So the rest of the team only has scored 18? Ugh. They aren’t player watching are they?
Haha no. But you can tell the team is just out of sync.
Just some things I thought while watching:
Team
Timing was way off. To be expected in August with 3 out of 8 expected contributors being out or going down.
This team will be able to attack the basket. And Tre coming back will only help Ques. He’s not assertive on O, but opening up the help pass off the drive will make him look great.
Hopefully the zone was in place because it’s August. Even though the guys were able to create some turnovers from the zone (points to good anticipation and activity), it still was ugly and largely ineffective. Ryerson got a lot of easy looks.
The reserves look like they’ll be able to contribute. If I had to guess a rank in terms of who would play the most today, I’d go Alex, Javin, Jack, Jordan, and situationally Tony or Justin may see some tick. Joey may still redshirt if they learn from Alex Murphy. The game is just too fast for him right now. Who knows, maybe by February, he’ll show the ability to contribute. But right now, Jack does what he’ll do and he does it better. This team will be able to play 9 at times and the key there is that those 9 will have roles.
The potential for a good defense and rebounding is there, but there will be a definite learning curve. This team will probably play it’s best ball in 2019, which is a good thing IMO.
Players
Ques - He’s not a shot creator. Nor is he a superb rebounder. He does clog the lane well on D and he runs the floor well.
Alex - Ugh
Zion - Hustles, is unstoppable on the break, is a machine under the boards, loose balls find him well, showed nice footwork, is a willing and capable passer, and played decent defense at times. We’ll like having Zion.
RJ - Some people are going to say he hogged the ball, but with 3 main contributors out, what else was he supposed to do? Yes he was inefficient, but it’s August. He took mid range shots which will fall eventually. He was trying his outside jumper, which he’ll need to open his drive and he backed smaller guards down a lot actually, which shows a great maturity. He is a mature player who has that “I won’t lose” edge. I love it.
Javin - Still doesn’t look comfortable but his effort and athleticism are great tools. He’ll contribute well.
Jack - Played well in the second half. His confidence was up and he had no problem letting it fly. We need shooters and he’s going to be one. His activity on D and on the boards is nice to have as well.
Jordan - Looked inconsistent bringing the ball up and he’s not one to create a lot of shots yet. But he could come in if Tre needs a blow and give the team a steady presence to bring the ball up if nothing else.
Joey - The game is fast for him. His reactions are slow for now and he’s getting lost at times. He should be in high school his year so that’s to be expected. If he can’t get the timing down by the exhibitions, I hope he takes the shirt. We’ll need him as soon as next year.
Tony - He’s Tony. A solid rebounder and space eater. I wish he could find a role, because he’s a more willing post scorer than Ques right now. Even a few minutes off the bench would be great to see. Ques is still the best Big we have.
Justin - He’s in the Jack/Joey triumvirate and he’s probably a peg ahead of Joey at the moment. He had some nice surprise games last year and he can shoot pretty well.
Thanks Mike and Brennan for your hard work.
Go Duke.
