Freshman Focus with Coach Paulsen

[By George.]

GOOD MORNING PATRIOTS! Some of you asked for this so we delivered, we got DP on By George to discuss this incoming freshmen class and where/how they’ll fit in.

DP was quoted in the Washington Post calling George Mason a sleeping giant so we had to get clarification on that and also asked him about our 2020 identity. We’ll leave the rest of the details out for now and sprinkle in some of our takeaways later down this thread. Cock back and enjoy, DP really provides great insight.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...eGuid=https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/?p=1365

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tFW3ihO8ildFUrzhx0BpN?si=okPYja70TSWI2axSBXNCyg

Website (under construction) -
https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/05/09/freshman-focus-with-coach-paulsen/

 

[Patriotsince81]

Thank you for what you do! As a fan I greatly appreciate your efforts. I listened to the entire interview and continue to be struck by the fact that DP cannot get straight to the point when attempting to answer a question. He has his excuses ready at all times. His comment about not wanting to burden the team with expectations in regard to competing for a title leads me to believe we are in for more of the same next year and beyond. Well, hopefully just next year.

 

[FreeGunston12]

GOOD MORNING PATRIOTS! Some of you asked for this so we delivered, we got DP on By George to discuss this incoming freshmen class and where/how they’ll fit in.

DP was quoted in the Washington Post calling George Mason a sleeping giant so we had to get clarification on that and also asked him about our 2020 identity. We’ll leave the rest of the details out for now and sprinkle in some of our takeaways later down this thread. Cock back and enjoy, DP really provides great insight.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/by-george-podcast-by-george/id1088351501#episodeGuid=https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/?p=1365

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tFW3ihO8ildFUrzhx0BpN?si=okPYja70TSWI2axSBXNCyg

Website (under construction) -
https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/05/09/freshman-focus-with-coach-paulsen/

This is gold. You're legends!

I have to cringe a bit when I hear DP talk about position-less basketball. It just is not my basketball philosophy and leads to a lack of specialized skills. To me, it just sounds like he is trying to make up for a lack of roster talent at the 5.

Nevertheless, I'm excited about these freshmen and liked hearing DP's takes on them. The background behind the Malik and Frazier III recruitments was really interesting. Sounds like Pete Hutchins deserves a lot of credit on the recruiting trail for those two.

Great job guys!

 

[GMU_Polevaulter]

Great Job Guys!!! Very much appreciated especially since DP doesn't have a BBall show like coaches at UVA, vcu and UR.

I won't give anything away but I almost fell out of my seat on DP's expected 2019/2020 roster - u guys handled it well
considering all the expectations around a former player.

Excited about the incoming freshman and a full roster......

 

[mkaufman1]

Really good interview. Dave is always well spoken and a good interviewee.

I liked what he said about each freshman and how they landed each kid. I'm hoping that Pete Hutchins recruiting prowless pays off since I think this is a key class for improvement for Dave.

I didn't know about Kolek being an all around player. The fact he can bring rebounding and passing ability is an added plus. I only thought of him as a shooter. Liked hearing about Henry and Polite and their abilities. Polite having the court vision that Dave talked about sounded great.

I thought it was interesting that he didn't want to say "this kid is going to do x" and that was appropriate. Thought it was interesting he said a lot about process as that goes to his ways on player development.

Also I think the question about getting restless was handled well on both sides. I do think the injuries impacted some of the plans for the program to move forward but then there has to be a way to adjust, whether making sure all schollies are filled or adjusting game plans.

I think he expects to have a good season assuming everyone stays healthy, and I would expect them to win a few games (of quality). I’m not sure what that means but I hope to see somethings come together this year.

 

[GSII]

His comment re Willing to play freshman major minutes is laughable. If roster wasn't a shit show you wouldn't have to. I like the new class of kids but DP's time here is limited if he doesn't get his head out of his a**. I'm ready for Simpk to take over. We won't miss a beat and probably elevate the program.

Sounds like he is lobbying to get an extension. Blaming injuries, Reuter not saying he was hurt etc. Injuries happen. What is consistent is poor recruiting last four years. Brad will have a tough decision to make at years end.

 

[By George.]

Thank you for what you do! As a fan I greatly appreciate your efforts. I listened to the entire interview and continue to be struck by the fact that DP cannot get straight to the point when attempting to answer a question. He has his excuses ready at all times. His comment about not wanting to burden the team with expectations in regard to competing for a title leads me to believe we are in for more of the same next year and beyond. Well, hopefully just next year.

I think he learned from his interview with Petey Buckets last time where he preached the 2 year season bit and Reuter being top 5 all conference. He clearly goes out of his way to not label anyone. We didn’t stop trying all interview though haha

 

[GMUgemini]

I think he learned from his interview with Petey Buckets last time where he preached the 2 year season bit and Reuter being top 5 all conference. He clearly goes out of his way to not label anyone. We didn’t stop trying all interview though haha

Smart move on his part.

 

[Pablo]

Great job!

Interesting quote during this pandemic: "We're been somewhat immune from the transfer epidemic."

 

[masonjoe]

So sick of this guys coachspeak , wish there were other insiders that would go on record

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

Cock back and enjoy

A clever subliminal marketing ploy to entice a good 70% of our fans. Well done.

Good interview as always. It will be fascinating to me to see how much he leans on the frosh in 2020-2021 especially considering our lackluster perimeter shooting and how good Polite is right now.

I will point out that Polite and the rest may not be quite as ready as Xavier was as far as speed of the game, etc.

 

[tblack33]

GOOD MORNING PATRIOTS! Some of you asked for this so we delivered, we got DP on By George to discuss this incoming freshmen class and where/how they’ll fit in.

