This team can be frustrating, but it can be easy to forget that they are still relatively young. There are a lot of tough things to watch, but I give Capel and his staff a lot of credit. These kids never stop playing. They also don't seem to get too down on themselves. He lets them play and always stands behind them.
3-17 from the floor for the back court, and just 1 shot for Murphy in 14 minutes. That is difficult to understand, but I have pretty much thrown logic out with this team. Had I known that Xavier and Trey would be playing like this, I would be shocked and expect them to be in much worse shape. That speaks to the depth and quality that is starting to develop around them.
Au'Diese deserves a TON of credit. That was one of the best performances I have seen in years. He was in the background for the most part last season, and it can be difficult being a third piece of a class. He seems like a good kid, and his game is really starting to come around. He was flat out dominant, and he looked so confident. He had been playing well for weeks, but that was another level. If this continues, it is great news for the long term. When I say long term, I basically consider that one year in college.
The depth is coming along. Karim is a nice piece and has shown himself well thus far. His role and situation is not easy. Thrown into a game against Vernon Carey. Personally, I think there is a lot there.
Terrell has to play well, and he has to play more than 9 minutes. The two quick fouls have to stop. Especially against a center that doesn't struggle from the line. Just be patient and careful for the first few minutes. That is it. Of course, I would imagine that it is very difficult to turn the switch on and off with him.
Justin continues to impress me. Even when his numbers aren't great, everything he does just screams player. The things he does at that size can't be taught. He has a chance to be the best player on this team. That would have been hard to believe looking at things last year.
The culture is being built. These kids aren't scared any more. They don't feel sorry for themselves. It is coming along. Right on pace. It is fairly easy to look at this program next year and see good things. If there is a positive out of the back court playing like this, it is some humility and hard work could go a long way. The back court was 3-18 and they had it to 3 in crunch time at Duke. That is progress. I know Capel isn't into moral victories and it may feel worse because of those two. But it is progress all around them. Even when they aren't shooting it well, they make winning plays here and there. Need to increase the ratio. With what they are adding and if they can get an improve back court with a clear head next year, look out.
Until then, there are some games to win. One at a time.
3-17 from the floor for the back court, and just 1 shot for Murphy in 14 minutes. That is difficult to understand, but I have pretty much thrown logic out with this team. Had I known that Xavier and Trey would be playing like this, I would be shocked and expect them to be in much worse shape. That speaks to the depth and quality that is starting to develop around them.
Au'Diese deserves a TON of credit. That was one of the best performances I have seen in years. He was in the background for the most part last season, and it can be difficult being a third piece of a class. He seems like a good kid, and his game is really starting to come around. He was flat out dominant, and he looked so confident. He had been playing well for weeks, but that was another level. If this continues, it is great news for the long term. When I say long term, I basically consider that one year in college.
The depth is coming along. Karim is a nice piece and has shown himself well thus far. His role and situation is not easy. Thrown into a game against Vernon Carey. Personally, I think there is a lot there.
Terrell has to play well, and he has to play more than 9 minutes. The two quick fouls have to stop. Especially against a center that doesn't struggle from the line. Just be patient and careful for the first few minutes. That is it. Of course, I would imagine that it is very difficult to turn the switch on and off with him.
Justin continues to impress me. Even when his numbers aren't great, everything he does just screams player. The things he does at that size can't be taught. He has a chance to be the best player on this team. That would have been hard to believe looking at things last year.
The culture is being built. These kids aren't scared any more. They don't feel sorry for themselves. It is coming along. Right on pace. It is fairly easy to look at this program next year and see good things. If there is a positive out of the back court playing like this, it is some humility and hard work could go a long way. The back court was 3-18 and they had it to 3 in crunch time at Duke. That is progress. I know Capel isn't into moral victories and it may feel worse because of those two. But it is progress all around them. Even when they aren't shooting it well, they make winning plays here and there. Need to increase the ratio. With what they are adding and if they can get an improve back court with a clear head next year, look out.
Until then, there are some games to win. One at a time.
