- Joined
- Aug 29, 2011
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What have they done to inspire our confidence? Do we have the talent and skills to beat the best? A lot of minutes return for players who want as many or more this season. Bouk's 32, Brendan Adams's 20 and Josh Carlton's 11 are up for grabs between them and three high profile newcomers. Who deserves them and more importantly who will earn them? With admittedly rosy but experienced eyes let's take on: RJ Cole.
5 Things we have seen:
5 Things to expect:
Summary:
5 Things we have seen:
Leadership, confidence and toughness traits showed immediately.
Shot was inconsistent but as reps piled up his good form held true towards his improvement. Scored from all three levels.
Got knocked around going to the rack until things slowed down for him and he started finishing.
Inconsistency led to his demotion to second team and he became a dynamic spark for that unit. Earned his way back to starter. Fizzled a bit towards the end.
Willing and handsy defender but lateral and catch-up speed left him behind the better athletes.
5 Things to expect:
As he as now has a wider field of vision for his spot on the floor and intelligence in how to get there his scoring should tick up. Assist/TO of 2.5 is a nice starting spot for our PG.
The rock will be covered in his fingerprints without Bouk. If not to a dynamic scorer that rock should belong to a skilled decision maker.
With more scoring options around him he will be a tougher defend. Will he look to shoot, drive or pass? His boys will help raise his production as much as he facilitates theirs.
With two years in the program and a year on the floor in his lungs he will not tire towards the end.
His play against the best of teams or more specifically the best of guards will be a challenge. Expect his savvy to propel him in these match-ups.
Summary:
RJ came in as a mid-major lab specimen with a relentless microscope dangling above him. He handled all that with confidence and improved throughout the season.
He is a baller that understands at such a level that brings to mind a kid with sneaker squeaks in his brain, a ball relentlessly yo-yoing from his hand and hardwood as his cushiony sacred ground.
Instinctive and fearless scorer and he'll do it within the system. Not a highlight reel guy but quick release and ability to carve makes up for lack of explosiveness.
We have more seats in the PG row but RJ is the clear driver of the bus. He deserves the keys and will be the player that keeps this team together.