Game 8, 2024-25: NJIT (12/1)

[MakeMullinsGreatAgain]

I don't know, am I reading too much into this? In the postgame presser, it almost sounds like Frank Martin thinks Jaylen Curry is faking an injury, or isn't tough enough to deal with whatever discomfort or pain he has in his leg. That portion starts at around 8:45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VslPOfz1-Ag

"I don't know, he's dealing with something with his leg. I got no idea what it is, the trainer didn't know about it, yesterday in practice he claimed it was bothering him"

He then went on to shift his answer away from Curry and his injury over to "building a defense first program" and more "church of Frank Martin" speak.
Is he saying that Curry isn't bought in and isn't preparing and playing the right way? And was he hobbled in practice but you and the trainer didn't know about it? This is one of our top players. I hope the staff is paying attention when he's hobbled and is telling people during practice that it's an issue. I just found Frank's answer to be strange and not providing any clarity.

reminds me a little of when he said something about Noah Fernades injury - do not recall the exact quote but he def. insinuated he thought Noah was ok to play but didn't want to hurt his chances of transferring to a bigger program and signing a larger NIL deal. Sad to say but it would not surprise me at all if players like Curry, who know they won't be here next year, fake an injury and shut it down so they don't risk a bag of cash after the season. Not saying this is the case with Curry but it's just the state of college athletics right now.

[Juice Stand]

^ Good comparison. I definitely remember those types of statements as well, and it turns out they were accurate. As a senior, Fernandes was a known quantity at that point. It seems silly to think that Curry would do something like that at this point of his sophomore season, but he put on a pretty good showcase on national TV against Florida St with 17 points, so I'm sure he's on a few teams radars.

For the time being, I'm going to give Curry the benefit of the doubt.

[MakeMullinsGreatAgain]

^ Good comparison. I definitely remember those types of statements as well, and it turns out they were accurate. As a senior, Fernandes was a known quantity at that point. It seems silly to think that Curry would do something like that at this point of his sophomore season, but he put on a pretty good showcase on national TV against Florida St with 17 points, so I'm sure he's on a few teams radars.

For the time being, I'm going to give Curry the benefit of the doubt.

def. going to give him benefit of doubt as I too think its too early in season to be thinking about NIL for next year - but def. something to keep eye on as season goes on - especially if there is nothing to play for.

[inthescoop]

Fernandes gave us one of the best UMass moments hitting that buzzer beater against Rutgers to complete that huge comeback, but he couldn't handle the heat under Martin and then was pretty bad during his time at Rutgers as well

I wish Cross and Cohen the best but I don't think they're helping their case at USC & SMU - eager to see how all things play out during conference play

[MakeMullinsGreatAgain]

Fernandes gave us one of the best UMass moments hitting that buzzer beater against Rutgers to complete that huge comeback, but he couldn't handle the heat under Martin and then was pretty bad during his time at Rutgers as well

I wish Cross and Cohen the best but I don't think they're helping their case at USC & SMU - eager to see how all things play out during conference play

when you say "helping their case" - do you mean playing at next level - cuz I don't think either one is making the NBA - def. both overseas but they both left for a bag of cash - not to improve their draft stock

I'm actually shocked Cohen is doing as well as he is - he's the leading scorer on USC while Matt is struggling - averaging only 7.9 per game

[inthescoop]

Fernandes gave us one of the best UMass moments hitting that buzzer beater against Rutgers to complete that huge comeback, but he couldn't handle the heat under Martin and then was pretty bad during his time at Rutgers as well

I wish Cross and Cohen the best but I don't think they're helping their case at USC & SMU - eager to see how all things play out during conference play

when you say "helping their case" - do you mean playing at next level - cuz I don't think either one is making the NBA - def. both overseas but they both left for a bag of cash - not to improve their draft stock

I'm actually shocked Cohen is doing as well as he is - he's the leading scorer on USC while Matt is struggling - averaging only 7.9 per game

That can change, there's 4 players on the team around the 11/12 ppg area. USC has had a pretty easy schedule so far - definitely interested to see how he performs against Oregon and Washington in the next 2 games. I will say that he has been efficient so far with his shooting percentage but being 6'10, 250 pound and averaging less than 3 rebounds a game isn't a great look.

