Kris Joseph vs. Wes Johnson

I think you correctly note most of the similarities and differences in their respective games. Wes was usually the best player on the court when he played, even if he wasn’t our “crunch time go-to-guy.” Nearly everyone wanted him to be more selfish at the end of close games, to take over, but it didn’t seem to be in his nature. And so Rautins was almost always the one with the ball in his hands at the end of a close game.

This year’s team doesn’t appear to have an ice-in-the-veins sharp shooter like Rautins. So in order for Syracuse to go from being a very good team, to a national championship contender, KJ not only needs to be our best player, he probably has to be our “go to guy” in crunch time. And in both the VT and Stanford games, he was. I thought he had an awfully “quiet” 18 points against Stanford, but he hit some huge shots in those final 7 minutes and helped carry us to the win. Obviously Waiters and Fair were part of that run too, as well as the run we had against VT, but when we needed our best player to be at his best, he stepped it up.

I don’t know who’d I pick between Wes and KJ. I think KJ probably has a better skill set than Wes, while Wes had a higher basketball IQ and the ability to change the game even if he wasn’t shooting the ball especially well. Jury’s still out on KJ, but so far, he has passed both of his early tests. That was a surprise for me. A delightful surprise. And one of the few Syracuse Basketball related surprises that I’ve enjoyed lately.

But I don’t think it’s a wide gap and I think Kris’ ceiling is actually higher. Wes’ game was what it was, but Kris is more versatile and can still grow, mainly due to the handle you bring up. And his 3-pt shooting is markedly better than before, which is the big thing statistically Wes has over Kris. I think there was some mental block for Kris last year, but this year that doesn’t seem to be an issue so far. Friday will be interesting since we finally get to see how we play against a similarly talented team (Top 10, etc.). I’m interested to see how Kris plays against the big boys. I don’t mind his games being quiet as long as they are good. But a loud one here and there would be nice too.

Just cause if i’m putting a team together, the things i’m looking for most is 1) Bball IQ 2) Defense and 3) Shooting. All three go to Wes. Kris does some things better then Wes. Ball handle and getting to the rim. Only thing with KJ getting to the rim is he still does not finish consistently, goes in wrecklessly at times and gets that charge called on him. Mid range game is improving, but he still attacks and seems out of control sometimes. Like he cant stop and go straight up. I love KJ and glad to see his knee is healthy and is having a solid year but Wes was just to special

At the overhwhelming number of votes for Wes. I mean, yeah, he was certainly an exciting player. Maybe that’s why. he’s the most memorable. I voted for KJ myself. I think that his game is more complete than Wes’.

Kris is better at putting it on the floor and passing.

But hands down no contest Wed.

over 41% from 3, and over 77% from the free throw line over the course of a 35 game season.

Joseph’s percentages (and other numbers) are similar…over the course of the first six games of this season.

Wes was Big East Player of the Year.
And a first-team All-American.
And the #4 pick in the draft.

Givin’ this one to Wesley.

But watching the Stanford game, I thought he really stood out in a number of ways. He was hitting shots, he was crashing the boards, he was pushing the pace with good passing, he was getting in passing lanes, he was absolutely shredding the defense when taking it to the hoop. He looked exactly like the type of player we’ve hoped he would become.

We don’t need Kris Joseph to be Wes Johnson. But if he can play his role, his part on this team to the best of his abilities like he did vs. Stanford, he will be a successful leader on a team that comes close to matching our collective, overstated expectations.

He’d be more fun to throw oop’s to

Seem to be based on Wes’ pure athleticism and “wow” factor, which was kind of my point in writing thing. He certainly has that over KJ, but that doesn’t necesarily make him a better player.

Defensively, the only real advantage Wes has in shot blocking which I left out of the comparison on purpose. Wes was uncanny from the weak side. It’s not something you can learn, so it’s kind of unfair to judge KJ for not being as good a shot blocker. SF aren’t supposed to block shots that well. But as far as playing the wing in the zone, they’re pretty much the same and KJ has really been getting after in on the boards this year.

The main thing, to me, is KJ’s improved jump shot. There’s no arguing that it’s been suspect in the past. But so far this season it’s been every bit as good as Wes’ was. So, IMO, that aspect of their games are pretty much equal.

But I can’t see him living up to a top 5 NBA draft pick or being a First Team All-American. I know that that isn’t the best measure ever (just see GMac and 10 f*cking games), but I’d still take Wes. The thing that might put Kris ahead of Wes in my book over the course of the season is that it seems like he might be ready to be the leader of this team with Scoop possibly seeing more time on the bench.

Don’t know why. Gut feeling, and usually they are right.

I give him more than the edge over KrisJo.