Mitchell, Spalding, and Adel

[shadow force]

I'd been thinking this since we've gotten more into the season, but this year's freshmen- Spalding, Mitchell, and hopefully Adel seem to be the most ready to play and contribute in a while. I know there have been other freshmen that have been ready to play here from the start- that's not what I'm trying to say.

Even Spalding and Mitchell alone are able to contribute in meaningful ways in this young season which is not always the case. Think back to Shaq Aaron, Anton Gill, Akoy Agau. I'm not ragging on those guys at all, it is more of a compliment of the current guys. They just seem to get it- though there is room for improvement of course for everyone.

But I feel very fortunate to have these guys on the team, and hopefully Adel will be back better than ever very soon as well.

 

[RockvilleRed]

That's because they are not expected to carry the team offensively and can take their time learning the defensive assignments. It's the best of both world. The transfers get immediate quality minutes for a shot at the next level and the young players can play without pressure. Hopefully, the Freshmen can be fully ready and step up when tournament time comes around.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

It helps this year's crop having the minutes available.

I think they each have defensive abilities some of the other players you mentioned from previous seasons failed to deliver.

With Pitino it's about defense, positive attitude, teamwork, and cultivating the skill.

Spalding's hands already seem on par with Harrell (high praise) - one issue for bigs is catching passes and wow Ray just has great hand/eye coordination.

This looks like one of the best FR classes we've ever had.

 

[Cue Card]

I agree about this class being special. Possibly the best 4 man class (not counting the red shirt) in the programs history but we'll have to wait and see how they finish as a class. Hopefully we get more than a year or two to watch them grow.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

I think Mitchell is undersized for the NBA so his career has the look of a 4 year stay. Adel's game isn't close to NBA standard at this juncture either.

Spalding is a bit more of a curious case. If/when he develops perimeter polish he's going to be a big time prospect, I'm not seeing a 4 year career here for him.

 

[cuzimacardfan]

Spalding has been the biggest surprise to me. I expected Adel and Mitchell to contribute but Spalding has been excellent. Appears to have the most upside of the 3 and all that have huge upsides.

 

[shadow force]

Spalding has been a pleasant surprise, I agree. He is very quick for a big, runs the floor, and has good hands and basketball instincts. This is definitely a special freshman class so far. And I also agree with the point that having Lee and Lewis to take the lead helps immensely.

 

[cardsfan53]

It helps this year's crop having the minutes available.

I think they each have defensive abilities some of the other players you mentioned from previous seasons failed to deliver.

With Pitino it's about defense, positive attitude, teamwork, and cultivating the skill.

Spalding's hands already seem on par with Harrell (high praise) - one issue for bigs is catching passes and wow Ray just has great hand/eye coordination.

This looks like one of the best FR classes we've ever had.

I agree Hands is what set Harrell apart from other big men we had such as Chane and Character. Ray has nice hands and has shown a nice touch and ability to handle the ball. Strength and FT shooting is his biggest area of concern.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Cards53 do you think it is Ray's focus or form @ the FT line? I'm leaning to focus, the shot never looks bad.

 

[zipp]

I hope those three have their defense mojo working Saturday. They may be rotating on Murray to slow him down...

 

[cardsfan53]

Cards53 do you think it is Ray's focus or form @ the FT line? I'm leaning to focus, the shot never looks bad.

I think it's focus and confidence at the line.

 

[lville68]

My suggestion to all on this board enjoy this team it does not happen often. Have been a fan since '63