Game 25: George Washington University, Saturday, February 10th, 4 PM (Homecoming), Stadium

[Cedric Dempsey]

Otis and Javon appear to share great chemistry. Otis knows what he can do from facing him day in and day out in practice. He moves well and can slash or spot up and Otis feels it. Long reach on defense and constant practice defending Otis makes him a huge value added. Rebounding focus too. This guy is a keeper and growing real-time with playing time.

 

[patriot2000]

Agree with everything above. Please don't take my honestly about AJ as complete negativity. I think he'll get there. DP knows how to teach and everyone close to the program says AJ knows how to learn. But to say "Let freshmen develop" does not apply to a redshirt in my mind.

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[Jack Strop]

Give Paulsen credit, he made some adjustments having a big come and screen Yuta at the beginning...

I want what he's having!

 

[Jack Strop]

I made it. Son's team won in a blowout and I only missed up to the first timeout. Probably getting a ticket for parking in lot L tho

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Hey, don't leave us hanging... did you get a ticket or what?

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Hey, don't leave us hanging... did you get a ticket or what?

If you get there a little late you won't I have done it three times without getting caught or a ticket.

 

[patriot2000]

Haha, no ticket!

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[Jack Strop]

Well I certainly will look forward to coming back on here and saying I was wrong. So far what I see is missed bunnies, dunk attempts that turn into blocked shots because he goes up weak and doesn't have a pump fake, blown assignments on defense, frequently getting beat by his man rolling toward the basket, and until yesterday not being in the right spots on offense. I've heard coach yelling stuff at him I've not heard him have to yell at anyone else. And I believe his minutes are increasing because Calixte has stepped up his defense but doesn't yet know how to not foul, so they are forced to play AJ more.

I hope you're eventually wrong as well. Have you seen AJ lately? Or, should I phrase it as, "Have you NOT seen AJ lately?" He's wafer-thin. Maybe AJ can put on 10 pounds this off-season then hopefully 10 more the next. Right now AJ is playing the role of pinball in the paint!

To your point about Coach Dave giving him "extra encouragement," you have something there, I'll admit. I too have heard Coach blast him from the sidelines—"You haven't learned that play yet, AJ!!"

Go Coach! Go AJ!!

 

[GMUgemini]

Agree with everything above. Please don't take my honestly about AJ as complete negativity. I think he'll get there. DP knows how to teach and everyone close to the program says AJ knows how to learn. But to say "Let freshmen develop" does not apply to a redshirt in my mind.

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Sure, it does -- redshirt freshman, 20-year-old freshmen, JUCO transfers all still have to adjust to the level and speed of the game at the division 1 level. Just practicing with the team isn't enough.

And let's also not forget, bigs take longer to develop than guards, especially bigs who are 6'6 and 200 pounds. He needs to come in somewhere between 210-215 next season.

 

[gmujim92]

AJ had 11 points on 4 of 8 FGs, 3 of 6 FTs, 5 rebounds and 1 steal in 20 minutes.

Why anybody would choose to post something negative about him — especially on our board — after that performance is beyond me.

Truth be told, we probably don’t win without him yesterday.

 

[MasonCrew]

I've been in the mountains so I had to miss this game and all the updates. So happy we won. Can someone link the post game? I'm driving but want to watch when I get back.

Also re the lack of comments. That's kind of normal for home games. Most of the posters are at the game.

 

[Jack Strop]

Any reports on the bball alumni they recognized?

Did my eyes and ears deceive me during the attending alumni roll-call?

Riley Trone.

Riley Trone?!?!? Are you kidding me?!?!?!? We Mason fans and fellow alumni spell Trone with a capital Traitor!

Good gravy... Riley Trone.

 

[masonjoe]

At times AJ looks like a lost puppy chasing cars in the street

 

[Mason2005]

AJ may look lost at times, probably because he's playing out of his natural position, but to say he's not A10 caliber is crazy.

1) He can dunk while jumping over someone's head
2) He has range out to the 3 line
3) His head is at the rim with block attempts
4) Supportive while on the bench
5) High character and great work ethic

I could go on but I assume you get my point. He's a freshman, he still has 3.5 seasons left.

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[patriot2000]

I agree but apparently we're not allowed to notice that right after he had a good game. So many rules on this board!

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[patriot2000]

At times AJ looks like a lost puppy chasing cars in the street

I agree but apparently we're not allowed to notice that after he has a great gane. So many rules on this board!

Edit - this is not directed at those who have opinions that respectfully disagree with ny opinion. Just the typical "How could you post that?" And "to disagree with me is CRAZY" internet BS.

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[Washingtonian]

Yesterday's post game extra: http://www.atlantic10.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?mid=80313&db_oem_id=31600

 

[patriot2000]

Sure, it does -- redshirt freshman, 20-year-old freshmen, JUCO transfers all still have to adjust to the level and speed of the game at the division 1 level. Just practicing with the team isn't enough.

And let's also not forget, bigs take longer to develop than guards, especially bigs who are 6'6 and 200 pounds. He needs to come in somewhere between 210-215 next season.

I'm sure you're right. I didn't mean to set off a whole big thing. In the middle of a positive post, I mentioned that I'm not sold on him yet. And I'm not. I am fully open to being sold on him.

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[gmujim92]

I agree but apparently we're not allowed to notice that right after he had a good game. So many rules on this board!

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There’s a SLIGHT difference between saying someone has room for improvement and saying that same person “sucks,” wouldn’t you agree?

 

[masonjoe]

I agree but apparently we're not allowed to notice that after he has a great gane. So many rules on this board!

Edit - this is not directed at those who have opinions that respectfully disagree with ny opinion. Just the typical "How could you post that?" And "to disagree with me is CRAZY" internet BS.

Those are probably the same idiots who think Mason should be playing a full court press for 40 minutes with 8 players.

 

[patriot2000]

There’s a SLIGHT difference between saying someone has room for improvement and saying that same person “sucks,” wouldn’t you agree?

Of course. But I said what I meant! Right now I think he sucks at this level. I don't post much and I keep things peaceful, and I hate attacks on the players' characters, but I don't subscribe to the "watch what you say about players' performance on the court." I don't like his game. I hope it changes, because he seems like a good dude. Plus, we need him!!