...with the full disclaimer that it was just an intrasquad scrimmage.
That being said, some obvservations:
- from the get-go, the most encouraging team aspect was that HALF of the total points scored by both teams came in TRANSITION. There's no overstating how much of an immediate improvement that is from last season's approach.
- BTW, given that there was mostly a running clock, and given the spotty perimater and FT shooting, the sheer number of points scored is remarkable, and all but a few came out of transition or Freelance. Me likey.
- Sooooo happy to see less reliance on speed-bump shortcuts like ball-screens, and more dedication to transition, motion and continuity.
- this team is already showing more willingness to get "physical".. especially in the paint.
- Really impressed by wiilingness and commitment to make entry passes --- something that was woefully lacking last year -- and not just Cadeau
- we are not an especially athletic team --- no sky-walking swing men, etc --- but we do have an intriguing mixture of body-types and experience that could amount to something IF we stay commited to Carolina basketball
As for some player notes:
- High's aggression and presence was a very pleasant surprise --- who knows?... he may push for minutes sooner than many thought.
- Ingram gives us a different "wide-body" dimension in the ability to iso/post in half-court situations.
- Washington quietly looked, well... healthy. That is a very good thing.
- Ryan was aggressive, as expected.
- Woj impressed with at least the confidence to go right at people.
- If it should become necessary, nice to know that we can put Lebo on the floor without disaster befalling us.
- Withers had a stronger second half than first, but... it;s important to remember that he is by nature a complementary type player, as opposed to an alpha. In other words, a valuable rotation piece.
- Disappointed we didn't get to see Seth tonight.
-- and finally..... Cadeau.... for any doubters, all I can say is: "Any questions?"
Seriously, I just rewatched and I'm still sporting a silly grin as I write this, because I was literally LOL-ing when I watched the first time, because I pretty much knew what he was gonna do in crunch time. And good Lord, what a basketball IQ... just wow....
And on that note, if we can relieve RJ of the unnatural burden of being on-ball, then mark my words, RJ will flat LIGHT IT UP.
Anyway... it may sound trite, but the other "team thing" I noticed was a general positive vibe --- something I frankly haven't felt here since Joel and Theo and those guys were doing their thing.... and just like then, the path forward is well.. straight-forward, i.e., Hand the keys to #2 and let's rock!...
-
-
That being said, some obvservations:
- from the get-go, the most encouraging team aspect was that HALF of the total points scored by both teams came in TRANSITION. There's no overstating how much of an immediate improvement that is from last season's approach.
- BTW, given that there was mostly a running clock, and given the spotty perimater and FT shooting, the sheer number of points scored is remarkable, and all but a few came out of transition or Freelance. Me likey.
- Sooooo happy to see less reliance on speed-bump shortcuts like ball-screens, and more dedication to transition, motion and continuity.
- this team is already showing more willingness to get "physical".. especially in the paint.
- Really impressed by wiilingness and commitment to make entry passes --- something that was woefully lacking last year -- and not just Cadeau
- we are not an especially athletic team --- no sky-walking swing men, etc --- but we do have an intriguing mixture of body-types and experience that could amount to something IF we stay commited to Carolina basketball
As for some player notes:
- High's aggression and presence was a very pleasant surprise --- who knows?... he may push for minutes sooner than many thought.
- Ingram gives us a different "wide-body" dimension in the ability to iso/post in half-court situations.
- Washington quietly looked, well... healthy. That is a very good thing.
- Ryan was aggressive, as expected.
- Woj impressed with at least the confidence to go right at people.
- If it should become necessary, nice to know that we can put Lebo on the floor without disaster befalling us.
- Withers had a stronger second half than first, but... it;s important to remember that he is by nature a complementary type player, as opposed to an alpha. In other words, a valuable rotation piece.
- Disappointed we didn't get to see Seth tonight.
-- and finally..... Cadeau.... for any doubters, all I can say is: "Any questions?"
Seriously, I just rewatched and I'm still sporting a silly grin as I write this, because I was literally LOL-ing when I watched the first time, because I pretty much knew what he was gonna do in crunch time. And good Lord, what a basketball IQ... just wow....
And on that note, if we can relieve RJ of the unnatural burden of being on-ball, then mark my words, RJ will flat LIGHT IT UP.
Anyway... it may sound trite, but the other "team thing" I noticed was a general positive vibe --- something I frankly haven't felt here since Joel and Theo and those guys were doing their thing.... and just like then, the path forward is well.. straight-forward, i.e., Hand the keys to #2 and let's rock!...
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