TJ

[urfan1]

First, thank you for the hard work and effort t you have given. I believe TJ has been the brightest spot on the team this year. And I am looking forward to great things from him next season. Yes, next season. Some posters have questioned whether he would try to transfer as a graduate transfer. I didn't respond until I had the opportunity to confirm what I thought. Now I've gotten from a pretty good source two things; one, he will not graduate (makes sense as he likely lost credits when he transferred) and two he is very happy at the University of Richmond. I know from his effort and level of play he hates not winning, but TJ loves the Spiders and gives it all he's got. I wish some of our fans gave half as much as he is giving.

 

[TBSpyder]

That is great news. I think he will be the team leader next year.

 

[fan2011]

I think the brightest thing this year has been the offense, and the offense runs through TJ. He is the QB and I think as long as he is here we will have a potent offense. This gives me hope for next year, but our defense will have to be much better. It can't be worse than this season, right?

Anyway, TJ, SDJ and Khwan are three good players to build a team around. We are losing a ton of minutes so our team will be very different next year. Think about how different this year's team is compared to last year's. Then realize we are losing a lot more minutes this year than we lost last year.

 

[urfan1]

2011 be careful about the last statement. I hope and believe we will be better next season on D. I think we can..

 

[Ulla1]

First, thank you for the hard work and effort t you have given. I believe TJ has been the brightest spot on the team this year. And I am looking forward to great things from him next season. Yes, next season. Some posters have questioned whether he would try to transfer as a graduate transfer. I didn't respond until I had the opportunity to confirm what I thought. Now I've gotten from a pretty good source two things; one, he will not graduate (makes sense as he likely lost credits when he transferred) and two he is very happy at the University of Richmond. I know from his effort and level of play he hates not winning, but TJ loves the Spiders and gives it all he's got. I wish some of our fans gave half as much as he is giving.

Fan1, the Ulla never had doubts. Wish there was a little more positivity on this board. OSC

 

[spiderman]

yeah, I never doubted this one either.
I didn't see ANO leaving but that was different. TJ forced himself into a starters spot last season so ANO was coming off the bench. he figured that would continue. a guy who wants to play professionally can't be coming off the bench as a senior at Richmond. one can certainly argue that TJ should have been starting WITH Ododa, not instead of him. if that was the case, maybe ANO stayed. coach's call on that one.
TJ's different. he's the team MVP and the face of the program right now. he's closing in on 1,000 points at UR. he's the guy. ANO wasn't. and I always just got the sense that TJ loved this team. I would have been shocked to see him go.

 

[97spiderfan]

This is great news. TJ is our best player, hands down. The offense runs through him, his defense is not as bad as many some time think it is and he gives 110% effort at all time. The one thing I would like to see is for TJ to become a true on court leader for us next year.

Court leadership was really lacking this year and it is the perfect role for the a senior and the teams best player to take on. As for many of the minutes we are losing to graduation, I don't think we are going to miss 2/3 of them all that much.

 

[SpiderK]

I think the brightest thing this year has been the offense, and the offense runs through TJ. He is the QB and I think as long as he is here we will have a potent offense. This gives me hope for next year, but our defense will have to be much better. It can't be worse than this season, right?

Anyway, TJ, SDJ and Khwan are three good players to build a team around. We are losing a ton of minutes so our team will be very different next year. Think about how different this year's team is compared to last year's. Then realize we are losing a lot more minutes this year than we lost last year.

That's exactly why I am so hopeful!!!!

 

[spiderman]

I don't know what you're looiing for in court leadership, but to me that typically has to fall on the guy with the ball in his hands. as much as we run the offense through, TJ, he still isn't the PG making the decisions. heck, our PGs don't even control the ball that much since KA. but to me SDJ is the court leader next year and Fore after that. court leader has to be the PG.

 

[SpiderTrap]

TJ is playing great this season - but really - how much more can we ask of him next season? We just need more players, and yes - our incoming frosh look good now in High School, but Mooney has never really had an impact frosh playing on an NCAA team.

Our back to back NCAA teams included a Darien Brother frosh getting 5 minutes a game, and the sweet 16 included Lindsay at 16 minutes. They were key role players on those team, but do we really think we will have two impact frosh next season that will make a push for all rookie team selection - both of them. Cause in my mind - that is what we need to help TJ out. 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 30 minutes a game for a big guy - that is pretty much maxing out I think and he might and should get 1st team or 2nd team all A10 considerations this year.

