Peter Thomas: Player Personnel Decisions

[97spiderfan]

I do credit Peter Thomas for doing one thing. Giving a big middle finger these past few games to Mooney's player personnel decisions and Mooney's inability to build experience with young players to benefit us down the road. .

We saw Noyes last night do what I think we all thought he would be able do, which is meaningful contribute to this team. I would hold back on calling him a star, but certainly this is a kid who should have been getting 10 minutes per game this year, getting meaningful game experiences.

He also got Jaynel back in the fold of things and while Jaynel still is lost out there at times,, it is also pretty clear, he is our starting PG of the future, so back benching him as Mooney did wasn't helping the future.

And lastly Goose. Goose was averaging low to mid 30's in minutes the last few games under Mooney. Under PT, 27 minutes, 24 minutes, and 18 minutes last night. PT realizes what some on here have said all year, Goose is not a great fit for the make-up of this team and playing him major minutes at the end of lost season does the future program no good.

These changes haven't translated into success on the court because everything is so effed up now, we could have Red Aurerbach as our interim and he couldn't unravel the mess, Mooney left Peter Thomas with.

But I do see Peter Thomas building towards next year. This season is lost. Peter Thomas knows it and we see it in his player personnel decisions. I doubt this translates into much because Mooney will be back in full control of these decisions but maybe, just maybe, it will empower Peter and the other assistant coaches to be more forceful with Mooney next year about some of his dubious player personnel decisions.

 

[32counter]

Am concerned that Noyes may transfer out.

 

[8legs1dream]

His first meaningful amount of playing time all season and he's on ESPN. There WILL be people in his ear this offseason that much is assured. Upgrade conference, coach, playing time, and get paid a little something to do it? Might be too much to resist.

 

[MrTbone]

Noyes projects as the replacement for Burton at 3. Not sure who else it would be. I don’t see him transferring if that’s the case.

 

[spiderman]

yeah, assuming he likes the school he's got a golden opportunity here next year. he could have a big role if he wins it. not sure the grass is greener somewhere else.

I think a lot of you overestimate the NIL opportunities out there for non-elite recruits.

 

[Section9.RowD]

Noyes projects as the replacement for Burton at 3. Not sure who else it would be. I don’t see him transferring if that’s the case.

Yeah - last night was a preview of what I think a lot of believed he could do - good 3pt shooter and crazy ups -- the sample size is miniscule of course but I have to think back to the poker thread that he's one of our top cards and I scratch my head if he doesn't start next year assuming he stays and works towards a Richmond degree.

 

[GKiller]

Saturday u could play with mins bc it doesn’t mean much in big picture. Yes Goose mins have declined here last couple games but I think that’s primarily a product of the games being blow outs. Maybe not idk. Also no coincidence we also can’t stop anybody on D these last couple either.

I’ve said this many times b4 & I realize ship has sailed but I would play Goose at PG in A10. Since our Pg play has not been productive enough. Gives us best balance imo. His limitations offensively minimized by moving him over. He’s pass first. And tho his 3 ball shooting has declined last couple weeks he’s still been 1 of our best there. Means less Nelson shots and Dji if healthy is similar to Goose O. They won't do it but it gives guys like randolph Roche & Noyes more time. Nelson/Dji still fill in. Now I’ll duck & run for cover.

 

[SpiderK]

Time to break open that $3.5 billion piggy bank and buy us some 700 SAT players like VCU. Then we can “compete”.

 

[kneepadmckinney]

Saturday u could play with mins bc it doesn’t mean much in big picture. Yes Goose mins have declined here last couple games but I think that’s primarily a product of the games being blow outs. Maybe not idk. Also no coincidence we also can’t stop anybody on D these last couple either.

I’ve said this many times b4 & I realize ship has sailed but I would play Goose at PG in A10. Since our Pg play has not been productive enough. Gives us best balance imo. His limitations offensively minimized by moving him over. He’s pass first. And tho his 3 ball shooting has declined last couple weeks he’s still been 1 of our best there. Means less Nelson shots and Dji if healthy is similar to Goose O. They won't do it but it gives guys like randolph Roche & Noyes more time. Nelson/Dji still fill in. Now I’ll duck & run for cover.

I personally don't think Goose has the handle to play point. I think he is OK in drives to the basket, but against pressure, or a ball screen, or to get into the defense and kick, I don't see it after 5 years of evidence.

 

[MrTbone]

I think our best guard tandem is probably Nelson and Randolph. Nelson has some crap to work out but his ceiling is high. Marcus shoots well and brings energy and his handle is decent.

I like Dji too but he has to figure out where his offense fits.

 

[DTSpider]

Time to break open that $3.5 billion piggy bank and buy us some 700 SAT players like VCU. Then we can “compete”.

They’d probably be stuck on the bench because they couldn’t figure out our defense. Always an ironic statement since it seems our players are the only ones in the A10 that haven’t figured out our defense 🤦‍♂️

 

[GKiller]

I personally don't think Goose has the handle to play point. I think he is OK in drives to the basket, but against pressure, or a ball screen, or to get into the defense and kick, I don't see it after 5 years of evidence.

