Neal Quinn committed to U of R

[SpiderTrap]

I don't see Grace and Quinn starting together on Day 1 - but I can see that happening down the road. I think you can play Burton at the 4 to start, especially with our expected weak OOC schedule. But to the point - we will need backups - because I don't see Grace or Quinn playing over 30 minutes a night.

But I could see as time goes on, when we get into A10 play - maybe we see Grace and Quinn start together.

BUT - I could also see a scenario as well where Grace starts over Quinn, simply because Mooney always tends to favor upperclassmen, and I could see him giving the start to Grace if both him and Quinn are close in competition or Quinn needs more time picking up our offense and defensive systems.

 

[spiderman]

Good point, we definitely have the bodies to break it up that way and just go a little smaller when Quinn or Grace is out of the game. I don't know how much that changes what the offense looks like or how comfortable Mooney is with it, but if Crabtree is ready to be the shooter we need, you can go Quinn/Grace at the 5, Burton at the 4, Crabtree at the 3, Goose at the 2 and Nelson/Dji at the 1 for 20 minutes a game if you want.

I like that lineup a lot.

I think we don't know everything about who we're talking to. we heard about a bunch of shooters. and the two big men. we haven't heard about big forwards, and I think we have to be after one to replace Sal even if Matt comes back.

 

[VT4700]

No reason they can't start together and/or play a lot of minutes together. Both are big men who can handle the ball well, and Grace obviously doesn't need to play in the post all or even most of the time on offense. From what limited highlights I've seen, Quinn mostly shoots from the post, so I think they'd complement each other well. And on defense, they give us the kind of height combo we've possibly never had.

I don't think we were counting on 35 mpg from Grace anyway, but if he and Quinn combine for 60 good minutes a game, that's a good start. And as noted above, it leaves a good chunk of time for someone else, and hopefully that's another forthcoming addition.

Agree with this, and my guess is Grace is starting if he comes back. My hope now is for a shooter. I think that is more important than another big. Sure, it would be nice to get both, but I am going all in on a shooter now. When Grace or Quinn need a break, there will be plenty of match ups where we will be fine with Burton and either Grace or Quinn our there with 3 guards. If we had to have a couple extra minutes from a big due to foul trouble or something, hopefully Walz can get ready to fill in. We also have Noyes as a forward type. The college game is more guard oriented now where you need shooters out there, so go get a shooter and we will be in solid shape.

 

[plydogg]

I appreciate Matt and he made some big plays, but Quinn's a 7 footer who averaged 15, 7 and 4. those are Grant Golden-like numbers.

Matt's got a better chance starting with Quinn than over him.

Just want to remind you guys that even TJ Cline didn’t start when he got here. His first 7 games were off the bench before he seized a spot in the starting lineup, and he had a whole year of learning the system while redshirting.

I wouldn’t be so quick to anoint Quinn the surefire starter over Matt Grace

 

[LongTimeSpiderFan]

I don't see Grace and Quinn starting together on Day 1 - but I can see that happening down the road. I think you can play Burton at the 4 to start, especially with our expected weak OOC schedule. But to the point - we will need backups - because I don't see Grace or Quinn playing over 30 minutes a night.

But I could see as time goes on, when we get into A10 play - maybe we see Grace and Quinn start together.

BUT - I could also see a scenario as well where Grace starts over Quinn, simply because Mooney always tends to favor upperclassmen, and I could see him giving the start to Grace if both him and Quinn are close in competition or Quinn needs more time picking up our offense and defensive systems.

Grace will not start over Quinn.

 

[SpiderTrap]

Grace will not start over Quinn.

Maybe. But I could see Mooney rewarding Grace, especially early in the season for last season heroics. Then maybe as year moves on, a change is made. And since Quinn has 2 years left, we still have him for 1 year after Grace graduates. This is not based on basketball, but just purely on fact I think Mooney always gives preference to upperclassmen and transfers will be a new dynamic for him and every coach, how do you juggle current players who have been with you 3-4 years, and integrate new players from portal you only get for 1-2 years?

 

[bullfrog91]

Maybe. But I could see Mooney rewarding Grace, especially early in the season for last season heroics. Then maybe as year moves on, a change is made. And since Quinn has 2 years left, we still have him for 1 year after Grace graduates. This is not based on basketball, but just purely on fact I think Mooney always gives preference to upperclassmen and transfers will be a new dynamic for him and every coach, how do you juggle current players who have been with you 3-4 years, and integrate new players from portal you only get for 1-2 years?

Mooney better figure it out quickly...

