A few thoughts after a few games
After watching 3 "real" games and the exhibitions i've started to form some opinions, my opinions of course mean nothing, but hey.. that's generally what this forum is for.
- Bates is perhaps the best raw talent we've had in a decade, if he's not the best he's in the discussion. All facets of the game seem easy for him.. and while he doesn't appear to be the worlds greatest athlete he's not bad, and a couple of years of college and strength may make him a beast.
- Duren is the best big man we've had in maybe two decades. no offense to Cisse, but Duren is much more fluid, plays better overall defense, and actually helps at the offensive end. He's not 6'11, but he plays like it.
- Timberlake has a long way to go, appears to be overweight and rusty. i understand he was once considered a one and done, but the injury has ended any of that discussion. looks like a 4 year player.
- Tyler Harris looks real nice as the 3rd option in the offense, and should flourish. I've always like his skills, and i'm thrilled he's back.
- If Nolley will embrace his 6th man roll he adds a huge spark off the bench. i expect him to be here another year.. not athletic enough to go to the NBA, and you don't leave a top 10 program to play in Europe.
- Williams seems to have accepted a role as the "godfather", doesn't need the ball, doesn't pout.. i wish we had 4 more of him.
- i was in favor of the Lawsons coming, but i don't see how this ends well. Unless there's something going on with Chandler we don't know about i don't think he stays for 5-7 minutes a game. i expected and still expect more from him and expect a nice career from Jonathan.
- Lester has been consistent, but not the team leader. by the end of last year the team appeared to lean on him, but so far he seems to have drifted to the background a bit. If he can be a bit more assertive and steady the team we may be lethal.
- Alo and Malcom are what they are, nice rotation players. i'm glad they are both here. Same for Jayden, nice rotation player who can fill a role.
- i think Penny has been experimenting with lineups.. we played small ball last night for an extended period. The rotation should settle in as the year progresses.
IF ( big if ) we can establish the "dog" mentality we had at the end of last year we will be a national contender.. the mix of size, talent, experience and shooting (for the first time in a while) is outstanding. We will need Malcom and Chandler to be able to play big at times, but overall we look better than i had expected.
(This post was last modified: 11-17-2021 11:58 AM by Oman.)
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