Francis

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

I was a believer before the season began, but he's exceeded expectations.

PPG 18.2 First
FT % 87 2nd (behind Cayo)

He has taken 50--yes 50 more shots than anyone else on team, yet still averages 3 APG.

Shows you how weird recruting is--he didn't get 1 offers on a HS State Championship team until August.

 

[spiderjpo]

He is a special player that has no fear. Those long scoring droughts we have seen the last few years will be minimized due to his presence on the floor. I think his demeanor is also key for this team in so many ways. He has far exceeded my expectations.

 

[spider23]

I will give Mooney credit here. He is now using the transfer market to fill in the needs he didn't get via traditional recruits. TJ and now Francis. Hoping his next big hit is a big man transfer with Tomas opening. Per his quote, it sounds like that is his plan.

Agree that Francis is living up to all the hype, back court shaping up like classic KA/Gonzo edition. I can recall Gonzo with some huge games against the master Mack and Xavier. Looking for Francis to do the same vs Dayton, VCU and Rhody.

 

[spider fan]

It is a joy to watch Francis play since he is now a Spider!

 

[Spider2020]

I will give Mooney credit here. He is now using the transfer market to fill in the needs he didn't get via traditional recruits. TJ and now Francis. Hoping his next big hit is a big man transfer with Tomas opening. Per his quote, it sounds like that is his plan.

Agree that Francis is living up to all the hype, back court shaping up like classic KA/Gonzo edition. I can recall Gonzo with some huge games against the master Mack and Xavier. Looking for Francis to do the same vs Dayton, VCU and Rhody.

Crabtree coming in next year is a solid transfer as well

 

[SouthJerseySpiderFan]

Yes Blake has been better than advertised and expect/hope Crabtree to be the same. Mooney has uped his transfer game along with coaching game. Kudos to him.

 

[gospidersgo]

I thought Blake would start and be a good contributor for us, but he has wildly exceeded my expectations. My thinking was that with all our offensive firepower there would be a little more of a split in the scoring.

But he has carried the scoring load many times this year already and provided some much needed swagger. And I think Jacob's willingness to distribute and let other guys shine has played a big role in Blake's success as well. Overall very glad to have Blake as a Spider!

 

[fan2011]

Stats don't lie. When a player is coming in after putting up the numbers that Francis had at the D1 level there is a very good chance they continue to do so here. TJ was the same way. We haven't had a transfer come in and perform worse than their previous D1 play yet under Mooney.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

The transfer has worked out pretty well for him, too. Take a look at Wagner this season. Woof.

Every time he drills a 3, I smile and think "Light 'em up, Francis."

 

[GKiller]

This a much better thread name for Francis than the prior one

 

[spider23]

Yes, I am expecting good things from Crabtree also. I did expect big things from Francis, of course I admit to being a sucker for some good highlights - and he had them. As noted, the fact that he did it vs D1 competition also backed up this expectation. The only hesitation I had was a) move up in competition/conference, b) fit with team/Gilly and C) rust from layoff.
Crabtree looks really good on the highlights too, and also had a good freshman year, so very hopeful on him. One detriment is backcourt and wing (Sherod) will be very established next year - so may be less opportunity. But let them fight it out in practice. I have felt like in past years there was no/little competition for PT, but barring transfers, next year looks like some potential battles with Gus, Crabtree, Burton, and even Sal wanting increased roles. Good stuff, I like it.

 

[spiderman]

Blake's not doing any more than I expected. he was a 40% 3 point shooter on heavy volume. an open 3 is an open 3 no matter the league.
his passing and defense were unknowns though. he's doing everything well.

 

[LongTimeLurkerFirstTimePoster]

This a much better thread name for Francis than the prior one

thank you GK. 3 APG is pretty solid for a game take a high volume of shots.

 

[97spiderfan]

Blake's not doing any more than I expected. he was a 40% 3 point shooter on heavy volume. an open 3 is an open 3 no matter the league.
his passing and defense were unknowns though. he's doing everything well.

Also unknown was his mental approach to the game. That is his biggest attribute. We lost the attack dog personality when Buck left, 2 years ago, but now we have Francis filling that void on a team that really needed someone with that approach.

Entire team is playing better than last year but the to me the biggest difference in the turnaround from this year to last year is Francis.

 

[spider23]

Good point. Again looking at the KA/Gonzo comparison - Gonzo had the alpha dog mentality - aggressive and confident on both offense and defense.

Another comp that I think can be made: Is Burton our Kevin Smith? Great athlete and not afraid to impose his will. K Smith never developed into a big scorer for us, BUT he could when needed and did all the little things to help win. He has shown some flashes on offense and if he can develop his outside shot he can be a really special player. He looks to have the ability to do so.