Draft Express: 6'7 Czech SF Matej Svoboda commits to Dayton

[shapanud]

Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress
6'7 Czech SF Matej Svoboda committed to Dayton, sources tell DX. Huge pickup. #2 scorer at U20 European Championship behind Lauri Markkanen.

I'm not real up on my Czech U20 basketball players so I'll let others evaluate, but in Archie we trust. And I guess he'll be play next year since he is already 20, but I didn't see that anywhere for sure.

Update: Jabs confirms commit is for class of 2017

[C-time]

But can he play point guard?

He averaged 19 pts, 7.3 reb , and 1.9 assists in the U20 European Championship last year. Shot 50% (21/42) from 3 for the tournament.

http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Matej-SVOBODA

[BRob2Perryman3]

Anybody got the scoop?

[rollo]

How are we going to sneak him into the country?

[ud2]

Jonathan Givony ‏@DraftExpress
Svoboda led U20 in 3s made and 3-point %. Will give Archie Miller's offense a big boost. Already a man at 20 years old, ready to play in A10

https://mobile.twitter.com/DraftExpr...80897464434690

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Well there goes the final scholarship and any chance of that grad transfer some were hoping for. In Archie I trust

Of course, someone could always transfer elsewhere, who wants to start that thread?

[shapanud]

All of the Euro U20 games are on YouTube. If the Super Bowl gets out of hand, you can watch Czech Rep v Italy here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6THsovBLSc

Czech won 82-71 and Svoboda (#11 in blue) scored 28pts in 27 minutes.

[cj]

Originally Posted by rollo How are we going to sneak him into the country?

Through Mexico, duh.

[TX Flyer]

Originally Posted by cj Through Mexico, duh.

what about the wall?

[C-time]

He was at the game yesterday.

https://twitter.com/DavidPJablonski/...90406605901829

[UDGutter2]

Originally Posted by TX Flyer what about the wall?

Get over it. Lol

[priceg75]

One European hoops website says:

After underwhelming performances in the 2015 U20's and the 2014 U18's, Matej Svoboda burst on to the scene for a Czech team that finished seventh overall. What stood out about Svoboda in Helsinki was his knockdown shooting ability, leading the tournament in 3-pointers made, while doing it at an impressive 50% clip, the second best percentage in the tournaments history for anyone who attempted more than 40 3-pointers. As efficient as he was from behind the arc, Svoboda found other ways to score the ball, looking under control on dribble drives to the rim, using his 205-pound frame to clear space and finish around the rim, even showing off some nice spin moves.

Svoboda possesses just average athleticism, but has has a high basketball IQ, and a solid skill set for a player who can flip back and forth between either forward position. He rebounded the ball well, leading the Czech team in rebounding at 7.3 per game, but got lost in the shuffle defensively, not possessing a major threat as a shot blocker or on ball defender.

[CE80]

Archie is some guy. He even picked up the Czech!
Posted via Mobile Device

[priceg75]

Waka Waka!

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Originally Posted by C-time He was at the game yesterday. https://twitter.com/DavidPJablonski/...90406605901829

The young guy up the line from Matej (next to the woman) is Dominiq Penn,the son of Scoonie Penn, former OSU PG. He is a freshman PG at Dublin Coffman in Cols.

[ruechalgrin]

Originally Posted by priceg75 One European hoops website says: After underwhelming performances in the 2015 U20's and the 2014 U18's, Matej Svoboda burst on to the scene for a Czech team that finished seventh overall. What stood out about Svoboda in Helsinki was his knockdown shooting ability, leading the tournament in 3-pointers made, while doing it at an impressive 50% clip, the second best percentage in the tournaments history for anyone who attempted more than 40 3-pointers. As efficient as he was from behind the arc, Svoboda found other ways to score the ball, looking under control on dribble drives to the rim, using his 205-pound frame to clear space and finish around the rim, even showing off some nice spin moves. Svoboda possesses just average athleticism, but has has a high basketball IQ, and a solid skill set for a player who can flip back and forth between either forward position. He rebounded the ball well, leading the Czech team in rebounding at 7.3 per game, but got lost in the shuffle defensively, not possessing a major threat as a shot blocker or on ball defender.

Sounds like he is athletic, Archie will improve his on and off ball defending. Nice pick-up.

[Mr_Sweets]

So what year will he be? (FR., SO. etc.).. How many years is he eligible to play?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jeff]

Another challenge for Bucky....

