* Coach Capel: I don’t think we could have asked for a better fit or better hire to try and get this program back to where we all think it should be. Let’s not overreact to every little thing and show some patience for the rebuild.
* Xavier Johnson: I know everyone wants him to be perfect but he’s still a young guy with a lot of talent. He’s learning on the job and we need to show patience. He’s very quick and great off of the dribble. He’s not a natural pass first type of guy. He is still learning and developing to know when to go and when to dish. Let’s give him time.
If you look at the last two games, the team has really struggled when he has gone to the bench. Let’s support him as he continues to develop.
*Trey McGowens: much of the same as with X. He’s not a natural ball handler and I think that really hurts him at times as he seems to have to drop his head when dribbling and he loses vision at times. I think it leads to him being a bit out of control.
He is however a very good on ball defender and I love when he jumps passing lanes. He plays with a ton of effort and he clearly cares.
T Brown: He is what he is at this point. He’s going to be frustrating to a lot of people but his ability to block and alter shots helps this team defensively.
Justin Champagnie: When his shot is falling, he is a real difference maker for this team. Hopefully it becomes more consistent as the season rolls along. He needs to work a little more on the defensive end. He seems to get lazy a bit by not getting in a stance and getting lost. Love the way he plays though and it obviously looks like we landed a really good one.
Gerald Drumgoole: I think we all need to be patient with this kid. He was hurt and it looks like he’s trying to work his way back into shape. I still get the feeling that he is going to eventually come in and knock down some shots and help the team win a game. For whatever reason, I get the feeling that he will play big vs Syracuse and their zone.
Toney: I can’t wait for him to come back. I thought he was knocking down some shots and finishing the way we had hoped he would before he got hurt. I can’t wait to see his effort and D when he comes back. Hopefully that elbow doesn’t bother his offensive play much.
* Xavier Johnson: I know everyone wants him to be perfect but he’s still a young guy with a lot of talent. He’s learning on the job and we need to show patience. He’s very quick and great off of the dribble. He’s not a natural pass first type of guy. He is still learning and developing to know when to go and when to dish. Let’s give him time.
If you look at the last two games, the team has really struggled when he has gone to the bench. Let’s support him as he continues to develop.
*Trey McGowens: much of the same as with X. He’s not a natural ball handler and I think that really hurts him at times as he seems to have to drop his head when dribbling and he loses vision at times. I think it leads to him being a bit out of control.
He is however a very good on ball defender and I love when he jumps passing lanes. He plays with a ton of effort and he clearly cares.
T Brown: He is what he is at this point. He’s going to be frustrating to a lot of people but his ability to block and alter shots helps this team defensively.
Justin Champagnie: When his shot is falling, he is a real difference maker for this team. Hopefully it becomes more consistent as the season rolls along. He needs to work a little more on the defensive end. He seems to get lazy a bit by not getting in a stance and getting lost. Love the way he plays though and it obviously looks like we landed a really good one.
Gerald Drumgoole: I think we all need to be patient with this kid. He was hurt and it looks like he’s trying to work his way back into shape. I still get the feeling that he is going to eventually come in and knock down some shots and help the team win a game. For whatever reason, I get the feeling that he will play big vs Syracuse and their zone.
Toney: I can’t wait for him to come back. I thought he was knocking down some shots and finishing the way we had hoped he would before he got hurt. I can’t wait to see his effort and D when he comes back. Hopefully that elbow doesn’t bother his offensive play much.
