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Post by Frantic on Jun 5, 2017 6:22:28 GMT -8
Let's hope Pope steps it up for his senior year.
Last year was decent but unremarkable.
In three years Pope has zero all-conference awards, not even an honorable mention (i.e., fourth team.)
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Post by northcountymike on Jun 5, 2017 10:02:48 GMT -8
None of these guys are Magic Johnson. Giannis is simply a freak of nature. Winston has decent handles; Pope does not. Pope is still 3 years behind his grade and I am not sure he has that Kobe Bryant work ethic. Not saying he is a late bloomer, but he is playing catch up and has skills. Everyone who plays D1 basketball has some "skills." Look, I like the kid and all, but when it's all said and done, Pope might go down as one of the most overly-hyped, non-producers that we've ever had. (And don't claim that he wasn't overhyped – a lot of people bought into it early on). |
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Post by jpaztec on Jun 5, 2017 10:07:29 GMT -8
Pope is still 3 years behind his grade and I am not sure he has that Kobe Bryant work ethic. Not saying he is a late bloomer, but he is playing catch up and has skills. Everyone who plays D1 basketball has some "skills." Look, I like the kid and all, but when it's all said and done, Pope might go down as one of the most overly-hyped, non-producers that we've ever had. (And don't claim that he wasn't overhyped – a lot of people bought into it early on). When it's all said and done, Northcountymike will go down as one of the worst posters that Aztec Mesa has ever seen. |
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Post by standiego on Jun 5, 2017 10:36:23 GMT -8
Do not think he has been healthy since his sophomore / junior year of HS .
Sure hope that he is healthy this year and has the opportunity to show what he can do , final year of college . Also could help that he may be able to play the 3 . With PG's and offensive schemes that could really make the offense click. Still to be proved on the court . He could be a nightmare match up opposing teams at the 3 . Front line of Nolan / Kameron , Jaylen / Max and Malik / Teki or Trey could be one of the better ones we have had in a while .
But the key is are all the guys able to work together and stay fairly healthy . Focus and Production - have not been there last couple of years for a majority of the guys not just Malik . Realizing best talents and athleticism of all the guys and having them in the best position to score on a consistent basis .
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Post by northcountymike on Jun 5, 2017 13:30:08 GMT -8
Everyone who plays D1 basketball has some "skills." Look, I like the kid and all, but when it's all said and done, Pope might go down as one of the most overly-hyped, non-producers that we've ever had. (And don't claim that he wasn't overhyped – a lot of people bought into it early on). When it's all said and done, Northcountymike will go down as one of the worst posters that Aztec Mesa has ever seen. Touchy touchy, haha. Is Malik your son or something? You don't have to agree with what I said about him, but man, making things personal isn't a good look.....unless it simply makes you feel better. In which case, if that's what it takes, go for it. By the way, I'm only one of a bunch of fans that think the same way. So, be prepared to call everyone out as well. |
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Post by sdcoug on Jun 5, 2017 13:59:58 GMT -8
Everyone who plays D1 basketball has some "skills." Look, I like the kid and all, but when it's all said and done, Pope might go down as one of the most overly-hyped, non-producers that we've ever had. (And don't claim that he wasn't overhyped – a lot of people bought into it early on). , Northcountymike will go down as one of the worst posters that Aztec Mesa has ever seen. Why wait? |
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Post by jpaztec on Jun 5, 2017 14:00:05 GMT -8
