James Johnson makes his head coaching debut today at 2pm on ESPN3 vs. ETSU

[Ragingcroc]

Does anyone else feel like we're sharing the ball more? I don't think I've seen Erick Green pass so much. He only got like 4 assists, but I saw a lot of good looks that were missed. He probably could have made a tough shot but decided to kick it out instead.

 

[hokiecheme11]

I think we need Rankin back bad. The offense stagnates when Green isn't in to facilitate

 

[Ragingcroc]

I think we need Rankin back bad. The offense stagnates when Green isn't in to facilitate

I'm surprised we didn't see more Brown at PG like last game.

 

[hokiecheme11]

I'm surprised we didn't see more Brown at PG like last game.

Yeah me too, Patrick does not look like he can play major minutes to me

 

[Ragingcroc]

Yeah me too, Patrick does not look like he can play major minutes to me

I doubt he would see the floor if Rankin was available.

 

[hokiecheme11]

I thought Rankin was there tonight?

Edit: read somewhere he was available, don't know why he didn't play

 

[ACC_HOKIES]

First game I got to watch. Not sure what to make of it other than they are playing at a faster pace and with more energy, which was both good and bad in this game. Defensively the energy led to some steals and blocks, but it also led to several overplays on screens and guys running into each other. Also saw a lot of ball watching and players losing their man. That should clean up as they play together though.

Offensively, the pace is faster but to me at times it still looks similar to what Greenberg ran, only faster. Lots of isos or two man game with everyone else standing around. It's working because we're hitting shots, but that might be fool's gold. Not sure if they could manufacture points from plays against a better defensive opponent at this point. I did like Green being more decisive coming off screens however. Also liked what I saw offensively from JVG when he had opportunities, same with Raines.

Not sure what to make of rebounding either. Defensively, I thought it was ok. Offensively though, it looked like our guys didn't try to get them. That may be by design. The coaches may be telling them to forgo the rebound and get back on D. Or it could just be lack of effort. Don't know at this point.

A good start though. We've got some good games to work through some stuff and improve

WRT playing simply a faster version of SG's offense, I think that's to be expected for now. I'm thinking JJ might be using the guys' talents and experiences as best he can for now. When he starts making adjustments during the season, and recruiting guys for the future is when we'll start to see what we can expect long term. I don't know what to think about rebounding. Better than last game atleast.



Overall, I'm encouraged that we got a fast start, but we did give up a run there in the first half. I realize we're going to give up runs every once and awhile, but Tech tends to do it far more than our peers, so I hope that gets resolved under JJ. The TO at about 2 minutes left was very effective going into the half though. 8-0 run basically put the game out of reach.

 

[Lumbee09]

I thought Rankin was there tonight?

Edit: read somewhere he was available, don't know why he didn't play

Just read that he had two deaths in the family last week that kept him out of town for the opener. Sounds like he didn't play because he didn't practice prior to yesterday's game. Should be available Thursday.

 

[Ragingcroc]

I loved the Erick Green dunk and Marshall Wood hitting his first triple! We got to defend better though.

 

[Ragingcroc]

Did anyone see Green push Marcus Patrick into position on defense? Resulted in JVG drawing the charge.

 

[robV703]

Looks like JvZ really put on some weight this offseason. Also glad to see Barksdale active, although his jumping ability appears suspect...

 

[hokiecheme11]

Is Rankin hurt or something? I really thought he woulda been first guard off the bench today

 

[robV703]

Is Rankin hurt or something? I really thought he woulda been first guard off the bench today

Don't think he's hurt. He missed a couple practices but you'd think he would have played by now.

 

[Ragingcroc]

I can't find the Jarrell Eddie 3 point goggle gif

 

[Ragingcroc]

Pretty sure coach Johnson was telling barksdale that it wasn't his shot when he hoisted the last jumper. Anyone else better at lip reading see the same thing?

 

[Ragingcroc]

Green has been putting on a show.

 

[hokiecheme11]

Great half all around except for a few TOs

 

[Ragingcroc]

We've done a great job contesting VMI threes. I don't think they've gotten many good looks from 3 land. It seems like they're chucking it.

 

[Ragingcroc]

Patrick has looked pretty good this game.

 

[Ragingcroc]

Wow, loved the last play, Robert Brown coming off the screen for the catch and shoot 3.