BleedGopher
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per Marcus:
WASHINGTON’S DECISION MAKING – How about Isaiah Washington giving the Gophers instant offense off the bench this season? It’s certainly possible with how difficult he is to stop off the dribble – and it seems Washington also added a more reliable three-point shot to his arsenal. More than just jelly. The sophomore guard passed up bad shots to move the ball and throw it inside to establish a post presence. He didn’t finish with a ton of assists (two), but Washington was looking for teammates who weren’t ready for some of his passes. He made great decisions both with the ball and with his shot selection. He finished with 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three-point range. Washington also had four rebounds and two steals. The best play of the scrimmage in my opinion was his give-and-go with Daniel Oturu after the freshman big man stole the ball and ran the floor to be rewarded by Washington with a pass back for a two-handed rim rocker. Both of his assists were to Oturu, who had a big smile on his face when Washington ran up to celebrate the baskets with him. Is there some chemistry building between the two? That’s a good sign if so.
FRESHMEN IMPACT – Two freshmen in the starting lineup. That is rare not just for Pitino’s program but for the Big Ten. You won’t find too many teams in the league going that young. But this isn’t a rebuilding situation. Oturu and Gabe Kalscheur have proven to be two of the best players right now at their position over more experienced teammates. Defensively they give maximum effort. They also bring Minnesota more offensive firepower as well. Oturu might be the best low-post scoring threat on the team (17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks against Duluth). The Gophers threw the ball inside to the 6-foot-10 Cretin-Derham Hall product right away Thursday. Jordan Murphy is clearly the team’s best frontcourt player, but he’s at his best facing the basket and attacking off power dribbles and spin moves or scoring on offensive putbacks and in transition. Oturu’s size and length make it difficult for undersized centers to contend with him on the block when he’s showing off his impressive footwork and post moves for someone his age. Kalscheur’s 12 points came with him not making a single three-pointer. The former DeLaSalle standout didn’t settle for jumpers when his shot wasn’t falling. He also drew fouls and hit his free throws (6-for-7). Pitino raves about Kalscheur’s maturity and basketball IQ for a freshman. He also showed it with four assists and just one turnover. The U’s most exciting athlete is hands down Jarvis Omersa, but he doesn’t have to just dunk to make an impact. Omersa scored 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting playing a lot below the rim. His energy is contagious and will get him playing time this season.
http://www.startribune.com/takeaway...n-victory-against-minnesota-duluth/499465541/
Go Gophers!!
WASHINGTON’S DECISION MAKING – How about Isaiah Washington giving the Gophers instant offense off the bench this season? It’s certainly possible with how difficult he is to stop off the dribble – and it seems Washington also added a more reliable three-point shot to his arsenal. More than just jelly. The sophomore guard passed up bad shots to move the ball and throw it inside to establish a post presence. He didn’t finish with a ton of assists (two), but Washington was looking for teammates who weren’t ready for some of his passes. He made great decisions both with the ball and with his shot selection. He finished with 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three-point range. Washington also had four rebounds and two steals. The best play of the scrimmage in my opinion was his give-and-go with Daniel Oturu after the freshman big man stole the ball and ran the floor to be rewarded by Washington with a pass back for a two-handed rim rocker. Both of his assists were to Oturu, who had a big smile on his face when Washington ran up to celebrate the baskets with him. Is there some chemistry building between the two? That’s a good sign if so.
FRESHMEN IMPACT – Two freshmen in the starting lineup. That is rare not just for Pitino’s program but for the Big Ten. You won’t find too many teams in the league going that young. But this isn’t a rebuilding situation. Oturu and Gabe Kalscheur have proven to be two of the best players right now at their position over more experienced teammates. Defensively they give maximum effort. They also bring Minnesota more offensive firepower as well. Oturu might be the best low-post scoring threat on the team (17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks against Duluth). The Gophers threw the ball inside to the 6-foot-10 Cretin-Derham Hall product right away Thursday. Jordan Murphy is clearly the team’s best frontcourt player, but he’s at his best facing the basket and attacking off power dribbles and spin moves or scoring on offensive putbacks and in transition. Oturu’s size and length make it difficult for undersized centers to contend with him on the block when he’s showing off his impressive footwork and post moves for someone his age. Kalscheur’s 12 points came with him not making a single three-pointer. The former DeLaSalle standout didn’t settle for jumpers when his shot wasn’t falling. He also drew fouls and hit his free throws (6-for-7). Pitino raves about Kalscheur’s maturity and basketball IQ for a freshman. He also showed it with four assists and just one turnover. The U’s most exciting athlete is hands down Jarvis Omersa, but he doesn’t have to just dunk to make an impact. Omersa scored 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting playing a lot below the rim. His energy is contagious and will get him playing time this season.
http://www.startribune.com/takeaway...n-victory-against-minnesota-duluth/499465541/
Go Gophers!!