Back from the exhibition game and I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. Some real quick observations based on the game and conversations with some old friends. First regarding the team's performance:
- Defense should be much better this year. There were times where every player on the floor was locked in. Also, there was lots of communication between the guys on switches, screens, etc. Paul looks to be improved, Cam is pesky, and Simpson looks like he can grow into an above average defender.
- I saw a foundation for being a better rebounding team, but our hands weren't the best today with pulling them down cleanly. We were also rebounded by Fairfield, which I wasn't happy about but Jay Young team's are always good rebounders. I'll chalk this up to a bad day, but this is something to monitor.
- Ball movement was off the charts today. It's the best I've seen it in the Pike era. We have an unselfish team and if we can show that we can knock down shots, we'll be a tough out. I think we had 20 something assists on 30ish made baskets. Pretty good.
- Paul is built. He's definitely working with a grown man's body now. I'd like to see him shoot more, but he is as confident as ever.
- Mag does so many little things really well. He has a knack for putting himself in the right spot to make something happen. Also looks to be a very good rebounder.
- Hyatt looked much improved. I think we're going to get solid contribution from him this year. He was confident. I think last year he was out of his element with Ron and Geo running the show.
- Cam had an off day. He seems to me to a Peter Kiss type player (the MAAC Kiss, not the RU one). He knew his shot was off today and he made the best of it. Hoping it was just an off day today, otherwise I can see Simpson eating into some of his minutes
- Simpson was probably the biggest surprise for me. Dude looks like a better version of freshman Geo. He has a nice stroke, but also can get to the rim. Also played decent defense. You can tell he's still getting used to the speed of the college game. He's used to being the fastest player on the court by a mile, but in college that's not always going to be the case. I'm thinking he might be able to contribute 8-10 ppg
- Cliff seemed a little rusty and still had 19 & 9. I have a hunch we were watching a 80% effort Cliff today. Pike rode Cliff for the first 5 minutes, but then we moved away from that strategy. One thing Cliff is going to see a lot this season is double teams and players collapsing on him. Again, if we can hit shots our perimeter players will feast
- Going back to the ball movement, we were definitely running offensive sets. I think @kyk1827 will finally come around ;)
- Woolfolk impressed as well. I have to give Pike credit for bringing in kids who are coming in with college-ready bodies as freshmen. We haven't really ever had that since I've been a fan. I think he'll be able to give us valuable minutes when needed