(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

(08-18-2014 10:39 AM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:33 AM)450bench Wrote:  Great stuff. How'd Magee look last night?

Magee and Markel were quiet. The only reason I posted anything on Markel is because he showed no ill effects from the injury in the Carleton game.

I could be wrong about everything. I have no idea how good the competition is; and obviously the sample size is only 2 games in August. When players go from being dominant physically to playing against their peers; often there is an exponential drop in their play.

We look physically dominant when we are in the open court; we are bigger and faster. In the half court you don't notice too much difference in talent level.

Carleton and Ottawa players seemed to be able to beat our players off of the dribble or in the paint a little too much for my liking. It will be interesting to see how things turn out when we get better and start playing better competition.

Great stuff man. I look forward to reading these.

Thank you, Stammers for your observations. I appreciate you not letting your real life responsibilities interfere with your primary duty.

(08-18-2014 11:55 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  Thank you, Stammers for your observations. I appreciate you not letting your real life responsibilities interfere with your primary duty.

I didn't drink less.

(08-18-2014 12:11 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 11:55 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  Thank you, Stammers for your observations. I appreciate you not letting your real life responsibilities interfere with your primary duty.

I didn't drink less.

You left yesterday's game thread kind of early, btw.

Thanks Stammers!

(08-18-2014 01:13 PM)snowtiger Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 12:11 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 11:55 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  Thank you, Stammers for your observations. I appreciate you not letting your real life responsibilities interfere with your primary duty.

I didn't drink less.

You left yesterday's game thread kind of early, btw.

Two hour drive home after being up almost all night on Saturday; up early to golf on Sunday (stupid, stupid, stupid) and of course the ballgame.

Even people that don't like me, would have to grudgingly admit that texting my Carleton game summary from my phone at 2am, at a bar, after quite a few beers, was at least a little bit impressive.

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Thanks Stamms +5.......That's a gr8 assessment that I will take and run with @ this point in "Pookys" career.....Joe left a lot 2 be desired when dribbling through multiple players....especially on fast breaks.....So if Pookie can compare @ this point...Or that it's even mentionable already, Is IMHO Impressive to say the least

Thanks, Stammers. Great job.

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

(08-18-2014 03:44 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

Out of Pookie, Magee, Burrell and Markel; Markel is the one that seems to have running shots and floaters in his repertoire.

(08-18-2014 03:55 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:44 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

Out of Pookie, Magee, Burrell and Markel; Markel is the one that seems to have running shots and floaters in his repertoire.

These game observations are very cool.

(08-18-2014 05:15 PM)snowtiger Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:55 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:44 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

Out of Pookie, Magee, Burrell and Markel; Markel is the one that seems to have running shots and floaters in his repertoire.

These game observations are very cool.

and not very meaningful. This is not top flight competition we are playing-I know about Wisc, Indiana but these are August exhibition games.



Posted from my mobile device using the CSNbbs App

(08-18-2014 03:55 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:44 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 09:09 AM)Stammers Wrote:  Two things stand out so far. One; even though they are giving up a lot of points; the players are playing really hard, especially on defense. Two; the guys are pulling for each other. Down 33 to Carleton; the bench was on its feet after a made basket. Last night, even when we went down double digits, the guys were cheering each other on.

Iverson
Very confident and decisive driving to the rim. We will have to see how well he is able to perform against bigger, faster players. A little hesitant putting up mid range shots; needs to react quicker. He should be able to use his length and long arms as a weapon. Can get to the rim from the foul line with one quick dribble and one quick stride, making him very difficult to stop. Trying very very hard on defense. IMO, has been the hardest worker on defense.

King
High motor, trying hard and getting a lot of tough rebounds on both ends. Like Iverson, we will have to see if he is able to make these tough baskets against good competition. He was sneaking a lot of shots through that might not make it against better players. Nice stroke mid range and outside and very good decision making.

Markel
The best thing about Markel was that he played and showed no ill effects from the Carleton game. He wasn't spectacular, but played well. The two things that are most noticeable is that I think he handles the ball well enough to fill in at the point, and he also has a very nice mid range game, with what seems like a nice arsenal of floaters and running shots.