[flyerfan4life]

https://youtu.be/hN8H4CP08Ng

[flyerfan4life]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life https://youtu.be/hN8H4CP08Ng

Only highlight ive seen. Appears to be a little more than just a shooter

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by priceg75 one european hoops website says: Svoboda possesses just average athleticism, but has has a high basketball iq, and a solid skill set for a player who can flip back and forth between either forward position. He rebounded the ball well, leading the czech team in rebounding at 7.3 per game, but got lost in the shuffle defensively, not possessing a major threat as a shot blocker or on ball defender.

rm 2.0

[ud69]

I assume he was shooting 3s from the international line and not the college distance?

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by CE80 Archie is some guy. He even picked up the Czech! Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device

[flyerfan4life]

Originally Posted by Jeff rm 2.0

Except for the fact that this guy appears to actually be a shooter. That was never what mikesell was supposed to be... for some reason people thought he was supposed to be a three point shooter. I think it was just because he is white.

[Flyer Al]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/sport...6bdrpvqoJ2saP/

[ruechalgrin]

Originally Posted by ud69 I assume he was shooting 3s from the international line and not the college distance?

Yes college is 20.75 feet and international is 22.15 feet and 21.65 in the corner.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bask...ree-point_line

So 50% 3 point shooting from longer distance! Going to feel a FT for him :-)

[FlyerinChicago]

Nice pick up..already 20...Hope he stays and doesn't follow Archie to OSU 😏
Posted via Mobile Device

[The Fly]

Will be interested to hear who else was recruiting him. Players aren't off the radar screen -- even in Europe. Sounds like a great get. We'll need some deadeye shooters from the perimeter next year in the absence of Scooch and Charles -- and dare I say now, Kyle.

[flyerfan4life]

Originally Posted by The Fly Will be interested to hear who else was recruiting him. Players aren't off the radar screen -- even in Europe. Sounds like a great get. We'll need some deadeye shooters from the perimeter next year in the absence of Scooch and Charles -- and dare I say now, Kyle.

I saw Georgia Tech & Vandy

[ruechalgrin]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life I saw Georgia Tech & Vandy

Isn't this from pay-site not to be shared ....

[Flyer2]

Originally Posted by FlyerinChicago Nice pick up..already 20...Hope he stays and doesn't follow Archie to OSU 😏 Posted via Mobile Device

Give it a rest, Archie is here to stay!

[John C.]

This is why we are wasting our time talking about recruiting all the time. There are three players Archie has brought in the last 9 months that we had no idea about. The guy is just amazing.

[FlyerinChicago]

Originally Posted by Flyer2 Give it a rest, Archie is here to stay!

Yes, I know...it was a joke...can't stand the Archie
is leaving crap. He ain't going nowhere.
Posted via Mobile Device

[flyerfan4life]

Originally Posted by ruechalgrin Isn't this from pay-site not to be shared ....

Honestly dont recall where i saw it...been researching him for a couple hours now. Who cares if it is though? That info is inconsequential.

[sheg]

Originally Posted by Lifelong Flyer Fan The young guy up the line from Matej (next to the woman) is Dominiq Penn,the son of Scoonie Penn, former OSU PG. He is a freshman PG at Dublin Coffman in Cols.

I heart Scoonie Penn. If he's as good as Dad I would sign him tomorrow!

[hawkoooo]

There is going to be some interesting starting lineup threads this off season.

[TX Flyer]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life Honestly dont recall where i saw it...been researching him for a couple hours now. Who cares if it is though? That info is inconsequential.

What's the point of paying for a site if people like you give it to me for free?

[flyerfan4life]

Originally Posted by TX Flyer What's the point of paying for a site if people like you give it to me for free?

If youre paying for that site to get THAT kind of info, save your $$$. Useless info, thats why I didnt even recall where I read it.

[priceg75]

Originally Posted by sheg I heart Scoonie Penn. If he's as good as Dad I would sign him tomorrow!

He and Michael Redd basically took Ohio State to a Final 4 in the late 90's. Agree.

[darrylskale]

2017-18 starting 5-6 could be Darrell, Svovada, Kostas, Josh , Xylerius or McKinley. off the bench would be Ryan the freshmen, then John and Trey.

[TX Flyer]

Id say you're off a bit. Wright, DD, RM, JC, Kostas

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life I saw Georgia Tech & Vandy

Originally Posted by ruechalgrin Isn't this from pay-site not to be shared ....

I saw it on the A-10 site, for free, long before either of you posted this info, just saying. More than one place was saying Tech and Vandy, unless the guy who posted on A-10 site was posting pay-site info

[DallasFlyer]

Svoboda means free(dom) in Slavik. And Matej is one of the more common surnames. So for whomever has to relay the news to Bucky, I think I'd just tell him Dayton signed Matt Free.

[priceg75]

Originally Posted by flyerfan4life Except for the fact that this guy appears to actually be a shooter. That was never what mikesell was supposed to be... for some reason people thought he was supposed to be a three point shooter. I think it was just because he is white.