 

[SpiderK]

TJ is playing great this season - but really - how much more can we ask of him next season? We just need more players, and yes - our incoming frosh look good now in High School, but Mooney has never really had an impact frosh playing on an NCAA team.

Our back to back NCAA teams included a Darien Brother frosh getting 5 minutes a game, and the sweet 16 included Lindsay at 16 minutes. They were key role players on those team, but do we really think we will have two impact frosh next season that will make a push for all rookie team selection - both of them. Cause in my mind - that is what we need to help TJ out. 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 30 minutes a game for a big guy - that is pretty much maxing out I think and he might and should get 1st team or 2nd team all A10 considerations this year.

Can't ask one bit more out of TJ. Imagine what he will do with 5 offensive options (including himself) rather than 3.

 

[spiderman]

Can't ask one bit more out of TJ. Imagine what he will do with 5 offensive options (including himself) rather than 3.

how much more do you think? 19, 5 and 4?

 

[fan2011]

Can't ask one bit more out of TJ. Imagine what he will do with 5 offensive options (including himself) rather than 3.

Exactly, our success next year does not hinge on TJ playing better. If he plays near the same level he has been playing this year we will be in good shape. Our success will depend on how the team as a whole comes together. We need two or three players outside of TJ, SDJ and KF to really step up next year. Those could be the freshmen (though it is not really a good idea to depend on freshmen) or people who are currently on the team. It will be interesting to see the starting lineup next year, I think there is a good chance we will see a freshmen in it.

 

[spider fan]

Observing TJ in a Richmond uniform is a joy. His on court play speaks for itself. I like the way he relates to his family when they are in attendance, the way he takes the time with the children who want to high five him or get autographs, and the example he sets with his on court demeanor especially when he is the recipient of a questionable call.

 

[coachfezz]

ANO should have been playing same time as TJ last year with TA best big libeup

 

[ur2K]

TJ's great. He's the face of this team now, he's pretty much become the team spokesperson over the last few weeks being the player to talk to the media the most (with a bit of Trey thrown in). We may take our lumps early next year with the newcomers but it may be ok by this time of year next year.

 

[SpiderGuy]

ANO should have been playing same time as TJ last year with TA best big libeup

Totally agree. The times they did, it seemed to work out well, but infortunately Mooney didn't pair them enough. It was usually one or the other with DT.

 

[97spiderfan]

I don't know what you're looiing for in court leadership, but to me that typically has to fall on the guy with the ball in his hands. as much as we run the offense through, TJ, he still isn't the PG making the decisions. heck, our PGs don't even control the ball that much since KA. but to me SDJ is the court leader next year and Fore after that. court leader has to be the PG.

I was going with the guy that could rally his teammates, hit a big bucket, make a big play. TJ checks all of those boxes. I think he naturally deferred that this year to our seniors, but frankly none of them were up to the challenge and that showed.

TJ also led the team in assists for the year. He probably has his ball in the hands more than anyone. SDJ could be the court leader next year as well, he kind of faded a bit this year as it progressed, while TJ took over. I do think SDJ had a bunch of minor injuries that hindered him in the 2nd part of the season.

 

[spiderman]

I didn't notice TJ deferring to anyone. but maybe he does feel more of a senior leadership role next year. that would be a good thing. he certainly leads by example.

 

[spider fan]

The RTD on TJ and his mother
http://www.richmond.com/sports/article_95749fab-1565-57a9-bb35-d2b85a7ab802.html
Like mother, like son

The Nancy Lieberman Award is given annually to the best point guard in Division I women's hoops. Lieberman, a former Old Dominion star guard, was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame after her illustrious college, Olympic and pro careers, and is the mother of T. J. Cline, Richmond’s junior forward.

Point guards set up teammates. Though Cline is 6-foot-9, that’s one of his strengths. Cline, who ranks sixth among A-10 players in scoring (18.1 ppg), leads UR with a 4-assist average. He is the only player taller than 6-6 among the league’s top 15 in assists per game.

Lieberman is an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings and used part of her NBA All-Star break to watch UR play Fordham in mid-February.

 

[MolivaManiac]

My hope is that having Shawndre and TJ as the team leaders next year will improve the team dynamic overall. While TJ may not have 'deferred' to the seniors this year, per se, you could see from early on that an effort was made to prop up Terry as the leader of the team.

