(06-11-2022 01:22 PM)northcoastRocket Wrote: Kowalczyk assesses the post-Rollins Toledo men’s basketball team
https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/20...0220611126
Most of TK's comments here are similar to things we've heard before, but a few takeaways.
Lots of emphasis on defense. While Rollins was a good press defender and his length and anticipation led to steals, there are some good defensive additions. TK called Cochran an all MAC player with the best defensive hands in the league. It will be fun to watch his chemistry with childhood friend Ray Dennis and see if his defensive aggressiveness can turn up the squad on that end, in general. Coach also mentioned Milner has the biggest room for improvement in his defense.
Related to defense TK clarified some things with AJ Edu. Sounds like they shut him down from full court activity back in Feb when he made his brief too early comeback from the latest ACL. Says AJ "looks great, feels great" and has a June 20 date for return to full go 5 on 5 play. Sounds like he'll have a few weeks to get his game speed legs under him before they start summer practice and then do the Puerto Rico trip. That month will be huge for AJ, imo. He'll have a chance to practice full go and get a few games in without real pressure. If all goes well, it should be a solid transition to fall camp and returning to D1 action.
TK was bubbly in his praise of Maddox. Really likes his game and what he brings to team chemistry and culture. Should be a nice fit in there with the other guards. We might not have an NBA player in that group anymore, but those are athletic, tough guys who will play for each other. I'm feeling good about the backcourt.
On that TK continues to praise Farmers offensive potential but emphasize his need to round out his game. Calls Elijah Wilson "one of our better shooters...and individual defenders" even if it hasn't shown up in stats yet. Really hope Wilson sticks around at UT and lets the minutes come to him. He's got a very well rounded game and if it all clicks at some point, he could be an all-mac type guy.
I know UT, like most schools, round up height and weight. 6-4 Ryan Rollins meaured 6-2 1/2 in socks and 6-3 1/4 in shoes. But he calls Javan Simmons 6-7 240. Even if that's really 6-6 235 I'll take the weight and strength inside. Uses lots of "goods" about his potential and suggests his defensive "presence" is the most court ready part of his game. If he is physical defender who can communicate and let you know he's down there with his play and voice, that will be a useful addition.
In terms of the Swede, no clues on his recruiting story. TK says he "is strong and can defend in the post" as well as prob being "our second-best shooter". Says he needs to be more aggressive overall as a player but has good skill.
Praises Shumate's work ethic and says "he wants to play at the next level" and that is driving his work. Was one of the most efficient scorers in D1 last year. Calls Jacobi "one of othe hardest workers and best teammates". No quotes on Moss. He doesn't have any problem speaking for himself.