DP was quoted in the Washington Post calling George Mason a sleeping giant so we had to get clarification on that and also asked him about our 2020 identity. We’ll leave the rest of the details out for now and sprinkle in some of our takeaways later down this thread. Cock back and enjoy, DP really provides great insight.

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/by-george-podcast-by-george/id1088351501#episodeGuid=https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/?p=1365

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tFW3ihO8ildFUrzhx0BpN?si=okPYja70TSWI2axSBXNCyg

Website (under construction) -
https://giantkiller.co/ByGeorge/2020/05/09/freshman-focus-with-coach-paulsen/

Perfect timing, looking forward to listening on a long drive today. Thanks for continuing to put out content, the program needs it and needs y’all.

 

[By George.]

A clever subliminal marketing ploy to entice a good 70% of our fans. Well done.

Good interview as always. It will be fascinating to me to see how much he leans on the frosh in 2020-2021 especially considering our lackluster perimeter shooting and how good Polite is right now.

I will point out that Polite and the rest may not be quite as ready as Xavier was as far as speed of the game, etc.

I, Bryan, think Kolek will have the biggest impact next year. He seems like he has a little Luke in him. Surprisingly athletic (haha) and has good vision. Thought the story about Paulsen seeing Kolek play was interesting. It gives some solid insight into how coaches squeeze in high school games and are forced to evaluate even when players are hurt or not playing their best.

 

[Jack Strop]

Most EXCELLENT Brian and Chris! THANKS!!

His comment re Willing to play freshman major minutes is laughable. If roster wasn't a shit show you wouldn't have to. I like the new class of kids but DP's time here is limited if he doesn't get his head out of his a**. I'm ready for Simpk to take over. We won't miss a beat and probably elevate the program.

Sounds like he is lobbying to get an extension. Blaming injuries, Reuter not saying he was hurt etc. Injuries happen. What is consistent is poor recruiting last four years. Brad will have a tough decision to make at years end.

I don't believe DP's intention of being "willing to play freshman major minutes" isn't borne from necessity to play better talent. It means that if a player is good enough to contribute at an early stage then that player won't be held back. Players want to play. It's good for recruitment and a good tactic to attract and snipe high-level recruits who want to play now rather than wait two years on the bench playing for a blue-chip team. It's also a better way to develop players rather than some coaches who rarely play freshmen or allow them to even sniff the court... *a-hem, cough, choke*... Larrañaga.

I agree somewhat regarding the level of recruiting. For years two and three of DPs tenure the talent was not there. DP had some difficulty cutting, clearing, and paving a recruiting path that leads to A10 caliber players. Recruiting has improved, but we'll have to wait and see how it all pans out.

So sick of this guys coachspeak , wish there were other insiders that would go on record

What would you have the coach say?

Thank you for what you do! As a fan I greatly appreciate your efforts. I listened to the entire interview and continue to be struck by the fact that DP cannot get straight to the point when attempting to answer a question. He has his excuses ready at all times. His comment about not wanting to burden the team with expectations in regard to competing for a title leads me to believe we are in for more of the same next year and beyond. Well, hopefully just next year.

Hey, John Thompson Jr. was notorious for not saying anything in interviews that would "put pressure
on his kiiids."

 

[JPgmuswim]

That was a nice surprise to wake up to. Thanks ByGeorge, great content and interview as always. DP as well as everyone here knows our recruiting needs to continue to improve, he mentioned the DMV area specifically in the conversation.

Sounds like Coach Hutchins has had some impact in his first year with us, it takes a while to establish relationships with recruits and hopefully in year 2 we continue to see a rise in talent committing. Fingers crossed.

 

[By George.]

Sounds like Coach Hutchins has had some impact in his first year with us, it takes a while to establish relationships with recruits and hopefully in year 2 we continue to see a rise in talent committing. Fingers crossed.

Definitely sounds like he’s willing to do the dirty work and dive into the analytics. We needed a coach who was going to have an instant impact after losing 2 guys to head coaching gigs.

 

[Herndon]

So sick of this guys coachspeak , wish there were other insiders that would go on record

I think this is a really interesting comment to me.

Like, I hear what you're saying. I understand why you would feel this way.

At the same time, when I listened to this interview, he says EXACTLY what I want to hear. To one man, it's a bunch of empty coach-speak, to another it's being measured and trying to be honest and not overstate things.

I don't think you're WRONG, I just think we have different perspectives, and value different things.

Like, after listening to this interview, I'm super jazzed to watch this coming season.

 

[Herndon]

Yo...what was the story with Hartwell?

Is him being sick for half the season like a known thing? Did I just completely miss that?

 

[Patriotsince81]

Yo...what was the story with Hartwell?

Is him being sick for half the season like a known thing? Did I just completely miss that?

It was pretty well documented he was sick. Might have gotten lost in losing.

 

[By George.]

I think this is a really interesting comment to me.

Like, I hear what you're saying. I understand why you would feel this way.

At the same time, when I listened to this interview, he says EXACTLY what I want to hear. To one man, it's a bunch of empty coach-speak, to another it's being measured and trying to be honest and not overstate things.

I don't think you're WRONG, I just think we have different perspectives, and value different things.

Like, after listening to this interview, I'm super jazzed to watch this coming season.

Yeah, interested to hear if this excited anyone else? Some things got us hyped like loosening AJ’s leash but the position-less basketball stuff we could do without. We aren’t Dayton or the Golden St Warriors.

It sounds like he believes Oduro can play both back to basket and around the arc. What did people think about his answer to my question about the 4/5 being interchangeable in his ideal offense?