My impressions
1. Kofi will be the same Kofi but with slightly more mobility and touch. Very nich shot from the free throw and another dribble drive with bank of the glass.
2. Curbelo, still same player with more confidence in 3 pt shot. Felt ball got sticky in his hands at times, needs to pass a bit more to get others involved beyond Kofi. He had boughts of dribnling into traffic that led to TO.
3. Trent had a very good game, like for him to finish layups, which he did. Well composed, great defense. Nice stroke.
4. Hutch, I don't see a situation where he doesn't play a lot. We don't have a player with his length and athletic ability who can dribble, shoot, rebound and defend. I hope he gets more assertive, but first game in 2.5 years. Excited for him.
5. Plummer looked good on a drive and had a 3 rim out. He is small and probably wont see trent, andre, and plummer on the floor at the same time...not enough length.
6. Damonte, played in control and team ball. Looked more comfortable dribbling than in the past.
7. Grandison, same as Damonte didn't try to do to much. His very high free throw percentage may mean he will close out games.
8. Freshman, with our depth don't expect to see them much this year. Believe we will have a 9-10 player rotation. RJ has a nice motor. They will all do well in the future. Podz played team ball, hit a corner 3. Believe Goode with his size and stroke will be first freshnen to see action. Future problem in the BIG, 6-7 players that can stroke the 3 typically are.
9. CoHawk..has some Brian Cook to his game. In the past we were not real mobile with Giorgi and Kofi on the court at the same time. Not an issue this year, COHawk can play along with Kofi and be a stretch 4. Has a very bright future with Illini, can see him as a go to guy next year. BU gets on him for mistakes, pullef him out and gave him an earful
10. Verdonk...Will see action in blowouts and in games where Kofi and Payne have foul issues. Looks bigger, played very much in control and mistake free. Next year likely makes rotation.
11. Payne, only one game but was underwhelmed by his play. This is a player ranked ahead of Kofi in high school but lacks the fundamentals and coaching Kofi received the last 3 years. He did have a play where he was in traffic and dunked the ball, he is explosive. He also had a couple nice blocks. I can see him much improved towards end of year with Alexander's coaching. I don't see playing with Kofi, but only as a back up. Would be comfortable next year as our starter at Center with CoHawk at PF.
12.Lieb, continue to develop. I'm not sure he will develope his base to be an overall center in league. But very tall and skilled but not a leaper. Could see him as our 4th big next year behind Payne, CoHawk, Verdonk.
This team is deep and doesn't really have weaknesses at this level.