When it's all said and done, Northcountymike will go down as one of the worst posters that Aztec Mesa has ever seen. Touchy touchy, haha. Is Malik your son or something? You don't have to agree with what I said about him, but man, making things personal isn't a good look.....unless it simply makes you feel better. In which case, if that's what it takes, go for it. By the way, I'm only one of a bunch of fans that think the same way. So, be prepared to call everyone out as well. Oh no, I'm referring more to your body of work as a whole on this site. This particular Post want awful per say, but the vast majority of your others are what prompted me to write what I did. I don't hate you, I just hate your posts, nothing personal about that. |
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Post by northcountymike on Jun 5, 2017 15:46:40 GMT -8
Touchy touchy, haha. Is Malik your son or something? You don't have to agree with what I said about him, but man, making things personal isn't a good look.....unless it simply makes you feel better. In which case, if that's what it takes, go for it. By the way, I'm only one of a bunch of fans that think the same way. So, be prepared to call everyone out as well. Oh no, I'm referring more to your body of work as a whole on this site. This particular Post want awful per say, but the vast majority of your others are what prompted me to write what I did. I don't hate you, I just hate your posts, nothing personal about that. I'm pretty sure when you mention someone's name (yup, even their likeness) and then say they "will go down as one of the worst posters ever," thats kinda personal. It doesn't matter to me though, I promise - I'm just pointing out the fact that your definition of "personal" is probably different than others. I understand that the Soccer City debacle has everyone riled up as well as the upcoming basketball season and everyone's a little anxious to see what happens. My advice is to take everything with a grain of salt and try not to get too worked up, including at posters who post things you hate. |
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Post by northcountymike on Jun 5, 2017 15:51:35 GMT -8
When it's all said and done, Northcountymike will go down as one of the worst posters that Aztec Mesa has ever seen. Why wait? Is that a challenge? Haha, nah, there's gotta be worse posters. Most of them are gone but a few are still here. "Worst posters" = "posters that disagree with me." |
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Post by AztecBill on Jun 5, 2017 15:51:58 GMT -8
I think Pope will be a better 4 than 3 next year.
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Post by sdcoug on Jun 5, 2017 16:36:35 GMT -8
I think Pope will be a better 4 than 3 next year. Always has been. The pure definition of a stretch 4. McD might be a little more 3 than 4, but Pope is definitely more 4 than 3. |
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Post by standiego on Jun 5, 2017 19:53:39 GMT -8
of course will be the coaches decision on what positions Malik plays on the 2017-18 team . Trust we can agree to disagree until we see what the coaches decide or things leak out . Could also depend on if the coaches want to have Jalen , Max or Trey at the 4 or 3 with Malik at the other forward. Believe most accounts show Malik played the 3 in HS , and has shown that he can handle the ball . Do think most opposing 3's would have a very difficult time matching up with him . At the 4 may face more physical guys on both ends of the court .Also do not want him to get in foul trouble .
Jalen played the 5/4 in HS but has wanted to play the 4 or some are saying the 3 . When I watched him play in the 2 X games last year , he seemed more comfortable at the 4 . do not know how good his outside shot has become during his red shirt season ?
The coaches will again have the decision and have wide variety of options on who they think will be the best combination . Nolan should be able to play good offense at the 5 and Kameron more D . So then who do you want at the 4 and 3 ? Plus when reserves are in ? Does Trey start and at what position ?
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Post by oldie on Jun 5, 2017 20:27:03 GMT -8
we've been holding our breaths for 3 years for the potential to show. guess we can hope that this year it will be there for more than a tease.
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Post by ignoranus on Jun 6, 2017 6:14:36 GMT -8
My hope for Pope is perfect health for the entire season. If he has that, we will have a lot of fun watching him do what he is capable of doing.
