Some observations:
- Baylor is a tough team and deserving of their #2 ranking. They were always in command of the game and we were playing catch-up the entire time. They have a defense that can win a national championship with an offense to match. They were lock-down on the perimeter and so athletic that we couldn't get any rhythm.
- We competed, but in no way do I think we played to our potential. A good portion was due to Baylor taking us out of our comfort zone, but some of it was on us as well. Those turnovers, rebounds. Makes me wish we had Alan Griffin back because he would've helped more in that area.
- Ayo...this is the big stage you wanted. Gotta step-up and show those scouts who were undoubtedly watching that you're worthy of their pick. He went up against a potential NBA player and definitely some future pro-players. He wasn't dominant and couldn't finish against that level of competition/athleticism...yet. If we know Ayo, he is just getting warmed up...he adapts and learns and I have no doubt that he'll be watching this game, dissecting this game to see what he could've done differently.
- Kofi, similar story. I think this only intensifies the gap between what he is, traditional big, and partially what the NBA has, athletic bigs that can also stretch the floor. Baylor didn't have a stretch 5, but the athletic 5 tuned Kofi up a bit. Foul trouble didn't help, so let's see as we progress, but for me the reality of him coming back next year went up. Garza could've competed better and I think would've exerted his style on the game. Kofi isn't there yet, but will show flashes this year. He'll just need to do it consistently.
- Lastly, freshman competed. Ace saw what it will mean to be up against the best and he'll learn. I thought Curbello played the best out of the freshman. Whenever he was on the court, it felt like we were able to penetrate more and loosen up their defense. He's a defensive liability, but our offense was struggling. Poor Ayo had to run through 2-3 defenders just to get near the basket. And Hawkins surprised me the most. He sees a role, accepts it, and with his time, finds ways to contribute. LOVE that steal he had by taking it out of Baylor's hands.
Ultimately wished we had won of course, but this is only game #4. No shame in losing to the #2 team that was the #1 team last year and just had one of those shooting nights where they couldn't miss. I'm not sad about this loss, but know the guys will learn and improve from this. Let's see how we do against Duke!