.
john carrolls lap - January 31, 2012 via iPhone app
The stats do not back up your claim..
Lubick averages 1 turnover a game.. and has the best assist to turnover percentage on the team by far 2-1
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
STATS SMATS
O/D rating doesnt mean crap and neither do stats.
/smh
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
Stats matter
when you are comparing players. Stats don’t matter when I can look at the court and think just about every time Nate has the ball “oh jesus please get rid of the ball”. I don’t know, something says thinking that about a player is not a good thing
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
and that fact is why you are in the stands and not on the sidelines. same for all of us. 80% of the team plays without the ball at any given moment. judging lubick based on what you think when he touches the ball is (1) useless (2) pointless and (3) myopic.
there are things that happen off the ball that lubick is very good at. this includes setting screens, chasing down rebounds, clearing the lane. lubick isnt the problem with this team right now. the problem is that we’re not a team, we’re a bunch of individual players. that is why you saw the stupid shots, poor rebounding, and defensive breakdowns vs. pitt.
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
So what you're basically saying is
this team is the same as last year’s, just with different players?
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
no idea where u came up with that
against pitt, georgetown did not play team basketball.
if that means that this year’s team is the same as last year’s in your book, so be it.
Hire Esherick - February 1, 2012
It means I feel like I'm looking at
the same team that fell apart once Cincinnati showed up on the schedule last year
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
Is this what your seeing or hoping for??
Lol.. This team is built on defense that team was built on offense. We have a rough patch of the schedule coming up but one things for sure. None of us know what will happen so just enjoy the ride
Lol.. This team is built on defense that team was built on offense. We have a rough patch of the schedule coming up but one things for sure. None of us know what will happen so just enjoy the rideYou can scream to the Mountain tops your disaproval over this and that but there’s only one opinion that matters and that’s coaches..
yaboynyp - February 1, 2012
unclear if he realizes
our starting point guard broke his hand in that game
Hire Esherick - February 1, 2012
Oh I'm sorry
I didn’t know this was a Jim Caldwell-coached team
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
No self-respecting Hoya would hope for that
but if you’re gonna make the argument come down to “well this is all dumb cuz the coach’s call is the only one that matters” then why are we talking about it in the first place?
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
"why are we talking about it in the first place?"
I would definitely agree with that..
yaboynyp - February 1, 2012
Lubick has the best A/TO ratio on the team
So I guess it’s a good thing when he’s getting rid of the ball. Lubick’s main problems relate to his rebounding, because that’s where he should be getting/shooting the ball more often.
WarmupEwing - January 31, 2012
Take it easy, Tex...
vivanloshoyas - January 31, 2012
Do you think
Turnovers are not part of O rating? Because I’m pretty sure they are.
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
I haven't taken the time to research Lubick's turnover numbers
but nobody is going to make the claim that he’s an efficient offensive player. I don’t know why the cited turnover number is so low, maybe I’m just looking for these plays, but I seem to remember many more errant passes than good ones from Nate. Maybe those fumbling the pass get credited with the turnover rather than the man who threw the ball at their feet. Either way, if he’s the only big man threat this team has after this year, offense does matter, and when he’s not putting points on the board, he’s of no help to anybody, 3 assists a night or not.
TexaHoya - January 31, 2012
you should take your own stats during the game.
Hire Esherick - February 1, 2012
I do
I make sure to write down every time someone does something particularly noteworthy, good or bad. Nate makes the bad list on the order of twice as often as he makes the good list. Facts
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
yes. it is a fact you use biased and subjective analysis and call them facts. obviously things you write down have more value than reported metrics and statistical analysis. thank you for your insight.
Hire Esherick - February 1, 2012
This dude was born for sports radio
Or maybe an ESPN morning show
WarmupEwing - February 1, 2012
It's a Texas thang...
vivanloshoyas - February 1, 2012
While that is hysterical
I’m not sure I meant to be THAT insulting.
WarmupEwing - February 1, 2012
this is a FAMILY BLOG!
