Enjoyed the scrimmage. Great seats and affordable tickets. My observations:
Hicks - is a very valuable addition, he plays great defense and has a combination of offensive moves to get his shot. I think he'll be a double point scorer. Love his game, I was pleasantly surprised. Hopefully he will be successful this season and it will allow the Cards to continue to be a viable option for more high quality graduate transfers.
Snider - continues to improve. His shot is improving and his ability to push the ball (especially in traffic) is invaluable to the new up-tempo style Rick hopes to play.
Adel - I keep hearing that he dominates but I also continue waiting to see him dominate. He needs to improve his left hand and is only comfortable driving to the hole with his right. Must be consistent with his outside shot to set-up the slashes to the rim he loves so much.
King - like what I see. With continued added strength and experience he will be a stud. Will play plenty, may even start during portions of the season.
Mitchell - in shape as advertised which has increased his already crazy vertical. Gonna be fun to watch, his shot is much improved as well. Love the kid's game, 14-17 ppg this season.
McMahon - zone buster. Can he improve his handles? Can he guard at a level to merit some minutes? He's got great savvy, growing confidence and is a very good passer! Deficiencies are his size, foot speed and ability to handle pressure when he has the ball. If he improves his handle he may play and steal some of Levitch's minutes.
Levitch - basically the same player he was last season. Doesn't look any quicker or stronger. Does some good things but I did not see anything he is doing better.
Johnson - has gotten better. More aggressive and battles harder, will pick up garbage points. Will compete for starting spot or above average minutes.
Anas - still thin (ughhh). Still struggling to finish. More advanced defensively.
Matz - frustrates me! He's trying and I'm pulling for him but a lot of the same issues - missed bunny shots, left a ton of points on the floor from missed free-throws. He lacks confidence per his body language. I want him to succeed, he appears to get down on himself easily.
Spalding - defensive beast. Getting better, my favorite "big" of the bunch. Needs to assert himself on the offensive end.
Sutton - hometown kid returns! He will help us next year. This season of strength conditioning and learning the system will be invaluable for him. A very solid four-year player, hopefully a two-year starter.
Henderson - athletic, struggles from perimeter.
Sharpe - glad to have him. Shooter. Won't play much.
Team Outlook - our backcourt is our strength and our front court will make or break us come tourney time. If we had just one "big" who would give the Cards offensive aggressiveness and consistency we could make a deep run. If not, the sweet 16 might be our limit. The "bigs" are frustrating, it's up to them! I love what Rick is attempting with the pressure defense, motion offense and up tempo style! It's going to be a fun team to watch and cheer on. Go Cards!
Hicks - is a very valuable addition, he plays great defense and has a combination of offensive moves to get his shot. I think he'll be a double point scorer. Love his game, I was pleasantly surprised. Hopefully he will be successful this season and it will allow the Cards to continue to be a viable option for more high quality graduate transfers.
Snider - continues to improve. His shot is improving and his ability to push the ball (especially in traffic) is invaluable to the new up-tempo style Rick hopes to play.
Adel - I keep hearing that he dominates but I also continue waiting to see him dominate. He needs to improve his left hand and is only comfortable driving to the hole with his right. Must be consistent with his outside shot to set-up the slashes to the rim he loves so much.
King - like what I see. With continued added strength and experience he will be a stud. Will play plenty, may even start during portions of the season.
Mitchell - in shape as advertised which has increased his already crazy vertical. Gonna be fun to watch, his shot is much improved as well. Love the kid's game, 14-17 ppg this season.
McMahon - zone buster. Can he improve his handles? Can he guard at a level to merit some minutes? He's got great savvy, growing confidence and is a very good passer! Deficiencies are his size, foot speed and ability to handle pressure when he has the ball. If he improves his handle he may play and steal some of Levitch's minutes.
Levitch - basically the same player he was last season. Doesn't look any quicker or stronger. Does some good things but I did not see anything he is doing better.
Johnson - has gotten better. More aggressive and battles harder, will pick up garbage points. Will compete for starting spot or above average minutes.
Anas - still thin (ughhh). Still struggling to finish. More advanced defensively.
Matz - frustrates me! He's trying and I'm pulling for him but a lot of the same issues - missed bunny shots, left a ton of points on the floor from missed free-throws. He lacks confidence per his body language. I want him to succeed, he appears to get down on himself easily.
Spalding - defensive beast. Getting better, my favorite "big" of the bunch. Needs to assert himself on the offensive end.
Sutton - hometown kid returns! He will help us next year. This season of strength conditioning and learning the system will be invaluable for him. A very solid four-year player, hopefully a two-year starter.
Henderson - athletic, struggles from perimeter.
Sharpe - glad to have him. Shooter. Won't play much.
Team Outlook - our backcourt is our strength and our front court will make or break us come tourney time. If we had just one "big" who would give the Cards offensive aggressiveness and consistency we could make a deep run. If not, the sweet 16 might be our limit. The "bigs" are frustrating, it's up to them! I love what Rick is attempting with the pressure defense, motion offense and up tempo style! It's going to be a fun team to watch and cheer on. Go Cards!
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