JHBird said:
Rey landed on his backside pretty hard on the same play he hurt his wrist. After it he was walking a little more stiffly, but also after that he seemed to loosen up a bit. I don't think it is going to be something that slows him down.
Speaking of Rey, I think he spent the first half figuring out what the college game is going to be about, and adjusted well in the second half. I agree the kid is going to be good. I think he is going to develop a good back to the basket game.
JJ - Probably the most ready for last night. He has a smooth shot, and seems to have that killer instinct. If we drive more or our bigs start drawing double teams, JJ is probably going to kill other teams from the perimeter
Fayne - I thought he looked improved overall. They were doubling him a lot and he was fighting through. I'd like to see him go after defensive rebounds more agressively, but if we can get Rey boxing out and Milik/Chastain/Boogie to attack the defensive boards I'd be alright with that. I think he will be our linchpin this year. As he goes, we go.
Chastain - I think they were taking it easy on him as his first game back in two years from a major knee injury. That said, I think the attempted alley oop in the first half to him was a good sign. I like that he goes after rebounds, and I think he has a smooth jumper. If his knee holds up, I think he will be solid by the end of the year.
Copeland - I think Copeland came in last night and forced it early, but once he started to settle in he looked better. I don't mind him at the point, but I think quick guards are going to give him fits. I like his shot off the dribble, and I think as he settles in, he's going to be a good compliment to the Big 3.
Boogie - I still think he is our best overall defender. He still looks like he is forcing his 3 point shot, and with his size and athleticism I'd like to see him be more aggressive going to the bucket.
Gassman - I liked how he looked overall. He's a good shooter, and he could be a good guy to hit off dribble penetration and double teams.
Hein - Kid is tough, his sprain didn't look good, but he fought through it. I respect the crap out of him and I think he will help when he gets the chance. I thought he played better D with his feet, and I think he has a great floater
Team Defense - Our biggest weakness right now is our defense. We aren't a fast team outside of JJ right now, and dribble penetration is going to kill us. We have length but we don't seem to use, and cross court passes are going to kill us. Our zone looked better, but Lewis ran out of gas in the second half as well.
Team Offense - We seem like we are going to rely on the 3 a lot, probably more than we should. With this team's athleticism I'd love to see our guards penetrate more, and make a living at the line. I'm hoping that's what MY will bring when he is back.
Students - Special shout out to the student section who I thought was vocal, and creative last night. I wish more of them would come out, because they could give us a huge home court advantage. Favorite chant was "No Fly Zone" when the Flyers were shooting free throws. Kudos students, keep it up!