To use a cartoon analogy here, Justin Harper was the Robin to KA's Batman. Had Harp been forced to be the lead guy, i don't think he would have been nearly as effective. In a lot of ways, Terry was the same player and personality as Justin. He put up some terrific numbers but he wasn't Batman either.

Our teams have always been best when the player with the ball in his hands the most is the best player on the team. Despite some fairly obvious warts going into 2016-17 season, this does give me some hope.

 

[32counter]

We were all begging Mooney to play TJ many more minutes in 1/2 of last season.Mooney had a delayed reaction about TJ but we all saw it.Same this year for going to zone.Too little too late.Oh well,next year.....Please.

 

[spiders13]

TJ is my all time favorite spider. He plays with such passion and versatility. He's old school and I just love that about his game. It's not always pretty, but damn if he isn't fun to watch.

 

[SpiderK]

My hope is that having Shawndre and TJ as the team leaders next year will improve the team dynamic overall. While TJ may not have 'deferred' to the seniors this year, per se, you could see from early on that an effort was made to prop up Terry as the leader of the team.

To use a cartoon analogy here, Justin Harper was the Robin to KA's Batman. Had Harp been forced to be the lead guy, i don't think he would have been nearly as effective. In a lot of ways, Terry was the same player and personality as Justin. He put up some terrific numbers but he wasn't Batman either.

Our teams have always been best when the player with the ball in his hands the most is the best player on the team. Despite some fairly obvious warts going into 2016-17 season, this does give me some hope.

Well said. TJ should be Batman in the Center of Robins.

 

[SpiderK]

TJ's great. He's the face of this team now, he's pretty much become the team spokesperson over the last few weeks being the player to talk to the media the most (with a bit of Trey thrown in). We may take our lumps early next year with the newcomers but it may be ok by this time of year next year.

Don't you love the way he speaks? He never hesitates and doesn't BS you like Mooney. Smart young man.

 

[WebSpinner]

TJ is a great example of why recruiting is such a crap shoot. nobody really recruited him and he was in dallas not some backwater small town. you have to work hard in recruiting but you also have to be lucky.

 

[SpiderK]

TJ is a great example of why recruiting is such a crap shoot. nobody really recruited him and he was in dallas not some backwater small town. you have to work hard in recruiting but you also have to be lucky.

Being a thoroughbred owner for 20 years, I would have thought some one would have checked his breeding! Lol. Stakes winning Sire and a Champion Broodmare.

 

[SpiderRick]

ANO should have been playing same time as TJ last year with TA best big libeup

As I recall, Fezz, is that you, me, and others were saying this a lot last year, but it only seemed to happen when someone else was in foul trouble. I was going to say that it would have been great to have had TJ Cline for all four years, but then He wouldn't have played as a freshman anyway.

TJ is like a breath of fresh air in a smog covered city. Even more than his skills, I love his passion for the game. I hope this passion infects the whole team next year.

 

[73CPA]

No question - TJ is a great player. One of the best passers we have seen at UR and a great spokesman. Future collegiate head coach. I also think TA is being ignored in this thread for his season. He was a top scorer and rebounder for us many nights and had some terrific games. As A10 play advanced, teams double- and triple-teamed TA and smothered SDJ on the perimeter. TJ was the main beneficiary and he took full advantage. Keep an eye on TA in the tournament and you will not see him being given any opportunity to work a one-on-one back-in move near the basket. The thing I have enjoyed most about TJ is his enthusiasm and genuine caring for his teammates, especially TA. I watched a practice where TA and TJ went head-to-head with some serious contact and yet TJ is right there to cheer TA. TJ has always spoke highly of TA and it's more than diplomacy.

 

[Spideroldie]

TJ and ShawnDre will be an excellent senior class, and both will lead in their own way. TJ was our tream's MVP this season, and the only shame is that his great effort, and play, did not lead to more Ws. The freshmen (Monte, Sherod, Grant) will all benefit by having TJ around, as a passer and as a "full-effort" guy. We will also have a great chance to put 5 guys on the court, together, who can shoot it, or take it inside. My fervent hope is that our coaching staff will let the freshmen play, ASAP, and have them playing like sophomores by the A-10 tourney next March. We may have to tolerate a few mistakes, early-on, but it will be worth it. We look forward to your positive influence, and great passing, TJ!!!