Hire Esherick - February 1, 2012
Too Much.. Too Soon
yaboynyp - February 1, 2012
Good thing I'm not
pro-Rick Perry
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
Please inform me,
since I am uninformed, as to what statistics are used to make up O/D rating
TexaHoya - February 1, 2012
Well it’s complicated.. lol
http://www.emptythebench.com/2009/12/11/advanced-basketball-statistics-101/
Basically it takes away factors like Tempo and indirect plays that effect scoring and defending like Technical fouls, and breaks everything down to a per 100 possessions rating. So if player A plays for a slower paced team and averages 16 in half the possessions of player B that averages 23, player A would have a higher offensive rating.
That would be the basics but they take it much further than that
yaboynyp - February 1, 2012
As as know it (for some not others)
it’s Nate’s confidence level at the moment and teams are harpin’ on this issue. What Nate needs to do is reassert himself into the offense, and we know is that the offense doesn’t always cater to 1 particular individual, this scheme does focus more of a team concept.
I believe Nate will be fine, after he’s just a sophomore. We have to realize is that this team has overachieved and is very young in the season. We have to have patience, again!
Big Spoon - February 1, 2012
2nd Stupidest thread ever.. Sorry Casual. (joking)
Team Game!!.. From Great White Hype to Great White Scapegoat… We’re losing the game in the first 4 minutes?? Right..
Don’t worry Nate.. They love you, then they hate you, then they love you again… Just play your game and fruck what a hater say..
Have you guys seen Markel play lately??? Why no thread on him.. SInce the Louisville game when he had 20, he’s averaged 3ppg, he’s had 12 assists to 13 turnovers in that span and no other stats worth mentioning besides his propensity to pick up stupid fouls in the first 4 minutes of games. If anything is throwing us out of rhythm, it’s the fact that we have to sit our starting point guard for 16 min in the first half of each game because of foul trouble.
He’s not the only starter that’s struggled at times but he is the only one getting singled out.. Love Markel BTW
Nate same span 3ppg 5 boards 12 assists to 6 turnovers… Not bad for a role player logging less than 20 minutes a game and since Henry can’t go 40 min a night he will have to play minutes.
Team as a whole has been in a funk and has to come out with more energy and attention to detail..
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
funk or february?
tomatoe or to-mah-to
JahidiLikesPie - January 31, 2012
we lost @ Pitt with Pitt finally healthy
a Pitt team that was expected to be a top 20 team and compete for the Big East.
cynicism is high right now. smdh.
16-4 with a 6-3 record in the big east today would have had this blog jumping for JOY at the beginning of the season. all that was accomplished with Nate as a starter. Besides, Otto’s advanced stats are barely different from Nate’s. Nate isn’t the reason for the slow starts. Besides, when Otto entered the game against Pitt, the score was 9-5. the team went to crap in the first half with Otto on the floor the entire time.
Markel’s foul problems, Henry’s missed layups, and the offense’s stagnation/willingness to take jumpers are the bigger problems. Otto gets his 30+ minutes and ends the game on the floor. that’s all that matters on that.
thejerseytornado - January 31, 2012
Nate Lubick
Lubick merely appeals to the white middle class demographics at our college and on this site… if Nate wasn’t a white, “blue collar” big guy then we wouldn’t be having this debate. We all like him, and we really want him to succeed… but come on, Porter is just way, way better.
If I played for the Hoyas tomorrow night vs. UCONN I certainly wouldn’t be looking to shoot the ball. Give me 20 minutes of playing time where I’m not even considering shooting, and I can probably net 2 assists. Honestly that isn’t that ridiculous a thought. It would be 5 on 4 with me in there which is the same as Georgetown’s current situation. Nate has 1 highlight assist every 5 games. That isn’t enough to hold a spot.
I guess he’s a good passer for a big man… but he basically plays point guard running the offense at the top of the key and still averages just 2.1 assists. No one on this board would even stress Lubick’s passing ability as much as we do if we didn’t have the idea jammed down our throats… every game… by every naive big east network commentator (hey did you guys know jonathon wallace got into georgetown law and georgetown loves the backdoor cut!). These guys learn one fact and throw it up every game. Sure, Nate Lubick is the son of a coach and has a high basketball IQ, but he’s still not better than porter.
I’m not even calling Lubick not good – I think he’s very good, but he’s still just a sophmore… but that’s the point. He’s a sophomore. He isn’t owed anything to start on the #14 team in the country. If the argument is for size and rebounding, Porter is our best rebounder by far.
PaulTagliawho - January 31, 2012
Otto being better doesn’t mean it’s better for the "Team"
Hollis is Better than Nate but it was better for the team to start Lubick last year..