Handle is not that great & wouldn't work against a VCU type but those r few & far between. The 1 game he ever played point exclusively he had 10 assists fwiw. I think he does kick to waiting 3 shooters reasonably well but granted that's usually coming from baseline as off guard/wing. But I'm trying to get best balance of players O & D on court at same time. All year I've heard on here our biggest weakness has been PG play and this is something different.

 

[spiderman]

Handle is not that great & wouldn't work against a VCU type ...

that's a starting point and a "must" for me.

 

[GKiller]

that's a starting point and a "must" for me.

And how has that worked out this year? I think Nelson has promise too but just looking to change up. His handle is serviceable enough imo he would have some help too. I don't want to give up his D but not sure we can pair him w Nelson. And Dji misses a lot of time. Don't worry I'm not expecting to see it just that best chance to survive as long as possible. Better to be a live dog than a dead lion.

 

[spiderman]

I'm saying if his handle won't work against VCU, then we need a PG(s) who's handle DOES work against VCU. when I'm building a team, being able to beat VCU is on my mind becuase we're going to face them 3 times.

problem with Goose is he's a good defensive basketball player but he's not a PG and he's not a SG. you can pair him with a strong offensive guard like Gilyard though. we just didn't have one this season.

 

[GKiller]

I'm saying if his handle won't work against VCU, then we need a PG(s) who's handle DOES work against VCU. when I'm building a team, being able to beat VCU is on my mind becuase we're going to face them 3 times.

problem with Goose is he's a good defensive basketball player but he's not a PG and he's not a SG. you can pair him with a strong offensive guard like Gilyard though. we just didn't have one this season.

yeah u may be talking next year. what we had got blown out twice. We r not facing VCU again this year. Tho it would be a great problem to have I guess if we do. No team building w different players u can do right now.

 

[urmite]

yeah u may be talking next year. what we had got blown out twice. We r not facing VCU again this year. Tho it would be a great problem to have I guess if we do. No team building w different players u can do right now.

So we are an 11 seed and you are saying they won't be in championship game against us?

 

[spiderman]

yeah u may be talking next year. what we had got blown out twice. We r not facing VCU again this year. Tho it would be a great problem to have I guess if we do. No team building w different players u can do right now.

yeah, I'm talking more theoretical I guess. we didn't have the ball handling answers on the roster this season to handle VCU. and that should always be a priority.

 

[SpiderRick]

Noyes is Kevin Smith with an outside shot.

 

[SFspidur]

I've seen the dunking, but I'm gonna need to see the passing and eating cookies before I anoint him the next Kevin Smith.

 

[SpiderGuy]

I've seen the dunking, but I'm gonna need to see the passing and eating cookies before I anoint him the next Kevin Smith.

Agree. Let the guy play. Only way we’re going to get an idea is by pt. That’s playing time; not Peter Thomas, although that might work also. He got a few mins early season, but I don’t remember him getting much during A10 play. If he’s anywhere as good as we saw last night, then big opportunity cost lost due to sitting him most of the season.

 

[spider23]

The thing with Smitty, he played with a chip on his shoulder. You combine his NBA level athleticism with the nasty competitive streak and he had major major impact on the game. Never developed the high level offensive skill. Thought he was an NBA player if he progressed. Like the guy at Radford a few years ago.

 

[97spiderfan]

problem with Goose is he's a good defensive basketball player but he's not a PG and he's not a SG. you can pair him with a strong offensive guard like Gilyard though. we just didn't have one this season.

Goose is a nutshell. Mooney started him all year and never figured this out. Just one of the many times where your mind is blown that this guy has been coaching our team for 18 years.

 

[Not-A-Homer]

Offensively, Noyes reminds me a bit of Mike Skrocki. Of course Noyes is a bit taller and thinner, but I see similarities with his movement and his shot.

 

[Eight Legger]

The irony is that Noyes is the guy Mooney singled out before the season as looking like he was ready to contribute. Then he proceeds to never play him during a season when we are awful.

 

[8legs1dream]

Goose is a nutshell. Mooney started him all year and never figured this out. Just one of the many times where your mind is blown that this guy has been coaching our team for 18 years.

Extreme comfort/complacence with NO accountability from any direction and this is what you get

 

[97spiderfan]

The irony is that Noyes is the guy Mooney singled out before the season as looking like he was ready to contribute. Then he proceeds to never play him during a season when we are awful.

Exactly, Mooney can never figure out how to build a program, because he is always playing for the hear and now. Walz is another example. He is a guy who will need to play a significant role next year, but Mooney played Grace, a graduating player, on a team heading no where.

There are just so many areas big and small where Mooney does things the complete opposite of what a successful coach would do them.

 

[DTSpider]

The thing with Smitty, he played with a chip on his shoulder. You combine his NBA level athleticism with the nasty competitive streak and he had major major impact on the game. Never developed the high level offensive skill. Thought he was an NBA player if he progressed. Like the guy at Radford a few years ago.

I thought after watching Smith his freshman year that Mooney would be the perfect coach to teach him up on offense and various skills. It never happened. Which was very unfortunate. Always felt like a missed opportunity.

