Ottawa Game Observations
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.
(This post was last modified: 08-18-2014 09:12 AM by Stammers.)
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