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Other than Cold's report, I do not recall a thread about 2014 pick-up games. If there is, then Kai may want to move this post.
I watched about 45 minutes of play today. Here are some of my thoughts.
1. Since I do not know the new recruits by sight and name, I cannot offer much on them.
2. When I walked into the practice court, my first thought was "look at the size." My next thought was size and athleticism.
3. Fred was a show stopper. I swear that his ball handling has improved. He was a Houdini with the ball in a crowd. He put on a sh*t shot clinic as well and the ball just kept going in the hole. I am telling you. It was impressive. He has great court awareness. Also, he seems a little quicker and faster to me. When he was on the floor, he controlled almost every aspect of his team's play. One more item about Fred. His dribble penetration with a hesitation move was all pro. It had defenders grabbing at air.
4. In the last third or half of last season, Ron was more aggressive in taking the ball to the basket. Well, he was even more aggressive today. Plus he was draining 3 balls. He plays hard every minute that he is on the floor.
5. Tekele looks awfully good in a sleeveless t-shirt. He played with so much confidence. Once he got sorta caught between two defenders and it forced him to put up a jump shot off the wrong foot. Swish.
6. When Coach Marshall said Ria'n could shoot 3 balls, it might have been an understatement. Ria'n is fun to watch. He can shoot and drive really well.
7. When Darius played, which was not often, he was smooth operator. The newbies could not guard him.
8. I wish I could say more about the new players other than big and athletic. The Euro big from Sun Rise did not grab my attention much, but one play did. He took a pass at the top of the circle and went straight up with a shot. No hesitation. Swish. At the time I said to myself, "That is not the first time that he has done that."
9. Morris missed too many shots. When he leans on someone, he has been leaned on, if you know what I mean. He looked fit to me.
10. There was a white kid on the floor at times. He looked 6-2 to me. I suspect he is the walk-on from Iowa. While he did not play a lot, he did not look intimidated.
11. Evan was there. He hardly played. He hardly played yesterday either per Cold's report. I just have to wonder.
12. As a generalization, without benefit of a box score, it is my guess that the freshmen did not shoot well. They were aggressive players and attacked the basket at will.
13. Bush passes the airport test. He looks more fluid and aware than EO did, but I would not put him in the HOF just yet. However, I suspect he will be a better player than EO. I have no guess on how much better.
I have no idea how well the Shocks will fare in non-con, but the Valley will have its hands full with this team. I know this next statement will seem mindless to some, but I would not be surprised, if the Shocks go undefeated in Valley play next season.
Here is the starting line-up for next season as follows:
VanVleet
Baker
Cotton
Carter
Mr. X.
I watched about 45 minutes of play today. Here are some of my thoughts.
1. Since I do not know the new recruits by sight and name, I cannot offer much on them.
2. When I walked into the practice court, my first thought was "look at the size." My next thought was size and athleticism.
3. Fred was a show stopper. I swear that his ball handling has improved. He was a Houdini with the ball in a crowd. He put on a sh*t shot clinic as well and the ball just kept going in the hole. I am telling you. It was impressive. He has great court awareness. Also, he seems a little quicker and faster to me. When he was on the floor, he controlled almost every aspect of his team's play. One more item about Fred. His dribble penetration with a hesitation move was all pro. It had defenders grabbing at air.
4. In the last third or half of last season, Ron was more aggressive in taking the ball to the basket. Well, he was even more aggressive today. Plus he was draining 3 balls. He plays hard every minute that he is on the floor.
5. Tekele looks awfully good in a sleeveless t-shirt. He played with so much confidence. Once he got sorta caught between two defenders and it forced him to put up a jump shot off the wrong foot. Swish.
6. When Coach Marshall said Ria'n could shoot 3 balls, it might have been an understatement. Ria'n is fun to watch. He can shoot and drive really well.
7. When Darius played, which was not often, he was smooth operator. The newbies could not guard him.
8. I wish I could say more about the new players other than big and athletic. The Euro big from Sun Rise did not grab my attention much, but one play did. He took a pass at the top of the circle and went straight up with a shot. No hesitation. Swish. At the time I said to myself, "That is not the first time that he has done that."
9. Morris missed too many shots. When he leans on someone, he has been leaned on, if you know what I mean. He looked fit to me.
10. There was a white kid on the floor at times. He looked 6-2 to me. I suspect he is the walk-on from Iowa. While he did not play a lot, he did not look intimidated.
11. Evan was there. He hardly played. He hardly played yesterday either per Cold's report. I just have to wonder.
12. As a generalization, without benefit of a box score, it is my guess that the freshmen did not shoot well. They were aggressive players and attacked the basket at will.
13. Bush passes the airport test. He looks more fluid and aware than EO did, but I would not put him in the HOF just yet. However, I suspect he will be a better player than EO. I have no guess on how much better.
I have no idea how well the Shocks will fare in non-con, but the Valley will have its hands full with this team. I know this next statement will seem mindless to some, but I would not be surprised, if the Shocks go undefeated in Valley play next season.
Here is the starting line-up for next season as follows:
VanVleet
Baker
Cotton
Carter
Mr. X.
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