Did Ayo shoot any jumpers? How did they look?
Watching USA under 19. Ayo is so much better than any guard we had last yr. Twice they brought him off the bench and twice the USA team went on a run. He plays Underwood type "D".
Like that Ayo is a pass first and only took high percentage shots. Missed on an open 3, but for most part was driving the ball. I believe the team did well with him out there because he was passing to open man, rebounding, and playing D. Some of the players out there were playing like it was an all-star game (selfishness, no D).
Agree. Grimes and White weren't afraid to shoot the ball, LOL. White got up 13 shots in 19 minutes of play. Love that he was 4 of 6 from 3-point, but that made him 1 of 7 from 2 point range and he was also 0 of 4 from the line. How does that happen?
Ayo missed his only three point attempt, but it was an in-and-outer. Shot looked good. 3 of 5 overall. Made his only free throw. He didn't press it too much on offense. Mainly fanning out to a wing or corner spot, waiting for a ball reversal.
Defensively, he usually took the ball handler coming up the court and played solid D there. Switched when needed and looked like he was communicating to the other guys about picking up other players. Underwood should like his vocality, if that's a word.
Seemed to lose his man a bit for rebounding, but did a decent job of understanding the best spot for missed shots.
Like that Ayo is a pass first and only took high percentage shots. Missed on an open 3, but for most part was driving the ball. I believe the team did well with him out there because he was passing to open man, rebounding, and playing D. Some of the players out there were playing like it was an all-star game (selfishness, no D).
Yeah, he's got a shot a having a better freshman season than Mark Smith's.
Speaking of the USA team, I liked that Hurt kid. I think he's a junior. Any idea if we are recruiting him or not? I haven't heard his name too much around here.
Nope, we have no chance. Bet he goes to KU (hopefully) or Minnesota
Since I haven't seen anyone go all out on it, here are my amateur observations:
• Defensive intensity went up big notch when Ayo got in. Went from just “show” full court pressure to a legit press with Ayo spearheading that
• Ayo is a smart and solid defender but plays really upright on D. I’m 100% positive the coaching staff will work with him on that and he could be a hell of a defender even year 1. Could see him communicating on switches already, which Underwood is big on
• He was inconsistent on his effort on rebounding. One play he’s in there mixing it up, the other he shies away from contact and leaves others to do the work while trying to leak out (looked like a Morgan Park taught habit). We’ll need him on the boards with our well documented size issues
• Constantly pushes the ball, a lot of times by being unselfish and passing ahead. This should really mesh well with Trent and Kipper and will hopefully get AJ tons of quick 3’s
• He also almost always makes the correct and smart pass. Bacot dropped an easy bunny that was a high level pass. Another dude missed a dunk on a great pass. Just real set his teammates up well to make the next play. Did make a bad pass on an attempted alley oop but I'm sure he knew it immediately
• His size and length are clearly evident and impressive
• What we already know, dude finishes around the rim at a collegiate level right now
• Love his attitude and edge, something we haven’t had in god knows how long on this team. Will be a leader early on in his career here
• Missed a 3 that was somewhat rushed but as we’ve heard, the form is soooo much better. Looks like a different kid. He’ll have to work on his landing, as his legs looked out of whack but given the improvement in such a short amount of time, you can't be anything but encouraged
• Probably a 1% chance of happening but Ayo’s social media has shown him getting really buddy-buddy with Cole Anthony. Greg had great things to say about Underwood when we offered Cole and this budding bromance can’t hurt our chances but that’s obviously some pie in the sky type of dreaming…
• Hope Matthew Hurt goes to KU instead of Minnesota otherwise the B1G is in trouble
• We should look into Joel Soriano. Kid looks better than any big on our roster…
There’s a ton of focus on “burger boys” from the posters here but making this team is going to be way more beneficial than any all-star game Ayo could have participated in. Team ball, high level competition in practices and the try-outs, being with college coaches, playing in 6 real games with real pressure and competition. All huge in his development and ability to make an instant impact. I’m pumped for this kid, even more so now. I don’t think I’m adding any “hyperbole” or hyping him too much. 5 star kid who we all expect a lot from and but also expects a lot from himself. Our backcourt is going to be nasty.
Since I haven't seen anyone go all out on it, here are my amateur observations:
• Defensive intensity went up big notch when Ayo got in. Went from just “show” full court pressure to a legit press with Ayo spearheading that
• Ayo is a smart and solid defender but plays really upright on D. I’m 100% positive the coaching staff will work with him on that and he could be a hell of a defender even year 1. Could see him communicating on switches already, which Underwood is big on
• He was inconsistent on his effort on rebounding. One play he’s in there mixing it up, the other he shies away from contact and leaves others to do the work while trying to leak out (looked like a Morgan Park taught habit). We’ll need him on the boards with our well documented size issues
• Constantly pushes the ball, a lot of times by being unselfish and passing ahead. This should really mesh well with Trent and Kipper and will hopefully get AJ tons of quick 3’s
• He also almost always makes the correct and smart pass. Bacot dropped an easy bunny that was a high level pass. Another dude missed a dunk on a great pass. Just real set his teammates up well to make the next play. Did make a bad pass on an attempted alley oop but I'm sure he knew it immediately
• His size and length are clearly evident and impressive
• What we already know, dude finishes around the rim at a collegiate level right now
• Love his attitude and edge, something we haven’t had in god knows how long on this team. Will be a leader early on in his career here
• Missed a 3 that was somewhat rushed but as we’ve heard, the form is soooo much better. Looks like a different kid. He’ll have to work on his landing, as his legs looked out of whack but given the improvement in such a short amount of time, you can't be anything but encouraged
• Probably a 1% chance of happening but Ayo’s social media has shown him getting really buddy-buddy with Cole Anthony. Greg had great things to say about Underwood when we offered Cole and this budding bromance can’t hurt our chances but that’s obviously some pie in the sky type of dreaming…
• Hope Matthew Hurt goes to KU instead of Minnesota otherwise the B1G is in trouble
• We should look into Joel Soriano. Kid looks better than any big on our roster…
There’s a ton of focus on “burger boys” from the posters here but making this team is going to be way more beneficial than any all-star game Ayo could have participated in. Team ball, high level competition in practices and the try-outs, being with college coaches, playing in 6 real games with real pressure and competition. All huge in his development and ability to make an instant impact. I’m pumped for this kid, even more so now. I don’t think I’m adding any “hyperbole” or hyping him too much. 5 star kid who we all expect a lot from and but also expects a lot from himself. Our backcourt is going to be nasty.
I faced better competition at IMPE
WIMPE for us oldtimers.Maybe even CRCE