Vital

[Matrim55]

I agree Mau that teams are paying more attention to him but I have seen numerous occasions in the past few games where he didn't even look to shoot when he had the chance.

I think we can chalk it up to two things:
1) Obviously he's slumping a bit, as happens to all players from time to time
2) When we take bad shots, we die

We're not a good offensive rebounding team & we're a bad defensive team in transition. So our guys are uber-keyed in on avoiding the types of shots that can lead to break-outs in the other direct. For a couple of guys – but mostly Vance – this has meant they're a little bit gun-shy, and that's largely a factor of inexperience/lack of understanding the feel for the game.

Personally, I'd rather have him approach things in that way, since early shots & transition points KILLED us in November and December. And if we continue to move the ball so well, he'll get plenty of looks in rhythm, and he'll start to hoist a little bit more again.

Also, I expect him to work on his release in the offseason. Try to get it a little higher and a little faster.

 

[husky429]

Vital last 5 games:

14ppg
5 RPG
2.6 APG
1.4 Steals
.8 TO

87% FT
48FG%
53 3P%

Do I realistically expect this to continue? No.
Is this better than I thought his CEILING would be as senior when he first committed here? Yes.

Great play by a freshman that no one really expected. He will be a pleasure for the next 3 years. If he can be a bit less athletic Rodney Purvis, with a few less silly turnover per game, we could win some very tough games. He is the type of hidden gem that teams like Kansas have used to stay in the top 25 for years.

Terrific surprise. With Jalen gone after next year most likely, and having basically two sophomores running the point (and probably another freshman guard if Ollie's history recruiting is any indication), having a steady veteran hand will be immeasurable.

If he tightens up the handle and works on finishing, watch out.

Seems like a pretty smart kid too.

 

[sammydabiz]

He's a gritty dude, a throwback calhoun guy for sure. He's not the best on the squad, but he's slowly becoming my favorite player.

 

[UConnStats]

Vital: .368 3P, 5.1 REB, 2.7 AST, and 1.8 STL Per 40, 79% FT, 106.6 ORtg, 99.2 DRtg, 18.3% usage, 1.8 WS (so far)

Freshman Boatright: .377 3P, 4.4 REB, 5.3 AST, and 1.5 STL Per 40, 69% FT, 106.4 ORtg, 103.2 DRtg, 21.2% usage, 2.2 WS

Vital obviously has the ball in his hands less and plays less PG, but their offensive efficiency was nearly identical as freshman. CV has better size and is a pesky defender already in his own right. Vital doesn't have the extra gear that Boat could kick into, but I think almost everyone in America underestimated Vital's potential.

 

[boog204]

Vital's last 6 games --> 14-4-3 and 19-36 from 3. What a freaking great late signee. Thanks, as always, to Dave Rice's complete incompetence as a coach.

 

[ctchamps]

The fact the kid stayed in the game after the collision with Jalen is remarkable. He definitely took the worst of it. This team deserved that win. They didn't give up.

 

[superjohn]

He's the toughest kid on the team and I get the feeling he's the one they listen to when it matters.

 

[3rdbass]

I love how he and JA are arguing at each other during the game. Reminds me of of SN and RB. Two alpha dogs.

 

[huskyniner]

Future team captain.

 

[UChusky916]

Very likely we have this kid for 3 more years. That's simply amazing.

 

[noeynox]

Kid doesn't get rattled, he is tough, doesn't hang his head when a teammate gives him a tongue lashing. NYC toughness to his game. A lot to like for sure.