NowherePoke
Well-known member
Obviously it was just an Exhibition, but curious how the board saw the individual performances. My take:
Starters:
Nance - I don't want to over-react considering the level of competition, but he was simply on another level than other players on the floor. Seems quicker off the floor when attacking the glass and really got up there and snatched the rebound at a high point. Will be a force on the glass. Also really displayed a developing offensive post game. Uses a variety of moves and shots that you don't see all that often at this level. Clearly worked hard on his game in the offseason.
Cooke - I felt he was passive on offense. Doesn't look comfortable catching the ball and didn't seem to have any intention of trying to score. Obviously does quality work on the glass and can be a big time finisher at the rim. Hit his FT's. I don't expect him to start hitting 90%, but if he hits at least 50% that will represent some serious growth at the line.
Sobey - Very aggressive attacking the rim. I think he will be a key part of the Pokes offense this year. Got burned on D a couple of times and didn't hit his perimeter shots, but overall I thought he played well.
Adams - I thought Adams pretty much picked off where he left off last year. He was handed the toughest assignment (Derrick White, a D1 player IMO) and did well. White didn't go off until he was checked by others. Adams can create separation and release his jump shot a high point which allows him to get it off any time. Still didn't convert a high percentage though although he did hit a couple of three's which was encouraging.
Grabau - His shot looks improved, although still has kind of a slow release which could be a problem on close-outs from big athletic defenders. Biggest issue for Riley is on defense. I think the new rules hurt him as he has to use his hands to help compensate for lack of lateral quickness. Only got called once, but it was pretty much a textbook version of what they have said will be the emphasis this year when he was caught on a handcheck out near the top of the key.
Bench:
Granberry - His shot looks good, but he seemed hesitant to shoot. Seemed to struggle to get into the flow and got lost on D a couple of times. I think he will come along and help this team, but didn't have the immediate impact that I expected.
Washington - At halftime I was getting ready to post that I had found a new hero and his name was TW3. Defensive issues in the 2nd half have tempered my enthusiasm, but you can see why he has been getting rave reviews. Quick with the ball and a solid handle and best of all he can shoot. Confident from the FT line and the arc. He hit a couple of 3's that might have been a little lucky but clearly can convert at a decent percentage from out there. Really the only issue is learning how to play D at this level. He has the ability, just needs the experience. I suppose size is an issue, but since I have been conditioned to watching Luster and Gilmore, I didn't view it as much of an issue last night. Will be a big part of this program over the next 4 years.
Haldorson - They say he gained weight, but he still looks frail out there to me. Smooth offensive game (really liked a couple of drives to the basket), but has a tough time maintaining position on the glass and on defense. I think he can fill the role of a guy that come in off the bench and get you a couple of baskets when you are struggling offensively.
Vernon - The anti-Haldorson. Haldorson is smooth, but lacks power. Vernon is all power. Probably won't see a ton of time this year but has the strength and mentality to survive as an undersized frontcourt player in the MWC. I think he has a bright future, just not ready yet.
Herndon - Not ready yet. I think Herndon simply needs time to physically mature. Unlike Haldorson, I think Herndon has the frame to be a pretty stout player. Just hasn't reached that point in development yet. All arms and legs. Looks bigger than his listed height and has very long arms. I don't see much playing time for him this year. Twice he got switched onto Derrick White and both times it took White about a 1/2 second before he took it to the rim, finishing with contact both times (missed the FT once, otherwise would have been two 3-point plays).
Bentz - I am not as high on Bentz as others. Obviously I am on the wrong side of the debate since Shyatt likes him and I am pretty sure Shyatt forgot more about basketball in his sleep last night than I will ever know. Still, from my perspective, I don't ask much from my undersized walk-ons, but hitting free throws should be part of the gig, no?
Sellers - Not sure whether I should criticize Sellers for this or the other players on the floor, but there was no real effort to get him the ball on the block. Sellers struggles at most aspects of the game at this level, but the one thing he can do is score on the block, particularly against this level of competition. I thought they should have fed him in the post when things started getting dicey in the 2nd half, instead he was out on the perimeter performing dribble hand-offs.
McManamen/Hankerson - Strange.
