Jake Wojcik

[UR80sfan]

We have a lot of Freshman that are playing pretty good and most Freshman improve a lot through their college career. Just look at how much Cayo and Grant (before he got hurt) have improved. A lot of these guys are going to be big contributors to the program.

One guy who has recently received some criticism on this board is Jake Wojick, which is interesting because he seems to be playing with a lot more confidence. In A10 play he ranks 13th in 3 point shooting percentage making 35.9% of his shoots and that includes a terrible 1st game against Dayton where he was 2 for 11. He also has been fairly solid handling the the ball with only 10 turnover in conference play.

As he continues to get more experience and confidence he will develop into a very good player. I think he is capable in future years of make over 40% of his shots from 3 point range, which is close to where he is over the past 10 games. He will also significantly improve his 2 point shooting as he plays more relaxed and with confidence.

 

[MrTbone]

As he continues to get more experience and confidence he will develop into a very good player. I think he is capable in future years of make over 40% of his shots from 3 point range, which is close to where he is over the past 10 games. He will also significantly improve his 2 point shooting as he plays more relaxed and with confidence.

I agree that Jake will improves his 3pt shot, he has a natural stroke.

I think you’re probably papering over the 2pt shooting percentage. 26.7% for the year, 11.1% in A10 play. He’s 1 for 9 in the conference from 2. It’s not really a confidence issue as it is where he takes those shots from. Jake hasn’t shown any comfort or skill getting to the rim. Maybe that’s by design but in order to be an effective 2pt scorer he’ll have to develop some kind of midrange game, otherwise I think he’ll mostly be a three point guy. There’s obviously a need for that in CM’s system though.

 

[I-M-UR]

I agree that Jake will improves his 3pt shot, he has a natural stroke.

I think you’re probably papering over the 2pt shooting percentage. 26.7% for the year, 11.1% in A10 play. He’s 1 for 9 in the conference from 2. It’s not really a confidence issue as it is where he takes those shots from. Jake hasn’t shown any comfort or skill getting to the rim. Maybe that’s by design but in order to be an effective 2pt scorer he’ll have to develop some kind of midrange game, otherwise I think he’ll mostly be a three point guy. There’s obviously a need for that in CM’s system though.

Again, great stroke just needs to learn to release it faster.

 

[PASpider]

I agree that Jake will improves his 3pt shot, he has a natural stroke.

I think you’re probably papering over the 2pt shooting percentage. 26.7% for the year, 11.1% in A10 play. He’s 1 for 9 in the conference from 2. It’s not really a confidence issue as it is where he takes those shots from. Jake hasn’t shown any comfort or skill getting to the rim. Maybe that’s by design but in order to be an effective 2pt scorer he’ll have to develop some kind of midrange game, otherwise I think he’ll mostly be a three point guy. There’s obviously a need for that in CM’s system though.

Agreed. This is also due to his lack of athleticism. He’s a solid bench piece that can help us with our 3 game, but don’t think he would start on a good team.

 

[spiderman]

probably wouldn't start on a really good team day one like he did as a freshman here, but could certainly grow into a starter on a good team. teams need lights out shooters. he's hit 10 of his last 19 3's. I see him as close to a 40% guy at some point. I might be higher on him than some are.

for a freshman handling the ball as much as he does, he has a pretty remarkable turnover rate (just 17 in 737 minutes and a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio). poor guard athletes can't do that.

he won't be in a dunk contest anytime soon, but he's a decent athlete. I think he's solid defensively too.

 

[97spiderfan]

Jake is a one tool player. He can shoot the rock. If he can shoot at a higher percentage than he does right now, he will be a good 6th man for us. His lack of athleticism and any type of interior game on offense though limits his long term potential.

Only A-10 team Jake starts for is us and Fordham. He won't be starting for us next year.

 

[spiderman]

I'm also hoping Francis is so good he moves Jake to 6th man, but we'll see. I disagree with one tool. perimeter shooting is certainly his best tool though, and getting better.

 

[97spiderfan]

I'm also hoping Francis is so good he moves Jake to 6th man, but we'll see. I disagree with one tool. perimeter shooting is certainly his best tool though, and getting better.

If Francis can't beat Jake out, we are screwed next year. Remember best class ever. Jake was not included in that analysis by Mooney.

 

[kneepadmckinney]

If Francis can't beat Jake out, we are screwed next year. Remember best class ever. Jake was not included in that analysis by Mooney.

Disagree. Jake is a really good catch and shoot player, who also handles the ball A TON without making bad decisions or turning it over. That's really underrated. He's also our third leading rebounder, and I think does a really good job of defensive rebounding. Plus, I think he has the ability to become more of a threat going to the basket, but that it needs an off-season of cultivating. I'm bullish on him.

 

[64Spider]

Love this guy. What he lacks in some things he more than makes up for in heart, desire, and smarts. I think he could be one of our best floor leaders by his junior year.

