Early Impact from C.J. Jones

[WizardofhOgZ]

If Beard is open from 3, I'm fine with him taking the shot. We all should be. Like I said, he's traditionally been a better shooter from 3 than his current stats show and the sample is currently small enough that a 2/3 night from 3 has him right back at 35%. The worst shots he's taken this season have been the ones where he spun into the paint or just inside the arc and got his shot blocked. Those are the bad shots. Might be wrong but it doesn't seem like he's forcing contested 3s this season. That tells me this will self-correct. The only non-perimeter scoring options is Gafford, who is in and out of the lineup due to foul trouble, so there is plenty of ball to go around for Barford, Macon, Jones and Beard to keep their shot attempts.

As my last post said, if he's left wide open, he should - OCCASIONALLY - take a 3 "to keep the defense honest".  But his mindset should be to facilitate others (Macon, Barford, CJ) taking 3's; that's a better value to the team, in the long run.

And, while I agree the sample is too small to make many projections on, if he made 2 out of his next 3, that would make him 31.8% from distance, not 35%.  By the same token, 2 out of 5 (more likely) keeps him below 30%.

Let's just see how it plays out.  History indicates he'll end up somewhere in the low to mid 30's.  In other words - average.

[hawgfan4life]

I would be thrilled for CJ to start getting some of Beard's minutes.  The more the better when Beard is out of control and throwing up stupid shots.  When Beard is playing smart and under control, he is an asset, but he is a liability on too many possessions where he is possessed that he MUST throw up a shot no matter how stupid it is at the time.  If Beard would copy how Durham played, he would be great, but he tries to create when not needed and it is the equivalent of turnovers too often.  I would rather live with CJ's handles and a turnover or two over Beard's idiotic shot selection which becomes a turnover when he is playing that way.  Both have a role and are an asset in their own way, but Beard drives me crazy sometimes and I rarely see CJ doing something that makes me think get his butt off the court.  I usually have an uneasy feeling when Beard shoots an open shot and far worse when it is forced.  I always have a feeling of excitement when CJ shoots because I know there is a great chance it can go in.

[WizardofhOgZ]

How many contested treys have you seen Beard take this season?  Most of his poor decisions have been on drives. If three starters are on the court that the defense doesn't even have to worry about ever taking a shot, how many looks do you think that the other two guys on the court will get? Beard is 5 of 19 from the arc.  Just two more makes and he's shooting 37% for the season.  CJ was 2 of 10 before the PK80, and he shouldn't have stopped taking open looks either.   Also, Beard would probably being shooting a better average with fewer minutes, but we need him on the court for ballhandling.

Look - I'm not down on AB . . . if you'll read my post again (first one I made in this thread), it was COMPLIMENTARY of how he's playing.  That said, he's not an All American, and so - like almost ALL players - he's got his strengths and his (RELATIVE) weaknesses.  IMO, outside shooting is a relative weakness; by which I mean, he is average - not "terrible".  Does that mean he should NEVER take an outside shot?  Certainly not.  And I so stated (again - read what I posted).  What I did say, and continue to believe, is that he should be very selective in taking them, and his priority should be facilitating shots for our shooters (Macon, JB and JC).  Because those guys are clearly better at that particular skill, over the course of a season.  That's all.

By the same token, he brings some things not all of those others do - in particular, his defense and quick hands; and, in CJ"s case so far, handle.  He's definitely making a positive contribution.  I'd like to see him shoot fewer three's, however.  If you disagree, I can live with it.  Probably not gonna affect my opinion, however.

[Hawg Red]

As my last post said, if he's left wide open, he should - OCCASIONALLY - take a 3 "to keep the defense honest".  But his mindset should be to facilitate others (Macon, Barford, CJ) taking 3's; that's a better value to the team, in the long run.

And, while I agree the sample is too small to make many projections on, if he made 2 out of his next 3, that would make him 31.8% from distance, not 35%.  By the same token, 2 out of 5 (more likely) keeps him below 30%.

Let's just see how it plays out.  History indicates he'll end up somewhere in the low to mid 30's.  In other words - average.