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Post by AztecBill on Jun 6, 2017 12:36:55 GMT -8
of course will be the coaches decision on what positions Malik plays on the 2017-18 team . Trust we can agree to disagree until we see what the coaches decide or things leak out . Could also depend on if the coaches want to have Jalen , Max or Trey at the 4 or 3 with Malik at the other forward. Believe most accounts show Malik played the 3 in HS , and has shown that he can handle the ball . Do think most opposing 3's would have a very difficult time matching up with him . At the 4 may face more physical guys on both ends of the court .Also do not want him to get in foul trouble . Jalen played the 5/4 in HS but has wanted to play the 4 or some are saying the 3 . When I watched him play in the 2 X games last year , he seemed more comfortable at the 4 . do not know how good his outside shot has become during his red shirt season ? The coaches will again have the decision and have wide variety of options on who they think will be the best combination . Nolan should be able to play good offense at the 5 and Kameron more D . So then who do you want at the 4 and 3 ? Plus when reserves are in ? Does Trey start and at what position ? Being the coach's decision is understood, you don't need to keep repeating that fact. Pope is too quick for most 4s. He can post up and beat them with speed and also bring them out to the three-point line. Defensively he is better not having to defend a third guard. |
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Post by sdcoug on Jun 6, 2017 13:51:43 GMT -8
of course will be the coaches decision on what positions Malik plays on the 2017-18 team . Trust we can agree to disagree until we see what the coaches decide or things leak out . Could also depend on if the coaches want to have Jalen , Max or Trey at the 4 or 3 with Malik at the other forward. Believe most accounts show Malik played the 3 in HS , and has shown that he can handle the ball . Do think most opposing 3's would have a very difficult time matching up with him . At the 4 may face more physical guys on both ends of the court .Also do not want him to get in foul trouble . Jalen played the 5/4 in HS but has wanted to play the 4 or some are saying the 3 . When I watched him play in the 2 X games last year , he seemed more comfortable at the 4 . do not know how good his outside shot has become during his red shirt season ? The coaches will again have the decision and have wide variety of options on who they think will be the best combination . Nolan should be able to play good offense at the 5 and Kameron more D . So then who do you want at the 4 and 3 ? Plus when reserves are in ? Does Trey start and at what position ? Pope was 6'7 when he was being recruited and last played in HS before the leg injuries. He's now 6'10 and has added strength. He's not quick enough to guard most 3's and much better suited to guard the 4. He hasn't played the 3 since he got here, except maybe a few minutes when we decided to go really big (w/ Sky, JJ as a FR; Sky & Z as So), which was very rare. When Z & him were on the court they were typically playing the 4 & 5. Given the make-up of this team he's more apt to get time at the 5 than the 3 next year. Bottom line, we'll most likely use him like we did in the Conf tourney last March, which is where he flourished. We want him near the basket on D, given he's a very good rebounder & shot blocker, and he can break down a 4 both inside (via speed) & on the perimeter (height). The guy is a nightmare match-up for anyone offensively, and his long arms make him more of a defensive threat inside than outside. He played very well overall after getting hurt against AF, and not sure how people can't be excited by the potential. A few highlights from those last 14 games: * His average O-Rating during that 14-game stretch was 114, which would rank in the top 20 in the nation * He averaged 13.1 pts/gm & 7.1 rebounds per game * He scored 23.6% of our team's points while on the floor, while playing 29 minutes a game * Our offense overall when he was on the floor scored at a pace of 76.9 pts/40 minutes * He shot 45% from 2; 47% from 3; and 75% from the FT line * Even though he did get in foul trouble a couple times he only averaged 3.3 fouls/40 minutes * Using O-Rating as a guide, he played 5 exceptional games (130+), 3 above average games (104+), 2 OK games & 4 bad (below 100) If he plays in 25+ games next year and gives us anything close to these types of stats we're in for a good year. Ideally I'd like to see him closer to 15 & 8, and get the % of bad games below 20%, but that's being picky. The kid can play; he's proved it. We're a significantly better team with him on the floor. Just hope he stays healthy like he did over the last 2 months. If he does, the rest will fall into place. |
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Post by AztecBill on Jun 6, 2017 15:13:15 GMT -8