White, and he's the same build and even jersey number of Binnie.

Watching him Saturday though, Mikesell's outside shot is a line drive.

[priceg75]

Btw, how sad are all of us, on here digging into this recruit during the first overtime Super Bowl.

Sad!

[MikeF]

Originally Posted by Jeff Another challenge for Bucky....

Nothing a few Bud Lights can't solve...

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by John C. This is why we are wasting our time talking about recruiting all the time. There are three players Archie has brought in the last 9 months that we had no idea about. The guy is just amazing.

Because we love to opine and prognosticate about things we have little knowledge of!!!

Let's just call it "The Audacity of Hope".

[TheSixthMan]

John Crosby will start at PG next year. Watch him grow before your eyes!
Posted via Mobile Device

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by ruechalgrin Yes college is 20.75 feet and international is 22.15 feet and 21.65 in the corner. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bask...ree-point_line So 50% 3 point shooting from longer distance! Going to feel a FT for him :-)

I would say the average 3pt actually taken in USA colleges is close to 22 feet. Few players toe up to the line. But of course it could be that international takes the same license. Maybe they shoot from 23 ft or more?

[Medford]

having watched very, very little international basketball, my guess is its the same way everywhere. The worst shot in basketball, by far is the long shot with your foot on the line. Coaches will teach all their players to set up a pace or two outside the line, that way if they have to step into a shot b/c of a poor pass they're still behind the line.

[DallasFlyer]

Originally Posted by TheSixthMan John Crosby will start at PG next year. Watch him grow before your eyes! Posted via Mobile Device

Well, I would be lying if I told you I hadn't seen growth from Crosby over the last three games:

1/27 vs VCU: 1 TO
1/31 vs Fordham: 2 TO
2/4 vs Duquesne: 4 TO

	Fordham FORDHAM Fordham University is an independent Jesuit university established in 1841 as St. John's College on old Rose Hill Manor in the village of Fordham, then part of Westchester County in the Bronx, NY. The name Fordham is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ford" and "ham," meaning a wading place or ford by a settlement. Rose Hill is the name given to the site in 1787 by Robert Watts, a wealthy New York merchant, in honor of his family's ancestral home of the same name in Scotland. The College was originally staffed by diocesan clergy. The name was officially changed to Fordham University in 1907. Fordham's 10 schools enroll 14,448 students. There are 7,652 undergraduates, of whom 3,842 live in University-managed housing either on-campus or in the local community. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams. Athletic claim to fame is consistent mediocrity in nearly all sports and few A10 title winning programs.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

[DallasFlyer]

But seriously, I really like the idea of Dayton tapping into the international market. It seem like we've dipped a toe in here and there, but there is just so much talent internationally. There can be obstacles with transcripts and obviously, it's going to be much harder to evaluate those kids, but the upside is fantastic.

To make a gross generalization, it seems like a lot of the top talent in this country comes with bad habits that you have to try to undo as a coach. I know many have attributed this to AAU ball.

Comparatively, the European players seem to be really fundamentally sound. I can only assume that the basketball academies over there really focus on that aspect as well as strength training and conditioning. Getting a kid who is fundamentally sound, a great shooter, and a bit older with a couple additional years to fill out is not a bad thing at all.

[jerseyflyer09]

Generally I agree with the in archie i trust mantra. I don't see it with Crosby though. McKinley Wright is by all accounts going to be a great one, but I really was banking on a 5th year next year to not put it all on him. I have very little faith in Crosby, tbh, but I'm rooting for him and would love to be proven wrong.

Don't count out a transfer. There's a big man who seems to be digressing and we just got another 6'7 commit ready to play right away on top of Kostas AND josh going into next season. Factor in Jordan Pierce who I have high hopes for (although after seeing him live this year my hopes aren't for next year) and someone could see the writing on the wall and move on. Simply put, there's a lot of time between April and July and there could be mutual agreements to open up room. We've seen it before, and there's a very good 5th year pg right next door.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by DallasFlyer To make a gross generalization, it seems like a lot of the top talent in this country comes with bad habits that you have to try to undo as a coach. I know many have attributed this to AAU ball. .

My rant is not aimed at you Dallas, as many times it could be AAU ball. Maybe it is worse for boys than it is for girls that I have been involved with coaching for way too long

However, I am amazed the number of girls that come to our first AAU practice out of shape (hello- your basketball season just ended 6 days ago), having forgot the basics on how and where to cut, box out, help defense, etc......We would ask what the heck do you do in practice from November through February and usually the answer we are given is work on plays the entire time. How about teaching, and practicing, the fundamentals your severely lacking. Hopefully this season is different in our case with most girls at the varsity level, but when kids would show up after their JV, freshmen or Junior high seasons we would be amazed at how unready they were for competitive basketball. For the most part, I am not talking bench warmers either, they are the stars of their school programs.

