RJ Cole expectations?

[Lefty2one]

Those thinking Cole will average 5-6 assists...what's that going to mean for Gaffney?

5 APG isn't that common in college hoops. Based on our history, if Cole averages that many assists it means he's going to be by far the most ball-dominant player on the team.

Since Marcus Williams--the best passer we've ever had--left 15 years ago, these are the only seasons where someone has averaged 5+ APG.

6.1 Jalen 2017
5.8 Bazz 2012
5.8 AJ 2008
5.1 Kemba 2010

 

[Huskybass]

I'm thinking 10 & 3 and above 40% from deep. He'll be inconsistent but he'll have some big games. I assume Cole will be off the ball more since Gaff is more of a distributor and we won't want him off the ball too much His role is going to be so different and the level of comp will obviously be much higher.

The one thing I am excited about with Cole is that he appears to be a skilled player. In terms of recent high-profile transfers, Purvis and Larrier didn't have me all that excited; their freshman year tapes at NC State and VCU weren't all that impressive. Both were raw skill-wise. I know Cole played a low level but he can shoot (at least one skill to hang his hat on) and handle the ball.

Cole had 415 assists in 2 seasons, despite scoring quite a bit. That speaks to his midset on passing. It will be really interesting to see how the backcourt talent meshes and blends.

 

[HooperScooper]

Mine is always around 85!! Let me take the first crack: Bouk (18), Cole (15), Whaley (8), Gaffney (7), Polley (6), Jackson (6), Adams (6), Carlton (5), Springs (4), Wilson (4), Javonte (2).

Not bad only 81!!

Hey, you're back tracking here. 16-17 ppg you keep saying. Stick with that.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

If he can be a John Gwynn for us I’ll be more than happy. Come off the bench and change the games tempo, light the scoreboard up.

Can’t stay on the floor too long though. At his size he’ll be exposed defensively at the BE level of BB.

 

[JimHurley]

Hey, you're back tracking here. 16-17 ppg you keep saying. Stick with that.

I later said at least 14.5ppg and 5apg but I’m done arguing my point lol

 

[MDHuskFan]

If he can be a John Gwynn for us I’ll be more than happy. Come off the bench and change the games tempo, light the scoreboard up.

Can’t stay on the floor too long though. At his size he’ll be exposed defensively at the BE level of BB.

You know the past 3 Big East POTY were 6’2, 5’11 & 6’1

 

[bfs3]

I’m still hoping we land Nolley and he’s our second leading scorer with around 13 ppg, Bouknight 15-14 cole at 10-11.5 with each of them going off for over 20 depending on the game. I think that leaves gaff on the bench playing serious minutes and similar production to this year. Junior year it’s gaffney, Jackson and Akok/Javonte s team. I’m probably wrong about all of this but it’s how it plays out in my head.

 

[gtcam]

3pt shooting % is suspect, heard his D is very questionable, on the bright side he can score and is a lefty. I think he has leadership qualities but if the D isn't there we will all be missing Al. Have to wait and see and I am hoping he is everything that some are saying...….

 

[Excalibur]

39% is not suspect. That’s what he shot as a sophomore. Worried about lateral quickness on defense but as a shooter, ball handler and creator he can absolutely compete at the high major level.

 

[ucp990411]

I thought RJ was Kemba level? Reading some posts that is what one would believe. I hope he is good enough to start and play 25 minutes.

 

[boog204]

Oh yeah, forgot about the total scoring game. Love it when cats inadvertently predict we're going to break LMUs scoring records. I'd imagine we'll be around 75/gm tops which is actually pretty good for CBB nowadays; would've been around top 50 in the current landscape.

 

[JimHurley]

39% is not suspect. That’s what he shot as a sophomore. Worried about lateral quickness on defense but as a shooter, ball handler and creator he can absolutely compete at the high major level.

Yes, and as I’ve stated several times in the past that 39% was when opposing defenses keyed in on him. He’ll be operating with much more space here which is why I confidently say he’ll shoot 40% from 3.

