BBall - Early Observations
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2003 4:02 pmI have seen a couple of practices and the latest exhibition game with Lithuania.
From what I can see - I predict the following:
1) Rack will be greatly improved and help at Center.
2) BHOP appears to have his legs back. He pulled
down 5 rebounds - a couple over the Liths big dogs. He also had 6 steals with his quickness.
Notice he made a lot of free throws 8 of 9 and
got these by driving to the basket.
3) Miller's back is well and he seems to be much
improved.
4) The surprise for me was the poise and Agressiveness of Devon Pearson - I think we are all going to like him a lot. He can slash, he can rebound, and he looks like a good defender.
5) Simpson appears smarter, stronger, and more
confident. He should have a very good year.
6. Isham seems to be more agressive and had
several good series on defense as well as hitting
shots and jamming the ball.
Voc's condition is still unclear to me and he
is a question mark. Castro seems to be under achieving. I like him a lot and pull for him because he is a very nice person - just wish he would get more agressive and a little meaner - he has good tools and potential - hope he puts them to use because we need him.
Reay is a good physical specimen with size but looks tentative and overawed right now - but
he could develop - needs to get mean and agressive.
Lowe has a good all around game and can contribute.
Bennett (frosh) looks like is playing soft and
somewhat scared; however, he is fast and has shooting potential. He needs confidence so hope
he can get as much playing time as possible in
early season.
Our schedule is rough. A lot of away games.
We could be a very good team if we could get
some wins early against good teams. We will have
the most depth that we have had in a long time
and we should have more teamwork.
Last comment. the 1-3-1 zone for long periods of
time will get us killed by anyone who can shoot
3 pt shots. I hope that we use it more sparingly
to trap at midcourt or in corners but only for
surprise value. I still think we should vary between a switching man to man or straight pressing man to man while overplaying the passing
lanes. We have the speed, depth,and talent to
press. Anyway - at this time of year I always think we can win the WAC - so what do I know?
From what I can see - I predict the following:
1) Rack will be greatly improved and help at Center.
2) BHOP appears to have his legs back. He pulled
down 5 rebounds - a couple over the Liths big dogs. He also had 6 steals with his quickness.
Notice he made a lot of free throws 8 of 9 and
got these by driving to the basket.
3) Miller's back is well and he seems to be much
improved.
4) The surprise for me was the poise and Agressiveness of Devon Pearson - I think we are all going to like him a lot. He can slash, he can rebound, and he looks like a good defender.
5) Simpson appears smarter, stronger, and more
confident. He should have a very good year.
6. Isham seems to be more agressive and had
several good series on defense as well as hitting
shots and jamming the ball.
Voc's condition is still unclear to me and he
is a question mark. Castro seems to be under achieving. I like him a lot and pull for him because he is a very nice person - just wish he would get more agressive and a little meaner - he has good tools and potential - hope he puts them to use because we need him.
Reay is a good physical specimen with size but looks tentative and overawed right now - but
he could develop - needs to get mean and agressive.
Lowe has a good all around game and can contribute.
Bennett (frosh) looks like is playing soft and
somewhat scared; however, he is fast and has shooting potential. He needs confidence so hope
he can get as much playing time as possible in
early season.
Our schedule is rough. A lot of away games.
We could be a very good team if we could get
some wins early against good teams. We will have
the most depth that we have had in a long time
and we should have more teamwork.
Last comment. the 1-3-1 zone for long periods of
time will get us killed by anyone who can shoot
3 pt shots. I hope that we use it more sparingly
to trap at midcourt or in corners but only for
surprise value. I still think we should vary between a switching man to man or straight pressing man to man while overplaying the passing
lanes. We have the speed, depth,and talent to
press. Anyway - at this time of year I always think we can win the WAC - so what do I know?