So the problem is not always AAU, just **** poor coaching in general. Not everyone had Ryan Mikesells coaching growing up!

[TA111]

Originally Posted by DallasFlyer Well, I would be lying if I told you I hadn't seen growth from Crosby over the last three games: 1/27 vs VCU: 1 TO 1/31 vs Fordham: 2 TO 2/4 vs Duquesne: 4 TO

And in A10 play 18 TO vs 13 Assists. Not good. Unfortunately he just doesn't seem to have good pg instincts, i.e., knowing when to penetrate and when to dish off to open man.

	Fordham FORDHAM Fordham University is an independent Jesuit university established in 1841 as St. John's College on old Rose Hill Manor in the village of Fordham, then part of Westchester County in the Bronx, NY. The name Fordham is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ford" and "ham," meaning a wading place or ford by a settlement. Rose Hill is the name given to the site in 1787 by Robert Watts, a wealthy New York merchant, in honor of his family's ancestral home of the same name in Scotland. The College was originally staffed by diocesan clergy. The name was officially changed to Fordham University in 1907. Fordham's 10 schools enroll 14,448 students. There are 7,652 undergraduates, of whom 3,842 live in University-managed housing either on-campus or in the local community. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams. Athletic claim to fame is consistent mediocrity in nearly all sports and few A10 title winning programs.

[Medford]

Originally Posted by DallasFlyer Well, I would be lying if I told you I hadn't seen growth from Crosby over the last three games: 1/27 vs VCU: 1 TO 1/31 vs Fordham: 2 TO 2/4 vs Duquesne: 4 TO

To be fair, totals skew those numbers w/o looking at minutes played.

VCU: 9 minutes, 1 to, doesn't seem to be bad in just the to/min department, though IIRC he was close to several more
Fordham: 5 min, 2 TOs
Duquesne: 17 min, 4 to

per 40:

VCU: 4.4/40 min
Ford: 16/40 min (yikes)
Duquesne: 9.4/40 min (yikes again, but certainly better than Fordham, of course fordham is significantly better at forcing turnovers than Duquesne)

Scoochie has been pretty steadily at 2.5 turnovers/40 minutes his entire career, from his frosh season thru today, very, very consistently at that mark. Crosby was roughly 3.5/40 his frosh season and is around 3.1/40 this season.

Its hard to judge on such limited attempts (15 total) but he's shooting over 50% on 3 pointers so far this year. His biggest issue, as everyone can see clear as day, is that he drives into the middle and gets "stuck" either turning the ball over or throwing a less than perfect pass that doesn't lead to much. He seemed a little better vs Duquesne on saturday, but duquesne didn't see all that interested so its not much to hang his hat on.

The biggest transition Scoochie made was the work he put in on his body from his frosh season to his sophomore season. If you recall, Scooch led the team in improvement in all kinds of physical improvement marks that off season. He went from a kid that struggled finishing in the lane, to a kid that was strong around the rim to know being a player w/ both a strong body and the veteran savy to finish drives.

I had hoped Crosby would make a similar leap this year, but it hasn't occurred, physically he seems like a better athlete than Scoochie, but so were a lot of players during the BG era, and as we know, raw athleticism isn't everything. While a limited sample, his free throw shooting is atrocious. His assist/min has decreased a tad from last season, his perimeter shooting has improved.

In short, other than perhaps his perimeter shot, and a slight downdraw in turnovers per 40, which is still significantly above where Scooch has been his entire career Crosby hasn't progressed, if anything he's regressed, at least offensively over the last 1.5 years. If he doesn't make tremendous strides over the off season, I fail to see how Archie can trust him to run the show next season. Perhaps Wright is good enough to start off the bat. Scooch struggled to start his career, but was very solid by season's end, really only needing the work on his strength that a collegiate off season can provide most kids. One of those 2 things (or a graduate transfer) is going to have to happen if UD hopes to maintain its level of play next year. Its hard to do much of anything w/o a PG at this level.

Can we petition the NCAA for a 5th year of Scooch? I mean who wouldn't want that name around college hoops another season?

	Fordham FORDHAM Fordham University is an independent Jesuit university established in 1841 as St. John's College on old Rose Hill Manor in the village of Fordham, then part of Westchester County in the Bronx, NY. The name Fordham is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ford" and "ham," meaning a wading place or ford by a settlement. Rose Hill is the name given to the site in 1787 by Robert Watts, a wealthy New York merchant, in honor of his family's ancestral home of the same name in Scotland. The College was originally staffed by diocesan clergy. The name was officially changed to Fordham University in 1907. Fordham's 10 schools enroll 14,448 students. There are 7,652 undergraduates, of whom 3,842 live in University-managed housing either on-campus or in the local community. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams. Athletic claim to fame is consistent mediocrity in nearly all sports and few A10 title winning programs.