 

[SpiderGuy]

The irony is that Noyes is the guy Mooney singled out before the season as looking like he was ready to contribute. Then he proceeds to never play him during a season when we are awful.

So true and just another example of dedicated fans seeing things to be frustrated about. Too many examples all add up to a losing season and expectations of more to come.

 

[SpiderGuy]

Exactly, Mooney can never figure out how to build a program, because he is always playing for the hear and now. Walz is another example. He is a guy who will need to play a significant role next year, but Mooney played Grace, a graduating player, on a team heading no where.

There are just so many areas big and small where Mooney does things the complete opposite of what a successful coach would do them.

In the off-season discussions of starting lineups, there was much of Grace starting this season or not. I argued the undisputed loyalty factor that Mooney has for returning long term players. And there it is.

Now, Grace had some big games for us. On the other hand, there were too many games he just blended in. Others have mentioned that having Grace in with Quinn was not the best mix. I don’t disagree.

I do think Walz should have gotten more fill in minutes to relieve either Grace or Quinn. Additionally, it would have helped advance his growth as a player for next year when we’ll need him big time.

I don’t think Mooney did the team any favors by underutilizing both Noyes and Walz.

 

[spider23]

I thought after watching Smith his freshman year that Mooney would be the perfect coach to teach him up on offense and various skills. It never happened. Which was very unfortunate. Always felt like a missed opportunity.

Agree, I thought for sure he was going to be an NBA guy. Just super strong, Most athletic player I have seen since I started watching Richmond basketball (post Jnew). And he could hit shots - I remember his making pretty clutch shots, but never developed more offensive game. Def would loved to seen what Beilein could have done with him. Maybe would have been the same, but still would have been good to see.

 

[ur2K]

Its been interesting to see Roche only get 10 mins in each of the last two games.

 

[brooklyn brownstone]

Interesting is a word. Dumb is another word. Getting torched defensively by VCU and St. Joe's while a player who has ability to change the game on offense (a badly needed skill) sits. I just don't understand the logic.

It's an argument to play small - 5 guards/wings, or GK's Goose at PG lineup. An argument to go full court press to try and cover up defensive issues.

If you're getting beaten badly and things are not improving, try new things.

Goose, Roche, Burton, Noyes, Bigelow. Give it 3-4 minutes and see where it goes. Terrible ball handling lineup so can only play when other team is not pressing. But this is an ideal lineup for UR to press with, long and athletic. Can also add Dji in here at PG in place of Goose if a true ball handler is needed. Again, change up the pace of play, the way the game is trending, mix it up.

Try some shit.

 

[spider23]

Yep, I feel like we are 1 and done, or possibly 2 and done if we stay the course. Would love to see a lineup change such as above attempted in the A10 tourney, though doubt it will happen. Think Dji out for season, guessing? Hyperextended knee sounds like a couple weeks minimum to me.

 

[Not-A-Homer]

Peter Thomas, give this lineup a 6-7 minute run. I think that you will be glad that you did. Quinn, Noyes, Roche, Randolph, and Bailey (if available).

This group MIGHT be a little challenged regarding brute force and rebounding, BUT, then again a smaller quicker guy can often rebound just as effectively as a big beast. I think Noyes, Randolph, and Bailey will likely rebound better than some might think.

This lineup has multiple 3-point threats. Having 3-guys that you can't slack off on will provide good offensive opportunities for all. If they pack it in, find the open threat and fire away. If they play the shooters tight, dumping it on the low block to Quinn is a good option. I think that Bailey & Randolph will bring enough ball handling, and I know that they will bring defensive toughness. I think that Burton would also blend well with this group.

Try something different, you might like it.

 

[spiderman]

Interesting is a word. Dumb is another word. Getting torched defensively by VCU and St. Joe's while a player who has ability to change the game on offense (a badly needed skill) sits. I just don't understand the logic.

Roche isn't really shooting well in-conference.
I'd like him with more time so he doesn't feel he has to force up a bad 3 in his limited minutes to prove his worth. it's just tough to find him enough run now with Randolph playing well and with Goose and Burton still getting a big chunk of the time at the 2 and 3. moving Goose or Randolph to the point would free up some time, but we still have to develop Nelson and Dji.

 

[Eight Legger]

For a team with an offense seemingly predicated at least in part on making a bunch of threes, we sure do a terrible job getting good looks from three, making threes and playing our best three-shooter.

 

[MrTbone]

For a team with an offense seemingly predicated at least in part on making a bunch of threes, we sure do a terrible job getting good looks from three, making threes and playing our best three-shooter.

Stop making sense.

 

[Gospiders06]

For a team with an offense seemingly predicated at least in part on making a bunch of threes, we sure do a terrible job getting good looks from three, making threes and playing our best three-shooter.

Just leave your man wide open. Let him drain then hope your threes falls in.

 

[I-M-UR]

For a team with an offense seemingly predicated at least in part on making a bunch of threes, we sure do a terrible job getting good looks from three, making threes and playing our best three-shooter.

I agree. If you must have a basket at the end of the game which player are you confident could score off the dribble. I don’t have one