We've all seen that certain game situations and opponent lineups require different styles of play. This is not always set in stone of course, but the front court players each have unique strengths and weaknesses. The center position, especially, has to be played by committee because the Cards lack a "complete" center at the moment.
Mangok and Jaylen = Strength and power against bigger, more powerful front court players.
Anas and Ray = Finesse and quickness against quicker front courts or against smaller line ups.
All four guys have positives and negatives with, perhaps, Jaylen being the most well rounded of the four right now. An example of what I'm talking about: We needed Mangok's strength against Bam in the Uk game because Bam was just backing Anas out of the paint and dunking on him. Mangok has the strength and won't back down or be bullied in the paint- something that Anas does not have the physical ability to do right now. However Anas is the better shot blocker and is quite versatile for a big man.
Anas and Ray can be a defensive nightmare by swatting shots all over the place against the right opponent as we saw earlier in the season.
As of right now it seems like we could miss not having a yang to Anas's yin next season. I hope the incoming guys have the ability to bang in the paint against stronger centers if needed, or that Anas puts on enough strength and weight to do so. Or maybe Matz will step up? We have a deep and unique set of talent in the front court right now and usually a player to fit almost any situation even though none of them are superstar players by themselves. It is an interesting conundrum, like a puzzle, and Pitino has made it work pretty darn well thus far.
Mangok and Jaylen = Strength and power against bigger, more powerful front court players.
Anas and Ray = Finesse and quickness against quicker front courts or against smaller line ups.
All four guys have positives and negatives with, perhaps, Jaylen being the most well rounded of the four right now. An example of what I'm talking about: We needed Mangok's strength against Bam in the Uk game because Bam was just backing Anas out of the paint and dunking on him. Mangok has the strength and won't back down or be bullied in the paint- something that Anas does not have the physical ability to do right now. However Anas is the better shot blocker and is quite versatile for a big man.
Anas and Ray can be a defensive nightmare by swatting shots all over the place against the right opponent as we saw earlier in the season.
As of right now it seems like we could miss not having a yang to Anas's yin next season. I hope the incoming guys have the ability to bang in the paint against stronger centers if needed, or that Anas puts on enough strength and weight to do so. Or maybe Matz will step up? We have a deep and unique set of talent in the front court right now and usually a player to fit almost any situation even though none of them are superstar players by themselves. It is an interesting conundrum, like a puzzle, and Pitino has made it work pretty darn well thus far.