	Duquesne DUQUESNE Duquesne University is a private, coeducational university, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania located on 48 secluded acres, on a bluff above downtown. Founded in 1878 as a Catholic college by the Order of the Holy Spirit. It is the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the world. Duquesne offers 10 schools of study and 100 degree programs to 6,000 undergraduates and 3,800 graduate students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Dukes.

[springborofan]

Originally Posted by Medford Can we petition the NCAA for a 5th year of Scooch? I mean who wouldn't want that name around college hoops another season?

I can think of 13 schools who don't want Scoochie around next year. I'm sure some of the fan bases have to think Scoochie, Pollard and Kyle have all been around for 7 years!

[UD93 Steve]

Originally Posted by TheSixthMan John Crosby will start at PG next year. Watch him grow before your eyes! Posted via Mobile Device

I think you are right, but unless he improves A LOT, Archie is not going to be able to let the offense run through the PG position like he has had the luxury of with SS. I wonder if Mikesell is up for the "point forward" position next year?

[C-time]

And we can now add this topic to the long list that have turned into a John Crosby discussion.

[Gazoo]

I watched the first quarter. Look for #11 if you want to watch him--or correct me that I was watching the wrong guy! Did not start but played most of the quarter. Not particularly athletic or unathletic, looked reasonable and in the middle somewhere. Moved well without the ball. Looked strong with the ball but NOT as a PG; like Cooke or KD he didn't look comfortable controlling the ball in space. Does not look 6'7", the ref was as tall as him (could have been a tall ref??). Beautiful release, effortless from distance. He'll be basically an outside shooter only, meaning he will not playing in the middle like Mikesell does even if he is 6'7". He looked like he was getting pushed around a bit under the basket.

Overall looks like a great addition to a team that can always use more outside shooting.

[BRob2Perryman3]

Originally Posted by C-time And we can now add this topic to the long list that have turned into a John Crosby discussion.

Oh this is soooooooooooo good. I was literally doubled over to the point my co-workers were shooting quizzical looks. Im the biggest offender of this but this post was awesome

[Widget]

Here's my thought:

Next year will be a very tall team, but if I am not forgetting anyone, there will be a total of 4 guards on the roster: DD, JC, and our two upcoming freshman (Davis and Wright). Trey I thought was a guard but I keep hearing he's more of a 3/undersized 4. I know a lot of people thought that a big need was to have a grad transfer point guard, so I'm wondering if someone currently on the team might be transferring out, which will open up a scholarship for next year?

[m21eagle45]

Originally Posted by Widget Here's my thought: Next year will be a very tall team, but if I am not forgetting anyone, there will be a total of 4 guards on the roster: DD, JC, and our two upcoming freshman (Davis and Wright). Trey I thought was a guard but I keep hearing he's more of a 3/undersized 4. I know a lot of people thought that a big need was to have a grad transfer point guard, so I'm wondering if someone currently on the team might be transferring out, which will open up a scholarship for next year?

Carter should also be considered a guard.

[Medford]

I asked the same question on the A10 board, seems like a lot of length, and a potential lack of ball handlers. Not sure if this kid has the handle to play the 2 or if he's more of a 3. Jason Kidd is turning Giannis into a point with the Bucks, so perhaps its in Kostas' DNA to handle the ball better than you'd expect out of a 6'11" kid. I think many thought he'd be playing the 3 spot next year when Cooke left, perhaps he could play more of a 2.

With Scooch, Kyle & Pollard (and now Cooke) UD has been an excellant full court, fast break team over their 4 seasons, as all can get out, run and attack the rim with the ball in their hands the length of the court, that may change drastically next season.

I haven't seen any of Carter's game, but IIRC he was a "young" HS senior, and may need more development, physically than those he'd be competing for playing time with. I just assume all frosh need 1 solid off season in the weight room, but being a year younger may mean he needs even more time for his body to mature.

[m21eagle45]

Originally Posted by Medford With Scooch, Kyle & Pollard (and now Cooke) UD has been an excellant full court, fast break team over their 4 seasons, as all can get out, run and attack the rim with the ball in their hands the length of the court, that may change drastically next season.

I do not see why this would change? I do not think any of the players they have added are slow lumbering players. Even Pierce at 7'0 appears to move well for a 7'0. And from what I have read the last 24 hours about Svoboda, he seems like the perfect player for the secondary break. Kick it out to him on the wing and hit the open threes instead of always pushing ahead for the layup. Wright, Carter, and Davis all seem like players who fit Archie's system.