 

[fan2011]

Maybe. But I could see Mooney rewarding Grace, especially early in the season for last season heroics. Then maybe as year moves on, a change is made. And since Quinn has 2 years left, we still have him for 1 year after Grace graduates. This is not based on basketball, but just purely on fact I think Mooney always gives preference to upperclassmen and transfers will be a new dynamic for him and every coach, how do you juggle current players who have been with you 3-4 years, and integrate new players from portal you only get for 1-2 years?

If Grace starts next year it will be at the 4.

 

[Eight Legger]

Just want to remind you guys that even TJ Cline didn’t start when he got here. His first 7 games were off the bench before he seized a spot in the starting lineup, and he had a whole year of learning the system while redshirting.

I wouldn’t be so quick to anoint Quinn the surefire starter over Matt Grace

Difference is that TJ had played only one year, whereas Quinn has played three and was a pretty desired transfer. It would be shocking if he isn't starting and playing big minutes from day one.

 

[fan2011]

Difference is that TJ had played only one year, whereas Quinn has played three and was a pretty desired transfer. It would be shocking if he isn't starting and playing big minutes from day one.

We also had Terry Allen and ANO returning, 2 front court starters. We don’t have any front court starters returning this year.

 

[SpiderK]

Just want to remind you guys that even TJ Cline didn’t start when he got here. His first 7 games were off the bench before he seized a spot in the starting lineup, and he had a whole year of learning the system while redshirting.

I wouldn’t be so quick to anoint Quinn the surefire starter over Matt Grace

I shiver at that thought.

 

[SpiderTrap]

How we handle Quinn and assuming we get 1 more transfer - will also be significant in future transfers. With the portal becoming the place everyone goes now, I think it is safe to assume players will be looking for programs that have experience with transfers and where transfers get a good opportunity to play and start right away. I doubt kids are hitting the portal and thinking - sure, I will play off the bench for a year or two and wait my turn. That is likely the reason they are leaving their current situation.

So your history with transfers will likely play a role in future transfers.

 

[97spiderfan]

Maybe. But I could see Mooney rewarding Grace, especially early in the season for last season heroics. Then maybe as year moves on, a change is made. And since Quinn has 2 years left, we still have him for 1 year after Grace graduates. This is not based on basketball, but just purely on fact I think Mooney always gives preference to upperclassmen and transfers will be a new dynamic for him and every coach, how do you juggle current players who have been with you 3-4 years, and integrate new players from portal you only get for 1-2 years?

Yes, Mooney does have a preference for existing players, but I think the fact that Quinn is a high level transfer with loads of highly productive D-1 experience under his belt, should make a difference. Quinn has played more college basketball than Grace, he is the more experienced player in this situation.

 

[CarolinaSpider]

I see Grace going back forth between 4& 5 until Waltz matures in system
Tyler will go back and forth between 3 & 4
Noyes, Dji, Randolph and Crabtree will be in mix for 2 & 3
Dji, Goose, Nelson, Randolph and the other redshirt will supply 1 & 2

We have two slots to fill so combo 3/4 or 4/5 would be ideal and a 2/3 combo who can shoot.

 

[KE Spider]

Do you guys know something I don't. Are we certain Grace is coming back? If not, this is fool gold talk.

 

[SFspidur]

Not confirmed yet, but JOC said he’s expected back.

 

[Long Island Spiders]

I appreciate Matt and he made some big plays, but Quinn's a 7 footer who averaged 15, 7 and 4. those are Grant Golden-like numbers.

Matt's got a better chance starting with Quinn than over him.

Spending four years working hard and learning a system should give him the advantage. Grace will be started day one. Or he will not be coming back. That’s my prediction.

 

[KE Spider]

Not confirmed yet, but JOC said he’s expected back.

Saw that. Have a higher opinion of JOC's work than some here. Nevertheless, if it were a done deal would have expected an announcement by now. The silence concerns me.

 

[SpiderGuy]

I don't see Grace and Quinn starting together on Day 1 - but I can see that happening down the road. I think you can play Burton at the 4 to start, especially with our expected weak OOC schedule. But to the point - we will need backups - because I don't see Grace or Quinn playing over 30 minutes a night.

But I could see as time goes on, when we get into A10 play - maybe we see Grace and Quinn start together.

BUT - I could also see a scenario as well where Grace starts over Quinn, simply because Mooney always tends to favor upperclassmen, and I could see him giving the start to Grace if both him and Quinn are close in competition or Quinn needs more time picking up our offense and defensive systems.

I’ve harped on the Mooney loyalty factor, but I just can’t see a 7 footer at 260 pounds with talent coming off the bench. I think he starts day 1 with or without Grace.

