|
Post by Tony on Nov 3, 2013 5:12:26 GMT -5
Overall impression from last night, these freshmen are good. They may take some licks early in the season, but it’s going to be fun to watch them grow as season progresses. Biggest weakness I see right now is half-court offense- but that will get better when White is in and who knows on Cole. Was good to see a head coach actually teaching last night. Poole looked fantastic, Hymes had some really good moments and after a shaky 1st half Imoh really played better second half. Another thing that really stood out to me, this team plays “hard” for Jimmy. Team looks like it can go deep into bench and that should help “tire” some teams out. Not sure what will happen Friday night Vs Albany—but I do know this Alb better win this game,( it is their super bowl) this year is probably Albany’s last real chance to win for several years to come
|
|
bigfan
Team Captain
Posts: 1,726
Dislikes:
|
Post by bigfan on Nov 3, 2013 8:20:05 GMT -5
I agree with everything you say here, Tony. Depth of the team is exceptional. We should be able to outlast a lot of teams this year. The sophomore class, while not spectacular, is very strong as a "second line". Bisping admittedly can be a one on one defensive liability, but he has good hands and can really shoot. Audu is a good finisher and has good length on defense, and Oliver can shoot it and seems like a heady player. These are good guys coming off the bench.
Lavon is an absolute "does it all" player. He is just a truly reliable jump shot away from being a high major kid. He looks to be as good a passer as anyone on the team, and plays harder than anyone else on the floor that I saw. Needs to watch the fouls and avoid killing himself diving for loose balls!
JO looked like a high major prospect last night; and he was that before he had that bad injury in his junior year. I think that injury slowed his motor a little, and now we are the beneficiaries as he gains confidence and receives Jimmy's teaching and "motivation".
Wright is playing under control, and getting his teammates the ball in good spots. He has the ability to score more, if needed. He'll log more minutes than anyone this year. Pray that he stays healthy.
I don't want Wolfe to redshirt. He's too much fun to watch, and has a beautiful shooting stroke. That's my selfish opinion.
Junior class is pretty solid. Evan can create his own shot at times with his quickness, hits deep shots and is usually the fastest player on the court. We know what Rob brings, and Silas is a tremendous interior presence, though his offensive repertoire is still maturing.
White will add more defensive toughness/tenacity, and another offensive threat, from what I saw at the open practice.
Watching Jimmy teaching these kids nearly brought tears to my eyes. The players, and we as fans, are really lucky to have him.
These guys are going to be fun to watch. Growing pains and all.
|
|
notomo
Sophomore
Posts: 670
Dislikes:
|
Post by notomo on Nov 3, 2013 8:29:36 GMT -5
Great start but obviously need to shoot better at the ft line.
|
|
|
Post by hockeyguy on Nov 3, 2013 8:35:34 GMT -5
BigFan,
Your last two sentences say more than many on here realize. These guys are going to be good, and we should be ready to say good-bye to Jimmy in 3 or 4 more years, he is that good.
|
|
|
Post by greenblood on Nov 3, 2013 8:37:09 GMT -5
I would agree that JO and Imoh need to be a little smoother on the FT line and they will most likely be there frequently.
|
|
|
Post by diamonddog on Nov 3, 2013 8:44:50 GMT -5
Tony, thanks for coverage! Wouldn't be able to watch the UA game. Please keep up the information!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Dislikes:
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2013 8:55:29 GMT -5
Really enjoyed one segment in the second half when the five on the court were all returning players - Evan, Rob, Rich, Brett and Imoh - and all playing Jimmy's game well! Reinforced what many of us saw on the early practice floor last year that was then almost totally destroyed/masked by...... well you get the picture. Love this team! Hope those that questioned our conditioning came away feeling better after that 40 minute sprint.
|
|
th24
Team Captain
Posts: 2,886
Dislikes:
|
Post by th24 on Nov 3, 2013 9:01:40 GMT -5
Out comes my " UAlbany sucks shirt! " lol Our guards are going to destroy UAlbany! I expect a BIG WIN!
|
|
mjs72
Junior
Posts: 970
Dislikes:
|
Post by mjs72 on Nov 3, 2013 9:25:27 GMT -5
When Rob Lanier's team narrowly beat UA the first time they played, Lanier was upset about the fan's reaction and asked "Do they think we should win by 60?" He never got how we view the rivalry. I think Jimmy does. I really don't worry about the number of wins this year so long as one in on Nov 8.
|
|