of course will be the coaches decision on what positions Malik plays on the 2017-18 team . Trust we can agree to disagree until we see what the coaches decide or things leak out . Could also depend on if the coaches want to have Jalen , Max or Trey at the 4 or 3 with Malik at the other forward. Believe most accounts show Malik played the 3 in HS , and has shown that he can handle the ball . Do think most opposing 3's would have a very difficult time matching up with him . At the 4 may face more physical guys on both ends of the court .Also do not want him to get in foul trouble . Jalen played the 5/4 in HS but has wanted to play the 4 or some are saying the 3 . When I watched him play in the 2 X games last year , he seemed more comfortable at the 4 . do not know how good his outside shot has become during his red shirt season ? The coaches will again have the decision and have wide variety of options on who they think will be the best combination . Nolan should be able to play good offense at the 5 and Kameron more D . So then who do you want at the 4 and 3 ? Plus when reserves are in ? Does Trey start and at what position ? Pope was 6'7 when he was being recruited and last played in HS before the leg injuries. He's now 6'10 and has added strength. He's not quick enough to guard most 3's and much better suited to guard the 4. He hasn't played the 3 since he got here, except maybe a few minutes when we decided to go really big (w/ Sky, JJ as a FR; Sky & Z as Jr), which was very rare. When Z & him were on the court they were typically playing the 4 & 5. Given the make-up of this team he's more apt to get time at the 5 than the 3 next year. Bottom line, we'll most likely use him like we did in the Conf tourney last March, which is where he flourished. We want him near the basket on D, given he's a very good rebounder & shot blocker, and he can break down a 4 both inside (via speed) & on the perimeter (height). The guy is a nightmare match-up for anyone offensively, and his long arms make him more of a defensive threat inside than outside. He played very well overall after getting hurt against AF, and not sure how people can't be excited by the potential. A few highlights from those last 14 games: * His average O-Rating during that 14-game stretch was 114, which would rank in the top 20 in the nation * He averaged 13.1 pts/gm & 7.1 rebounds per game * He scored 23.6% of our team's points while on the floor, while playing 29 minutes a game * Our offense overall when he was on the floor scored at a pace of 76.9 pts/40 minutes * He shot 45% from 2; 47% from 3; and 75% from the FT line * Even though he did get in foul trouble a couple times he only averaged 3.3 fouls/40 minutes * Using O-Rating as a guide, he played 5 exceptional games (130+), 3 above average games (104+), 2 OK games & 4 bad (below 100) If he plays in 25+ games next year and gives us anything close to these types of stats we're in for a good year. Ideally I'd like to see him closer to 15 & 8, and get the % of bad games below 20%, but that's being picky. The kid can play; he's proved it. We're a significantly better team with him on the floor. Just hope he stays healthy like he did over the last 2 months. If he does, the rest will fall into place. I simple "like" doesn't do this post Justice. Right on target on each and every point. |
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Post by northcountymike on Jun 6, 2017 16:32:23 GMT -8
of course will be the coaches decision on what positions Malik plays on the 2017-18 team . Trust we can agree to disagree until we see what the coaches decide or things leak out . Could also depend on if the coaches want to have Jalen , Max or Trey at the 4 or 3 with Malik at the other forward. Believe most accounts show Malik played the 3 in HS , and has shown that he can handle the ball . Do think most opposing 3's would have a very difficult time matching up with him . At the 4 may face more physical guys on both ends of the court .Also do not want him to get in foul trouble . Jalen played the 5/4 in HS but has wanted to play the 4 or some are saying the 3 . When I watched him play in the 2 X games last year , he seemed more comfortable at the 4 . do not know how good his outside shot has become during his red shirt season ? The coaches will again have the decision and have wide variety of options on who they think will be the best combination . Nolan should be able to play good offense at the 5 and Kameron more D . So then who do you want at the 4 and 3 ? Plus when reserves are in ? Does Trey start and at what position ? Pope was 6'7 when he was being recruited and last played in HS before the leg injuries. He's now 6'10 and has added strength. He's not quick enough to guard most 3's and much better suited to guard the 4. He hasn't played the 3 since he got here, except maybe a few minutes when we decided to go really big (w/ Sky, JJ as a FR; Sky & Z as So), which was very rare. When Z & him were on the court they were typically playing the 4 & 5. Given the make-up of this team he's more apt to get time at the 5 than the 3 next year. Bottom line, we'll most likely use him like we did in the Conf tourney last March, which is where he flourished. We want him near the basket on D, given he's a very good rebounder & shot blocker, and he can break down a 4 both inside (via speed) & on the perimeter (height). The guy is a nightmare match-up for anyone offensively, and his long arms make him more of a defensive threat inside than outside. He played very well overall after getting hurt against AF, and not sure how people can't be excited by the potential. A few highlights from those last 14 games: * His average O-Rating during that 14-game stretch was 114, which would rank in the top 20 in the nation * He averaged 13.1 pts/gm & 7.1 rebounds per game * He scored 23.6% of our team's points while on the floor, while playing 29 minutes a game * Our offense