 

[SpiderK]

I think the 3 starting seniors putting up a combined 8 points against one of the worst teams in the country in their last regular season game is indicative of our season. TJ, SDJ and KF were still fighting to the end and cut a 25 point deficit to 8 at one point in the game. I am excited about next near, and looking forward to this new group coming in and the old moving on.

 

[gospidersgo]

I think the 3 starting seniors putting up a combined 8 points against one of the worst teams in the country in their last regular season game is indicative of our season. TJ, SDJ and KF were still fighting to the end and cut a 25 point deficit to 8 at one point in the game. I am excited about next near, and looking forward to this new group coming in and the old moving on.

I agree except I have a hard time lumping Terry in with that discussion. He has been great this year despite being the obvious focal point of opposing defenses. I think he has probably worn down a bit physically and mentally late in the season and did struggle against Mason, but our problems this season are not because of Terry in my opinion.

 

[MrTbone]

TA had a very poor game against GMU but took good shots, they just didn't go down. He has been great all year, more up and down in conference, but still very good on both ends of the floor.

 

[NewURfan]

Imo we should not place too much praise placing mvp pedestal tags. We have 3 awesome players this season who played above and beyond previous means and expectations. All lead and done excellent feats for the Spider program. Just remember at one point TJ was getting bad post if opinions earlier in season. Now benifiting from teams leading scorer being the defensive focus possibly worn down and mentally drain seeing others get easier points and more shots. His touches gas decreased from the beginning of the season. SdJ nagged by different injuries. Of course someone stepped up.
Let's praise our big three with positives for all TA break out scoring and his streak plus joining 1k club TJ second half push SDJ late game heroics and joining 1000 point club let's not forget them as a trio.

 

[SpiderK]

Imo we should not place too much praise placing mvp pedestal tags. We have 3 awesome players this season who played above and beyond previous means and expectations. All lead and done excellent feats for the Spider program. Just remember at one point TJ was getting bad post if opinions earlier in season. Now benifiting from teams leading scorer being the defensive focus possibly worn down and mentally drain seeing others get easier points and more shots. His touches gas decreased from the beginning of the season. SdJ nagged by different injuries. Of course someone stepped up.
Let's praise our big three with positives for all TA break out scoring and his streak plus joining 1k club TJ second half push SDJ late game heroics and joining 1000 point club let's not forget them as a trio.

I think we all agree it's been 3 on 5 all year. Many of us have praised those 3, and acknowledged the talent of KF, streaky shooting ability of MW and the consistent non factor of others.

 

[Ulla1]

K, agree. It looks like next year we can put 5 scorers out there at the same time, thus evening up the odds. OSC

 

[97spiderfan]

Khwan, TA, and TJ deserve the credit they are getting. As was said above, I don't want us to forget SDJ's contributions this year. He did have a bit of a late season fade, that I think may have been at least partially attributable to nagging injuries (ankle and hand).

Problem is outside of those 4 players, the roster is currently devoid of A-10 level talent, in my opinion.

 

[ur2K]

TJ for president, from today's RTD:

“The (regular) season is over right now. We went 15-15. That wasn’t our goal, but it’s over. We can’t change anything in those 15 losses,” said UR forward T.J. Cline. “Now, we’re 0-0. … We have a chance to win an A-10 title and go to an NCAA tournament. None of the guys on this team have done that, ever. So for us to be down and holding our head isn’t going to do anything to help us.”

 

[urmite]

TJ for president, from today's RTD:

“The (regular) season is over right now. We went 15-15. That wasn’t our goal, but it’s over. We can’t change anything in those 15 losses,” said UR forward T.J. Cline. “Now, we’re 0-0. … We have a chance to win an A-10 title and go to an NCAA tournament. None of the guys on this team have done that, ever. So for us to be down and holding our head isn’t going to do anything to help us.”

So to paraphrase...It"s morning again in Westhampton?

 

[urmite]

Khwan, TA, and TJ deserve the credit they are getting. As was said above, I don't want us to forget SDJ's contributions this year. He did have a bit of a late season fade, that I think may have been at least partially attributable to nagging injuries (ankle and hand).

Problem is outside of those 4 players, the roster is currently devoid of A-10 level talent, in my opinion.

Wood showed signs from time to time of being A-10 level talent.