 

[Spider2020]

I think his best skill after his shooting is his hustle. I love how he hustles. But that skill set makes a really good 6th man to me, not a starter on a quality team.

 

[3genspider]

Sure he is somewhat one dimensional offensively, and he isn't flashy, but he handles the ball well. Think he is becoming more confident with his shot, and therefore less hesitant....not thinking about the shot but taking shots in a more instinctive manner. Watch his defense closely, It is pretty solid, in fact, it is sneaky good, not flashy, but very crafty, watch his hands, causing loose balls, coming up wth or causing steals.

 

[fan2011]

Disagree. Jake is a really good catch and shoot player, who also handles the ball A TON without making bad decisions or turning it over. That's really underrated. He's also our third leading rebounder, and I think does a really good job of defensive rebounding. Plus, I think he has the ability to become more of a threat going to the basket, but that it needs an off-season of cultivating. I'm bullish on him.

Based on D1 game performance, Francis is a much better shooter than Jake. Francis is likely the best shooter Mooney has ever had. He is also much better from 2, has a similarly low turnover rate, and generates a decent number of steals. He will be the starting 2 from day 1 next year.

Jake has had a decent freshman year so far, but as has been said before, his game is very one-dimensional and inconsistent. He has a lot of time to improve though.

 

[Eight Legger]

His floor is Adam Mobley, and his ceiling is Jonathan Baker.

 

[urmite]

His floor is Adam Mobley, and his ceiling is Jonathan Baker.

Is Rick Houston in between?

 

[Eight Legger]

I might have to put Houston below Mobley. His best game was his first one. Mobley went off a few times later in his career even though he seemed allergic to setting foot inside three the-point arc.

 

[97spiderfan]

His floor is Adam Mobley, and his ceiling is Jonathan Baker.

I'd go with this assessment. His game does reminds me of Baker's a bit. Baker made some big plays and was the heart and soul of that team, his senior year. Baker also played for us when we were a CAA team, playing against teams with less talent that our current league. I just don't think he has the athleticism to be an A-10 level starting guard. I'm glad other's see him as a good 6th man as well.

 

[MrTbone]

And Jonathan’s wife is super hot. Just sayin’.

 

[spiderman]

watching the highlights again in this interview ... and damn. it will be a ridiculous backcourt next season.

 

[MrTbone]

watching the highlights again in this interview ... and damn. it will be a ridiculous backcourt next season.

View embedded media

Cue the “next season” trolling. Sman, you set yourself up bruv.

 

[spiderman]

Cue the “next year” trolling. Sman, you set yourself up bruv.

lol. I can't help it!

 

[ur2K]

Will also be extremely small if we continue to try to play with Mooney's base defense.

 

[I-M-UR]

Based on D1 game performance, Francis is a much better shooter than Jake. Francis is likely the best shooter Mooney has ever had. He is also much better from 2, has a similarly low turnover rate, and generates a decent number of steals. He will be the starting 2 from day 1 next year.

Jake has had a decent freshman year so far, but as has been said before, his game is very one-dimensional and inconsistent. He has a lot of time to improve though.

I chuckle at these all in endorsements before he's played a game for the spiders. How many times have we been burnt on that? I hope you're right.

 

[gospidersgo]

I chuckle at these all in endorsements before he's played a game for the spiders. How many times have we been burnt on that? I hope you're right.

Difference is Francis has real D1 experience to base this off of, not high school film.

 

[Spider B]

Yea, it is always next season until game one next season against a Delaware or Longwood.

 

[SpiderTrap]

I think Jake is a fine player and on a good team he would serve the perfect role of being a good shooter, coming off the bench and shooting 4-5 three pointers a game in 10-15 minutes and hopefully he makes 1-2 each night. Some nights he will catch fire and play more and others he will sit more because of the game.

Unfortunately - he is being forced to play 31 minutes a night. I am hoping this will pay off next season as he will now understand where he needs to improve in the offseason in order to be a solid 10-12 point scorer next year. He should be a guy who relies on the 3 because he has a good stroke, but he should also be able to get to the rim for a bucket or two or get fouled and get to the free throw line 2-3 times a night. He has only attempted about 1 2 pointer per game and 1 free throw per game. But this is as expected for a frosh. What we really need is him to advance his game for next season.

And of course - knock down 4 threes tonight vs. VCU.

 

[SpiderK]

I hope the minutes pay off for next year too. He just has to learn to play some defense. Every dunk VCU highlight tonight had Jake standing around watching or doing an Olé move.

 

[UR80sfan]

Jake continues to improve in his 3 point shooting. He currently ranks 14th in percentage at 36.8% and 13th for 3 points made in A10 competition. Over his last 7 games he is shooting almost 50% from 3s 15 for 31. He has improved greatly since the beginning of the season and has helped us to a 5 and 2 record over the past 7 games.

 

[VT4700]

Jake is good one. He will win a lot of games for us with his shooting.

