Things that were noticeably different on the positive side:
1. When we did rebound defensively, the outlet passes were very quick and got us running. We didn't take a second to glorify our rebounding victory before we transitioned to offense. That extra time prevented us from going against a set defense in a half court set.
2. The offense passed the ball quickly and often. The ball didn't stick in anybody's hands unless they were actually making a play with an advantage. This included some big to big pass attempts which have been unseen recently. Last year the guy with the ball held it until he couldn't make a play then passed to the next guy to try to go one on one, until it was time for Jason or Vital to force something.
3. Antoine Anderson contributed, but Tarin Smith is better. With a healthy Gilbert and a very good Brandon Adams, we have many more tools to extend ball pressure, run the break, handle the ball, and finish at the rim. Last year our taller forwards like Larrier and Polley couldn't extend pressure and stay with their men, the other team always had an easy pass somewhere.
4. We know Vital can shoot. With Jalen hitting 2 threes, Brandon hitting 2 threes, and Gilbert hitting 4-7 vs Harvard, I don't think we will miss the most important contribution from Larrier - shooting. (Cobb shooting a deep three early in the shot clock? A WTF moment that will be coached).
5. Our defensive intensity was refreshing. Some breakdowns but even those weren't for lack of expending energy.
6. Gilbert, Adams, Smith, Vital, Adams, can all handle the ball well, (and I know Wilson can as well), vs just Jalen, Vital, and Anderson last year. This allows for some rest and the ability to always play hard in the game.
7. All of our bigs showed agility and more quickness reacting and making plays. Our guards will still lead the rebounding because there will only be 1 or 2 bigs on the court at a time, but they showed improvement in details.
(They didn't have to use strength defending against a post up big, so we'll see about that.)
For what it's worth. Your getting what you paid me for.
