...and this just contains some random observations.
Pretty much everything I saw in that pickup-like environment jibes with what has come out of summer workouts and early practices.
- for those wondering, Caleb and Puff are just dealing with some early ouchies --- nothing serious --- and Washington has just been cleared for 5-on-5, so not rushing him.
- Particularly the Blue team was executing the Secondary Break, which is promising for this season's approach. Interestingly, the starters were a bit more cavalier with that, which raises the point that they're gonna hafta break some bad habits from last season's short rotation. Nonetheless, I'm encouraged that Hubert seems like he is sticking to his word about getting back to that.
- Speaking of transition, I REALLY want to see us evolve --- especially now with more experinced Guards --- into triggering our offense without having to scheme spacing. And the best way to do that is attacking the defense whilst they're recovering.
- Word since summer has been to count on Styles and Dunn to be major rotation pieces and the scrimmage certainly did nothing to belie that. Dunn has the look of a kid who now belongs, and Styles continues to flash those Len Bias moments. With that said, I want to see Dontrez attack the rim more consistently.
- I thought McKoy looked good and more spry in general. Will be interesting to see his role, as he'll have to claw for minutes on a loaded team.
- Speaking of minutes, folks, we are LOADED with guys who can play at this level, with maybe the most inriguing question is who rotates in at the 3/4 positions. As mentioned, Dontrez has an inside track, as should Puff, but we have some options.
- And speaking of loaded, I indeed want to see the starters constantly pushed to not be complacent and realize they need to take the next steps if they want #redemption.
- As for the newcomers, Pete is a great pickup, but be mindful that he will have to adapt on the fly to meshing with his teammates and finding his niche. I would thus expect (like with Brady) his role to peak after Xmas (which is what you're looking for). Shaver looks solid physically, but is likely a year away from being more than a space-eater --- good news is we shouldn't need him. As alluded to, Seth faces a steep learning-curve, and fortunately should have the luxury of that without too much pressure. And Nickel, well... he is really intriguing as to his potential role--- as I've reported before, the kid is fearless... and despite looking clunky at times, he can flat-out fill it up!
- Speaking of newcomers, the wildcard could be Washington. I suspect most fans don't yet realize just how good this kid is. In fact, if he can beat the injury-bug he can be a MONSTER. First question though is how much we'll see of that this season.
- Oh, and how bout some Beau Maye? Somewhere uk fans are having flashbacks...
Anyway, a fun night and great to see the guys back in action (and that t-shirt Hubert was sporting was pure class)! Meanwhile, behind the scenes, every bit as noteworthy was the OV by (hopefully) our next UNC PG)...