 

[LongTimeSpiderFan]

I’ve harped on the Mooney loyalty factor, but I just can’t see a 7 footer at 260 pounds with talent coming off the bench. I think he starts day 1 with or without Grace.

Agree, but maybe it's also dependent if we get another 4...which we should

 

[PalmTreeSpidUR]

Saw that. Have a higher opinion of JOC's work than some here. Nevertheless, if it were a done deal would have expected an announcement by now. The silence concerns me.

Agree with your point about the silence. I feel he is waiting for something, and if that doesn't pan out, then he will return.

It will be interesting to see if he is in attendance at the event tomorrow night.

 

[SpiderGuy]

Maybe. But I could see Mooney rewarding Grace, especially early in the season for last season heroics. Then maybe as year moves on, a change is made. And since Quinn has 2 years left, we still have him for 1 year after Grace graduates. This is not based on basketball, but just purely on fact I think Mooney always gives preference to upperclassmen and transfers will be a new dynamic for him and every coach, how do you juggle current players who have been with you 3-4 years, and integrate new players from portal you only get for 1-2 years?

I get everything you say and can’t argue the points. Only thing in mind is how much do we value winning, and what are the best options to get there. Hopefully Mooney factors winning over some loyalty or formula based upon years played here. We’ve lost a lot of productivity with our starters and NS. Put the very best players on the court as starters with the best chances to win.

 

[fan2011]

I don't see Grace and Quinn starting together on Day 1 - but I can see that happening down the road. I think you can play Burton at the 4 to start, especially with our expected weak OOC schedule. But to the point - we will need backups - because I don't see Grace or Quinn playing over 30 minutes a night.

But I could see as time goes on, when we get into A10 play - maybe we see Grace and Quinn start together.

BUT - I could also see a scenario as well where Grace starts over Quinn, simply because Mooney always tends to favor upperclassmen, and I could see him giving the start to Grace if both him and Quinn are close in competition or Quinn needs more time picking up our offense and defensive systems.

As the roster stands now I am very confident Quinn will start at the 5 and Burton will start at the 3 or 4. If Burton starts at the 3, Grace starts at the 4. Whether or not Grace starts will depend on how much competition there is between the guards for playing time. If there is a lot of talent there that Mooney can't keep off the court then Burton slides over to the 4 in the starting lineup.

 

[KE Spider]

Under this scenario if I were Grace, I would not return which would significantly weaken the team.

Grace has patiently paid his dues. If he is not a starter, he should move on. He knows the system. Critical he comes back given the roster known to date. Weak, vulnerable depth wise without him in front court.

Hope he returns, but don't take it as a given as some posters do.

 

[spider23]

2011, with lack of mention of a big forward in our portaling, thinking that scenario is very possible. More three guards and Burton and one pivot. Grace playing some 4 with Quinn, and sliding over to 5 with Quinn out.

 

[spider23]

KE, I tend to agree about Grace, I think every day we don't hear something it likely means he is exploring other options. He is not in the portal but that would not stop other coaches people reaching out to Grace's people. You better believe MFG has people.

 

[SpiderTrap]

If we lose Grace, we are back where we started really. While Quinn might be better overall - not knowing the system and his lack of shooting 3's, probably brings us back to where we are if we just had Grace to start.

Based on what we have seen of Grace at the end of the past 2 seasons - I really think he could play a major role on a team if he moved down a level. I could see him being a very good player on a top level CAA team.

 

[fan2011]

Under this scenario if I were Grace, I would not return which would significantly weaken the team.

Grace has patiently paid his dues. If he is not a starter, he should move on. He knows the system. Critical he comes back given the roster known to date. Weak, vulnerable depth wise without him in front court.

Hope he returns, but don't take it as a given as some posters do.

You wouldn't return unless you were promised the starting 5 position? In my estimation, as the roster currently stands, Grace is playing starter minutes next season if he returns whether or not he in the starting lineup. How good the guards are will determine how much of the time is at the 4 and how much is at the 5, and if it closer to 20 minutes or 30 minutes.

 

[KE Spider]

You wouldn't return unless you were promised the starting 5 position?

Did I say that? No.

 

[fan2011]

Did I say that? No.

What scenario are you talking about?

 

[urfan1]

I don't think Matt is MVP, but I think he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He can play a stretch 4, power 4 or some 5. I look at Quinn as our point center or a power 4. Not sure where Walz is best yet, but I am excited to see what he brings I don't think we can go power very long stretches but I think we may have that option for the first time in a while.

