One of the best All-Star games I've seen in a while. Highly entertaining but the kids played hard too. A few random notes:
-Ahmad Nowell is going to be fun. He's shorter than the guards we've typically been getting (I'd argue he's 6-0 with shoes on) but he is strong and tough. He's going to be just fine utilizing being shorter to get underneath defenders. I expect a lot of little dump off passes for Samson and Hoss for dunks next season. He's also going to be a menace in transition and at attacking the hoop. We haven't had a traditional, past first PG in a while either, so it wouldn't shock me if he can pass the 200 assist mark in a season at some point (which has only happened 6 times for us). I worry about his defense given his size, but again his strength means he won't get bullied and he'll be able to fight around screens. Plus, he seems to have active enough hands. Don't think he'd start over Hass (even though Hass at the 1 isn't ideal per se) but feel like he'll easily play 20mpg (which is what Hass played this last year). Didn't shoot all that well but stroke looks good enough.
-Liam McNeeley is a like a taller Cam Spencer with a better shooting stroke. He's always in the right place at the right time and is always looking to make a positive play, even if it doesn't involve him shooting. The staff would use him EXACTLY like Hawk and Cam, so many open 3s from screens. He seems to have a good sense to make passes too off those screens, especially given that he's 6-7/6-8 he can see over a lot of opposing defenders and watch plays develop. Legit could be our leading scorer next year if Karaban doesn't return, he's that perfect for our offense. A 15/6/4 stat line is not out of the question, even as a freshman.
Others:
-Cooper Flagg is legit. He didnt have the best game by his standards but anyone who tries to belittle his game is just a hater. Dude is the best 3-level scorer at this level since Kevin Durant. Makes a very big impact on D too. We'll see how far he can take Duke pretty much by himself.
-Derik Queen was so fun to watch. Shame he's probably going to waste at Maryland. He's just a big body but nimble on his feet/excellent footwork. Has good handles too for his size. Maryland games are going to be worth the watch just to see him play. Watched a few of his Montverde games (with Cooper and Liam) and he was def the 2nd most fun player to watch after Cooper (although Liam passed him last night
)
-Dylan Harper is a prime time player. Awesome to see him embrace the moment. Type of guy who can single handedly win a few games in March, which is easier said than done for Rutgers if they're even going to make it there. He's going to light up the RAC but just hope for his sake they have a roster besides him and Ace Bailey.