Not a fan of dropping down several rungs to play a program like Caldwell heading into Big 10 season but there were some positives tonight.
Jacob Young took advantage of his opportunity of more minutes to show his skills and gain some confidence. Young maligned all year long for questionable shot selection and inopportune turnovers played a control game today and executed offensively. Yes it was Caldwell so yes this does not translate necessarily to Big 10 play but what was important was his mindset was just where you wanted it to be for a game like this. You see that some of the RU starters didn't come in with such a good mindset and that was reflected in their play. Jacob however was energized and controlled and it led to some really great states....9-12 shooting, 3-5 from 3, 23 points, 8 boards, 6 assists, only 2 turnovers. Its an impressive line no matter the opponent. We can be happy that Young is still battling to get better and we can hope this game can help his confidence level and a lesson in trying to keep things under control. RU will became that much more dangerous if he can bring it consistently without hurting the team.
Paul Mulcahy was another who just came out with great energy and was focused on the task at hand. 6-7 shooting, hit his only two 3s, 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists. Really really good stat line and continuing to be more comfortable. His offense has been the last to come around, I know he will not be counted on for points but the ability to knock down a 3 from the wing he can fill a key void if asked. Lots to like tonight from Paul and Jacob and you know what its a good trade off that the starters played funky because Pikiell got more out of these two in this game than he would if the starters were lighting it up so maybe a blessing in disguise. When the 2nd team came in at 9-8, they went on a 15-0 run and that was all the Paul and Jacob show....a combined 15-19 for 37 points, 13 boards, and 11 assists and only 3 turnovers in 53 minutes...are you kidding me???!!!!
Also always great to see bench players get involved and succeed and Joey getting those back to back 3s was awesome for him and awesome for the main rotation as you can see their excitement for their teammate after he hit those shots. They play an important role on the team during practices yet very rarely get a chance to receive the applause.
and how about the RAC crowd...very very very solid crowd for a game vs Caldwell. The 5592 may be inflated somewhat but there was definitely at least 4500 in the building..i say 5k tops...exact numbers aside its great omen for the rising interest in the program
That Penn State game NEEDS to be a sellout..no excuses
As for as Nebby...dangerous game against a team that is playing better than the trainwreck they were at the beginning of the season. True test for the program considering no road wins and some really shaky offensive performances this year on the road. How will RU fare as the hunter?
Jacob Young took advantage of his opportunity of more minutes to show his skills and gain some confidence. Young maligned all year long for questionable shot selection and inopportune turnovers played a control game today and executed offensively. Yes it was Caldwell so yes this does not translate necessarily to Big 10 play but what was important was his mindset was just where you wanted it to be for a game like this. You see that some of the RU starters didn't come in with such a good mindset and that was reflected in their play. Jacob however was energized and controlled and it led to some really great states....9-12 shooting, 3-5 from 3, 23 points, 8 boards, 6 assists, only 2 turnovers. Its an impressive line no matter the opponent. We can be happy that Young is still battling to get better and we can hope this game can help his confidence level and a lesson in trying to keep things under control. RU will became that much more dangerous if he can bring it consistently without hurting the team.
Paul Mulcahy was another who just came out with great energy and was focused on the task at hand. 6-7 shooting, hit his only two 3s, 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists. Really really good stat line and continuing to be more comfortable. His offense has been the last to come around, I know he will not be counted on for points but the ability to knock down a 3 from the wing he can fill a key void if asked. Lots to like tonight from Paul and Jacob and you know what its a good trade off that the starters played funky because Pikiell got more out of these two in this game than he would if the starters were lighting it up so maybe a blessing in disguise. When the 2nd team came in at 9-8, they went on a 15-0 run and that was all the Paul and Jacob show....a combined 15-19 for 37 points, 13 boards, and 11 assists and only 3 turnovers in 53 minutes...are you kidding me???!!!!
Also always great to see bench players get involved and succeed and Joey getting those back to back 3s was awesome for him and awesome for the main rotation as you can see their excitement for their teammate after he hit those shots. They play an important role on the team during practices yet very rarely get a chance to receive the applause.
and how about the RAC crowd...very very very solid crowd for a game vs Caldwell. The 5592 may be inflated somewhat but there was definitely at least 4500 in the building..i say 5k tops...exact numbers aside its great omen for the rising interest in the program
That Penn State game NEEDS to be a sellout..no excuses
As for as Nebby...dangerous game against a team that is playing better than the trainwreck they were at the beginning of the season. True test for the program considering no road wins and some really shaky offensive performances this year on the road. How will RU fare as the hunter?