Beard leads the team in assists. He's facilitating as well as anyone on the team. He's a career 33% 3-point shooter. That's not a percentage I'd take to task. He's a fine 3-point shooter. No one is confusing him with Dusty Hannahs, but he isn't Rickey Scott by any stretch. He's playing 9 minutes more on average so far this season than he did last season and he's averaging less than a full attempt more per game from 3, but he's almost doubled his assists per game. *shrugs*

[WizardofhOgZ]

Beard leads the team in assists. He's facilitating as well as anyone on the team. He's a career 33% 3-point shooter. That's not a percentage I'd take to task. He's a fine 3-point shooter. No one is confusing him with Dusty Hannahs, but he isn't Rickey Scott by any stretch. He's playing 9 minutes more on average so far this season than he did last season and he's averaging less than a full attempt more per game from 3, but he's almost doubled his assists per game. *shrugs*

WHY do you keep responding as if I'd disrespected Beard, or called for him to get less playing time (as some in this thread have).  I DIDN'T!!!!!!!  Damn it, man!

33% (your number, but I agree is a good estimate) is AVERAGE for a college 3 point shooter, as I said.  OK - but not "good".  And right now, he's below that number.  Odds are that it will probably rise - a little - over the course of the season.  But that will just put him back in the average range.  He's not a guy that needs to "shoot his way out of it".  No - he should let the game come to him and take fewer, not more, three point shots.  I indicated that he should take "a limited number" of shots from the arc, but focus on setting others (clearly better distance shooters) up for those shots.  Just as Manny Watkins took fewer shots than Macon and Dusty; or like Corey Beck took fewer than Scotty Thurman and Clint McDaniel.  If you disagree - fine; but that doesn't make me wrong.



I said Beard was handling the point "well"; you seem to agree.  I complimented his overall handle, and on-ball defense.  I said he's making a positive contribution, and has some skills the other shooters don't necessarily have.

So - why are you up my ass about this?  Nothing I said is radical, or defamatory.  Just my considered opinion; one, I think, grounded in logic based on his performance in 100 games over 3 years - not just a knee-jerk reaction to 6 games this season.  I don't expect everyone to agree with me 100%, nor do I care.  I just don't see what you're arguing about.  If you're "point" is that he's really a "good" 3 point shooter, and/or as good an option for that shot as the other 3 players I've mentioned in this thread, I (and the chart above) simply disagree with you.  If your point is that I'm "disrespecting" Anton, I'd disagree with that, as well.  Simply discussing his RELATIVE strengths and weaknesses.

"Shrug" indeed . . .

. . . Beard appears to be in the best shape and playing the best ball of his career.  Good handle, does OK handling the point, and is an aggressive on-ball defender.  FT's have improved as well.  Only area that still seems lacking is outside shot.

[phadedhawg]

I've been pleasantly surprised by Beard in the early season and I hope he keeps it up. 

[Hawg Red]

WHY do you keep responding as if I'd disrespected Beard, or called for him to get less playing time (as some in this thread have).  I DIDN'T!!!!!!!  Damn it, man!

33% (your number, but I agree is a good estimate) is AVERAGE for a college 3 point shooter, as I said.  OK - but not "good".  And right now, he's below that number.  Odds are that it will probably rise - a little - over the course of the season.  But that will just put him back in the average range.  He's not a guy that needs to "shoot his way out of it".  No - he should let the game come to him and take fewer, not more, three point shots.  I indicated that he should take "a limited number" of shots from the arc, but focus on setting others (clearly better distance shooters) up for those shots.  Just as Manny Watkins took fewer shots than Macon and Dusty; or like Corey Beck took fewer than Scotty Thurman and Clint McDaniel.  If you disagree - fine; but that doesn't make me wrong.



I said Beard was handling the point "well"; you seem to agree.  I complimented his overall handle, and on-ball defense.  I said he's making a positive contribution, and has some skills the other shooters don't necessarily have.

So - why are you up my ass about this?  Nothing I said is radical, or defamatory.  Just my considered opinion; one, I think, grounded in logic based on his performance in 100 games over 3 years - not just a knee-jerk reaction to 6 games this season.  I don't expect everyone to agree with me 100%, nor do I care.  I just don't see what you're arguing about.  If you're "point" is that he's really a "good" 3 point shooter, and/or as good an option for that shot as the other 3 players I've mentioned in this thread, I (and the chart above) simply disagree with you.  If your point is that I'm "disrespecting" Anton, I'd disagree with that, as well.  Simply discussing his RELATIVE strengths and weaknesses.

"Shrug" indeed . . .

