My thoughts:
1. Would have liked to have seen Kofi work on passing out of the post a bit more when double teamed. At this point we know he can dominate 6’6 players. Although he dominated the kid who for whatever reason decided he wanted to jaw at Kofi early in the game, so I was kinda okay with it.
2. Was disappointed in Belo’s play. I get that it’s an exhibition and he wanted to put on the show but don’t develop bad habits. Biggest positive for me was he shot the ball with confidence, although he did force a few. Looked like a ~30% 3pt shooter out there, which would be huge.
3. Hawkins looks like he’s taken a step. May supplant Grandi in the starting lineup at some point. Think he will play a key role for us this year and has the potential to be one of our stars next year.
4. Payne was slightly underwhelming. Missed a shot where he didn’t go up strong and just looked a little like he was still thinking out there. Potential is there and is a super athlete. Think he will be an upgrade from Giorgi defensively, which is what we need, but I don’t expect much offense from him outside of lobs/putbacks. Think he will greatly improve as he gets more comfortable.
5. Hutch looked great. Hope he got some confidence for when the level of competition steps up. Will see if more length and physicality bothers him.
6. Thought all 3 freshman played really well. Showed IQ and played within themselves. Hope all 3 stick around.
Really just picking nits. This was their first game and it showed. Lots of stuff to clean up but potential is through the roof. Excited to watch the team improve and we could be very very good come March. Go Illini!