RE: ODU mbb v. CNU (exhibition)
Alright here's some the very uneducated notes I took down while at the game.
Starting lineup was Caver, BJ, Haynes, Brandan and Porter. It was really fun to see Brandan and Porter play together, but Brandan is the first one off the court to put in Green. I found that surprising.
The pace is certainly faster. I know any pace is going to be faster than last year, but it was REALLY faster. Rarely had the slow looks of bringing it up the court, and CNU full pressed early. They also rarely did the thing where they pass the ball along the 3 point line for 30 seconds before shooting. They looked inside frequently and made decisive outside shots a lot quicker into the possession. If they could break and push the ball up the court, they did.
Porter has a new foul shot stroke, and it's still pretty bad. He shoots it super high? Seems like a harder shot. It still needs work, which is a bad sign. His offense and defense was naturally great this game, but being 2 feet taller than the other team it's hard to know what it means.
Haynes looked really good, as others have said. He no longer panic-shoots. He waits for a good opportunity and seems to have much better control. Much better at passing now. And his defense is very strong. I'm really happy he's back.
Green came in for Brandan, and the hype certainly looks real. He is a very solid player all around and will be a good contributor. I think the weakest point in his game seems to be passing.
At 12 minutes left we had a lineup of Caver, Green, Godwin, AC, and Brandan. Godwin saw more playing time than Heuitt, who didn't come in until midway through the 2nd half.
Godwin's first shot was a 3 that was blocked by a streaking defender. If he put up a pump fake he could've had a wide open look. His 2nd shot was a deep 2 pointer that missed but not by much. Hard to judge his shooting based on tonight. He looks a little out of shape to me. JJ pulled him out of the game for a play he messed up so he could chew him out for a minute, then put him back in. He might be the new chew toy.
Hueitt was a machine gun. If he gets the ball with any ounce of space he is shooting it. His first shot was soooo pretty. He fired every chance he got and even though he missed a few all of them looked very good. I wonder how much success he will find getting open once the scouting report comes out on him. His frame is so small.
When Hueitt came in the lineup was Pinckney, Hueitt (at the '2'), Godwin, AC, and Vassor. Not sure how often we will actually see this lineup or if JJ was just trying to get them all experience.
Pilvalos came in for AC, and he was pretty bad to be honest. Godwin looks bigger than him. He took a 3 that fell way short. I have a feeling he won't play this year.
And of course, shoutout to Godwin who hit a nice shot from the free throw line to put us over 100 for the first time in a while. No monarchs scored after this shot.
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