Alright, look, how about you calm down here. When I no longer have anything to add to what you're saying, I'll stop replying. This is how this works. You know that.

You made some comments about him needing to shoot less that a few of us disagree with. No one is "up your ass" about this or claiming that you have disrespected Beard (guilty conscious?). I think some of us just think that there isn't much of a problem with Beard's 3-point shot selection this season. The shots just haven't been falling like they normally have at his normal clip, which we agree is average. Average-shooting players need not be reigned in if they aren't taking ill-advised shots. The ill-advised shots that Beard has been taking so far this season have come on drives inside the arc. So I disagree that he needs to shoot less from the arc. If he continues to miss shots at this clip, I'll change my mind, but I'm expecting some regression to the mean.

My last reply came because you said he needed to focus on facilitating to others. I pointed out career-best facilitating numbers. That's where the *shrug* came in. He's playing more like a PG that ever before, IMO. That was the purpose for my last response based on your comment.

[Drew Amman]

http://www.nwahomepage.com/razorback-nation/cj-jones-playing-crucial-role-as-hog-reserve/866831114

[Lanny]

Thanks for link

[Hogs49ers]

CJ Jones really struggled early on in his first few games this year and I believe sometimes it is really hard for particular shooters to establish that required rhythm they need to be efficient when they are coming off the bench and playing limited minutes. 

With that said, I feel like he really starting to find his groove in these last 2 games, going 7/16 from 3 point land and that really helped in buidling his confidence with being able to see that ball go through the basket against 2 really solid teams and we are going to see him take off from here! I hope so anyhow because if we see the CJ Jones of the last 2 games, putting up 12+ points off the bench when Macon, Barford, and Gafford are all clicking on all cylinders at the same time, we are going to do some very special things this year and I cannot wait!

Woo Pig!

[HogFoo]

I've always said that I felt that CJ would B the xfactor on how good this team could be.   Of course I was counting on getting some time out of cook ,garland by now, but still felt  CJ was gonna be the key.  The last 2 games hes shown what ive hoped for. Hopefully he can continue to progress.. and if cook gets reinstated soon,  along with Garland getting cleared, well be a great team. Already are a top 15 team, with  CJ consistently play8ng well, cook coming back and having a breakout season compared to last season and Garland..  look out!  When Bill Walton kept questioning who garland was and how he looked like Scottie pippen in warmups I couldn't help but feel happy and sad at the same time.  Anyways.  Yeah, hopefully CJ keeps getting better.

[nwahogfan1]

CJ Jones really struggled early on in his first few games this year and I believe sometimes it is really hard for particular shooters to establish that required rhythm they need to be efficient when they are coming off the bench and playing limited minutes. 

With that said, I feel like he really starting to find his groove in these last 2 games, going 7/16 from 3 point land and that really helped in buidling his confidence with being able to see that ball go through the basket against 2 really solid teams and we are going to see him take off from here! I hope so anyhow because if we see the CJ Jones of the last 2 games, putting up 12+ points off the bench when Macon, Barford, and Gafford are all clicking on all cylinders at the same time, we are going to do some very special things this year and I cannot wait!

Woo Pig!

CJ is a very good spot up shooter but needs a PG to set him up.  If we had one I am convinced he would average around 15 PPG.  Maybe in time he will learn to create his own shot better like our two best scorers.  I love his size and athleticism so maybe it is confidence.

[AlmaHog2011]

  CJ is a very good spot up shooter but needs a PG to set him up.  If we had one I am convinced he would average around 15 PPG.  Maybe in time he will learn to create his own shot better like our two best scorers.  I love his size and athleticism so maybe it is confidence.

I agree bug with his athletic ability he can attack the rim. He could become a really good defender as well. Man he can be really good and IMO Jones and Hall will be the key to if this team becomes really good..We need them..Jones needs consistent minutes.

[ICEman]

CJ in terms of his progress and development reminds me of Clint McDaniel.

[PolishPigPower]

Beard really has a way of forging his way through difficult situations.  His counter game will give you fits... just true counter fits.  He can book it up and down the court, and his booking history proves this.  He won't just give you 20... no man, he'll go all day and give you five 20s.

Maybe this is why he plays so often?   

