I was interested to see the first game for the new recruits, so I showed up. Of course, take all this with a grain of salt, because it's summer league. However, I tend to believe that though a player's success in HP doesn't necessary tell you much because of the defense that gets played, I think there were some huge flaws exposed with the incoming guys. Look, last year, I was so psyched for HP. I went to a few games, and was really excited to see the performances of the "incoming" freshman, some of whom didn't show up to play for the U. I was a bit more negative this year, but I still showed up. Here are my thoughts (and I'm usually optimistic):
Blake - looked about the same. Same smooth shot, same intelligent hustle, same inability to make much of his own shot.
Trevor - Man amongst boys. We really need to get this guy. He was at a whole 'nother level. He doesn't appear to have any real post moves other than power to the basket and finish, but he threw down some of the most vicious dunks I've ever witnessed.
Now, on to the frosh.
Elliot - Man, is this kid a project. Incredibly skilled, and not too coordinated, he was dominated out there. He's obviously too weak to bang with the bigs right now, and he doesn't have much hand-eye coordination right now, nor much of a shot. He has to redshirt. Hopefully Mo's a little more ready.
Maverick - Okay, I hate to be negative. I really do. Maybe Maverick's a great guy. I'm sure he is. But he looked like a D-3 player at best. Badly missed the shots he took, didn't show any real athleticism, wasn't playing good D, showed no ability to get in the lane, wasn't showing any court vision, and basically was a complete liability offensively and defensively. I hate to say it, but Maverick looked absolutely terrible.
Austin - looked good in spurts. Obviously also a project, but he's got some explosiveness, and he's not afraid to take it at people. He also looks like he has the ability to make shots while in the air and in traffic. His shot was off, but looked smooth. He worked hard on the D end too. However, he's incredibly skinny, and his handles weren't very good. Hopefully he'll develop.
Oto - Well, there was a dude I was sure was Oto, and he was dominating. Turns out he's some guy from Wisconsin-Green Bay who plays in Europe. Hope when Oto shows up he learns some tricks from that guy.
I only saw a little bit of Rodney's game, but he looks as skinny as ever, and didn't show any new ability to demand the ball and dribble past people. I don't know, I still have high hopes for him.
Finally, some other small thoughts, the center on Mbakwe's team (from Bucknell, or something?) was playing very well. So was Omar from the Wire, who apparently was the PG for the young Gophers' team. All in all, it was a good time as always. Pulley's a good way to spend a summer evening.
Blake - looked about the same. Same smooth shot, same intelligent hustle, same inability to make much of his own shot.
Trevor - Man amongst boys. We really need to get this guy. He was at a whole 'nother level. He doesn't appear to have any real post moves other than power to the basket and finish, but he threw down some of the most vicious dunks I've ever witnessed.
Now, on to the frosh.
Elliot - Man, is this kid a project. Incredibly skilled, and not too coordinated, he was dominated out there. He's obviously too weak to bang with the bigs right now, and he doesn't have much hand-eye coordination right now, nor much of a shot. He has to redshirt. Hopefully Mo's a little more ready.
Maverick - Okay, I hate to be negative. I really do. Maybe Maverick's a great guy. I'm sure he is. But he looked like a D-3 player at best. Badly missed the shots he took, didn't show any real athleticism, wasn't playing good D, showed no ability to get in the lane, wasn't showing any court vision, and basically was a complete liability offensively and defensively. I hate to say it, but Maverick looked absolutely terrible.
Austin - looked good in spurts. Obviously also a project, but he's got some explosiveness, and he's not afraid to take it at people. He also looks like he has the ability to make shots while in the air and in traffic. His shot was off, but looked smooth. He worked hard on the D end too. However, he's incredibly skinny, and his handles weren't very good. Hopefully he'll develop.
Oto - Well, there was a dude I was sure was Oto, and he was dominating. Turns out he's some guy from Wisconsin-Green Bay who plays in Europe. Hope when Oto shows up he learns some tricks from that guy.
I only saw a little bit of Rodney's game, but he looks as skinny as ever, and didn't show any new ability to demand the ball and dribble past people. I don't know, I still have high hopes for him.
Finally, some other small thoughts, the center on Mbakwe's team (from Bucknell, or something?) was playing very well. So was Omar from the Wire, who apparently was the PG for the young Gophers' team. All in all, it was a good time as always. Pulley's a good way to spend a summer evening.