[69MG]

^ Matt does lead SMU in rebounds at 7.1. SMU plays 10 guys in double figure minutes so scoring is spread out. Matt is 7th in scoring at 7.9 in 24 minutes. He's only taken 39 shots in 7 games. Far cry from when the offense ran through Matt and Josh. Neither is NBA material, but I agree that both
have a chance to play in Europe.

On a totally different note, I was looking at our free throw stats. Obviously, we all know how bad we are. Right now if the game is on the line and we are going to get fouled, I want Nate at the line. He is 14/16 so far this year.

[inthescoop]

^ Matt does lead SMU in rebounds at 7.1. SMU plays 10 guys in double figure minutes so scoring is spread out. Matt is 7th in scoring at 7.9 in 24 minutes. He's only taken 39 shots in 7 games. Far cry from when the offense ran through Matt and Josh. Neither is NBA material, but I agree that both
have a chance to play in Europe.

On a totally different note, I was looking at our free throw stats. Obviously, we all know how bad we are. Right now if the game is on the line and we are going to get fouled, I want Nate at the line. He is 14/16 so far this year.

Matt is a bulldog. I expect that from him on the rebounding end, but at UMass, he would have had the opportunity to also showcase his offensive talent more than at SMU. I do see why they left UMass though, just ya know as everyone here, I wish they stayed.

Nate is a great talent; I wonder if any tactic from the coaching staff is to play him a bit less his freshmen year and have him slowly progress on his weaknesses so that he doesn't go off to a better team year 2.

[Floyd]

Sad to say but it would not surprise me at all if players like Curry, who know they won't be here next year, fake an injury and shut it down so they don't risk a bag of cash after the season. Not saying this is the case with Curry but it's just the state of college athletics right now.

I doubt Jaylen would quit on his teammates, especially after 8 games, and fake an injury. Doesn't seem like that type of kid at all. He knew he was coming to play for Frank again this year, and there were comments made by Frank about Jaylen coming to him in the offseason seeking advice on what he needed to really work on.

Absolutely the team hasn't started off shooting well, but even a small incremental % increase and easily they could be 4-4 or 5-3. As long as they continue to work and stick together, I think they'll improve. Law of averages says they'll shoot better. Still doesn't feel like the rotation is solidified, and maybe Frank needs to tweak his offense a little who knows. But I don't see this group giving up, seems like a good bunch of hardworking kids who will battle. A couple guys get hot and things look a lot different
I love the energy Nate brings and his aggressiveness. Takes time to figure out the next level and I think he just gets better as the year rolls on. DHS & Jayden playing well, both leave it all out there. Would like to see Rahsool more at the 2 where he gets setup for catch & shoot and less in a pg role, when he gets going again it'll really make a difference. Jaylen has been solid, even rebounding well.
I think they'll find a groove, it's a good group and easy to like

And how can you not like Shahid? Love the rim protection, and he looks pretty good at the FT line

[inthescoop]

Josh Cohen 2 points 1 rebound against Oregon - that's why I said wait until they start playing real opponents. He can power through and play slo-mo ball against weaker opponents but will get crushed against the better teams.

[Quann]

Fernandes gave us one of the best UMass moments hitting that buzzer beater against Rutgers to complete that huge comeback, but he couldn't handle the heat under Martin and then was pretty bad during his time at Rutgers as well

I wish Cross and Cohen the best but I don't think they're helping their case at USC & SMU - eager to see how all things play out during conference play

I was a big Noah fan even though a lot of you soured on him last year.. Him and Cross are my two favorite UMass players post Chaz era.

[BR72]

Josh Cohen 2 points 1 rebound against Oregon - that's why I said wait until they start playing real opponents. He can power through and play slo-mo ball against weaker opponents but will get crushed against the better teams.

I don’t generally disagree with your premise but he did score in double figures against New Mexico and St. Mary’s, two pretty strong opponents

[vanmeter]

Cohen is, by far, anybody we have playing for us today.

[m626t]

Cohen is, by far, anybody we have playing for us today.

assume you left out the words "better than"

[inthescoop]

You guys have the wrong idea - I'm not saying Cohen is bad, and I agree with your statement about his talent. What I'm saying is that he should have stayed at UMass and dominated here and leaving hasn't really helped his case