Shaq
Played hard on both ends; showed more toughness than usual on defense and on the offensive glass. IMO, is not working hard enough to get the ball in good position inside. Usually gets the ball 7-9' from the basket, which is too far away to make one quick move and score. Maybe this is a product of the guards not finding him when he does have position, but I didn't notice him in great spots not getting the ball.

Hawkins
I think he will do a little bit of everything. I'm starting to think that he MIGHT be able to play the 3. Quicker than I thought, more of an outside game than I thought, and a decent ballhandler. I think Hawkins' contribution is going to be highly dependent on the opponent more than anything else. Against big, strong athletic teams, he is going to have a tough time getting rebounds and scoring. He is a great jumper, but doesn't really jump over anyone. I don't think he has the height to post up and finish inside against good opposition yet. His scoring will come from fast break dunks, putbacks and drives to the basket off of loose balls. Of all the Tigers, he seems to be in the worst physical condition. Very often gassed.

Avery Woodson
Was very tentative in the first game, and started last night the same way. Only shot wide open shots, then started looking for his shot more and then came close to putting up really long 3 pointers but held back. IMO, Woodson's early season performance is probably going to pigeon hole him into his role for the season. IF he starts out hot from long range, he will be allowed to shoot whatever shot he wants. If he is cold, he will probably only be allowed shooting open shots from a reasonable distance. He is better than Drew Barham, but his deal will be very similar. If Barham would have hit early, he would have seen the floor; but he was nervous, threw up a few bricks and wasn't on the floor much after that. To me, he looks very much like a right handed Mingo Johnson, form wise. Woodson will have his ups and downs like every player; but the form on his jump shot is pure and his shots all look exactly the same.

Pookie
I am saving the best for last. Pookie was my favourite player last night and made the most progress. He was extremely tentative against Carleton; started out cautiously against Ottawa and then slowly started to gain confidence. His handle is better than JJ's and I think he will be able to get by the first defender any time he wants. Lightning quick crossover and able to dribble in traffic. He also has really good form on his jump shot and range well beyond the 3 point line.

Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

Out of Pookie, Magee, Burrell and Markel; Markel is the one that seems to have running shots and floaters in his repertoire.

In Kedrens highlight clip(think it was v Kentucky) he received a pass @ the top of the three point arc. He was wide open, and most players that are even remotely capable of knocking down jumpers from three would have hoisted one up. But what was most impressive, is that Kedren put more pressure on the defense by stepping into the weaker area of the defense and shot a beautiful floater from about the foul-line. It was absolutely an incredible display of poise;fundamentals and awareness/ability to understand/execute a gameplan and deliver, as taking the ball a step further (in that scenario) causes the defense to collapse leaving the wings open for more extensive damage from three.....If a PG can do that consistently, defenses are constantly on their heels as opposed to taking the long rebounds and running the ball down your throat. Especially athletic and fast thoroughbreds like Kentucky.

That guy can set the stage/foundation for our young guards in a major way!!!!!

That's also the main area (that for his size) JJ never developed that could've propelled his game to an elite level....JMO

Hawkins has a similar game to Jeff Adrien that played for UCONN a few years back if anyone remembers.

I am more excited about this team than most that have gotten used to the Joe lead teams. Pookie seems to have true speed and quickness. He appears to be a guard that you can't trap. Very quick dribble and blow by ability. Markel reminds me of Antonio Anderson for some reason.

(08-18-2014 05:15 PM)snowtiger Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:55 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 03:44 PM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 01:48 PM)Stammers Wrote:  

(08-18-2014 10:53 AM)tigers1125 Wrote:  Great recap-but to say Pookie's handles are better than JJ's is a long stretch. You remember JJ against UConn, Louisville, etc. JJ's turns came on bad passes and pulling up his dribble. he was a superb ball handler.

I know the competition wasn't the greatest, but he had the ball on a string and his crossover in traffic is better than JJ's in my opinion.

Haven't seen Pookie, but JJs handles were not top notch...His quickness and athleticism was amazing...He was so mechanical on his jump shot and never really developed a floater or spin move.

Out of Pookie, Magee, Burrell and Markel; Markel is the one that seems to have running shots and floaters in his repertoire.

These game observations are very cool.

Beer