This game when you look at the final numbers was lost at the FT line. The Cards actually made 4 more 3 pointers than Bellarmine but shot 8 less FT's.
That's something we normally don't see at the Yum center when playing mid level non conference teams like Bellarmine. Cards had more rebounds, more blocked shots but Bellarmine shot more FT's.
This was the best performance by the Cards in their 3 games played but obviously it was not enough. I see improvement in each game and the rotation is starting to be revealed.
The Curry/Wheeler combo needs help getting the ball down on the block but I think both can be effective if and when they get more opportunities.
Mike James is going to be a top player by the end of the season. The trio of him and Withers and Lands give the Cards huge potential to be the difference in winning enough games to avoid a losing season. Lands need to start making some shots though.
Huntly Hatfield and Traynor provide solid depth but both need to continue to improve each game.
And then there's Ellis and apparently no one else at guard. Don't get why KP is playing his son over Basili and Miller has to be used so Ellis doesn't have to play 35+ minutes each game. Ellis is a hard player to get a true read on. Sometimes he's great, looks like a top PG with a good 3 point shot, but then he makes some really dumb decisions like trying to get into a 3 point shooting zone by taking some bad shots at bad times.
I think there's enough good talent in the 7 to 8 guys who play to form a team that should avoid a losing record. They play hard and so far have improved each game. They're going to need the coaching staff to really keep at it and make the right adjustments during the season.
A first time head coach is not idea for this team. Just think how more confident we fans would be if Pitino was coaching these guys. Regardless of what you think about him, he excelled with limited rosters and turned the tables on the perception his team isn't talented enough to win.
KP will go a long way with his potential as a head coach if he can get this group to overachieve and avoid player mutinys often seen when fans and media question their abilities.
After the debacle in the first exhibition game I wasn't sure it was possible but despite losing to Bellarmine I saw a spark, a team that wants to prove that they have talent. They're working to improve at the intangibles of the game, and to withstand some of the deficiencies of the roster. Something last seasons team had little to none of.
That's something we normally don't see at the Yum center when playing mid level non conference teams like Bellarmine. Cards had more rebounds, more blocked shots but Bellarmine shot more FT's.
This was the best performance by the Cards in their 3 games played but obviously it was not enough. I see improvement in each game and the rotation is starting to be revealed.
The Curry/Wheeler combo needs help getting the ball down on the block but I think both can be effective if and when they get more opportunities.
Mike James is going to be a top player by the end of the season. The trio of him and Withers and Lands give the Cards huge potential to be the difference in winning enough games to avoid a losing season. Lands need to start making some shots though.
Huntly Hatfield and Traynor provide solid depth but both need to continue to improve each game.
And then there's Ellis and apparently no one else at guard. Don't get why KP is playing his son over Basili and Miller has to be used so Ellis doesn't have to play 35+ minutes each game. Ellis is a hard player to get a true read on. Sometimes he's great, looks like a top PG with a good 3 point shot, but then he makes some really dumb decisions like trying to get into a 3 point shooting zone by taking some bad shots at bad times.
I think there's enough good talent in the 7 to 8 guys who play to form a team that should avoid a losing record. They play hard and so far have improved each game. They're going to need the coaching staff to really keep at it and make the right adjustments during the season.
A first time head coach is not idea for this team. Just think how more confident we fans would be if Pitino was coaching these guys. Regardless of what you think about him, he excelled with limited rosters and turned the tables on the perception his team isn't talented enough to win.
KP will go a long way with his potential as a head coach if he can get this group to overachieve and avoid player mutinys often seen when fans and media question their abilities.
After the debacle in the first exhibition game I wasn't sure it was possible but despite losing to Bellarmine I saw a spark, a team that wants to prove that they have talent. They're working to improve at the intangibles of the game, and to withstand some of the deficiencies of the roster. Something last seasons team had little to none of.