[johnfanman]

From being at the games at PK80, Beard just seemed lost every time he gets the ball, for whatever reason, but he can at least handle the ball without turnovers if he doesn't try to force passes. CJ Jones didn't have the ability to be the primary ball handler. If Barford, Macon, or both are in then I would put CJ in and give him the green light. Beard isn't as good as CJ from a scorer mentality (pull up 3s all day), but can handle the ball much better at this time.

[Hogs49ers]

From being at the games at PK80, Beard just seemed lost every time he gets the ball, for whatever reason, but he can at least handle the ball without turnovers if he doesn't try to force passes. CJ Jones didn't have the ability to be the primary ball handler. If Barford, Macon, or both are in then I would put CJ in and give him the green light. Beard isn't as good as CJ from a scorer mentality (pull up 3s all day), but can handle the ball much better at this time.

I actually really like that idea of having CJ Jones start with Macon and Barford, they would help him get a lot more wide open shots with their penetration and dish it out to the corner.  Then we will have that senior presence of Beard coming out with the super young 2nd unit.  Makes more sense for both CJ and Beard IMO and I am not suggesting cutting into Beards minutes necessarily, but rather have Beard's minutes fluctuate from 20-35 minutes based on how well CJ Jones is shooting the ball.

[Hawg Red]

Beard really has a way of forging his way through difficult situations.  His counter game will give you fits... just true counter fits.  He can book it up and down the court, and his booking history proves this.  He won't just give you 20... no man, he'll go all day and give you five 20s.

Maybe this is why he plays so often?   

You're so cool.

[Rome26]

I actually really like that idea of having CJ Jones start with Macon and Barford, they would help him get a lot more wide open shots with their penetration and dish it out to the corner.  Then we will have that senior presence of Beard coming out with the super young 2nd unit.  Makes more sense for both CJ and Beard IMO and I am not suggesting cutting into Beards minutes necessarily, but rather have Beard's minutes fluctuate from 20-35 minutes based on how well CJ Jones is shooting the ball.

This makes the most sense.

[labb]

Makes sense to me to have CJ coming in when Macon or Barford are out of the game. Then you have the potential of him taking up the scoring slack that we lose when Macon or Barford are out.

[FineAsSwine]

Makes sense to me to have CJ coming in when Macon or Barford are out of the game. Then you have the potential of him taking up the scoring slack that we lose when Macon or Barford are out.

Judging by the way CJ has been used so far, CMA feels the same way.

[AlmaHog2011]

Makes sense to me to have CJ coming in when Macon or Barford are out of the game. Then you have the potential of him taking up the scoring slack that we lose when Macon or Barford are out.

Yeah I agree makes good sense. He's a scorer of the basketball.

[Rbill]

The best thing that happened for Arkansas at PK80 -- other than going 2-1 to bolster the NCAAT resume -- was Macon's injury that bought Jones 26 mins against UNC. Look, even in big wins against Bucknell & OU, the trio of Barford, Macon, and Beard -- as good as they've been collectively -- hurt ball-movement, spacing, and flow for stretches because they are all dribble-first guys who sometimes hold onto to the ball too long. Even though they've been hot early this season, there are times the motion O gets stagnant.

Jones missed some shots early on vs UNC, but because Macon was not available, Jones stayed on the floor and ended up hitting two big 3s in that 10-0 UA run late, and he finished w/12 pts on an efficient 4-of-10 from 3. Fast-forward 2 days later, and he looked oh-so comfortable scoring 19 pts.

CJ leaves Portland avg. 11.0 pts against 3 high-major opponents ... AND, his catch-&-shoot game is a GREAT change-of-pace and alternative weapon to Barford, Macon, & Beard who ALL build their points off dribble-drive ... none has PG skill, but a guy like Jones simply needs good movemment and spacing on the perimeter to get good looks, a complement to what the others bring to the table.

Moving forward, I'd love to see Jones eat into Beard's minutes ... would like to see Beard between 24-28 minutes per game w/CJ eating most of the time that Beard is out while picking up a few more minutes when Macon and/or Barford are out.

Well said. We looked really stagnant with those 3 most of the first half on the court together with Thompson and Thomas. That was weird and frustrating.

[Breems]

Beard really has a way of forging his way through difficult situations.  His counter game will give you fits... just true counter fits.  He can book it up and down the court, and his booking history proves this.  He won't just give you 20... no man, he'll go all day and give you five 20s.

Maybe this is why he plays so often?   

Wow, your signature takes me way back to simpler times. Thanks for that.