Purple and White: What are you looking for?

[WSUProf]

Not having been to any practices I have had to depend on comments from this website for a sense of how the team is looking. So, since the Purple and White scrimmage is my first glance at the team, and based on what folks here have had to say, here's what I'm looking for:

First, I really want to see how the two JC transfers (Golden and Johnson-Coston) look.
Second, I want to see how Hill looks at the 3 (if he plays the 3).
Third, I want to see how Bolomboy's offensive game has developed since last year.
Fourth, I want to get a sense of how Braxton compares to Hajek

 

[catscratched]

Those are all great thing to watch for.

In general, I want to see how far the freshmen have come and how some of the walk-ons might be looking. I'm assuming that everyone can play in this event. It's not a game or anything that would change eligibility for a red shirt year. At least, I don't think so.

I also like to see the general interaction between players and coaches. You can get a feel for how confident the coaching staff is about the development of the team.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

I'm looking for the end of a long WSU BB drought opcorn:

They aren't going to "show" much offensively but I love how Rahe makes the Purple & White a real scrimmage instead of a fast break and dunk show. I'm looking for defensive intensity since D is work, there's nothing to give away, you can play D as hard as you're willing to. I'm looking for unselfish team offense having to execute well to score on a D who's busting their asses.

- I'm interested in seeing if James really looks as improved as advertized.
- I'm interested in seeing if Joel really looks as improved offensively as advertized.
- I'm interested in seeing if the JCTs are capable of earning starter's minutes as advertized.
- I'm interested in seeing where Hill is played and if he's made the same progress as Joel did Fr=>So
- I'm interested is seeing if they look like they can score as a team because I don't see this as being a team with a player (or two) constantly being the high scorer and believe they'll find more and quicker success if they're balanced offensively.

 

[oldrunner]

I'm looking to get it started.

High flying action! :nod:

 

[n.ogdencat]

A friend of mine made a great point about recruits...he said that instead of wasting a year (usually a players freshman season) they should utilize it for development purposes so that their 5th year, their senior season, they can be far better than only getting 4 years and utterly wasting a full year of development by NOT red shirting. Only if a player has the skills of Lillard/Senglin and will definitely make an impact immediately for the team should they play.

 

[oldrunner]

Last year we had Senglin, a starter, and Gittens, the first guard off the bench, who fit the description.

This year, one of the freshman guards may be in the same position Gittens was in last year. Other than that one guard, whom ever it may be, the rest of the freshmen should probably consider red shirting. I am hoping that one of the walk-on guards can fill the role of the 5th guard in the rotation. That position will get anywhere from 0 to 5 minutes per game. Hardly worth wasting a full year of eligibility on a player that you are going to need, a year or more from now, to take on an expanded role in the future.

 

[Webergrad02]

A friend of mine made a great point about recruits...he said that instead of wasting a year (usually a players freshman season) they should utilize it for development purposes so that their 5th year, their senior season, they can be far better than only getting 4 years and utterly wasting a full year of development by NOT red shirting. Only if a player has the skills of Lillard/Senglin and will definitely make an impact immediately for the team should they play.

I agree with that thought. But these 17 year old kids can't. The have been told they are freaking awesome ever since they hit their growth spurt in the 3rd grade. They want to play now. I assume that Braxton and his family were looking at Tres departing and that Zach would be shoe in at the 5. Again that is my speculation without any inside info other than the Denver Post article where Zachs dad says he chose Weber to contribute right away and to become the next Lillard.

 

[catscratched]

Every single D1 recruit, coming out of HS, thinks that they will be the next Mikael Jordan. They are the best thing since buttered bread. Then they set foot on a D1 campus, somewhere, and reality sets in. They find out that all of the other players had the same thoughts and are now more developed and experienced than they are. With very few exceptions, they don't get a chance to play much that first year. Some make the adjustment in their attitude and begin to set a plan to develop themselves, while others get depressed about it and start to hang their heads. Coaches, parents and friends need to be realistic and help them get through the shock of it all. If they can stay with it, on the floor and in the classroom, most of them will get to where they need to be.

 

[Itiger]

I watched a lot of practices this season and the guy can play now! Hard sell to tell him to sit out and watch other kids perform when you have that much talent! Hajek is a 5th year senior that some on this forum seem to feel he can compete. Braxton is a true freshman and frankly our future. Seems important to get him ready and acclimated to BSC play!

