Yes, it’s an exhibition game, but let’s not downplay that that was 2 teams giving it all with their core rotations for 40 minutes. This wasn’t a shootout over Ottawa, nor was it a 20 minute closed scrimmage followed by drills and situational work. I think we found out today that the ceiling is there this year, at the very least.
Good:
- Shannon and Hawkins have the offensive upside clearly. Shannon’s shot looks great, and he was aggressive. Plus, his leadership; seemed super vocal in the huddles. Shannon will be a freight train; I hope he doesn’t get hurt going 100 mph downhill
- Offense arguably looked the best when Ty was on the floor. He was aggressive and moved the ball well. Plus he ALWAYS moves without the basketball which opens up lanes and gets guys looks. I feel better about the half court offense than I did 3 hours ago
- Harmon had some great effort plays on both ends of the floor. Interestingly, he was one of the guys in the lineup in the final 5 minutes, and I think that will stick
- QG was a huge spark as a 3rd scoring option. I think he scored 9 or so in a row for us when we were in a lull. Not to mention he made his FTs after a super ugly attempt
- Domask once again moves the ball and makes heady plays. He’ll make some threes and had the looks tonight
- Sencire had an incredible stretch of defense guarding who might be a top 3 point guard in the country in Dajuan Harris. And that’s the 8th or 9th guy in our rotation… scary good!
- Effort, hustle plays, ball movement, attitude, aggressiveness: all leaps and bounds better than last season, it seems
To Be Improved:
- I felt like Goode and Dainja had tough nights. Goode had some bad defensive possessions, but I trust he’ll be solid like he’s always been. HD is one of the toughest big matchups Dainja will see all season. He will be needed and will have better nights
- Free throw shooting could lose us a game or two this year. Just gotta make them. The end game lineup of Harmon-Domask-Guerrier-Shannon-Hawkins should be competent enough to be OK there
- Offense stalled a bit at the end without a “true PG” (Ty) running point. Felt like we bailed ourselves out with some good shooting — i.e., Coleman stepback 3 to go up 6
- Defensive communication at times can be cleaned up. Felt like Kansas got easier looks, yet we still won, so who am I to complain