 

[Captain Anderson]

You can never have too many good shooters. I’m one of the “negative” posters on here who thinks we should have made a coaching change a few years ago but I think Jake is going to have a really good career as a spider. He’s been thrown to the wolves at times this year because of our depth issues but the kid can shoot and he’s only going to get better.

 

[keefusb]

The problem with Wojick is he lacks the athleticism and foot speed to be an effective defender in the A-10. Hence, he really needs to be focused as a role player (i.e. 6 or 7 who comes in to add some shooting, like when an opponent goes zone on us). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I see us having the pieces to put him in the role that best fits his abilities. Plus, we always have Mooney's dreadful in-game bench coaching. He will be forced to play more minutes than he should, which hurts us defensively.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

 

[97spiderfan]

The problem with Wojick is he lacks the athleticism and foot speed to be an effective defender in the A-10. Hence, he really needs to be focused as a role player (i.e. 6 or 7 who comes in to add some shooting, like when an opponent goes zone on us). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I see us having the pieces to put him in the role that best fits his abilities. Plus, we always have Mooney's dreadful in-game bench coaching. He will be forced to play more minutes than he should, which hurts us defensively.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

Yep. Players need to be able to play defense too.

 

[nathanw19]

The problem with Wojick is he lacks the athleticism and foot speed to be an effective defender in the A-10. Hence, he really needs to be focused as a role player (i.e. 6 or 7 who comes in to add some shooting, like when an opponent goes zone on us). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I see us having the pieces to put him in the role that best fits his abilities. Plus, we always have Mooney's dreadful in-game bench coaching. He will be forced to play more minutes than he should, which hurts us defensively.

#NoMoreMooneyTruthing

I don’t think Jake has elite athleticism, but I also don’t think that he’s a bad defender. Half of defense is effort, and Jake has that in spades.

I do agree with you that I am worried about scheme. Without elite athleticism, putting a player on an island defensively is a bad idea. But if we scheme correctly and the team works (and works hard) together defensively, you don’t need elite athleticism to have a good defense.

 

[97spiderfan]

I don’t think Jake has elite athleticism, but I also don’t think that he’s a bad defender. Half of defense is effort, and Jake has that in spades.

I do agree with you that I am worried about scheme. Without elite athleticism, putting a player on an island defensively is a bad idea. But if we scheme correctly and the team works (and works hard) together defensively, you don’t need elite athleticism to have a good defense.

I agree. Our scheme often allows other teams to put a much more gifted athletic player on Jake. Contrast this to Andre the other night against Fordham. Andre didn't shut down Fordham's best player but he certainly didn't make things easy for him. Andre was able to do this because of his length and athlecism. Wojcik couldn't have played that way against him because he would have been taken off the dribble to easily.

Jake is a better offensive player than Andre is though. If only you could combine the two of their talents together, I think we would have a pretty elite A-10 level guard.

Jake gives great effort and you really like those type of guys on your team. They are usually best suited for a 6th man type role. I suspect that is the role Jake will play next year.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

I don’t think Jake has elite athleticism, but I also don’t think that he’s a bad defender. Half of defense is effort, and Jake has that in spades.

I do agree with you that I am worried about scheme. Without elite athleticism, putting a player on an island defensively is a bad idea. But if we scheme correctly and the team works (and works hard) together defensively, you don’t need elite athleticism to have a good defense.

Jake does have very good timing on defense with judging when to go into passing lanes and does have quick hands. He is just
lacking in foot speed. You know Larry Bird was not the fastest by any means on the court but he was a better than average defender due to his court awareness and hand eye coordination.

 

[Eight Legger]

Regardless of what kind of player he is or could become, we should spell his name right on this thread. I mean this isn't Schaeffere we're talking about.

 

[Spiders05]

ence, he really needs to be focused as a role player (i.e. 6 or 7 who comes in to add some shooting, like when an opponent goes zone on us). Unfortunately, I'm not sure I see us having the pieces to put him in the role that best fits his abilities.

Blake Francis

 

[UR80sfan]

We are going to have a very good 3 point shooting team the next 2 years. Gilyard, Wojcik, Sherod, Frances can all potentially shoot over 40%. That should really open up the paint for Cayo, Grant, Sal, Andre and Matt.

 

[97spiderfan]

We are going to have a very good 3 point shooting team the next 2 years. Gilyard, Wojcik, Sherod, Frances can all potentially shoot over 40%. That should really open up the paint for Cayo, Grant, Sal, Andre and Matt.

There are about 60 players in all of D-1 who are shooting over 40% from 3 this year. Next year, we are going to have 4 of them on our team. Wow, that is pretty impressive.

 

[spiderman]

I'd actually include Matt in the shooting group that will be around 40%.
his outside shot and his passing are his best offensive skills.

I saw JJ was asked who the best shooter of the group is and he said Nick. I assume he was including Francis in the comp but not sure.

I do think this will be the best shooting team since 2010-11 when we shot 39% from 3 as a team with 4 guys over 40% (not including DWill's 3-7).