As for the current players XW and RM can both get down the floor quickly and seem to be able to handle the ball good enough. JC moves well for his size and bulk. One cannot question the speed and quickness that Crosby possesses.

[NorthwestFlyer]

JC has two glaring issues, IMHO.

One is his high dribble, he needs to work on his handle a lot. When he makes a move the ball does not always come cleanly with him. Probably just a timing thing, he makes his move independent of the balls position on the bounce.

Two is his lack of planning. He is quick, but again, times his movement with what he sees in front of him. He needs to have an exit strategy when he makes his move. He sees a moment when he can attack, but doesn't take into consideration where his outlet pass will be when he stumbles the dribble or runs into help defense. So he misses an opportunity for an either or move, especially since he can draw an extra man to him.

Oh heck - Three - he leaves his feet to often. What is the point in leaping at the basked when you are 20 feet away, why does this even happen? It's futile.

These are trainable issues that can be worked on. If he cools his jets a little and starts reading the team before he gets the ball (or without slowing the game flow), he will be excellent.

He could also just distribute the ball a bit better and not try to create for himself so often and he will be fine.

Oh wait - Welcome to the Flyer Family Matej Svoboda! Looking forward to seeing you play next year.

[Medford]

to me, its not a matter of getting up and down the floor quickly, its a matter of getting up and down the floor quickly with the ball in your hand and being able to either take it up strong in traffic around the rim (Kyle, scooch, cooke & Pollard are all good at this) or being able to see those around you for a quick pass (Scooch is very good at this as well, Kyle is decent but better attacking).

Williams may have the potential, I think he'd be good there but don't recall any instances where he grabs a rebound and take it 90 feet for a layup the way Pollard has. Mikesell has good vision, perhaps, but again I haven't see a ton of it. Darryl struggles when attacking into traffic, Crosby is Crosby until proven otherwise and the rest are unproven.

The current seniors are all very, very excellent on the fast break and its a huge part of UD's success, so its going to be hard for anyone to replace both the skill and the experience in that aspect. I trust in Archie's coaching ability that they will be good, I just have trouble thinking they will be as good next year given what they lose to graduation. Not that the team can't be good, just that this aspect may be different.

Then again, with a healthy Cunningham, Williams adding as much muscle this off season as he did last season and the additions of Jordan & Kostas perhaps this is a much better rebounding team and will better limit the type of multiple attempts that we saw hurt them vs VCU, UMass, etc...while at the same time getting more 2nd chance points themselves.

	Massachusetts MASSACHUSETTS UMass Amherst, the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system, sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, 90 miles from Boston and 175 miles from New York City. The campus provides a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. UMass enrolls over 20,000 undergraduates and 5,000 post-grad students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Minutemen. Women's teams known as the Minutewomen. Sports achievements include NCAA Final Four appearances in men's basketball and women's soccer.

[UDBrian]

The Flyers are good this year and will be good again next year with some bumps in the road.

But, watch out for this team in two years

[frisco flyer]

Originally Posted by Widget Here's my thought: Next year will be a very tall team, but if I am not forgetting anyone, there will be a total of 4 guards on the roster: DD, JC, and our two upcoming freshman (Davis and Wright). Trey I thought was a guard but I keep hearing he's more of a 3/undersized 4. I know a lot of people thought that a big need was to have a grad transfer point guard, so I'm wondering if someone currently on the team might be transferring out, which will open up a scholarship for next year?

I wouldn't get too hung up about who plays which position. We have been known to play position-less basketball.

[BRob2Perryman3]

Originally Posted by m21eagle45 Carter should also be considered a guard.

I thought Carter was 2018?

[UDBaby]

Originally Posted by springborofan I can think of 13 schools who don't want Scoochie around next year. I'm sure some of the fan bases have to think Scoochie, Pollard and Kyle have all been around for 7 years!

Sorta like Mo Allie Cox.

[Medford]

Originally Posted by BRob2Perryman3 I thought Carter was 2018?

2017, I think there were some that thought he was going to enlist in prep school due to his age and reclassify himself as a 2018, but he's currently a 2017 recruit.

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by UDBrian The Flyers are good this year and will be good again next year with some bumps in the road. But, watch out for this team in two years

We can't seem to stay healthy for two years. Our unfortunate history is we will lose someone (or two) for an extended period. Then Arch will perform his magic again.

