The fact that we have just one returning starter can’t be overlooked. The chemistry, the picks & rolls and back cut timing all need improvement.
The starting lineup also doesn’t seem to come out with with defensive intensity we are used to - that will need to change because so often that sets the tone of the game despite recent stories about Euro BB and how defense can be more easily learned than offense.
I think Ball is doing a good job as a Newton understudy - he is a guy who can finish with contact, which some struggle with this season.
Karaban does what he does very well. Shooting, position defense and rebounding and even good shot blocking timing. He knows the offense and cuts and picks well. He should not be looked though to force the offense.
I also think we may have a running lineup in the rotation but that has to start with defense, rebounding and outlet passes. And that started with 16 minutes left in the game.
Reed is just starting to learned how to create space with his body on interior moves. If he gets better at that he will be a big factor especially if Johnson continues to get in early foul trouble.
In the second half Diarra entered the game and made four quick plays, two plays on offense and two on defense and that changed the tempo of the game. We need more of that. Hurley then rolled his dice with that and kept him in the game until the lead got over 25 and we never looked back . Thank you Hassan.
Once Hassan got us running Ross really shined, that’s his game.
I think McNeeley is an offensive talent and a good instinct rebounder. He needs to get stronger so he can finish better and mature his game as you would expect of even a talented freshman. He also needs to explode more on his drives. He will get better as the season progresses.
Mahaney is a good shooter who had a poor shooting night until late in the game. There will be better nights.
The starting lineup also doesn’t seem to come out with with defensive intensity we are used to - that will need to change because so often that sets the tone of the game despite recent stories about Euro BB and how defense can be more easily learned than offense.
I think Ball is doing a good job as a Newton understudy - he is a guy who can finish with contact, which some struggle with this season.
Karaban does what he does very well. Shooting, position defense and rebounding and even good shot blocking timing. He knows the offense and cuts and picks well. He should not be looked though to force the offense.
I also think we may have a running lineup in the rotation but that has to start with defense, rebounding and outlet passes. And that started with 16 minutes left in the game.
Reed is just starting to learned how to create space with his body on interior moves. If he gets better at that he will be a big factor especially if Johnson continues to get in early foul trouble.
In the second half Diarra entered the game and made four quick plays, two plays on offense and two on defense and that changed the tempo of the game. We need more of that. Hurley then rolled his dice with that and kept him in the game until the lead got over 25 and we never looked back . Thank you Hassan.
Once Hassan got us running Ross really shined, that’s his game.
I think McNeeley is an offensive talent and a good instinct rebounder. He needs to get stronger so he can finish better and mature his game as you would expect of even a talented freshman. He also needs to explode more on his drives. He will get better as the season progresses.
Mahaney is a good shooter who had a poor shooting night until late in the game. There will be better nights.