overall when he was on the floor scored at a pace of 76.9 pts/40 minutes * He shot 45% from 2; 47% from 3; and 75% from the FT line * Even though he did get in foul trouble a couple times he only averaged 3.3 fouls/40 minutes * Using O-Rating as a guide, he played 5 exceptional games (130+), 3 above average games (104+), 2 OK games & 4 bad (below 100) If he plays in 25+ games next year and gives us anything close to these types of stats we're in for a good year. Ideally I'd like to see him closer to 15 & 8, and get the % of bad games below 20%, but that's being picky. The kid can play; he's proved it. We're a significantly better team with him on the floor. Just hope he stays healthy like he did over the last 2 months. If he does, the rest will fall into place. Yup - he proved it during that 14 game stretch you mentioned. What about the years before that? Are we only picking and choosing the "good games?" Sounds like it. However, it's his untaped potential that keeps people interested. Good thing for him though is that if he starts under-performing, he'll always have a handful of fans coming to his defense claiming that the injuries have taken their toll and it's because he simply hasn't played enough to really get things going. Which is also kind of ironic, since those same people will cite 14 games as enough evidence and proof of his greatness. |
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Post by AztecBill on Jun 6, 2017 17:24:26 GMT -8
Pope was 6'7 when he was being recruited and last played in HS before the leg injuries. He's now 6'10 and has added strength. He's not quick enough to guard most 3's and much better suited to guard the 4. He hasn't played the 3 since he got here, except maybe a few minutes when we decided to go really big (w/ Sky, JJ as a FR; Sky & Z as So), which was very rare. When Z & him were on the court they were typically playing the 4 & 5. Given the make-up of this team he's more apt to get time at the 5 than the 3 next year. Bottom line, we'll most likely use him like we did in the Conf tourney last March, which is where he flourished. We want him near the basket on D, given he's a very good rebounder & shot blocker, and he can break down a 4 both inside (via speed) & on the perimeter (height). The guy is a nightmare match-up for anyone offensively, and his long arms make him more of a defensive threat inside than outside. He played very well overall after getting hurt against AF, and not sure how people can't be excited by the potential. A few highlights from those last 14 games: * His average O-Rating during that 14-game stretch was 114, which would rank in the top 20 in the nation * He averaged 13.1 pts/gm & 7.1 rebounds per game * He scored 23.6% of our team's points while on the floor, while playing 29 minutes a game * Our offense overall when he was on the floor scored at a pace of 76.9 pts/40 minutes * He shot 45% from 2; 47% from 3; and 75% from the FT line * Even though he did get in foul trouble a couple times he only averaged 3.3 fouls/40 minutes * Using O-Rating as a guide, he played 5 exceptional games (130+), 3 above average games (104+), 2 OK games & 4 bad (below 100) If he plays in 25+ games next year and gives us anything close to these types of stats we're in for a good year. Ideally I'd like to see him closer to 15 & 8, and get the % of bad games below 20%, but that's being picky. The kid can play; he's proved it. We're a significantly better team with him on the floor. Just hope he stays healthy like he did over the last 2 months. If he does, the rest will fall into place. Yup - he proved it during that 14 game stretch you mentioned. What about the years before that? Are we only picking and choosing the "good games?" Sounds like it. However, it's his untaped potential that keeps people interested. Good thing for him though is that if he starts under-performing, he'll always have a handful of fans coming to his defense claiming that the injuries have taken their toll and it's because he simply hasn't played enough to really get things going. Which is also kind of ironic, since those same people will cite 14 games as enough evidence and proof of his greatness. You are right we are touting his potential and hoping. |
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Post by standiego on Jun 6, 2017 18:10:10 GMT -8
Most important is for Malik to be healthy . Makes a world of difference . Decision with the coaches & him where he feels most comfortable on offense and can produce using his skills . He has learned to use a wide variety of shots and passes . Also depends on who is playing the other forward ? Could it be Jalen , Max , Teki , Trey , Jordan ? Wide variety of options. How the other team defends him could be interesting . Some options present a good sized front court for us .
Do the Aztec flip flop forwards ?. or Have one forward play some what closer to the basket and the other "weave " in and out ? Also depends on what production- rebounding and scoring the Aztecs get from Nolan and Kameron at the 5 . What kind of offensive schemes do we run ?. Do we try to run more ? More Passing then dribbling ? Should be interesting .
When we are on defense . All depends on what defenses Coach H wants to use and where he wants to position Malik and others . Also , could we see more zone D ?- if he thinks that would work with the guys in at that time or change it up .
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