We've had a lot of transfers the last 5 years..... How do you ask a kid to come in and watch hajek and Ryan play when he's already competing at their level? I watched him in practice yesterday..... He's down almost 30lbs and is very strong! He's working hard and already scoring at an awesome level. I looked at Hajeks stats over his career at Weber, it's not that impressive. I don't blame the guy for wanting to compete versus being warehoused for the future. Coaches come and go freely..... Who's to say that Rahe is at Weber the next 4 years? New coach might want to go in a different direction...... What do you do? Transfer and sit out another year. Ok to talk about 17 year old kids, but don't forget how the NCAA impacts their decisions due to their rules and regulations.

 

[ZonaCat]

Does anyone know if the Purple and White game will be broadcast on the Big Sky App?

 

[PURPLEFORLIFE]

I watched a lot of practices this season and the guy can play now! Hard sell to tell him to sit out and watch other kids perform when you have that much talent! Hajek is a 5th year senior that some on this forum seem to feel he can compete. Braxton is a true freshman and frankly our future. Seems important to get him ready and acclimated to BSC play!

We've had a lot of transfers the last 5 years..... How do you ask a kid to come in and watch hajek and Ryan play when he's already competing at their level? I watched him in practice yesterday..... He's down almost 30lbs and is very strong! He's working hard and already scoring at an awesome level. I looked at Hajeks stats over his career at Weber, it's not that impressive. I don't blame the guy for wanting to compete versus being warehoused for the future. Coaches come and go freely..... Who's to say that Rahe is at Weber the next 4 years? New coach might want to go in a different direction...... What do you do? Transfer and sit out another year. Ok to talk about 17 year old kids, but don't forget how the NCAA impacts their decisions due to their rules and regulations.

You make it sound like we aren't appreciative of Braxton. I'm pretty sure every fan on this forum is excited and beyond thrilled to have Braxton here at Weber. We all agree that he is a piece of the future for this program and want only the best for him. If Braxton can ball, then let him get after it as soon as he can and play. If he can be a difference for the Cats by the time conference starts and is the best 5 on the team, then yes, he should start and play.

With regard to Hajek, a lot of us are big time fans and have been so for years. We have watched Hajek and there might be an emotional hope for him to have a great season. He came in with such high potential, but injuries has really set him back. That might be the biggest factor behind why his stats aren't the greatest. Hajek is a 5th year senior and has earned the right to get the bulk of mins at the 5 if he is playing at the same level or better than the other bigs. He is the senior and has gone through a lot to get to where he is now. I'm not saying he is the greatest player to have ever stepped onto campus, but that he has put in the time to have a good senior season. If Braxton is better than him, then yes Braxton should play and I'm sure Hajek will be the first person to support him and to help him improve. That is just the team character Braxton belongs to. That is Weber Basketball.

 

[oldrunner]

:+1: :+1: :+1: :+1: :+1: :+1: :+1:

 

[LarrytheFarmer]

I watched a lot of practices this season and the guy can play now! Hard sell to tell him to sit out and watch other kids perform when you have that much talent! Hajek is a 5th year senior that some on this forum seem to feel he can compete. Braxton is a true freshman and frankly our future. Seems important to get him ready and acclimated to BSC play!

We've had a lot of transfers the last 5 years..... How do you ask a kid to come in and watch hajek and Ryan play when he's already competing at their level? I watched him in practice yesterday..... He's down almost 30lbs and is very strong! He's working hard and already scoring at an awesome level. I looked at Hajeks stats over his career at Weber, it's not that impressive. I don't blame the guy for wanting to compete versus being warehoused for the future. Coaches come and go freely..... Who's to say that Rahe is at Weber the next 4 years? New coach might want to go in a different direction...... What do you do? Transfer and sit out another year. Ok to talk about 17 year old kids, but don't forget how the NCAA impacts their decisions due to their rules and regulations.

Sounds like a case where you may have a class or 2 with some of the guys on the team and think you have become friends which is fine. BUT dont let it cloud your vision too much.
I have total faith in this coaching staff and know that they will do what is best for this team now and in the future. Hajek is a vital member of this team, not necessarily his impact in the stat sheets but his impact in the locker room is priceless. :twocents:

 

[Webergrad02]

I watched a lot of practices this season and the guy can play now! Hard sell to tell him to sit out and watch other kids perform when you have that much talent! Hajek is a 5th year senior that some on this forum seem to feel he can compete. Braxton is a true freshman and frankly our future. Seems important to get him ready and acclimated to BSC play!

