From the little I saw, Bessick was not a small forward, I thought he was an ok big man. I don't see him as a player cluess will give major minutes to. I see him as a complimentary player, 15-20 minutes a game, but we shall see.
Here is my take... Bessick has been groomed to be a SF through the years. With that said, I believe, the staff wants him to be more of a combo forward. He is 6'9 and 230lbs and if he is willing to embrace hitting the boards and slugging it out in the paint he will be a huge asset. If he really embraces that roll and mixes it with his athleticism, he will be a mismatch for other bigs in the league. He is a very good athlete and played soccer, tennis and ran cross country. He will also have the ability, like Rountree, to guard the 3 thru 5 spots. That gives this team amazing flexibility when choosing defensive assignments. It will also free up IW to play the top of the zone. Washington and Hines will be expected to guard the four thru five. I suspect that banging with Washington in practice will help toughen up Bessick and Hines as they will have no choice or Washington will run them over. Have some faith in Bessick, he was a raw player who only played a year of high school ball before going to rise Academy but he has had a year under his belt of playing against Laury in practice and getting used to the flow of the Iona offense.
Flexibility, depth and interchangeable parts is what this team is about. This team is built like the Patriots and it should be fun to watch this season. IMHO
Post by ghostofwillard on Jun 28, 2015 13:02:41 GMT -5
I certainly wish Pascal well, but in today's age of basketball, being 7' or taller is about as effective as being 5'10" with no hops. The role of the big man is becoming extinct!
Paschal is a member of Iona's extended family and I wish him well. Iona represented the greatest opportunity for him to improve his offensive game, but he may have been looking for a seamless fit at a new school. Playing defensive stopper in the middle of Syracuse's zone gives him that fit; Iona would have been much more of a challenge for him, and perhaps too far out of his comfort zone. For his sake I hope things work out for him at Syracuse.
I hope he found the best landing spot for himself.
As posted on this board, his family appears to greatly value TC's opinion - it makes me wonder, was his visit more to seek TC's counsel or to actually play for him?
I ask this as a compliment to both not sour grapes or a knock on either.
Guys - We're gonna love Bessick. Don't fret. He has a nasty streak that we need and want. If he and Washington spell one another, than we will always have that aggressive presence on the boards. If they play along side each other, watch out. And add Rountree, to the mix - we haven't had a frontline capable of doing those things in a long time.
Guys - We're gonna love Bessick. Don't fret. He has a nasty streak that we need and want. If he and Washington spell one another, than we will always have that aggressive presence on the boards. If they play along side each other, watch out. And add Rountree, to the mix - we haven't had a frontline capable of doing those things in a long time.
As long as they are given the opportunity to play together for more than a couple of minutes at a time I agree. The system needs to change a little to maximize their strengths
Guys - We're gonna love Bessick. Don't fret. He has a nasty streak that we need and want. If he and Washington spell one another, than we will always have that aggressive presence on the boards. If they play along side each other, watch out. And add Rountree, to the mix - we haven't had a frontline capable of doing those things in a long time.
As long as they are given the opportunity to play together for more than a couple of minutes at a time I agree. The system needs to change a little to maximize their strengths
I know one thing (as someone else I think posted) We won't see all 3 at the same time. It's against Cluess's religion, unless of course one develops a consistent 3 point shot.
I hope he found the best landing spot for himself.
As posted on this board, his family appears to greatly value TC's opinion - it makes me wonder, was his visit more to seek TC's counsel or to actually play for him?
I ask this as a compliment to both not sour grapes or a knock on either.
In looking at the situation through my prism, I had us as a 70% probability of landing him because of the relationships [TC, his Dad, Ced, etc.] For reasons not understood by me [my OT impression ], Paschal does not look at the world through my prism.
In retrospect, I had him as the big stopper in our press. That alone is good reason for him to look elsewhere. Best wishes to the young man and his family.
Post by hurtinturkey on Jun 29, 2015 12:51:03 GMT -5
To our Iona friends: Paschal and our entire family wish to thank all of you for all your emails, text messages and support you shared during his transfer process. Paschal made his college choice after examining scholarship offers from literally dozens and dozens of colleges and universities. As you now know he ultimately chose Syracuse University, I assure you this decision was made after a lot of thought, careful examination and objective advice. However like most youngsters, headed to college, ultimately it is their choice and that means they have to feel in in their gut that this is where they want to go. Paschal had narrowed his choices to six incredible schools, Michigan State, UVA, Nebraska, Kansas, Iona and Syracuse, all playing at the highest level of division 1 NCAA basketball. He visited every school and met with all of the head coaches, associate head coaches, saw the facilities and studied their respective web sites, talked to players and other students to form his opinion of each prospective school. After narrowing his choices down to three possible destinations, which included Iona, he made his final decision. Every Iona graduate and fan should know with Tim Cluess as our head coach, our basketball program is in great hands and they did a remarkable job competing against the other great schools. The tireless work of Tim and Jared Grasso, convinced Paschal Iona belonged as one of his final choices and forged a great relationship with Paschal which will last a lifetime. Having six children, my wife and I have gone through the college application and selection process several times, yet never quite like we did with Paschal. Paschal is a patient, extremely intelligent and driven young man and we believe he will find success and happiness at his new school. Once again thanks to all for your support. Go Gaels!
To our Iona friends: Paschal and our entire family wish to thank all of you for all your emails, text messages and support you shared during his transfer process. Paschal made his college choice after examining scholarship offers from literally dozens and dozens of colleges and universities. As you now know he ultimately chose Syracuse University, I assure you this decision was made after a lot of thought, careful examination and objective advice. However like most youngsters, headed to college, ultimately it is their choice and that means they have to feel in in their gut that this is where they want to go. Paschal had narrowed his choices to six incredible schools, Michigan State, UVA, Nebraska, Kansas, Iona and Syracuse, all playing at the highest level of division 1 NCAA basketball. He visited every school and met with all of the head coaches, associate head coaches, saw the facilities and studied their respective web sites, talked to players and other students to form his opinion of each prospective school. After narrowing his choices down to three possible destinations, which included Iona, he made his final decision. Every Iona graduate and fan should know with Tim Cluess as our head coach, our basketball program is in great hands and they did a remarkable job competing against the other great schools. The tireless work of Tim and Jared Grasso, convinced Paschal Iona belonged as one of his final choices and forged a great relationship with Paschal which will last a lifetime. Having six children, my wife and I have gone through the college application and selection process several times, yet never quite like we did with Paschal. Paschal is a patient, extremely intelligent and driven young man and we believe he will find success and happiness at his new school. Once again thanks to all for your support. Go Gaels!
Thanks for the response and detailed information. At least some consolation to know Iona was one of the top 3 he considered. Good luck to Paschal.
It is great to get positive feedback on Coach Cluess and Jared Grasso and their efforts. To be considered by BCS level talent as a mid major says a lot. The current roster looks very good and if they stay healthy will keep Iona in that group of very good mid major programs hopefully ending in a NCAA berth. Looking forward to Fall.