Some observations, of course all based on one game so mostly premature:
I feel like I have seen this script a million times before at UConn - a sloppy, tight exhibition game with a score way too close. No big deal.
The 30-second clock: Didn't feel that much different watching the game. I wonder if it was in their heads a little bit.
Rebounding was good but against a much smaller team. For a while rebounding was the only stat on the board where we were ahead.
Hamilton is going to be great. Love the way he moves out there, especially for a guy his size. He passed up a few chances to take an open 3-pointer when it was his best option, so tell Goodman he has seen some shots he didn't like. Ollie had him guarding the opposing point guard a few times - with those long arms that could be a weapon.
Cassell: Agree that he is going to be very good for us. He looks like a guy who could take the big shot. He made some difficult shots, very good shooting on the move. Really smart game. Could have had more points, as a couple of his threes barely rimmed out. I was most surprised/impressed by him.
The Ferrari: He was jacked up like everyone else, maybe more considering his story. Like Hamilton he passed up some wide open threes and drove into the lane instead - that's his happy place.
Boat: There was a stretch where he just exploded for points. Back to back threes, and nearly added a third. He will take some games over at times, and will pour in a lot of points this year.
Rock: Ollie gave him plenty of minutes. His offense needs to develop. He sets up for free throws about a foot behind the line, interestingly. When he is out there, he will get rebounds, but don't expect points.
Brimah: His first two fouls were completely unnecessary, reaching down as a smaller player approached the basket. So he still has to learn. However, when he got his third foul right after halftime, Ollie left him in the game, and Brimah had some of his best minutes after that and didn't get his fourth until near the end. Maybe it was purposeful on KO's part to let him play with that pressure. I suggest they tell Brimah during warmups that he already has three fouls. There were some lobs that led to FEROCIOUS slams, glimpses of improved shot-making (a little jump hook, a foul line jumper). On his way to becoming a monster.
The Owls of SCSU: Those guys were good, well coached and fun to watch. They showed no fear despite giving up a lot of size. Let's hope they win the whole thing.
