1. While I never think he'll be a factor in the NBA, Sanders is now a really legit and complete college player - defends, can go both ways, way improved handle, better long range shooter and shooter off the dribble.
2.Williams - hope he is OK. Thought he was the heart and soul of the team last year, and I think he still is. Shot looks to have improved some.
3. Freeeman - Kid has picked up where he left off and definitely improved. I would think, however, with all the experience on the staff someone would be emphasizing him using his legs on the foul line. I don't care how much you practice foul shots, if you practice the wrong way you're never getting any better, and he shouldn't be shooting past 12 feet either.
4. Thiam - Another kid who seems vastly improved. There was one reverse move he made to the basket late in the game than he could not have made last year. Looked stronger offensively on the low block, and while he missed the only three I can remember, his release is clearly higher with less arm movement.
5. Doucoure - Would like to have seen more of him.
6. Baker - Honestly expected to see more. Seemed very poised for his first appearance at the RAC. You can certainly see the potential. I honestly expected to see a kid who could create a shot whenever he wanted. I'm not sure I saw that. With experience, however, he will become a legit Big 10 player.
7. Doorson -I don't see anything there.
8. Omurey (sp.) - A little small to play inside in the Big 10, and not really a good enough shooter to play outside. He has improved, however, considerably. Looks to me like a nice 7-8 guy off the bench.
9. Souf - Could have used him off the bench yesterday at linebacker. Seriously, seemed to give us today what we want of him - a good defender who will make few mistakes, keep the offensive flow intact, and give a rest to the other guards.
Overall - Impressed. I think our program will reach a high level before most expect. St. Johns was a little quicker than us and scored mostly on slashing moves. As Pikiel improves our defense we'll allow less of that, plus we'll do a better job blocking out. I think if this were a real game we would have played a little more zone also to compensate for their penetration. Thiam and Baker, with their wing spans, on the wings of the zone would also keep them from having many open threes. Think Syracuse.
2.Williams - hope he is OK. Thought he was the heart and soul of the team last year, and I think he still is. Shot looks to have improved some.
3. Freeeman - Kid has picked up where he left off and definitely improved. I would think, however, with all the experience on the staff someone would be emphasizing him using his legs on the foul line. I don't care how much you practice foul shots, if you practice the wrong way you're never getting any better, and he shouldn't be shooting past 12 feet either.
4. Thiam - Another kid who seems vastly improved. There was one reverse move he made to the basket late in the game than he could not have made last year. Looked stronger offensively on the low block, and while he missed the only three I can remember, his release is clearly higher with less arm movement.
5. Doucoure - Would like to have seen more of him.
6. Baker - Honestly expected to see more. Seemed very poised for his first appearance at the RAC. You can certainly see the potential. I honestly expected to see a kid who could create a shot whenever he wanted. I'm not sure I saw that. With experience, however, he will become a legit Big 10 player.
7. Doorson -I don't see anything there.
8. Omurey (sp.) - A little small to play inside in the Big 10, and not really a good enough shooter to play outside. He has improved, however, considerably. Looks to me like a nice 7-8 guy off the bench.
9. Souf - Could have used him off the bench yesterday at linebacker. Seriously, seemed to give us today what we want of him - a good defender who will make few mistakes, keep the offensive flow intact, and give a rest to the other guards.
Overall - Impressed. I think our program will reach a high level before most expect. St. Johns was a little quicker than us and scored mostly on slashing moves. As Pikiel improves our defense we'll allow less of that, plus we'll do a better job blocking out. I think if this were a real game we would have played a little more zone also to compensate for their penetration. Thiam and Baker, with their wing spans, on the wings of the zone would also keep them from having many open threes. Think Syracuse.