 

[MuchoDogYears]

You know the past 3 Big East POTY were 6’2, 5’11 & 6’1

I didn’t. But, I’d say that RJ is in the 5’9” range. And not exceptionally quick nor athletic. Which can be overcome on the offensive end by having exceptional offensive skills, which he seems to have. But on the defensive end, he’s going to have liabilities.

 

[navery12]

I didn’t. But, I’d say that RJ is in the 5’9” range. And not exceptionally quick nor athletic. Which can be overcome on the offensive end by having exceptional offensive skills, which he seems to have. But on the defensive end, he’s going to have liabilities.

Might be a stretch but I assume the real heights of all those guys are too, but RJ is listed at 6'1

 

[Kemba429]

I just want RJ to come in and lead the team, as hes obviously gonna start for the next two years. Scoring will be very distributed next year, just gotta keep everyone focused.

 

[ucawn]

Rd of 32

 

[JimHurley]

I didn’t. But, I’d say that RJ is in the 5’9” range. And not exceptionally quick nor athletic. Which can be overcome on the offensive end by having exceptional offensive skills, which he seems to have. But on the defensive end, he’s going to have liabilities.

I’d give him just about 5’11”

 

[UconnU]

3pt shooting % is suspect, heard his D is very questionable, on the bright side he can score and is a lefty. I think he has leadership qualities but if the D isn't there we will all be missing Al. Have to wait and see and I am hoping he is everything that some are saying...….

His D doesn’t look terrible on tape when he’s motivated. His short arms don’t help.

 

[Palatine]

Would you rather have 13 and 3 or 7 and 5?

 

[Huskybass]

Would you rather have 13 and 3 or 7 and 5?

13 and 5.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Yes, and as I’ve stated several times in the past that 39% was when opposing defenses keyed in on him. He’ll be operating with much more space here which is why I confidently say he’ll shoot 40% from 3.

How do you factor in the huge difference in the level of competition?

 

[Huskybass]

How do you factor in the huge difference in the level of competition?

He put up 28 and 6 against Georgetown. Isn't that the level of competition he will be facing?

 

[Huskyforlife]

He put up 28 and 6 against Georgetown. Isn't that the level of competition he will be facing?

So he's averaging 28 and 6? That's the smallest possible sample.

 

[Huskybass]

So he's averaging 28 and 6? That's the smallest possible sample.

I never said he would average that, but he is certainly capable of performing well against good competition.

 

[JimHurley]

How do you factor in the huge difference in the level of competition?

I don’t think it will be nearly as big an adjustment as many want to believe. Yes he will be playing better players on offense and defense. But again, at Howard he was constantly double teamed and opposing defenses put all their focus on him. He STILL put up those points and 3pt%. When he’s on the court with players like Bouk, Gaff, Jackson, Polley and Whaley all of the attention won’t be on him. If it is, he’ll drop 8 dimes finding the open man. If it’s not, he’ll take advantage of the increase in space to work with.

 

[JB75]

Mine is always around 85!! Let me take the first crack: Bouk (18), Cole (15), Whaley (8), Gaffney (7), Polley (6), Jackson (6), Adams (6), Carlton (5), Springs (4), Wilson (4), Javonte (2).

Not bad only 81!!

Cole too high , maybe 12-13 a game, gaff too high 5-6 a game, polley cud be a bit higher , Wilson too high, Carlton shud be 7-8, everything else looks good lol

 

[UconnU]

Would you rather have 13 and 3 or 7 and 5?

He’s going to be higher than that. He’s in a much better guard friendly offense, I honestly see him as a 14 and 7 kid.

 

[joober jones]

Better than Marcus Thomas, not as good as Marcus Williams. I can't be wrong.

 

[UconnFanDC]

I'm looking forward to see what he brings. No more waiting for ferraris.

 

[mauconnfan]

I'm looking forward to see what he brings. No more waiting for ferraris.