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
Just make a highlight video of lubicks 3's and brink free throws
He has been reduced to Nikita status in my book
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
That's too harsh
Give credit where it’s due – he actually has pretty good defensive numbers.
And you probably won’t be saying the same thing next year.
WarmupEwing - January 31, 2012
Apples to oranges
We don’t advertise Nate as a 3-point sniper. He’s SUPPOSED to miss those threes. Not that he should be taking them in the first place, but as he does, I don’t expect them to fall. Also, has he hit the side of the backboard yet?
J-Wall's Mom's Broom - January 31, 2012
Nice.. you took time out of your busy schedule to highlight a teenagers mistakes..
Wow just wow..
yaboynyp - January 31, 2012
That is what we do here. Cynical meets delusion.
The 3’s are inexcusable. And I’ve never seen a “coaches son” with such horrible free throw shooting.
RileysDressLikeAHoyaJersey - January 31, 2012 via mobile
He has missed 6 three-pointers this season
Are those 6 inexcusable plays? Probably. While it may be one of the more memorable things about him, it really should not be a major factor in how you grade him. His FT % does suck, but he’s also only attempted 6 FT’s in Big East play. If anything, my criticism of him would that he’s not getting to the line ENOUGH.
WarmupEwing - January 31, 2012
on the bet with suxa and the WWSDT t-shirt
Nice idea, except that it presupposes employment for a Cuse fan.
SirHoya - January 31, 2012
good point
CasualHoya - January 31, 2012
What bet is this?
J-Wall's Mom's Broom - January 31, 2012
nothing official just yet
CasualHoya - January 31, 2012
Wouldn't mind seeing
Jason/Jabril/Hollis/Otto/Henry
at least with the way Nate and Markel have been going.
alleninxis - January 31, 2012
Ooh, I don't know about that
Particulary when it comes to subbing Clark in for Starks. He’s shown a much better handle this senior year, but if you added the consistent pressure of running the offense to his regular responsibilities…I feel like he wouldn’t be able to create his own shot or make the occasional drive to the basket that we’ve seen this year. Forcing him to play PG might cause regression.
As for the Nate/Otto swap at the starting spot, I’m not that concerned with Lubick’s play and Porter is playing 20+ minutes each game anyway. That switch would seem to have more psychological implications than anything else, and trying to read players’ minds in JTIII’s job…
Hoya Saxual - January 31, 2012
I agree with that lineup
JGD - January 31, 2012
hollis on the team:
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/rapid-reports/post/17066823
Hire Esherick - January 31, 2012
So, um, can we start doing that please?
Preferably on each of the next two Wednesdays?
DHB Enterprises - January 31, 2012
Can they really win a Big East game though
just by tweeting?
HoyaSmacksYa - January 31, 2012
ummmmm Otto!!!
fiverings37 - January 31, 2012
I'd have to start Otto as well
Especially in games we should win, we want to come out firing. It’s hard to do when they can guard four of our starters and not worry about Nate. When Henry is out beyond the arc, that’s five guarding three. I don’t think we necessarily put Otto out there because he’ll score, I think it’ll draw someone to him, so we can get easier looks.
shwonkBC - January 31, 2012
Otto > Nate
everywhere on the court. I don’t buy the argument that Nate is a better “banger.” That’s just a term for unathletic (white), relatively undersized bigs who rebound better than they do anything else. Otto is decidedly a better rebounder and shooter than Nate. I’d also take him on D over Nate. He can guard anyone on the court.
My Otto PortErection grows with each game.
timmadrid - January 31, 2012
The Hoyas
need Nate for his size on the blocks, Otto would get exposed if he plays the 4 or HT. Those players would get worn down during the final stretch of the season.
Big Spoon - February 1, 2012
Prediction time!
If we make it to 8-3, we’ll make it to 11-3, and finish 14-4. I think this team can ride that kind of high.
If we end up 6-5 or even 7-4, it’s gonna be a long ride to the end of the season, and a Wednesday (or…gulp…Tuesday?) game in New York.
Vee Sanford's Next-door Neighbor - February 1, 2012
when will the students get a Scalia cutout
Nino is by far the most intimidating Hoya
HoyaParanoia85 - February 1, 2012 via Android app
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