If we go small we can even get some minutes out of Burton, Crabtree and even Noyes,

 

[Eight Legger]

I'm not concerned about him not coming back. He'll be back and he'll play a lot.

 

[spiderman]

If we lose Grace, we are back where we started really. While Quinn might be better overall - not knowing the system and his lack of shooting 3's, probably brings us back to where we are if we just had Grace to start.

Based on what we have seen of Grace at the end of the past 2 seasons - I really think he could play a major role on a team if he moved down a level. I could see him being a very good player on a top level CAA team.

this board dramatically under-valued Matt's skill set early on, and now seems to have swung wildly in the other direction. I hope he's a late-blooming star only held back by Mooney and buried by Golden. I hope he comes back. but I believe Quinn's on another level. Matt would be great for depth upfront, but Quinn's our starting 5.
as for Quinn learning our "system", he ran a similar offense at Lafayette and we now play man defense. plus it's basketball. this isn't rocket surgery.

 

[Eight Legger]

Now I'm intrigued as to what rocket surgery looks like...

 

[SFspidur]

I really have no idea what to expect from Quinn. Lafayette was a bad team in a terrible conference with a weak schedule. They only played three top 100 teams all year...he was scoreless against Syracuse in the first game of the season, had four points against Duke, and managed 12 against Rutgers (though he had 7 turnovers in an ugly game they somehow won).

 

[97spiderfan]

this board dramatically under-valued Matt's skill set early on, and now seems to have swung wildly in the other direction. I hope he's a late-blooming star only held back by Mooney and buried by Golden. I hope he comes back. but I believe Quinn's on another level. Matt would be great for depth upfront, but Quinn's our starting 5.
as for Quinn learning our "system", he ran a similar offense at Lafayette and we now play man defense. plus it's basketball. this isn't rocket surgery.

Agreed. A Big 10 school (Rutgers) and an ACC school (Pitt) both heavily went after Quinn. If Grace goes in the portal, highly doubt any Big 5 schools are going to be in on him. He will probably be looking to transfer down.

Quinn is a much much more accomplished D-1 player. Quinn is going to start but with our lack of front court depth, Grace is still going to get major minutes. Heck, Mooney can (and should) go out and get another front line starter type player for our front court and Grace still could set quality minutes, that is how short on depth we are right now in the front court.

 

[spiderman]

Grace is still going to get major minutes. Heck, Mooney can (and should) go out and get another front line starter type player for our front court and Grace still could set quality minutes, that is how short on depth we are right now in the front court.

agreed. as it stands now, even if we play Burton primarily at the 4 Grace would still see 20 mpg. more if we play Burton primarily at the 3.
and we haven't been linked to many forwards in the portal.

 

[97spiderfan]

agreed. as it stands now, even if we play Burton primarily at the 4 Grace would still see 20 mpg. more if we play Burton primarily at the 3.
and we haven't been linked to many forwards in the portal.

Burton could certainly play the 4. I'm a bit torn if he is best suited there or the 3. Defensively, I think he might be a bit better at the 4, guarding players a bit bigger and a bit slower, which might suit him.

However, I hate to have our best player switch positions because of a depth issue. I think it would be best if Mooney addressed this need via the transfer portal.

 

[SpiderTrap]

Count me as 1 who undervalued Grace. But I liked what I saw at the end of last season in the NIT, but was hesitant since it was such a small sample size. Then this past season - he didn't show much early on but towards the end of the season - he was the spark this team needed off the bench and he plays with confidence.

I don't think he becomes an all A10 player next season, but that would be an awesome end to his career. But I see no reason why he couldn't average 10 points a night. With all that we lost - the only scorer we have right now is Burton. Someone else has to shoot and score. And I think just by default, and given Grace will likely benefit from teams focusing on Burton - he can get 10 points a night on 7-8 shots a night.

My issue with Quinn is he can't shoot the 3. I worry we take a step back because the reason Golden, Geriot, Harper, Grace, and Cline could make good passes is because teams had to at least respect them on the high elbow or top of the key. But now if make Quinn that position - teams will just lay off in the lane, dare him to shoot, and this clogs up all our cutters. Yes - he will get opportunity to score in the post, but remember - a huge chunk of our offense relies on the big man catching and making decisions on the high elbow and top of the key.

Golden shot about 80 threes a year when he played, and only made about 30% - which is right on the threshold of respecting the shooter. But if we put a guy out there who has only attempted 5 in his career - teams will game plan for that and we will need to adjust.

 

[spider23]

Now I'm intrigued as to what rocket surgery looks like...

From floating guts to ‘sticky’ blood – here’s how to do surgery in space

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