Stull/Tyser - Practice players, I suppose.
Starters:
Nance - I don't want to over-react considering the level of competition, but he was simply on another level than other players on the floor. Seems quicker off the floor when attacking the glass and really got up there and snatched the rebound at a high point. Will be a force on the glass. Also really displayed a developing offensive post game. Uses a variety of moves and shots that you don't see all that often at this level. Clearly worked hard on his game in the offseason.
Cooke - I felt he was passive on offense. Doesn't look comfortable catching the ball and didn't seem to have any intention of trying to score. Obviously does quality work on the glass and can be a big time finisher at the rim. Hit his FT's. I don't expect him to start hitting 90%, but if he hits at least 50% that will represent some serious growth at the line.
Sobey - Very aggressive attacking the rim. I think he will be a key part of the Pokes offense this year. Got burned on D a couple of times and didn't hit his perimeter shots, but overall I thought he played well.
Adams - I thought Adams pretty much picked off where he left off last year. He was handed the toughest assignment (Derrick White, a D1 player IMO) and did well. White didn't go off until he was checked by others. Adams can create separation and release his jump shot a high point which allows him to get it off any time. Still didn't convert a high percentage though although he did hit a couple of three's which was encouraging.
Grabau - His shot looks improved, although still has kind of a slow release which could be a problem on close-outs from big athletic defenders. Biggest issue for Riley is on defense. I think the new rules hurt him as he has to use his hands to help compensate for lack of lateral quickness. Only got called once, but it was pretty much a textbook version of what they have said will be the emphasis this year when he was caught on a handcheck out near the top of the key.
Bench:
Granberry - His shot looks good, but he seemed hesitant to shoot. Seemed to struggle to get into the flow and got lost on D a couple of times. I think he will come along and help this team, but didn't have the immediate impact that I expected.
Washington - At halftime I was getting ready to post that I had found a new hero and his name was TW3. Defensive issues in the 2nd half have tempered my enthusiasm, but you can see why he has been getting rave reviews. Quick with the ball and a solid handle and best of all he can shoot. Confident from the FT line and the arc. He hit a couple of 3's that might have been a little lucky but clearly can convert at a decent percentage from out there. Really the only issue is learning how to play D at this level. He has the ability, just needs the experience. I suppose size is an issue, but since I have been conditioned to watching Luster and Gilmore, I didn't view it as much of an issue last night. Will be a big part of this program over the next 4 years.
Haldorson - They say he gained weight, but he still looks frail out there to me. Smooth offensive game (really liked a couple of drives to the basket), but has a tough time maintaining position on the glass and on defense. I think he can fill the role of a guy that come in off the bench and get you a couple of baskets when you are struggling offensively.
Vernon - The anti-Haldorson. Haldorson is smooth, but lacks power. Vernon is all power. Probably won't see a ton of time this year but has the strength and mentality to survive as an undersized frontcourt player in the MWC. I think he has a bright future, just not ready yet.
Herndon - Not ready yet. I think Herndon simply needs time to physically mature. Unlike Haldorson, I think Herndon has the frame to be a pretty stout player. Just hasn't reached that point in development yet. All arms and legs. Looks bigger than his listed height and has very long arms. I don't see much playing time for him this year. Twice he got switched onto Derrick White and both times it took White about a 1/2 second before he took it to the rim, finishing with contact both times (missed the FT once, otherwise would have been two 3-point plays).
Bentz - I am not as high on Bentz as others. Obviously I am on the wrong side of the debate since Shyatt likes him and I am pretty sure Shyatt forgot more about basketball in his sleep last night than I will ever know. Still, from my perspective, I don't ask much from my undersized walk-ons, but hitting free throws should be part of the gig, no?
Sellers - Not sure whether I should criticize Sellers for this or the other players on the floor, but there was no real effort to get him the ball on the block. Sellers struggles at most aspects of the game at this level, but the one thing he can do is score on the block, particularly against this level of competition. I thought they should have fed him in the post when things started getting dicey in the 2nd half, instead he was out on the perimeter performing dribble hand-offs.
McManamen/Hankerson - Strange.
Stull/Tyser - Practice players, I suppose.