[BRob2Perryman3]

I hadnt thought about the guard situation until m21egle said that. 4 guards, thats a problem. Good thing Carter is coming this fall. i couldve swore he was class of '18

[BRob2Perryman3]

I think Kostas has some guard him, i know he's 6'10 but ive heard he moves like a gazelle and is a face up player as opposed to back to the basket. Hell his brother is the same size and i know he's PG capable

[BRob2Perryman3]

Including Kostas, this is a nasty, nasty,nasty class. No way Archie leaves this gold mine

[flyer016]

Originally Posted by BRob2Perryman3 Including Kostas, this is a nasty, nasty,nasty class. No way Archie leaves this gold mine

You'd be surprised what $10 million can do.

Agree with your point though. Next year's frosh will represent a serious influx of talent. The present senior class has obviously been outstanding, but I think the ceiling of the 2017 class may be a bit higher.

[UncleFester]

Next year's class hails from Minn, NY, SC, Czech. & Greece.
Think about that for a sec. Archie & Co. are doing their homework. In my opinion, the ceiling is much higher.
Posted via Mobile Device

[m21eagle45]

Originally Posted by UncleFester Next year's class hails from Minn, NY, SC, Czech. & Greece. Think about that for a sec. Archie & Co. are doing their homework. In my opinion, the ceiling is much higher. Posted via Mobile Device

Forgot NJ as well.

[John C.]

I am surprised someone isn't complaining because we didn't recruit someone from Dayton.

[CE80]

Originally Posted by John C. I am surprised someone isn't complaining because we didn't recruit someone from Dayton.

That's why we need Jaaron Simmons to transfer laterally from Ohio U.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by John C. I am surprised someone isn't complaining because we didn't recruit someone from Dayton.

That is next year. Andre Gordon from Sidney, 6'1 point guard who they claim has a 42" vertical. Coworker sees most of his games and says the kid is a real stud. Our Flyers, OSU, WV, among others are all interested in him.

[Viperstick]

I will get hammered for this, but unless Arch has a one-on-one camp with Crosby this summer, we will struggle next year. It will hurt losing Charles, Kendall, & Kyle, but losing Scooch sets this team back immeasurably. Offense doesn't click with Crosby in, and he's a much weaker threat from downtown than Scooch. I hope I'm proven wrong, but that's what I've seen so far.

[Atlantic 10]

Originally Posted by UncleFester Next year's class hails from Minn, NY, SC, Czech. & Greece. Think about that for a sec. Archie & Co. are doing their homework. In my opinion, the ceiling is much higher. Posted via Mobile Device

Plus New Jersey

[Atlantic 10]

Originally Posted by flyer016 You'd be surprised what $10 million can do. Agree with your point though. Next year's frosh will represent a serious influx of talent. The present senior class has obviously been outstanding, but I think the ceiling of the 2017 class may be a bit higher.

If you are talking about 10 mill a year ,noway

[NJFlyr71]

Originally Posted by TX Flyer what about the wall?

What wall? According to 84 Lumber, there is a door in it!

[priceg75]

Originally Posted by Viperstick I will get hammered for this, but unless Arch has a one-on-one camp with Crosby this summer, we will struggle next year. It will hurt losing Charles, Kendall, & Kyle, but losing Scooch sets this team back immeasurably. Offense doesn't click with Crosby in, and he's a much weaker threat from downtown than Scooch. I hope I'm proven wrong, but that's what I've seen so far.

I think Crosby starts next year, but McKinley Wright is playing starter's minutes by January.

We'll be fine, we always are.

[Browns]

Originally Posted by Viperstick I will get hammered for this, but unless Arch has a one-on-one camp with Crosby this summer, we will struggle next year. It will hurt losing Charles, Kendall, & Kyle, but losing Scooch sets this team back immeasurably. Offense doesn't click with Crosby in, and he's a much weaker threat from downtown than Scooch. I hope I'm proven wrong, but that's what I've seen so far.

Good point, everyone has been talking about these new recruits but I don't think anyone has brought up the concerns with Crosby running the point next year.

[steve]

Originally Posted by Viperstick I will get hammered for this, but unless Arch has a one-on-one camp with Crosby this summer, we will struggle next year. It will hurt losing Charles, Kendall, & Kyle, but losing Scooch sets this team back immeasurably. Offense doesn't click with Crosby in, and he's a much weaker threat from downtown than Scooch. I hope I'm proven wrong, but that's what I've seen so far.

Not sure about being a much weaker threat than SS from deep. I believe JC is shooting over 50%, albeit, in fewer attempts....SS is at 36% for his career .I agree that the coaches will need to work long and hard with JC but they did the very same thing with Scoochie at the same time that Scoochie was thin as a rail and he had to also worry about gaining lbs. and strength....JC already has that attribute in size..

When growth occurs, naturally, we all want it to happen rapidly but it's a process and I'll bet the light will go on for JC sooner than later knowing he's the PG next year or the leading candidate for it..Will he be the next SS? That's going to be awful hard to do but the plus in all this is that we'll at least have another true PG in Wright as soon as JC takes the reigns so hopefully between the two of them they can bring in their own good qualities.Scoochie did not have that benefit at all in his first year of starting as far as having really a true backup PG at all and only had Crosby as a true freshman last year.