We've had a lot of transfers the last 5 years..... How do you ask a kid to come in and watch hajek and Ryan play when he's already competing at their level? I watched him in practice yesterday..... He's down almost 30lbs and is very strong! He's working hard and already scoring at an awesome level. I looked at Hajeks stats over his career at Weber, it's not that impressive. I don't blame the guy for wanting to compete versus being warehoused for the future. Coaches come and go freely..... Who's to say that Rahe is at Weber the next 4 years? New coach might want to go in a different direction...... What do you do? Transfer and sit out another year. Ok to talk about 17 year old kids, but don't forget how the NCAA impacts their decisions due to their rules and regulations.

You make it sound like we aren't appreciative of Braxton. I'm pretty sure every fan on this forum is excited and beyond thrilled to have Braxton here at Weber. We all agree that he is a piece of the future for this program and want only the best for him. If Braxton can ball, then let him get after it as soon as he can and play. If he can be a difference for the Cats by the time conference starts and is the best 5 on the team, then yes, he should start and play.

With regard to Hajek, a lot of us are big time fans and have been so for years. We have watched Hajek and there might be an emotional hope for him to have a great season. He came in with such high potential, but injuries has really set him back. That might be the biggest factor behind why his stats aren't the greatest. Hajek is a 5th year senior and has earned the right to get the bulk of mins at the 5 if he is playing at the same level or better than the other bigs. He is the senior and has gone through a lot to get to where he is now. I'm not saying he is the greatest player to have ever stepped onto campus, but that he has put in the time to have a good senior season. If Braxton is better than him, then yes Braxton should play and I'm sure Hajek will be the first person to support him and to help him improve. That is just the team character Braxton belongs to. That is Weber Basketball.

:+1:

I couldn't agree more!

 

[Da Bears]

This isn't about emotions.... It's about who can give Weber State the chance to win. If the new kid does that then he needs to play. He's the only big that can be redshirted, but that's not his fault. They knew that when they recruited him.

Young guns..... You have a different perspective being new to Weber..... I like that you're willing to go against the grain. James has become part of our community and we want to see him have a good year.... But it's about the team first!

Maybe we should see how they perform tonight!

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Does anyone know if the Purple and White game will be broadcast on the Big Sky App?

I don't know for fact but would bet anything that it's not.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Hajek is a vital member of this team, not necessarily his impact in the stat sheets but his impact in the locker room is priceless. :twocents:

:nod:

 

[wsucatfan]

We are so athletic, quick, players were in constant motion.
Defense was swarming, threes were contested.

Joel is going to be a MVP beast.

 

[SWWeatherCat]

Agree!
A few thoughts:
- Joel looks every bit as good as advertized. He's going to score more than I believed.
- Defense is solid!
- James looks great but we've seen him play so little it's kinda hard to assess how much he can contribute. I loved seeing him take Zack aside on more than one occasion to help and teach him.
- Hill seems a little up-and-down still-- all kinds of potential but I wonder if he really shines until next season?
- Zack has a great body and no doubt will develop into something special but there is certainly work there.
- Senglin & Gittens are solid and I don't see either losing minutes to the new guys.
- I was not terribly impressed with jump-shots, least of all from the JCTs or other new guys-- it's early and nearly every player on the floor looks to be a capable defender.
- Zach needs to decide what's best for him but I think he might have a better overall career with a RS this year. On the flip side, he will be great player for Weber and I'd love to see him play this year.
- Offensively, there's some growth still, defensively I think they are already at a pretty high level.
- You could hear Rahe all but say this team is going to be something special.
- There's no reason Weber shouldn't be right in the mix for a second straight NCAA appearance.
- The excitement of the football team's first win Saturday will play second fiddle to the excitement from tonight seeing an unbelievably athletic and talented basketball team.

 

[oldrunner]

Joel played about like I thought he would. He will do better against outside competition.

I thought Hill looked hugely improved over last year. He will have some huge games.

Senglin looked really good as the lead guard.

Gittens looked a bit nervous at the beginning, but settled in late.

Golden looked a bit nervous. He will be fine when he relaxes a bit.

Johnson-Coston is tough. I would want him on my side in a fight. He plays bigger than he is.

Hajek showed why we have all been singing his praises. He's not flashy, just a workhorse, and more mobile than we have ever seen him.

The freshmen guards all had their moments, but hunter is the best passer we have had in the program for a long time. He is a pure point guard.

Braxton is talented and has tremendous potential. Weather he plays this year or not, he is a year away from being a total monster. If he improves as much as Hill did in his first year, watch out.

Van Pelt didn't play enough to get a good read on where he is at. He is a lot stronger than he was prior to his mission.

Didn't see the walk-ons at all. Hard to tell if we might have the luxury of red shirting two of the freshmen guards.

All in all, we are a better defensive and rebounding team than we were last year. Offensively I think we are going to be an exciting team to watch. :twocents: