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I couldn't make it down.

(10-22-2016 03:26 PM)BlazerMatt Wrote:  I couldn't make it down.

Yes. Very good.

I was impressed with the speed & also how bulked up everyone seems. Deion Lavendar is poised to be a beast for us - great burst of speed that almost looks unnatural. There were some hints of an Anderson-like press as well. Nate Darling had some good passing & 3's, but looked a little behind in the speed of the game. Javien Williams looks to be developing on pace too. Cokely, Wow. Smallwood's shooting is ceamy smooth, but I wish he was more aggressive. I don't think we'll have issues scoring this year. I hope to see that press develop with the depth we have.

Mehinti played a little in the first half, but then went to the bench & took his jersey off - didn't play anymore after that. Watts still some extra meat on him, but not as much in the Spring. Hakeem Baxter was everywhere, really hustling but needs to be more refined in his movement. William Lee blocked as usual & Dirk Williams is really starting to stand out in a larger role in my opinion based on today.

Lots of shooters. Need more low post threats besides Cokley, though. Cokely was Cokley+. Seems to have improved his 10-12 jumper. If that translates when the bullets start flying watch out. Dirk seems to have the green light and is taking advantage of it. Could have a big year. Nick and HaHa played within the game taking opportunities as they came. Lavender seems to be the backup PG as well as the 1st guard off the bench. Baxter was Baxter - very active and defense was excellent. Watts may be injured and it may be recuperating - seemed overweight, even for him, and played very little before being taken out. Tosin didn't play but did work out in pregame(minor injury?). Frosh Wms and Darling looked good, particularly Wms. Wms overall game is better even though Darling did surprise me with his ability to get to the basket - confident shooter. Smallwood is spending more time near the basket than last year. I can envision games where Tyler and Sullivan will shine, too, like last year.

As a team there is more (practically full-time) pressing which led to some steals but also resulted in some easier baskets by the offensive team. With our length at the guard positions(4 guards are 6'4" or taller), as the season goes we could have a pretty good press defense. Offensively we look a lot like last year, but with a faster tempo. There were occasions when the coaching staff had to tell a couple of players to hurry up.

It does not look like there will be a problem with offense. Defense looks good, but as noted above, the press can give up quick buckets. I think defense will be the key. Javien Williams is the real deal, he can score, but I'm not sure about defense for JW and Darling. They'll get minutes as long as the game is in hand.

Lavender is going to be a nice addition. Dirk Williams looks as good or better than last year. The seniors, we know what we have there.

(10-22-2016 04:13 PM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  Lots of shooters. Need more low post threats besides Cokley, though. Cokely was Cokley+. Seems to have improved his 10-12 jumper. If that translates when the bullets start flying watch out. Dirk seems to have the green light and is taking advantage of it. Could have a big year. Nick and HaHa played within the game taking opportunities as they came. Lavender seems to be the backup PG as well as the 1st guard off the bench. Baxter was Baxter - very active and defense was excellent. Watts may be injured and it may be recuperating - seemed overweight, even for him, and played very little before being taken out. Tosin didn't play but did work out in pregame(minor injury?). Frosh Wms and Darling looked good, particularly Wms. Wms overall game is better even though Darling did surprise me with his ability to get to the basket - confident shooter. Smallwood is spending more time near the basket than last year. I can envision games where Tyler and Sullivan will shine, too, like last year.

As a team there is more (practically full-time) pressing which led to some steals but also resulted in some easier baskets by the offensive team. With our length at the guard positions(4 guards are 6'4" or taller), as the season goes we could have a pretty good press defense. Offensively we look a lot like last year, but with a faster tempo. There were occasions when the coaching staff had to tell a couple of players to hurry up.

I agree with your assessment. Was looking forward to seeing Tosin with his extra bulk, but he must have a nagging injury. Hopefully having him play will address some of the post concern. This team should be very good and has plenty of scorers. I look for Dirk to have a big year in a starting role. I thought Javien looked good, but needs to improve his shooting. Darling looked better than expected. He's a confident shooter and good passer.

We have Sweet 16 talent, but the biggest hurdle will be getting in the tournament period because of our league.

I thought the scrimmage was good, as far as scrimmages go.

I thought the standouts were Dirk and Cokley.

HaHa shot the ball well. I hope he comes out of the starting gate strong this season with his shooting touch intact, unlike last season.

Mehinti didn't play and Watts didn't play much.

Baxter looked real good. Norton had a few turnovers, but shot well too.

Mr. Hustle was once again Tyler Madison. He has an edge to him, which I believe is a good thing.

Smallwood has beefed up so might get more in the paint time - not much more to add to what others have said

I liked what I saw. We'll have a recap and gallery tomorrow on TheDailyDragon.com

Tosin had tight hammy so he stayed put as precaution. JDW is going to be a hell of a player. I don't think his team will miss Robert brown as much as I thought they might. Smallwood was non factor on offense till the second game and he really needs to use his body to rebound. Not near aggressive enough. Dirk is in for big year. And Cokley can only be stopped with foul trouble. He is a beast

Hopefully we will get season tickets in soon.