[jack72]

I hope Matej has the good transcript. Any word on that? With his signing it gives us at least three studs that can take us to the next level. Throw in a stud next year and we could make some serious noise in 2-3 years. Next year's big kid will be a question mark, so we still need that big center, who can play at a top level.

[NJFlyr71]

Crosby an't a recruit (and he definitely isn't a Czech ) let's move his discussion over to this year and beyond.

As I stated in the 2017 thread, I bet no one here knew about this Svoboda guy!

Gotta give credit to Arch and his group ... they will surprise anyone and everyone with their recruiting search for talent.

One concern I have is that for UD at least, in 2 specific cases I can remember one from the Women's side and one from the Men's ... we have issues with either having the recruit show up (as in the first case) and having transcript issues (?) in the case of the men's.

Also we had a French guy who never seemed to flow into the program. Wasn't entirely his fault (sickness was one issue) who left after almost zero playing time.

Could use a good forward with experience right from the get-go and 20 years old so he is more mature than the typical incoming freshman .. so we will wait and see how this new 'oversea's recruit' shapes out.

[NJFlyr71]

Originally Posted by m21eagle45 Forgot NJ as well.

Originally Posted by Atlantic 10 Plus New Jersey

Not always sure whether to place NJ among the other states or list it with the other foreign countries!!

NJflyr71 signing out!

[ud2]

Originally Posted by NJFlyr71 One concern I have is that for UD at least, in 2 specific cases I can remember one from the Women's side and one from the Men's ... we have issues with either having the recruit show up (as in the first case)

Agree, not to be negative, but let's wait and see if he shows back up next year. I have heard of European players never making it back to campus in the states after they commit.

The fact that he is older than the typical freshman recruit, I think increases the odds that he never makes it back to UD.

[Flyer68]

I admit that I am coming on at the end of this post and missed a lot but is this Czech kid really that good? If so, why not anyone else's radar?

Also does this indicate that Archie looked down the bench atwhat he has for next year and really felt he needed another big man with Cunningham and Kostas. I would have been scouring the world for a point guard because the thought of Crosby running the point scares me.

Having said that, I have nothing but trust in and respect for Archie, his coaching, his recruiting decisions and the teams he has put together. I do not second guess him.

[ud2]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 I admit that I am coming on at the end of this post and missed a lot but is this Czech kid really that good? If so, why not anyone else's radar?

He was on other people's radar...upthread Georgia Tech and Vandy were mentioned as also being interested.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 I admit that I am coming on at the end of this post and missed a lot but is this Czech kid really that good? If so, why not anyone else's radar? Also does this indicate that Archie looked down the bench atwhat he has for next year and really felt he needed another big man with Cunningham and Kostas. I would have been scouring the world for a point guard because the thought of Crosby running the point scares me. Having said that, I have nothing but trust in and respect for Archie, his coaching, his recruiting decisions and the teams he has put together. I do not second guess him.

I watched the first quarter of the linked video, he is most definitely NOT a big man. He didn't go near the paint in the video I watched. He's a guard all the way.

[San Diego Flyer]

Originally Posted by priceg75 I think Crosby starts next year, but McKinley Wright is playing starter's minutes by January. We'll be fine, we always are.

Wright looks for all the world like the real deal. Think he will be over 20 minutes by mid-ooc.

What he can't do, nor can the others, is take a pill and suddenly have the Senior leadership that is such a critical factor in A10 play. Just having experience on the road playing in those pill boxes the A10 calls gyms is priceless. Then also not having any experience right off the bat in holiday tournaments when it seems like the only way to get good rpi building wins is in our first half dozen games. Can't expect that out of McKinley, but the soon to be Juniors better be up to it.

Arch is showing us some interesting talent is on the way. But we are depending on a lot of newbies early in the season. Maybe Svobada will bring some mature play that will mitigate some of the early jitters. I can't recall recruiting a 20 year old, but would never question Arch's ability to put the pieces together that have to gel early.

[MikeF]

Originally Posted by C-time And we can now add this topic to the long list that have turned into a John Crosby discussion.

Six degrees of John Crosby...

[sheg]

In the message by Draft Express, he is referred to as a " huge pickup." That's better than a " good pickup" or even a " great get," I would imagine. So how good is this?

[UDDoug]

Next year will be an interesting year, no matter who is playing point. It's tough to lose four seniors playing this many minutes and just reload at the same level. Just too young and inexperienced.

If Archie makes the Sweet Sixteen with next year's team, he should be national coach of the year.