Most people probably think that Cam Long's performance dictates whether we win or lose games. Or that Ryan Pearson or Mike Morrison are the key, because they control the paint. And I fully admit that all three are crucial to any success we might or might not have this year.
But it is becoming abundantly clear to me that we go as Andre Cornelius goes. When Andre was moved to the point, we went on an incredible winning streak. Not only did Cam do much better (averaging nearly 20 points/game), but DJ also went on a scoring spree in which he reeled double-digit points in five straight victories: GSU (14), at JMU (19), at Hofstra (18), at Towson (10) and against Delaware (13).
Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. In our three conference losses, Andre has pretty much been a non-factor. He scored zero points in the debacle at Northeastern, managed only 8 points at GSU on 3-7 shooting and only scored 3 points yesterday at Drexel. In these three losses, he shot 23 -percent from the field (4-14), hit only 2 of 7 threes (28-percent) and averaged 3.6 points.
We need the aggressive, sharp-shooting Andre to show up down the stretch, because he is the gas that makes our car go. He will get his first true test Tuesday against VCU, so it will be interesting to see which DJ shows up.
If DJ is on it changes everything. It opens up underneath and really stretches out the defense. He also does well getting to the hoop, but has trouble finishing at times because he's trying to draw the foul and doesn't get under control before he shoots.
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that's so funny, I was thinking the same thing after yesterday's loss. I have a feeling he'll be hitting his shots at home against VCU. He seems to only go through dry spells on the road.
Minor point, but Northeastern and the DAC are not the easiest places to play. I can understand having a difficult time getting your shots to fall in those places.
Minor point, but Northeastern and the DAC are not the easiest places to play. I can understand having a difficult time getting your shots to fall in those places.
Fair point, but somebody with Andre's talent still shouldn't go a combined 1-10 with a total of 3 points in those arenas. With Whack injured and Vaughns out, we are woefully thin in the backcourt. If DJ is off, we are screwed on the perimeter.
Totally agree, Tom. Though, to play the devil's advocate, he has improved quite a bit over his freshman year. With the amount of minutes he gets each game, it's hard to remember that he's only a sophomore. Obviously, I don't know the guy, but he strikes me as someone with a strong work ethic and desire to push himself. I think we'll continue to see improvements from him.
Meanwhile, though, it is quite frustrating to see a guy with that much talent hit so few of his shots in these recent road games. I'm sure he's even more frustrated than we are!
He has the talent, he just needs to be aggressive and get in that mindset to drive. Recently he seems timid in making plays and driving to the hoop. He needs to stop second guessing himself and just drive in, his instincts will take over and he'll create something for someone else.
This season's record when Andre Cornelius scored at least 10 points: 8-2 (losses to Villanova and Georgia Tech); and
When Andre scored less than 10 points or did not play (i.e., the GW game): 7-7 (losses to Tulane, GW, Dayton, Radford, Northeastern, Georgia State, and Drexel).
This season's record when Andre Cornelius scored at least 10 points: 8-2 (losses to Villanova and Georgia Tech); and
When Andre scored less than 10 points or did not play (i.e., the GW game): 7-7 (losses to Tulane, GW, Dayton, Radford, Northeastern, Georgia State, and Drexel).
Well, when Cornelius plays well and we win, other players generally play well as well. Jimmy Nolan played 7 games as a Patriot, and we won every single one of them... It does not mean that Nolan is the key to winning... Correlation does not mean causation!
However, I've noticed that in the games we've lost, we go to the weave at the top of the key, do not bang inside and play crappy defense.
Well, when Cornelius plays well and we win, other players generally play well as well. Jimmy Nolan played 7 games as a Patriot, and we won every single one of them... It does not mean that Nolan is the key to winning... Correlation does not mean causation!
However, I've noticed that in the games we've lost, we go to the weave at the top of the key, do not bang inside and play crappy defense.
Actually, the Patriots were 6-1 in games that Nolan played, all of which were garbage minutes after the outcome had already been decided. To imply that Cornelius had no more causative effect in the victories as did Nolan is nonsensical.
Actually, the Patriots were 6-1 in games that Nolan played, all of which were garbage minutes after the outcome had already been decided. To imply that Cornelius had no more causative effect in the victories as did Nolan is nonsensical.
It is nonsensical. My point is that when Cornelius plays well and Mason wins, other players play well as well. Implying that Cornelius' play decides the outcomes of games is a stretch as well.
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