We are 8 games in to a season with 10 new players. What are your impressions? Who do you like the most?

For me, it is Tisdale. What a tough, strong player. He plays with aggression like Courtney Pigram. He reminds me of the quote from John Shulman at Chattanooga after a game. Something like "Pigram just growled at us and we gave up the ball."

Boyd is silky smooth -- he is the most aesthetically pleasing of the new guys. And Jeromy -- what an animal on the glass.

I have to agree it's Tisdale for me too. Was just thinking during the GA So game of what a bright spot he has become. A team needs a strong and solid PG and he is running the show at the moment. Still high on Williamson, but seems to be struggling a little as a freshman lately.

Still early, but for good reasons its a tie for me.....between Tisdale and Williamson

For brand new players, I like Boyd a lot. Unlike many players last year, he's not afraid to drive the ball during a scoring drought instead of wasting possessions on a wild three point attempt that will likely miss. His stats are always much higher at the end of the game than it seems he's doing when he's in the game. He's not the showy all-star like Cromer, but he's a very effective offensive player

If Jeromy counts, then it's definitely him. I was very impressed with the way he supported the team from the sidelines last year. He would stand alone all game at the end of the bench, and constantly encourage and support his teammates. He was an early favorite of mine for this year, as I already had a huge deal of respect for him. He has definitely not disappointed, and has been a crucial aspect of our inside game

Luckily, with so many good options, choosing a favorite is a tough task.

Williamson occasionally plays like the freshman he is, but overall has done very well. I anticipate he will keep getting better as he grows stronger and adjusts to the college game. Expect him to be a vital cog in the coming years.

Tisdale has upped his offensive aggressiveness the last couple of games to very good effect. For a while, he was playing too unselfishly. Seems like the coaching staff told him to flip the switch, and he did. He can improve even further by fouling less and converting a higher percentage of his free throws. If his recent offensive upswing continues, that's very good news for the Bucs.

Rodriguez has been as good as advertised, and maybe even better. Outstanding rebounder and defender, and a more efficient scorer than I expected. And those things overshadow the fact that he also makes some great passes.

Bernard and Tucker have shown potential. With his length, I could see Bernard, in particular, making important contributions. When tournament time comes, and every team is tired and sore, players like this can make the difference.

I'm still high on Carlos Curtis. I think he has some special abilities on the offensive end, so I'm a little surprised he hasn't played more. Maybe the coaches think his defense is not up to par. Perhaps he doesn't practice well. I don't know. I hope the staff is simply teaching him that he has to earn his playing time, and I hope he responds positively and does just that.

Good has been a very steady hand who takes care of the ball. He also makes dagger 3's, and I expect his shooting percentage to climb as he shakes off his yearlong layoff. I really like his demeanor, and as the local boy, he's my "favorite" newcomer.

But, I think Boyd can have the biggest effect on this team's success. He has a rare offensive skill set that combines 3-point firepower with the ability to penetrate and either dish or score. Come tournament time, when you have to fight for every basket, he's the kind of player that will lead your team to the championship.

Patrick Good. Got to go with the Hometown Kid.

I haven’t yet decided on a favorite on court yet, but Boyd became a personality favorite last night at the women’s game. On the court, I see flashes of G’lawn and TJ Cromer swagger, but off court, I see glimmers of AJ’s fun loving and genuinely nice personality. At the women’s game he was of course hanging out and joking with the other men’s team there, but he and Bo were flirting with nearby girls and seriously cheering on the women’s team. Typically when the guys come to women’s games, they are moderately engaged in actually watching the game and supporting the team, but he was very much showing his Buc pride and cheering them on. It was great to see. Boyd seems to be a very fun loving guy and it made me smile

The great thing is we get to enjoy this team for two years minus Harrison.

(11-30-2018 10:10 AM)squeak Wrote:  The great thing is we get to enjoy this team for two years minus Harrison.

I KNOW RIGHT???!!! And honestly, I like Harrison this year too. He's been such an upgrade over last year.

(11-30-2018 02:15 PM)Running_Fool15 Wrote:  

(11-30-2018 10:10 AM)squeak Wrote:  The great thing is we get to enjoy this team for two years minus Harrison.

I KNOW RIGHT???!!! And honestly, I like Harrison this year too. He's been such an upgrade over last year.

That is true about Harrison, so I'll pick him. Even though he was here last year, he really wasn't.